City Series: Atlanta, Nicholas Kniel Ribbon

To say I was overwhelmed, would be an understatement.  When I finally found the Nicholas Kniel ribbon shop in Atlanta (a small shop tucked on the upper floor of an unremarkable shopping center), all I could think was "hidden gem!"

Twice, I had torn out a magazine article about Nicholas and his fine European ribbon collection (most recently here in Victoria magazine) and I knew that someday I would visit his shop in Atlanta, Georgia.

But nothing prepared me for the selection.  Nothing.  It is the finest collection of ribbons I have seen anywhere on the planet.  And you know how many ribbon resources I have seen in my day.  I actually asked the saleswomen if they provided oxygen for customers who felt woozy (she didn't get my humor), the collection was that gorgeous.

In the end, I settled on just a few yards to play with.  The pale coral print will become a watchband, to match a Summer sweater I love.  The narrow taupe and pink stripe is to make a ribbon-wrapped bouquet of pale pink roses and the mulberry plaid will become a ribbon-band bracelet with a crystal buckle cuff for the holidays.  After deciding all that, my mind exploded and I had to leave. 

To my great relief (and discovered just today), Nicholas Kniel offers most of his collection (by-the-yard!) online here, so I do not have to have any regret about "the one that got away."  Do you love ribbon too?

City Series: Atlanta, Flip Burger Boutique

I flipped when I realized that I was finally going to be able to eat at one of Richard Blais' (winner of Bravo TV's 2010 Top Chef All Stars) restaurants in Atlanta!

Known for his adventurous cooking style (and love of liquid nitrogen), the dishes he prepared on the show were always the ones I wanted to try.  And now I have!  I went to the Flip Burger Boutique and devoured a blackened shrimp burger with a fried lemon slice on top - yum!  I'd order again in a second.

And I couldn't leave without having a "Turtle" milkshake (with caramel ice cream) made when the waitress pours liquid nitrogen into the glass full of ice cream base.  It was delicious, of course, but the "dry ice" fog and the frosted nuts was what really made it.  Next time, I'll go for a complete sugar buzz and order one called "Captain Crunch."

If you get a chance to visit Atlanta (or Birmingham, AL) I highly recommend a visit to Flip. 

City Series: Atlanta, Always A Bridesmaid

What makes me happy?  Driving through Buckhead and seeing a giant glass-walled showroom of mannequins wearing candy-colored ball gowns.  


Do I need a ball gown? No.  But it was after hours and I couldn't resist photographing some of these life-size Barbies.  
Doesn't her expression say: (sigh) "Always a Bridesmaid, never a Bride."

City Series: Atlanta, Ballard Designs

Oh, Ballard Designs...how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...


One of my favorite furniture/design catalogs has an outlet store in Atlanta!  It was wonderful to be able to see some of the pieces "in person" and imagine new items mixing with what I already have.  


It is a moment like this that reaffirms my decision to decorate my house in neutrals.  It lets me reinvent the rooms over and over again by changing pillows, accessories and flowers.  I love this kind of decorating and it makes it seem like my decorating budget is far greater than it is.  


The principal design premise of Ballard Design seems to be the same as mine.  Neutral furniture, accent pieces in black or cream distressed paint, touches khaki (in woven rugs, coffee bean sack pillows) meaningful accessories.  Metal birds, terrariums, skirted tables and maps of Paris.  If this sounds good to you, be sure to visit www.BallardDesigns.com and order yourself a catalog.  


You are bound to be inspired to feather your nest.

Ice Bucket Bouquet

This bouquet was assembled with peony donations!

I've been having a bit of a peony panic in my yard.  I went from having 6 happy and productive plants, to one plant that gives me 3 blooms - tops.  Is the soil in my bed too wet?  Did the plants get diseased?  I had the same problem last year and now that I'm in the same boat, I'm taking a leaf/soil sample to the garden center for some advice.  You can see my only peony in this photo: it is called "Gay Paree" and has magenta petals with a creamy center.

The rest of this gorgeous bouquet (I'm a florist at heart) was made with peony donations and a few "Royal Amethyst" roses.  My neighbor and best friend both offered up some of their blooms so that I could still make flower arrangements.  Thank goodness!  I couldn't miss having something this wonderful in the house.  And I discovered a distressed silver ice bucket in the basement - it must have been my mother's mother's from long ago.  I gave it a good shine and it is perfect.  

I'm making flower arrangements fit for a movie star.  Love it!

Strawberry Pot

I am finally using something for its original purpose!  For years, I have planted my strawberry pot with herbs.  It is a wonderful way to have a container garden full of a variety of herbs by the kitchen door.

