The 1000 Islands recently made it onto my bucket list when my cousin in love, T, called me and said “Gotta place for you to go.” Now she knows me well. Indeed it’s not uncommon for her to recommend books, recipes or even real estate ads with a “I think you will like this” attached. More often than not, she’s right. The collection of small islands are nestled in the St. Lawrence river between the U.S.~Canadian border. Their actual number is 1,793. The islands vary in size from just a small ... View the Post
Silver for Sunday Supper
When I was a little girl it was my job was to set the table for dinner. It was always Silver for Sunday Supper. Except on Business ~ Lucien Davis, 1885 Silver for Sunday Supper My Grandmother Mary and Papa Jack had a set of silver plate that they used for their everyday utensils. It featured lovely swirls and curves and a small rose right below the “V” monogram. My tiny fingers would often trace out the design. To my eye it was the loveliest set of silver I had ever seen. After my ... View the Post
April in Paris Day 1
April in Paris Day 1. While it’s true that I arrived in the City of Light on the last day of the month, I still feel I can claim this joy. Ah, a moment to reflect~ followed by happy sighs. I had spent the day prior to my departure scrambling with last minute packing and of course, spent the night watching the Royal Wedding. I boarded my plane shortly after the balcony kiss. Sleep eluded me, as it often does on planes, trains, and automobiles. By the time I touched down in Paris, I had been awake ... 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
Hollywood Regency Style
I recently received a call from my daughter. She said, “Mom I have found my style!” She then directed me to Google to view some images. I said: “Oh, nice, you like Hollywood Regency Style.” I began to talk about how the Hollywood Regency interior design style had been around for many years and was enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Her reply was, “Mom, please write a blog post and explain it all In beautiful detail.” The past posts that I’ve written on Spanish Colonial, British Colonial, ... View the Post
Royal Wedding Wednesdays Royal Residences Part II
Welcome to part two of the Royal Residences series. In this post, we will begin with Windsor Castle which is located in the town of Windsor, Berkshire county. Several parts of the castle can be traced back to the 14th century. It is the largest inhabited castle in the world with over 500 people living and working on the estate. It is also the oldest castle to be in continuous occupation for over 900 years. Here is Royal Wedding Wednesdays Royal Residences Part II. Royal Wedding Wednesdays ... View the Post