Delightful & Delovely

Escape the heat with a Lazy Day...

2011-07-17T22:53:00.000-07:00

There comes a moment, in the midst of the summertime whiteness of heat & humidity, that everyone needs a lazy day.
Well with that deep red blanketing most of the USA on the Weather Channel map, I'm thinking a few moments of cooling retreat, respite & renew could be used by all.
Who would not love to have this to cool down beside & thrust their scorched skin within.
My fave Trina Turk tunic... Tropical drink required.
Later for a nosh I recommend gazpacho... did I mention I add basil since it grows like a weed.
Pane rustica a.k.a figs, ricotta, prosciutto, mesculin & balsamic glaze on crunchy, crusty bread. Sublimely light.

Watermelon granita near the end of the day. Umbrellas make way for lanterns...

& I dream of escaping to the ocean...my way.
Stay cool America.

Photos courtesy of Garden Design, Metropolitan Home, Sotheby's Real Estate, Trina Turk, House to Home

Seein' red & blue...year 3...

2011-07-02T22:51:00.001-07:00

Well another Fourth is here in America so I celebrate with a collection of fun I've found our patriotic motif in over the last year with a few faves.

Fashion whether classic...

...or glam...

...or whimsy...it all works.

Thailand...

Testosterone based...

Meg Braff...

Anna's genius from Absolutely Beautiful Things

Have a glorious Fourth!!!

Images courtesy of House Beautiful, W Magazine, Victoria, Carolyn Roehm, Country Living, marthastewart.com, Anna Spiro, Amazon,Etsy.

The path need taken...

2011-05-24T22:56:00.000-07:00

With all the horrid weather related disasters plaguing my America, I wanted to take a moment from my hectic life & give thanks for the fact that my family is safe, my home had windows, heck I have a home for that matter &... a bit of advice I carry near & dear to my soul.

Many years ago , while watching similar after reports from a destructive tornado in Kansas I saw a gentleman make a comment that stays with me to this day.

"Never cry for something, that can't for you."

It struck me hard & I can tell you having survived a direct hit from a tornado ( Iowa 1987) it's the only way to survive tornadoes, floods, heck even recession.

Just a thought & a window into peace from a favorite picture of the Cotswold's. I wish I could give everyone a sense of serenity, even if only for a moment, in all this tragedy.

P.S. Click on the photo for all the glory.
Glory courtesy of the gem called Garden Design.

A present project & a future wish.

2011-04-29T21:32:00.000-07:00

Between all the tea poured around the world in honour of the Royal Wedding & the proliferation of spring buds, blooms & hues cascading across our land, I find this notion of bulbs in tea cups a perfect project for my weekend & an ideally simple gift for upcoming Mother's Day.

Whether projects or relaxation is part of your weekend, enjoy, enjoy.

Hippity Hop Happy Weeekend.

2011-04-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

Have a glorious wonderful weekend. Being both Passover & Easter this weekend, many homes around the globe will be filled with loved ones eating & being with the ones you love. Being Christian, Easter is my holiday on Sunday & while I'm the first to remember religion is the reason I still nod to bunnies of the fluffy & chocolate varieties. Ironically kosher chocolate matzo squares are a staple of the Seders I have been privileged to attend so see. we're really all alike. Seriously though, no matter what or whom you believe I hope your weekend will be sweetly filled.

Alicia

White Delight

2011-04-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

Every season I miss of change, now living in Arizona, makes me miss my seasons more. Make sense??? Hopefully. As your weekend comes to fruition I ask to think of me as you play in the dirt, new shoots or whatever green makes your days. I miss my white delights so very much. Have a glorious weekend. Delights to you!! Alicia

Nibble of knowledge for Saturday

2011-03-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

If you exude grace, you repel toxicity.

-me-

Emerald Green with Envy

2011-03-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

As insane as my life has been the last 6 months I find lately a scant of time to reenter the blogosphere, breathe, read & once again post. Today is a natural day to give a bit to the internet being its all about the green. Alright not really but being that St Patricks Day for so many revoloves around beads (?) tshirts , horrid green beer (hello Guiness!!), I decided to pause & celebrate my love of green..the color.
It goes with everything. Heck a plant works in any space.Case closed. Its nature, its richness, darn it it makes me feel renewed. So as I renew posting, its rather a natural new beginning.
Green in a few lovely images.

I will confess my addiction to moss.

Palmer Weiss & how could you not covet that sofa.

Givenchy...

Barkers UK... airmail????

Leah Fanning. If I win the lottery.

Plaza Flowers perfection...merci Connie Plaissay. This makes me serene.

Christina's genius everyone should own.

Lalique's notion...
Art by Kristina Sobstad

Miles Redd: thank you for your unabashed use of color.

More moss... so luscious.

My green of the moment taking across from Forsythe Park in Savannah back in 2009. A wonderful time... I hope for more.

Have a glorious St Patricks Day. May the luck of life bless you!!!!

Photos courtesy of HB, Plaza Forist, Leah Fanning, Kristina Sobstad, NetaPorter, Barkers UK

The meaning of me...in humor...

2010-07-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

With the 115 degree heat & mighty long days of late, I've found myself cooling off in the glorious solitude of a cool cucumber or lemon bath lately most evenings I get home. I light candle throw many slices into a tub of tepid water & relax.
Birth date 44 is upon the horizon & as usual I get a bit philosophical each time another candle approaches. I mean another year of life & am I any closer to the real me???

We all do wonder, gazing into the mirror, questioning ourselves & if who we are is who we really are. We've all played shapes to fit the nooks & crannies we live in knowing fully well its not our natural place...okay, okay I'm getting a bit to Personal Growth section at Borders but really its true.

me being me in 2006

The one thing I know is screw it, being yourself is happiest. So I'm here to proudly tell you.

I'll never be a glamour queen....

...have a tiny waist...
...wear heels just to look good when flats are needed....
....wear bright lipstick....

...smoke.....
...wear anything but a suit & sunscreen to the beach... ...ignore dessert...ever!!!!!
...dress cute when jeans & no makeup works best...
...be delicately coy, heck any coy for that matter... ...or the suit type...

...or the fur type......go to bed in makeup... ...or wake up looking like a vision of loveliness...

Nope. None of that is me & is great!!! I've tried them all, yup even the cigarettes for like 10 minutes 23 years ago & to that & all the other times I tried not to be the chatty, silly, eats on dates, speaks my mind times...well it all leaves a horrible taste in my mouth & self.

So for now I leave you with my 2 favorite quotes courtesy of Quoteable Cards

Have a glorious week being you!!!
Now back to our regular posting.....

Images courtesy of Quotable Cards & My Vintage Vogue

Seeing red & blue, year 2

2010-07-01T21:27:00.001-07:00

Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie & me!!! All American fun is gearing up from sea to shining sea this weekend in the grand olde U.S.A. & along with firecrackers, barbecues, to mention our tastebuds, my senses have been delighted this past year with another sets of red, white & blue true hues. My traipse across the scape last year was so fun how could I not give you another swig.

Dapper men are very patriotic

Miles Redd

Have a firecracker, hot doggy, apple pie eating good ole time with your loved ones this weekend with a special blessing to those serving our country.

Happy Independence!!!!

Time marches on.

2010-06-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

Back in Michigan today, my beloved Godson Grant graduated from elementary school. It still seems like just yesterday it was the first day of first grade. Thanks to his Mom I have a photo of that day soo long ago & its still an all time fave of mine. However....

Where does it go & how does it go by so fast??

I remember cutting up oranges to give him a visual for fractions while we did homework. I remember doing the Martin Luther King Day word search with him so the weekend could start. I also remember the issues; his goofiness needing to be tamed, his sometimes lack of focus & knowing how unbelievably smart this boy was & hoping it would all come out for his teachers to see. This is the boy who asked me when he was 5 how his tongue tasted food & wanted specifics so we bought a human body book to learn. I can still hear his little boy voice begging to read about the digestive system instead of a Transformers book one bedtime. Heck he corrected my mom when she pointed out a purple Victorian house..." Liz, that's mauve." This is one incredible little guy.

But he's not soo little anymore. He's 11 & a half, going into middle school & finally found his essence when it comes to school. Focused & succeeding all I could think about today, while I wished I was there was how fleeting time really is. Treasure the moments. I do.

We chat still weekly & always he ends with "love yous" because I'm proud to say he knows how important that is most of all. That's how I know my favorite little boy is now my favorite little man.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Books, books & more eye candy of the literary variety

2010-06-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

Ever just go to Amazon & just peruse the cookbook covers?? I use to live for hours in the stacks but as Borders & my alma mater Barnes & Noble cease to carry the title list in house as in my days of the late 90s, that's not possible.
Here's a a few titles right now I'm loving & recommend.

