California Dreamin’

Part 1 Huntington Beach

I love California. The sun, the water, the beaches, the weather, the feeling. While I would still have an opportunity to enjoy all these things, this trip was different. The first part of this trip was about completing the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach. 

When identifying my hotel I wanted to make sure it was walkable to good food options and a few sights. In this case I chose something near South Coast Plaza mall and the Orange County Museum of Art.

Day 1 (Jan 30, 2026)

On my first day in Costa Mesa, I took a walk to South Coast Plaza. It was a beautiful blue sky with not a cloud in sight. It was as if the palm trees, aloe plants and birds of paradise were my welcoming committee to Orange County. I was surprisingly inspired when I entered the mall, not just by the endless luxury brands that provoked me, but by the kaleidoscope of a sky light in the center of the plaza. I wasn't expecting to see beauty inside competing with what I experienced during my walk. Yet I did.

I decided to cut the mall excursion short and that my time would be better served going to the marathon expo to pick up my bib number and other gear. The sun was slowly setting as I arrived at the expo and I realized I couldn't have picked a better time to come. The sun was casting long shadows of the palm trees that lined the entrance to the beach, near the starting line for the marathon. The beach was calm as it seemed I missed larger crowds from earlier in the day. I swiftly picked up my bib, tees and other stuff from the American Cancer Society tent. After gathering all my things I enjoyed a peaceful sunset walk along the beach by myself. Thinking of the snow filled streets I trained in all winter and just left in Cleveland, this was just what I needed. 

Day 2 (Jan 31, 2026)

It started with another walk. This time to the Orange County Museum of Art. Another beautiful day. As I looked up to search for any clouds in sight, I just saw the tops of the palm trees that accompanied me along the way. As usual I had my playlist setting the vibe and enhancing my experience. I was in heaven. Again, my timing was impeccable. A fascinating new photography exhibit by Sophie Calle just opened that day. As I walked through to the other exhibits, I realized the museum itself was just as impressive, if not more so than the art within it. 

On my walk back to the hotel from the museum, I got a little more intimate with the local plant life. The clear blue sky and the art walls each provided a beautiful backdrop to the cactus and aloe plants. I immediately envisioned a collection of scarves (stay tuned).  

I thought it would be nice to feel the pre marathon energy, so I decided to visit the expo again. Once I pulled up, I realized I didn't necessarily want all that energy, I just wanted to be at the beach again. It just feels right there, especially just before sunset. 

Day 3 (Feb 1, 2026)

ITS RACE DAY! I woke up around 4am, got dressed and threw on my SWB Surf City marathon hoodie. I wanted to show it off and knew it would be too hot after the marathon.

The way the full moon met me at the starting line of the marathon brought me so much peace. It was shining so bright as if it was smiling at me with a feeling of pride for the journey I had been on to get here. The work has been done, now just try to enjoy the race.

It kicked my ass, but that is what marathons are supposed to do. To run along the ocean during the sunrise, feeling the breeze and the energy from the other runners and supporters was extraordinary. This is why I chose the Surf City Marathon.

Crossing the finish line, receiving my medal and walking straight to the beach was something I had envisioned for months. The cold, snowy days training in Cleveland led me here. The countless family members, friends and strangers that supported me with encouraging words and donations for the American Cancer Society all led me here. My dads fight with cancer is what led me here. Now it's time to meet up with my folks and celebrate the next part of the trip in LA.

Part 2 Los Angeles (Feb 1-6)

There really isn't as much to share about my time in LA. It was simply time to catch up and be present with my people. Every morning…get up, go to a different cafe, sit outside and chill, enjoy every sip and don't check my watch. At night maybe stroll the streets, pop in a bar, swing by the studio perhaps. California. Always a good time, always know I'm going to come back with some inspiration. 

Stay tuned…

The history of Small Wooden Box

Small Wooden Box was officially created in 2014. The brand has always been an extension of me, my creative spirit and experiences. It is much more than the products I design, it is just as much about my process. 

My imagination and creative vision from my childhood along with my interior design education, furniture, home accessories and fashion retail background, love of photography and perspective from travelling, birthed SWB to become the lifestyle brand it is today.

I love to take walks, alone or with others. More often alone, so I can be at peace taking my time. Everything catches my eye, so if you are with me, you need to be patient. I stop to capture  anything from the intricacies of the bark on a tree, to the contrasting architecture of neighboring buildings to colors reflecting off of the front grill of a classic car.

Although the brand didn't launch until 2014, I have used images from as early as 2006. SWB products started with pillows and expanded to bandanas, silk pocket squares and scarves and cashmere/modal blend scarves. 

My home and SWB showroom in Washington, DC became known as Small Wooden Box Space in 2018. It grew beyond just being a place that created visual art and products. While art was continuously highlighted here, music became one of the driving forces in promoting the space and the brand. In addition to hosting pop ups and fund raising events, SWB space became one of DCs most popular underground music venues and event spaces.

This space became a hub for creativity, community and collaboration. It inspired not just the direction of Small Wooden Box, but an endless number of creatives in the DC area and others that visited DC from elsewhere. 

With tariffs impacting the cost of shipping and materials used for scarves and pillows, the brand paused that production and shifted to hoodies and tees. The thousands of images captured over the years allows for a diverse product assortment and ability to create goods that connect with any demographic. 

Small Wooden Box is a series of snapshots of my life over the years. It is my way of honoring my life experiences. It is my way of attempting to slow down and inspire others to do the same, while appreciating the softness of the materials, boldness of the colors and feeling a simple image brings. The Everyday is Extraordinary at Small Wooden Box.