valentine's day The Holidays are Here, and so is Rustic Elegance

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If there is one thing I always associate with the Holiday Season, it has to be snow. And why not? The Holidays are smack in the middle of snow season, at least up here north of the 40th parallel. 'Tis the Season for swooshing down the mountains on skis, or boards...whatever works for you. Whatever you choose, there is always the anticipation of a warm fire and a mug of something hot waiting at the end of the day.

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When I received a copy of the new book, Rustic Elegance, written and photographed by Ralph Kylloe, I knew I was in for an armchair getaway to some of the most perfect Winter settings in North America. And what perfect timing! I could curl up in front of my own fireplace, Chai Latte in hand and dream a little snowbound dream.

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Rustic Elegance is a collection of beautiful log cabins, all creations of Larry Pearson AIA, set in gorgeous country in states ranging from Montana and Wyoming to Colorado and California, and everywhere with snow in between. Larry Pearson has been recognized a a leader in rustic design for some time. Small wonder when one first sees the almost fairytale character (when I say "fairytale, I am talking Tolkien's splendor) of the log cabins...and when one ventures inside to stone fireplaces blazing, candles burning, and cozy down comforters calling.

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What I liked about this beautifully put together book, besides the obvious full bleed gorgeous photography and heft of the 12"x11" 256 pg. thing, was the way the chapters were organized. Each chapter shows a different house, inside and out, every room including kitchens and baths. It is full of wonderful ideas ....for example, built-in bunks are a popular way to bring in more guests to share the fun.

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If you are looking for a perfect armchair travel book for that mountain loving friend or family member, Rustic Elegance would be the one. Who knows, it might even inspire them to get out of that armchair and hit the slopes! Or at least don a pair of snowshoes and a backpack full of cheese, bread and a bottle of wine. It all sounds good.

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All photographs from Rustic Elegance, written and photographed by Ralph Kylloe. Reprinted with permission of Gibbs Smith 

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and don't forget to enter my Holiday Give Away for another little something to keep you warm!

valentine's day A Day in the Life

4:45AM - Faint stirring when I hear Tim get up for his morning exercise routine. Still think he is crazy to get up so early.
6:00AM  Faint stirring when I hear Tim get in the shower.
6:30AM  Our Australian Shepherd jumps on the bed for a morning cuddle. I feel wet dog hair and turn on the light and see muddy paw prints all over the bed. March downstairs to put dog outside. Scold Tim for letting dog in when she is all muddy.

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She looks so innocent when she is asleep, doesn't she?

6:45AM Throw on clothes and tell daughter  to hurry up or she will be late for school.

7:00AM Warm up car to take daughter to school.
7:15AM Back home, shower and dress.
7:30AM Eat breakfast and read the paper...."Local Mall Burns Down!" Oh no! Were Crate and Barrel, PB and Restoration affected?
8:15AM Check emails and respond to clients. Yes, we can get marble remnant for Powder Room Counter.
8:45AM Strip bed and put muddy sheets and duvet in the laundry.
9:00AM Take dogs to the groomer for a bath...it has been too long anyway.
9:30AM Make plan for the day. Check Voicemail: "You too can benefit from Government Mortgage Bailout", Very excited client message about her kitchen that I designed published in Sacramento magazine!
10:00 AM Blog Post about One King's Lane Tag Sale
10:30 AM Order bed from Serena and Lily for Client's Master Bedroom. Order Kravet Windsor Smith Fabric for Pillows....same client.

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Meanwhile, Tim is painting new wall in basement added to make room for Mom moving in.

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Disaster....but work is calling

 11:00 AM Put together design for another client's Master Bedroom: furniture additions, lighting, area rug, bedding.
11:30AM SureWest guy comes to put in new TV hook up for Mom's new space. He also moves my computer hook up to "my" side of the basement.
1:00PM Work on tile re-selection for episode of Bath Crashers (DIY Network) that I am designing. What I thought would be a pretty quick process...not so quick.
1:30PM Start putting presentation together for Client Master Bedroom I was working on earlier. Keep researching for more items.
3:30PM Eat "Linner"....grilled cheese and chicken and stars....sometimes comfort food is the only way to go.
4:00PM Check emails
4:30PM Move office furniture, equipment and supplies to other side of basement into my "new" office. This may take awhile!

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New Wall with Paint!

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Moving Office to This Side of the Wall...still have a lot to do, but getting there! I am back in action.

4:45PM Pick up clean dogs from groomer.
5:15PM Keep on moving office stuff....hours more to go.
8:30PM Pay Per View movie: "Agora" about 4th century Greek woman philosopher Hypatia in Alexandria. Watched it while moving office. Not a bad rent! I had never heard of Hypatia before and never would have known women were revered as teachers in this era.

