Shopping Bliss

The thing I love about spending time with my daughter is that I know we'll always have a great time.  We only shopped at a few chosen local stores - like Summer House in Mill Valley and the new Erica Tanov store in Larkspur.  We found beautiful treasures for the holidays and many of them were one of a kind. These photos evoke the beauty of our found objects.

photos: here 

Time to Deck the Halls!

I'm back from a wonderful weekend with my dear family in San Francisco.  I spent Thanksgiving at my daughter and her husband's home where they prepared their first Thanksgiving meal.  It was spectacular - every detail was perfect.  The best part was being able to spend time with people I love.  Now that I'm back, I am so ready to get my house prepared for the holiday season.  I am putting a few things out each evening - and this makes me look forward to getting home each evening.  There are a few new goodies I've bought over the last year but most of what I put out, I've had for many years and as I unwrap them from their boxes they are like dear friends greeting me hello.  It's crisp and cool here and just the perfect setting for the holidays.

photos here 

Get Out the Sparkle

I've begun figuring out where all of my Christmas ornaments and decorations will go this year.  Last weekend I bought a 1950s aluminum tree.  This will be the first year I don't have a real tree.  I will more than make up for it with loads of greenery everywhere to transform the house into a pine filled abode.  I am so excited.  As soon as Thanksgiving is over, I will put out all of the goodies.

photos: white flower farmhouse 

Office Dreams

I have to admit, my townhouse has an office but I rarely use it. I tend to wander from one room to the other with my laptop in tow.  Lately I've been thinking about what the ideal office would look like. I tend to be a bit neat and tidy but there is something about these offices that are overflowing with books that attracts me so much.  I would love nothing more than to be able to pull a treasured book from its place on the shelf and know it will be there the next time I need it.

photo:automatism 

Ringing in the Holidays

I know it's a bit early to be mentioning the holiday that comes after Thanksgiving but I found a vintage silver tree and I think I've decided for the first year ever to have it in place of a real tree.  I'll still fill the house up with bushels of greenery but the tree will be silver and sparkle all on its own.  I think the globe in the picture below could take the place of ornaments too.  What do you think?

photo: french by design 

Office Organization

There are times when I just want to throw all the papers I own up in the air and forget about my love of organization.  However, since I can't do that, perhaps a set of file boxes and shelves like the one in this photograph. I love them!  And I probably would never remember what I put in each box and not care either.

photo: emmas blogg 

A Brushing of Snow

Right now its raining cats and dogs but word on the street is that we might be getting snow by the end of the week.  I love what someone did on their porch to create a "snow rug".  So magical and also very zen - its not forever and permanent yet it seems so beautiful in its temporary state.  Ah the love!

photos: emmas blogg 

Fall Wardrobe

I took one look at this lovely outfit and I had to smile that the days are getting shorter and the sun further away.  At least it gives us the opportunity to pull out our lovely sweaters and enjoy the crisp air!

photo: my creative pathway 

Thoughts of Thanksgiving

For the first time, my daughter is the host of Thanksgiving.  I am so excited for her!  We will all be gathering in her cute little abode in San Francisco.  We've had so many memorable holidays - especially for Thanksgiving. Last year we were at my sweet sisters house in Pacific Grove, California.  It was filled with many family members and lots of long nights talking into the wee hours.  Others were spent living abroad where finding a turkey is not an easy task.  This year will also be special and I can't wait to be there!

photo: creative pathways 

Lovely Women in Italy

I don't know what I love more in this photograph - the leopard coat, wearing white in November, or the amazing pair of shoes that I am having an enormous crush on!!! Oh take me to Italy right this minute.

photo: Satorialist 

Paper Whites

Today I'm preparing my paper whites for the holidays.  I'm actually a bit late on this task but I love them just as much when they are sprouting as when they have flowers.  Someone at the garden store told me that if you add a bit of vodka to the water they won't get as tall and fall over.  Has anyone tried this? Happy Sunday!

photo saidos da conchas 

Industrial Cabinet

I've been on the hunt for an old cabinet with multiple drawer and tons of space.  I love this one I found on a new site I've just discovered.  Just the right amount of industrial and I adore the lanterns.

photo here 

Enjoy the Weekend!

