Designer's Best Friend

The only thing that makes a fabulous room even more fabulous is an adorable dog friend perched on a bed or resting in a cozy nook:All images borrowed from ElleDecor.

First Impressions

Seeing just a glimpse into these homes certainly does make me want to peek around the corner to discover what design treats reside beyond the foyer.




Images borrowed from House Beautiful.

Accessory Obsession: Chinese Lanterns

Since my visit to China in 2001, when I returned to the States with stacks of lanterns folded into my luggage, I've become enchanted by using these delicate paper light sources in design. String them along a patio for whimsical lighting or hang one in an unexpected corner for a dreamy touch. Whether in a range of hues or elegant all-white, lanterns are a perfect eclectic touch for your garden or home. Images borrowed from DoubleHappiness, InterestingNess, CulturalIntrigue, ApartmentTherapy, DesignAmour, & OhDeeDoh.

Seashells by the Seashore

"The cure for anything is salt water-
sweat, tears, or the sea."
-Isak Dinesen

When was the last time you put your ear to a seashell?

Take a few quiet minutes today to recall the peace that being in the ocean can bring you. Pop open some Coppertone, put some Bob Marley on the Pod, and close your eyes. See, your pulse is slowing already.

Images borrowed from TheMaldivesHoliday DreamsTime ScubaDivers OurKidsNews

A Sweet Treat

One of the easiest and tastiest desserts I've been making lately is this crostata. What's not to love about a dessert that possesses all of the comfort of apple pie with none of the fuss?
Apple-Blackberry Crostata

Strike a Pose

Gracing the cover of May's Vogue is the one and only SJP. Mario Testino's photographs are oh so lovely and perfectly befitting of the style icon. Let the countdown to SATC2 begin! Excited much?!?And, I can't help but continue to gush over the last photo shoot Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big did over at Vogue (and in the Met) in 2008, with the release of the last film:Images from Vogue.

Words to Live by

"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." -Nathaniel HawthorneImages borrowed from 7Art and Flickr

Float On

If your Monday is going anything like mine, you might want to daydream about spending a few lazy days on board one of these boats:
Images borrowed from Architectural Digest, Connecting India

At the Movies: Seeing Red

The first movie to be made using color film was called A Visit to the Seaside and was released in 1908. Since that monumental day in cinematic history, color has become one of the defining attributes of modern film making. Last week, I looked at films where the color green was of utmost visual importance. Today, we shall consider films where the color red takes a starring role:

Sunshine and Sundays

"Flowers are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Stop reading my blog and get outside!

It's spring.

You could be missing this:

Or this:

Or even this:

Photos by moi. At the Getty Center, spring 2009 & spring 2010.

At the Movies: Seeing Green

Some movies appear so meticulously directed that viewers might associate a specific color with them to the same degree as even character, plot, or setting.

Green seems to be a favorite in the film industry. Entire movies' art direction has been built around this versatile and emotive shade. It is the color of envy, of money, of nature, of fertility and of lust. Almost subliminally, the psychology of green enhances many complex plot points. Green especially seems to predominate in the following fabulous movies:

Mes [Faux] Amis

Sometimes I like to pretend that people I don't know are my fictitious friends. I sincerely believe that these t.v. personalities or authors or socialites and I would be the best of buddies.

Giada is definitely at the top of my wanna-be-amigas list, though sometimes I might have to tell her to turn off her selective Italian accent(parmigiano reggiano, prosciutto, ciabatta). Otherwise, as long as she made me nutella delights or yummy penne and pesto, we could hang in her mod Malibu pad.

My bad-boy wanna-be-bud is definitely Anthony Bourdain. I guess I like foodies and chefs. Tony is clever and articulate with a good dose of straight up snark. Tony, I'll share some pig with you any day. Second-runners up on my pretend friends list are definitely a few of the gals from HGTV. Genevieve Gorder and Candice Olsen would certainly be excellent happy hour buddies who could conveniently provide tips about toile or tile. As for, double-date friends, Chris Martin and Gwyneth would make for fun conversations, wouldn't they? We could meet up in London for some vegan curry and karaoke (Chris, pretty please sing Strawberry Swing!).Who are your pretend friends?

Flowers for Friday

As my faithful readers might know, each Friday, I treat myself to a bunch of fresh flowers. Fridays are my clean the apartment, grade papers, and generally get caught up days. So, the flowers have become a welcome reward at the end of an arduous week. Last night, my sweet hubby, in anticipation of my weekly flower ritual, brought home these soft orangey pink tulips. Bravo, hubby!
Photo and flowers by moi.

Take a Little Trip: Playa del Carmen

It' Friday. It's sunny. It's warm (at least here in SoCal). Let's pretend we're beach-side on the Mayan Riviera at one of my favorite spots: Tulum. Oh, cabana-boy...a margarita por favor.

Photos by moi. November 2008.