A quick and ingenious fix for loose computer cords when they’re not attached – saving you from fishing them off the floor, behind your desk, etc.
Author: Frances
Art of the Heirloom – Original Designs for Seed Packets
Do you ever wonder who actually sits down and designs things like seed packets? How did they get the job? What a charming assignment it would be, and clearly is to those who do it.
Happy Birthday, Mama
I’ve spent most of this day trying not to write about my mama, but it didn’t work. Today was her birthday, would have been her 83rd. I’m not sure she would have liked being 83 unless she could still look and act like she was, say 63.
It’s Snuggle Season – 10 Ways to Love Your Bed!
House Beautiful has a column every month called “I Love My Bed.” It’s a hoot to peek under other people’s covers, isn’t it? Maybe you shouldn’t answer that. Anyway I wrote the one in November about designer Bunny Williams, which you can read here. I did not actually get in bed with her, but we did… Continue reading It’s Snuggle Season – 10 Ways to Love Your Bed!
Cultural Outing Ends in Stocking Feet–“With Elegant Cuban Heel and Seam”
A slightly silly stream-of-consciousness Saturday that begins as a museum visit and ends on Madison Avenue with a pair of racy stockings.
In the Wake of Westminster – Going to the (Paintings of) Dogs
Is anybody still giggling over the Affenpinscher Banana Joe winning the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show? Is anybody still wondering what the heck an Affenpinscher is and why this little black monkey dog was named Banana Joe? I reckon it is because monkeys like bananas, but the dog’s home is in Holland. Why didn’t they name… Continue reading In the Wake of Westminster – Going to the (Paintings of) Dogs
How Lucky Is the Soul That Mends the Heart
Something about Valentine’s Day brings out the poet in me. Or rather inspires me to read poetry by those who write it, which I don’t. Okay maybe the occasional naughty limerick, but we are not going there. Instead I offer you a verse by Hafiz, the 14th century Persian mystic and poet, in praise of the heart–even when–especially when–it may be broken.
Signs of Spring, and Preparing…
Signs of spring and preparing for new life! Birthing babies, pruning vines, painting outside, blooming quince, and having today.
If You Heart Hearts, Click Here
40 cute, stylish, cool, fun, fab heart-themed goodies and where to find them… brought to you by Design Sponge. Ta-da! Oh, and there’s even a little history of the heart icon itself… a nice tid-bit to drop into your cocktail conversation.
“I Just Say Thank You”
The other night I went to a reception–a salon, really–hosted by The Silver Pen‘s Hollye Jacobs for journalist Lisa Ling, who was speaking later that evening as part of the wonderful arts and lecture series at UC Santa Barbara. Hollye, who is a friend and amazing person, held an informal discussion with Lisa, and invited… Continue reading “I Just Say Thank You”
Double Rainbow Delight
We don’t get that much rain in the Sant Ynez Valley, so when we do it’s great. Everything turns green and stays that way for a while, generally between December and March. Some days when the showers taper off in late afternoon and the sun’s rays slant across the hills, it’s like they’re shining through honey. When the light is magical like that you know there’s a rainbow about to happen somewhere. Maybe even two.
The Best Jambalaya Ever–and Great for a Crowd
This is one of those perfect dishes to make when you don’t know what to make, and it’s a huge crowd pleaser. With the Super Bowl in New Orleans and Mardi Gras coming, a little Cajun comfort food seems just right. Full of shrimp, sausage, chicken, and sumptuously savory rice, this jambalaya is fool-proof and… Continue reading The Best Jambalaya Ever–and Great for a Crowd