Q+A with Stylist Christina Peterson | Huntington Beach, CA

Lark has always been ā€œtalent forwardā€ whereas we work shoulder to shoulder with like-minded creatives to make things happen. We love to invite people to put their own spin on the larkā€”and that leads us to introduce Curator + Stylist Christina Peterson. Take a dive below the surface to learn more about her with these Proust inspired dinner party questions: 

Christina Peterson captured on a guerrilla lark/creative sesh in Corona del Mar by James (Huddy) Huddleson

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Cerritos, California (shout out to C-Town!) and spent my early adulthood in Los Angeles. I later settled in Surf City aka Huntington Beach.

Have you always liked style & design? 

Absolutely! Iā€™ve been obsessed with style and design ever since I tried to coordinate my crayons by color as a kid. Letā€™s just say, my coloring book was the most fashionable one in the class!

Any early memories in this realm that tie in with lark? 

Iā€™ll never forget the days of transforming my bedroom into my makeshift cafe, complete with menu options written in crayon. Nowadays, lark dinner parties are a bit more sophisticated, but the spirit of fun still remains.

Are you the chef at home?

Absolutely! I’m the head chef, sous chef, and the dishwashing staff too. My kitchen, my rulesā€”unless someone else is cooking, then it’s their domain.

What is your prize ingredient? 

Itā€™s always better with butter. 

Has the way you entertain evolved based on your experience with lark? 

Iā€™m all about those homey vibes and throwing dinner parties that are a mix of pretty and totally unexpected ā€“ just like a lark! 

Any favorite food memories? 

One of my fondest food memories is watching my mom expertly craft lumpia, a beloved Filipino dish that holds a special place in my heart. 

Can you describe your perfect day? 

Going to watch a Dodgers game.

Who would you like to dine withā€”if you could choose anyone in the world? 

Issa Rae

What inspires you? 

Architecture and real, down-to-earth conversations with genuine people light me up. Beautiful buildings and authentic vibesā€”my favorite combo of inspiration.

What is your most marked creative characteristic? 

Fashion is where I leave my most vivid creative footprint, expressing myself through color and style with every outfit.

Christina Peterson captured by @candacerockphoto on a lark at The Sunlight House in Newport Beach

How does one benefit from attending a lark?

Attending a lark offers not just a meal, but a rich social connection, shared experiences, and newfound friendships.

What advice do you give someone wanting to throw their own dinner party? 

My top tip? Set the vibe! Your energy sets the tone, so keep it fun and easygoing. The food matters, but the good times you create matter even more!

Christina Peterson captured by @candacerockphoto on a guerrilla lark in CdM

Any fun or interesting stories to share behind-the-scenes lark? 

There were so many comical mishaps and funny moments BTS of larks that trying to remember them or even list them all would require an entire evening of storytelling and laughter.

What alternative occupations have you entertained, real and imagined? 

From lifeguarding to coaching swimmers to navigating the choppy waters of advertising, Iā€™ve done it all. Now, as a full-time Mom, my days are a whirlwind of school runs, sports practices and games, and navigating the joys and challenges (and boy, are there challenges!) of parenting through the teenage years.

We know you love music, whose first on your playlist? 

John Mayerā€˜s music is like a musical embrace for my soul. 

What is your motto? 

Love + Learn.

Christina Person captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at The Salt Horse in Laguna Beach by @missmphotography

  āœš  āœš  āœš

Christina is always up for a lark and can give us fashion inspiration weeks in advance OR on-the-fly. Her staple advice? Wear what makes you feel goodā€”and add bold lip!

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining.

Come on a lark with us! 

Sign up for our email list to be the first-to-know about our next lark!

Q+A with Ali Aboudaya of Freelance Coffee Project | Newport Beach


We wanted to dive a bit below the surface and are talking with Ali Aboudaya of Freelance Coffee Project, who we originally met when pouring the most delicious coffee at design lovers Brophy Market, to get the inside scoop. Come along for the ride as we share some fun dinner party Q & A below!

Ali Aboudaya and Head Roaster Adrian Navarro

You seem a bit of an everyman at Freelance Coffee, are we onto something?

I definitely wear multiple hats at the company! I manage operations, accounts, and work flow for the company and in any spare time I have I am working on social content, such as videos and photos for the Instagram and website!