However, the pot keeps the plants small, so the supply of basil is limited.  This year I am giving my herbs more room and planting them where they can grow larger.  

All of this left my strawberry pot empty, so I transferred some little plants from the garden to the pot and they love it!  When at least 10 are ripe, I'll make a dessert and sprinkle them on top.  Viva la Strawberry!

Pyrex Love

Can you believe my luck?  I just started collecting vintage Pyrex and the first two pieces I bought (different places, but for a whopping $1 each) are featured in the May 2011 issue of Country Living!  

What I love about Pyrex is how it represents American home cooking.  Classic dishes made by your parents or grandparents.  Sturdy and dependable - but so pretty too!  I am picturing a small wooden cabinet with a screen door (painted pale pink) to display my pieces in.  Wouldn't that be cute?

What is interesting, is that a few days ago I was at a garage sale looking for old Pyrex (no luck) and the woman liked my quest and had to show me the large blue Pyrex bowl that her brother always made and served banana pudding in.  She treasures the memory and the bowl and I told her that was exactly why I loved it.  To me, Pyrex symbolizes the love that comes out of the kitchen.

What is spooky is that I am about to visit my friend in Alabama and she told me on the phone (the day after this garage sale lady) that we were having a special dinner on Saturday night and we needed to make banana pudding!  I feel like the stars and moon are aligning!

Do you have Pyrex love?

Pop Art

Do you remember my trip to the grocery superstore, Jungle Jim's and my foray into the pop can aisle looking for vases?  I bought this beautiful pink can (some exotic flavor from Thailand?) with this display in mind.  But the peony from my friend Kim's yard is so full, you can hardly see the design!  I promise to fill this soda can with lavender roses later in the Summer and show it to you again.

Even though the can doesn't show, this simple flower arrangement took my breath away every time I came into the kitchen.  If you have friends or neighbors with peonies in bloom, ask if you can have just one.  Look at the delight it can bring!

Vitamin Regimen

Whenever I am doing something that looks beautiful I stop myself and say, "Oooohhh, they've got to see this!"  I'm talking about you, my dear reader, and I think you will love this!  I looked down on my bathroom counter today and my vitamins looked like art!

When I travel, I've started carrying my vitamins and allergy medicine in little plastic Amec boxes.  I can't resist the size and colors, so the last time I was at the Container Store I bought one of each.  At less than a $1 each, they are a great (and pretty) way to transport what I need, don't you think?

Now, are you taking your vitamins?

Imaginary Friend

This is one of my favorite tablescapes -  it looks like I'm all ready to have lunch with my imaginary friend.  I say imaginary because this lunch is an illusion.  The "sushi" is actually soap!

I love so many things about this display - the roses ("Lilian Austin") that just started blooming.  The Japanese-style tea set.  The ceramic dining pieces that came with a "roll your own sushi kit."  So many of the things I love in one place - plus the tongue and cheek aspect of the imaginary lunch. 

Interior design is so much more than couches and fabrics.  Right now, this vignette makes the room.

Caller ID

I was told the nicest thing today.  And on top of that, it includes a wonderful suggestion that I can pass on.

I called a friend of mine today on her cell phone.  We see each other once a month at our book club, but don't talk on the phone very often.  If I call, I usually call the house. 

Today she answered her cell and she said, "I am looking at the most gorgeous flower arrangement - one you gave me in a polka dot vase!"  

Last year at this time, she hosted our book club and I brought her a bouquet (similar to the one above) in one of my painted vases.  Apparently she liked it so much that she photographed it with her phone and then "attached" it to my cell phone number as my Caller ID.  

She was so funny today describing her reaction.  "I saw this gorgeous bouquet appear on my screen and thought to myself "that's beautiful!" - it took me a few seconds to realize that I was seeing it because you were calling!  I just wanted you to know that your art lives on!"  Isn't that nice?

Do you have the type of phone that allows you attach photos to a person's phone number?  Wouldn't it be fun to use a picture of their birthday cake, a flower in their garden or some other signifying object as their "Caller ID?"  I think it is a delightful idea.  Thanks, Suzanne!  You made my day. 

Party on the Patio

This is the season for parties on the patio.  Some are picnic-casual, while others make you say "Ooohhhh." 

A few years ago, I helped to plan a "get to know us" recruitment night for the Junior League of Birmingham and my committee and I thought that the patio of Meadow Brook Hall, a historic building in the suburbs of Detroit (built by Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of automotive pioneer John Dodge) would be the perfect spot. 

At the time, our league didn't own a building, so all of our events had to be held at different locations.  To my knowledge, we had never held an event at Meadow Brook Hall.  The grounds and gardens alone are worth a drive out there.  When you get inside and see the art and antiques, you'll swoon. 

