Parisian Art fit for a Silicon Valley Matchmaker

I‘m a huge fan of modern art and furniture and came across this wild red lacquered sofa called l’Echauffeuse. The model was created in 1978, this is the second one made in 1988 by the artist.

For home owners and art collectors alike, 1stdibs.com is an incredible wealth of resources that has grown like wild fire in the last couple of years. The site coins itself as “the world’s leading online marketplace for the most beautiful things on earth.”

This red mouth was designed by Louis Durot. Louis began his career as an chemical engineer but is also an artist who created unique seats and tables in body or nature parts (feet, tongue, shell…) with various materials.

Good to see that 1stdibs has a Silicon Valley presence. Matt Cohler of Benchmark (one of the initial FB employees) is on the board and is a backer of this site. 

Here is a video I found on Louis Durot making one of his chair creations using his  chemical engineering background. 

 

Cabo vacation | Family in Paradise

I just returned from a glorious week in Cabo, Mexico with my family. We stayed at a private residence in a spectacular enclave called Pamilla.  It was a time to catch up with family, play tons of board games, rest, soak in the sun, and explore the locale. My husband’s and my bags didn’t make it from SFO to Mexico for the first 24 hours of being in Cabo. SFO’s baggage tracking system that generates labels and tracks all baggage digitally was broken when we checked in. We had hoped there would be a miracle but sadly there wasn’t. In-home chef prepared guacamole and ceviche upon arrival on night one….lost bags….who cares! Grand driveway to the home….

Entrance to the home we stayed in Cabo….Beautiful stone and iron grace the entrance….Courtyard in the hacienda style home….bedrooms surrounding the fountain…

On the holiday, my mom came up with the idea for each family member to teach everyone something new.  My mom did a watercolor painting instruction where we all painted the same fruit basket “still life.”  She had packed watercolors, her good brushes, and set the stage for a fun morning activity in the dining room. My mom is an incredible artist on all levels. The creativity that stems from her is beyond words.  Still life fruit for our day of watercolors…..

My dad taught us some Danish phrases, and my husband shared with us some Economics 101 basics. That is why vacations are so great is that you have all of this time to do completely random things that you normally would never think to do as you navigate your hectic daily life. Stunning view from the backyard….past the sailboat is the One & Only….Perfect blue skies, bright pink bougainvillea by the pool, palm trees…..

Hightlights for me were my daily beach runs from the home throughout Pamilla, up the steep hills, and down the beach heading back home. The runs were so peaceful and the beach along the Sea of Cortez is really different from our Pacific ocean beaches. Rocky shores, sandy beaches, and an incredibly rich ecosystem of sea life living in small estuaries along the way. Along the way, I would stop and do planks in the sand, tricep dips, and pushups. I also managed to sneak through a double-gated community to admire Michael Dell’s incredible mansion at the very top of a massive hill.  One perk of having founded Dell, Inc.!!!Fantastic dilapidated walls and wood door in a town nearby…..love the colors and old world charm…

Running on the sand is such a great way to build important supporting muscles and to work big muscles in new ways, increasing your coordination, and forcing your body to work differently as compared to running on a hard surface.  For ladies, of course, another benefit are the hunks ala Matthew McConaughey running towards you. It is always advised to keep to the wet, firmly-packed flatter sand near the water versus the slopes where a lot of injuries can take place on the dryer and looser sand. Make suns out of limes to make your margarita pretty and festive…..

With all of the running during the day, a girl needs to have some real fun too, right? Enter Amy’s Cabo margarita. We consumed our fair share of incredible fresh fruit margaritas blended in the convenience of our kitchen and had fun mixing and matching a wide range of varieties.Emails in paradise are easy…..rumor is Kate Spade was staying next door to us

My top choice recommendation for a twist on the typical margarita would be my Cabo invention. It is a very potent concoction not made for the faint of heart. Amy’s margaritas are meant to be consumed with conviction, thirst, and a dash of mischief thrown in. Throw a few of these down the hatch and your clothes will be flying off you (hopefully not in public)…. and yes a good recipe for romance!Inside One & Only Agua Mexiterranean restaurant and bar….

Place Don Julio brand tequila, Cointreau orange triple sec, and tons of fresh limes squeezed into a blender. I never use recipes for things and instead invent as I go. I go with what tastes the best. In this case, I poured a ton of top shelf tequila into the blender, followed by a smaller pour of the cointreau, and tons of fresh limes squeezed into the blender. I added some fresh pineapple, ice, frozen blackberries, and frozen strawberries at the suggestion of my husband. The outcome was a gorgeous, perfectly blended, smooth margarita that even non-drinker types would love.

Other highlights included spending some time at the One & Only Pamilla Los Cabos resort down the street from our home which was perfectly decorated for the holidays. The One & Only is one of the most romantic spots I have ever seen…. a place where you make love for hours, where babies are created….you catch my drift! Holiday decorations appoint a table at guest reception at One & Only Pamilla

Picture queen size floating beach beds suspended above the sand created for two lazy lovers who want to blissfully swing back and forth while dozing off to the crashing sound of waves nearby, cement crescent shape lovers tables for two overlooking the ocean lit with magical candles, private rock caves to hide in and kiss, a spa that is beyond words, and an environment that feels that you are literally the only one there.A lovers table…..candles….cushy pillows…..views of the ocean….set for two

Although we were told the resort was at full capacity, it really felt like each time we strolled through whether for a drink or light bite, we were the only ones there. That is what makes for a spectacular resort experience. I know of a few Linx couples who have stayed at The One & Only Pamilla. Hubbie and I in front of a tree decorated with miniature pinatas…..

One night, my hubbie, sister, and I went there for a drink and dessert. I told both of them that THIS is the place for a Linx proposal and/or wedding to take place. In fact, the resort has the most charming chapel on the premise. My sister subsequently told me a friend of hers just got married there.Firepits at one of the restaurants….see the lovers table in the back? Santa Cabo style…..

Ceiling in Cabo…..

The only downside to spending Christmas away from home was being away from our puppy. Luckily he is back from doggie camp and enjoy his own Christmas prior to our departure. Marshall enjoying one of his many toys Santa brought him….

Now I am back and catching up on hundreds of emails from many prospects wanting to join Linx for matchmaking. 2012 has been an incredible year. Stay tuned for an entry with a year in perspective.

Enjoy the legendary Gypsy Kings live song of Un Amor….