Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Bernardos



All through my high school years (late 60's, early 70's), Bernardo sandals were the shoes of preference. Sandals can be worn year round in South Florida and that they were. Shown above is the "Miami" sandal, a classic favorite and available in an assortment of colors. Completely constructed of soft leather, sole as well, they are soooo veryyy comfy. And I love the sound they make as I am walking!
Typically, these can be purchased for $89, but today at Neimans they are on sale for the stellar price of $65. With a slightly different strap of woven leather, they are equally as nifty. Just purchased a pair in black for me and white for the dau who is a college student in Florida.

Monday, May 21, 2007

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

...and a Cork screw


A gift for Christmas from my family, this Screwpull Black Nickel Wine Opener is awesome. It pierces a very small hole and is very simple to use. When reversed, it will spit out the cork without scarring. Perfect, if you plan on saving the corks for decorative projects. Comes also with a foil cutter and storage box. Only downfall... it is bulky, taking up alot of drawer space. Available at Williams-Sonoma.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Corks

In an antique grain sieve made of bent wood, I collect wine corks.


Monday, May 14, 2007

Monday morning Shasta Daisies and purple Irises


A crisp Monday morning brings these posies! Shasta Daisies, often referred to as weeds, are plentiful and cottage-looking to me.

Friday, May 11, 2007

A day just for Mothers...

Best wishes to all Moms everywhere.
Spend the day doing something you enjoy.
Cheers!

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Jon Carloftis


Last spring, while visiting Lexington, Kentucky, I took a day excursion to Rockcastle River Trading Company after reading of it in a gardening magazine. Met by a gorgeous allee of Bradford pear trees, I wandered the pastoral gardens and structures of the Carloftis family, e.g. blacksmith shop, carriage home, one-room schoolhouse, nestled riverside. Plantings indigenous to the area combined with arbors, pergolas, containers and ponds can be observed. I purchased from the on ground gift shop, First a Garden, by Jon Carloftis. Mr. Carloftis is a home-grown gardener and part-time resident here on the property as well as Bucks County, Pennsylvania who spent some time landscaping rooftop garden spaces for Manhattan residents prior to producing his first book. Featured in the book are many of the outdoor gardens and interiors of these structures as well as many of his projects in NYC and Pennsylvania.

This week I obtained the second of his books, Beyond the Windowsill. Mr. Carloftis presents an uncomplicated yet pleasing to the eye mix of plants, rural antiques and contemporary furnishings. Although I keep only a small number of houseplants (gardening is an outdoor sport for me!), I am enjoying the photographs which serve as an inspiration to me.

Escaping from the commotion and chaos of the day, these serene and bucolic gardens certainly deserve a stopover if you are in this locale. And, his books are worthy of a visit also!

Monday, May 7, 2007

Tea for you?


Yet another reason to enjoy lots of tea!

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Monday morning Bearded Irises and Luna moth visit

This lime-green Luna Moth was on the front stoop this morning.
White bearded irises are in bloom this morning.





I am a
Snapdragon

What Flower
Are You?


...a fun, short quiz to see what type of flora you represent.

Saturday, the local farmer's market opened. My purchases included:

tasty, sweet, ruby-red hand-picked strawberries

asparagus

Ten Menton tulips from the "Flower Lady". A peachy-pink color that can only be seen in nature, the tulips sit in front of the bathroom mirror where the ten become twenty. A welcome sight while my husband and I wash, brush and dress for the day.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Happy May Day!


While a young girl in school, I would create a may basket from pastel-colored construction paper that had been cut, folded and pasted . Filled with posies trimmed from trees and shrubs, the basket would be placed on my neighbor's front door knob.
After ringing the door bell, I would run away.
Happy May Day! A celebration of spring.