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10:00PM pick up daughter from friends' house.
10:30PM Take a break and finish watching movie.
11:00PM Bed and read a bit of my book: "Velva Jean Learns to Drive". Velva Jean knew who Hypatia was.....so I am very glad I saw that movie! Very eerie to have Hypatia show up in two places in one day.

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11:30PM Fell asleep and dreamed about little elves wearing togas finishing my office in the middle of the night....sigh...if only....

valentine's day New Book: Peter Pennoyer Architects

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Come right in!....to the new book by Vendome Press, Peter Pennoyer Architects. Hidden door in the House on Penobscot Bay, photo by Jonathan Wallen

When asked recently if I would like a copy of the new book Peter Pennoyer Architects to review, I responded in less than a second, "YOU BET!". I am a huge proponent of traditional architecture that responds to local historical vernaculars. Perhaps that is why I find myself living in a home built in 1911. When I learned that Peter Pennoyer and his architectural team which includes co-author Ann Walker had put together a book, I was thrilled. Before the book came, I was anticipating holding this beautiful volume curled up on the sofa with a fire in the fireplace, a cup of chai tea close at hand. The cover of the book sets the scene with a view of Drumlin Hall which sits atop miniature rolling hills (known as "drumlins" formed by glacial deposits!)surrounded by beautiful Fall Color and located in Duchess County in the Hudson Valley.


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Book Cover, Drumlin Hall, photo by Jonathan Wallen



When the book arrived, it was everything I had hoped. Before you even get to the title page, there are stunning two page full bleed photographs of graceful interiors, awe inspiring stairwells and shingle style country homes gracing the pages. Next, a forward by Robert Stern, one of my personal architectural heroes. Robert Stern talks about how Peter Pennoyer was a student of his at Columbia University, as well as an intern and designer in Stern's fledgling office later on. You can clearly see Stern's influence in Pennoyer's work.

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House on Penobscot Bay, photo by Jonathan Wallen



Peter Pennoyer has been a leader in advocating for the relevance of classical architecture in today's world. He is the chairman of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Classical America, and has  developed his devotion to tradition over a lengthy and notable career.



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Just one of the many staircases to be found in this book. The Penobscot Bay House. Photo by Jonathan Wallen

This book features twenty projects ranging from New York Apartments to Townhouses, to Country Homes across the country. You will see a grand Park Avenue apartment, San Francisco and Lenox Hill Townhouses, and homes on the beach, on Penobscot Bay, in the Adirondacks in the Saint Lucia Mountain Range and the Hudson Bay area. You will also find the beautiful architectural renderings of the homes done in a style reminiscent of historical American folk art, as well as architectural plans of the homes. 

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Adirondack Camp, photo by Jonathan Wallen

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Beaux Arts Town House Staircase, Photo by Jonathen Wallen

The wonderful thing about this book is not only the breadth of work, but the collaborative efforts between architects and designers such as Alexandra Stoddard, Katie Ridder, Victoria Hagan, Carleton Varney of Dorothy Draper and Co., Eric Cohler, Paul Wiseman and Thomas Jayne (just to name a few!). There are as many, if not more, beautiful interiors as there are architectural masterpieces to be seen.

There is also a venerable cast of architects working on the projects: Gregory Gillmartin, the Director of Design at Peter Pennoyer Architects, is just one of many. There are renovations of homes originally designed by C.H.P Gilbert, York and Sawyer and more.

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Fifth Avenue Triplex View, Photo by Scott Francis

I have only just started to delve into this book (I am still in the midst of the Townhouses section), and it is the companion on my nightstand, but I can tell you the introduction by Robert Stern and the writing style of Anne Walker makes for great reading. The book is in sections titled: Apartments, Townhouses and Country Houses. I must admit, I have been grazing through all of the sections...but am trying to stay focused. It is difficult what with all of the gorgeous photos blazing off every page! 

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Park Avenue Apartment, Photo by Chrisopher Mason

Keep in mind, these are but a few of the images awaiting. There are over 200 pages to look forward to. There is also a very handy summary of projects and credits at the back of the book.

So without further ado, I leave you to this feast for the eyes.

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San Francisco House, Photo by Scott Francis

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East River Apartment, Photo by Scott Francis

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Upper East Side Town House Kitchen, Photo by Eric Piasecki

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Park Avenue Apartment Kitchen, Photo by Christopher Mason 

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East Side Duplex Kitchen, photo by Scott Francis

You can  hop on over to see another review of Peter Pennoyer Architects by Stefan Hurray of Architectdesign Blog HERE. (BTW....Stefan was just named one of Fox News top ten design blogs....Congrats Stefan!!)

