I love to move

I know...I know..Most of my friends and family think I'm crazy!

But its true.  I love packing up, getting rid of old stuff and starting fresh and clean in a new place. I can be unpacked with everything placed perfect and put away in about 24 hours. 

I've lived at the beach for going on 3 years this May and have lived in three homes.

Each one holds a special place in my heart.

My first beach house was the darling little cottage on Broadway

It was perfect. I loved it. It was 660 square feet.  This was a huge adjustment as I came from 2200 sq ft.

Hard wood floors and the fireplace that didn't work were all part of its charm.

I love having parties and this tiny dining room saw its share of poker parties and wine tasting events. As small as it was we all had a cozy time.

The kitchen was the entry way to the master suite and the back yard

That's Troy my Yorkie. He also loved it here.

That's Bluto in the kitchen.  He is no longer with us after 17+ years

Candles made for a perfect romantic fire

The master was just big enough for the bed

The back yard was big enough for the BBQ and some light gardening.

I loved it but it was 2 short blocks from the beach. And the rent was almost 3,000 a month

After a year I thought  I could use a little more room and was really missing fixing up a house. So... I jumped on craigslist and found this diamond in the rough on Garnet about 3 blocks from the beach for 1/2 the price.

It was a mess.  But I was up for the challenge!  And for 1/2 the price I couldn't go wrong!

A cute picket fence, some fresh paint and colorful flowers was all this cute little house needed.

a couple of rocking chairs and Waa Laa! Instant cottage charmer. 

The landlord loved me!

I enjoyed this front porch for hours and hours. Sunday Mornings I would watch the neighbor pack up their beach gear and walk to the beach.  I was happy here. 

But...I still wasn't on the beach! 

I still was only close to my dream... I needed to be on the beach!

One Sunday in April I was sitting on that darling little porch sipping my coffee when a little voice in my head said:

    WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???? 

LIFE IS TOO SHORT! 

DO IT NOW!

so I did...

I got in the car at 6:00am and headed for the Esplanade. 

It was as if my car knew where to go....

It lead me here.

My Dream...finally at 50 I'm living it!

Sure I only have the bottom left hand side of this wonderful house.

But it's got the best view in all of Redondo Beach. (only my opinion)

I'm a Shabby Chic kind of gal so I insist that just about everything in my house is white!

I was still hanging pictures...

The bathroom is small but cozy and I can hear the waves crashing while I shower.

 

My bedroom is wonderful and has a built in shelf for my favorite things

I just love all things Shabby Chic

This is where I sip my morning coffee now...when it's too cold outside

I just finished redecorating my kitchen and was told I needed to bring in some color.

and wood.... So I went with green.

It will be one year in May that I have been living my dream.  I think I'll stay put for at least another one.

What are you waiting for?

Life is to short!

Do it Now!