Porch Parties is the newest from Dallas native Denise Gee whose Southern Cocktails was a favorite when published back in 2007. Don't let that cooling watermelon punch on the front fool you. Its chocked full of food too..baby crab cakes with lemon garlic aioli.

If you want to add a Hummingbird cake to the party go with Nancie McDemott's Southern Cakes or Mrs Rowe's Little Book of Southern Pies by Mollie Cox Bryan. I'm getting hungry...

Seasonal Fruit Desserts by Deborah Madison is beautiful & works great with the new slo food & locavore food movements. If this book doesn't inspire trips to farms & farmer markets I don't know what will.
Perhaps Chronicle Publishing's Farmers Market Desserts by food writer & activist Jennie Schacht or Janet Fletcher's ( trained under Alice Waters need I say more) Fresh from the Farmers Market.

Cool off with The Ciao Bella Book of Gelato & Sorbetto from the team behind Ciao Bella. If you've never had their Espresso Chip gelato at Whole Foods...holy moly you are missing heaven on a paddle. Perhaps their Vanilla Bean would go with something from The Perfect Finish from NYT food writer & White House pastry chef Bill Yosses. Get the feeling I'm in a sweet mood???? Well DIY Delicious from Vanessa Barrington does not release until August but it looks wonderful. It elevates scratch pantry cooking adding adventure but still cutting your food dollars down. As someone who makes ketchup I'm looking forward to this one. So what did I buy today?? Fred Plotkins new edition of his masterpiece Italy for the Gourmet Traveler, the ultimate gastronomic guide for our upcoming jaunt & the new Frances MayesEveryday in Tuscany. That's a no brainer. By the way the movie Under the Tuscan Sun murdered any impression one would have of the book if you had not read it. Read the book!!! Humorous, lyrical I devoured an advance copy waaaay back when & returning to the scene of her life again will not disappoint.
Finally... the new Ina Garten book is due in late October!!! Hopefully your week will be filled with treats for the your body & soul. Stay well.

Images courtsey of Amazon.com & Chronicle Publishing

Tuesday's surprise is still on Fridays mind!!!

2010-06-10T20:24:00.001-07:00

May of 2011 this view will be mine in person. I'm thrilled, excited & giddy 24/7!!! My mom & I are doing 3 weeks of wandering around the Italian countryside, city vista etc!!! Best of all...it's a gift from my Dad!!!!
Can you believe it!! Here it is Fathers Day around the corner & my parents surprised me out of the blue, well first they teased me then after threats of damage they finally let the cat out of the bag.
You see Mom & I were all set to do this trip back in 2004 but my then best friend begged for us to wait a year for her to go so we waited. I got terribly ill the end of June 04 & she met a man & dumped me in October. Yup fun huh..... did I mention my health returned right around the time the economy went bust. Fast forward another 2 plus years & now...tada!!!!!
We will be flying into Florence renting a car & tooling around the upper half of that fabulous boot. Perugia is as south as we will go. I have a few foodie guides & Caffeletto...the ultimate in inns & villas for staying. I can't stop laughing.
I hope that every ones week was as busy, hard working, surprising & laughter filled as mine. By the way an idiot in a new Mercedes nearly killed me today crossing into my path when I had a green & he had a red & as pissed as I was at his entitled apathetic attitude (what else could it be??) I realized why beat him up...he does that when he looks in the mirror every morning!!!
Wishing everyone Dolce Vita!!!!!

Blue is true with white sheer delight

2010-05-31T17:02:00.000-07:00

Blue & white are classic. All you have to do is find a gorgeous piece from China or Delft & notices how still it looks current & there...poof! Proof.

I've always been a sucker for the cool, crisp manner which the marriage transforms a room, chair or a table. Whether bolds ors whispers all blues create merry with white.

Yup its a true love. Gardens...what would they be with hydrangeas or delphiniums???

Fashion need I say more.

Lilly PulitzerTory Burch tunic...I could live in them all summer.

Still its interior after interior that I drool over & over & over....

Barclay Butera a charmer in any palette but blues are a fave.

Mary MacDonald. I die every time I see this veranda.

Phoebe Howard & I do believe that everyones adores her outdoors setting.

Sarah Richardson

Meg Braff
Tobi Fairley
Flow blue is stunning at its best. The watery effect of the blue is achieved through true transfer ware & its cobalt is not only the most loved but highly prized as well.
Other transfer ware from the Staffordshire region lends a crisper aesthetic but frankly still elevates any table.
Delftware from the Netherlands is traditionally a tin glazed pottery. Who hasn't lusted for tiles in their kitchen????
Royal Copenhagens Blue Fluted Half Lace is my ultimate desire. The sugar bowl coveted. Hand painted artistry you eat off of. Perfection.
Still the Chinese so did & still do it soooooo well & it works with all styles of design.

Carolyn Roehm loves the duet so much it became a gorgeous book.

As summer heats up to oranges & reds remember the cool blues & whites to chill your soul. It never fails...that & a mojito.

Images courtesy of Amazon, Carolyn Roehm, House Beautiful, Phoebe Howard & San Fransico Chronicle

Friday??? It can't be...

2010-05-21T18:58:00.001-07:00

I'm still trying to decipher where in the world Tuesday & Co went because they missed me or somehow I missed them.

With so much going on in reality from oil spills ( hey BP get off your wallet & get the job done!!),

economic turmoil on everyones' mind, heck even the Thai population, I'm turning off the NPR & tuning out for a bit.

Tuning out is a critical, integral aspect to any sane mind & body. Turn off the electronic devices, find a tranquil respite & do nothing. Feel the breeze, in fact listen to the breeze as it accompanies the birds & any other wildlife you're blessed with. Let the softness of nature replace the hardness of reality & just be yourself quietly for awhile. Stillness is a gift so few take advantage of in these years.

Another wonderful notion I heard this week...

L is for life, E is for evolving that is IF you allow it to happen.

LIFE

Have a wonderful weekend.

Little green wonders all in recipe row...

2010-05-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

Snap, snow or just a sweet treat I've always loved peas. Fresh is best naturally but unless you've planted a plot its rather difficult to find . Happily I discovered ages ago that fine frozen left to thaw...works fabulous.

Of course mint is a peas best friend. Mint & pea soup has been a favourite for or so long & this recipe is my favorite because its chilled. I garnish with creme fraiche & a pea shoot or a delicate small mint sprig. Its refreshingly cool, flavorful yet not overpowering.Another favorite is fresh peas, sugar snaps, mint & feta salad. Its yummy with my go to dressing of olive oil, champagne vinegar, Maldon salt & fresh cracked white pepper. I've added chives. scallion, etc over the years but the standard greens still is works best on the buds. If not feta go for chevre, caprino, mato or any goats milk cheese. the sharpness marries well with the greens, but hey go lactose free if desired. I've done that as well.
Pea sprouts are so under used in Western culture but dou miao is yummy. These gentle pea tendrils are stir fried with garlic, ginger then soy, & I add mirin for delicacy delight. The sprouts also rock on sandwiches. You must try. I get them at my local Asian market. Their intense sweet pea essence it just rocks my boat.
Mushy English peas, Indian curries, Asian stir frys. Whether the pod or pea so many cultures use the pea & I encourage to try them all.

Potato & pea pakora's

The most unusual..a peacake with salmon, creme fraiche, meyer lemon & chive from the fabulous Zen Can Cook. I created his creation & my God!!!! Nuff said.Promise me peas, that you'll give the freshness of please, I mean peas a shot.
Have a wonderful day!!!!

Images courtesy of BBC, Bon Appetit, Martha Stewart & Zen Can Cook

We interrupt veggies for chocolate...so needed!!!

2010-05-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

This week started out quite lovely beets, harmony & then just fell into the crapper Wednesday, staying there so that here I sit mentally & emotionally a drowned rat. My asparagus, spring onion ideas are all waiting but frankly...I'm just wanting a cocoa cocoon with a glass of Chambord. Ha ha ha.. I must work tomorrow incredibly early so indulge but not ravage. Saturday!! How beastly!!!
I hope no one has the blucky (Hailey toddler speak of yesteryears) days ahead of my behind & may a bit of cocoa heaven & rapsberry liquer delight about to soothe my buds caress your weekend.

Beets give you to the punch!!!!

2010-05-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

Beets really are the unsung hero of a the veggie world. Rich in vitamins through both the bulb & the greens, so many uses come besides that pickled beet grandma use to force onto most sunny Sunday suppers. Think small & fresh with the tops. Unless you're blessed with a farmers market Whole Foods really has the best selection including unique varieties. I never go for canned, goodbye to all the flavor. Steaming good but roasted in tin foil slowly..wholly moly!!! Baby beets are like candy, after all sugar came from beets for years in North America.