We decided that it was important for the event to have a woman's touch.  There are so many networking events out there - this was a membership event and we wanted it to feel different.  The patio looks out onto a golf course and if you follow a path to the left, you can wander around in the rose garden.  What could be better?  And when I stepped on the patio the night of the event and saw this fruit and cheese display, I knew we had chosen the right place.I mention all of this because you might not have considered an historic home/small museum in your area as a possibility for hosting an event.  The small staff was thrilled to partner with us, the food was perfect (Who doesn't love a melon swan?) and the setting felt very special.  When it comes to a party on the patio, try to make history.

Teacup Bouquet

There is something so very charming about a teacup bouquet.  A sweet display of color on an end table or nightstand.  Gardeners know that sometimes a teacup bouquet simply means that there aren't enough flowers blooming for a whole bouquet!  But that's okay, cute comes in small packages.

The secret to stable arrangement is using a floral foam called Oasis.  You use a knife to cut a block to fit your teacup, press it into the cup (you'll be surprised how it forms to the shape when you press a bit) and then soak it with water.  The foam will hold the water and weight down the cup.  Now you can gently press the stems of your flowers into the wet foam.  The flowers will stay just where you place them - I just love that!  Every few days, pour more water into the cup to keep everything hydrated.     

Cooking with Charred Tomatoes

I have been thinking about charred tomatoes ever since I went to a little family-run Mexican restaurant that made table side salsa with charred tomatoes.  We ate every drop. 

It reminded me of a charred tomato and bacon salad dressing that I made last Summer.  I remember reading a recipe in a magazine on an airplane and improvised from there.  You basically cook olive oil-brushed tomatoes on a charcoal grill (hence the char) until they are a bit black and softened and then pulse them in a food processor with garlic, cooked bacon, a smig of fresh rosemary and olive oil.  Wow is it good.  You can see I added 2 pieces of fresh rosemary from the herb pot to the grill.  It didn't do much for the tomatoes, but the scent was heavenly!

My quick and easy way to char a bunch of tomatoes (that doesn't involve my husband, charcoal bags or the fire department) is to light a disposable camping grill ($2.00) and 15 minutes later my coals are ready to cook.  No fuss, no muss.  And if the heat from the coals lingers past your pile of tomatoes, you can char other vegetables too, like red peppers and onions.

This is the Summer of "eating more vegetables" and charring is a good way to start.

Simple Desserts

My friend and I went out to dinner to catch up.  It had been far too long since we had been able to look each other in the eye, talk about our lives and really hear each other.

So we ordered drinks and dinner and launched right into talking.  We had so much to say that we didn't even notice that our meal was taking forever.  And ever.  Suddenly the manager came to our table and told us to start thinking about dessert because it would be his treat.  There had been some mix up in the kitchen, which explained the delay.

And we didn't care one bit.  We were getting a chance to talk and were right where we wanted to be.  Which brings me to this sweet and sticky, warm and chewy brownie sundae and my suggestion that you make this for your next cook out.

I've come to this conclusion: brownies + ice cream + raspberries = happy guests.  And if you want to go all out you can drizzle the whole thing with chocolate sauce (I bought squeeze bottles like this at Walmart for a song) and top it with a mint leaf from the garden.  

This is a reminder that dessert doesn't have to be fancy, it just has to be good. 

Travels with Flowers

You had a sneak peek at this beautiful bouquet in yesterday's post.  A variety of fresh lilacs that I brought home (on a 5-hour car ride!) from the cottage.

I am notorious for not being able to leave the garden wherever I am and cutting bouquets to take with me.  When I leave for the cottage, I cut all of my roses and put them in the car.  When I leave the cottage for home,  it is the same story in reverse.  So much so that my Summer name is "Travels With Flowers" - ha!  

And this has been going on for years.  One time I won a limbo contest in Florida (don't ask) and brought my "prize" home on the plane - an enormous bouquet (3 feet x 3 feet at least) of tropical flowers, like bird of paradise.  The stewardess took one look at me carrying my tropical trophy in a giant clear shopping bag and "safely stowed" it in the First Class lavatory for the trip! 

Do you travel with flowers?  

Custom Placemats

Don't you love it?  A beautiful tablescape based on placemats that I made from an old Cavallini & Co. calendar!

I love to dress up the kitchen by using a tablecloth.  It is a wonderful way to add a splash of color and can really breathe life into the room. 

The table in your kitchen is the design equivalent of the couch in your family room.  Being able to change tablecloths to suit your mood is like being able to reupholster your couch when ever you want to - the effect can be that dramatic.

That said, one splash of milk from the cereal bowl can spoil the look of a cloth and make you wonder why you tried at all.  So...

