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7 Tips for Maintaining Your Home during Rainy Season in SoCal

 

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Did you know that Southern California has experienced an above-average rainfall this year? It’s been hard not to notice. As Southern Californians, we're blessed with a mild climate. And as much as we love our sunny days and beach vibes, we can't ignore the occasional rainy season that sweeps through our neighborhoods.

We all know we sometimes need to pray for rain but it's no secret that all this water can wreak havoc on our homes. From leaky roofs to flooded basements, many of us have had to deal with the aftermath of Mother Nature's rainy season.

When the rain hits, we must take extra care of our homes to ensure they remain safe and comfortable. So grab your rain boots because here are 7 simple yet effective tips to maintain your home during the rainy season in SoCal:

  1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters: Start by examining your roof for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracks, or leaks. Clean out your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogging, which can lead to water damage.

  2. Protect Outdoor Furniture: Protecting your outdoor furniture from the rain is essential to ensure its longevity and maintain its aesthetic appeal. One of the simplest ways to shield your outdoor furniture from the elements is by investing in waterproof covers. These covers are specifically designed to withstand rain, snow, and UV rays, keeping your furniture dry and protected year-round. But when it is raining like it has in the past few months you should try to bring the cushions in. Consider storing your small outdoor furniture in a covered area, such as a garage or shed, during periods of heavy rain or when not used. If bringing furniture indoors isn't feasible, opt for materials that are naturally resistant to moisture, such as teak. Our Montecito collection and our Pheobe bench are both great options. Teal will go grey but if you want it to stay that beautiful rich color apply a weatherproof sealant yearly.

  3. Check for Leaks: Inspect doors, windows, and walls for any signs of water infiltration. Seal gaps or cracks with caulk to prevent water from seeping into your home. Remember to pay special attention to areas around windows and doors where seals may degrade over time. Additionally, inspecting walls for any signs of discoloration or peeling paint can help identify potential water entry points that need sealing.

  4. Trim Trees and Shrubs: With the increased rainfall and occasional gusty winds that characterize this time of year, overhanging branches and dense foliage pose a risk of damage to your home and surrounding structures. By trimming trees and shrubs before and during the rainy season, you can mitigate the risk of branches breaking off and causing harm during storms. Additionally, pruning helps promote healthy growth and allows sunlight and air to reach your plants, reducing the likelihood of fungal diseases that thrive in damp conditions.

  5. Clean and Maintain Drains: Ensure that all drains, including those in your kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor areas, are clear of debris. Clogged drains can lead to water backup and potential flooding. Regularly flushing drains with hot water or using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can help prevent buildup and keep drains flowing smoothly.

  6. Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels: With increased moisture in the air from frequent rainfall, indoor humidity levels can rise, leading to potential issues such as mold growth, musty odors, and discomfort. To prevent these problems, it's essential to keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. You can use a hygrometer, a device that measures humidity, to monitor levels regularly. If humidity levels exceed 50%, consider using dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from the air. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation in your home by using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens and opening windows when weather permits.

  7. Maintain Your HVAC System: Make sure your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is well-maintained. Clean or replace air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow and prevent moisture buildup. Additionally, scheduling annual professional HVAC maintenance checks can identify potential issues early and ensure optimal performance during the rainy season. Put a reminder on the yearly calendar for service.

When the sun is shining and it's a beautiful day, it’s easy to forget about the rain, but it’s still a definite possibility in the month of March in Southern California. Statistics show that water damage affects approximately 14,000 people in the U.S. every day, leading to billions of dollars in property damage and restoration costs annually. Follow these tips to prepare your home for any more rain that comes our way and save them for next year. With this guide in your back pocket, you're ready to tackle the rainy season like a pro. Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way in keeping our homes happy and dry, so let's embrace the rain now so you can save yourself from costly repairs down the road.

New Year Home Styling Inspo

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I'd like to wish everybody a healthy and peaceful New Year. I just got back from a fantastic holiday in Montana to find my home still aglow with festive lights and Christmas cheer.

I’m feeling a bit sad about packing up the tinsel and lights post-holidays, but there's also a cathartic feeling in decluttering and getting the house ready for the New Year. It's like saying goodbye to the glitter but welcoming a clean slate.

I’ve thrown away loads of magazines, sorted through paperwork, and conquered the chaos on my desk. Now, I’m thinking of ideas for turning an extra room into my little creative haven for painting. These are the kinds of thoughts that make the new year feel fresh and alive in anticipation of what the future of 2024 will bring. Who else is diving into their creative zones this new year?



I encourage everybody to take a good look at their surroundings. Can you make it the best space that you can live in? That may include changing a room around completely and using it for a different purpose and a fresh vibe.

We did this for a client who never used her living room. It was one of those rooms you just walked by and didn't pay attention to. Our design team elevated the space with exquisite furnishings, tasteful wallpaper, and elegant drapes. But the true game-changer, both figuratively and literally, was the addition of a stylish game table.