Summer borscht..yummy cold with creme fraiche. If you want a variation throw a bit of orange zest curls. I found a yummy beetroot slaw ages ago. Red cabbage, red pepers & beets, olive oil, orange Trader Joes Orange Muscat Champagne vinegar, maldon salt, pepper. Cool crisp its fabulously compliments a steak but frankly on a hot dog or even a sandwich its perfection. You will love it!!! Kasha Beet Salad via Judith Finlayson is yummy but I actually prefer the bite of sherry vinegar to red wine. I've also made it with wild rice mix. Still killer.

Wolfgang Puck had these Napoleons for an Oscar party & I stole the concept creating my own recipe with a chevre cream, micro greens & a balsamic glaze to drizzle. Once I candied pecans with a whisper of orange zest, chopped & threw in with the greens. Hello unbelievable!!! The beet tops are just as fab for your body. I actually love this Salad from Kashi. Spicy, sweet, & very creative.
Promise me you won't ignore beets. Those canned misfits are the pits so quit the can & grab a handful of fresh!!! Your tastebuds will be tickled beet juice pink!!!Photos courtesy of Rosemary Creasy, Saveur, People, Kashi

April showers bless May chowhounds

2010-05-10T16:25:00.000-07:00

As the warmth takes the black dirt of my beloved Midwest & Northeast into the first bounties of veggie fabulousness, I've decided to highlight a few favorites for the week. I miss the picking, dirt under my fingers, mouth watering & despite 2 years here in Arizona my soul & stomach still live for the 4 season culinary life.

I've also gone for a light, breezy serenading of Mozart & Beethoven. I'm in a zippy mood!!!!

A wish far & wide!!!

2010-05-08T18:00:00.001-07:00

May everyone have a lovely Mother's Day tomorrow, whether you be mom, daughter, grandmother or in my case Godmother. Share love, laughter & joy. To my favorite moms, Katie, Stephanie, Jenn & of course mine: Liz, I love you all so very much.

Blessings to all!!!!

Top down, tunes up & be carefree!!!!!

2010-05-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

As posh as I'd like to imagine myself to be I'm still a delovely girl who hasn't a qualm throwing the top down & blasting the tunes as the weather gets warmer. Yup I've gone from classical to soul. Hailey has always loved jamming. I have fond memories of playing Corinne Bailey Rae every morning before getting ready for kindergarten: her in my arms twirling around, but it was the car that got her going. I introduced her Jill, India, Angie not to mention a bit of the boys too.

I encourage everyone to roll the windows down surrender your hair to a mess & your soul to the best & let the kindergartner rule your week!!! Now giggle & mentally finger paint!!!

From amethyst to wine...purple is fine.

2010-04-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

I've always loved the hues with reds & blues that create purple. From garden to kitchen & everywhere in between it makes a statement & for me the deeper the tone the better
Alliums to tulips the hues can anchor, punch or grace a garden. How could you not just adore this flora bunda bounty???

Cuisine. Naturally one thinks of grapes but pies & tarts??? Martha's Concord Grape Tart was my first recipe waaaay back in 1985.

Then I was introduced to kale & broccoli which both are amazing roasted or sauteed with a drizzle of balsamic glaze & olive oil to finish. Oh fresh ground pepper & Maldon salt sprinkled...fabulous!!!!

Remember garlic, egglant & basil...all in purples sauteed together...holy moly!!!
Ironically my favorites are the Italian plums & figs: their deep color on exterior not mirrored inside but still. Figs roasted stuffed with chevre, my mom's German plum cake...yum!!
Using purples in design: usually they end up being lavender like light but again deep tones create impact, proving that urbane sophistication can indeed take the girly girl out of such a traditionally girly shade.Mind you men can & do wear the shade..my fathers Faconnable Tie & Thomas Pink shirt prove it so well.

Then there's my dream Vivienne Westwood dress, the famed D'Orsay Manolos & Chanel's Vendetta sultry on my nails.

A little Hermes never does any harm...

Whichever shade you adore, go for it. There's nothing better than punch & drama when it comes to coloring your life.
Photos courtesy of flickr, House Beautiful, Johner & Veranda

Missing: Lazy Sundays?????

2010-04-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

As the years have progress I've become highly aware of what defines progress (aah the irony of such as word) & frankly what has happened to Sundays??

Target is packed, Home Depot forget about it...retail is a buzz. Now don"t get me wrong. I'm not advocating everyone get their rears to pews, religion is a highly personal choice & organized religion even more so, but lazy Sundays, those I'm wondering where they went.

Reading, crossword puzzles, family dinners: just being together at home, even if doing things separately seem to becoming just as extinct as the family dinner. Don't get me started on that, I mean we now have to have PSA to remind to spend time together....horrible.

I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to family & its a damn shame that I'm described as one...traditionalist that is. Its not contemporary??? Okay, okay I'm off topic...

So my challenge for a Sunday or two...turn off the electronics, put away the car keys & just enjoy a Sunday slowly.

By the way..I wrote this on Saturday...I'm on the sofa with the NYT puzzle feeling rather ignorant but challenged & my family is laughing at the woman I am swearing at a folded up newspaper....

Sweet Sundays & all the other that follow.

Easter wishes for you & yours...

2010-04-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

Prayers, chocolate bunnies, dinner, breakfast or sunrises services, however you spend your Easter this weekend, I wish you the best times, laughter & candy. Your never too old for egg hunts & Peeps!!!

Happy Easter!!!!

Alicia

Let the music spring in!!!

2010-03-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

Having committed Mondays to blogging, naturally my boss begged me yesterday to swap & take next Saturday off. So for now I've taken a few minutes to add my much desired playlist because frankly my life is music.

Music has always been the companion I always counted on: my best friend. Ear buds in I'm never alone. While all forms live in my collection I always turn to classical for purity of reflection & frankly despite the Baby Mozart fad so many wonderful pieces are ignored, so I'm intending to highlight favorites from time to time.

Appalachian Spring is not the first piece everyone turns to for thoughts of the season of rebirth & while Vivaldi is a massive love of mine this ballet turned orchestral suite is a pleasure. Martha Graham commissioned this piece in 1944 & later Copeland revised it for full orchestra. Ironically whilst the ballet was set in spring the spring Copeland is referring to that of a water source.

Well I've turned into a PBS script haven't I??? As high brow as I'd like to pretend I still see Hailey twirling first to the flows & ebbs of this stream of notes. She's 3 years old & telling me its twirly music.

Twirl reccomended but not required. No wait. Every woman should twirl at least once a week. Now........................go!!!

Saveur wants to award Aran & I do too!!!!

2010-03-15T16:30:00.001-07:00

While I'm still trying to wrap my head around why the exquisitely talented Aran's Cannelle et Vanille was not nominated for Best Baking & Desserts blog, I can tell you she is nominated in their photography category. This does not surprise me as I've been saying for a long time she should sell her gorgeous tempting images.

I ask of you to vote for her work & hopefully the editors at my favorite foodie magazine will realize next year... her creativity goes beyond the images. Frankly her recipes are exquisite to the tastebuds as well!!!!

Peace, doughnuts & sweetness to all.

True love...

2010-02-08T14:26:00.000-08:00

Being the romantic I proudly label myself to be, I must confess that Valentines Day is not a favorite of mine. You may ask how can this be??? Well a tale of 1998 explains it all.

Valentines evening & I was dutifully at my post as Blockbuster manager. A couple came in already in an argument: it seems he got her nothing & she was beyond upset. Movie chosen & at checkout she engaged me...blah, blah blag..am I right??? Well..I asked her...

"Is he horrible to you???"

"No" came out & boy was she confused.

"Does he cheat? Beat you? Treat you without respect??? "

"No, no, no he's great."

"Then what do you need a card for on one day, when he reminds you all the time????"
Her face softened, he told me I was his new favorite person & together they went off to watch their movie with popcorn.

Valentines Day was created by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD to express love in a time of no Red Envelope, Hallmark, EHarmony, FTD: you name all the nonsense we obsess over, it simply did not exist. I've seen single girlfriends depressed on the 14th that they have no date, no flowers, no nick nacks instead of focusing on the love of friends & family. I've witnessed men running around like a chicken with their heads cut off in a drugstore on the 14th buying teddy bears & the card no one else wanted because they forgot & dread going home empty handed. A coworker once went to tears when he husband sent a great plant basket for her desk & not a dozen red roses, which for me is passe. All this drama. All for what????Expressing love, true love has nothing to do with all the disposable melamine, fluffy animals , sugar concocted offerings the retail world is trying to force down your psyche as a requirement not a testament. True love is giving of yourself to create a feeling of safety, contentment & peace in another for always not merely the 14th day of February. There's not a solitary material item that can express this: its a lifetime journey of humanity. This is true romance, true love.

