Not too hot, not too cold, spring is pretty perfect when it comes to weather here in Orange County.

But really, aside from the three or four really chilly days we get each year, it is lovely all year long.

There’s something about the sky and longer days, though, that really makes me appreciate the things that speak spring.

Al fresco dining
A softly decorated backyard patio is a great way to enjoy a meal with family and friends as the afternoons and evenings get warmer.

Pretty Feet
I’m coveting these pointed toe lovelies from Tory Burch.

Champagne Cocktail
While we’re on the topic of eating, let’s talk about drinking. The champagne cocktail is one that should not be relegated to New Year’s parties and special occasions. Every day should be reason to celebrate. I like the look of this Elderflower concoction.

Gardens
Nothing says spring like an inviting landscape of blooming flowers and vibrant shrubs.

We are just over a week into 2013. Are you sticking to your New Year’s resolutions? Statistics tell us that 36 percent of us don’t make it past the first month, 54 percent past six months. With deflating numbers like that, it’s a wonder 45 percent of us even bother making them at all.

New Year’s resolutions have a long history. Some of the earliest known resolutions were made by the Romans as promises to their god, Janus, for whom the month of January had been named. Appropriately, Janus had two faces: one looked back to past for reflection, the other ahead toward the future.

Still, you would think we could break with tradition given our lackluster follow through. For many of us, however, a new year and its possibilities are too irresistible to ignore. A new year represents a blank canvas, a clean slate, an ‘out with the old, in with the new’ attitude that inspires us to do better and be better. Even artists and cultural icons are not immune to the promise a new year brings. The Atlantic compiled some interesting resolutions by notables here. The most popular for 2012 come as no surprise. You can review the usual suspects, in addition to statistics, here.

We hope that 2013 is a good one for you, wherever your resolutions and adventures take you.

New Year's Resolution generator by Monina Velarde

Happy fall, everyone. I don’t know about you, but the dog days of summer have definitely worn out their welcome around here. Now that the temperatures are blissfully on their way down, I can cozy up to some of my fall loves and must haves.

Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte
It’s that time of year again, and I am rarely without a pumpkin latte, pumpkin muffin or pumpkin scone from Starbucks. Sure, the pumpkin spice latte is 380 calories – so you’re basically drinking your breakfast. No time like to present to start putting on that winter coat.

Scarves
Time to bring out the ever-versatile accessory in a variety of colors. This Stella McCartney beauty is on my wish list.

Color Drives
There’s nothing quite like taking a drive and seeing the fall colors. Travel + Leisure has a nice roundup of some of the country’s best scenic fall motorways.

Red Lipstick
Truly one of the season’s best accessories, a fabulous red lipstick that complements your skin tone is a must. The trick is finding the one that looks best on you. Lancome’s Blazing Red looks great on almost everyone.

The Classics
There’s something about cooler weather that makes me want pick up one of the classics and settle in for a good afternoon read on a rainy day. This year I am rereading one my favorites, Great Expectations.

What are some of your favorite things for fall?

Shenandoah National Park

It’s the first day of summer, and it already has us dreaming of backyard BBQs, poolside margaritas, beachy vacations and the easy breeziness that represents the lifestyle of June, July and August.

Imbibe the perfect summer cocktail.

Whipe up a berry galette and serve with ice cream.

Live life outdoors.

Nap in a Corona commercial.

Go for a bike ride.

What images come to mind when you think of summer? Where are the places you’d rather be?

(RED)WIRE – The newest innovative product from (RED) – the business model created to raise awareness and money for the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa – launched this week.  For $5 a month, (RED)WIRE members receive exclusive music from major and up-and-coming artists, as well as other fun and inspiring extras.  And it’s a feel-good move as well – half of your membership fee goes to buy medicine for people in Africa living with AIDS.  Might just be the perfect present for the music-savvy do-gooder on your holiday list…
http://www.joinred.com/Shop/shop_redwire.aspx

I’m sure that you’ve seen the ‘I’m feeling lucky’ button on Google, but perhaps, like me, wasn’t sure what to use it for.  Well, my friends, it is actually a very fun little tool.  It searches major sites like Amazon, Nordstrom, Barnes and Noble and other sites where you can shop.  You merely type in a search like ‘Nordstrom shoes,’ click I’m feeling lucky and off you go directly into Nordie’s website to their online shoe department.  Another brilliant idea by Google.

While intuitive, rather than quantifiable, it’s my humble opinion that innovation, creativity and new and emotionally compelling home concepts create real desire among consumers.

Think about it. Back in the mid ’90s it was Brookfield’s innovation that really got things moving again after nearly a decade of homogenous homes in varying shades of “pink.”

Mahogany in Irvine offered the consumer something revolutionary —choice. Choice in architectural design, materials, room configurations, specifications, personalization and more.

Yes, our business is affected by economic upheaval, whether it’s interest rates, a sub-prime meltdown or unemployment. But, my gut says there’s more to it than just numbers. Build it better, and they will come.

Innovation communicates boldly to the consumer. It creates desire.

Perhaps it’s time to demonstrate some new, exciting and really ground breaking ideas to our customers.

Just a thought. What’s yours?