Visit to the Getty Villa in Malibu

Is it moi, or is "blogger" a bit of a pain lately? I can't figure out why, but it's been a struggle for me to post photos the past few weeks....aargh!

Well, anyways I wanted to share with you some photos I took from my visit to one of my fave museum, the Getty Villa in Malibu. This is the original museum, before the Getty Center by the Hollywood Hills was erected. The Getty Villa was J. Paul Getty's own summer home and he put in so much detail in its architecture and garden which is why I love visiting this place.

As soon as you walk in, the first thing you see is this huge reflecting pool right smack in the middle. This is the view as you enter the loggia looking at the villa.

This is the view from the villa. Beyond the red tiled loggia and behind those trees...

Is a perfect view of the Pacific Ocean

On each side of the reflecting pool, you walk through this super long hallway of trompe l'oeil murals. Each hallway is painted with symetrical murals. I swear, I was in awe the first time I saw this about over 25 years ago. It was my first exposure to the art of trompe l'oeil and trust me, these two hallways are super long! I thought I died and went to mural heaven.

Then you look up the ceiling of the loggia and you see these...

And these

This open ceiling reminded me of the open dome at the Pantheon in Florence, Italy

Amazing, non?

Since the Getty Center was built in Hollywood Hills, most of Getty's art collection was moved there, and the few remaining art pieces here in the Getty Villa are concentrated on Greek and Roman Antiquities. So really, I come here for the inspiring architecture and garden.

How awesome is this herb garden?

On one corner is this arbor of grapevines

Lots and lots of lavender

And multiple ponds with various colors of water lilies!

My photos don't do this inspiring place justice, so you have to see it for yourself. Anytime you're in Malibu in Southern California and you love Roman-inspired architecture, don't skimp, make sure to stop by the Getty Villa!

Shoppe Talk

I did it! I'm in! I am now a proud online shop owner via Etsy. Oui oui mes amis! Yesterday I took a few photos of my recent found objects from different places and have posted them in Etsy. Still experimenting though such as the payment part. Haven't done paypal so for now, the only method of payments acceptable are personal checks and money order. I'm just testing the waters so if you have time dear friends, please check out my Etsy shop and let me know if you have any suggestions about anything. It would really be a big help for moi. Merci!

Here are my first seven items for sale via Etsy:

Just added today:

These last three pieces are not in Etsy, but they are for sale in my space at Olde Ivy Antiques in Carlsbad Village.

My Secret Hideaway

Last Saturday, I went antiquin', thriftin', junkin' with my Mom huntin' for the perfect salvage doors...again! Well, this is for a special purpose...my birthday is coming up this weekend and mon cheri volunteered to build me an outdoor room. Let me repeat that, oui oui, mon cheri volunteered to build me something as a birthday present. For the longest time, I've been talking about a green house, something like a conservatory, but since his carpentry skills are quite basic, we came up with a pretty simple design.



Come take a peek inside my new hideaway made of old salvage doors!

These pair of doors were a steal so I also bought them even if they won't work for the outdoor project. They're staying indoors for now and I've got plans for these.

These old doors however are perfect!!!

Stack of new treated lumber from Home Depot for flooring

Now we're cookin'

After a couple hours, mon cheri finished the deck for the room

And a few more hours later...

We're not quite done yet, still have to come up with a solution for the top cover and also I will paint the floor, but for now, I am 99.9% happy with the result. Some girls like jewelry for presents, I however love love love this present from mon cheri. Isn't he the best?

Sharing this post with my friends: Tracie's Cottage Flora Thursday, Mary's Masterpiece Monday, Nita's Mod Mix Monday and Cielo's Show Off Your Cottage Monday.

Jardin D'amour

How would you like to have une affaire in your jardin...oui l'amour affaire?

Source

Seriously, pourquois pas? I would love to host a wedding or even a bridal shower in my own garden someday and style them just like the photos above.

By the way, I would like to say a huge "merci beaucoup" to all those who joined my poll and giveaway this month. I have decided to look into Etsy and may start selling online through them. How cute is their HQ in Brooklyn??? Also, the winners of my giveaway are Laurie from Heaven's Walk and Sarah from My Yellow House. Congrats ladies and please send me an email with your mailing address.

Linking this post with Tracie from Cottage Flora Thursday