I've made myself (and you can too!) some paper placemats out of an old but beautiful calendar.  I trimmed the day/date section and the torn spiral bound edge off and suddenly had a picture suitable for framing. 

I bought a roll of clear contact paper at the hardware store and covered each picture (a process I affectionately call "plasticizing") with a plastic barrier - just unroll a bit of contact paper, line it up on the edge of the picture and slowly unroll as it makes contact with the picture.  Smooth out the bubbles as you go and then trim off the excess.  Cover the back of the paper image too, which will ensure greater longevity. Repeat that process a few more times and the result will be a set of custom placemats. 

My table looks gorgeous and actually eating there is no longer a problem.  Voila! 

Cute is Timeless

I wanted to stop for a moment and remind you that cute is timeless and tell you that the effort you put into crafts can last a long long time.

A few years ago, I posted the idea to make a clock out of a favorite box of food (at the time it was a Swedish Pancake Mix).  It is a fun light-hearted way to have a clock in the kitchen.  A super easy idea that is full of delight. 

That same week, I made this clock out of a box of tea that my friend, Heidi brought me from Japan.  Isn't it sweet?  I found it hiding on a shelf at the cottage this weekend and I brought it home with me.  I put a fresh battery in it and it is as good as new!  I love it just as much now as the day I made it. 

Sometimes crafters aren't given their due. If you like making things (and love the result) - that is all we need to know. 

Shogetsu Japanese Flowering Cherry

Isn't this a triumph? A Shogetsu Japanese Flowering Cherry in full bloom against the blue Spring sky.  Although I like to blog with just one photograph to keep my posts to "a moment," it really didn't seem right to write about a variety of tree without letting you see the whole thing!

My mom admired this horizontal-frame tree (with double pink buds that open to fluffy white blossoms) in a catalog twenty-three years ago and ordered it. But when the meager "stick" of a tree arrived in the mail, she thought that the glorious tree from the catalog just wasn't meant to be.  But look!  It took years of patience, but this beauty is living up to its potential.  Magnifique! 

Memorial Day

Wishing you a calm and peaceful Memorial Day.

Travel Must-Haves

It seems I am always on the go-go-go.  I thought that today would be a good day to consolidate some of my best tips for a successful trip.

Beauty Basics:  There are two things I always keep in my travel dopp kit.  The first is a package of Oil of Olay dry 2-in-1 facial cloths.  They have gentle suds to wash your face and are perfect as one-time-use washcloths in the shower. 

I also always keep a Sonia Kashuk all-in-one make up palette from Target in my bag.  When I unpack from a trip, I leave it in my dopp kit so that no matter how quickly I pack the next time, I know that I have "a little something" for my eyes, cheeks and lips.

Packing Clothes:
I have written about how I like to plan and photograph my outfits for an important or lengthy trip.  I know it sounds like a lot of work, but it makes packing and "looking put together" on the road a whole lot easier.  You can see my explanation here.

Packing Jewelry:
You know by now that I make all of my own jewelry.  Which means I have a lot of it.  I have devised a wonderful way to get it from place to place and I want to remind you of it here.

Whoosh! I know that was a lot of suggestions and I hope it helps to keep you super cute on your next adventure away from home.  Bon Voyage!

Trillium

Have you ever been walking in the woods and come across a group of Trillium?  I think it is one of the prettiest wildflowers in Michigan. 

Apparently picking the bloom of a trillium damages the plant and it takes years for it to recover.  For that reason, it is illegal to pick Trillium on public land.  I think that kind of protection is wonderful and can only help to protect native species.  Besides, it looks so natural among the leaves in the woods, I don't think it would ever look appropriate in a bouquet.

A local winery here in northern Michigan, named one of their wines Trillium.  The bottle has a watercolor of a trillium blossom on it and it is the perfect casual wine for a picnic.

Unusual Vases

With so many blooming bushes and trees at their peak, I bet you are scrambling to find enough vases to accommodate your bounty.  Don't forget that a pretty pitcher (antique or otherwise) can double as a vase.

If you are considering an antique pitcher and have doubts about whether it is water-tight, you can always insert a small glass inside to hold the water.  The pitcher you see here is in a pattern called "Chelsea" and the cluster of lavender blooms are fragrant lilacs from my yard- I'm in heaven. 

When arranging cut flowers, I like to sprinkle a little Floralife floral food into the water to lengthen the bloom life.  When I don't have any of that, I resort to a splash of Listerine mouthwash!  I have heard that the "germ fighting" properties of mouthwash can also work to keep the water fresher longer.  If I don't have floral food on hand, I figure it can't hurt.

So dig through your cupboards (or the basement!) and see if you can find any interesting vessels to hold this season's delight.