Wishing you true love everyday.

Images courtesy of the genius Michelle Rago

Brava Tobi, Brava!!!!!

2010-01-31T15:06:00.001-08:00

Life has certainly been running at a hectic pace as of late & the blogger in my soul as been feeling so much remorse for misbehaving, however I can only remind you that my work weeks are insane & the remnants of Valley Fever have me collapsed at nightfall. Slowly I'm less spent but for now.... I dream of a getaway.

Back in the real world....

I do have to shout to Tobi Fairley brava for achieving the cover of House Beautiful March cover accompanied by a 10 page feature to boot!!!! Tobi has been a favorite designer of mine even before I was graced with her name & wonderful face to her work. Southern charm defines her to a T. Did I mention Traditional Home named her one of Top 20 Young Designers??? Well deserved. Case closed.
Her green living room is an ultimate of mine. By the by the fabric is that of another genius Barclay Butera.

Could you not just die for this graphic homage to monochromatic !!! Eye candy...
Photos courtesy of Tobi Fairley

Tis the seaon to create your own reasons

2009-12-20T09:24:00.000-08:00

As the holidays come into full madness I always discover myself watching from the outside but not for the obvious reason. You may or may not know but I've been in retail for 25 years. I've been ordering Holiday motif merchandise in July, figuring displays out in my mind in September, working like crazy from Halloween until January & poof my holidays have always been after everyone ceases shopping at the end of January. Christmas & Co have been my business & for that reason I see it quite differently.

I appreciate the gentle snowfall at midnight when I drive the empty streets home, lights twinkling, carols on the radio & the true peace of it all. I know my few gifts of thought always outweigh the mountains some think matter more. My perspective is the greatest gift of the season.

Worry not about perfect cookies. They last longer in the mouth than on the eyes. Forget about finding the perfect sweater for your best gal. Instead invite her out to lunch & shopping when the malls have quieted down. It will be a greater treasure. Allow yourself to be human. You'll forget, burn, miss & all the other wonderful traits that make you flesh & blood but promise me no tears.

I have seen it all fighting, crying, sadness: you name its occurred in front of my eyes. I've always reassured & yes sometimes they listen not just hear but more often than not they embrace the blue that the season of red & green can cause.

There are so many reasons to love the season: family, friends, treats & yes even gifts but if the year has been filled with illness, unemployment, economic issues, heck even just stuff I hope from one side of the counter to the other I hope you can find a reason to celebrate just being alive & loved. You see all that stuff you fight & worry over, we'll pull it out of a box again next October. Its really not that important. The love which is the reason, I believe, for the season, its always there.

P.S. Grant & Hailey are coming this Tuesday for 2 weeks. I get hugs, hand holding & kiddie kisses. Really who needs more.

Merry Christmas to you & those you love!!!!!

Ya give me fever...Valley Fever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-06T11:40:00.000-08:00

Sick as I've been I'm happy to pass on that I've been diagnosed with Valley Fever, a spore that lives in the AZ desert & yup...its in my lungs. Blood tests came back positive & now I'm just relaxing away. I did have pneumonia, often a symptom but the fever explains the enlarged nodes & while a follow up CT will be required this 99.9% explains the abnormal nodes & dismisses cancer. An anti fungal drug is only used in severe cases & knock on my wooden head I got it good but not that bad so rest, sleep, eat well & months of slowly getting better will do me just fine.

Thank you for all the love & support. Its made me feel so loved& we all know that's the best medicine.

I'm so looking forward to getting back to blogging in the next week or so. I have missed you all so very much.

By the way the images are my favorite flea market painting & then tole tray for my autumn transformation of the house. The tray was at the Ann Arbor Antiques market: last hours of a double weekend & tucked at the back of a display. Paid half price at $60.00 & the picture doesn't do it justice. It also big at 24"x20". All my years in the antiques world taught me many tricks of the price trade, which I'm thinking could make a good post. I can tell you that wherever I go Ann Arbor to Rose Bowl my compadres make me do the purchasing. The painting was from another fabulous Alicia at the Royal Oak Flea in tiny Royal Oak Michigan. Another photo that doesn't do it justice.

In my old home it hung over the fireplace mantle for the autumnal season. By the way I do have MVD: mantle vignette disease...dressing it for the season but think Martha or Eddie Ross. Natural resplendence I call it. With my closet full of decor my mother calls it nuts. Hey I was in high end home decor retail for 10 years & paid wholesale: NDI, I really miss you. :)

Happy weekend!!!!!

I haven't fallen off the Earth but I feel like it.

2009-10-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

Flu, flu, work, work, flu then to the hospital...double pnemonia. Yup thats my life the last 6 weeks. I"m in my second week of recovery & to make matters even worse on my CT scan my lung lymph nodes were enlarged beyond what illness should give me so naturally the resident gives me a list of reasons that includes cancer but thats the only one I heard. The odds are small but frankly any odds just aint delightful or delovely. I'll have to be re scanned & if I dont get ship shape sooner well then everything will just be pushed up but forgive me if I'm not in a blogging mood. I'll be back soon. I just need to veg, rest & find my usual kickin ass character again.

I hope everyone is having a fabulous Halloween week & enjoying the bounty of Autumn that I miss so very much. See the leaves, wear a sweater & pick an apple for me. I threw an amazing picking party eons ago back in a friends orchards in Michigan. Think picnic tables covered with vintage plaid blankets, baskets, vintage enamelware and a killer tablescapeof pumpkins, apples & straw/ Why oh why could 1994 not be a digital year??

Love to all.

Cupcakes for a cause.....

2009-09-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

6 days a week, 10 hour days have left me little time lately to breathe much less blog & for that I'm sorry. Once we fill a position at work, I'll be back. Heck I've even some killer recipes to share. ( Proscuitto, chevre pizza with fresh greens & my fig balsamic glaze...pizza!!)

For the moment I ask you to bake an ecupcake. Yup!! Design one, send it your friends & 1800FLOWERS will donate a dollar to Cancercare For Kids, a norganization that provides support for families of children with cancer. They've only had 2400 cupcakes sent??? So with $2600 dollars still up for grabs I figure the blog world can kill that in a few hours.

Now go bake a Cupcake for a Cause & yes I shall return.

When ones vacations, one works upon return

2009-09-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

I know, I know I've been silent since returning but in my real life, not the vacation life or blog life, I returned from the Lowcountry to a madhouse at dagnabit...work. In my pre economic crash life of boutiques it would be smooth sailing into the Holiday season but in the post layoff world of wholesale auto parts (we sell to the guy who fixes your car) its been crazy. People have less for new so are reinvesting more in the vehicle they have & blend that with the dog days of Arizona summer...well its a madhouse.

I'm off to spend time with my parents for this weekend the first since I've returned but I'll be back hopefully end of this week. I have so many wonderful places to show you. I found gems.

I hope you enjoy one of my shots of Forsyth Park in Savannah. I leave you with my blessing a.k.a Grant & Hailey, taken at Elizabeths on 37th on my birthday. Yup the pink was Haileys idea for a bit of fun.

Have a lovely time with your families & see you soon.....

Back again but home was left behind.....

2009-08-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

Yes I have returned to Arizona but after merrily making my way from Svannah to Charleston & gracing points in between I do believe I left my heart in Charleston. I have much to mention but with unpacking, working until Sunday & I leave you with this gorgeous tidbit of a home taken in historic Summerville... naturally with more to come.

Adieu for a few weeks my dear friends...& a piece of sarcastic but accurate advice.

2009-08-11T19:32:00.001-07:00

Wow, when you work like a dog in the 115 degree heat for 2 weeks it really flies by.

In a few days I'm off for a few weeks. Savannah, GA, Low Country Beaufort & Charleston SC to spend happy times with my beloved Godchildren Grant & Hailey. Having barely spent anytime with them the last 15 months after helping raise them for several years & loving them as if they were my own, this vacation has been long overdue & will be truly wonderful.

