The Orginal Surf Chic

I was walking at the beach this morning and came across this beautiful sign:

It's the “Western Snowy Plover”. This has got to be the cutest bird ever, and so aptly named “The Original Surf Chic”. So, we did a little research and this is the deal with this little thing...It’s a small shorebird that has been living on the pacific coast for thousands of years. It nests in the sand, taking advantage of any cover it can find- driftwood, seaweed, shells or rocks. This bird is so small that it is commonly mistaken for a cotton ball. Not surprisingly, their livelihood is being compromised by us. Cars are crushing their homes and humans and dogs off the leash are chasing the birds away. Sadly, these birds are now endangered.

I'm not usually one to preach, but, seriously the Surf Chic devastation was making me sad. So, I spoke with our local Audubon chapter (www.ca.audubon.org), and here is what they said we all can do to help:

1.“Obey Signs and fences protecting nests” like the picture below at Ocean Beach.

2. “Take part in a beach clean –up”

3. Raise awareness among other surfers and beach dwellers” (hence this blog entry)

4. Notify authorities about any problems with plover nests

5. And lastly - take your dog to a park or dog friendly beach during nesting season.

I think this is pretty manageable and am hoping you think so too. These little Surfer Chics are way too cute to vanish from our beach.

Thanks for reading.

My Recent Visit to Phuket

It might take forever to get to (25 hours from San Francisco to be exact), but if you have the time and inclination Phuket, Thailand is a pretty sweet place to visit. I just got back from a super relaxing beach vacation there, with a short stop-over in Singapore.

I suggest renting a villa in the southern, less traveled part of the peninsula (check out http://www.phuket.net/rentals/villa-1215.htm for some seriously nice places to stay). The ocean was absolutely pristine, with white sand beaches as far as you can see. And, if salt water's not your thing, most hotels and villas have a pool. We hired a cook who prepared authentic Thai food daily and indulged in a full course of relation. A highlight, of course, is receiving the $10/hour masseuse that comes to visit you in the hotel.

For a bit of a tourist attraction, you can ride an elephant (only recommended if you happen to be traveling with families). Be sure to visit one of the more animal friendly places (it's pretty easy to tell the difference)!

And, if you're in need of an urban fix, check out Pantong. The nightclubs will mix a stiff, fruity cocktail.

The sun is strong, so be sure to pack plenty of sunblock. But, given the weather around here lately, I'd trade having to clog my pores with sunblock over wearing rain boots in a heart beat. So, here's to hoping that we get to wear sunblock around here soon!

3-Day Weekends and What to Pack

Give us 3 days, a carry-on suitcase and a sunny, warm destination and we’ll take care of your “what to wear” dilemma.

Those last minute trips that come together on Thursday night? For sure, they’re the best. Who knows if it’s the spontaneous dash to meet your friends, taking only what you need….or just the fun of getting away last minute – but we love spontaneous 3-day weekends.

Sometimes during the winter, a quick fix of sun and warm, turquoise water is all you need to get by.

If you ask us, 3-day weekends rock. But the packing part --- well sometimes that’s trickier. Especially when it’s 3pm on Friday and you’re still not packed. The wardrobe question can turn the best of us, and our closets, upside down. Believe us, we get it.

So here are our best, most versatile picks for last-minute spring getaways.

1) The Sunshine V-neck dress: 100% certified organic cotton – perfect for a beach coverup, the taco stand or even restaurants with a view.

2) The fitted, feminine Dellis Tank: organic cotton and ideal match for board shorts or your bikini bottom.

3) And what would spring be without a hoodie? The Paris Hoodie is made of a super soft fabric, with a relaxed fit, it’s perfect for anything.

Fret not, we gotcha covered (and looking beautiful, natural and relaxed). As they say, the essentials are all you really need.

Is it the weekend yet? Till next time…

Spring 2010 Collection is Here

We think inspiration comes when you least expect it. Like when riding a wave you wish you’d been the first to find. Or in the solitude of a quiet ride home.You could say we’re pretty fond of daydreaming. After all, some of the most creative ideas come out of it, especially in the middle of drizzly, dreary February. And this winter, it’s inspired a Spring 2010 Collection that’s Carve’s best yet: with huge splashes of color, vibrant energy and a beautiful ease that just says summer.

So just for a few minutes, indulge. Take a few minutes and dream a little. After all, summer—sweet languid summer—is just around the corner. In the meantime, we highly recommend a few things to bust through the blahs: enter our $1000 Beach Wardrobe Giveaway and check out the gorgeous designs and feminine silhouettes that bring summer just one step closer.

Here’s to wanderlust, and dreaming big.

Enjoy the ride.