Ode to Monsieur Eiffel

I have a theory: the first foreign country you visit as a young person becomes "your country" and the subject of lifelong fascination. For me, obviously, that country was France.

Other destinations have no doubt captured my imagination and satisfied my soul, but France is the place where my mind wanders in my daydreams.

While I have tried to avoid becoming an Eiffel Tower fanatic with a tower shower curtain or tower t-shirts, I do tend to punctuate my home with a tower here and there to remind me of my city of lights.

Images from around my apartment:And, it would appear that I am not the only one affected by this Eiffel-mania:

Last three images borrowed from HouseBeautiful, ApartmentTherapy & HomesAndGarden.

The Art of Design: O'Keeffe

What if you built an entire room around one fabulous painting? Imagine if you could procure this glorious Georgia O'Keeffe abstraction from 1918 titled Music in Pink and Blue:How would you transform the radiance and subtleties of O'Keeffe's painting into your living space? Images borrowed from Flickr, DecorPad, LuluPainting, CoastalLiving, KristinEwart & HouseBeautiful.

Hello Sunday Sunshine

May your Sunday be filled with bread & tulips:Photos by moi.

Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams

"The feeling of friendship is like that of being comfortably filled with roast beef; love, like being enlivened with champagne."
-Samuel Johnson

Cheers, it's Saturday. Have some bubbly. Prosecco, Cava, Asti, n'importe quoi: salut et cin cin! Images borrowed from CandleFind, Flickr, MyRecipes, HornBlowerHolidays & Trendir.

Ruffled

It seems that everything from hoodies to tank tops are being adorned with ruffles these days. The frilly trend has even taken to home accessories. Though probably not the most hubby-friendly design element, a few ruffles here and there might add a touch of romance and decadence to your room.Images borrowed from Country Living & ApartmentTherapy.

Guilty Pleasures

Unless you're Dexter Morgan or Henry VIII (apologies, I've been watching some serious Showtime lately), there aren't too many pleasures in life that should make you feel truly guilty.

Why do we call so many good things "guilty pleasures?" Dark chocolate. Red red wine (the beverage, not the song...but I bet the song's stuck in your head now, eh?). Watching anything on Bravo. Chick-flicks. Pink books. Pedicures. Highlights and blow-drys. Gossip magazines. Fried chicken.

I believe, in a world where most people are over-worked, over-Blackberried, over-trafficked and generally wiped out, what's the harm in finding pleasure where you can!?!

So, folks, here's my advice du jour: stop associating guilt with pleasure! For what would life be without things of beauty and fun to punctuate our days?
What are your "guilty pleasures?"

Images borrowed from TheTruffleShop, Mirror, TopNews & RealSimple.

Cheaper Chic

For those of you who haven't read of my passion for Target, you should know that I am a true bargain shopper. T.J. Maxx, Payless, Marshall's...all the places where you must dig and look for red clearance tags...those are my preferred shopping establishments.

After a long week of teaching, I decided that today I needed a treat for my feet. So, out bargain-hunting, I went. Then, I came across these flowery fun platforms at Payless. How can you possibly be cranky if you have fuchsia posies on your toesies?

P.S. A foot model, I am not.

Cocktail du jour

I'm guessing you may be in want of a delicious cocktail at this point in the week. Recently, I've been experimenting with gin. For those of you who need an "entry level" gin concoction, this is the drink for you.

Introducing, the Gizmo (don't worry, no gremlins required)!
I make mine just as I would a Classic Cosmopolitan but substitute Tanqueray gin for vodka. I suppose you're wondering how the juniper-flavor would mingle with cranberry juice, eh? Well, let me tell you, this goes down smoothly. You might even catch your hubby taking a sip of your pink drink!

Cheers, mes amis!

P.S. Are you not loving these new martini glasses from World Market with Parisian monuments subtly etched into the glass?

Photos by moi.

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