Natural Curiosities

I have seen Natural Curiosities pieces several places and was always drawn to them.  We (Lizzy, Shawnna and I) had a chance to meet Christopher Wilcox at the Atlanta Gift Show last year-as took us around his showroom and spoke about his work, we were inspired by his passion and devotion to the art. We visit him every time and there is always something new, interesting and unique.  Recently I bought two of his pieces from the Quotes Collection for my husband who has made the courageous leap to leave his family business and pursue meaningful and fulfilling work.
I hope these inspire him in his new venture.

 

Photos Turner & Co.

His newest pieces from the Paule Marrot Collection are so sweet.  Here are three of my favorites.

 

 

Though akin to Hugo Guinness' work...

 

Hugo Guinness

Photo Kate Arends 

Hugo Guinness

Photo via Decor Arts Now 

 

Hugo Guinness

Photo Via  John Derian

...these limited edition Fernando Boher works are distinct and exquisite.

 

Hat

Wine Glass

  

Laborador

go to Natual Curiosites to view the collections...well worth the click!

Authentic Art!

Quote of the Day...

Catching up on WWD's today I came across this quote from Sir Paul Smith

“Life on earth is not just about gain…Unfortunately, so many people equated lifestyle to luxury rather than equating lifestyle to a day that was pleasant-without argument, without aggression or the need to show off”

We've always been big fans, even more so after reading this. 
some looks we love from...

 

  

  

 

images via Paul Smith 

 

image via The Ballast

Snow Day!

 

Photo:  David Meredith 

Teton Mountains

 

Daddy's boots

If you can dig out, buy ingredients to make this cold weather treat!

 

Ingredients

1. One 13.5 ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
2. 1/4 cup sugar
3. 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
4. 1 2/3 cups whole milk
5. 3 cups bittersweet chocolate chips (18 ounces)
6. Marshmallows, for serving (optional)

In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk and sugar and heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar; keep warm. In a medium saucepan, combine the cream and whole milk and bring to a simmer. Add the chocolate chips and remove from the heat. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted; whisk until smooth. Pour the chocolate into 8 mugs and spoon some of the coconut milk on top. Garnish with the marshmallows and serve.

recipe by: Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson

Food & Wine 

Weekend Wine

 Storm's a brewin!-Here's what were eatin' and what we wish we were drinkin'-(toooo expensive)

 

Baked Orecchiette with Pork Sugo

from Food & Wine Magazine

  

Masi Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2004

New Beginnnings

 

"Choose a job you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life."-Confucius

Here's to everyone who has the courage to follow their dreams.

Happy Friday all!

Authentic...Fragrance

Several years ago I met the most wonderful fragrance.  I was in Jeffrey in NYC with an old friend and she introduced us.   I sampled it.  I loved it.  I don't know why it took so long for us to be together again but here she is, looking perfect on the vanity. 

Creed

A little history...

CREED was founded in 1760 and passed from father to son since then, CREED has served more than 10 royal houses and the discerning public for 250 years.
Based in Paris, CREED today is led by the legendary Olivier CREED, sixth generation master perfumer and company chief. Working alongside is his son, Erwin, 29, rising seventh generation and future head of the House.

The oldest fragrance is Royal English Leather, created for King George III of England.
Some famous Creed fans..
Fleurissimo-Originally created for Grace Kelly, also worn by Jackie Onassis & Madonna
Green Irish Tweed-Originally created for Cary Grant, also worn by Clint Eastwood & George Clooney.

My favorite is Virgin Island Water and it's fairly new to the line.   It's a fresh/citrus scent with notes of coconut, lime, Mandarin orange, hibiscus, & white rum.   You can find Creed online at creed.com, the Creed Boutique in NYC, Bergdorf Goodman and most Neiman Marcus & Saks Fifth Avenue stores.


The Creed specialists are so kind knowledgeable if you're looking for a new scent I encourage you to give Creed a sniff. 

Thinking of ....The State of the Union

Some red white & blue for you this SOTU night.  

Designer Miles Redd

 

Photo: Andrew McCaul & Debi Treloar for Country Living

 

Bliss Event Group

 

Jonathan Adler

House Beautiful

 

Sharland & Lewis

 

 Photo Keller & Keller

for Country Living

 

Ralph Lauren

 

Leslie Janson available on Etsy

Mad about Elephants

I have always had a thing for elephants-I can't get enough of this guy!  Could you just die?

Weddings Fresh

designed by Bliss Event Group

Love the look of...

This wall of wood!  Good day to build a fire and stay warm.

Designer Tom Scheerer

Super Sleeping Rooms

Hope you liked the guest room post yesterday!  Here is a small sampling  of the bedrooms we love.

Vincente Wolf

photo courtesy Elle Decor

 

I really REALLY love this one

Designers Andrew Halliday & David Greer

photo courtesy House Beautiful

 

photo courtesy Living Etc.

Designer Amanda Nisbet

photo courtesy  House Beautiful

Photograher William Waldron

photo courtesy Elle Decor

photo courtesy Living Etc.

Designer Moises Esquenazi

photo courtesy House Beautiful

Guest Room Essentials

While out running errands today I came across the cutest water bottle/carafe at World Market- I'm dying over this $1.99 little thing!

it comes with it's own cup!

 

Here is our list of guest room essentials.  Tomorrow we'll have some pics of rooms we love.  Enjoy!

The Bed  

A comfy bed is a must!  Sleep in it to get a real feel for the comfort of the bed & the room.  Do you need to add a feather bed?  Do you need a heavier down comforter?  

Nice, fresh, ironed linens, an extra blanket, and pillows of varying levels of firmness.

 

The mack daddy of beds

Horsebits by Leontine Linens

BEDSIDE TABLE

A good lamp, a simple flower arrangement in a mint julep cup perhaps, a bottle of water, some books or magazines, a nice clock, a beautiful candle with a matchbook-(For Your Party is our favorite source) and a pad and pencil for those late night musings.

Barbara Cosgrove

William Sonoma Home

 

DL & Co.

 

The Proust Questionnaire

 

iomoi

 

Blossoms at Biltmore Park

DRAWERS & CLOSET

If possible, leave drawers and closets empty so your guests don't feel like they are wading through last seasons rejects.  Don't forget plenty of matching hangers for pants and tops. 

IKEA

BATH PRODUCTS

Leave guests a basket of bathroom essentials -toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion.  Many brands make travel sizes-give them something luxe! And of course towels and several washcloths and perhaps a robe and slippers or flip flops.

Acca Kappa

Marvis

Caudalie

 

Missoni

 Neiman Marcus-Mandarin

J.Crew-ON SALE!!

 

Gilden Tree

SOME EXTRAS...since almost everyone has an ipod, how about a docking station?  Or if you have an ipod that you can use for the room, load it with some soothing tunes plus some fun upbeat song to get dressed to! 

ipod

Check back tomorrow for pics of rooms we love.