Gum Tree Blog http://www.gumtreela.com/blog We are a beautiful, one-of-kind home & gift shop and Aussie-inspired cafe, housed in a historic 1911 craftsman bungalow in Hermosa Beach. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:43:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.3 en hourly 1 End of Summer Sale is On! http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/08/31/end-of-summer-sale-is-on/ http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/08/31/end-of-summer-sale-is-on/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:43:40 +0000 Lori http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/?p=231 Hey Everyone,
Please join us this Thursday night from 5-9pm for…
***First Thursdays Downtown Hermosa***
In the shop—it’s our End of Summer Sale! 50% off all Sale items!
And—from 5-9pm Thursday only, you’ll get 10% off any regular priced items too!
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On our front patio— the Aussie BBQ is back by popular demand. Will’s brother Frank will be manning the grills! He’s the BBQ master, do not miss this. If you can’t understand Will’s accent, just wait till you meet Frank.
Cost is $15 all you can eat!
The menu includes leg of lamb, prawns, sausages, veggie burgers, spicy chicken, hot dogs for the kiddos, salads, and complimentary sangria as always.
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Live Music—Johnny Le Grand will be jamming on the patio!
Inside the café— we’re hosting an art opening for amazing local artist Lee Clarke. Lee has exhibited his paintings throughout the U.S. and Internationally. His series on view at Gum Tree is inspired by his recent visits to Spain. More of his work can be seen at his website http://www.leeclarke.ca
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We have something for everyone this month, hope to see you all here!

Think Globally, Shop and Eat Locally!

]]> http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/08/31/end-of-summer-sale-is-on/feed/ 0 Picnic Time http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/07/28/picnic-time/ http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/07/28/picnic-time/#comments Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:45:56 +0000 Lori http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/?p=220 Hey there everyone,
Since the sun came out this morning (finally!) I got to thinking about outdoor entertaining.
These arrived yesterday, Govino plastic wine glasses…
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Shatter proof, reusable, recyclable, and just plain cool.
Box of 4 for $16, or individually $4 each. Perfect for your deck or concerts in the park! And you gotta have the picnic knife, $25.

And speaking of Concerts in the Park, don’t forget we’re happy to pack your picnic for you.
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Our dip plate, yum.
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Call us to place your order and we’ll have it all packed and ready to go.
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Café number is 310-376-8733J

Some other great stuff that arrived this week…
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Beautiful new home decor and art books.
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Including this one for the kids room!
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And some delicate necklaces from Debbie Fisher, made of tiny glass seed beads, semi precious stones and 18k gold.

Thanks so much to everyone who made it in last week over the construction mess. We enjoyed seeing you all!

I’m happy to report that it’s looking much better down here this week. Streets are freshly paved and there is plenty of parking on the north side of Pier Ave. Quiet on our block, for the moment anyway!

Have a wonderful day.

Think Globally, Shop and Eat Locally!

]]> http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/07/28/picnic-time/feed/ 0 Happy Friday! http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/07/09/happy-friday/ http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/07/09/happy-friday/#comments Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:34:54 +0000 Lori http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/?p=210 Hey Everyone,

Hope you’re having a wonderful Friday!

We’ve been busy here at Gum Tree….lots of beautiful new things have arrived this week.

Take a peek…
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Let’s start with these incredible new throws, hand made in india, 100% cotton.
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New candles from Lafco, housed in hand blown glass vessels that you can use long after the candle burns out.
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I love these…framed vintage hotel labels from the 1940’s.
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New long layering necklaces from Chan Luu have arrived, sigh, so pretty.
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And the coolest hamper ever…recycled plastic, made in Africa…
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Hope to see you all soon.

Think Globally, Shop and Eat Locally!

Lori Ford

]]> http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/07/09/happy-friday/feed/ 0 Summer fun at Gum Tree! http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/06/11/summer-fun-at-gum-tree-2/ http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/06/11/summer-fun-at-gum-tree-2/#comments Fri, 11 Jun 2010 19:19:11 +0000 Lori http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/?p=201 Hi Everyone,

Summer is finally here, time to head over to a friend’s place for a BBQ!

