Barbara Jacksier

The Chicken Lady

2012-01-24T21:41:00.004-05:00

In the past, I've often been "in the press" for my magazine and design work and Waterside Cottages book, now the next chapter...

I'm a chicken whisper! Let me know what you think.

I've definitely learned that I should never go out and tend my girls without putting on lipstick when a reporter with a camera is nearby!

http://fairfaxstation.patch.com/articles/a-henhouse-in#photo-8952487

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2011-12-22T16:54:00.001-05:00

I was knitting a scarf when the UPS guy rang the doorbell.

When I went to sit back down, the ball of yarn (or what was left of it looked like a bagel. (Okay, I guess I was getting hungry for lunch!) The rest is history, so to speak!

SEA BREEZE

2011-04-21T14:30:00.008-04:00

When spending a day at the beach, I generally tote a towel, lotion, a book and a lacy hand knit shawl. I like to travel light, so why a shawl?

It's in case I want to stay and watch the sunset over the water. In late afternoon when cool breezes begins to blow off of the water a shawl comes in mighty handy.

This wind, officially known as "sea breeze," occurs in response to differences in temperature between a body of water and neighboring land. While any old sweatshirt would do, one of my hand-knit shawls feel more romantic for sunset viewing.

Today, I came across a shawl pin for beach-loving knitters (or shawl wearers).

It's from Knit Picks and I couldn't wait to share my find... after I ordered one for myself, of course! It also comes in a Cat Lovers version or with knitting or nature charms.

TAX DAY

2011-04-18T19:42:00.011-04:00

In the past, Tax Day has inspired me to say many things. Most of them are unprintable.

Today, however, Tax Day 2011, has me shouting yippee!

And it's NOT because I got a refund.

This year I anxiously awaited April 18th because today is the day the Grand Prize Winner of Google's Data Viz Challenge would be announced.

The competition was created by Eyebeam Art + Technology Center in partnership with Google and WhatWePayFor.com. The challenge was for web developers to create a web program that helped average taxpayers discover how our taxes are being spent.

Last week, my son Fred Jacksier-Chasen was named one of six finalists.

His program is called 'Every Day Is Tax Day'.

(You can click on the link and if you like Fred's program, it's not too late to click on the right- most star to give the program Five stars!)

'Where Did My Tax Dollars Go', 'Budget Climber', 'Tax Mapper', 'What Do You Work For' and 'Visualize Your Taxes' are the names of the other finalists' programs.

Eyebeam hosted a party in NYC for the finalists on Wednesday April 13th.Each finalist's program was showcased on a computer screen.

Since Fred lives in California and couldn't be there, my husband Everett and I went instead.

It was fascinating listening to all of the comments about the programs.

This morning the winners were announced. Fred's program came in second.
He was awarded $3,000. Hurray for Tax Day!

Fred designed my web site, www.watersidestyles.com, too!

AND THE WINNER IS....

2011-03-10T07:06:00.007-05:00

Congratulations to Cora of Heartfelt and Homemade!

You have won a copy of Waterside Cottages.

Thank you to everyone who entered and keep visiting because I'll be running a contest of my own later this season. Hint: my giveaway will be a signed copy of Fabulous Fifi's Romantic Prairie Style.

A big hug and thank you Lidy at French Garden House for the chance to share my story and get to know your fabulous fans!

For the next few weeks, I am going to share some sensational photos that I have in my "Future Blog Posts" folders.

Knitters have a term--STASH-- for yarn that piles up in your closets. It's all wonderful yarn, of course, and when you got it you planned to make something wonderful with it. Now, alas, you've moved on, and the yarn just sits there.

I'm a serious knitter but have always tried to resist developing STASH.

While I've done a pretty good job of keeping my closets clear and free (okay, there ARE a few shopping bags tucked into a corner or two...), I've not done nearly as well with Blog Photos.

I've got hundreds on my computer (organized in neat little folders) that never got into blog posts yet.

I spent this week looking over my PHOTO STASH. Most are too good not to share. Some never got used because they didn't relate to Coastal Decorating. Others languished because life moves so fast that they missed their chance before I moved on to other posts.

I've organized my photo folders into themes and come up with a plan on how to showcase the best of the best.

SO expect the unexpected as I spring clean my photo files. Hold on to your hat, it's going to be a wild ride.

SPRING BULBS: At this time of year, I crave flowers. And the flowers that are coming up in my garden are my Fall bulbs. These gorgeous Spring bouquets, courtesy of the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center, all started with papery skinned, onion-like bulbs that are planted in Fall but bloom in spring.

Each year when my hyacinths, daffodils, tulips and small bulbs bloom, I take photos. That way when the bulb catalogs start popping up in my mailbox, I can remember where there were blank spots that need filling in.

The deer, squirrels, chipmunks and even my own chickens are hard on bulbs. That's why I grow so many daffodils. Everyone loves to nibble on tulips but no one disturbs my daffs!

BOOK GIVEAWAY

2011-03-06T08:39:00.013-05:00

I love March!

It means the end of winter and the beginning of flower season in Virginia.

The month is barely 6 days old and the first Tête a Tête daffodils and tiny iris reticulata have already opened in my garden.

In 1992, when I planted a handful of Tête a Tête bulbs, they were a novelty-- and very expensive. Now, these early-blooming mini daffodils are one of the most popular daffodils in America. You can buy pots of ready-to-bloom Tête a Tête are for sale at my local grocery store. This March, I estimate that nearly 200 of these cheery little dafs will appear in my yard.

This year, there is another reason I love March... Lidy at French Garden House has posted an interview with me on her beautiful blog.In the interview, I've shared my Five Favorite Tips For Decorating Coastal Style, shared advice to folks who want to become writers and explained how I got interested in Waterside Cottages.

Dan Mayers contributed a dozen of his marvelous Waterside photos to the blog post, too.
Lidy is also holding a Book Giveaway. You can enter to win a copy of my book Waterside Cottages, but you'd better hurry. A winner will be chosen on March 8th (my son's birthday!)
There are several ways to enter and additional ones for improving your chances of winning.

Just click on the photo at the right to enter.

Water, Water, Everywhere

2011-01-18T14:54:00.005-05:00

The problem with taking an extended blog break is that sometimes, it's hard to jump back in.

It's been way too long but today, I'm jumping.

My wildly creative Australian friend Natasha Burns has issued a plea for help. There are devastating floods in her country and she is having a fundraising giveaway on her blog to help those in need.

Donate $5 and she'll enter you in her giveaway.

You'll have a chance to win one of her gorgeous paintings, you'll feel good about helping families who have lost everything and it's tax deductible.

How can you resist?

Here's the link, http://www.facebook.com/l/9d73762RtEjzgzkYLu1z5j-xxCQ;natashaburns.blogspot.com/2011/01/queensland-flood-relief-giveaway-with.html

COAST TO COAST

2010-09-09T20:22:00.010-04:00

Yes, I know it's been awhile, but before I explain why I haven't been blogging lately. I'd like to share some exciting book sightings.

ROCKLAND, MAINE
Just before Labor Day, my friend Judith was vacationing in Maine and went into a cute shop called SEAGULL COTTAGES.

She was so thrilled to see Waterside Cottages on display that Jim Stewart, the shopkeeper, came over to see what was going on. She asked Jim if she could snap a few photos. He asked if I'd be willing to do a book signing in Spring. Maine, here I come!

Judith already has an autographed copy of my book but she reportedly left with several shopping bags overflowing with gifts from the sea.

Visitors and Mainers can stop by the Rockland shop for coastal home decor or visit its sister location in Warren, Maine. There are also outposts in Pompano Beach and Sarasota, Florida. And no matter where you live, you can visit online at www.maineseagullcottage.com.

MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Clear across the country, last Sunday, I spied Waterside Cottages in the window of A Summer Place (1401 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA).

I was on my way from the Inn at Playa del Rey to an Arts Festival in Hermosa Beach. I looked out the car window and shouted, "Stop the car!" There in the window was Waterside Cottages.
When I introduced myself, coastal maven Sue Keporos was as excited as I was.

I snapped a few photos of this special shop. Enjoy the tour!

Make a free digital slideshow

Now, for the explanation of my vanishing act. I'm sorry for the long silence but it has been a demanding summer. I spent much of it nursing Samantha, my wounded chick back to health (see July 2nd post), and helping my mom while she recuperated from a broken knee.

For all of you who sent Samantha get well wishes, she says THANKS. She's now back in the coop with her friends but misses being hand fed and hanging out with me on the porch.

And for all of you who wrote, called, emailed and dropped by to cheer Mom and me on,
THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH!

Tomorrow morning, I'm off to do a book signing at My Island Cottage in Chincoteague, Virginia.

Barbara

P.S. I plan to jump back in where I left off. I'll be sharing some wonderful sea glass finds plus my musings and photos from England and Scotland in the very near future.

