so, so sad

Read about Smith & Hawken's closure here.

pastrami, swiss, and sweet onion marmalade

Sunset Magazine

Made this last night. Loved it. Had it again for lunch. Think it would be perfect for a cold, fall or winter evening. Get the recipe here.

love me some hamptons | gorgeous remodel

From Elle Decor. Be sure to check out the before pictures! Amazing.

i can't stand...

...how much i love this green fridge (and this fun story that goes with it. thanks, decorno!)


and this bedroom (from here).

summer 2009

click to see larger image

things i am particularly fond of at the moment: durham ranch tent cabin, keswick caning bangle, red geraniums, raw silk skirt, hand-painted silk parasol, perrier, green olive + pistachio tapenade, durham ranch pool, clement tablerunner, strawberry-rhubarb gallette, iron wire baskets, tuberose shave soap, tretorn canvas sneakers. enjoy!

1128 the alameda, berkeley, california

I probably should have been an interior designer or architect (but I hated drafting!!) or at least a real estate agent. I love looking at houses (like you didn't know that already). My husband is always teasing me because I come home with tidbits about houses that are for sale knowing everything about the property from the square footage to the kind of tile the sellers used to remodel the master shower. It's kind of a hobby of mine to peruse real estate listings.

I am almost never impressed at remodels, always wishing the owners stayed true the period and integrity of the architecture. This place is a gem. If only I had a million dollars...and a job in the bay area!

Don't you love the green canisters in the kitchen? I wonder if they'd be willing to throw those in?

STATS:

1914 Craftsman with exquisite architectural detailing including window seats, built-ins, plate railings, glass doors and inlaid flooring. There is also a sunroom, roomy front porch, and detatched studio (always on a designer's wish list).

marvin gardens real estate : 4 Bedrooms : 2 Full 1 Partial Bathrooms : 2,013 sf : $997,000

More about it here.

monday morning madness | love me some turquoise!

and some diamonds, and some rubies...

This is a circa 1950s diamond, turquoise and ruby 18k handmade brooch with enamel. It boasts 8 diamonds among turquoise and ruby beads, set in 18k yellow gold decorated with enamel. And it's only $7,000! It measures 2" in diameter. From this amazing shop.

Enjoy! Happy Monday!