Besides sightseeing, beach combing & shopping, we will be celebrating my 43rd birthday next Monday with a 7 course tasting menu at Elizabeths on 37th. I'm also bringing back a few goodies to giveaway...& I give killer gifts!!! Oh & a few vinos tastings are on the agenda too!!!
Until we chat again take care my dear friends. Relax. Remember all those rude people you've been emailing me about well I leave you with a sarcastically accurate tip that I've been passing on for years. 25 years in retail I've seen everything...& been called it too. This popped into my head 'cause I am a bit nuts & I've been using this ever since. When that person is acting like a moron, a cretin, the devil or honestly just obnoxious look deep into their eyes & remember to thank God you don't have to have sex with this person!! You laughed!! I know you did. People always do. If this is how they act over trivial issues, because it always is trivial that is, imagine how they behave when its important. Yup you'll laugh & the frustration will disappear & there seems to be a lot of that these days. My final words are from the smart ass side of my soul.... its a great side to keep ya young!!!

Reign drops keep falling from my head...

2009-07-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

"precipitation"

one drop was all this took

drizzle then showers

all the sky a blue fighting low grey clouds

quenching an arid plot of long lost life before rainbows

me with colorful high hopes

falling

tears, rivers streaming through gutters, winds blowing

and without an umbrella relishing the wetness of my cheeks

my hair disheveled, my heart on straight

liberated

saturated

cultivated & sprouting

drenched to my bones & singing in my reign

Despite a monsoon season, I miss the rainy days of Michigan when clouds overcast all, the world's silent save for the drip drops of delight that sing to me all the day. I adore these days & will tell you that a walk in the rain is my favorite way to relax. I'm also the one you'll never see running from the car to wherever. I get wet, cause I do dry. My favorite drenched memory was 3 years back. Hailey was 4 Grant 7 & while in Target it was sunny. So as I pushed a cart of kids & dids & the rainy began gentle...yup they protested. Off came my raincoat & over the cart it went.... 10 steps out the door & it went torrential!!! Crazy heavy straight rain, children laughing as I get soaked & me....doing Gene Kelly imitation with a cart!! Yup they were safe, dry & I squished in my seat the whole way home but the giggling...thats what now keeps me quenched.
Please forgive the naughty blogger I am. I'm working up a storm to make up for the 5 months off recuping & the 2 weeks vacation to be with my little rain buddies...which occurs in 2 weeks. I haven't been with them since January. Once I return I'll be back to my 2 plus a week, but for now enjoy the rain I'm praying you get to cool & nurture you. Allow a few to hit your tongue for me.

I'll leave you with the 2 best reasons to be a bad blogger......

My tropicool bedaway

2009-07-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

Phew!!!!!!!!!!!!

Between the heat & working crazy I'm ready for another getaway.... in my imagination.
I hope everyone gets the chance to chill in this Sunday.

This is my read for the weekend...how appropriate!!!

Add in this cool man... & my getaway in bed is complete.
Dinner is mango mojitos & two great recipes from the New York Times Recipe for Health series...Grilled Pacific Halibut with Mango Salsa & Cucumber Salsa salad. They have some great recipes. Check them out.

Finally fresh pineapple sorbet. Love to everyone & thank you for the lovely compliments...you really made my week.

Images courtesy of NYT & Amazon

You burn, scorch & scar but you will flower again...

2009-07-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

So many woes, so little time to soothe.

You see I'm a soother, a mother to anyone in pain. I have had great pain in my life & through this my empathy is off the charts. Not my words, my friend's. She always know when she calls me she'll cry because I encourage her to release if only a trace of the pain that weighs her down.

With all the economic, health, family & other woes I've heard lately a friend told me Monday that she feels like her life has jumped from the frying pan into the fire. Today I tucked this in a pretty card on her chair at lunch.

fire lily

from above an explosion, a racing fury that penetrated

creating a human charred

scarred & seemingly disfigured

I released my woman from beneath it all

within acres of black burnished flaking crusts of

hideousness & nonsense

disaster to the masses

came a warmth steaming & behold myself expressed

arising in a manner only tragedy can impress your core

crumbling

the pain of erosion & winds discerning

I heard a scream across my skin

but despite the ache great, nature, my creature

we insisted upon the self

somehow through the relics of such combustion

I had the graceful nature to break through

phoenix towards heaven

willowing

billowing

my species coming into her own

my reign, concocted tears, convoluted years

aggressing to floods of emotion

rinsing away the filth, my debris

my strength dormant now a tendril growing

deeper a shade of green

than the blackest nasty ashy days of but a flick of ignition ago

encrusted once with withering this & dirty clung on that

now I flourish

burning bright

delightfully trusting

thanking the fire that raced across what I once was to create the fire I am

Hang in there my loves.... you shall flower again.

The rush to blush, my cheeks & everywhere else!!!

2009-07-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

Loving what you do for me is truly enough so this past week when Julie at Being Ruby & Pink Martini & Pearls presented me with lovely blog awards, I was honored, giddy & girly giggly. Tee hee, tee hee, so sweet, a treat, I blush at the praise. Blush pink ever so sweet & innocent: the best of all colors because its genuine, in my soul the most sincere of colors. Don't think, feel, blush.
No wonder I adore the delicacy of this hue of pink. Baby soft, gentle, a whisper of pink I've seen it described so many ways but all are a lullaby. It morphs into so much pleasure.

Marshmallows, confections & even a glass of champagne or rose. Oh please forget the pink zinfandel swill, PLEASE!!! (Snoqualmie Chenin Blanc: fruity, light far superior.) I also like a pink bonnet: gin, creme de framboise, simple syrup & egg white... voila!!!..inhibition releasing libation.

From my tongue to my skin well of course blush & balms but creams, soaps oh the most fun in a pink bubble bath & yes my Perfumeria Gal currant gloss is never far away.

Clothes, shoes, baubles, cashmere, especially my cashmere, all somehow feel softer, bubbly & even at my most wise ass moment, I feel like Princess Grace in blush. My greatest moment of blush...my Vera Wang bridesmaid dress for Katie & Brad's wedding, worn more by my petite Hailey & then donated to the Glass Slipper Project to pass along the love of blush & self.

Home...one woman. Phoebe Howard. Her pink rooms are legendary in the blogosphere, shown time after time for the very obvious reason that her design is timeless. There are others that have me at their beckon call: notions, potions & other bewitching spells they whisper come hither & of in a zither I fly to lay at their feet & idolize.

Katherine Houston's genius will make its way into my home. The hints of the palest pink just make this even more visionary.
When I do invite you to partake you'll likely receive an invite via Sarah LeClere or William Arthur. If the butterfly gave anymore delight I likely will take flight from sheer giddiness. A garden without such subtle shades is nothing. Blossoms anew in spring, heady roses of summer, even the aptly named Blushing Girl all lends to blowing bubbles, rings around the rosies & care free days.

In these vinegar days of economic greys, I'm so grateful for a little blush from nature, nurture & gestures of sweet compliments. As the week draws to a close I hope your weekend is filled with cotton candy moments: sweet, airy & a whisper of pink.

Images courtesy of Country Living, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart

No more Munchkins I'm going Indonesian!!!!

2009-07-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

Another week caught in the whirlwinds of life & when my feet once again grabbed terra firma, clearly I was not in Kansas anymore. My Oz contains the cowardly, the heartless & yup even the brainless That I must skip to lou with daily but alas there's no Wizard in sight to redeem their lack ofs. So instead I sigh & declare this Dorothy dejected, disgusted & to hell with these damn ruby slippers my feet are killing me, not to mention hello I'm not 5: the gingham dress needs to go. Yup its sandals & saris...the farm girl's heading to Bali's Ubud Hanging Gardens.

This lush haven on former & surrounding rice terraces consists of 38 villas each bejewelled with a infinity pool that overlooks the surrounding tropical mountains & Ayung River. Whisper this gem over & over, mantra of heaven in an enclave of tranquility. My own pool awash in breezes by day & candles by night: serenity.

Yes, yes I ramble but this time in Oz has not been easy, in fact its been a pebble in my shoe trotting along that brick road, but in the Ayung Spa, that's all a memory. I leave their description to tantalize you as it massaged me...

"Clinging to the riverbank, where the rocks make the water sing and consumed by tropical foliage kissed by morning mists, the Ayung Spa rekindles distant memories of Paradise Lost. Awaken your senses with the heady scents of flowers and spices, and abandon your body to the secular secrets of Balinese well-being. In pure Balinese style, the Ayung Spa offers three luxurious pavilions dedicated to relaxation and well-being. Each pavilion comprises two large spaces; one with two massage beds and a Balinese sofa, the other with a dressing area and bathroom with a bath that is surrounded by water and looks out onto the river. The interior and exterior are intimately married to nature, thanks to the use of local materials and the manner in which the pavilions open out onto the majesty of the views whilst retaining their privacy. The pavilions are linked to each other by Japanese steps surrounded by water and climbing plants clinging to the neighbouring wall, promoting a sensation of fertility. Pure luxury in a tropical paradise." Hanging Garden Indulgence: earthly delights... I'm on my way...