We love that Freelance Coffee Projects brings community together and has created an aesthetically pleasing third space, which we can easily describe as “dreamy meets professional”, to support local creatives, has this always been the goal? 

That was one of the main concepts for Freelance when we started it, a space where creativity can flourish. It is also a big theme in our social content as well, we have been focusing on local creatives and seeing how the relationship with creativity and coffee go hand in hand.

Freelance Coffee Project – Newport Beach, CA

We also love the design aesthetic from the architecture to soothing interiors to local artwork and especially the plants, is this a collaborate effort or is there someone to credit?

The credit here goes to Natalie Taormina, one of the founders of Freelance. She has a keen eye for design and feng shui. She curates all the design in our shop and hand picks everything to give it a true unique experience.

Relatedly, the plants really do have a positive effect on the vibe, who/how are they maintained? 

We LOVE our plants and we want them to live forever, so we take good care of them! They are maintained weekly and we even have them checked routinely by a plant expert.

We see some mindful retail items, is there a standard here?

Oh yes, we love to fill our shop with the best of the best coffee brewing equipment we can find! That being said, we are about to revamp our retail experience so stay tuned for something really cool very soon.

We know FCP a wholesaler/roaster for other coffee shops/restaurants? Any new just off the ground places we can call out? 

Yes!!! A new little cafƩ opened up called VIVRE, on PCH in Newport Beach ,that we have been roasting for. They have amazing food offerings and the sandwiches are so good!

What is it that people don’t realize when it comes to the coffee industry?

A lot of people donā€™t realize the steps it takes to get that perfect cup of coffee. There is a lot that happens behind the scenes, such as green bean sourcing, sample roasting, cuppingā€¦ there is a lot of trial and error that eventually leads to that perfect cup of coffee, which is pretty cool honestly.

Your favorite coffee order or experience?

My go to coffee order is constantly changing with the season! At the moment, I am a big fan of the cortado, with a perfect balance of milk and espressoā€¦ but just last month I was only drinking batch brews.

Are you also a foodie / or chef at home? 

I am a big foodie, I would say that most of my life schedule is based around what I will be eating and whereā€¦ I also love to cook but it is usually on holiday occasions when I get super creative in the kitchen and make something spectacular.

What is your idea of a perfect dining experience?

To me the perfect dining experience is one that can be shared amongst friends and family in a memorable ambiance! Nothing is better to me than when the food is so good that everyone is just passing their plates around the table for everyone to get a little taste of perfection!

Love this dreamy vibe at Freelance Coffee Project – Newport Beach, CA

We love setting our communal table in inspirating locations with interesting people and opening the seats to the curious & adventurous.

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining.

Come on a lark with us!

Saturday 7/27/24 with the Talented Chef Matthew Roberts of True North Social Club & curators: Alissa Travers, Christina Peterson, Eric Kassel, French Buckets, Luna Reece Ceramics + Styling by Jo

Freelance Coffee Project – Newport Beach, CA

Q+A with Lorraine Pennington | Costa Mesa, CA

We fell in love with Lorraine’s Pennington‘s minimalist paintings first. It was years later that we met her, by chance, and it honestly felt like a dream-come-to-life. Since then we have supported each other from afar but recently our brief scout at her gorgeous atelier turned into hours long conversation that still lingers and evokes thought + laughter. All we can say is, if you don’t know Lorraine Pennington, you should! We are grateful to bring everyone along on our next lark through these Proust inspired dinner party questions:

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Echo Park with a musician father and mother who encouraged being artistic.

What is your favorite places to visit? 

I really love Italy, France and Spain.

When did you decide to become an artist?

I feel like I have always been drawn to creatingā€¦I enjoyed designing jewelry and tabletop accessories like a very large wall necklace I sold at Aā€™MAREEā€™S and at Garde in Los Angeles. 

Art School yay or nay?

No. I didnā€™t go to art school.

We love your paintings and can easily describe it as peaceful, serene, organic…can you share any other cool or fun descriptions you’ve heard? 

I have heard the words Wabi-sabi and Calming. 

One of the best compliments was a client told me, who had one of my painting in their bedroom that they loved waking up and seeing my artwork, it put them in a good mood. I am a very positive person so my art has that energy.

We also love your jewelry which speaks so much to your aesthetic, you are no longer making but can you share any photos for us to swoon over?

I still design a few pieces of jewelry but I donā€™t do retail anymore. 

