Aged and Gilded (Palazzo-Interiors & Gardens)

Royal Weekend

Treat yourself like royalty and have a wonderful weekend.

P.S. I adored Princess Diana. I think she would be very proud of her two sons. Let's send warm wishes to Prince William and his beautiful bride. May they live a long and happy life together!

If You Can't Stand the Heat

I recently read that preparing a meal for another person is an intimate expression of love. But then, we knew that already. Perhaps you have a magical evening of coq au vin and candlelight that you have filed away in the emotional archives. (I really hope you do!) One need only smell the aroma of a favorite childhood dish wafting through the kitchen to bring memories flooding back of mom or a special holiday. A big part of my efforts in cooking have been to provide my children with just such memories. My daughter has gone out a few times with an Italian friend and it wasn't long before the requisite inquiry regarding her cooking skills ensued. Italian men do have their priorities. But I certainly wouldn't out her on my blog! I don't think it by chance that the heart of the home has changed over the years to become a natural extension of the living space replete with furniture meant for hanging out. It is best said by the writer, Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher in her words "When I write of hunger, I am really writing about love and the hunger for it, and warmth and the love of it and it is all one."

Australia Vogue Living

French Elle Decor

Maisons Cote Sud

Australia Vogue Living

Australia Vogue Living

The State of Mane

Or rather, the state of mind you'll find yourself in when visiting the small perched village of Mane near Forcalquier in Provence, especially if it includes a visit to Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel and Spa. Yes, you've fretted through the frosts of fall, sloshed through the snow of winter, pondered over politics, toiled on your taxes and now it is time. It is time for rest and relaxation. Time for spiritual renewal--this was a former convent, after all. Time to indulge in luxurious spa treatments with natural beauty products from L'Occitane. Time for Mediterranean meals prepared by the spa's gourmet restaurant, Le Cloitre. Perhaps it is time for the refund check to show up, n'est pas?

 

Mosaic Monday: April in Paris

1. Spring_and_tulips_-_17, 2. Paris bakery, 3. /// PARIS /// tuleries carnival again; the famous ferris wheel., 4. Beautiful flowers in Paris 113, 5. Secret rose garden in Paris, 6. Versaille Gardens, 7. Paris Outdoor Cafe, 8. Paris 1992, 9. I love Paris in the spring time..., 10. Brave new spring, 11. Paris in the the spring, 12. Cafe In Paris

 

 

Happy Weekend

Have a great weekend and don't let the sun set without doing something just for you!

Flowers for My Friends

Have I told you lately how very much I love you?! I mean it--you are simply the best. It has taken me the longest time to realize how much I need others. I work so many hours alone and you, my dear readers, keep me connected. I always laugh when Marsha from Splenderosa writes me a line of encouragement and calls me by a term of endearment. I smile when Paula Jo tells me how she spent her weekend and I feel as if I were there. I'm over the moon if Anna at Absolutely Beautiful Things mentions me in her blog. I feel so good when Debra from Acquired Objects checks in. And I'm glad to know that Laura is still out there and visiting. I feel proud when Gina from Art and Alfalfa (amazing artist) pops over. And I could go on and on but well, you get the picture. That is to say...you matter! Thank you...

 "Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget."

"Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose." Tennesee Williams

"If friends were flowers, I'd pick you."

Keep Calm and Carry On

Words to remember having survived tax season. Even more calming is a flip through Atlanta Bartlett's latest book, Pale & Interesting. I love Ms. Bartlett's work and her books are a part of my cherished collection. Her rooms are always easy, soothing and never look overly done. In fact, they never look done at all and I mean that in the very best way. She happens to be featured in this month's UK edition of Elle Decoration along with a glimpse of her lovely new book.

(3 Images/Elle Decoration/Photos Polly Wreford)

Mosaic Monday: Details, Details

A very special thank you and a huge hug to my lovely readers. Your kind words lift me up when I am down. Thank you for the comments and warm wishes for a recovery. Taxes and illness are almost too much to bear in one week! But I've made it through with your help.

 

 

French Affair

Ugh!! I'm suffering from a terrible head cold. I could barely sleep last night. Feeling fatigued and completely lethargic. The best I could do was offer a few images from my stash of french-style tear sheets while I recuperate...

Home

Happy Weekend

Hope you're having a decadent weekend!