I HATE COMPUTERS

2010-07-08T12:36:00.009-04:00

Imagine you log in to a Live Chat and for some mysterious reason,'acess is denied'. Pretty frustrating, right?

Now imagine the same thing happens when you are the Live Chat's guest and you are one of the two folks who are supposed to be ready to help moderate the chat and answer questions. My ship was sailing and I wasn't on it. XX#&~!@#$%^&*()_+!!

There I was sitting with my Mac, my laptop, my friend's laptop, paint color fans and a few favorite sources of inspiration and for 20 minutes I couldn't get online.
I could read all of the questions coming in ...but I couldn't answer. My office was not a pretty place to be from 11 AM to 11:20! Words that normally don't cross my lips came spewing out.
Then, thanks to the savvy tech crew at The Post, a lifesaver was found, and it worked!
I could publish my answers instead of just thinking about them. It was fun after all.
A great big thank you to everyone who participated in the Washington Post's Live Chat -- and to those who posted, re-posted, re-twitted and spread the word.

There were so many questions and comments that Washington Post editor Liz Seymour couldn't post even half of them in our allotted time!

Please accept my apologies if you were left out. If the Washington Post doesn't mind, I'll try to answer some of the coastal related in future posts.

If you missed the chat and want to read it online the perma-link is:
http://live.washingtonpost.com/home-front-07-08-10.html

For now, I'm going to brew up a pitcher of iced tea and try to stay cool. It's another scorcher here today. I photographed the gull and ship murals at the fabulous train museum in York, England. If anyone knows who painted them please let me know. I'd like to credit their creator.

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***

I'd be remiss if I didn't share this great European ruffled table linens giveaway from Lidy at French Garden House. I know it dilutes MY chance of winning but I owe it to all of you who have been so nice about sharing my recent news. Go ahead and enter, I won't mind a bit.

LET'S CHAT

2010-07-07T19:26:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow, I'm going to be the special guest on The Washington Post's Home Front Live Chat (Thursday July 8 at 11 AM.)

Please join editor Liz Seymour and me from 11 to 12 for solutions to your coastal--and other--decorating dilemmas.

http://live.washingtonpost.com/home-front-07-08-10.html

The text of the live discussion will flow into the bottom of each discussion page during its live hour.

You can either click "Refresh" on your browser window or hit "F5" on your keyboard to see new responses.

Make sure you scroll down to see the latest answers.

Please stop by and say Hi.

DELIGHTFUL DOORS

2010-07-02T05:33:00.010-04:00

It's almost 6 AM and I woke up over an hour ago to check on all of my chickens.

Today is my birthday but I'm not in a celebrating mood.
Yesterday a critter attacked my chicken coop. I lost one precious 5 week-old chick and another is seriously wounded. One of the senior girl's is also recuperating from a leg problem. My home resembles a veterinary infirmary.

I'm afraid my second sea glass post will have to wait. I haven't received any of the photo's that I wanted to feature. But I hope you'll enjoy a photo gallery of intriguing doors that I snapped on my recent trip to England and Scotland.Now converted to into a chic two-story private home, these iron-embellished doors once opened onto a carriage house that served a gorgeous Georgian city house in the town of Bath.

Stone lions guard the door of Castle Venlaw's North Lodge gatehouse in Peebleshire, Scotland. (more about this venerable castle hotel and its amazing restaurant next week)

Cottage doors are my obsession. In Avebury no two doors are alike. Most are handcrafted.

Many have adorable (and practical) porticos to protect family and friends from the rain.
Nine lite (pane) doors are very popular cottage choices. Some are long and thin.
Others are shorter and wider.
Fan-shaped transoms (called Fanlites in Britain) are de rigeur in upscale abodes.
Antique glass inserts like these bubble transoms come in a pastel rainbow of shades. Did you notice the fairie and mushroom knocker? Mushrooms are a recurring motif in Avebury. I'm not sure why. Does anyone know why?
This old double door has its original stone lintel.
Very few doors are left natural like the two above --most are red, yellow or blue.
Unpainted doors are often found in country settings. This rustic architectural relic is embellished with ancient metal studs and hardware.
In the historic town of Bath, elegance reigns supreme.
Entryways exhibit classic proportions and Roman-inspired details such as columns, pediments and over-the-top stonework.
In Great Britain neo-classic buildings are called Georgian architecture in honor of the kings-- Georges I, II, III and IV-- who ruled when this style came into vogue.
I also photographed this slightly less formal 'Dutch' door in Bath. I love old-fashioned double doors, especially this one which is topped with a stone shelf.
In the medieval town of Lacock, I discovered a random plank Dutch door side by side with a more modern door in a row on of historic townhouses.
One last thought: Doors in Britain can be very bright!

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: SEA GLASS

2010-06-23T14:28:00.013-04:00

No matter where I travel -- this time it was around England and Scotland -- it always feels good to be home again. (village of Avebury)

My itinerary included London, Bath, York, Peebles and Edinburgh.

(Cricket in Bath)

I spent time with my British cousins, attended several classical and world music concerts, saw Shakespeare's Henry VIII at the Globe Theatre and stayed in a Scottish castle.

(The Globe )

I also enjoyed all sorts of fabulous food-- everything from traditional British cookery to trendy Scottish cuisine, Indian curries to Moroccan tagines.(Potted shrimp at Castle Venlaw)

I have lots more wonderful photos and royal decorating tips to share but you'll have to be patient, because today is Waterside Wednesday...

(ruins along the English coast)

Sea glass is one of nature's semi-natural wonders. It begins its existence as a man-made bottle, plate, jar, marble or stopper before being tumbled by the tides and transformed into a treasure coveted by beachcombers the world over.

In 2004, photographer Celia Pearson collaborated with Richard LaMotte to produce the book, Pure Sea Glass. LaMotte, an avid sea glass collector and board member of the North American Sea Glass Association studied over 30,000 pieces of glass to create his definitive history and rarity scale. And Pearson's photos conjure the excitement surrounding water-washed glass.

The book (along with notecards, posters of a dozen illustrations from the book, including the cover photo, and an identification deck of cards) may be purchased from www.seaglasspublishing.com. Pearson's fine art sea glass prints can be ordered from www.celiapeason.com.

For those who love the thrill of the chase, collecting sea glass by walking at water's edge is the only way to go. But, those who want a shortcut can gather beach glass online. Tiny shards, chunks and bobbles are often available on eBay.

Etsy.com is the place to shop for seaglass jewelry and home goods embellished with glass. Do-it-yourselfers can frequently score pre-drilled pieces ready for crafting, too.

Jewelry artist Jean Forman of Lucky Sea Glass (www.luckyseaglass.com) says its harder than ever to find gem quality sea glass.

Although sea glass can be found along almost every shoreline, I recently learned about two locations that are particular paradises for glass lovers.

The first is Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California. The story of how three protected coves came to be blanketed with sea glass is the stuff of legends involving brothels, earthquakes and town dumps. Lisa D Walker tells the intriguing tale in her book Glass Beach (available at www.Blurb.com/bookstore/detail/813540)

The second heavenly destination for glass afficionados is England's North Sea coast. Lisl of Out of the Blue Jewelry (www.naturalseaglass.com) sources gorgeous glass that can be traced back more than a century. It comes from a Victorian era glass factory that discarded its surplus and scraps into the North Sea. To learn more, try the link below.
http://naturalseaglass.com/index.php/whatisseaglass/about-our-sea-glass/england.html

I'll be featuring more about sea glass next WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY. Stay tuned.

*** MARK YOUR CALENDARS***

On Thursday July 8th I will be the featured guest on the Washington Post's Home Front live chat with Jura Koncius. Please join us with your waterside decorating questions and comments. One lucky chatter will win an autographed copy of my book Waterside Cottages.

SEAGLASS SOJURN

2010-05-31T23:00:00.007-04:00

It's been a busy week. Sea Glass lovers have been calling and e-mailing me from all over the world! Some make sea glass jewelry. Others want to chat about coastal-inspired paint colors.

I'm planning a comprehensive glass post but it will have to wait until I get back from vacation.
My flight leaves for London tomorrow at dawn. Meanwhile take a peek at this British sea glass. It dates back to Victorian times and comes from the North Sea.

With luck, perhaps I will find a few pieces to bring home.

If you'd like to be included in my Sea Glass post, send a photo or two and tell me about your collection or craft.

Cheerio!

(Photos by Dan Mayers)

SEAGLASS STYLE

2010-05-27T08:00:00.015-04:00

Waterside Cottages strikes again!

It all began when I got a Friend Request from Jura Koncius, the Washington Post's lead writer on Home & Design and the DC area's go-to design guru.

Whether you want to find an obsure piece of hardware for your Civil War era house or a coffee table for your funky bachelor pad, Jura can help. Her Twitter feed is legendary.

Several days later, I received a 'heads up' e-mail from my publicist at Gibbs Smith saying that Jura wanted to get in touch with me about a story she was working on.

