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Beginning to think about holiday tables, and these darling embroidered tea towels/napkins via @paigejunell would turn the simplest setting into a French country fete! Rooster via Viola Fashion @etsy Canter font @blingsasssparkle

So Wynton was like “I was telling my friend who had a big performance tonight not to be nervous and the audience wont hear your mistakes anyway… “ And Im like yeah that is good advice for all of us. And then he’s like “Man I missed a note out there tonight…” and started shaking his head and laughing. And Im like “NAW!” And his horn player Victor overheard and he laughed too ‘cause he did hear the goof, and Im thinking even the pro-est of the pros mess up sometimes. #notetoself and note to all you #perfectionists out there. Give yourselves a break, because @wyntonmarsalis says so. Good enough for me.

Full moon love in our cowboy country.
#santaynezvalley #fullmoon #pickuptruck

In beginning to gather Thanksgiving floral and table inspiration, a more beautiful image than this I have not seen, reposting via my dearest @rosestoryfarm and the work of @tingefloral and photo by @jenhuangphoto Am just swooning, and #iwanttopaintit

The molto chic new(ish) suites at the #hoteleden where I recently spent the night in Rome (yay for upgrades!) are sublime. I’ve stayed at this hotel for something like 30 years now (Lordy!) and Ive loved it every time. And that rooftop restaurant and bar… swipe for more views
@hoteledenrome @brownell_travel @cwhittravels @virtuosoltd .
#rome #roma #eternalcity #hoteleden

Honoring Veterans Day. Here the memorial to New York’s 107th Infantry Regiment of the National Guard, formed in 1917 and disbanded in 1993. Also known as the Silk Stocking regiment, which might account for its location on 67th Street and Central Park. Silk stockings don’t count for much in battle, though, and these men fought as bravely as the many others, including my own father and step father in Korea and Vietnam. My husband, too, served jn the US Army’s 3d Infantry, though he did not see combat and does not consider himself a veteran per se. He was lucky. Prayers for our brothers and sisters in service and for peace on this solemn day. .
#107thregiment #veteransday

Just another Saturday night at Rancho La Zaca for some California Cooking and Southern Style, oh, and Talkin’ Big with His Grace and his college buddies from Iowa, and they are adorable. @chefstephvalentine worked her magic heroically in an improvised outdoor kitchen in the pitch dark and fun was had by all. Sweet of the boys to let me join them. Order your California Cooking and Southern Style via link jn my profile or anywhere you buy books! .
#californiacookingandsouthernstyle #francesschultz #stephanievalentine #talkinbig #rancholazaca #santaynez #losolivos #santaynezvalley #santabarbaracounty

My brave, beautiful, badass bestie @ninaggg profiled today by @guytrebay in the NY Times Style section. “The Party Girl, Till the End – Nina Griscom, society fixture, ‘80s It girl and tabloid regular, faces illness in fine fashion.” This girl is many things things, as this piece unflinchingly acknowledges, but she is not a victim and has never seen herself thus. We do not always have power over circumstances, but we do have power over our own perceptions, and nothing can rob us of that. How i love my friend and how my heart breaks for her and all those afflicted by ALS, but how grateful and awed I am by her inspiration and her light in the world.

Repost from my friend @tomsamet , who lives it.

If you’re wondering what to do with that great set of dessert plates you never use… The genius of @kitkempdesignthread (I think – if someone else should have credit please lmk!) @thewhitbyhotel in New York. .
#creativelamps #dessertplates #imari #ironstone #platelamp #kitkemp #whitbyhotel

Guess what I’m doing today… #californiacookingandsouthernstyle not officially released, but my (your!) copies are in and Im signing away. For YOUR personalized copy and for those on your gift list, order via link in my website or email me your list via website and we will get them out ti you in plenty of time for the hollies! … I want also to say that the fires in California and the many thousands who are suffering and the thousands of brave men and women who are helping and sacrificing are all much in my heart and in the hearts and prayers of the world. Hoping this week brings some relief, a return to power, and a restoration of some security and peace. .
#californiacookingandsouthernstyle #southernhospitality #entertaining #californiacooking #chefstephanievalentine #perfectchristmasgift #giftsforthecook #hostessgift #hostessgifts

Out for stroll on All Saints Day, every single person who is in Rome is in the Piazza di Spagna right this minute I swear… I was going for quick walk in the Boboli Gardens to sketch but somehow ended up here trying on shoes. How does this happen… #kidnappedbyaliens..
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#piazzadispagna #rome #roma #eternalcity