I love that people that bought my jewelry tell me they still wear it after buying it 8 years ago.

It is still the only jewelry I wear.

What is your idea of a great dining experience?

My idea of a great dining experience is having people you enjoy with great music and lighting and of course amazing food and drinks.

Are you the chef at home?

Yes I really enjoy cooking, I usually never use a recipe. 

What is you most coveted ingredient?

Fresh herbs and salt. My favorite food is sushi.

Any interesting stories of where your paintings have landed? 

My paintings have been in a few magazines…recently I was at my moms looking at her magazines and I opened a house beautiful and saw my artwork. I think almost every time my work has been published I found out by surprise opening up the magazine. I have sold art throughout United States. My favorite is when I get to see where the artwork is going in their home so local is always nice.

We would find it hard to “let go” of something so beautiful, how do reconcile with parting with your art?

Yes, I find it hard to let certain pieces of artwork go. I usually hide a few I am not ready to part with!  

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I find that perfect happiness comes when you are fully present, and not expecting anything from the moment.

Any current books, shows or music you are enjoying?

I love to read and read a lot. I have been reading /studying Breaking The Habit Of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza very intriguing book. I also read a lot of fiction. 

I really enjoy going to the library since I was a little kid so books are a big part of my life. I still like to hold a book in my hand and use a handmade bookmark so no kindle for me.

I try not to watch a lot of TV but on the weekends I do watch some like we just finished Succession and I watched Yellowstone. 

Music is another big deal for me I like a lot of different artist. One that comes to mind that I have listened to lately is Khruanghin.  

Lark imagery by @missymphotograhy & all others compliments of Lorraine Pennington.

āœš  āœš  āœš 

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!

Lark #73 x Lorraine Pennington x Chef Matthew Roberts

We were honored to set the communal table, April 10, 2024, with our favorite minimalist artist @lorrainepennington at her beautiful + inviting atelier in West Side Costa Mesa.ā€Ø

Here we enjoyed welcome drinks & mingling, delighted in the beauty of imperfection, shared a chef curated dining experience andā€”best of allā€”partook in the (rediscovered) art of conversation.


Q+A with Interior Designer Paige Elise in Laguna Beach

Taking a little dip below the surface with this fun Q+A with Paige Elise in prep for our upcoming lark on Thursday 8/10/23 at her eponymous atelier set in the breezy + cool canyon of Laguna Beach.

Our introduction to Paige began at her curated retail shop Layered By Paige Elise in Costa Mesa as we love the style and vibe. Soon we learned of the Laguna location and, of course, we traversed the coast and canyon just to see it. We love how light, airy, calm and dreamy the space is, with plenty of ideas to dreamā€“and set our communal table!

Other recent news, she now has a third location in the charming small town of Los Olivos in San Ynez Valley. All three locations are highly recommended destinations for those seeking curated home furnishings and amazing vintage pieces, many inspired and sourced from her world-wide travels.

We can’t wait to share this inspirational space and story with all who gather around the communal table but first a few questions so you can come along!

Q. Where did you grow up?

Newport Beach, CA.

Q. Do you have any childhood memories around design that tie into your grown-up life?

I remember going to flee markets with my mom and her friends. My mom has always been into garden design & aesthetics and my love for interiors grew from watching her as a kid.

Q. We know you travel to find inspired pieces, what is your favorite vintage market experience?

My favorite buying trip was to Morocco where we filled a container with antique doors, pottery and rugs. 

Q. When you set/design a gathering atĀ the dinnerĀ table, what are your go-tos?

Fresh floral & yummy cocktails are a must.

Q. You have a well curated retail offering, what is it that catches your eye (or heart) about a product?

I love buying unique pieces that not only have a story to tell, but also create one-of-a-kind spaces. 

Q. Are you the chef in the family? 

I am not a great cook, but I am great at making reservations. 

Q. What is your current state of mind?

Currently I have loved getting to spend extra time with my kids this summer, but I am ready for the school year to start and get back to my routine.

Q. If you could change one thing about how people view design what would it be?

Not every empty space needs to be filled!

Q. What makes you feel the most alive?

Being at the barn and riding my horse with my daughter.

 ā˜…ā˜…ā˜…

Thrilled to share lark will have Paige & team covered with fresh florals from French Buckets + yummy cocktails by professional bartender Eric Kassel. Grateful for friends, old and new, coming together to create a memorable evening of food, wine, design and the (rediscovered) art of conversation.

