valentine's day Cute Cupcake Hat and Mittens

Keep your little ones warm this winter with these adorable cupcake hats and mittens from Toys R Us!

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hat sold here

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mittens sold here

valentine's day Cool: Katherine Rally Textiles

Rally Dupps, Katherine Dupps and the Dupps pups

I recently came across a line of fabrics which I am sure you will love as much I as I do....Katherine Rally Textiles. The story behind the beauty is part of the reason.....and then there is the price (ahem....so great I had a big smile after I found out). But first the story.....

Katherine and Rally Dupps are the husband and wife creative force behind Katherine Rally Textiles. Rally is an architect originally from Nashville, and Katherine is an Interior Designer from Arizona. Well....they met and fell in love with travel and each other. A union and family soon followed. When the economy went south, the Dupps headed south with it....to the South Pacific that is. They relocated to Bali and started up their new venture.

I have had the opportunity to correspond with them about their adventures....

Pillows from Katherine Rally Textiles

Katherine and Rally, can you tell us a little about how you were inspired to create your beautiful textiles business?

Kathy and I absolutely love to travel and wherever we go, we buy textiles. We always make room for them in our luggage. once home, they serve as a colorful and useful souvenir. You can use one as a tablecloth, hang one on a wall, upholster a headboard, or hide an enormous red wine stain on the couch.

You are both seasoned world travelers. How did you decide on Bali for this next chapter in your lives?
We promised each other we would live abroad for one year when I turned 40. When the economy hit the skids, I was 38, and we decided it was close enough. We had been to Bali years before when we were dating and we absolutely loved it. Even though I was attacked by a monkey in the monkey forest, Kathy and I decided it was the best of Asia, with a rich and vibrant culture, caring and wonderful people, and all with a hint of exoticism. It was the complete package. Eight years later, it still is, but with much faster Internet access.

Fabric from Katherine Rally Textiles

What inspires your designs?

A walk through the rice field, the silhouette of a frangipani tree against the sky, Balinese ceremony decorations. I love watching a fern leaf unfurl in the garden. The quiet cool world inside a Balinese temple complex. The gurgling sounds of the water everywhere you go. I find a quiet place to sit and try to take in a tiny fraction of my surroundings. It's a lot harder than one might imagine.

Katherine Rally Accessoires

What does a typical day look like in the life of Katherine and Rally Dupps?
We wake up to crowing roosters as the sun is rising. Breakfast is served outside on our veranda overlooking the jungle. After breakfast, go for a run or a hike with Eliza (our 18th month old) who is in a kiddie backpack and Roman (our 3 1/2) year old) goes to school. We return home to Ketut, our Balinese helper who is a cross between Snow White and Mary Poppins. She allows Kathy and I to have time during the day to work on Katherine Rally Textiles and oversee the construction of our house and showroom. We often find a quiet cafe and bring the laptop and email during lunch. I am always drawing and working on new designs. Our evenings consist of tubbie time for the tow little ones, dinner on the veranda and perhaps a new release courtesy of one of Ubud's many counterfeit DVD shops. We read a story or three with the babies and it's pretty much nighty night for everyone.

The pillows are fantastic! These a a few of my favorites

How would you describe your personal style?
Stylish and casual, but NEVER sloppy.

What is happening next?
Five new batik designs and three new colors. Question...can animal prints become great batiks?

What color are you and why?
I am orange, and why not? Kathy is yellow, like the the sunshine.

Fabrics are batik and patterns are beautifully exotic

What is on your nightstand?

Two permanent magic markers, two fine tip black pens, tracing paper and a folder of new designs with words "good ones" scribbled on the cover. Kathy always has a few days worth of NY Times and design magazines piled up and i am reading Rudyard Kipling's "Kim".

You live in Bali, which is paradise in itself. When you want to "get away" where do you go"?

Our Indonesian Visa means we must leave the country every 6 months. We love Georgetown in Penang, Malaysia....beautiful architecture, great food and doesn't feel touristy. I ill be turning 40 in December, so we have a big trip planned to Sri Lanka. We will also be celebrating Christmas, our daughter's second birthday and New Years there. We are the kind of people who don't go bananas celebrating holidays (in bed by 10 on New Year's Eve), but we decided to just blow it out this year - we can't wait.

This one may find it's way to my Family Room soon

Favorite music?

We've been rediscovering the Beatles lately - out kids LOVE the Beatles.

Favorite occupation?

Travel is number one. It's what brought us together and continues to be our favorite indulgence. In addition, Kathy and I frequent "boardroom meetings" at our favorite Balinese spa for tandem massages.

So many to pick from

Favorite meal?

Rally goes for Indonesian ayam sambai matah (super spicy shredded chicken with chilies), Kathy loves grilled tuna salad at Tumak in downtown Ubud.

What is your favorite place to shop and why?

I love the souk of Marrakesh. The sounds, the colors, and the smells of trading going on all around us is heaven on earth. I especially love buying rugs here. It's actually a real problem. After a few purchases. I have Kathy hide the money from me. Kathy loves the blue and white Fez pottery. We have a large vase in our house here that Kathy turned into a lamp. She lugged that thing all the way to the States and then all the way to Bali.