It was too early to break out the champagne, but I WAS pretty excited. Over the next few days, Jura and I exchanged emails and chatted on the phone about one of my favorite topics, Sea Glass.

Then, I kept my fingers crossed.

TODAY, Waterside Cottages is mentioned in THE Washington Post, the DC area's oldest and most distinguished newspaper.

With a circulation of over a half million, The Post, as locals call it, has covered The White House and its inhabitants, and goings on in Maryland and Virginia since 1877. Today, the newspaper is also alerting readers on how to enjoy Summer In Style.

While working with Jura on her Summer In Style feature, I created several palettes inspired by sea glass with colors that can be mixed and matched beautifully. Dive right in!

Have questions? Jura and I will be having a Live Washington Post online Q & A on Thursday July 8th from 11 AM to noon. Let's chat!

(Photo by Dan Mayers)

Benjamin Moore- Pale Tones:

Aqua: Barely Teal 2048-70

Green:Crème de Mint 2036-70

Blue: Bashful Blue 2065070

Benjamin Moore - Medium Tones:

Aqua: Jamaican Aqua 2048-60

Green: Marina Bay 20136-50

Blue: Caribbean Coast 2065-60

(Photo by Dan Mayers)

Sherwin Williams:

Aqua: Pool Blue sw 6944

Green: Kiwi sw 6737

Blue: Blu Click sw 6952

(Photo by Dan Mayers)

Martha Stewart:

Aqua: Sunken Pool

Green: Sea Glass

Blue: Statosphere

Behr:

Aqua: Aqua Breeze 500E

Green: Palm Breeze 420E

Blue: Morning Breeze 560A

MOTHER'S DAY CHICK-LETS

2010-05-09T23:01:00.004-04:00

This Mother's day, I received the best gift ever. A box full of chix arrived by Special Delivery from the Murray McMurray Hatchery.

They're not all for me. I ordered them with a couple of friends.

My new little ones are two Red Caps (red-heads), two Silver Spangled Hamburgs (blonde and black) and two Light Brahmas (large gray chicks with feathers on their legs).
I can hear their peeps as I type. Happy Mother's Day one and all!

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY

2010-05-05T11:42:00.004-04:00

The only body of water I am nearby today is a tall glass of ginger peach ice tea!(Photo courtesy of Mighty Leaf Tea)

I am sticking close to home today as I am supposed to be interviewed for a newpaper article about my book, Waterside Cottages!

WATERSIDE ROMANCE

2010-04-28T19:58:00.004-04:00

Life moves slower in California.

And since returning home, I've been slowly drifting through a glorious early spring.

I never meant my blog break to go on this long.

Perhaps, I'm still on California time, because a week turned into two weeks, turned into more than a month.

But now I'm back with exciting news.

WATERSIDE COTTAGES is featured in the June issue of ROMANTIC HOMES magazine!

Yesterday, my dear friend Lidy of French Garden House tipped me off. She sent me a message that read:

"Hey! How great to see my friends at Romantic Homes feature your book this issue. Yippee. :) xoxo Lidy"

My issue had arrived in the mail but I hadn't had a spare second to sit down and read it.

Needless to say, I ran to the pile of mail on my pantry counter and started flipping pages.

Voila!

The issue is on sale now, and it's a great one, so don't miss it.

California Part 2

2010-03-23T20:20:00.009-04:00

The great thing about Los Angeles is that unlike other cities, you are never far from the water.

(sign available from Beach-Signs.com)

On this trip I spent time in Malibu...

Savored scrumptious fresh fish tacos..
Chilled out at Huntington Library's Chinese Lake and Terrace gardens.
Marveled at how large koi can grow in a Japanese pond garden...
Went birdwatching in Venice at low tide...

Watched all sorts of waterbirds fish for dinner...
Discovered that snowy egrets appear to wear bright yellow galoshes....
Celebrated Chinese New Year...
And visited Hermosa Beach (more about Hermosa in a future post)...
But even the best of vacations can be exhausting...
It's time to go home.

** BLOG DU JOUR **

If you like coastal interiors that are a bit modern, a hint retro and always chic, check out Coco, a Los Angeles style maven with stunning taste.

ONLY IN LOS ANGELES- Part 1

2010-03-07T12:04:00.007-05:00

It's been a great trip so far with only one stop at the emergency room.

On Friday night, we met our son Fred at Abbott Kinney Boulevard's First Friday event.
On the first Friday of each month all of the stores stay open late. Folks shop, stop by their favorite watering holes and feast from trucks.

Gourmet food trucks are a craze in Los Angeles.
Entrepreneurial catering trucks use Twitter to let their fans know where they are parked and what they are serving at any given hour.

There are also several web sites such as Find LA Food Trucks dedicated to these sociable and budget-friendly mobile restaurants.

Operating a food truck is how young chefs get started in this city of high-priced real estate.
An enterprising girl scout troop set up a lemonade stand!
Trucks are a way trendy restaurants introduce their fare to Angelenos who normally wouldn't visit a fancy restaurant-- a good way to develop future customers.

So with Fred pointing out several of his favorite vendors, our group of friends and family spread out to purchase delicacies.
Then, we met back at Fred's blue bungalow which is around corner from where most of the trucks congregate.

Our potluck menu included several Asian staples. There were Chinese pork buns as appetizers.

We also sampled Vietnamese sandwiches (bahn mi) and my friend Joan treated us to two orders of a unique Korean concept (a bowl filled with a mass of delicious fries and topped with kimchee and pork belly or shreds of bbq beef .)

Fred and Jessica ordered a quesadilla and green corn tamale served in a paper cone from the Border Grill truck (an outpost of the restaurant owned by TV cooking gurus Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of Two Hot Tamales.)

(tamale photo from the blog F For Food)

As for the trip to the emergency room, the potpourri of tastes was too much for Everett's system.

PACIFIC DREAMS

2010-03-04T00:02:00.017-05:00

I've decided to run away from home! I've had it with galoshes, wool hats and snow shovels.

Suzie Q has the right idea when she commented about escaping to Florida. I want to head somewhere it's 72 and sunny, too.

I feel like Maisy bird in Horton Hatches An Egg...

I'm tired of winter and I'm heading to Southern California. Really!

For those who must stay at home, or already live somewhere warm, I'd like to share a few new coastal decorating products guaranteed to brighten your day.

Coastal Cushions

Get in the swim with hand-hooked squid, octopus, seahorse and crab pillows (see above).

Each one measures 18 inches square and backed in coordinating cotton velvet fabric.

You know you need them! Visit www.madisonavegifts.com

Something Fishy

Don't you hate it when you pick up the wrong margarita?

With these hand blown art glass wine charms it won't happen again.

Imagine how cute the little aqua one would look on your Turquoise dacquiri...or the sunny gold fish on a mimosa...
or a tan one on an iced tea.

Color coordinating drinks opens up all new possibilities! Visit www.americanchateau.com

Knob Knots

Produced in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia by marine artist Joe McNelis, monkey fist knobs add nautical style to any room.

Joe notes that you can paint them to customize your kitchen cabinets or bedroom chest.

Available at www.skipjackmarinegallery.com

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: MAKEOVER

2010-02-24T09:38:00.009-05:00

One of the great things about being a writer and photographing homes for a magazine article or book is that you make new friends.

Years later you continue to share photos of new decorating schemes, news of family milestones and word of new businesses.

I first met Roberta Laprade when I photographed her shop, Enchanted Treasures in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, for one of the magazines I was editing. Roberta and her best friend and partner Martha LeCompte were pioneers in defining Romantic Style and I was delighted to meet them.

Roberta invited us back to her home overlooking the water . It was a captivating combination of romantic and coastal elements styled in Roberta's trademark way.

Several years later Dan and I photographed her cozy cottage for our book Waterside Cottages.

After the shoot, I went back to the shop and bought several treasures for my home that still make me smile when I look at them each day.

Enchanted Treasures was a tremendous success but recently, Roberta felt it was time for a change and opened a staging and re-design company, Coastal Styling (www.coastalstyling.com).

I asked her to share the secret of a good makeover.

"Honestly assessing your home's architectural and circumstantial features is crucial," explains Roberta.

"You need to figure out which elements should be showcased (such as a cozy nook or stunning ocean view) and which minimized (for example, oddly placed windows or worn surfaces). Colors are also an important way to quickly give your home a fresh new outlook.

Roberta's magic touch is evident in this seaside makeover.

First she removed the commercial style carpeting and refinished the wood plank floor. Next, she treated the walls to a serene pale aqua paint job.

Roberta established a simple aqua and white color scheme with slipcovers and a few new tables. Last but not least, she added accents in appropriate natural materials.

"Wicker and sea grass feel right at home by the beach and give a room a breezy outdoor feel," she says.

It's a sea change!