This client plays a lot of mah-jongg and now enjoys this beautiful room with her friends. The ambiance is set by a crackling fire, and the small bar we incorporated adds a touch of sophistication. The room has suddenly become alive. It's remarkable how a thoughtful design can breathe life into a space, making it not just beautiful but purposeful.


So I challenge you to rethink your home. Ask yourself, does your space function for you? Are you soaking in calm and peace vibes?

Take a critical eye to every room to see what you can edit to make it feel fresh and start the new year feeling organized. Toss out the excess, shift things around, and kick off the new year with a space that's not just organized but also beautiful.

It could be adding wonderful trays and fabulous desk accessories to your work area at home. Yes, even if your "office" is just a cozy corner at home. Do you have a work area at home? If not, how about carving out a little nook this year? Who said your workspace can't be both stylish and functional? Level up your work-from-home game in 2024.



Make your house function the way you want it to function. Think about your children, your husband, and even your furry friends. Does everything work the way it should? Or, is there room for improvement? Is there space for a desk area that would make your children's lives easier to study in? Is there a better place to keep all the dog paraphernalia?

Whether it's creating a kid-friendly zone, a husband-approved relaxation spot, or ensuring your pets have their cozy corners, you can fine-tune things so your home operates exactly the way you want it to.



Start thinking about how you can use some of your existing pieces to freshen up your home. And speaking of fresh air, it's never too early to think about your outdoor space. Rain and wind will bow out soon, and our outdoor spaces will be the go-to spot. Why not get a head start? Just make a plan. Start looking online for images you'd like your outdoor room to look like.

Don't let any of this be overwhelming. Take it step-by-step. If you need help, you know we are only an email or call away.

Your home environment is the place to recharge and feel organized. This is the year to do it! I wish you happiness, joy, peace, and love from all around you.

Xx E

Happiest of Holidays from Elizabeth Lamont



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Dear Friends,

As I take a needed pause amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I am immersed in gratitude reflecting on the extraordinary journey that this year has been. I am deeply thankful for the unwavering support of my friends, newfound clients who have seamlessly transitioned into cherished friends, and everyone who has played a role in supporting my small business.

This particular year posed a unique set of challenges as I navigated the balance of overseeing both my retail store and Interior Design business while dealing with some health issues. It has been a journey of resilience, growth, and love. At the heart of this success is an exceptional team that helps make it all happen – without them, I would be lost.

It’s been a particularly demanding chapter for me as I have been dealing with an intense GI issue, resulting in not one, but two hospital stays, and leaving me bedridden for many days.
It’s this slow healing progress that fuels my hope for a brighter, healthier future not just for myself but also for all those who may have faced their own battles this year. As the calendar turns to 2024, I am hoping for a year filled with health and strength for me and all of you.

On a brighter note, one of the peaks of my 2023 year, something that has been so exciting, was purchasing a ranch in Montana. I’ve seen and chatted with many of you in the shop during the holidays, so forgive me while I gush all about it! Together with a dear friend from New York, we've ventured into the realm of ranch ownership in the picturesque landscapes of Montana.

While our knowledge of ranching might be slim, we’re rolling up our sleeves with a spirit of adventure and we've embraced the role of stewards for this extraordinary piece of land nestled in the enchanting Paradise Valley. We’re just two city gals navigating the intricacies of ranch life, eager to learn and grow and perhaps see a cowboy riding by who decides to stay. I can't help but imagine this cowboy looking like a Kevin Costner …(Santa Claus Please!) with a rugged charm, adding a touch of holiday magic to our Montana adventure.

As we start this new thrilling chapter with our Montana ranch, the canvas of possibilities lies before us to bring this land to life. We are still working through the details of how to shape this slice of paradise. Should it resonate with the harmony of animals? Perhaps it will flourish as a haven for biodynamic farming. Or maybe, a pickleball court to add some competitive fun. There are lots of ways to go and I am open to ideas! The possibilities seem as boundless as the Montana sky.

Stepping into the final phase of the interior design for our Montana ranch has been a really exciting project with a unique canvas for creativity—one that harmoniously merges the tastes of my friend and me with the soul of the environment. Just like in a marriage, there are always things to consider as you blend tastes and styles with a friend. It’s been a thoughtful exploration and I think we did a great job.

Our goal was to craft a Montana ranch that not only embraces the rugged beauty of the West, our newfound part-time home but also stands as a welcoming place for friends and family. We aimed for a balance between comfort and aesthetics and we are thrilled to have achieved a space that is both effortlessly livable and strikingly beautiful. My family is spending our first Christmas there this year so I will be sure to take many photos to share. Montana is a wonderful place, there is so much to do even when it’s 22 degrees outside.

The amazing thing about this adventure is how I feel. Ranch life has opened up a new sense of wonder in me from walking in the fields to looking at animals that I’d only ever seen in photos, and gazing at the brightest stars I have ever seen! The bora areolas come out from time to time. I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing that on this trip.

I send blessings and wishes of peace to our world, health, and wonder to all of you. I hope you find time to walk in nature with loved ones over this magical holiday season.