Truly a wonderful addition to any library, design or otherwise, I highly recommend Peter Pennoyer Architects. I am off to the fire lit couch to keep reading now....

(Many thanks to Vendome Press for the copy of this book!)

valentine's day Eat Pray Love

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I read the book about 2+ years ago...why? Honestly, because Oprah told me to. She told me it was enlightening and life changing.

I don't know if it was because I was preparing for my wedding or because I was a child of divorce or if I had too high of expectations of of this book....but I just wasn't a fan. I wasn't a fan of Liz Gilbert. I felt she whined too much, gave up too easily, and just took herself way too seriously. But hey, those are my own opinions.

I went to see the movie on Saturday afternoon with a girlfriend, our husbands went and watched The Expendables. I went to the movie because, surprisingly the previews look better than the book and Ms. Julia Roberts can sell me an igloo in Alaska.

Did I like the movie, well I liked it better than the book. What were your thoughts?

FYI - Her real 2nd husband looks nothing like this...

and that really pissed me off...

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I find this song amazing....and it is probably 50% of the reason I'm going to see Dear John. I read (actually listened to book on CD) driving between Illinois and Florida sometime the last couple of years. I loved the book and I bawled like a baby at the ending. Now that I think about the fact that Mr. Jetplane will be deploying within the next year or so, it means so much more.

Anyone else out there going to see Dear John? Do you think it will be as good as the book?

valentine's day Love a Good Sale?!

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Andreas Cellarius. $49.99 down from $150....save $100.o1

Who doesn't? I admit it. It is almost impossible for me to pass up a great deal. So when I got the memo about a Taschen book sale, I caved. Just in case you are like me and are always on the lookout for a great book, I thought you might like to know:

TASCHEN News
January 21, 2010

TASCHEN'S ONLINE SALE

It’s sale time again!

For a very limited time only, TASCHEN is offering great discounts on various titles.

From January 22 - 24, dozens of popular TASCHEN titles will go on sale online at 50-75% off the regular retail price.

But hurry: demand will be huge and this offer is subject to stock availability!

Order here!

You prefer a 'physical' experience? Check the warehouse sale at Taschen stores.

Here is just a little sampling:

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The Temple of Flora. $69.99, down from $150....save $80.01

Meier. $69.99 down from $150....save $80.01

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Shop America, $14.99 down from $59.99....save $45

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Domus Series. $29.99 down from $69.99....save $40

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Eileen Gray. $9.99 down from $29.99....save $20.

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The End of the Game. $19.99 down from $39.99....save $20

It is a grey and rainy day where I am. A little online shopping couldn't hurt.

Have a great weekend!

valentine's day Calling All Military Wives....

Do I have a great giveaway for you? Well its not my giveaway, but it is a great giveaway nonetheless provided by MilitaryAvenue.com.

Its a Valentine's Contest, where you could win a Sony Touch for your Active-Duty Spouse. How great is that?? Please check out and enter the contest here....

The contest ends January 30th!

If you win, you'll received a Sony Touch pre-loaded with 10 top titles (selected by Borders) for your active-duty spouse. Winners must provide the APO or an on-base / post address to ship to upon winning as Borders will facilitate shipping readers to the winners.

Good Luck and a BIG THANK YOU to MilitaryAvenue.Com and Borders!!

valentine's day Were You Good This Year?

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It was an interesting economic year, wouldn't you say? This year, our Christmas Lists were shorter, and more practical, as well as more creative. And I have to say this Christmas was one of the best I have ever had in terms of gifts received. They were more thoughtful, painstaking and by for more meaningful than ever.

My daughters are both very creative. One is a very talented artist and bakes delicious goodies. The other loves to make things with her hands and has a very unique and wonderful graphic sense. The latter made a mosaic pot from shards of pottery she found at the Antique Faire on a trip she went on with my Mother, her Grandmother. Little did I know she would create this masterpiece and present it to me Christmas morning with a beautiful jade plant. My mosaic pot runneth over.

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I collect bottles with caning and wicker around them. I always am on the lookout for another special one. The same daughter found the middle bottle at the Sacramento Antique Faire with the letters "AA Co." printed on it. I love it and I love her for thinking of it. I think I have another Antique scavenger in the making here! Like Mother like Daughter?

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I had mentioned seeing these two cups or vases at Fringe, a really fun shop near our home recently, and lo and behold, my husband, Tim, had gone the very next day and picked them up. I also collect shells and vintage shell boxes. These cups were made in Ireland, probably as a tourist tchake. I adore them! They will be used for pencil cups at my desk or for flowers in various places. So many uses! These were such a bargain as well. I am so glad he went back for them! (I have a wonderful husband....did I mention that?)

