Live With Your Eyes Wide Open

I just finished watching the film September Issue.  One great bit of advice that I took from the film was to always keep your eyes open and take in the world.  There is so much beauty to be seen all around us.  And when traveling this is especially true.  Absorb the world around you - using all of your senses and it will somehow become a part of you.

{photo: Oliveaux}

Love Seat Part Deux

While this decor isn't my look, the loveseat is exactly what I'm in search for to place in my kitchen.  The search is on!

{photo: plush palate}

Vogue Living Australia

Lately, I've found Vogue Living Australia to be loaded with inspiration.  It's interesting how my "favorite" inspiration is always changing and moving from continent to continent.  Like many, I still miss Domino and long for the day it returns.  Until then, I'll keep reaching out to different sources.

{photos: Vogue Living Australia}

Stairs Leading Somewhere

I think the patterns in these floors and steps are wonderful.  They remind me of the apartment in Mexico City that we lived in.  Gentle ware just makes them even more beautiful.

{photos: #1 Oliveaux, #2 Vogue Living}

First Glance

This is a first glimpse at my house via my i-Phone.  I took this photo so my sister could see the Turkish rug I purchased in San Francisco earlier this month.  She's not a fan of my camel tables.  What do you think?

Camels are Cool

So I have to admit, that as much as I love elephants, I also have a thing for camels.  Perhaps its their exotic look that you don't see in North America.  I actually have two porcelain camels that are about two feet high.  The are white and are the end tables next to my french daybed in the living room.  But what I'd really like is a trip where there are camels in their natural habitat.

{photo: the house in marrakesh}

Dreams of Elephants

I don't know what it is about Elephants that mesmerize me but I would love to have the opportunity to see them in their habitat someday.  Love this photo - such a romantic idea of living in the midst of nature.  I can imagine writing from the desk in the front.

{photo:Abercrombie & Kent}

The Perfect Bedroom

I like the clean lines of everything in this bedroom.  I would love to find a stool like the one at the end of the bed.  Both the stool and the chair seem to complete the room.  The rug isn't bad either.

{photo: apartment 34}

Party Time is Around the Corner

Polish the silver, get the flowers figured out, we're throwing a party!!! I'm starting to get so excited for my daughters wedding in April.  It has been such a joy to work with her to make it a perfect day.  The greatest thing will be that we'll be surrounded by friends and family.  I can hardly wait.

{photo: plush palate}

Intrigue in Venice

I'm currently reading my last novel in a series of over twenty by Donna Leon.  All of these books are about inspector Guido Brunetti who works to solve murders in Venice, Italy.  At the same time he loves the classics and is often found reading Dante and various other writers of times past.  These books have been great companions for me when I'm too tired to read anything too serious.  They transport me to Venice from an insiders view.

Coffee & Flowers

After a day of getting the paperwork in order for my taxes, the thought of fresh flowers and a hot cup of coffee sounds delightful.  Since I have another meeting tonight, I think the coffee is essential.  I'll make a point to buy flowers to cheer up my house tomorrow.

{photo: braebourne farm}

Spanish Guitar & Nutella

Last night I went to a cute little Mediterranean restaurant called Gusto to hear my friend play classical Spanish guitar.  It was such beautiful music and it was so great to hear him play since he will be playing for my daughter's wedding.  I've known him for twenty years - since he went on a trip with our family on an eco cruise in the Sea of Cortes.  After he finished playing he had a nutella crepe and I got a bite.  Yummy!

{photo:little brown pen}

Key to my Heart

For over fifteen years, I have been staying at the same little hotel in Paris.  It's nothing fancy but it always feels like home when I'm there.  It's located in the seventh arrindosement and is called the Hotel de Suede.  This translates to the Swedish Hotel in English.  Last summer, my sweet niece took this shot of the room key.  Only in France are the room keys a thing of beauty.

{photo: Claire & Patricia Giffen}

Sweet Simplicity

I love the simplicity of both of these photographs.  Skona Hem manages to capture exactly the look I am attracted to - nothing fussy or too over decorated.  I also find the blue so serene.  Dreams of days at the beach.

{photos:Skona Hem}

Longing for a Fire

I still have a nasty cold and I would love nothing more than to have a roaring fire tonight.  But my gas fireplace won't stay running.  Every time I try to use it, after about 20 minutes it just goes out. I've had two repair companies over and no luck.  I think I need a third try.  I wish I could curl up with a cup of tea and get over my cold!

{photo: my notting hill, domino} 

Happy (Belated) Valentine's

I hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day.  Mine was spent primarily in bed with the flu.  I did manage to crawl out for a few hours to meet friends for lunch.  And my four-year-old friend Paco came by to give me a loaf of bread he and his father baked along with a beautiful hand made Valentine.  It felt like a day filled with love - now I just need to feel better enough to bust out of the house.

