Aged and Gilded (Palazzo-Interiors & Gardens)

Mosaic Monday: World Tour

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A Sea of Green

Feeling inspired by the freshness of green...

"Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises." Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Drew Barrymore/Dior Haute Couture/Harper's Bazaar

Campagne Decoration

Maisons Cote Sud

British Elle Decoration

French Elle Decoration

Maisons Cote Sud

Mosaic Monday: Serenity at Sea

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Beautiful Weekend

Hope your weekend blooms beautifully!

Utterly Umbrian

By now, the secret has long since been outed--that Umbria is (was) a steal in comparison to her more popular sister region, Tuscany. The magnificent and hilly landscape that is so strikingly similar to Tuscany is all but snapped up by wayward Americans and escape seeking Brits. While you may no longer find that pile of rubble ready for renovation, you can certainly enjoy, what in many respects, is still an unspoilt sanctum. So pack your suitcases darlings, and let's head for the hills.

Town & Country/Photos Rob Howard

 And three marvelous recommendations if you have time and money to burn...

Palazzo Terranova. This exclusive country house hotel that has scarcely changed since the 17th century, but for the addition of the prerequisite luxuries, is tucked away in the hills of Umbria. It's an experience you won't soon forget as evidenced by its inclusion on Conde Nast Traveller's 2010 Gold List. There for want of nothing, you may learn the fine art of Italian cooking, pleasure your palate with wine tasting or participate in a truffle hunt. Should your heart's desire be merely to exist, you may also rent a private villa.

Hotel Brufani. 94 reasons to visit--every single one of the 94 rooms of this luxury hotel. Built in 1884 and located in the heart of Perugia--central to all of Umbria--it is the perfect base to discover this region and all it has to offer.

L'Orto degli Angeli. Literally translated as "the garden of the angels" you will swear you have stumbled upon Eden. Last, but by no means least, this chic yet ancient property consisting of Palazzo Alberti and Palazzo Andreaozzi, was once presided over throughout its history by no less than three very important Italian families.

Mosaic Monday: Totally Tuscan

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Lounge Act

Lounge:  lie about, waste time, dawdle, fritter away, goof off, idle, kill time, laze, loaf, loiter, loll, pass time, recline, relax, repose, take it easy.

Wow, I could use more of that! Couldn't you?

British Elle Decoration

Maisons Cote Sud

British Home & Garden

Maisons Cote Sud

Domestic Art/Holly Moore, Rob Bradley, Lauraann Claridge

French Elle Decoration

 

Garden Glory

There are those who get excited by autumn and the first hint of crispness in the air; the flutter of leaves. There are those who are enthralled by the first flurry of snow heralding winter season. For me, undoubtedly, my heart sings at the arrival of spring. Right now, here in California where I live, the trails along the beach are swathed in a carpet of pink flowers. It is quite a sight to see. I love spring! I am intoxicated by the tumble of roses and lavender, the air laden with perfume. I am thrilled with the anticipation of buds yet to open. I always feel renewed and as though the world holds much possibility. Nowhere is this more evident than the glory of the garden.

Country Home

Country Living

Mosaic Monday: May Flowers

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