Chris Everard

Chris Everard is a London-based photographer. He creates such beautiful vignettes inviting you to seek out more of the story. I just love the vibrant cascade of green here, so fresh.

/images via link/

French Macarons

Oh my ... I really really could eat a few everyday. They are nothing like those yucky coconut ones. Once you have a taste, you'll know what I mean.

Form Follows Function?

So here is something I've been working on ... selecting new furnishings for my home.  I enjoy doing this for others, but find it difficult for myself.  Don't get me wrong, I know what I like, it's not that.  It's the idea of living with something for a while.  Anything with a sense of permanency is hard.  And lets face it, you can't just tuck away a new dining table in the back of the closet very easily.  

Why so arduous you ask?  Firstly, I rarely buy what I don't absolutely want.  Secondly, I am always searching for that "great find."  And thirdly, I don't want regret.  Once I make a decision, I don't like to later realize it was the wrong one.  At times, I don't make a decision at all ... which I guess, in and of itself, is a decision.  And I don't like filler or transient pieces.  I'd much rather live in a bare room with a single amazing chair, versus one filled, to simply be functional.  I want thoughtful selections.  This is all well and good, except when practicality is an issue.   

I realize there's nothing to sweat here, just where I'm at.  So what did I go and do?  Came home with an amazing mirrored brass side table with beautiful patina.  Didn't need it at all, but oh, can't imagine living without it now.

Secret Garden

It's been a while since I've blogged about the ins and outs of my life.  I've been running around so much, it was nice to just take some time off yesterday.  While walking the gardens at the local art museum, I noticed the picnickers.  So many smiles, outbursts of laughter, and some quiet whispers ... where the eyes tell all.  I love that, when there is no need for the exchange of words, merely glances. 

The gardens are quietly beautiful and public, yet feel like my very own secret place to disappear.  I tend to forget exactly which city I'm in, a bonus.  I've been content lately, feeling more settled.  Not itching to run off to another city, except Paris (which looks like might happen this fall).  Or maybe Tuscany, just got an invitation today!

I saw Wolverine the other night, entertaining.  I don't care what those critics say.  I am dying to see the Star Trek movie, I'll watch anything by J. J. Abrams.  Last thing, I am smack in the middle of Breaking Dawn (got me listening to Debussy again) and attempting to stretch out this event.  It has been such a fun read.  So really, not much has been going on, besides dinners with friends, great conversations, long walks ... oh, just heard jingling from the ice cream truck ... how I love this season.  

Christian Dior

I simply adore all of these dresses for summer ... so fun and flirty. The first 3 paired with gold or pewter flat sandals, the last, strappy stilettos. Hair in beachy long loose waves or a casual high ponytail would be pretty. You can't help but take a second or third glance at any woman walking down the street in one of these.

John Galliano is on my list of top 5 designers. His love of femininity and decadence along with a twist of modern gave the House of Dior an amazing face-lift.

Wow, so pretty!

/images via New York magazine/

Lee Ledbetter

I love the use of windows and great proportion in this home ... of course nothing less would be expected from architect extraordinaire, Lee Ledbetter.

/images via Architectural Digest/

Designers Guild

There are few things I enjoy more than a beautifully dressed bed.  White linens for summer ... what a great place to daydream.

/Images via their site/