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!

Layered By Paige Elise
Chef Taylor Elam
Eric Kassel
Christina Peterson
French Buckets
Emily Musgrove Art
Luna Reece Ceramics
The Cheese Block
Hugo Landa Garcia

Lark x Travers Residence x Chef Kyle Powers ~ Newport Beach

Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_

We recently brought all our good vibes together for a “private” pop-up communal dinner. We seldom do private events, but we can be convinced through sheer sincerity and determination ā˜†

Lark @ Travers Residence
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Newport Beach, CA ā˜†

Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_

Menu crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers ā˜†

Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_

Chefs whim appetizer accompanied by signature larktails:

Espresso martini

Blood orange + jalapeƱo spicy margarita 

Strawberry basil margarita 

1/crab + corn chowder, poblano, focaccia toast

Paired w/Penfolds 311 Chardonnay

2/mushroom salad, dandelion greens, pickled fresnos, garlic chips

Paired w/Groth Sauvignon Blanc

3/cioppino (white fish) tomato broth, white beans

Paired w/Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot Noir

4/chocolate, chocolate, chocolate

Paired w/Wilson’s Organic Cold Brew Coffee

Birthday cake by @mcakesweets ā˜†

Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_
Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_

Birthday poem by writer Nick Banning ā˜†

Saturnine sky with long days, long sunsets, long shadows. Summer makes the promise that take off is voluntary, yet landing is required. Is it time to show every sense but common?

The Stars eat from her hand when she lets them. Shall we dance in the sand, hummm our favorite song as the sun greets and the Stars ditch us?  The clouds are like pink Spanish Galleons in the sky waiting to be Plunderedā€¦

Blossoms on ice, sunflowers as big as the sun, design and elegance envelopes.  Time to slip on velvet slippers or perhaps barefoot shoes and acknowledge the importance of doing nothing.

Beauty surrounds, friends warm the night, glasses of pleasure in your handsā€¦with Gratitude Optimism is Sustainable and with Grateful Acceptance we give the Nod to the Joy of what is around us.

A big THANK YOU to all who came together to make this an evening to remember! ā˜†

producer Alissa Travers
photos @vacation_media_
florals @ferncottageflorals
chef @mrforky of @forkintheroadcatering
tapas plates @lunareececeramics
stylist Christina Peterson
cake @mcakesweetsĀ 
poet Nick Banning

& friends! ā˜†

Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_

ā˜†ā˜†ā˜†

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!

Q & A with Zachery Mundt of Costa Mesa’s event “Jewel Box” known as The Shindy

We are excited to introduce Zack Mundt whose talent + love for design to breathe new life into a storied WWII bungalow in West Side Costa Mesa. You cannot walk into the space without feeling a bolt of celebratory energy & happiness. Everything from the textured wallpaper to the colorful floor tiles is a delight. We love what you have done with the placeā€“and we have so many questions for you!Ā 

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Spearfish, South Dakota and spent most of my time outside in the Black Hills. 

Did you have a love of design as a child? As a child I didnā€™t really know that design was even a thing. Most everything around me was generally based on function rather than fashion. I definitely had a deep love of building things – tree houses, skateboard ramps, random things made of wood, and always loved the old wood structures – barns, root cellars, etc – that were in the fields behind my house and were left by the homesteaders and other early inhabitants of the area. 

You are close with designers in the commercial/hospitality world, what are some of your favorite projects? Oh my – there are so manyā€¦ My favorite place to go and stay and eat is the Chiltern Firehouse in London. The hotel itself is absolutely gorgeous. They have this amazing balance of true, rich, luxury in their finishes and fixtures, and there are a ton of plants and flowers that really balance it out and make it feel welcoming and calming. The service is absolutely top notch, which is vital for a complete experience.  Iā€™m working on the Magnolia Hotel in Waco TX right now and am so excited!! This one is more about bragging rights with my family šŸ™‚  Everyone loves Chip and Joanna and this one gives me a little street cred since a lot of what we do in my world is unknown to the average person. 

What is it that catches your eye (or heart) about a product/design element? When something is absolutely beautiful, or unique, or completely strange and eye catching, but still functions perfectly for a particular purpose – I love that. I also love multi-colored stripesā€¦ I cant wear them, and they donā€™t usually fit in our home etc, but I just love it visually – definitely brings me joy. 

