{observation of the 70's}

{above images taken by me from House Beautiful circa 1971}

I've had fun going through some early 70's House Beautiful magazines. It makes me smile about the fact that so many styles tend to recycle and make a come back both in fashion and home decor.

How are you liking the comeback of the wide-legged slacks, billowy tops and drapey cuts? The below images are from a photo shoot for Lucky Magazine.

{Clean & Fresh}

I know, I know, light blog posts as of late.

Anyway just wanted to check in real quick.

Don't you just think that the above Greenwich home designed by Lynne Scalo feels so clean and fresh..perfect for Spring. To see more of the space go here. I actually spotted the space in the Spring issue of Luxe while in the airport flying home from a snowy long weekend in Utah. I could not believe the snow had the nerve to try and welcome in the month of May. Actually I kind of liked it..sorry Utah friends.

Also, this whole buying things on Ebay has worked out nicely these days. I finally got my brass chair. I think I need to stop it with the whole spot thing (refer to the new spotted linen fabric below).

How are you this fine day?

I like the quilts from Sari Bari. They are handcrafted by women in India. Be sure to check the inventory often because it is always changing.

{A San Francisco Cottage Rental}

When looking for a place to stay in California I came across the above rental cottage in San Francisco. It is pretty spot on with so many of the trends. I'd be up for staying in a well decorated cottage in San Francisco. I wonder who decorated this space?

Sorry some of the photos are blurry but the photos that I snagged were just too tiny. I have a request for larger photos so we'll see if my request is granted.

If you are interested in staying in this space when you go to San Francisco next then go here for the details.

{happy} just what the doctor ordered

I had the bathing suits, clothes, toiletries, accessories and camera set out within 20 minutes to go on a little get away without the kids....which is probably why I forgot a few items but brought way too many outfits. Why is it always an ordeal to leave town when one has kids? I almost always trick myself into thinking I should not be leaving but am always happy that I did about 2 hours into any trip...and it just so turns out that this little anniversary trip was no exception. Actually I could not think of anything better that we could of given each other than a hotel room with black out curtains and no interruptions in the middle of the night. Did you even know I have a husband....well I do and we were trying so hard not to laugh at our posed picture (refer above). I told him to look like we were madly in love...and it almost worked! I should've posted the outtakes.

PS - On the way home we took a detour to Palm Springs to check it out as a possible destination spot. I have been dying to see the Parker Palm Springs so we went to check it out first hand. If you are interested I posted pictures here a while back. Anyway, I am still smiling at the fact that when we left husband commented that he thought most of the place looked like someone had raided a thrift store...that Mr. Adler. I have to note the spa was also decorated by Jonathan Adler & was so beautiful with its dark navy blue walls and its nautical & Moroccan accents. Trust me the spa did not look too dirty or stinky like a thrift store;)

PSS - Hugs not drugs

How are all of you? How was your Easter?

{breakfast quinoa and a recipe}

I have been eating quinoa for quite a while now. One day my friend called me up wanting some guidance on how to prepare it and I suggested that she start out having it for breakfast because she could sweeten it with honey or agave nectar. She claimed that it didn't work out so well for her but it just may for anybody else out there who wishes to give it a shot. We have had so much success having quinoa for breakfast in our home. It kind of breaks up the steel cut oats regimen. We have also tried using amaranth, buckwheat, millet, spelt, and brown rice cereal to name a few...but quinoa is always at the top of the list for a couple of my boys. I always take comfort that even if we don't do so well at dinner we can make up for it in the morning.

My favorite breakfast quinoa regimen:

Rinse and cook the desired amount (cooks really fast..12 minutes or what seems equal to white rice). The water to quinoa ratio is 2:1. After it is nice and fluffy then add butter, cinnamon, nuts, honey/agave and milk (soy, almond, cow etc) and enjoy.

I haven't tried it yet but I have heard that if you actually cook the quinoa in milk rather than water that it turns out even better.

I came across the above recipe over here and thought it look like such a great new quinoa recipe to add to the mix for dinner or lunch.

inspiration found in a retail shop

Sometimes my favorite pieces of inspiration for decorating come from the world of retail. The above Paul Smith store has so many different elements that are just so fantastic. I don't make it to the mall very often but when I do I almost loose sight of any missions I might be on because of those beautifully and creatively decorated spaces that usually sell really expensive items. The Tory Burch store is always a favorite. I also love the Carolina Herrera store here in Scottsdale. Do you have any favorites?

Of course the above space was photographed by the talented Brian Park.

{small shop} framing on aluminum

I love, love Erika's blog and her eye for design. Anyway Erika recently shared a piece of her home in progress and I fell for her vintage treasures that she has added into the mix of her decor. Also I am paying close attention to the piece of art that she had mounted and framed onto aluminum. I think it lends for such a clean look. Have any of you out there framed something using aluminum?

To see more of Erika's work go and pay her a little visit here.

P.S. - I really want a vintage brass mushroom lamp like in Erika's space.