Soundtrack for Summer

I have been channeling my inner high schooler lately and making some mixed tapes to listen to in the car this Summer.  Nothing makes me happier than singing along to all my favorite songs and if they can look as good as they sound, even better!

I wanted to show you these fabulous compact disc labels from MixIt.  I originally bought them (at the Container Store) to add some cute to the cds I was making for my niece as she went off to college.  It didn't take me long to realize that I would like them just as much as she would, so I have been sticking them to my "Summer 2011" mixes.

Never underestimate the power of using something that's pretty.

Lily of the Valley

What a treat!  I just returned home from my best friend's house with an armful of Lily of the Valley (say it with me in French, muguet du bois)!  She has a sweeping backyard full of shaded areas that are crowded with lily of the valley.  Lucky Girl!

Every year she gives me the high sign when they start blooming and I drive out for a visit and a chance to pick a giant bouquet.  This year we also dug up some pips to transplant into my yard - I really hope they take! 

I picked enough flowers today to making several arrangements around the house.  I especially love to have a tiny vase filled with a few blossoms in the first floor powder room - such a sweet touch. The bouquet above will be driven up north to the cottage this weekend - they are the ones we picked for my mom.

When you were watching the Royal Wedding, did you notice that Kate Middleton's bouquet was full of lily of the valley?  As a flower, it represents happiness.  All I can say is, Amen.

Serging Scarves

I have been having a wonderful time serging scarves lately.  A serger (or overlock) is a special machine that makes a perfect finished edge.  On my new scarf above (love it!) you can see that I've serged one of the edges (gray) in what is called a "3 thread rolled edge."

Before I go on to serge the rest of it, I wanted you to see the color chart that comes on the edge of most  fabrics.  It shows an isolated list of the exact shades used in the print.  When I am choosing fabrics to make into scarves, I find it helpful to look at the color chart and say, "Do I have any t-shirts in these colors?"  If I do, adding this fabric as a scarf will make a whole new outfit.

Decorating With Flowers

I am a big believer in decorating with flowers.  They can improve a room the way a scarf can improve an outfit.

I think the reason that fresh flowers, like these lilacs, feel so special is because they are perishable.  They will only be in bloom for about a week (and last in water 3-4 days) and then they are gone for the year.  

Decorating with flowers shows that the room is tended - that the flowers are supposed to be there because someone just put them there.  Does that make sense?

In the same way baking cookies or a cake for a visit sends the message that you are happy to have guests, decorating with flowers heightens the beauty of a room and silently says, "Enjoy this."

Of course you need access to a blooming tree or shrub (if you don't have any, ask your friends), but when something this gorgeous requires only clippers, water and a vase - how can you not decorate with flowers?

It just might turn the room, and your day, around.

*LILAC TIP: Since they have woody stems, smash the ends with a hammer or carefully cut slices at the end of the stemo to allow more water to be absorbed.

Japanese Pop-up Cards

I wanted to show you this beautiful pop-up card that I have on display right now in my front hall.  It is on a baker's rack with my collection of Chelsea dishes - the touch of blue on the dishes is the same shade as the sky and I love how they look together.  I am showing you a close up, though so that you can see the glorious detail put into these 3D cards.

I bought this card a few years ago to use as art and I love putting it on display at eye level to draw people in - that's why the baker's rack is perfect, lots of shelves!  The scene on the card depicts a form of musical theater called Noh.  Here you can see the outdoor stage, performer, audience and fire pots a blaze.  I love the colors and layers so much.  Do you want a Japanese pop-up card to enchant your guests?  You can order one here.    

Modern Sewing Basket

I have been on a "sort, organize, finish projects" bender ever since my book on Paris was published.  I think I feel like I finally have the time to finish a few things before Summer gets in full swing and I am traveling again.

This productivity was also spurred on by things like a 3-day search for my seam ripper.  I knew I had one and I couldn't find it anywhere.  Which made me realize that since getting a sewing table with drawers (at least 10 years ago), I had given up having a proper sewing basket.  And without a sewing basket, I had no real place to keep my notions.  The harder I looked for the missing seam ripper, the more sewing items I found in various drawers, boxes and jars around the house.

I needed one spot for needles, thimbles and measuring tape and I found the perfect container!  A snap together multi-level box.  I've provided a link, but I have seen these for sale in the craft/organizer section of Target and large grocery super stores.  It is clear, modern and can grow (by adding more snap-on levels) to accommodate as many notions as I can handle.  

Do you need a modern sewing basket?   

Royal Wedding Souvenirs

Have you considered lately, how the smallest gesture can reveal a gigantic heart?