So off I jet across the waters. I'm lucky its a quick flight. Mind travel always is but when I return in a month a.k.a tomorrow, I'll be refreshed & renewed. Hopefully by then the Wicked Witch of Reality will have moved onto someone else.

Images courtesy of Orient Express & flickr

Seeing patriotic in my everyday life.

2009-07-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

Barbecues, small town parades & fireworks are the how many Americans celebrate our Independence Day & all of this makes me smile but for me its all about the red white & blue. Well the red & blue. No matter our flag or everyday life I do have a penchant for the combo, so as I head north for Sedona with my parents for a star spangled respite I gift those in my country & those in other lands, some of my favorite ways to embrace red & blue.

A red, white & blue room from a favorite Aussie, Anna at Absolutely Beautiful Things.

May everyone have a weekend that makes them feel as good as this July 4th, 2005 with Grant & Hailey made me feel!!!! Look how little they are... time flies!!! Love to all!!!

Images courtesy of Amazon, Country Living, Epicurean, Martha Stewart

A white invitation...

2009-06-30T23:23:00.000-07:00

As the white heat beats up my frazzled body, my mind dazzles itself in the sheerness of white: soft, draping, linen & airy. With all my Scandinavian jewels cooling my soul I yearn for the Midsommer parties, crisp cool sunlit evenings & casual social ways they effortlessly engage in.
So instead of commiserating, I'm consummating my love with an invite for all to an afternoon only an imagined moment away...

Travelling down the path you'll notice how cool you're skin already is. Notice I've not paved the way. This is my secluded respite & I'd like to keep it so.I hope you're dressed crisply, softly & comfy cozy. My dress is waiting for me. Wrinkles in linen spell relaxed, remember that as you dress, no fretting, understand??? My home?? Well it remains only in my head so how can I show it you. I can not, so instead imagine a cottage & a home nestled in a spot of heaven: gentile, gracious, filled in every trace of space with love & laughter. You'll never want to leave.
Iced white tea by the door, my stars, how kind, please help yourself.
I've placed flora blanca everywhere. Whats a ladylike invite without such trappings of decadence? There's even a few bouquets lounging, begging for you to take them home...you will.
How do like my dining room, the view through its French doors???? Intimate is always the way to go. I love laughter, chatter, this & thatter so expect a joyous time.

My silver, the china is vintage mixing & matching, through the only a love for what it is & a whisper in my ear .... "psst, buy me???" Monogrammed linens beg me as well & you'll notice your napkin is your initial.
Nibbles, no quibbles I've made one bite wonders. Could it be a tea without those lovely little sandwiches?? Noooo I've done plenty. Chevre with my fig jam, smoked salmon mousse & cucumbers (I prefer the Persians) & my Waldorf chicken salad. Cheese treats rare & wordly. Now a fun surprise: Prosecco with lemon sorbet a vino treat not too sweet. Ladies & libations always work so well together.
Dessert: did you think I forgot?? Me never!!! Coconut cupcakes, hummingbird cake, Aran's meringues kisses & my mother white almond bark: treats with icy drinks.

Shall we wander the grounds, your welcome to my hammock or another nook to retire or converse. As the day winds down & reality sets in, I'm sad to see you go, but I know you shall return. Think of this day often as you use your takeaway treat, monogrammed for you, softened by me & always this day will be cool to the touch of your skin, refreshing.

Images courtesy of Country Living, Martha Stewart, Skona Hem & Southern Living

A week takes flight from the tips of my fingers...

2009-06-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

Betwixt & between, scurrying for that last breath, I gulped this morning awaking to realize that the my grasp on the last week had somehow gone loose & whoosh...it had slipped from my fingers. I had so many posts planned & yet somewhere between Tuesday & breathless I let it all disappear.

I daydreamed a bit too much, missing my gardens, revisiting photos I use to find inspiration, now instead they comfort me in the blazing white heat of Arizona. I yearned for the largest popsicle ever..to lay upon & an escape hatch through my wardrobe to tranquility.

So my apologies, dear friends. I shall sleep strongly tonight & blog again this week with fever pitch on cherries, my love of red & blue everywhere, a white delight tea time event & keeping cool...so many steps to the top of feeling accomplished.
Have you ever lost an entire to with no idea where it went????

Pesto party, the basil's hardy !!!!!

2009-06-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

Moving to Arizona changed so many aspects of my life but losing my gardening capacities was a difficultly I have yet to adapt to. Flowers, veggies, fruits & herbs dominated my warm season life & yet how ironic to live now in all warm season only to be surrounded by desert. However there's still basil.
Basil loves hot weather, drying out in between watering, heck you can ignore it. To be blunt; anyone can grow basil, so anyone reading should try. Tip one: buy seeds. A plant nowadays costs above 3.00 & for half that you can enough seeds to last a long time. The rest you can follow the directions on the pack. By the way Botanical Interests is my favorite brand. I've never had failure with their seeds.

So with Thai, flavored basil such as, lemon, lime, even cinnamon, & enough varieties to make your head spin, I say "Bon giorno genovese!!" & be done with it. Its classic, hardy & giving. Remember though to pluck from tender stems, taking the stem to ensure new growth & all before flowering. Now go create & eat.

Pesto...easy right??? Definitely, use a processor, use a mortar & pestle...hmmm notice the words similarities?? Well it is where the origins comes into play. By the way I've done it both ways & there is a difference: the pestle doesn't bruise the leaves & retains its truest flavor but really who has that much time. My pesto secrets are toasting the pine nuts, GOOD parmigiano reggiano always sea salt &...&..my Nicolas Alziari olive oil. Sssshhhhhh. Ironically its French buts this oil is soo wonderful. Now if you're looking for a bolder, fruitier oil flavor then by all means, use it but I prefer my basil to shine so I use my liquid gold. Yum, yum is this not heavenly????

Here comes the fun... add O California port balsamic, jalapeno, walnuts, lemon juice & zest whatever floats your boat.

I make aioli verde for sandwiches, throw a tablespoon into hummus, lighten its consistency for salad dressing, dollop over creme fraiche for a quick dip, Lordy I can go on & on like the basil in the pot seems to be...exploding. If you do wish it to keep... airtight glass jar & olive oil on top to seal, but really make it as you go & truthfully a little pasta, a glass of prosecco & life is good.

My other stand by recipes are simple. An heirloom caprese salad using fresh room temp tomatoes & buffalo mozzarella, the Alziari oil, sea salt & a bit of pepper. Use romas so it less seedy but add the sweet grapes, stretch the color palette & go nuts. I love purple Cherokees too.

Sometimes I switch the cheese for an herb chevre, it really lends itself well to the heirlooms. I've also done a splash of lemon to brighten it up when the tomatoes are less acidic as some heirlooms can be.

My other is Pesto Ricotta Pie. I first found the recipe in Country Living & retooled it a bit, leaving the pine nuts whole , adding to the pie later. but seriously how pretty is this? The rough edges of the phyllo cascading out did me in & yup I using my scissors too, to make the great edging but sometimes tearing it roughly looks great as well.

My last word is quality. I've always believed quality over quantity in life which is why I'll always tell you to get the best. Sure the reggiano & buffalo mozzarella cost more but you're using it as an accent so a small amount is only needed.
Til then sit back, eat & enjoy a favorite view of mine.

Images courtesy of Country Living & skona hem

Whimsy for Wednesday, the week & forever....Amen!!!!

2009-06-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

By now its rather apparent that I'm a sucker for cheery, whimsy & color as much as the touches of traditional. I love to look under & beyond the norm. Sometimes its dirt cheap & believe me, I do a little happy dance when it happens. More often though its a bit out of my range or it goes on my " I won the lottery!!!!" list.

Stray Dog Designs falls somewhere in between & for that I'm grateful. Some of their designs are affordable, some a dream or the right 6 numbers out of reach, but either way. I believe we all require a bit of their whimsy.

I first encountered them years ago when they're box arrived at the boutique I was running & after the bubble wrap revealed they're hand painted metal treasures, was smitten for good. The box set had me at hello & the quality level kept me there (I had a rep for being "the picky bitch" when it came to quality control. It was an insult from a lousy company that I wear still as a badge of honor.) By the way wouldn't this be a cute cake!!

Their lamps, whether its the Sam Buffet , the Buttercup or the Stephanie floor lamp, are so fun but then can you imagine going further down the yellow brick road & adding an artichoke or a pink bird as icing on that whimsy cake. Chandeliers...saving the best for last....

