>> watts towers

Heather and I went to South Central yesterday to check out the Watts Towers, a global architectural destination that is rarely visited by people that actually live in L.A., even though it serves as one of the best examples of indigenous Los Angeles art. The towers were built between 1921 and 1954 by Simon Rodia right in his backyard by affixing broken glass bottles, shells and (sometimes stolen) tiles to rebar-enforced mortar. From far away the towers emit an eerie straight-out-of-a-Sci-Fi-novel vibe, but up close they read as friendly folk art.

>> spring break

I'm having a serious hankering to be poolside or oceanfront. It's freezing in L.A. and I don't like it!

Chance beach towel ($65); woven tote bag ($495); 1973 British Military Rolex (ummm...); Pellegrino; Zalo loafers ($165); Field Guide to Seashells, 1968 ($30); "Fear and Loathing" aviators ($120).

>> second chance

Loving the newish Peter, Bjorn and John single. Saw it on the super cool Chance Co. website.

>> long beach flea mrkt finds

We were actually hoping for rain on Sunday—because that's when the real bargains happen at the flea markets, but alas, it was sunny. Still, we got up early, braved some puddles (I know, serious stuff) and came home with a 48-star American flag that had been on my radar for some time and and a poster print of an architectural rendering of MOCA's Grand Avenue location, which was completed in 1986 by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. Pretty good flea-ing.

>> welcome home

My friend Rebecca's newest book, Welcome Home: Make Your House a Healthy, Wealthy, and Happy Place to Live ($15) will hit the shelves next week. It's a cute little gift book full of tips covering everything from fertility to fever, hornets to headaches, peacock feathers to Palm Sunday. Buy a few.

>> wknd

It's going to be a rainy L.A. weekend which means: comfort food dinner party, Bean Boots and listening to records.

>> portlandia

The funniest show I've ever seen in my entire life.

>> black leather

I love how French Vogue's new editor-in-chief, Emmanuelle Alt, uses a Charles Pollock Executive Chair ($1900) in her office. At first glance I thought it was an Eames Lounger, but at closer look, definitely a Pollock. And some guesses on the rest of the scene: Cartier Tank (approx $2000); Vince Paper Leather jacket ($945); Rag & Bone Newbury ankle boot ($495); Bose iPod dock ($300).

>> valentine's

Undisputed coolest married couple of all time: Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. I bet they stayed in and didn't do a single thing for Valentine's Day, because that's what cool people do...right?

>> sheryl crow has a tepee

Scans of her Hollywood Hills home from the March issue of Architectural Digest. Landscape design by Johnny Appleseed, tepee by Earthworks.

>> have a boss wknd

>> montgomery rag

What in the world am I going to do without this feather-talon voodoo sculpture ($150)??????

>> allegra hicks: an eye for design

Lately, I've been buying books like they're going out of style. Oh. Wait. Well, anyway, I'm happy with my most recent purchase, Allegra Hicks: An Eye For Design ($26), its focus is textile patterns, but there are some great interiors shots, and not your run of the mill "Domino/Lonny" look. I also have to say the cover is really gorgeous.

>> digging out

I was shocked to find out last night that it's not shorts weather everywhere in the country. Hang in there dudes!

Filson log carrier ($75); Patagonia special edition down sweater ($275); Potpies: Yumminess in a Dish ($19); Wings + Horns blanket ($156); Texting gloves ($24); Shearling-lined Bean Boots ($149); First Aid Kit ($89); Ergonmic shovel ($30).