Six days a week, I write and send photos out into the world trying to inspire my readers to find delight in every day life.  If I can lead by example and show people how little touches, easy projects and simple recipes can bring some happiness into their lives (and the lives of those around them), then I am accomplishing my goal.  I try to be very honest with my ideas and declarations and although I may seem overly passionate about some things, I feel that the truth can help people to celebrate their own quirky collections or interests.

Now that I've said that, I'll remind you that for me, the Royal Wedding was a big deal.  I've written about collecting Princess Diana memorabilia as a child, how I went to see an exhibit of her dresses years ago, that visiting St. Paul's Cathedral was meaningful to me.  I have done my best to express what I think so many people feel and now that the time had come, I was happy to get up early and watch a beautiful wedding with the rest of the world.

Then I got an email from a blog reader and "fan/friend" on Facebook who lives in England.  She has been following my blog and wondered if I wouldn't like her to get me some wedding souvenirs.  Can you believe it?  What a simple and glorious thing to do.

I told her that my cousin had secured a mug for me (what a relief!) but that I would LOVE a tea towel, some newspaper clippings and, if possible, a simple tote (like for groceries or to carry library books) with the wedding date on it.  We figured out how I could pay her back through PayPal (genius!) and she set off to find me some goodies. 

The package arrived yesterday and this is what she sent!  Not only did she find a lovely crested tea towel and a "couldn't be more perfect" cotton Union Jack printed bag with hearts and 29 04 11 on it, but she also included a commemorative wedding book (blue), a royal issue of OK magazine, lots of newspaper articles (I've learned way more than I could find out here) and a little William & Kate wedding button as gifts!  Can you stand it?

Friendship and Kindness and Generosity from across the Atlantic; simply because she knew I would like it.  Thank you, Friend, for bringing me delight.

Life is Art

Would you believe me if I told you I took this photo?  Can you imagine what it was like to see these roses exactly as you see them - crowded and blooming like a painting?  Real life was exceeding art at David Austin's rose garden last Summer. 

My visit to David Austin's Shropshire garden in England has been one of the highlights of my life.  As my own rose bushes are leafing out (I saw the beginnings of a bud yesterday!), I can't help but remember the thrill of standing here. 

Roses take time and tending to get results like this, but there is no doubt in my mind that they are worth it.  Buy yourself a David Austin English Rose (I have Heritage, Abraham Darby, Lillian Austin and Graham Thomas) and plant it in your garden.  It will bring art into your life in an entirely new way.

Sisters On The Fly

"Hey - I've met those girls!" was my first thought when I was reading the June issue of Oprah's O magazine.  There is a great spotlight article on the fun-loving vintage trailer group called, Sisters On The Fly.

When I was at the Country Living Fair in 2009, I noticed two travel trailers parked in a semi-circle with little living area set up in front - jugs of flowers, chairs, vintage items.  Some members of "Sisters On The Fly" were happily chatting with attendees, showing off their super-cute trailers (look at the red cowboy boots holding cooking utensils!) and recruiting! 

I was struck with how happy these women were with a "place of their own."  A little mobile retreat that showcased their individual style.  Since my days of owning a little orange Barbie Camper (and then the deluxe yellow motor home), I have dreamed of a creative life on the road.  A rolling studio where my sewing machine, serger, computer and baking pans were all able to "go where I go."  Driving between delightful destinations, all while having brownies baking in the oven...

I think these "Sisters" are onto something and I'm glad they are getting such grand exposure.  Bravo.  I support any group whose motto is: "We have more fun than anyone."

Jewelry Tip

I want to give you a tip for making a simple pendant necklace. 

A new trend in pendant construction is to include 2 metal loops on the back of the pendant.  If you are in Michaels (or the jewelry aisle of another craft store) and you see a pendant you like, turn it over and see if it has two loops on the back.

If it does, you can make a virtually "no skills" necklace by attaching a lobster clasp onto each end of a pretty chain.

Before you attach the lobster clasps, try the chain around your neck and decide where you want the pendant to hang.  My guess is that you'll want the chain to be about 18 inches long.  Adjust the length of the necklace by using a wire cutter (wear safety goggles) to clip off the excess length of chain.  Then attach a lobster clasp to each end of the chain (use a jump ring to hold the clasp to the chain). 

Close one lobster clasp onto a loop on the back of the pendant, put the necklace around your neck and close the other lobster clasp onto the other loop on the back of the pendant.  Tah-dah - you're wearing a necklace!

The #1 reason I love this trick is that it doesn't commit the pendant to just one necklace. If you unhook both lobster clasps, the pendant can be used another away - no harm done.

Garden Transport



The next time you are at Costco, pick out an extra sturdy (and preferably cute) cardboard tray from the pile offered to customers.   It is my new solution for transporting dirty plant packages home from the garden center. 

