thinking of you....

this is nothing new to any of us, but a quick reminder of ways to create ambiance on a budget and remember those who are celebrating life, struggling through it or just need a shout out for a little bit of hope.

i can't always justify that $50.00 candle and can easily substitute that crave with a $0.99 candle you can get at most drug stores.

this particular candle has a scrap of leather (from a package i rcvd from my nephew) and simple tag you can purchase at most craft stores. i like to write the names of my friends and family i remember when i light this candle (for privacy i turned it around ;o)

utility wins

in my book. i'm in a constant place of conflict when it comes to clean & modern vs. banged up & old. this sink is the perfect size..great for the dog, soaking linens and just every day.

i'm plotting while hunting for a new house, and the requirements are evolving every day. i think it has to be compatible for a sink just like this one.

let there be light....and lots of it

i think this paris apartment just be what i am looking for. bright white, rich, ebony floors and an amazing terrace.

oh the things we could do.

happy saturday!!

bring on the green

in my food that is (loyal to my neutral interior pallet).

my good friend laura sent me this photo from a great blog janalaurene, along with some recipe notes.

laura wrote "the best thing since grilled cheese sandwiches" and i do indeed think she is onto something here. all the things i love.

its a grilled cheese sandwich made on sourdough bread, pepperjack cheese (or havarti..mmm), avocado (the green), bacon, and apple slices.

this is my sunday brunch this weekend. maybe with some mac & cheese. i better go eat something.

do you see what i see??

a great trompe loille tote from old navy. this is a great little re-usable tote and comes in many colors and designs. a spring must at the right price of only $5.00.

i'm being serious here....get to old navy this weekend and buy at least 6...they are moving fast.

i bought this one last weekend and no kidding, i have been stopped a dozen times to ask where i found this bag.

at last

i finally made it to the candy store here in sf. this premier shop was featured in domino quite some time ago and i intended to beeline there the same day i read it, but life stepped in the way and my mind forsake me.

well, i was in the russian hill neighborhood and stumbled upon it and my heart skipped a beat. i will forgo the total experience as it overwhelms me to think about, but i do want to share this amazing, handmade vanilla-caramel covered marshmallow vitamin.

they are from a candy company in denver called mitchell sweets and i think you just might have to place your online order RIGHT NOW.

and on to the kitchen

same Uruguay home as below, and into the kitchen we go. i don't think you can see the amazing counters as well as the original, but they are a rich, dark brown plank board and perfectly worn.

where to start....the great door, the counters, the lighting....all ready to move right in. it looks well loved.

where to start....

this is when i really start to go nuts. all the primitive woods and window and great old lighting. what really sent me over the edge are the amazing windows separating the kitchen and dining room.

same brilliant home in uruguay, maison francaise.

bedroom, meet classroom

i really wish my grade school classrooms were set up like this. it would have been perfect: role call, then some singing, then reading, then my first nap, then playground, then lunch, then nap......

i love this room. the 3 beds in a row, the beamed ceiling, the chalkboard and you know the rest.

This is a home in Uruguay. maison francaise.

rough-hewn me please

not much to say except...texture, texture and even more texture. the ceilings are dreamy and i am going to give this photo to our real estate agent and see if he can put this rough-hewn ceiling at the top of the priority list. the table at the end of the bed sets me right over the edge.

this reminds me of an old, converted monestary i would stay in in the south of france.

i can't find the image location, but i think it is from modern france.

speaking of

tulum, mexico. i can't get it out of my mind. 3 weeks and counting until i get to wade in the warm, turquoise ocean again.

take a deep breath and exhale slowly.

treasure hunt nyc style

i find it rare to stumble upon great shops like kabinett & kammer, where they have already filtered their finds...but still leave some treasure hunting for the hunters like me.

next time i am in NYC this shop is top of my list. they have some of the most amazing cabinets and prints. check out the link above to browse....