And when you do… make sure to bring along a super cute hostess gift from Gum Tree.
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Just got these adorable fabric cocktail napkins in…

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Is this the cutest ice bucket you have ever seen? And only $24!

Next week we’ll get more in turquoise and red too!

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Check out these great new melamine salad bowls, servers, and the adorable zig zag lazy susan for your outdoor dining…

For some of you it’s teacher gift time…and we’re making it a little easier on you…
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We can come up with something perfect at any price, just ask us!

Also in this week…tons of new jewelry, books, candles, soaps…

And more gifts for DAD! Father’s Day is next Sunday…don’t forget the big guyJ

Hope to see you all soon.

Think Globally, Shop and Eat Locally!

Lori Ford

]]> http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/06/11/summer-fun-at-gum-tree-2/feed/ 0 First Thursdays Again! http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/05/27/first-thursdays-again/ http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/05/27/first-thursdays-again/#comments Fri, 28 May 2010 04:21:54 +0000 Lori http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/?p=196 Hi Everyone,
I am so excited to tell you that we now have 56 businesses on board for the upcoming First Thursdays event! It’s gonna be amazing.
Here at Gum Tree we’ll be serving up complimentary sangria (Will’s special recipe).
And…we’ll have local kid’s musician Tucker Booth playing on our front patio for all the little one’s!Check out the article in the Beach Reporter about the event…
http://www.tbrnews.com/articles/2010/05/27/hermosa_beach_news/news08.txt

and for more information about who’s participating see our facebook page at www.facebook.com/firstthursdays

Hope to see you all down here this Thursday night from 5-9.

think globally, shop and eat locally.

]]> http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/05/27/first-thursdays-again/feed/ 0 First Thursdays in Downtown Hermosa! http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/05/04/first-thursdays-in-downtown-hermosa/ http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/05/04/first-thursdays-in-downtown-hermosa/#comments Wed, 05 May 2010 06:04:29 +0000 Lori http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/?p=191 We’re so excited to be kicking off this cool event for downtown Hermosa!
First Thursday of every month—Starting with May 6th.

Gum Tree Shop and Cafe will be open till 9pm. We’ll be serving complimentary wine while you shop and dine. And, we’ll be exhibiting beautiful new work by talented local artist Brian Kingston. Enter a drawing to win a Chan Luu wrap bracelet too!!!
But the coolest part is… it’s not just us—you’ll be able to check out many other amazing downtown businesses—all open until 9pm and offering specials of their own!

Here’s who’s participating and what they’ll be offering.

Curious—Welcome Bryce back from Haiti! If you don’t already know him get in there to meet him…He just spent 2 months rebuilding an orphanage after the devastating earthquake. He brought some beautiful artwork back that he’ll have on display, and he’ll be serving fun island inspired cocktails!

Sol Baby—Serving complimentary cupcakes, wine and chocolate milk for the kiddos! 20% off all regular priced items from 6-9pm, and a drawing for a $25 gift certificate. Kids can draw a picture of mom and Gina will display it in the shop windows for Mother’s Day!

RE:Style—lots of loud music and excellent atmosphere as always.

Paciugo Gelato—the best cold treat in town, hands down! Free cup size upgrade and 20% off all coffee drinks. Art exhibit featuring “Scenes of Hermosa” portraits by local photographer Daniel Sofer of Hermosa Wave photography.

Stars Antiques—Celebrating their 13th anniversary with store wide discounts.

Spyder Surf—serving complimentary sweets and drinks, great gifts with purchase, and music all night. Big raffle of Spyder Lakers and Dodgers items too!

Ragin Cajun—free samples of Gumbolaya and a free appetizer when you purchase 2 entrees.

Mark of Excellence—Check out this cool downtown salon, giving away complimentary drinks and gift bags.

Bo Bridges—Music, wine, cheese and his always amazing artwork on display.

Union Cattle—upstairs in the Ocean Bar they’ll have food and drink specials from 5-7pm.

Mediterraneo—happy hour from 5-7pm and ½ price house wine till 9pm!