Holidays are a favorite in fact these trees go well anywhere (my little Hailey still yearns for a set in her bedroom), but its their ornaments that slay me. Are these not the ultimate in whimsy & to boot I'd use them all year. They giggly whisper, hang me anywhere, glue me to a frame, the murmurs are endless.

Finally the chandeliers. How cute is this play on the traditional . Did I mention they have other color & shade styles???

I love the Wavy Gravy fixture but when you add their flower magnets it just becomes fantastic. I see it over my breakfast table, memories cascading off the edge. How could this not make you happy.

For me this it. I love this piece and know when I find the right room I'll add a few colorful birds to the mix.

Now for all you whiteaholics out there...Mimi I'm thinking directly of you....they actually have a HUGE selection of the blanc too, not to mention glass, ceramics, even furniture, all just as lovely but this is where my heart resides at Stray Dog.

Add some whimsy to the rest of your week in any way possible!!!

Vibrant, Vivacious Verde

2009-06-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

Back a few months ago as I tried to decide what luscious shade of green I would paint my bedroom, I found myself leaning to a quieter tone, one with more grace but as of late, well I'm sensing the color gods are attempting to saturate my yearning.

It makes sense since in nature it's the bold, no apologies vibrancy that drives me to dithers. I can sit & take this wall in for an eternity.

Tabletop...hello majolica. Wedgwood's is still my preference but I love the the glitz & glamour of Kim Seybert as well. Throw in a vintage plate picked up at a garage sale & Kim's new goes well with the bolds of yesteryear.

Ever notice that you can be thinking of something & then pow!!! Its laid at your doorstep over & over again. These rooms have popped up in the oddest places recently or have I been led to them unsuspectingly??? The enigma continues...

To further along the whims of the color gods attempting to reach me I've had another series of thunder bolts.

So I bow down to the gods & their love of of vibrant, vivacious verde, emerald kelly & beyond solemnly swearing to embrace this in my space. I should not be surprised though. I've once before embraced it with my soul through words.

Cloister

run past the trees, deeper into the forest

green, dark, almost black
this color, where you'll find me

breathing from my mosses

hush, hear the rutsle I make

the willows weeping, touch me
wisping & whispering

give me comfort, take my ache

play his song just one more time

oh the leaves feel like his fingers

where did the breeze come from, thank you

I can't remember when I felt such warmth

yes I do, closer, reach me

further away, goodnight skyscrapers, traffic lights

imagine devastion, push the branches away

pray be gentle
protect your face, dense as this is

remember what you touch
secluded, my scared space

darker than one should travel, I disappear into my night

barely the woman of before, turn around

witness the creature of after

clothed in leaves, caked in dirt

my will snagged by a branch, somewhere past

when my skin lucent would catch your cast

fleeing, consumed

a hollow settled with mist, my humanity caving
from earth to universal
despair tragically lush, nestled in darkness

tended by the trees

run

careful though where you step

eventually before you find me, I'll turn to seeds

Wishing everyone a vibrant & vivacious weekend!!!!!

Images coutesy of Tobi Fairley, Kim Seybert, Kip Bay's 2006 & Christian Louboutin

...a touch on my shoulder & tag...I'm it!!!!

2009-06-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

Julie at Being Ruby , Kate at K&g Bookclub & Simone at The Bottom of the Ironing Basket all addictions I'm happy to have, tagged me within hours of each other.
List 6 Uninteresting Things you Love...
This for me is not an easy task since I always have believed that everything can be interesting.

I thought & thought & finally came up with my list of miniscule glories.

1.Popcorn...not from the theater or a microwaved bag but done on top of the stove in my giant blue Chantal pot with a teaspoon of oil & kernels. Old fashioned this may be but the sound of the popping, the scent of it wafting, all makes me giddy. Seeing Hailey as a toddler stand on the counter to watch the little perfections pop up & hit the glass lid..all at a safe distance..is a fav memory of mine. She giggled to the rhythm of the popping. Pefection.

Oh & a touch of salt is all I need but I do have 10 recipes to make all sorts of flavors and none involve powder junk. I'll share another time.

2. Walking. I tore my achilles tendon in half earlier this year & after surgery, casts, boots & physio therapy (Brian loves to kick my butt), I'm able to walk again, not run but walk. Somedays I hobble a bit but its great to need no assistance.

3. Ironing...yes I can hear every ones mouths drop but its true. Give me my fancy schmancy iron , sizing & a pile of cotton shirts & I'm in heaven. It relaxes me & being anal the challenge to do it perfectly is a pleasure. I know, I know, I'm nuts but hey I'm happy.

4.Grass...soft to the touch: I even don't mind mowing it. Green is my favorite color so grass is a natural transition. Ironically here in AZ there's not much of it & I miss my Michigan Lawn more than ever. Its great to lie on, tickle you & scrunch through your toes.

5. Kitten footies also known as cats paws. White is my downfall, my first cat eons ago being Socks for that very reason. Now I have Gunther Finch Hatton & those little footies with the pink pads are heavenly soft & squishy...which leads to my all time number one....

6. Hailey's toddler hands. When she was a wee one Hailey's hands were chubby. The little padding on the back was her squishy spot, her label not mine. We have a bond that always require holding hands & back then that little chubby, squishy form in mine was a delight only made more heavenly by the fact that a little squeeze from me was our quiet code for " I love you." I squeezed her at Target, Old Navy, the Farmers Market, you name it I squeezed everywhere & always our eyes would meet & smile.

Shes now almost 8 & the squishiness..it remains in our hearts.

So there you go. My list of lovelies. I hope it brings you to your & warms your heart a bit more today than usual. See everything is interesting.

Who do I tag??? Who do I want to know more about???

Katie @ Katies Nesting Spot my best friend & soul sister

Courtney @ Under the Paper Moon one talented woman

Lisa @ The Lisa Porter Collection my favorite respite

Grant @ Grant K. Gibson the mans a genius

Maureen @ Ingle Talk her header says it all...

Aran @ Cannelle et Vanille the best food blog period

I eagerly await your revelations.

Poetry & restoration

2009-06-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

Give me a caftan, sunscreen, a pitcher of white sangria, not to mention my copy of ' Savage Beauty" a bio of Edna St Vincent Millay's debaucherous life & this is where I'll be all tomorrow.
Such balmy breezes will lovingly caress away the aches from shopping with my mother all day at the glamourous destination regarded as Ikea. Mom had never been & if only for those saucy cinnamon rolls at $1.00 each, she shall return again.

Seriously, my planned post will have to wait a day but until relax & restore your lives with a piece my mom loves about the moment before your lips meet your loves....

a giggle, then gravity gone

oh my, can this be happening, no don't answer
catch my string, follow

up, up, up beyond the words & float

tickle, tickle, the shadows I make
down, down, down below on rooftops

cityscapes

sunshine catches my eyes, twinkling

boundless, possible this love, me groundless

faster, faster, fantastic, run then leap within this wind

sail, traipse, play, laugh with me

close, close to the striking moment

fragile, a wish, granted your lips, then I'm dissolving

The invitation reads salivating required

2009-06-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

First off thank you, thank you for all the lovely words concerning my words. I'll be throwing in a piece here & there from my collected works, but enough about me....

This is the luncheon I yearn to attend, if only before others arrive so in the solitude I can drink in how luscious, impressionistic this occasion is, especially considering the fact that this takes place in a nursery. Yes, a nursery but not just your average nursery. This is Petersham (Simone, did your face just light up??).

Petersham Nursery is beyond the description of a nursery. An award winning cafe & tearoom, the emporium of antiques & garden fixtures & adjacent house, are the best accessories to it greenhouses & gardens, not to mention a website I lose all sense of time in. Literally past midnight, weary to my surprise, wondering was it really almost 2AM???

This affair extraordinaire was given in honour of American master C.L. Twombly's exhibition at the Tate. His use of color through splashes is the inspiration creation that is this luncheon.

Explore & pray it remains to grace this gentrified world. Visit & all shall be explained & mesmerized as you whisk & drift through the aisles & miles of floriferous deliciousness.

Images via Pertersham Nurseries

A wish for you through a wisp of verse

2009-05-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

A tiny secret. Despite everything I love to do, I am & will remain a writer at heart, lounging ever so slightly to the poet's side of a slipper chair I curl up in. For fear of laughter I rarely unleash my wisps of words on those unsuspecting & whom I've never eaten ice cream with (one bowl, 2 two spoons is a true test of friendship...not for germs but for sharing the creamy, dreamy treat) but this photo of a bathroom that I've swooned over & did so again today on My Sweet Savannah had me so entranced I tripped up & slipped a piece out onto the blogosphere.

pure grace salts releasing scentsations in ribbons
tangling 'round my sonatas
baroque & buoyant
only to be touched on the shoulder
by the cool prosecco as it crisply wisps across my tongue
a treasure, this tranquil escape

May your weekend be as wonderful a cocoon as my bath would, will be.
Much love to all....