(Top photo by Dan Mayers)

TUNDRA TUESDAY

2010-02-09T11:11:00.006-05:00

I truly believe it's all Belgium's fault.

He said he was dreaming of a white birthday but I don't think he had THIS much snow in mind.

It started snowing on Friday and by Saturday evening, we were blanketed with about 26 inches.

It's been a rough ride -- no power, no internet or phone, and eight chickens without a heat lamp.

If the power didn't come back (which fortunately it did), I planned to bring the chickens inside to spend the night in a corner of the garage.

Once the sun goes down hens are docile and can be easily picked up and carried indoors.

Of course, the tricky part is getting them back to their coop when they are awake and frisky in the morning.
They can't walk in deep snow very well, so I can’t just push them out the door and point them in the right direction.

Since we were planning a party on Sunday for Belgium's birthday, I stocked up on groceries.

It's a good thing, because we probably won't get out for another 3 or 4 days (more snow is on the way this afternoon.)

Belgium was sad that our guests couldn't come, but he celebrated in style and hung out with the chickens.

On Monday, our lawn mowing crew showed up with a plow. The plow promptly got stuck on our hill and it took hours to get it out and moving again.

It really is beautiful however. See for yourself.
Belgium says, "Enjoy the slide show and stay warm."

Make a Smilebox slideshow

FROZEN WATER SIDE WEDNESDAY

2010-02-03T13:27:00.008-05:00

Yes, it snowed AGAIN, and there's more on the way. Thanks El Nino!
No snow photos this time, I'm getting bored with all that white stuff and opted instead to read a few of the press releases from plant and seed companies that arrived in my in-box this week.

Although there are lots of interesting new veggies and annuals available this year, what really caught my attention are these Old English cottage garden roses.

Aren't they positively dreamy?

This spring (which is only weeks away in my neck of the woods), David Austin (click name to see more) debuts five new repeat-flowering varieties.

Each will grow into a bushy shrub suited for garden beds, big pots, and dramatic border landscaping.

And, dear Waterside Cottages fans, please note that they are hardy enough to stand up to persnickety coastal growing conditions.

My favorite is the velvety 'Princess Alexandra of Kent' (at right) with soft pink petals enclosing richer pink inner ones. Individual blooms boast approximately 130 petals!

The fragrance is described as tea rose-scented maturing to lemony. I prefer my roses with a classic old rose 'nose' but I'm willing to compromise for this beauty.

SUPER BOWL SUPPER

I'd like to apologize to my Hoosier friends for not knowing their state dish.

According to the folks at www.delish.com, by far, the most famous food hailing from the great state of Indiana is the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich.

Pounded flat until it's about the size of two hands, the pork tenderloin slice is breaded and fried and served on a bun with tomato, onion, and pickle. This oversized sandwich was invented in 1908 in Huntington, Indiana, and most likely descended from German Wiener schnitzel.

"I understand they're hard to come by in other parts of the country," notes Jolene Ketzenberger, the food columnist for the Indianapolis Star. "The boneless cuts of pork, are sometimes pounded thin (other times they're quite thick)are generally huge--much bigger than the bun they're served on."

To learn more food specialties favored by Colt fans, take their Super Bowl Food Quiz. I scored 9 out of 10 for Touchdown.

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***

Cindy at Cute Pink Stuff (click here)has been shopping again.

This week, this savvy southern California shopper found irresistible vintage fishies and a delightful mermaid, so swim on over and take a look!

Cindy's shop is stocked with equally enticing treasures, too.

MORE WINTER ESCAPES

2010-01-31T12:47:00.009-05:00

It snowed again yesterday, and this time I've mentally escaped to sunny New Orleans.(Photo by Phil Mantas)

It all started with Zeitoun, a book by Dave Eggers, that was loaned to me by a friend. I started reading it just before bedtime on Friday night and rode out a good part of Saturday's snow storm following the non fiction trajectory of Hurricane Katrina and its effects on the Zeitoun family.

Then, this morning, while trudging up a snowy hill to check on the chickens, I glanced back at the house and noticed something sticking up out of the snow in front of my garage. It was a package left by UPS. Despite being buried overnight, it contained an undamaged copy of My New Orleans, a coffee-table-worthy cookbook by Louisiana chef John Besh.

Hmmm, seems to be a theme developing here...

My love affair with New Orleans began when I was in college and was invited down to Mardi Gras by a pen pal. I quickly discovered the city's multifaceted personality and have been traveling back there in real life and in my daydreams ever since. Yes that's me circa 1970s.

On my first trip, I watched Mardi Gras parades in the city and horseback revelers going house to house collecting ingredients to make a community-sized pot of gumbo out in Lafayette.

I heard Cajun music played live in a gas station and the witnessed the terrifying remnants of a Klan cross burning in one of New Orlean's suburbs.

I also fell in love with the food. Hot and spicy, and unlike anything I ate back home in Brooklyn.

Since that time, I've returned to NOLA for business and pleasure, concepts that are consistently blurred in this intriguing city.

Anyhow, getting back to My New Orleans...

What makes this cookbook special is that the recipes for classic versions of crawfish pie, gumbos and etouffees are set in a framework of the city's culinary history and the reminiscences of the extended Besh family's kitchens.

From what I've read so far, it's definitely worth adding to your cookbook collection.

Lest you think I'm just frittering away a perfectly good snow day, I'm actually doing "research" for Superdog Sunday.

Next weekend is Belgium's birthday. He'll be 12! Belg and his brother Ike who lives in New Jersey and his buddy Chase like to celebrate together. So there will be a crowd.

This year, the furballs are also sharing their birthday weekend with the Super Bowl's Saints and Colts.

I'm planning to cook up some authentic N'Orleans. Sorry Colt's fans, I have no idea what delicacies folks eat in Indianapolis.

Besides, what's not to love about Crawfish Etouffee, Grits and Greens.

And while Belgium might prefer a burger as the base for his birthday candles, I think nothing could be finer than a home baked Pecan Pie.

Hopefully, I'll be able to make it up my driveway in a day or two to go grocery shopping. Meanwhile, there are over 200 southern style recipes to check out.
Snow? What snow?

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: Caribbean Recipe

2010-01-27T14:30:00.007-05:00

With snow in this week's forecast again, I decided it was time for my annual winter ritual... Caribbean Day.

What is Caribbean Day?

It's a one day mini-vacation that started when my son was young.

One January, schools were closed because of sleet and ice, and we were both cranky at being stuck inside.

We pulled out the Bob Marley cassettes and Cds, dressed in camp shirts and spent the day cooking a meal that would make us feel as if we were on the beach in Jamaica.

If you, too, are anxious for warm weather to arrive, try this menu and no matter what winter throws your way, you'll be feeling as if it's No Problem Mon.

DRINKS:

Pina Coladas (with or without rum)

MAIN MEAL:

Jerked fish

Ital Stew (see recipe below)

Rice and field peas (see recipe below)

DESSERT:

Fresh pineapple chunks

JERKED FISH

Any kind of fish fillets or fish steaks

Wet jerk seasoning* (I like Grace brand. It comes in jars)

A bit of olive oil

Preheat oven broiler to 450 degrees. Rub fish with jerk on both sides and let sit for about 15 minutes. Place an empty oiled cookie sheet in oven. When the pan is hot put fish on pan. For fillets, cook for 4 minutes, turn fish and cook another 3-4 minutes. Thicker fish steaks will take about 8-10 minutes per side.

Wet jerk seasoning is a spicy blend of fresh thyme, young onions,, allspice, ginger, Scotch bonnet peppers, black pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon. Every cook has her own version.

SISTER FIRE’S I-TAL STEW

3 large cans of coconut milk

6 carrots, finely sliced

1-2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered

2 cups cabbage, sliced

2 cups okra, sliced

5 allspice berries (whole)

3 large cloves of garlic, finely chopped

5 scallions, finely sliced

2 large sprigs of fresh thyme (or about 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Dash of tumeric

Salt & Pepper

Pour the coconut milk into a Dutch oven and at a low simmer, reduce it by half. This takes about 20-30 minutes. Add everything else. Add just enough water to barely cover the veggies. When veggies are tender, serve. Tastes even better if refrigerated overnight and reheated.

I slightly adapted this recipe from Traveling Jamaica with Knife, Fork & Spoon by Robb Walsh and Jay McCarthy. The book is published by The Crossing Press of Freedom, California.

CARIBBEAN RICE AND FIELD PEAS

Goes good with jerked fish or Ital stew.

2 cups of raw rice

1 can of field peas

(Glory brand Southern style seasoned field peas are my favorite but you can use gandules or Goya pidgeon peas which are easier to find)

Cook 2 cups of rice rice in rice cooker. Open can of field peas 3/4 of the way, then hold lid in place to drain peas. When rice cooker goes to “stay warm”, stir in drained field peas. Leave in cooker for at least 5 minutes to heat peas.

