Is it treasonous to have pulled for Andy Murray, a Scot, over Swiss-but-almost-seems-American Roger Federer in the Wimbledon finals? Is it wrong to wish for the rain they had? As we bake in the July oven over here in the Colonies I recall with more than a hint of wistfulness a recent cool and drizzly… Continue reading A Stroll Through Sissinghurst
News & Notes
Chasing My Tail
RANCHO LA HECTIC–I mean La Zaca, which for new readers is the California ranch where I spend about half my time. The irony is that the word “Zaca” means “place of peace, quiet, and contentment.” I will keep this in mind as I chase my tail up one hill and down the other and around… Continue reading Chasing My Tail
Happy 4th of July From Rancho La Zaca
I’m back at the ranch this week and Cowboy (for new readers, His Grace the Cowboy is my sweetheart) and I have my nephew and three of his buds flying in from Georgia. For their 18th birthdays my nieces and nephew each get a trip with Auntie anywhere they want to go. John Rex wanted… Continue reading Happy 4th of July From Rancho La Zaca
Sister Act – via The Peak of Chic
Dear Readers, I was so struck by the charm and originality of fellow blogger and House Beautiful contributing editor Jennifer Boles’s Peak of Chic post today that I wanted to share it with you. Funnily enough my sister Duvall has a trunk show clothing business called Sister Act Collections, so-called because I sort of got… Continue reading Sister Act – via The Peak of Chic
14 Decorating Tips From a Darlin’ Dining Room
The other night I was lucky to be invited to my friend Valerie Smith’s for dinner in East Hampton. Valerie is a designer and the beauty and brains behind East Hampton’s beloved Monogram Shop, the go-to place for hostess gifts and great things for the house. Just visiting the shop is an inspiration, so imagine what it’s… Continue reading 14 Decorating Tips From a Darlin’ Dining Room
Pansy P. Petunia
Pansy P. Petunia I’m Pansy P. Petunia and I never take a shower. There isn’t any need because I smell just like a flower. by Kenn Nesbitt, via Kenn Nesbitt’s Poetry4Kids.com Some days I feel so mature. You should know, too, that Pansy P. Petunia goes on for three more verses with references to armpits… Continue reading Pansy P. Petunia
A Scintillating Summer Cocktail – “Il Spriz”
I’ll cut to the chase: It’s a drink called “Il Spriz” made by Mionetto, the same Italian company that makes Prosecco, which I thought was the Italian version of Champagne until a reader corrected me, below. (Grazie Franco!) Il Spriz is a symphony of citrus and herbal flavors–slightly fizzy, fresh, tingly and crisp. I swooned… Continue reading A Scintillating Summer Cocktail – “Il Spriz”
The English Cottage Charms of Podge Bune
I have been just about to bust to post my darlin’ English friend-designer-artist Podge Bune’s house in East Hampton. It is in the June issue of House Beautiful, and it’s one of my favorite houses ever. It should be noted that somewhere in there is the color of Podge’s riotous red hair, which explains a… Continue reading The English Cottage Charms of Podge Bune
Bringing the Indoors Out – Life in a Casa Bubble
What is greater than sleeping in the great outdoors… (well I can think of a few things but bear with me …) a celestial canopy… wind whispering in the trees… heaven. Yes it’s heaven until a mosquito buzzes, a critter comes poking ‘round, or it rains… but sleeping under the stars was a childhood dream… Continue reading Bringing the Indoors Out – Life in a Casa Bubble
Postcard From Burgundy – Part 5 – le Fin (the End)
As I was saying, from a bicycle you see aspects of scenery you might otherwise miss from a Ferrari, and there is something to be said for that. Bicycles also have more head room. That you have to wear one of those dorky helmets seems a small price to pay. What I don’t understand is… Continue reading Postcard From Burgundy – Part 5 – le Fin (the End)
Postcard From Burgundy – Part 4 – Market Day
One of the best things about France is its outdoor markets, and every town has one. A centuries old tradition, le marché is the happening place for procuring the week’s privisions and no doubt a good deal of gossip. Like Did you see Pierre? What was he thinking with that beret…? In addition to gossip, fruits, vegetables,… Continue reading Postcard From Burgundy – Part 4 – Market Day
Postcard From Burgundy – Part 3 – Bopping Around Beaune
Beaune is a charming town, walkable, manageable, with good little shops, and a bustling Saturday market. Good food too of course. And wine, which you know. One of my favorites was Laronze-Decor, managed by the charming and gracious Nicolas, whose family owns the shop, and come to find out a kitchen shop and bed and… Continue reading Postcard From Burgundy – Part 3 – Bopping Around Beaune