Nu-Shuz—All Shoes $20 always! New Spring Arrivals! Stop in for Sassy Surprises!

BKB—serving complimentary sweet treats.

Blue Rose Boutique—cute clothes at great prices.

Salvatore’s—10% off all purchases from 6-9pm!

Coastal Connection—have you seen this super cool skateboard shop yet?

Café Boogaloo—drink specials, more info to come…

Zanes—Happy Hour 5-7pm, $5.00 glasses of wine, $7.00 Martini’s and a selection of appetizers from $5.00 to $7.00!

Flowers by Le Marie—staying open late, don’t forget flowers for mom!

This should be a free, fun walking event for downtown Hermosa. We hope to make it a new Hermosa tradition! Please come down and join us.

Find our facebook page for First Thursdays for more information!
www.facebook.com/FirstThursdays

Think Globally, Shop and Eat Locally!

]]> http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/05/04/first-thursdays-in-downtown-hermosa/feed/ 1 Summer’s coming! http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/04/17/summers-coming/ http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/04/17/summers-coming/#comments Sat, 17 Apr 2010 20:47:59 +0000 Lori http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/?p=184 Hi Everyone,
The sun is shining today which reminds me….It’s almost time to hit the beach!
I’ve been on my diet for a week already, ugh…this is not the fun part of bathing suit season…

Here’s the fun part—I have lots of great accessories to get you into the spirit!

Adorable hats from Hat Attack are here…
hat attack

The perfect beach bags from Iman Deco, French designed and made in Africa from recycled plastic…and only $32 and $42!
iman deco bags

They also make amazing indoor/outdoor rugs…we have a big turquoise one on our back deck at home and love it, it’s indestructible!
iman deco rugs

Coming soon…Chan Luu wrap bracelets in turquoise, cotton tie dye scarves, new jewelry from Lulu and new summer styles from the girls at Sea Bags.

***Reminder…Our Mom’s Night Out party is coming up… Wednesday, April 28th from 6-9pm. Bring your girlfriends down for complimentary food, wine and some great shopping!

Have a great weekend,

Think Globally, Shop and Eat Locally!

]]> http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/04/17/summers-coming/feed/ 0 Happy Easter… http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/04/02/happy-easter/ http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/04/02/happy-easter/#comments Fri, 02 Apr 2010 19:31:16 +0000 Lori http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/?p=172 hi everyone,
it’s a beautiful spring day here in Hermosa, we are so lucky to be here. i love our little house, it’s such a nice place to be all day.
i ordered some fantastic jewelry today…vanessa mooney…here’s a preview…
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so cool. it’s not often that i order myself every piece of the jewelry i buy for the shop, but it was very hard to stop myself this morning, i wanted everything! and the prices are incredible. now i have to patiently wait the 2 weeks for it to come in!
very excited about our easter plans this weekend. will, lily and i will be here sunday morning for our easter breakfast. we’ll be blowing up balloons for the kids and mini muffins are free too! My mom is baking homemade hot cross buns too, i got to try the test batch yesterday, yum.
hot cross buns
Oh, and 10% off everything in the shop all day! hope you can make it down, should be really fun.
have a beautiful weekend.
lori

