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!

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.

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!

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

Hey Everyone,
Get in here for the Pillow Sale!!!
40% off all in stock pillows….

I’ve got to make room for all the new stuff….

John Robshaw, Hable Construction, Thomas Paul…

Zid Zid Kid!

Even these amazing silk ikats…

Hope to see you all soon!
Lori

Hi Everyone,
Just back from my latest trip to the gift show in NYC. Wow, was it cold!!! But a fantastic trip, I do love the city.
I thought I would give you all a little recap of the amazing shops and restaurants I hit this time…
Restaurants…
Sorella—95 Allen Street (lower east side)

What a tiny hidden gem of an italian restaurant. Looks like nothing from the outside, as is the case in so many NY restaurants but wait till you get inside. Specializing in small plates italian food. Gorgeous back room with a completely glass ceiling. Make sure to save room for their home made gelato, it was incredible!
DBGB—Bowery between Houston and 1st
Big beautiful space, noisy and hectic, what a scene! Thanks to my fantastic friends for braving the freezing cold to try this new spot with me:) Try the sausages, incredible variety. Don’t miss the pork sausage with cheddar cheese served on a hashbrown with creme fraiche…ridiculous.
Standard Grill—meatpacking district
Very chic space, under the new Standard hotel that straddles the highline. Love the waiters’ plaid uniforms, love the french painted tile floor, loved the chicken paillard with arugula and tomato salad for lunch. Can’t beat the people watching here, endless outfit inspiration.
Travertine—19 Kenmare Street (lower Nolita)
Gorgeous space, incredible house made pasta, so fresh. I had dinner but heard that the brunch is so fun, dj, amazing cocktails, etc.
Worth Noting—not a single big screen television in any of these places….and the decor extended right into the bathrooms.

I absolutely love a well designed restaurant bathroom. When you go to such trouble to make the place great and then forget about the bathroom, well that just makes me nuts!
Shopping—
Food Emporium under the 59th Street bridge—this is hands down the most incredible grocery store space you will ever see…

Literally located under the 59th Street bridge…check out the ceilings…

There was a coffee bar, incredible cheese selection, and here’s the chocolate counter….

i mean, are you kidding me?
ABC home—19th and Broadway
Always a can’t miss spot for me. The most inspiring shop in the city. Beautiful housewares, accessories, rugs, jewelry, paper goods, and that’s just on the first floor…

Madewell—Broome and Broadway in Soho
Here’s what i want to look like for spring…

Lucky for us they have a location in Century City…of course i haven’t been there yet…putting it on my to do list.

Have to give a big thank you to my wonderful girlfriend Nicole who let me crash in her incredible pad in Tribeca…
the most talented, creative, artistic woman i know who works in finance!

I mean, look at this wall in her apartment. unbelieveable!
Hope this posts inspires you to hit the big city. Email me if you want any more reccomendations.
Have a great day!

They’ve arrived! Loving the way these colorful leather morrocan poofs are making the shop look.

They add such great punch to a room…

And as always, the neutrals are amazing!

Lots of new things coming in every day, come take a look!
Hope to see you soon,
Lori

We would like to thank everyone for such a fantastic turnout for last Sunday’s Santa event.

You helped raise $448 for the local charity 1736 House!

A huge thank you to Esperanza and Lana of the Hermosa Beach Mom’s Club, and to our photographer Lauren Pressey, for working all day in the freezing cold!

Photos have just arrived and they look amazing. Come on in and pick them up!

See you soon,
Lori

hey there,

well, it’s the start of the holiday season and we have so much fantastic stuff in the shop!  The ornaments are here, shell trees are here, and the best gifts are definitely here!

Let me be your personal shopper for this holiday season!  Email or call me with your holiday shopping list.  Give me the person and how much you’d like to spend, and i’ll send you back a list of ideas!  I will gift wrap everything and have it ready for you to pick up, or I can ship it wherever you’d like it to go! 

And don’t forget the cafe can cater all of your holiday get togethers.  You can bring us your platters and we’ll fill them with delicious goodies.  Or, of course we’re happy to bring it all to you.

Give us a call, we can make your holiday season easier.

We made it!  The shop is turning 1 year old, and we’re having a party.

Please come down and see us this Sunday, November 1^st from 10-5.

We’d like to thank you for your support so…

We’ll be serving complimentary champagne and lamingtons all day on our back patio.

And take 15% off everything in the shop all day long!

Get a jump on your holiday shoppingJ

Hope to see you here.