I used a large scrap of blue & white check oilcloth and stapled it into the cardboard tray, leaving a few inch edge going up the side all the way around (you could do the same with a white kitchen garbage bag).  Now I have a leak-proof way to get everything home safely.Lately I have been struggling with grocery bags, bottles and whatnot rolling around in the back of my SUV.  Once my weekend garden errands are finished, I can use this lined tray to hold grocery bags, muddy shoes or whatever needs to be "contained."

Do you need a garden transport?

The Beauty of Everyday Life

This is the beauty of everyday life.  I walked back into the kitchen the other morning and noticed the "unintentional beauty" of this white-on-white scene. 

I had left some antique dishes drying on a dishtowel.  The sun was shining in the window and it looked a lot like a photo from the old days of Victoria magazine.  Do you see what I mean?  Delight is everywhere.

Cute Cocktail Napkins

Iced tea, lemonade, Sangria and plain old Diet Coke...you will be serving icy beverages to all your friends before you know it and you'd better have some cute cocktail napkins.

My solution?  Make your own super cute napkins with a few sheets of epoxy stickers (thick stickers with a solid plastic coating) and a package of solid colored paper napkins.  These sticker sheets were $1 a piece and they add a world of cute to the basic (and inexpensive) solid cocktail napkin available in every party store in town.

Instructions?  Stick a sticker on each napkin.  You will not believe the accolades you will get for this simple act.  Then tell them it's a moment of delight.

Cottage Garden

Say it with me...Awwwww.  I know, I just love this mini-masterpiece.  Telly's Greenhouse has an expanded miniature gardening section - just look!  I know you won't be able to resist.

They have in stock (I was just there) stone houses, tiny gazebos, everything you see here to create your own little world.  It takes passion and vision to say "I'm going to build a business making supplies for teeny-tiny gardens" - I applaud Austram for making it and Telly's for selling it! Bravo!

Sugar Shaker

Powdered Sugar is your friend.  A sprinkling of it can elevate the look of a dish or hide a few mistakes, depending on how your day is going.

I wanted to show you the dreamy side of powdered sugar on a Scandinavian lunch (above) that I had one Summer.  The cold fruit soup had an edible fairy rose floating on a mint leaf - all kissed with a bit of powdered sugar.  Gorgeous!

Then there are the bad days, when your Mother's Day cake sticks to the "needs no spray or grease" French Sunflower cake mold that you bought at the rummage sale for twenty-five cents.  I was not happy.  Then I realized that a dusting of powdered sugar would visually "even out" the variations in color and "stuck to the pan" gaps in my simple cake.  It worked like a charm!  I put the cake on a pink cake stand and it looked like I had always planned to finish it with powdered sugar.  Whoosh - what a relief.

From now on, I'll use a non-stick spray in my new pan (I still love it) and I'll keep my sugar shaker full!

Go For Green

When you are out "getting your garden on" at the local plant nursery, don't forget the green!  I can't tell you how many people were surprised (and delighted!) by this little bouquet in my kitchen last year. 

I combined "Green Envy" zinnias (you can buy seeds or plants) with some of my Golden Variegated Sage.  So pretty!

When the flowers and the leaves are green, it is the perfect example of something being beautiful and interesting.

Water Bottle Sleeve

Phone.  Keys.  Camera.  Water.  This is my list when I head out the door.  Does my water need to be this cute?  No, but it does need to be mine.  I spend a lot of time with friends - out and about, at kid's sports games, euchre nights and school events.

Where there are women, there are water bottles and I was getting tired of "losing" my water in a sea of bottles on a picnic table.  Has this happened to you?  It is kind of like the need for wine charms to distinguish between glasses at a party.  So...

I have made the world's simplest NO SKILL water bottle sleeve.  Mine is made of bright yellow oilcloth with strawberries.

Water Bottle Sleeve

your favorite water bottle - this will be the "mannequin"
5 x 9.5 inch piece of oilcloth
pinking shears

3 adhesive Velcro dots (or adhesive Velcro strip)

Use pinking shears to create a pretty zig-zag edge to your oilcloth.  Determine the short side of the oilcloth (5 inches across) and stick three fuzzy dots onto the right side of the oilcloth in a row (one in each corner and one in the center). 

I am going to tell you the way to get a perfect fit on your water bottle.  Place the "mate" sticker onto each dot so that the adhesive is sticking up into the air - ready to be "stuck."  Wrap the oilcloth around your water bottle - pretty side out.  When the oilcloth overlaps, allow the adhesive (on the dots) to "land" in the perfect place to create a snug fit around your water bottle.  Voila!