What led you to create The Shindy? During the pandemic, our wonderful neighbor restaurant, Trenta, expanded into the parking lot in front of our office space. People kept looking in and then some started asking if they could rent it out for a party. At first we said no, but then, Leilah, my wife and partner in The Shindy, pitched the idea that we hire a designer and create a small, beautifully curated, event space. We then sourced as much as we could from manufacturers that I represent so I can use the space for design meetings, presentations, etc as well. 

We know some of your favorite restaurants are Bavel and Bestia? Do you feel they may have informed the look/feel of The Shindyā€”in what way? The look of Bavel and Bestia are entirely their own and The Shindy is in quite a different direction. Something that is certainly reminiscent of those amazing establishments is the care and detail in how they present their product to the world. When youā€™re there you can feel that it is absolutely necessary that each bite is just right, and we strive to provide that with the experience we provide at The Shindy. 

Are you the chef at home? Weā€™re actually a home full of home chefs!! Leilah, Willa (our 12 year old) and I all love to cook and create and eat delicious things. That said, I do quite a bit of the cooking. It is a time for me to decompress and unwind at the end of the day, or a great cathartic project to create something larger on a weekend.  I truly love the detail of cutting each ingredient to a specific size or shape so that each cooks to a specific texture or flavor or doneness – and when those pieces come together as a whole – it is truly magical. 

What is your most memorable mealā€“one you made or one you’ve had? Leilah and I went to Alinea in Chicago for our anniversary one year and it was absolutely incredible. Each dish is generally one bite, sometimes a couple, and truly mind blowing. The flavors and textures they create is unbelievable and the beauty of each is stunning. Each plate, eating utensil, etc is made specifically for that dish. It is like a gorgeous, miniature food circus, with the most amazing service. 

What is your most prized design element? I donā€™t know that Iā€™ve got one yetā€¦.I more value my kitchen tools – my cast iron pans, my knives and kitchen shears, the tortilla press, things I use daily. 

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Perfect happiness for me would be a small farm with enough land to grow most of the food and livestock we eat, a beautiful farm house with two amazing kitchens – one indoor and one outdoor – and enough money to hire great people to help make sure it all runs smoothly. 

What is your greatest extravagance? Food – definitely. We love to go out to a great restaurant and truly enjoy it. 

If you could change one thing about how people enjoy food or design spaces, what would it be? I do think people could respect the places theyā€™re in and the people who are working hard to provide them with a good experience. 

What do you most value about The Shindy and how to see its future? I love that The Shindy is used for people to get together – be it for a dinner, a baby or wedding shower, a graduation, a birthday – I love being around my friends and family and get recharged by doing so. I love it that we are able to provide a place for people to to just that. 

Who/What inspires you? Leilah and Willa inspire me daily. Iā€™m inspired by almost anyone who decides they want something and then goes after it. Life is tough and sometimes itā€™s a challenge to get up and go but youā€™ve got to do it and you feel better once you get going. Thereā€™s beauty everywhere – I definitely take tiny moments and use them to inspire me, a hummingbird in the back yard in the morning, flowers in yard when we get in the car, laughing with my daughter on the way to school, a smile from another parent as we pull out of the parking lotā€¦ I tend to look for little moments of joy and keep them within to help through the day. 

What is your motto? “Keep swimming!ā€  Once again, it truly is all about the people you meet along the way!

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!

Friday, June 16, 2023 6:30pm-9:30pm
$178. per person, all-inclusive
four course meal + wine pairing by
the talented Chef Kyle Powers + Sous Chef Bryan Barnes⚡️.

The Shindy
1663 Superior Avenue, Suite A
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(17th x Superior)

Purchase Tickets:

Let’s Go On A Lark!

Open invite. Limited seats.

Guerrilla Lark | Civic Center Park, Newport Beach, CA

We have strolled the Civic Center Park’s winding trails dozens of times, enjoying the varied pieces of art, flora and faunaā€“ā€“and always leave feeling refreshed and carefully noting the best locations for a picnic.

Super fun (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark in Newport Beach

We decided to settle in the towering presence of the amazing Talking Heads sculpture by the classically trained sculptor Oleg Lobykin. Fitting as time between the bigger larks is always used for reflection (our motto: do, reflect, refine, do again).

