lavendar

there is something so soothing about the color lavendar... whether it be a flower, candy, frosting, fabric or paint color... to me... simply...cheerful elegance.

more more and more!

i was thinking... why not post my other favorite shots from mr greenwald's website? this kitchen is something out of a story book... who wouldn't want to whip up ANYTHING in this kitchen...even a bowl of cereal would taste better! also, poolside anyone???

amazing architecture

when i began reading about frank greenwald i few things came to mind. first, amazing architecture...also, quite a few of his projects seems mighty familiar... check out his website and see for yourself..what an amazing talent. i could move right into this one... 

springtime... aaahhh finally...

i think we are all ready for spring. to actually see the sun here in seattle today is a welcome change from the crazy rain, hail, snow and dreaded wind. this cheerful shot made me so happy that i thought i would pass it along... happy spring everyone!

bryant park

there is something so magical about bryant park in nyc... each time i visit i have to walk thru it.  i used to work nearby on occasion and found it to be a peaceful place after a long day. people strolling, sitting having a picnic, or loads of people bustling into the cafe there all thankful another workday had passed... we did that on occasion. such a festive environment. and during fashion week ... the buzz is contagious and great people watching... pay it a visit, it's well worth it.

crema

i have to say, one of my true pleasures in life is great coffee. a friend of mine once said, "coffee is like grown up bottles for adults" and i agree. there is nothing more comforting than the first cup in the morning, late afternoon or after a wonderful dinner with friends. 

my dear friend surprised me with the most amazing gift, the "saeco". we call it "the crema" ...if you dont have one, i certainly think it is the best gift you could ever give yourself. truly.

wonderful books

my friend sarah said years ago... "the best thing in life are my books and my dogs"

well i agree with her on the books for sure.. i dont have dog (yet) so my books keep me inspired and full of life. we can never have too many books in life... i am still counting mine...102,103,..

in search of the perfect bakery.

i have a passion for bakeries. i love fine foods... whenever i travel, i am always in search for the

perfect bakery. first, the smell when you walk in, it has to smell fresh and yummy. next, is the atmosphere charming? third, how the baked goods are presented - are they all lined up like little soldiers in their perfect case and so delectable you want to buy them all? and then, how does each morsel taste? 

here are some of my favorites... would love to hear some of yours...

joans on third - los angeles

balthazar, mitchel london foods, orwashers, magnolia - nyc

dean and deluca - everywhere!

and our long lost barefoot contessa was on e of the best ever in east hampton...

one of my favorite things...

my family makes an annual trip to vail each summer and we stay at a lovely hotel

called the sonnenalp. it is a wonderful, well run hotel with alot of charm. the decor

is very austrian, food and service amazing and a special touch is a flowering succulent plant

called "kalanchoe". they are dotted in their perfect places about the hotel and they are just so 

cheerful. my mom loves them as well and that's what makes them extra special to me.

white and wander

i have to keep one of my favorite blogs alive by posting a lovely 

hello to emma at white and wander. she truly has a gift for bringing

uplifting, creative, inspiration to all of us. i wish her all the best...

we miss you emma and hope you are well.

what a small world...

i received a wonderful call today regarding my earlier post "the perfect sailboat".

it was the original creator of these lovely boats and she was a doll!

when i purchased the boats last summer i so wanted to know more about who 

made the boats and no information was available to me. 

she is truly a creative genius and we will now be caring "her originals" in red ticking.

we will have more information on our website shortly. 

additional offerings and pricing. please stay tuned...

what a wonderful small world it is... we live on two opposite ends of the world...

entry hall anyone?

just a peek at some items that are coming from france.

the anticipation nearly kills me but when they arrive, 

it is like christmas morning everytime...

true beauty...

what more needs to be said?

australia

i love how australians get it. 

i am like a kid when i get my "vogue living" and "living etc" magazines...

i read them cover to cover and practically rip most pages out for inspiration and

have to go buy a fresh copy to keep pretty.

someday i hope to visit and go on private homes tours...

any takers?

saturday morning

i love saturday mornings...

in my bed, fresh coffee, jamie oliver and nigella on food network.

i finally rally and it is off to the university farmers market!

going to the market is always like unwrapping a gift and finding treasure inside.

this week it was straight to the cheese...

a nice woman provided samples of the pt townsend fromage blanc.

it is a fresh soft cheese made with whole milk from local fed cows.

so tasty... i know my friends will devour this one!

next apples... there is something so refreshing about biting into an organic apple 

(even this time of year!) 

but i must say, my true blue favorite, and a staple in my house 

are various jars from woodringnorthwest. they can everything from preserves 

to vegetables and my favorite are parker's pickles. simply delicious....