This water bottle sleeve can be used over and over again.

Julia's Kitchen

I think you'll remember when I visited Julia Child's kitchen at the Smithsonian a few years ago.  Well my memories of her kitchen (shown above) all came back to me this week as I attended two church rummage sales. 

In Julia's day, there really was no such thing as beautiful kitchen tools.  Nothing matched, most items were metal or wood and non-stick spatulas were relatively new.  There wasn't anything special about her tools, but they were all she needed to make a delicious meal.

As I saw people sorting through dusty boxes of these humble (yet necessary) kitchen tools, it reminded me that although they aren't the gorgeous pristine pieces from Sur La Table, they'll do the trick. 

What was my Julia-worthy find?  A metal "sauce and gravy" whisk for twenty-five cents.

Right vs Left

I've been living a creative life long enough to recognize some patterns.  My year is divided distinctly into three phases.  I'm not sure if it is really right brain vs left, but it definitely uses different strengths at different times. 

January - April: Analysis, Planning, Writing, Organizing

May-September: Creating, Designing, Photography

October-December: Tradition, Memories, Baking

I spend so much of Jan/Feb/March/April writing articles, blog posts, planning promotions and generally thinking.  I brainstorm book ideas and talk a lot about the future, while I organize everything.

When the first blooms of May open, I am "shocked" into my creation phase, where everything is time sensitive.  Each blossom (tulips, weeping cherry, marsh marigold, lilac, iris) will only be at peak for a few days (and if the sun is out, you'd better grab it!), the sunset is right now, the festival is this weekend only.  So you see what I mean?  I have to be camera-ready all the time to capture the ever-changing world of delight.  I feel most creative during this time of year and bounce between making jewelry, taking pictures and sewing/taping/knitting/serging/threading/painting etc.  It is so much fun.   

And then by the Fall, I end up putting aside all business design ideas in lieu of the "what I can make for the house" ideas.  I like to revive memories with a certain recipe.  I like to fill the house with beautiful Christmas vignettes.  I want to attend (and host!) the holiday parties and events that bring people together.  I love it all.

And then it is suddenly after New Years, I'm exhausted and I settle down to think, write and reflect.

Does your year have a distinct pattern?  As I look out the window, the trees tell me that I am about a week from my creative phase starting.  Wish me luck!   

Pierre Frey Tray

We all have stories of "the big find" at a garage or rummage sale.  How something so perfect fell right into our lap...and at a great price too.

Tonight was my night.  I showed up a little early for my shift at the church rummage sale.  Twice a year I hunker down with a calculator and a cash box to be the "cashier" in the furniture department.  I came early with the hopes of doing a bit of quick shopping before my shift started.  I had about 20 minutes to be a power shopper and look what I found!

A huge (21 x 16 inch) laminated fabric tray in "Plateau Tyrol" by Pierre Frey.  With the original sticker Pierre Frey/Paris on the back!  This is the kind of tray that is large enough to put on an ottoman to hold a coffee pot and several cups and saucers.  This is a sturdy designer-style showpiece.  Now I have wanted one of these trays for YEARS, but with a price tag of around $175, I have always talked myself out of it.  You see, there is a Pierre Frey shop just around the corner from the hotel I like to stay in when I am in Paris (The Millesime).  I can't tell you how many times I have stared in the shop window looking at the selection of fabric-backed trays displayed like dominoes along the window ledge. 

Well tonight was my night and among the frayed and discarded rummage, I noticed one of these trays on a table in a stack of items.  When I pulled it out and confirmed that it was what I thought it was, I looked at the price: $1.00.  Yes, one dollar.  I practically shook when I knew it was going to be mine.  Now I'll have to wait a few months for it to make sense in my living room.  An alpine scene just doesn't cut it in May.  But I can wait.  The minute the snow flies I am serving coffee on my new tray.  Love it! 

Mother Nature

I am quite sure that this is the happiest water lily in Florida.  It gets to live in a well-tended pond just outside Chanel on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach - where beauty of all kinds is admired.

When I walked toward the long (at least 15 feet!) raised cement water garden, I wondered if I was looking at a "stunt flower" - a waxy imitation designed to look like the real thing.  But this flower is as real, as it is gorgeous.  It must have opened that morning because the petals were pristine.

I was leaning over photographing it, when a woman and two children wandered into this area.  I struck a deal with them that I would use their camera and take their picture, if they would stop and take a photograph of this water lily.  They accepted and I told the girls (about 6 & 8) that "It's not often that you get to be this close to a water lily," which seemed to make it all the more exciting for them.

Sometimes in the middle of beauty-by-design (a cement landscape, Chanel shops, and glamorous cars) you need to put the spotlight on Mother Nature.