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A little close-up. I can just imagine these on a window sill overlooking the sea with a bunch of Irish Heather.

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My husband knows my collection of Ironstone is ever growing, and he hunted down this sweet sugar bowl..........

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......and this platter at the antique shops over on 57th Street in Sacramento. Totally unexpected for Tim to go Antique shopping on his own. I think that meant more to me than the gifts themselves!
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One of my very favorite presents was this bulletin board Tim made for me. Apparently he and girls had it hidden during production in the garage for a month before Christmas without me knowing. He made it perfectly to fit where we had been talking about putting one for all of those mundane things like family calendars, shopping and "honey-do" lists. Now we have a place for all of it besides the kitchen counter. SOOOOO cool! (Love you honey!)

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Didn't he do a fantastic job?! It will be filled up as soon as I can find some cool tacks.

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Tim also went and found this vintage breadbox at the Antique Shops on 57th Street. It was on my list....but putting things like this on my list is a little risky. Who knows what might show up, and I have been known to be a bit picky. But I think Tim is developing a very good eye! I really like it, especially since all of the bread is now hidden away instead of having 3 bags on the counter.

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Tim also gave me these two beauties. I had a beautiful Christmas day with my family, just relaxing with a cup of cider curled up with these two books, also on my list.

Nothing too big, nothing too fancy, but perfect in every way.

(Did I mention how much I love my family? They just "get" me, and that is the biggest gift of all. I must have been pretty good this year.)

valentine's day Wedgwood, Celebrating 250 Years and Meeting Lord Wedgwood

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Last Thursday was a wonderful day! I drove to the town of Campbell in the South Bay area to meet with my friend Nicki to discuss her new office project. We has perfect weather and no traffic on the way down, so I knew this day was starting off well. We had a great meeting and then it was off to San Francisco to attend a celebration at Gumps in honor of a Lord Wedgwood who was in attendance to discuss the 250 years that Wedgwood China has graced tables all over the world. I was very excited to hear him speak about the history of Wedgwood and how the company has kept it's beautiful china current and fresh.

During his discussion, Lord Wedgwood introduced us to mosaic artist Terrie Kvenild. They had worked together to produce this brilliant piece of sculpture in honor of the event and Wedgwood's 250 years. Terrie created this urn completely out of broken pieces of Wedgwood china, supplied by Wedgwood in England, and it is quite a masterful feat of craftsmanship. I was able to chat a moment with Terrie and take a picture of her next to her sculpture. (On a side note, I was told by both Marta Benson, CEO and Gene Ogden Director of Retail Merchandising for Gumps, that every time they have broken china from the store, they will send it off to Terrie who fashions it into magnificent sculptures, which you can find at Gumps. An example of recycling at it's best!)

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Lord Wedgwood was also introducing a new collection of Jasperware at Gumps, so I was very anxious to see it. The larger vases like the one below, and in the first photo, are the only examples in the United States. Just look at the beautiful detail, even on the bottom of the vase!

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Gumps had beautifully displayed the various colors of Wedgwood Jasperware. I took a few shots for you of the classic blue, taupe and the beautiful grey. The black and terracotta color is new, as is the dragon table china.

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So....the highlight of the event for me was the opportunity to meet Lord Wedgwood himself. I have to say, he was so very charming taking time out to chat with me. He seemed very capable of putting everyone in the room perfectly at ease. Elegant and Polished. Don't you just love the pocket handkerchief? Pink with white polkadots. Perfect!
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Lord Wedgwood was on hand to sign this wonderful book:

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I can't recommend it more highly. It is full of table settings put together by such notables as Suzanne Rheinstein, Carolyn Roehm, Charlotte Moss, Thomas O'Brien, Stephen Drucker, Michael Smith, just to name a few. It also shows off the new Wedgwood designs by Jasper Conran, Vera Wang, Barbara Barry and Martha Stewart. ( Oh! and by the way.....in the interest of full disclosure, I was very happy, thrilled even, to purchase this book myself! Excellent!)

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Wedgwood Style was also available at the signing, and though I did not have a chance to flip through it, you can be sure I will be adding it to my list to check out. Published in 2001, it is not easily available, and Gumps may be the only place that has it right now!!

So who else was at the party you ask?

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My friends Gene Ogden and Marta Benson of Gumps were on hand, of course! Marta is in the perfect Wedgwood Blue isn't she?

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And Grant Gibson with his friend Richard were there keeping things fun!

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All and all, a very fun evening. If you are in San Francisco, please do drop in to Gumps to see the new Wedgwood collection. It alone is worth the trip. But there are always so many more things to see. Holiday cheer is already making an entrance, and there is nowhere better to finish off your holiday table with something special!