Super fun (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark in Newport Beach

While enjoying a delicious array of cheeses, meats, fruits, and crackers accompanied by sips of sparkling water and gentle ocean breeze, we talked about what was happening in our lives, things silly and serious. 

Super fun (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark in Newport Beach

We shared stories and laughed about the larks past and present and, of course, dreamed up what could be next.

Super fun (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark in Newport Beach

Appearing along the path near our table is Lisa Hughes Anderson who enthusiastically snapped a few photos and her friend Suzanne Redfearn who graced us with her recently published novel. You never know who’ll you will meet on a lark!

Super fun (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark in Newport Beach

Love that we took the time and effort to create a beautiful experience that filled us with adventure and inspiration.

Grateful to share these super fun (& delicious) times with: @chrismariepete, @laurabrophyinteriors, & @thommgrl and happy to get some BTS imagery featuring some of our favorite local artisans @lunareece.ceramics & @huitlaguna

Super fun (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark in Newport Beach

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!

New dates to be announced soon!

Lark x Cleobella x Chef Taylor Elam

Our last gathering of 2021 found us in a bundle of good energy as we came together to for a “private” pop-up dinner party.

We seldom do private events, but we can be convinced through sheer sincerity and determination.

Friday, December 4, 2021

Lark x Cleobella x Chef Taylor Elam

Here we gathered around the communal table to be inspired by the surroundings, enjoy an amazing chef crafted meal & partake in the (lost) art of conversation. 

Menu by Chef Taylor Elam of @merkato

Amuse Bouche

Charred Spanish Octopus preserved lemon + mint chermoula

Prix Fixe

Crispy SunchokeĀ / crispy sunchoke + pummelo + burrata + squash seed gremolata + fennel crudo

Chicory GreensĀ  / chicory greens + beet + apple + pumpernickel crouton + ricotta salata + ash honey vinaigrette

Meyer Ranch Hanger SteakĀ / meyer ranch hanger steak + winter squash + roasted maitake + carrot top salsa verde

Olive Oil Cake /Ā olive oil cake w/lavender cream

We had such a good time collaborating with Chef Taylor Elam to create a special moment for our friend Angela — and we are thankful to @kathryncoblyphotography for capturing the moment.Ā 

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!

Create. Collaborate. Elevate.

@letsgoonalark @merkato @cleobellaboutique @kathryncolbyphotography @lunareece.ceramics

Super fun & delicious times! We look forward to sharing more good vibes in 2023!

Lark on the {Video] Line…. | Chasing our Brightest Light in Huntington Beach, California

What would you do if you could do anything?

Thrilled to share our first ever video interview of owner + creative director & (most importantly) mother Lisa Gutierrez Martinez sharing how she arrived to take us on a lark!

https://mompreneurnextdoor.blogspot.com/2019/11/creative-and-stuck-behind-desk-time-to.html?m=1

Image captured by MBmaher.com on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa. Black linen jumper hand-made by our talented friend in the wolf pack @lupothelable

Super thankful to Mompreneur Next Door for creating a platform to inspire other people to chase their brightest light!

Here’s a fun Q & A to compliment the video:

Q. What did your life look like when you started your business?

A. I had carried the idea of having my own business for so long, that when it came to fruition, it felt like breathing a dream. 

Q. Why did you choose what you did?

A. I want as much control of my life as possible. I want to live intentionally. I was, and am, seeking an interesting and well-lived life.  

Q. How has being a mompreneur has changed your life?

A. It gave us, myself and my family, a freedom I had once only imaged. 

Q. What is your biggest challenge?

A. Not having a set schedule has been challenging, but I love to work on lark every chance I get. Some days I am fully immersed. Other days I have to be satisfied with the smallest step forward. 

Q. How do you set boundaries when working from home?

A. I, by intention, donā€™t have boundaries. I love my work and I love my family and I don’t mind them spending time together.

Q. What are the benefits to doing this and what the most surprising one has been?

A. I love being able to pursue the things that interest me; including the opportunity to collaborate and learn from people I respect and admire. 

