Turkish Treats

While I realize I haven't had a chance to share pictures from our trip to Turkey yet, I wanted to at least show you some of the cute things I managed to bring back with me. It was a challenge finding unique and authentic souvenirs, but once we trekked off the beaten path there were many lovely shops selling handmade, vintage, and/or beautifully crafted items that didn't break the bank. This vintage teapot and set of bowls totally caught my fancy - dating from the 60s, they feature the colors and patterns I love. The shop was packed with these original Turkish pieces - so playful and fun, don't you think? Seriously, if I had had another suitcase, I would have brought many, many more home with me. I also appreciated finding the original version of the ikat bowls that have become so popular at a certain store many of us frequent...

I'm Back! + Fifi in Paris

So sorry that I disappeared for a few days without saying goodbye! I escaped to Alabama for a visit with the family, and for much engagement-celebrating! It was a wonderful time... though maybe not quite as nice as Fifi's trip to Paris. I am quite jealous of her travels! Anyway, I am so happy to be back, and can't wait to get back to posting. More to come soon...

(Fifi Lapin "My Heart Belongs to Paris" print, via here)

Sunny and Sparkling

I'm putting this post under "sparkly things." Whether the house above is more than a place to store boats I'm not sure, but it's gorgeous any which way.  The rest of this French vacation home is pretty great too - full of sun and white wood planks and soft colors. If anyone would like to invite me here for a weekend, I would be more than happy to oblige...

Via Marie Claire Maison...

Paris, je t'aime...

My honey and I have been thinking about taking a trip this fall, and tops on my list of locations is Paris. I've been a number of times in the past and it is truly my favorite place in the whole world. Accommodations for me have usually been little family-owned hotels in Montmartre, but this time I want to stay in an apartment that has a kitchen for storing and preparing all the wonderful foods that can be found in this charming neighborhood's sidewalk markets. There are many rental apartments in Paris available for vacationers, usually rented in either 3 or 7-day stays. This one, located in Montmartre just steps from the Abbesses metro stop, may be the most perfect I've found yet...

Dreamy, yes? The apartment was designed and furnished by Canadian-based Little White House, a home decor and furnishing boutique with several locations in British Columbia. Personally I can't imagine a more perfect place to stay while in Paris. The white and black decor is so chic, and who can resist the romantic vintage details and the stunning windows that let all that lovely light in?

To read about the fascinating renovation process of this charming Parisian apartment (which includes lots of before and after photos), check out this story from Country Living magazine...

Oh, and don't any of you dare steal my rental dates this fall! 

Dressed to the Nines

Check out this gorgeous hotel called The Nines in Portland, Oregon. One of my loyal readers, Meredith, sent these pictures to me and said they looked like a place I would love. And do I love it! Who wouldn't? Turquoise velvet...creamy draped curtains...white marble vanities... pure gorgeousness, don't you think!?

My fella and I have been talking about how fun it would be to take a trip to Portland to visit the many local breweries, wineries and distilleries (Kevin is quite the talented beer brewer). Now I really hope it happens just so we can stay at this lovely hotel!

Images via Starwood Hotels

Home Again

Kevin and I returned from our trip to Florida last night. What a great time! We visited with family and friends in the Tampa area, and then headed to Orlando for the remainder of the trip. I had never been to Disney before, so Kevin treated me to a day at the parks. We had the BEST time at Disney's Animal Kingdom. It was seriously fun and completely filled with eye-candy! I don't know what I loved more - seeing all the amazing wild animals on display or getting to enjoy the amazing decor, signage, store displays and costumes. Check out some of the details above!

Happy Weekend!

I'm off to sunny Florida with my fella!  I'll see you all back here on Tuesday... until then have a wonderful weekend!

Packing for a Getaway

My sweetie and I are heading for warmer weather next week, just a little vacation to see family and friends before spring emerges in Philadelphia. I sure would like to pack some jaunty patterned outfits for my trip! Something in fresh variations of navy, yellow, coral and white, like those seen in the spring collection from Trina Turk...

Images via Trina Turk

Chicago + Jayson Home and Garden + Dream Sofa

The Chicago skyline from Grant Park

My guy and I were in Chicago last weekend...what an amazing time! In addition to checking out Lollapalooza (and catching fantastic sets from Radiohead, Gutter Twins, Steve Malkmus and Kanye West), we visited cool beer bars (in his opinion) and even cooler shops (in mine.)

Our view of Sunday night's headliner, Kanye West

Kevin's view of a delicious beer at The Map Room in Bucktown

Our view of Millenium Park on a hot and muggy night

My favorite place was Jayson Home + Garden, a gorgeous store in the Lincoln Park area with a huge and drool-worthly selection of furniture, accessories, floral, and decorative items. I discovered this sofa in the basement sale section:



God, if I had a room big enough for this piece it would definitely end up being the chicest family room ever. Sectionals are typically so....suburban. But this one is low and sleek, and the gray silk ikat upholstery is heaven. Just another beautiful thing we found in Chicago.

Fashionable London

A design lover's dream, the Hotel Mandeville in London has everything going for it -- super stylish decor, a chic restaurant, and a location mere footsteps from Selfridge's and the shops and restaurants of the Marylebone district. I had the opportunity to stay there on a trip to the UK and it was a real treat.