Time to pull out all of my favorite scarves.  There's definitely a change in the air - it's actually quite cold these past few days and I love it!  I can finally bundle up in layers and put my boots on - how delightful. Have a great weekend.

a life more fabulous 

Handmade Holidays

I've never been famous for my handmade treasures but this year I am so excited for the holiday season to begin that I've been dreaming up some ways to make the season a bit more unique.  I purchased a big pile of Arabic newspapers from the 1920's that I found in an antique store (they're actually Catholic Arabic Newspapers from Lebanon).  I am planning to wrap the majority of my gifts in this paper - its so perfect in its imperfection - slightly yellowed with beautiful script that looks like an art form to me.  Does anyone know how I could make a lovely flag banner like the one below?  It's so whimsical and would be a fun project.  Have a lovely weekend!

photo: emmas blogg 

Thank You...

To those who have family members past and present who have served in the military, this poppy is for you.  I hope all of you had a lovely Veteran's Day.

photo: automatism 

Absolute Love At First Sight!

I'm at a complete loss of words - there are so many ways that these three photographs make me want to cry.  First, I love the wing chairs.  Next, the lovely white painted wood chair, and finally the daybed in the living room.  I think I might be in heaven.

photo: my notting hill 

Nest

Doesn't everyone need a little nest?

photo: emmas blogg 

Chaotic Chandelier

I loved the simplicity and imperfection of this chandelier.  By remaining neutral it retains its dignity and charm.  I would love to set such a lovely party!!

photo: bright.bazar http://brightbazaar.blogspot.com/ 

Staircase to Heaven

I wish I could compile such a perfect mix of photographs and art to make a staircase look this inviting.  This inspires me to reach higher.

photo: my notting hill 

In Haus Press - Via Etsy

This year for the holidays I'm really making an effort to buy locally from small shops or from individuals who make their own products.  What better place to hop over to than Etsy to see what treasures you can find.  I was captivated by the simplicity and beauty of these things by In Haus Press .  WIth the turn in cold weather here, I am already getting excited for the holidays.

"Blue Period" for Vicente Wolf

I recently posted Vicente Wolf's home when it was primarily neutrals.  I spoke of how I loved the fact that when he changed the colors of his home, the pieces remained the same.  One of my readers from Norway, Hello Helix, wanted a view of the blue.  Here are a few shots - and one of Vicente dressed in blue!  Look closely at the bookcase and you can see that the back of the wall is a shade of blue.  I think the "blue period" for Vicente Wolf is as beautiful as the neutral one.  In fact, its almost as if the blue becomes a neutral.

photo: sacramento street 

Daylight Sleepy

How did I possibly get up an hour early today?  I thought it was 6:00 am and it was actually 5 am.  I managed to change all the clocks EXCEPT the one in my bedroom.  The good thing is that I have an hour to play in my home before going to work.  Ahh - the joys of my own stupidity!

photo: french by design 

Voyages Style

I've always been drawn to trunks. Perhaps its because the evoke the idea of a long voyage to far away places - makes me daydream of boats, trains, and exotic lands.  These rooms are perfection in their combination of simplicity and elegance.

photo: french by design 

Design Genius: Vicente Wolf

 I recently came across these photos  of Vicente Wolf's home before he moved to the blue tones.  I love it both ways but what impresses me the most is that the pieces in the home remain primarily the same.  He recovers items but keeps them.  I admire that and prefer it to the throwaway culture we have embrassed.  Here is living proof that some rooms are absolutely timeless.

Bed Envy

I actually have a beautiful French bed but I have often thought about a change.  Anthropologie has a similar bed to this one that I have had a crush on for years.  I doubt I'll ever actually take the plunge and buy one but I dream about it often.  It's the perfect combination of simplicity with a twist of regal presence.

photo: delight by design 

White & Wander

I was first drawn to the blog White & Wander  because of the name - two of my favorite things.  Here is a photograph of her living room that I find refreshingly authentic.  I would love to curl up on the sofa and read my latest book.

Holiday Season

I always feel that the time between Halloween and New Year's is really "holiday season."  I hope all of you are enjoying the beauty of autumn.  This year has been spectacular colors - the best I can remember.

photo: sweet paul