Monday, March 23, 2009

Into The Deep Blue Sea



www.saksfiftheavenue.com

As a young girl, I often dreamed about being a mermaid. All grown up, I admit that sometimes the image of being free as can be, swimming under the deep blue sea, playing endlessly with other exotics is still an attractive alternative to the daily grind.


Although I made a resolution to be more economically minded, Roberto Cavalli’s silk halter dress can certainly remain an inspiration. At the beginning of May I will head south to Montego Bay to celebrate my step-bother’s wedding at the incredible Round Hill Resort. Don’t I wish I were packing this little number for one of the weekend’s dinners and dances

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Going To The Chapel


The blissfully happy couple.


Fresh, and simply elegant flowers: a key ingredient to
making sure your wedding isn't (gasp) overdone!


An outdoor seating lounge that I personally would enjoy
have at home.


I loved that most of the seating near the dance floor were
bar stool height, making it easy to chat and catch-up
with other wedding guests.


Hanging lanterns from the plantation's live oak trees
added a bit of extra magic to the evening.


Love is in the air. Although October is now famed to be more popular than the month of May to say "I do", wedding bells have already begun to ring. One of my oldest and, most certainly, dearest girlfriends just made a trip down the isle in Charleston, South Carolina. Spanish moss, the gorgeous grounds of Lowndes Grove plantation, and beautiful weather (despite sleet and chilly temperatures only days before), made for a truly perfect day.

If asked what the secret to such a wedding is, I feel certain the bride would answer her wedding planner. Kristin Newman, of Kristin Newman Designs, her right-hand lady in waiting, Morgan Young, and their entire crew were lovely. Always busy securing each exquisite detail in the background, but never making their presence fully felt, they are the epitome of true professionalism. Not one single worry was left for the bride, groom, their families, nor their friends.

Making a lifetime commitment to one man may be easier than sifting through all the event planning firms available today. If you happen to live in the south east, give Kristin a call. If she can't personally help you, I'm sure she would be more than delighted to suggest someone who can. http://www.kristinnewmandesigns.com/

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Colors Everywhere

I wish I could include a few of Sally King Benedict's paintings on my blog. So full of color, movement and energy, I have been pleasantly thinking about little else since browsing her work. A delight and inspiration, you too may find yourself moved. Frustrations of all frustrations -her website won't allow me to copy her paintings' images. I promise the effort & time is worth giving the visit: www.sallybenedict.com.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009



www.pearlriver.com

I love to read. I love to get lost in an author's world, transported to a completely different place, all the while snuggled under a cozy blanket (or poolside under the warm, golden sun!). I constantly found myself in trouble as a child. Ditching whatever homework, or chore I was supposed to be doing, I would hide for hours with Nancy Drew, or some other mystery.

Today, if asked what my most prized possession is, I would reply that, other than my family photographs and heirlooms, my most favorite thing is my collection of books. Reading a book is like acquiring a friend. You are on a journey with the story, have spent hours getting to know the ins and outs and details of its existence. When the journey ends I have never been able to bare giving my new friend up. Over the years, as one might imagine, my collection of books has grown. One day I hope to have a room covered with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, so that all my "friends" may find comfort. This day has yet to come. In the meantime I think these turquoise Foo Dogs would do an excellent job of guarding my most prized collection, and make wonderful bookends while doing it. Available at Pearl River, they suggest a story all their own.