An amuse bouche of delovely Rouge....

2009-05-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

As dedicated as I am to blues & greens with smatterings of pinks, this morning my brain is seriously seeing red. Perhaps its the patriotic moments of the past weekend but one could say my mind is saturated with a tray of amuse bouche dans rouge.

Blossoming, I love the way it can delicately relate to light & whites...

but honestly isn't there something so right about the way a crimson room can just zoom through your soul & set it afire!!!

From royal & regal .....

in a blink you can rethink it as vintage & kitsch...

Nothing can send a rush like that deepest blush. The thrills of it all is the chill that I get from delicious red, red, red!!!

Images courtesy Country Living, House Beautiful & Southern Accent

Sweet & Tart.....

2009-05-23T01:19:00.000-07:00

As the season of picnics, water sprinkler runs, & oodles of silly funs begin, I wish for everyone a long lovely lemonade of a weekend.

Have a bunch of loved ones over to share the tartness of your wit & week....

but don't forget yourself. Indulge in sweet alone time to reflect...

perhaps even retreat...

A delightful discovery...

2009-05-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

So wandering through the market today, mom & I passed the very popular floral round. You know the one that has the black buckets filled with roses, baby's breath (ick) & pedestrian choices. I was a fool to hope for peonies, not wanting to traipse to Whole Foods, but then around the back, potted & plopped on the floor was this wonderful spiky white flowers plant that I have never seen & when mom rejoined, she had no clue either & that is saying something.

Evil me I stole the tag. By the way it had no care instructions only a very generic type in black with Ornithigalum Damascus, so I felt not too evil.

Fast forward home, to the computer & voila...Star of Bethlehem joins my interior garden plot. Damascus is part of the thrysoides genus, native to southern Europe & Africa, the latter throwing my mom into query since she gardened for 4 years in South Africa during our 1970s stint.

I love knowledge. For me that's what along with love is my definition of knowing that you're more than merely alive, that you're living & today I received a gentle reminder that in life, just when for a brief moment you believe you're well versed, on to your path the Star of Bethlehem lands.

Thank you to Touch of Nature, odla & newplant.co.za

Primavera vegetables

2009-05-16T14:22:00.001-07:00

Ask anyone who knows me & they'll tell you how much of a foodie I am. I do find it amusing how suddenly seasonal eating is in fashion, especially as I meander back to my childhood & the way ate from my mother's vegetable garden.

Naturally we ate whatever was in season, as did everyone else. Only in the last 10-15 years have we seen our market shelves filled with melons in December, etc, etc & yet still anyone whom ever has planted a vegetable knows it tastes superior when freshly picked.

Springtime is one of peas, lettuces, leeks, asparagus, artichokes , radishes...I could go on & on, so many varieties. By the by...those baby veggies that cost an arm & a leg in premium markets....harvest early. The first time I pulled & ate the baby beets...like candy!!!

So gingerly I say to you forget about trend & live seasonally always. Everything has a brightness, a freshness you will adore.

Images courtesy of DK Images, Flickr , John Glover UK & taste.au

Beautiful Little Girl Words

2009-05-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

After reading Michelle at Vintage Grace wondrous quote of the week from her lovely Lily, I'm reminded of my favorite Hailey quote. Hailey is my beloved goddaughter, now almost 8. Our bond is beyond what some would define...I love her fiercely.

I have always been amazed at how lightweight & airy little ones think & yet their words are so grounding.

Just before her 5th birthday we were hanging out on my squishy bed & she looked to the ceiling threw herself back , smiled & said...

" I love God because he gave me you!!!!"

Perfection.

The Most Precious of Gifts...

2009-05-09T14:58:00.000-07:00

With Mother's Day tomorrow instead of focusing on what to give my mother, I'm pondering the gifts my mother has given to me: the little quirks & traits beyond her love. These are dearest to me, the gentle reminders that daily whisper in my soul...I'm Elizabeth's daughter and for this I'm beyond grateful.

Style is always the first gift I recognize & acknowledge. While she may say different , I know better. I remember playing in my moms heels with her alligator handbag gently caressing the lines, somehow feeling they were special. Only in the early 80s, I discovered the handbag in ELLE on their top 10 classics list, did I have an epiphany to mom's style. The handbag in question?? Hermes' Kelly bag in chocolate brown alligator which I continued to covet until my 40th birthday when she gave it to me. Her closet still has ribbon jackets made in Hong Kong, Mark Cross bags & Lilly Pulitzer beside sweaty workout clothes. Fabulous!!!

I've been dancing to anything for as long as I can remember. Ballet lessons, night clubs, even late night in my teenage bedroom, I can attribute it all to my mom. She loves to move & proved it by receiving her Masters in Dance from Columbia. We still groove around the kitchen together.

My thumb morphed green later in life but hers was always a gorgeous shade of flora. The two acre vegetable garden, her flowers galore, all of it courses through when my hands run deep into dirt bringing the bounty of the earth in tandem with her creativity running through me. I remember the first summer tomato I plucked from the vine & yes, she was right that it did taste sweeter from my own sweat .

Every cup of tea, I take revives memories: the Beatrix Potter tea set she gave me, the countless moments she insisted the server heat her cup (hot tea, cold cup blasphemy!!!), the milky warmth that revives her daily to this day & the high teas we've shared over 3 continents. It all soothes me as much as my Earl Grey with lemon & one lump.

Above all I am most grateful for my sense of adventure. I am proud to know that that whenever I think," Sure. I'll give it a go." mom's racing through my veins the same way she tooled around in her Austin Healey, black MG or '63 Jag XKE in Cafe au Lait. I'm still envious & a bit stunned that the woman who punished me for teenage adventures owned 3 classic convertibles but knowing that she traded it in when she discovered herself pregnant makes me repect her even more.

Everyday I remind my mother how much I love her. We disagree, even argue but it never lasts long. I've reached a time in my life where in the end that doesn't matter. Our journey has been rocky at times but still we always return to each other & that's what I'm most grateful for. My mother's gift of understanding has made me realize who she was & became. This is what I cherish of & from her most of all.

A Happy Mother's Day to all...

Image courtesy of Hermes.

Verde, verde, verde......

2009-05-05T17:37:00.000-07:00

Ahh the glorious hue green. It's always been my favorite color but now more than ever, my desire to swaddle myself in this life affirming color is bubbling from out beneath my surface.

Do I go delicate or shall I pack a punch that wallops my soul???? I'll let it simmer for awhile ....
afterall decorating is a journey not a shopping excursion.

Images courtesy of Thibault & Southern Accents

Scentsational.....

2009-04-30T23:09:00.000-07:00

As your beautiful gardens begin to bloom, the scent of flowers ever so so gently wafting through your newly opened windows, there are moments when the breeze is unkind or non-existent. So cut your treasures & bring them inside, you say. I would agree wholeheartedly if only this would not shorten their beauty. So what to do....

Seda France. Ever heard of them??? If you haven't, then for shame. The Austin, TX based company creates from the finest natural oils, presenting a true, clean scent. My favorite varies from season to season but Cutting Garden remains my go to wick. It's that breeze I yearn so much for...springtime in a flower market but done delicately. Theirs scents are subtle never intrusive. Cutting Garden is a selection from their cornerstone line the Toile Collection. Do you adore the packaging as much as I do?? A true delight! With monikers like Camellia Montagne, Citron du Sud & Verveine, you'll not be able to resist the scentsational moods they'll create. Bonus!! Each candle burns 60 plus hours, but after one, I blow mine out and the fragrance leisurely lingers the afternoon.

Spring has arrived!!!!!

2009-04-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

Another season of rebirth is upon us...thank goodness!!!! I think that after all the browns & grays of winter, there is not one among us who'd not admit to that overjoyed feeling that blue, blue skies, new greens of grasses and growth give us, topped only by the delight of pinks & whites.

Cherry blossoms, magnolias, wisteria, I could go on & on about my love of the season, missing it now more than ever having fate dragged me to the desert southwest but instead I ramble through my memories and wait for the time in my life when again I'll live in the greenest of areas. Where I wonder often but my soul is more Southern than even I realized.

Monograms, manners, and polished cotton fabrics all the colors of gardens fill my head lately. Alright, tradional with a dash of preppy works well too, but I can't help but wonder if somewhere down the road lush green hills filled with drawls & sweet tea are waiting for me to arrive.