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!
News & Notes
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
Seeing Redd
If you’re anywhere near Atlanta and can go hear Miles Redd speak at the Cathedral Antiques Show on Thursday, January 31, do. Details at end of post. If you’re not, then do the next best thing and get his book, The Big Book of Chic. If you’re feeling flush ($75 but $55 if you get… Continue reading Seeing Redd
The Shooting Box – Plantation House, Hunting Lodge, and a Piece of History
When people think of Southern plantation houses they may think of big big white columns and broad verandas, but the house we stayed in on a recent quail hunting trip down South was a far and charming cry from the ante-bellum architectural cliché. Nestled among the pines and surrounded by camellias and blossoming redbuds, the house… Continue reading The Shooting Box – Plantation House, Hunting Lodge, and a Piece of History
Do Not Spit…
Some things just need no explanation. When we were in South Georgia last week quail hunting (see post here), we stopped at a convenience store for a cup of coffee. This sign was posted above the waste basket. A simple and direct request, followed by “Please.” Very genteel. Now you don’t often see signs like this… Continue reading Do Not Spit…