]]> http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/04/02/happy-easter/feed/ 0 More Hermosa Favorites! http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/03/16/more-hermosa-favorites/ http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/03/16/more-hermosa-favorites/#comments Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:52:57 +0000 Lori http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/?p=164 Thank you everyone for the amazing response to my last post listing some of my favorite businesses on upper Pier Ave here in sunny Hermosa Beach!
And since it was so popular, here are more of my favorites in Hermosa—check them out, and hopefully they’ll become your favorites too…
Paciugo Gelato–hands down the best ice cream in the south bay, with the friendliest staff. You can’t get more family business than the mother/daughter Team of Brittny and Monien behind the counter. And, caramel sea salt, incredible.
Molly’s Skin Care–love the facials, love the Epicuren products, love the customer service, thank you Molly’s!
Bo Bridges Photography–So talented, who doesn’t want to see incredible pics of hot extreme sports guys in action? Did I say that? Gorgeous photos of local landmarks too…
Pilates Place–The most beautiful space in which to excersize ever. Instructors are amazing. When I can get off my lazy bum this is the place I go for Ange’s dynamic jumpboard reformer class.
The Mermaid–can’t beat this place for dive bar atmosphere, especially good on a sunday afternoon.
Grekos–have you been searching for an 80’s movie poster for your bedroom wall? Then this is the place for you! Some pretty blown glass objects as well…
La Playita–the best view in town and a fantastic place to take the kids.
Spyder Surf–did you know they carry an amazing selection of women’s jeans?
Mama D’s–thank you for letting us wreak havoc each time we come in, and thanks for still giving us the free warm chocolate chip cookies at the end of every meal!
Kathleen Lowry Acupuncture–Kathleen heals me every 3 weeks. She has been in the same space on Hermosa Ave for 23 years and she knows her stuff. 1 hour appointment includes acupuncture and a 15 minute hot stone massage, amazing.
Beach Hut–In high school we used to ditch school to head here for the teriyaki chicken bowl. Had it this morning and it’s still worth it!
Karen’s Cleaners–customer service here cannot be beat. Great tailoring, oh and excellent dry cleaning too.
Mediteraneo–tapas tuesdays cannot be beat! love the staff, the wine and the food here.
Barnacles–Will’s favorite hands down.
Public Library–Lily’s favorite after school activity, well actually second only to Paciugo!

]]> http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/03/16/more-hermosa-favorites/feed/ 1 Think Globally, Shop and Eat Locally! http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/03/03/think-globally-shop-and-eat-locally/ http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/2010/03/03/think-globally-shop-and-eat-locally/#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:59:06 +0000 Lori http://www.gumtreela.com/blog/?p=158 Hey Everyone,

Today I’m writing to you all with a very important message…. Think Globally, Shop and Eat Locally!

As you may know, we are living with quite a large construction project happening now on Pier Ave here in downtown Hermosa.
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Our view todayJ

It’s an amazing project, one with a fantastic green aspect (new rain water run off filtration, on the cutting edge of green technology) and a full scale renovation of upper Pier Ave (new sidewalks, benches, trees, medians, crosswalks, etc). Upper Pier is going to be an amazing place to walk, shop, and dine, hopefully by this summer!
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Our view after it’s doneJ

But we want you to know—it is already a great place to walk, shop and dine! All of the businesses here on Pier Ave are open. And, tons of parking is available!!!

You’re already visiting our blog, THANK YOU! So you know what we do here at Gum Tree. But here are some other incredible businesses on upper Pier for you to check out…

Curious—Bryce runs a darling gift shop full of amazing eclectic finds.

Sol Baby—such a cute kids clothing shop, Gina has the best vintage concert T’s for your little one.

Java Man—Everyone knows Rick and his super friendly staff, and free wi-fi.

Union Cattle—ride that bull! And excellent steak.

Mani Pedi Cutie—Ally offers the best and most fun mani pedi in town. Yesterday Lily and I had the mommy and me manicure (her first time) and she is proudly showing off her purple nails with yellow polka dots, adorable!

Stars Antiques—you can’t beat this place for the atmosphere and some serious treasure hunting.

Zanes—a grown up night out with great food, wine and people watching.

Wash and Surf Coin Laundry—big huge washing machines and dryers for that comforter that doesn’t fit in yours!

The Bike Shop—I got my bike here from Mohammed, he is the best!

Maximus Salon—need a new hairdresser? Ed has been on Pier for over 20 years.

Fritto Misto—super kid friendly, create your own pasta dish, yum!

Come down and take a look…

Think about 3 local businesses that you’d miss most if they were gone. Stop in and say hello. Pick up a little something that will make someone smile. Your contribution, however large or small, is what keeps those businesses around.

Thanks so much for indulging me today, I sure hope to see you all soon!

If you’re so inclined, please pass this message along. I’m sure all of the small business owners of Hermosa would really appreciate it!

Lori Ford

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