For my Bedroom!

What is your idea of Earthly happiness?

I am with my family as a purple red sky blazes above and the sun sets behind the mountains of paradise. The call to prayer is faintly overheard int he distance. The smell of spice and woodsmoke is in the air. We are planning our next adventure........

And the story continues.......

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The Dupps are living the dream...well....my dream! I am sure you will be seeing much more of them. They design all of their own batik fabrics and what I find most appealing is that the pillows retail for about $68 (this includes the insert). (Very do-able especially when compared to the competition!)

Check out all of the delicious styles and colors and retail locations on their website HERE. In the Bay Area....check out Lotus Bleu! (Not on the website yet, but in stock!!!)

Happy shopping!

valentine's day Profile: Alicia Adams Alpaca

A throw from the Alicia Adams Alpaca Collection

I am not sure where I first happened upon the beautiful alpaca throws created by the worldly chic Alicia Adams , but I am so glad I did. Not only are they sumptuous and luxurious, but they are renewable, and made in the U.S.A.!

Alicia and her husband Daniel moved from their home in Germany to the Hudson Valley to start a farm to raise Alpacas. Alpacas are closely related to Llamas and Vicunas and are originally from the Andes mountain area. Alicia began her business of making throws, shawls, and scarves from the wool which is so fine it is known as "Andean Gold".

Alpaca
Ever curious, I had to find out more about Alicia and Daniel, who heads up the breeding farm where the soft alpaca wool comes from. I wrote to them to ask a few questions, which Alicia very kindly answered:

The beautiful Alicia Adams and Friend

Alicia, how did you get your start in the alpaca business, what was your inspiration?

The intitial idea was to grow grapes for wine and olives in either Australia or the U.S.. My husband Daniel traveled to Australia to look at potential vineyards but cam across alpacas for the first time. We then researched the breeding side of the business and became hooked on the idea of breeding these fascinating and mystical animals that were holy to Incan royalty. Out foundation herd consisted of 15 alpacas. Today our herd counts over 200 suri alpacas. Alicia Adams Alpaca, the textile arm of the business, started as a hobby.

Throws come in a number of natural colors and herringbone patterns

I know you had an international upbringing in Mexico, the U.S. and Europe. Can you fill us in on your experiences and what that was like?
I was born in Germany, but brought up in Mexico City, so I feel very Mexican, but am also proud of being German. My father is Mexican, my mother is Austrian. My family lives between Mexico, Switzerland, England and Germany. Growing up in so many places, especially in such different cultures has taught me to be open minded, tolerant, and very outgoing. I enjoy meeting new people and listening to their stories. I still love exploring new places and travel extensively, given that we have three young children and a farm and two businesses to run.

Gorgeous Taupe Throw

You moved to the Hudson Valley from Bavaria. Can you tell us how that evolved and how the Hudson Valley became your home?

When we started breeding alpaca, we were torn between doing this in Australia of the U.S.. Because of the logistic and practical reasons, we decided in favor of the East coast.

The Hudson Valley, and especially the Millbrook / Dutchess County area is just beautiful, and conveniently located about 90 minutes from New York City - where it all happens. Yet, we are far enough from the city for our children to grow up running around the farm with lots of space and animals. We have made many wonderful friends from all parts of the world and consider this our home.

What does a typical day look like for Alicia Adams?

Getting our three children ready for the day and driving them to school. If I have time I go to my yoga class, which I love and then I'll go straight to the office. After following up with all my messages and emails, I like to check on the alpacas. My husband and I usually have lunch together and after working a little more, i transform into "mommy" again, picking up the kids, running to after school program, homework, dinner, the works! I consider myself being very lucky to share this life with my husband. Once everyone is happy, I'll g back to my desk and finish off undone work. A couple of day a week, I spend in the city.

What/who inspires you?

My husband Daniel inspire me. Over the years, I've learned so much from hm, I admire his energy, his way of tackling problems and "let's roll up our sleeves and get it done" attitude. Thanks to him, my vision for Alicia Adams Alpaca Inc. turned into a real business and we both take pride in the huge success. i also love the fact that thought my business, I can share my vision and educate people about the wonderful qualities and characteristics of alpaca wool.

Cozy and elegant Alpaca Cape

How would you describe your own personal style?
My style is very simple, elegant and feminine.

What is happening next?
I would like to expand our home collection. New colors for throws, perhaps upholstery fabric. We are also launching a line of overcoats for men, women and children as well as some fun winter accessories.

The new barn at the Farm

Just for fun, what color are you and why?
Definitely cream: soft elegant and adaptable!

What is on your nightstand?
Several arts and crafts projects of my children, many unread books and a big bottle of water.

What is your favorite place to shop and why?
Hmmmm.....I don't have one particular place but I do love casual yet classic style of J. Crew and Anthropology. When I find the time, i like strolling around small boutiques in downtown NYC.

What is your favorite place to escape?
Any beach will do, especially Mexican ones - yoga retreats on the beach.

Alicia Adams with a new member of the family

Alicia Adams Alpaca products are currently available in 30 of the finest retail stores in the US as well as selected stores in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Turks and Caicos, Switzerland, Turkey and Belgium.

