Bright & Beautiful

Paint the Cotswolds, May 14-19, 2023

Join us this glorious, blooming spring to paint and wander about the Cotswolds this May 14-19. By us I mean virtuoso watercolorist, wonderful person, and workshop teacher Andrew Hucklesby, and me. With our home base as the gracious and elegant Barnsley House and its fabulous gardens, spa, and excellent chef, we will learn, laugh, create, play, paint, and… Continue reading Paint the Cotswolds, May 14-19, 2023

Around the World in 80 Paintings

Announcing… Around the World in 80 Paintings. And you’re invited. At journey’s end, there will be an exhibit and sale of the paintings, and the purchase price of each piece will go to the charity of the buyer’s choice. Work will be en plein air and en arm chair, on location and from photos, mine and I hope yours too.

A Chat and a Laugh with Flower Magazine’s Margot Shaw

What do bar fights, the Piggly-Wiggly in Tarboro, and spiritual connection have in common? Find out in my interview with Flower Magazine Editor-in-Chief Margot Shaw. When Margot asked me to do an online chat just for fun, I said I am all about just-for-fun. I’m also all about Margot, who is the coolest, and I would do… Continue reading A Chat and a Laugh with Flower Magazine’s Margot Shaw

America’s Best Party Hosts… Gosh!

I’m just not one of those people who wins things. Except for that time I played Bingo with my sister at a spa like ten years ago. My prize was shower gel and moisturizer and I had them bronzed for posterity. Now I might bronze my party shoes. What a huge honor–and surprise!–to be named… Continue reading America’s Best Party Hosts… Gosh!

Guess Who’s in Salonniere’s Top 100: America’s Best Party Hosts

Lucille Ball kicking up her heels, via Salonniere.

I am! Don’t know what came over them, but I am so honored.  Oh my heavens. Fell slam off my chair, I did. Salonniere is a brilliant (obviously ;)) and stylish full of beautiful images, chic people, and smart advice about entertaining in particular and hospitality in general, which we can’t have too much of. Thank… Continue reading Guess Who’s in Salonniere’s Top 100: America’s Best Party Hosts

Coming to San Francisco!

Will be making a mad dash to San Francisco this week to speak at the fabulous de Young Museum. It is their celebrated, annual Bouquets to Art event.   I am pinch-hitting for my friend Carolyne Roehm, who has family matters to attend to. She was, as she always is, very generous to suggest me… Continue reading Coming to San Francisco!

Need a Pat on the Back or a Kick in the Pants? This 4-Minute Chick-Flick Does Both.

It’s beautiful and inspiring and okay a little schmaltzy. But sometimes I like that, because I am, at heart, a sap. Anway it’s a good way to start the week. A dear friend sent it to me, and I thought I’d share. Watch it here: Today I Rise.  Below are a few of the film’s images, in the background… Continue reading Need a Pat on the Back or a Kick in the Pants? This 4-Minute Chick-Flick Does Both.

8 Great Fancy Frocks–for Brides, Guests, or Glamorpusses

Screen Shot from Dee Hutton website

Coming back to earth from the Met gala in early May and its barrage of derring-do-dresses, I’m still a bit googly-eyed. But at the end of the day, what works best for me, and probably most gals who are not Kim Kardashian, is simple, timeless, feminine, and flattering. Here’s a peek at some pretties from Dee Hutton, a… Continue reading 8 Great Fancy Frocks–for Brides, Guests, or Glamorpusses

Sure Cure for Post-Downton Abbey Depression: Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries

If you miss Downton Abbey, take heart. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries will have you obsessed anew. Men like it, too. If not for the fabulous clothes, then for the murder, scandal, sex, glamour, good stories, and great characters.