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: ALOHA

2010-01-05T20:17:00.011-05:00

One of the little known pleasures of writing a book is that you rediscover old friends.
A month ago, a very talented Virginia decorator who I had lost touch with saw my book and sent me an e-mail.
She was living in Hawaii for the past six years and had recently opened a home boutique called Nest. She wanted to stock my book.
From experience, I knew that everything that Sandi Wickersham does, she does well, and I asked her to send me a few photos of her shop and recent work. Above is a bedroom she redid for a client. All of the other photos in this post were taken in Sandi's shop in Kihei on Maui.
When Sandi told me that my book, Waterside Cottages, was perfect for her shop, she wasn't kidding! Perched on a shelf, it really does look right at home at Nest.
Here's a closer view!
Born on a farm in Washington State, Sandi grew up surrounded by green hills, apple trees and a host of horses, cows, and chickens. For some reason, she always dreamed of living by the sea.
Her father encouraged her to draw. As an adult, Sandi gained recognition for her primitive style paintings of daily life at her family's farm, country fairs and other country scenes. She also painted her Caribbean fantasies filled with flamingos, frothy surf and stacks of shells.

Despite her success as an artist, Sandi has worked as a dental hygienist in California, opened an antiques shop in Texas and designed quilts and bedding for a company in New York City. Today she frequently incorporates Hawaiian quilt patterns into her design work.
Sandi and I met in 1993. She was living in a rustic log cabin in rural Virginia, raising horses and painting, and running two home design shops.
Her life seemed practically perfect but moving to Hawaii was her dream come true. To see more of what she's been up to visit www.wickershamdesign.com
If you are in the neighborhood, please drop by Nest and tell Sandi that Barbara sent you.
Of course, you might want to call ( 808-269-3228) first to be sure Sandi's not taking a break.

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY:Old Leigh

2009-12-22T21:15:00.007-05:00

As promised (before the blizzard of 2009), our English seaside tour continues in Leigh-On-Sea.(Photo by Richard Bartholomew)

As it has since the 16th century, Leigh earns it living from the sea.

Once an important port,

(Photo by Richard Bartholomew)

the town's position at the mouth of the Thames also made it a strategic naval defense site in the wars against against pirates and other European navies.

Old Leigh's past is everywhere you look.
From the old port side houses and leaning lampposts ...

... to the traditional lace curtains visible behind shuttered windows.

While it's tempting to look up at the interesting architecture ...

... and the sky-high windowboxes overflowing with flowers
Do so and you will miss the narrow winding cobblestone streets.
Well, now you've seen a bit of Old Leigh, how about a pint at The Peterboat Steak & Ale house?

Great idea!

A TREE-MENDOUS STORM

2009-12-20T13:52:00.007-05:00

It's the morning after the big storm and Belgium wants to go out and play.
Hey, mind if I head for the really deep snow?

Uh oh, I'm stuck!

Does the dog paddle work in the snow?

You bet it does!
Hey, look at that! What is that thirty-foot tree doing lying down?
It's sort of on top of the coop. I can see they're all safe inside but one side has a big hole in it. Shucks, it would have been fun to chase the chickens around in the snow.
Personally, if you ask me, I think they should just leave it like it is. From the right angle, it kind of looks like a gigantic evergreen shrub!
See for yourself. Here's a before photo from yesterday. That big thick trunk on the left of the coop is the one that fell over. Oh well, think I'll go eat some more snow. Later!

EVENING UPDATE

2009-12-19T19:52:00.003-05:00

The snow continues!
It's almost 24 hours!

Forget the front door!

The snow looks even more beautiful at twilight.

BIRDS AND BLIZZARDS

2009-12-19T11:53:00.006-05:00

Yesterday (Friday), about 11 in the morning, I heard a strange swooshing sound.
It was coming from outside. When I looked out the window, the sky was black with birds.

By the time I grabbed my camera, the blizzard of birds was a mere sprinkling.

Exactly 24 hours later, the birds who remained in my yard are tweeting a quieter tune.

The sky is white with snow. It's a blizzard of a different sort.

Belgium is ecstatic! He loves to run, jump, and roll in the snow.

Belgium can't believe that our yard is filled with free ice cream!

What do you mean it's time to come in?

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***

After all of this black and white, I thought you might be in the mood for a touch of pink. Hurray on over to Shabby Vintage Bliss to enjoy some of Heather's wonderful finds and enter her amazing giveaway!

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: SOUTHEND

2009-12-16T23:01:00.010-05:00

'Ello. I'm visiting my British relatives, and thought you might like to come along.

A Little Background: My Mom's family comes from England.

Her Mum was a Londoner; her Dad a Liverpudlian (that's what inhabitants of Liverpool are called).

I'm staying with my cousin Suzanne in London (photos of her cute cottage coming soon, I promise)-- but today, we're taking a tour of Southend on Sea.

The name Southend is short for the South end of Prittlewell.

Although this seaside town has been a popular "bathing town" since the 18th century, it's not really on the sea!

It's on the Thames estuary, but there's no reason to nitpick.

Southend has everything you'd want in a seaside town.

There's quaint Victorian architecture...

Amusement arcades...

Rides...

A cliff lift to take you up to the main part of town...

Waterside cabanas...

More cabanas...
And seafood restaurants...

My cousin Suzanne's favorite fish house was closed, and we had to try somewhere else. It was very good. Her Mum Rita (my mom's first cousin) is in the white shirt.
Suzanne's partner Richard ordered cockles.
This tasty British bi-valve comes in a tiny scallop shell.
Southend also has a mile-long pier and a train that carries you out to the end.

There were telescopes at the end of the pier for viewing Kent and several fisherman.
Facing back to town provided a great view of the picturesque town.A storm appeared to be brewing, so we didn't dally too long as we had one more seaside town to visit. Onward to Old Leigh next post.

I'm still having trouble with Mr. Linky, but I'm working on it.

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: SOUTH END, LONDON

2009-12-09T12:41:00.004-05:00

I'm about to hit the road again, but I'd like to whet your waterside appetite for a trip to the coast of England. There will be colorful cabanas, fish and chips, cockles and more! Ta Ta for now!

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: TABLE TALK

2009-12-02T13:31:00.005-05:00

(Available from Williams Sonoma)

Although it's more common at this time of year for decorating to take on a red and green hue, coastal decor is always in-season.

(Photo by Dan Mayers)

Shells are never out of style... especially as part of a shorescape.

(Photo by Dan Mayers)

Custom tables are the perfect venue for showing off nature's finest.

(Photo by Fifi O'Neill)

Company coming for the holidays and time running short? Try a simple tray instead.

GIRLS AND GRILLS

2009-11-30T18:46:00.008-05:00

A few days before my shopping for festive foods was complete and my guests assembled, I read an article about Thanksgiving in The New Yorker.

The story, by journalist Jane Kramer, shared the trials and tribulations of preparing Thanksgiving dinner in seven countries.

Her most-trying experience, however, was at home in New York City when her stove broke down and she served tuna sandwiches with cranberry sauce to her patient guests.

I felt a certain comradeship with Ms. Kramer last Thursday, when my Weber charcoal grill which appeared to be roasting my family's annual turkey to perfection, suddenly came off its moorings.
The kettle section came off the supports, dumping the bird. Fortunately, my son caught our main dish as we both watched the pan filled with delectable drippings hit the patio.

Dinner was only slightly delayed as the turkey finished cooking in our indoor oven. The necessity of lingering over the beet/watercress/arugula/avocado salad gave everyone time to share their favorite Thanksgiving disaster stories.(Jonathan, Karen, Chris, Ev)

Each year, our dinner features old favorites and a few new offerings on a theme-- such as France, Hawaii, Cajun country and Italy. This year Buenos Aires provided the inspiration for empanada appetizers, chorizo stuffing (we had traditional kind, too) and dulce de leche cookies.Fresh herbs --parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, par-cel, and mint -- from our garden went into several dishes and also appeared as colorful nibble-if-you-like garnishes.

(Renita's back in her seat!)

There was much to be thankful for-- good friends, good health, and good food.

(Claire, Rachel, David, Fred and grandma Ruth)

Belgium, our golden retriever, had his own party and guests.(Belgium, his brother Ike and Ike's adopted sister Belle)

Belle and Ike thank Lorna for the extra trimmings on their evening meals. Even though they missed out on the pumpkin and pecan pie...

Fruit membrillo (guava paste confection)...

Grandma Ruth's famous cookies...And dulce de leche alfajores (sandwich cookies with caramel filling).
I hope your Thanksgiving was equally sweet.
Barbara

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: Mad for Mermaids

2009-11-18T10:09:00.010-05:00

Sometimes feared, sometimes yearned for, mermaids have existed in the minds of men since ancient times. Popular in Greek mythology, these fish-tailed maidens are often confused with sirens (beautiful young women with wings). Both have been rumored to lure sailors into the sea.