{photos:debi trebour}

Oh Dear....

So today I decided it was time for me to figure out where I stand in the blog ratings.  It was not a pretty picture at all.  I am number 597 in the lifestyle section.  This wouldn't seem that bad to me except that cat urine removal was 596.  Looks like its going to be a very uphill climb for me.

{photo: frizztext via flickr}

The Search Is On

I'm still searching for the perfect love seat for my kitchen.  I would like the space to be warmer and more inviting so I'm in search of a love seat to add to the space.  This could create the corner of my home where I can read and loose myself in thought.

(photo:greige design}

Inspiration

Since I have a French daybed in my living room in place of a sofa, I was very attracted to the simplicity of these photos.  I would prefer a touch of modern mixed in but all three of these are great rooms.  Mixing different chairs in the dining room is a good idea and makes it far less formal. And where do I find a chair like the one in the hallway?  I have a total crush on it.

{photos: brabourne farm}

Turquoise Dreaming

Yesterday, one of my lovely students wore a turquoise sweater and it got me thinking what a beautiful and under utilized color it is.  Here are a few photos to get you thinking about incorporating turquoise into your life.

{photo: brabourne farm}

My Old House!!!!

I was checking out a blog I had never seen before called brabourne farm.  Much to my surprise as I was scrolling down the entries, I came upon two photos from my old house.  It had been published in Better Homes and Gardens.  I now live in a brownstone and have only a few items in the shoot.  The mirror now hangs on my dining room wall with a crusty old round marble table in front of it.  I haven't had the heart to part with the French cafe table either.  It lives in the middle of my living room.  Thanks brabourne farm for a walk down memory lane.

{photos: brabourne farm}

A Retreat in the Study

My study is on the ground floor of my three level brownstone.  I never tend to go down there and I think it probably has to do with the decor.  I need to put some life back into the room and then I will hopefully be tempted to work down there.  These two desks are so great and they also look lived in.  This weekend I will make it my goal to figure out some changes for the room.  Any suggestions?

{photo left: from the right bank; photo left: this is glamorous}

A Room Outdoors

We had a beautiful day today.  Sunshine the entire day.  Makes me think about how to create an outdoor room on my porch.  These two photos seem so inviting.  I would be tempted to sit and read a book all day.

{photos: skona hem}

The Treasure of a Small Space

It isn't the large houses with gigantic room I'm attracted to.  Rather its the small spaces with a simple design and continuity of design.  I was attracted to this room by the care taken in a few items on display and of course the large baskets on top of the wardrobe.

(photo: skona hem}

Moroccan Dreams

I've been looking at travel blogs this morning and I was transported in ever the nomad.  I wanted to board a plane immediately and go wander through Moroccan markets and feel the sun upon my face.  One day soon!

{photo: ever the nomad}

Visions of Paris in Winter

I know that all of you experienced bloggers may already know about little brown pen but I just found out about it today from a friend in Seattle and I am so drawn to the photographs.  I think the way the photographs are grouped by color is such a visual treat.  She really seems to capture what makes Paris beautiful.

{photos:little brown pen}

Invitations Are Calligraphed and Ready to Send!

On Friday afternoon, my daughter picked up the invitations.  They are all addressed and ready to send.  She and her friends will stuff the envelopes this weekend and send them out at the beginning of the week. It now feels as though the wedding is just around the corner!  I can't wait to see how the calligraphy looks - I'm sure it is just beautiful!

Some Are Silver and the Others Gold

I met with an dear friend for dinner on Thursday night.  I feel so blessed to have a friend like her that is creative, kind, and full of life.  We went to the adorable Marguerite in Sellwood and then had dinner at Adobe Rose a New Mexican restaurant.  After an evening of wonderful conversation, I felt that there are great things to look forward to in life.  It was a night with a friend who is gold!

{photo: Caitlin Goebel)

Turkish Rug Arrives Today

Today my lovely Turkish rug will arrive from San Francisco via Fed Ex.  I can hardly wait to get it settled in its new home - my living room!  I've waited a long time to get something like this and I think it will make my living room look more complete.  As soon as I get better at using my camera, I'll share photographs with you.  

{photo: domino}

Love is Everywhere.....

In February, hearts seem to pop out everywhere.  I love this one - it seems so natural and a bit worn by the natural elements.  I have a charm bracelet I got years ago in Paris and it has someone else's charms on it.  I often wonder what the heart was for.  Enjoy the love of the month.

{photo: mary ruffle}