With much gratitude and love,
Elizabeth

A Montana Ranch Thanksgiving

A Montana Ranch Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for tradition, family, and gratitude. This year, my family and I are embarking on an exciting journey, as we head to our new ranch in the picturesque state of Montana for our Thanksgiving celebration. Not only will we be celebrating Thanksgiving, but we'll also be celebrating our new home and moving in - it will be a week filled with adventure, gratitude and a little bit of chaos.

As we prepare to welcome our loved ones to our new home, I can't help but immerse myself in the spirit of the season and the joy of transforming our space into a warm and inviting haven for our guests. Join me on this journey as we explore the art of cooking, decorating, and, showcasing some of the finest pieces from Elizabeth Lamont that will turn your own Thanksgiving celebration into a memorable and beautiful experience.


Menu Planning
Living in the remote corners of Montana means that meticulous planning is crucial. With cousins, their children, and my ranch co-owner and dear friend of 40 years joining us, it's a time for everyone's favorites to shine on the menu. This year, our table will cater to a range of dietary preferences, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. My year-long battle with GI issues has changed my diet completely and will be reflected at this year’s dinner. The task of creating a gluten-free stuffing alongside a more traditional one is one I eagerly embrace, even if the recipes are still being finalized.

Table Setting
A beautifully set table can set the tone for the entire Thanksgiving experience. To ensure our Montana ranch Thanksgiving feels as warm and inviting as it should, I've carefully selected dinnerware that exudes rustic charm. Pacifica in soft vanilla with accents of artichoke will grace our table alongside the exquisite dime-thin stemware from Nude Glass, adding a touch of elegance to balance out the ranch vibes.

The Pacifica dinnerware, with its earthy tones and artisanal textures, evokes the natural beauty of Montana's landscape, bringing a sense of the outdoors indoors. The subtle artichoke accents add a hint of color that mirrors the bountiful harvest of the season, making each place setting a work of art in itself. Complementing this rustic elegance, the delicate stemware from Nude Glass elevates the experience, reflecting the grace and sophistication of a well-rounded Thanksgiving celebration.

With these carefully chosen elements, our Thanksgiving table embodies a perfect fusion of rustic charm and refined elegance, creating an ambiance where family and friends can gather, share stories, and savor a delicious meal in a setting that truly captures the spirit of the season.


Nature-Inspired Decor
One of the unique aspects of our Montana ranch Thanksgiving is the opportunity to forage for natural table decorations. Despite the recent snowfall (a far cry from our 80-degree weather in the Palisades), I'm eager to explore the beauty of the Montana landscape. From branches to elements brought from our home, I aim to infuse the table with a touch of nature's magic.

As I wander through the outdoors that surrounds our ranch, I find inspiration in every fallen pinecone and snow-dusted twig. These treasures from the outdoors will find their way onto our Thanksgiving table, adding a genuine, rustic allure. The contrast between the cold, crisp Montana air and the warmth of our gathering creates a harmonious blend that mirrors the essence of Thanksgiving itself.

Additionally, we have delectable chocolate turkeys and decadent Malibu Kitchen cookies to add a touch of whimsy to the setting. These sweet treats not only satisfy our taste buds but also infuse an element of playful delight into the overall decor. Thanksgiving is a time to revel in both the simple pleasures of nature and the indulgent joys of celebration, and our table embodies this perfect fusion. It's a reminder that this holiday is all about embracing the magic of the season, sharing cherished moments with loved ones, and delighting in the beauty of both nature and artistry.


Early Preparations

Arriving in Montana a few days before the big day, I'll have a team of helping hands to assist with the preparations. While maintaining a traditional Thanksgiving menu, I plan to introduce some exciting new sides. One key piece of advice for a stress-free Thanksgiving is to start prepping early. Many dishes can be made in advance and reheated on the day of the feast. Setting the table two days ahead with all of the necessary essentials is also key. From perfectly polished serving spoons to neatly folded cocktail napkins, ambient candles casting a warm glow, and serving platters thoughtfully labeled with the names of their respective dishes, every detail is meticulously attended to, allowing our guests to enjoy a smooth, delightful, and memorable Thanksgiving meal.

As we approach Thanksgiving, remember that it's not just about the food, but the cherished moments spent with loved ones. Create a beautifully designed table that reflects your style and the warmth of your home, and allow those who offer to help to do so. This Thanksgiving, from my family to yours, may your hearts be filled with joy and gratitude.

Embracing Change: The Summer to Fall Home Transition

Embracing Change: The Summer to Fall Home Transition

The seasonal change from summer to fall is about infusing your living space with warm, cozy vibes. Let’s explore some ideas to help you smoothly move from the vibrant colors and open windows of summer to the earthy tones and snug ambiance of fall.

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3 Simple Home Styling Tips from Elizabeth Lamont

3 Simple Home Styling Tips from Elizabeth Lamont

We all desire a beautifully decorated living space that reflects our personality and brings comfort into our lives. Achieving that perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics can sometimes feel overwhelming and time-consuming. 

Whether you're looking to spruce up your living room, revamp your bedroom, or create a cozy nook in your study, here are 3 simple styling tips that will help you breathe new life into your home.

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