(Postcard courtesy of reataroseranch.blogspot.com)

English artist John William Waterhouse painted this pensive mermaid in 1900.

(Photo courtesy of www.jwaterhouse.com)

Last June, I went to see Mami Wata, a terrific exhibit at the National Museum of African Art in Washington DC. The show featured 500 years of art from Africa, the Caribbean and America that featured water spirits.Above is a painting from the show by Moyo Ogundipe, a Nigerian artist who lives in Denver, Colorado. Below is another by Abdal 22, a Congolese artist. This water creature is also accompanied by a snake and like many depictions of mermaids holds both a comb and mirror.
Shortly after seeing the exhibit, I spent several weeks traveling Italy's Amalfi Coast.
Throughout the area, dolphins, a real sea creature that some have suggested are what sailors actually see when they report sighting mermaids, are popular as a motif in art, architecture and home decor. I photographed the door handle below on the island of Positano.

In Naples, I rode one of the city's three funiculars up to Castel St. Elmo and the Certosa di San Martino. The Certosa (monastery) was built in the 14th century for Carthusian monks but is now a treasure trove of religious and secular objects.
It houses an amazing collection of maritime items, including several royal boats with frolicking mermaids, shells and jumbo starfish.

Isn't she a beauty?

Above and below are water creatures with both wings and leg-like fish tails.

The museum also displayed a stunning gold-embellished Mermaid chair.
The views from the monasteries balconies were equally exquisite.
I also sighted mermaids in Vietri sul Mare, a town famous for its hand-painted ceramics.
Do you have a favorite Mermaid? If so, please share.

Petaluma Part Two: A to Z of Antiques

2009-11-10T13:01:00.010-05:00

The moment I arrived at Summer Cottage Antiques a crazy idea popped into my head. I had about an hour to spare before the book signing and wanted to take some photos of the amazing things for sale. So, I started off cataloging my favorites, A to Z style...

ANGELS
BUTTONS
CLOTHING
DISHCLOTHS
EDGINGS
FLORALS
GLASS BOTTLES

HALLOWEEN GOODIES
IRONWORK
JARS
And then as I approached a fabulous table of Keepsake pins...
The first guest arrived and I had to abandon my ABC photo project! Bur bfore I packed my camera away, I snapped a

QUEEN
RABBITS
SWEET DREAMSand, TEACUPS!I hope you've enjoyed the tour. If you see something in one of the photos that you can't live without, call 707-776-2873. Michelle and the gang will be happy to help.

Please note... WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY will take place on Thursday this week! Hint: The Mermaids are slow swimmers.

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: Petaluma Part One

2009-11-04T10:03:00.009-05:00

As promised, here are photos from my book event at Summer Cottage Antiques in Petaluma, California. So grab a shopping basket and come inside.
The always fabulous Michelle McCauley set up a stunning setting for book signing.
And, all of the 30 dealers stayed open late for the event. Since it's Waterside Wednesday, I'll take you on a tour of coastal finds. Let's Shop!

Unlike some multi-dealer shops, Michelle's two-story emporium stocks a delirious selection of vintage goods that all look fabulous together. And the prices are very reasonable!
There are chippy wood chairs painted in great ocean hues,
... and wicker side tables with lots of color-coordinated vintage ceramics.
... Whimsical wall hangings with a coastal theme,
... and bracelets in a rainbow of sea glass shades.
You can find thousands of rare buttons, including these sea-themed rosewood ones.
One booth feature's treasures from the sea.
Need an instant display -- or the perfect gift? Beautiful bottles filled with mother-of-pearl buttons, assorted baubles and bijoux abound.

In case shopping made you hungry. Michelle served a buffet of delectables!
With glass and plate in hand, guests could watch a Waterside Cottages slide show on my laptop. In addition to the behind-the-scenes photos from the making of my book, it features he many ways to decorate in cottage style.

Michelle's romantic office (see below) is featured in my slide show and in Waterside Cottages. Isn't it gorgeous?
A good time was had by all and books flew out of the shop.
PLEASE NOTE: Michelle sold out of copies but will have more soon. Although the stock is always changing, if you see something in today's post that you want to purchase, visit www.summercottageantiques.com or call 707-776-2873. (I'll feature more photos from Summer Cottage Antiques in my next post, too)

ALSO NOTE: The Holidays are coming! If you are thinking of ordering autographed books as holiday presents or Thanksgiving thank you gifts, order early. My mom (who is a wrapping wonder) will joyfully gift wrap purchases in festive Chanukah or Christmas paper, sparkling silver or ocean aqua, and will send your gift directly to the recipient with an appropriate gift tag with your personal greetings. Just go to www.watersidestyles.com and we'll do the rest.

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***

Petaluma artist/crafter/graphic designer Cathe Holden's blog is filled with great make-it-yourself ideas and inspirations. I got to met Cathe at Michelle's book party. Her October 11th post features clever Advent Calendar ideas. Today there's a great organizer. If you are at all crafty -- or wish you were-- trust me you'll love her Just Something I Made blog.

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY
Post about the coast and link up. It's easy.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2009-10-31T12:00:00.009-04:00

Last night at Summer House Antiques was amazing. Michelle did a great job on getting out the word on short notice AND books were flying out of the shop.

The Petaluma gals (and guys) are fun and made me feel like a rock star. Thanks everyone! I'll share photos in my next post.But today, please push the pause button on my West Coast trip... and enjoy this Halloween tour of my East Coast home, Clifton, Virginia.

Clifton is a sleepy little Civil War era town not far from Washington DC ...
Except for two days each year. Both exceptions occur in Fall. The first is Clifton Day. When thousands of folks come to our annual fair.They come to check out the booth's filled with antiques.
And the re-inactments...

And the music ...
To hear the the City Dwelling Nature Seekers just click.

The second is Halloween.
Clifton does Halloween in a big way.

Thousands of kids --and parents-- come from miles around to see the "show".
It's pretty impressive.

Got to fly now....

I'm off to a Wizard of Oz theme dinner party at a Tapas restaurant in Berkeley.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

COME TO PETALUMA

2009-10-28T14:17:00.006-04:00

Summer Cottage Antiques, is hosting a cocktail party today Friday Oct 30th at 6:30 pm to celebrate the publication of Waterside Cottages.

Photo by Mark Lohman; styling by Sunday Hendrickson

The event is open to the public, so come down and see me. This 30 dealer collective has been featured in Romantic Country and Cottage Style magazines and is really fabulous!

Summer Cottage Antiques

153 Kentucky Street

Petaluma, CA 94952

www.summercottageantiques.com

Call 707-776-2873 for more information

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: WEST COAST EDITION

2009-10-27T09:45:00.009-04:00

It's sunrise in California and I've been awake for an hour or more. My body clock is still set on East Coast time.
The book tour continues on the West Coast this week. Yesterday I visited Playa del Rey (where I am staying at the Inn at Playa del Rey), Venice, Culver City, and Manhattan Beach.
Feel like a walk? The streets of Manhattan Beach are like a text book on architectural styles.

This sleepy little beach town was once known for its cute bungalows and cottages -- now it's no holds barred. Within a few blocks you can see Victorians...
Mediterranean villas with surfboard signs...
Modern creations...
And even a few old cottages.
Next, let's take a stroll along the pier.

At the far end, a little aquarium has open tanks where you can touch starfish and urchins...

And smile back at a flounder!
There are nice views of the town from the pier, too.
I stopped to watch the surfers for a while. The perfect wave was elusive.
Now it's time to fly!
I've got to get on the road again. Keep in touch!

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: Serene Sounds

2009-10-21T05:59:00.006-04:00

Almost as soon as I got home from the beach I discovered how much I missed hearing the ocean outside my window. When I found myself listening wistfully to the water whirligig in my vegetable garden, I knew it was time to buy or build an indoor fountain.

I found this mosaic bubbler project from Beckett water pumps and decided to share it so you can make a water feature for your home, too. It imitates the sound of the waves by shooting a jet of water to the top then letting it trickle gently over the sides.
I plan to cover a plain terracotta pot in small glass tiles in coastal colors. But broken pieces of china in shades of Oriental blues or romantic pinks would look great too.

What You Need:

• Pot (deep enough to house 10” pump) with a bottom drainage hole

• Small mosaic tiles or other embellishments for pot, if desired

• Ceramic adhesive and tinted grout, if desired

• Large bowl without a drainage hole

• Beckett® Container Garden Fountain Kit #7093110

• A short length of Beckett® black vinyl tubing

• Decorative glass beads or small rocks

Instructions

1. Decorate pot as desired and let adhesive dry thoroughly.

2. Place the pump in the bottom of the bowl and run the electrical cord over the side. Fountain kit contains two different nozzles. We used the waterbell attachment. For an upward spray you can choose the trumpet nozzle.

