It’s that time of year again ~all my favorite blogs start showcasing their fall finds and I turn orange with envy. It hard to envision fall when the temperature is still 100 degrees plus here in Phoenix. Dreaming of A Garden of Autumnal Splendor. A Garden of Autumnal Splendor Thankfully I just got back from attending my cousin Sarah’s wedding in Las Vegas. We arrived a day early and since I am not a gambler I headed to one of my favorite spots, the Bellagio Conservatory. Every ... View the Post
All Things Irish Castles
All Things Irish Castles, who doesn't love a grand castle? Kilkea Castle All Things Irish Castles Hundreds of castles dot the countryside of Ireland. Although many of the castles are the dreams in which fairy tales are made of, the majority are small fortresses built by landowners a few hundred centuries ago. One such castle is Thoor Ballylee Castle in County Galway. This 16th century Norman castle was purchased by W.B. Yeats. The great Irish poet lived in this castle for 12 years and ... View the Post
Moments In Time
Moments In Time, ah Audrey. Forever captured as a Fair Lady. I remember looking at this photo, among others, with the Fashionista when she was studying Fashion Design. We wondered not only about the Oscar-winning costume designer who created such beauty, but also who took this timelessly lovely portrait. Moments In Time It turned out that the individuals in question were one and the same person. The uber-talented Sir Cecil Beaton. Sir Cecil Beaton Sir Beaton recently came on my radar ... View the Post
Vintage Pillowcase Apron Tutorial
About three years ago I had seen a darling apron made from vintage pillowcases. I put the image into my style file and there it sat until this last weekend. Here is a Vintage Pillowcase Apron Tutorial. Vintage Pillowcase Apron Tutorial In cleaning out my sewing closet I came across my great grandmother's handiwork and decided that there would never be a better time than the present to create my own apron. I decided to videotape my efforts so that I could create a tutorial for you. If you ... View the Post
Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet
For all the grandeur that the Palace of Versailles has to offer there is something much more quaint and rustic, that appeals to my beauty-seeking soul. It is Marie Antoinette's Hamlet. The Norman-styled Hamlet, Hameau de la Reine, was designed by architect Richard Mique for Marie Antoinette between 1873 and 1787. It was a place for her to escape the daily rigors of court life. Marie Antoinette's Hamlet There are a total of eleven houses that surround the big lake. Five of ... View the Post
A Garden Home Make It Right
Last March I went on a self-guided walking tour of the Garden District in New Orleans. The weather was just perfect to admire such lovely homes. A Garden Home Make It Right. A Garden Home Make It Right The area was developed between 1832 ~ 1900 for wealthy Americans who didn’t want to reside in the French Quarter with the Creoles. It was originally laid out with only a few houses per street, each home was surrounded by a large garden, which went on to give the district its ... View the Post