For more information about Alicia Adams Alpaca collection, click on over HERE.

And to see more of those adorable alpaca babies, click over the the Farm HERE.

valentine's day Sweet Hearts

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Gumps has so many beautiful valentine's day gift ideas! What better than flowers, chocolates and champagne? But there are so many other ideas as well. The bedside clock with pretty red crocodile case, and notice all of the jewelry in the background? I certainly did!

It's almost here, that most sentimental of holidays. And there are plans to make, however big or small, to show those sweethearts in your life that you love them. "Sweetheart". It is one of my favorite words. Especially when it is broken down into it's parts:

"Sweet":

• amiable, kind or gracious, as a person, action, etc.
• dear, beloved, precious
• fragrant, perfumed
• pleasing to the ear, making delicate, pleasant or agreeable sound, musical

"Heart":

• The center of total personality, esp. with reference to intuition, feeling or emotion
• The center of emotion
• Capacity for sympathy, feeling, affection
• Spirit, courage or enthusiasm

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Gumps has beautiful Victorian inspired valentine's day cards, sweet little heart shaped chocolate boxes, and lots of goodies behind the candy counter.

I have a few sweethearts in my life: my husband (of course!) and my daughters (naturally), my Mom (always remember your mother!) and my sweet dogs (maybe a little strange, but many of us do love our dogs to distraction!). There is always someone who needs a hug, or some small show of appreciation. This day gives us an opportunity to express it.

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So many sweet hearts!

I was in San Francisco last week at Gumps for a book signing for Margaret Russell's wonderful book: Style and Substance. While wandering about, I got so many valentine's day ideas!!! Really, there were so many sweet hearts, I was all smiles.

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Loved these heart cookies! Perfect for any sweetheart.

What is so nice about Gumps is that they truly think of everything. I found something for everyone on my sweetheart list!

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Beautiful heart shaped soaps wrapped in black and white toile paper, or red,or white, from Gianna Rose Atelier.

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Rose bouquets...so real!!

I had thought these flowers were brought in fresh for the book signing event. But upon closer inspection realized they were imitation! I was so fooled. I am not fond of faux flowers, but these looked so authentic, I would definitely change my mind. The roses in the pictures above were also faux. Hard to believe!

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These peonies, also faux. They really did look so real! Beautiful soap gifts with their own bamboo stands. So pretty.

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Love Sonnets, Bronze "key to my heart" paperweight, and more chocolate hearts.

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Sweet note cards, and more bronze hearts pierced with Cupid's arrow. In the background, Murano glass hearts and crocodile picture frames (put in a picture of your sweetheart and you!)

Check out the Gumps website HERE for more information and pricing. There are lots more ideas there too!

Many may not think they have a sweetheart for a Valentine. But I say, just show someone, anyone, that you love, or simply like, them. It does not have to be a romantic love. Remember when you were in 1st grade and everyone gave each other those funny little boxed valentine's cards with cartoon characters? My girls decorated shoe boxes to take to school with slots cut out of the top to put in their cards and heart-shaped lollipops. What smiles and goods feelings there were, all kept in a simple shoebox. Everyone smiles when they are given a little something that shows someone cares.

Have a Happy valentine's day !!!

valentine's day Local Color: Fleuri

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Linen covered chair, garden statue and flowers make for a very pretty arrangement.

valentine's day is fast approaching, and visions of cherubs, hearts and flowers are dancing in the heads of romantics everywhere.

There is a shop in Sacramento (technically, Carmichael) called Fleuri that embodies the idea of romantic living. Antiques, and new things, furniture and gifts, vintage linen and burlap ribbons, beautiful accessories and whimsical table settings...they all are put together with a European flair.

I was shopping there last week, and thought you might like a glimpse.

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Wicker may be making a big comeback! Lovely wicker and glass vase.

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Trophies and Tartan Plaid, and a very nice armoire!

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Such a handsome collection. Old silver, leather bound books...

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White on White, always pretty and fresh!

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Lots of flour sack pillows. Lovely tea table with mirrored top.

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Such a romantic bed!

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Tea....or sherry?

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Custom made table with reclaimed lumber and Galvanized top. I may have to do this for my patio table!

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More pillows and accessories, pretty linen lamp shade "slip".

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Beautiful settee.

(A side note....the floors look like real wood, but were in fact some sort of sheet goods! I didn't even notice until I walked on it and it was sort of spongy! Interesting idea for a retail space floor!)

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Wonderful vintage linens.

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More nice Linen covered chairs and small treasures.

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Garden Party Table. I loved the marble table! And the old ironstone mixed with new pieces.

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Hotel Silver....who can resist?

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A garden vignette with wicker and antlers.

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Old work table topped with tole lamps with linen shades.

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Burlap ribbon ....wonderful!

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Showstopping Victorian styled birdcage.

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Velvet tufted settee.

Anyone looking for a little romance just might want to stop into Fleuri.

Ask to be put on their mailing list for upcoming Flea Market sales in the parking lot with many other vendors as well!

Fleuri

7301 Fair Oaks Blvd.

Carmichael, CA

916-973-9848