3. Measure the height of the pot and cut the vinyl tubing accordingly. Attach the tubing to the pump.

4. Place the pot upside down inside the bowl and feed the vinyl tubing through the drainage hole.

5. Fill bowl with water. Plug in pump to test water flow.

6. Trim excess tubing off top, if necessary.

7. Add decorative glass beads along the top for added decorative flair.

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: A WALK ON THE BEACH

2009-10-14T06:58:00.006-04:00

It's a beautiful morning in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and I'd like you to join me for a walk on the beach. The sand is still cool, so kick off your shoes and wiggle your toes in the sand.

We'll start by walking down the back steps of my hotel (see last post) onto the private beach.

Not many folks are out this early. I almost have the beach to myself. Yipee!

Of course, the pelicans are always present. Have you ever noticed they resemble pterodacytls?

Ouch! I stepped on a sharp shell. Look carefully, there's a sandpiper in the surf.

It's breakfast time for the pelicans and they are diving and splashing like crazy. This guy has been especially lucky fishing and looks satisfied with the day's catch.
A little farther down the beach there are fewer birds and more houses lining the coast.

And as we keep walking we get to the beginning of the most popular public beaches.

The sun is getting hotter. Boy that beach umbrella looks tempting.
It's amazing how quickly a clear sky turns cloudy in Florida.

These turtles in a front yard pond along the intercoastal don't seem to mind a few clouds.
Neither does this (plastic) front lawn gator!

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY

2009-10-06T17:35:00.018-04:00

Welcome to Fort Lauderdale.
Although completely renovated and updated a few years ago, the Pelican Grand Resort (illustrated above) retains much of its 1900s charm. Unlike most Ft. Lauderdale hotels and shops, The Pelican Grand (the white building with turrets) is located directly on the beach.
From the moment you arrive at the front entrance, old-fashioned details such as fish scale gable shingles, filigree brackets and pineapple lanterns catch your eye.
The open hallways capture ocean breezes and were an architectural feature of old Florida hotels.
Suspended from a coffered ceiling, the enormous lighting fixtures in the lobby are stunning.
The Tiffany style stained glass chandeliers and sconces in the poolside lounge are also lovely.
Old fashioned woven palm ceiling fans hover above most of the main floor's public spaces.

And rattan furnishings also contribute to the hotel's retro tropical look.

My suite, booked online for a fraction of the list price, was painted a soothing pale yellow with a wall of windows separating the sleeping area from a spacious sitting room.
Carpeted in the same pretty floral pattern as the bedroom, the sitting room opened onto a balcony with an ocean view.

Here's the view looking north from the balcony.
In addition to the private stretch of beach, the hotel also boasts a pool and lazy river. The river isn't the only thing that's lazy. I couldn't resist grabbing a tube and floating along.

Post siesta, one of the back veranda's rocking chairs called my name.
And since I couldn't tear myself away from the view, I dined at an outdoor table.

What was so fascinating to watch? In addition to the waves...
there were boats bobbing in the water...
palm trees blowing in the breeze...
and the hotel's namesake pelicans.
Next post, I promise to take you on a stroll along the beach.

Don't forget to link up to Waterside Wednesday (with a waterside post, of course). Lakes, rivers, steams, ponds, or any body of water qualifies, as do coastal crafts and cooking posts, too.

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***

Sarah's blog is a visual treat every day, but today, I especially adore one of the photos (see below). Could it be the propping? So swim on over to A Beach Cottage (www.abeachcottage.com) and visit this gorgeous Australian cottage by the sea.

(photo courtesy of A Beach Cottage blog)

BEACH SWEETS

2009-10-02T10:52:00.005-04:00

In an hour or so, I am heading to the airport. I'm off for a long weekend in Florida for fun in the sun. And hopefully, the sunshine will bake out the remains of my miserable cold.

But before I leave, I wanted to take you to Belgium. When I was in Brussels in July, I stumbled across one of Europe's most lovely shopping galleries --The Royal Saint-Hubert.

The light filled arcade is a feast for the eyes, even before you peer into the shop windows.

There are several chocolatiers extraordinaire. The oldest is La Corne´.

Their windows featured a picnic theme. Perfect for Fall.

An Autumn palette in Brussels is a bit lighter than one in America. Pastels reign supreme.

And for those not ready to dive into Fall. There were sea shells in every shape and form.

At the Belgique Gourmande, the windows were awash in shells, sand and sea gulls.

The cute sea gull tins were filled with mocha delights.

Prefer vintage coastal images? They starred on boxes of mixed confections and truffles.

For those who prefer to mix and match their own assortment of truffles. There were two dozen luscious varieties. I only sampled three kinds. Really! How's that for restraint?

After checking out the sweet shops, I window shopped for a few minutes. Then, it was time to catch a plane to France. And speaking of catching a plane... I'm off.

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: HAWAIIAN FANTASY

2009-09-29T19:30:00.024-04:00

In addition to being the birthplace of our 44th President Hawaii is known for many things. It's where surfing, luaus (a traditional type of bbq) and the hula dance originated, and where warm tropical breezes and fragrant orchids are abundant.

But did you know that Maui boasts a crater the size of Manhattan island?

Or that this Polynesian paradise is the only state made up entirely of islands? What could be a more perfect topic for Waterside Wednesday?

Ever since my globe trotting grandfather sent me a postcard from Hawaii when I was twelve years old, I have been fascinated by everything and anything from The Aloha State.

Sure many of the objects of my affection, such as Tiki tumblers and hula Barbie dolls are stereotypical tchotchkiss (junk). But I love them nonetheless.

Hawaiian keepsakes are the perfect fit in a retro style home. My friend Pam Coyle and her husband Shawn display vintage Polynesian travel posters in their living room.

Did you notice their groovy Lava Lamp? This 70s icon isn't actually from Hawaii. It was patented by a Singapore-born Englishman but rose to fame on the sets of Hawaii Five-O.I'm not sure if it's legal to scan stamps but I just had to show you these new ones. Rush right out to your post office and get some... before I buy them all up.

(photo from the movie Hula Girls/ Viz Pictures)

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***

This week's Waterside Wednesday is part of the designer Kelee Katillac's Pet Parade Party.

Kelee's Party is an online celebration of a remarkable group project to raise awareness and money for homeless pets who are suffering because of the recession.

In order to help beloved dogs and cats who are going hungry or being abandoned because of foreclosures and job loss, Kelee and her faithful Oliver Wendell created the "Play Strong" project. It pays to stock pet pantries so people can keep the animals they love.

My buddy Belgium is modeling the Hawaiian inspired scarf that I decorated as part of an effort to raise thousands of dollars to save the lives of helpless animals.

Surf on over to The Katillac Shack to view the World Premier of Kelee's Play Strong Video. It's not just that Belgie is in the video. Thanks to Kelee's generosity, everyone who leaves a comment earns extra money for needy pets.

How could you resist? Watch the video below or click here and watch it on Kelee's blog. Which way you watch, please leave a comment on Kelee's blog. Every comment earns $1 for The Northland Pet Pantry!

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name="allowFullScreen" value="true">

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type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640"

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After Playing Strong in order for me to snap his scarf, my pup decided it was time for Playing Tired. "Modeling is hard work," says Belgium.

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: COLD SEASON

2009-09-22T23:42:00.007-04:00

This week the watery things most on my mind are my eyes and nose! Like many fellow bloggers, I've caught my first cold of the season... and it's a doozy! I'm coughing so much that I can barely type, so this week's entry will be a short one.
Please enjoy the view from Cadillac Mountain on Mount Desert Island, Maine.

And in case you're blissed out by last week's beautiful bedrooms, I've done the math for you (if you mentioned two numbers I counted them both.)

Number 3: The Kinghams' master bedroom--whites with a killer view --won by a landslide.

Number 4: Tulle and tropical pastels came in second.

Bedrooms 1, 2 and 5 were tied for third place.

I thought you'd enjoy seeing a few more photos from the Kingham's home. Here's one of the light-filled living room.Below is their Caribbean themed guest room.
Last but not least, a hallway sitting area feature's shells and retro motifs.
All photos by Dan Mayers.

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: BEACHY BEDROOMS

2009-09-15T22:58:00.003-04:00

When decorating a coastal bedroom some otherwise "perfect" couples suddenly find they are incompatible. Photographer Dan Mayers and I first discovered this surprising fact several years ago when were photographing a waterside home for a magazine.

The house had 3 guest bedrooms. The wife suggested we shoot Bedrooms #1 and #2 because "they were the serene and pretty ones." The husband disagreed strongly and lobbied us to shoot Bedroom #3 instead.

Dan and I went out to the car to get a light stand and discuss the situation. He agreed with the wife. I agreed with the husband. In the name of harmony we shot all three. Disclaimer: none appear in this post. However, all of the photos were shot by Dan.

The bedrooms below were photographed at several different houses. Under each one I've jotted a few reasons Dan or I think the decor works for a waterside bedroom. I'd love to hear what you think. Which is your favorite? Why?