Q. Any advice you would give to your younger self?

A. Take smart risks, donā€™t hesitate too long. You have to jump in to learn how to swim.

Q. Two or three actionable items/tips that you can share with the listeners that they can implement immediately.

A. Three things: 1) Action creates opportunity. 2) Persistence pays. 3) Collaborate; we (all) rise by lifting others.  

Q. Anything you are currently reading/listening to that you would recommend?

A. For podcast, I suggest ā€œSecond Lifeā€ by Hillary Kerr. For books, I have threeā€¦ get them in paperbackā€¦mark off, highlight, write notes, so you can pick them up again and again and be inspired:

1. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert 

2. You Are A Bad Ass by Jen Sincero 

3. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott 

# # # 

Lark x Costa Cabana x Chef Kyle Powers | The Dream Continues in East Side Costa Mesa, California

Friday, September 20, 2019 

We had a beautiful and intimate gathering at the circa 1930ā€™s farm-house-turned-fashion haven known as Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa.

A little mix & mingle captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at fashion haven Costa Cabana!

In this gorgeous and fashion buzzing bungalow we enjoyed welcome drinks + mingling leading up to an amazing chef crafted meal & @winc wine pairing by the master of makeshift Chef Kyle Powers ā€¦where each dish became an ode to the migrant farmers who came before us. 

Over dinner, we exchanged stories about boating & the beautiful nearby island of Catalina (including talk of The Banning Family + Natalie Wood), the dreams + inspirations of a young coffee house entrepreneurs and adventures of those like-mindedā€“who have intentionally been on a few larks of their own. 

Throughout the evening our conversations were sprinkled through line of musings, evoking much laughter, that somehow built upon each other and never got old. It is amazing to see, and be a part of, the many evolving connections made at the communal dinner table.

We feel fortunate to have immersed ourselves in such stylish vibes thanks to the awesome eye of Lauren Flores, owner of Costa Cabana and her amazing network of designersā€“to name a few: @amusesociety. @st_eve_jewelry. @cleobella, @stylingbyjo , @knotsisters, @californiacasa, @shopskout + @lunareececeramics.

A big THANK YOU to all who came together to make this an evening to remember!

@mb.maher, @forkintheroadcatering ,@winc ,@lunareececeramics ,@kaileeinthekitchen, @richelixirs ,@dperlof ,@mymiddlenameisstarr, and@mat3.photography

Welcome to the prep! This is why we call Chef Kyle Powers the Master of Makeshift. We love being able to think outside the box. Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana!
Irresistible welcome charcuterie from which no one shies away….compliments of Chef Kyle Powers captured (so well) on a super fun lark by MBMaher.com at Costa Cabana!
Laughs from the very beginning! Image captured by MB.Maher on a super fun lark at the super hip fashion haven known as Costa Cabana!
E-V-E-R-B-O-D-Y!! We love the responses we got from this quote; simple + kind words can always set the mood! Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana!
Ladies who lark! We love when guest return with their friends! Super fun times on a lark at Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa. Image captured by MBMaher.com
This so carefully crafted + executed dish was amazing, thanks to Chef Kyle Powers for always rocking the delicious vibes! Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana!
Amazing southern grits w/braised oyster mushroom + romesco compliments of Chef Kyle Powers + thoroughly enjoyed on a lark at Costa Cabana! Image captured by MBMaher.com
Southern grits w/braised oyster mushroom + romesco compliments of Chef Kyle Powers + thoroughly enjoyed on a lark at Costa Cabana! Image captured by MBMaher.com + guest!
Thrilled to have created a platform to express what we are passionate about in life! Super fun times on a lark w/Chef Kyle Powers at the fashion haven at Costa Mesa!
Chef Kyle Powers working his magic on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Costa Cabana! Image captured by Mitch Maher at MBMaher.com
Daniel Perlof pours an end of season Ginger Beer cocktail thanks to our friends at @richelixiers ~ enjoyed on a super fun lark at fashion haven Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa. Image by MBMaher.com
A simple gathering of the adventurous + curious!. Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun (& delicious) lark w/Chef Kyle Powers at fashion haven Costa Cabana!
Delicious grapes + crispy fennel salad w/herb goat cheese, pickled strawberry vinaigrette, mache rochette by Chef Kyle Powers enjoyed on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana!
Amazing lamb chops crusted w/grains of paradise, dried fruit + green bean chutney + potato compliments of Chef Kyle Powers. Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana!
Daniel Perlof + Chef Kyle Powers cheers w/ 2017 Finke’s Sparkling White Blend (thanks to our friends at @winc)! Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark w/Chef Kyle Powers at Costa Cabana!

 Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!