Bedroom One: The Coffey's coastal bedroom is fun and casual. The soft blue and white color scheme, nautical striped pillows, beachy artwork, and sand pail hanging from the ceiling fixture keep things bright and breezy.

Bedroom Two: Jeff West's coastal bedroom is more than just a place to sleep. Here, a pair of oars, an oval fish rug, and jute wrapped ship's jugs make the room a place to daydream of sun and surf on a rainy day.

Bedroom Three: More than any other room in your home, a beachy bedroom depends on your personal vision of bliss. With a view of the dunes, the Kinghams' chose a limited neutral color palette and spare beauty in harmony with the surroundings.

Bedroom Four: Cottage decors win points for doing more with less. You don't need an expensive antique bed or glamorous headboard. Claudia Martin used yards of tulle and a tropical pastel palette to create a budget-wise island fantasy.

Bedroom Five: Vacation cottages are often decorated over a period of years by different family members. To get that look, Missy Asen's opted for nostalgic style window toppers, a cozy quilt, and painted pieces shown off against a backdrop of pickled tongue-and-groove paneling.

Bedroom Six: Bright Caribbean colors give this guest room a "The Party Starts Here" vibe. The rattan ceiling fan, sea theme rug, mint green wicker chair and fabulous glass lamp all contribute to Brooke Steuart's great guest room.

Love the lamp!

Bedroom Seven: Last but not least, a blissful bedroom need not be indoors. Brooke's outdoor sleeper takes advantage of warm days and a water view.

CHANDELIER HEAVEN

2009-09-12T00:08:00.013-04:00

Do you get weak in the knees and start hyperventilating at the sight of a gorgeous chandelier?

If you do, this post is for you! Back on August 12th, I left off sharing photos of my trip to Europe with a post about hand-painted ceramics.

Today I'd like introduce you to the chandeliers I met.

The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) in Naples, Italy was built over a century starting in 1738. When completed it rivaled Versaille for magnificent gardens and lavishly decorated salons.

There was so much to look at -- antique furniture, priceless paintings, world famous sculptures, gilded carved mouldings and ceiling frescoes. It was so overwhelming that I decided to focus on one feature...the stupendous chandeliers.

The metal casting on the one above is superb. It's positively architectural.

I was almost blinded by the reflections from the thousand or more crystals on this French delite.

This one won my heart for the sheer abundance of candles it could hold.

It probably weighs a ton but this huge fixture looks light and airy.

This one was one of my favorites. The arms resemble branches with dozens of golden leaves.

A blown glass chandelier by American artist Dale Chihuly caught my eye at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Let me know if you'd like to see more Chihuly's. I've shot several of his exhibits, including one of floral shapes at the NY Botanical Gardens.

In Brussels, these silk lanterns were for sale in a chic boutique. Of all the chandeliers I saw on my Grand Tour, these were probably the only ones I could afford!

*** BRAGGING RIGHTS***

I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to share some of the nice notes that I've received about my book, Waterside Cottages. Keep those e-mails coming ladies, they really make my day. And, if you get a chance stop by Amazon and write a review, too.

"Got your book and loved it!!!!! You did a great job. It's beautiful!"

Joni

Cote de Texas

"I received my book yesterday and it's absolutely gorgeous. What a cool job you and Dan have traveling around the country selecting adorable cottages and photographing lovely coastal homes then sharing the beauty. The end result is breathtaking!"

Carole

"Your beautiful book arrived today. Thank you so much it is sensational."

Alison Gibbs

"One of the best checks I’ve ever written! Congratulations on the book."

Judith

"To put it simply, your book is a masterpiece. It has been a long time since I've enjoyed a new decor book this much. You and Dan did a magnificent job."

Linda

"I received my Waterside Cottages and am in total AWE… & in heaven reading your words & looking at Dan's magical photos!! Unbelievable talent on this book-you deserve to become a zillionaire!!!!! Truly a collectible! I LOVE it & LOVE the sweet autograph. I can just imagine in 50 years having my ancestors look through this with its oldautograph from a very talented lady."

Chris

Tutti Chic

"The book arrived. It’s positively gorgeous, says my daughter. I am waiting for her to look at it and then she will let me take a peak. She loves loves loves the book. Thanks so much."

Sarah

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: Bring Home The Beach

2009-09-09T00:11:00.003-04:00

Now that the summer is winding down in North America, it’s time to think about preserving that summertime feeling.
Even during the coldest months, I instantly feel a warm when I catch site of a coastal centerpiece sitting on a dining room table.
Decorating with gifts from the sea is not a new idea. For hundreds of years beachcombers have used them to embellish their homes, their furniture and even themselves.
Shells, starfish, sea biscuits and other beachcombing treasure never go out of style. Their sun-bleached colors and intricate shapes seem to fascinate every generation anew.

Whether you gather your bounty on the beach or purchase it in a craft store, it’s wise to shake out loose sand and rinse them in a solution of water and bleach before putting them on display. Fishy odors are to be avoided!

Even a simple shell or two given star treatment can evoke long ago vacations spent at the beach.

Or you can mix seashells and starfish with driftwood and beachy signs for a terrific wall display.
In addition to bowls heaped with these mysteries from the sea, shells can be used in other imaginative ways. Here are a few of my favorites. What are yours? Please share. Pretty please!

• Put your seashells in a shadow box.

• Glue shells into circles and use as candle rings.
• Tuck shells into a vine wreath.

• Top toothpicks with small shells and use as party picks.

All photos by Dan Mayers.

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***

Here's a swap for those who love swaps, hate swaps, have no idea what a swap is. Natasha's IT'S ALL ABOUT ME day (Oct 22) is brilliant. Why didn't I think of it first?

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: LIVING ROOM MAKEOVER

2009-09-01T21:38:00.008-04:00

For today’s Waterside Wednesday, I’d like to share a sensational makeover.
Decorator Joetta Moulden is the sorceress who turned this tired living room...

... into a seaside paradise on a budget of only $2,000.

Here's how she did it:

When Joetta first saw her clients 11' x 17' living room it was filled with hand-me-down-stuff that looked outdated. The room had dark industrial carpeting and a brown ceiling fan that dominated the ceiling making it feel lower than eight feet.

"With two opposing window walls and a large doorway that opened into the kitchen the room had virtually no walls," says Joetta. " The homeowners, Kathryn and Bradford, tried repeatedly to find a functional furniture arrangement but had given up."After a new floor plan and ocean, sky and sand color scheme was established, Joetta, her intern Toni and the homeowners set to work.

Joetta suggested removing the ceiling fan's schoolhouse light, and painting the fan and the ceiling the same color as the walls to create the illusion of more height.

Lightening the room came next. They couple painted the the walls, ceiling and fan in Behr's 'Riviera Sand' and the aluminum windows, tile window ledges, woodwork, and shelving in Behr's 'Moon Rise'. After painting the window frames, it looked s if they had installed new windows.

Casual blue denim slipcovers (www.surefit.net) made an overwhelming difference on the existing seating. It also transformed a beat up ottoman borrowed from another room and topped with a bed pillow.

Before

After

Joetta purchased several new items for the room, including a 9' x 12' seagrass rug (www.homedecorators.com). A Colonial style rocker ($200), a rattan trunk/coffee table ($150) and several $8 lined baskets came from Pier 1.

Toni and Joetta cut down discontinued lumbar striped pillow covers from Pottery Barn ($12.49) and used the fabric to cover 'Gosa Gott' down pillows from Ikea. Each $3.99 down pillow was stitched down the center to create a pair of squares!
Ikea was also the source for inexpensive reed blinds ($12.99) and 'Lenda' curtain panels ($29.99). Joetta trimmed the panels with blue ticking stripe for a coordinated effect.

Inspired by the room's new lighter palette, Kathryn painted the base and neck of a seashell lamp, as well as a driftwood lamp in bright white. "We took the lamps with us to Target to try on lampshades, and purchased three new cottage worthy toppers for $38," Joetta says proudly.

Before

After

New shelving (www.closits.com) is stacked on top of the existing barrister bookcases. It serves as practical storage for the couple's books and adds a decorative element to the wall. The beach scene above the tv was treated to a new simple white frame that the couple made crafted.

The original oil painting was lowered and balanced with another painting.Pretty impressive!

To see more of Joetta's makeovers or subscribe to her free newsletter, go to www.shelterstyle.com.

All photos by Janet Lenzen (www.janetlenzen.com)

Please join the Waterside bandwagon...

AND THE WINNER IS...

2009-08-28T16:08:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to everyone who has joined my Waterside Wednesday blog bandwagon.(fish fresco from Herculaneum)

In my mind, you are all winners, but the lucky number for the Little Fishie belonged....

... to Joan from Anything Goes Here.

I have lots more photos from the Amalfi Coast to share but I have a writing deadline looming for an article on an amazing High Country, North Carolina home for Timber Home Living, so adieu for now.

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: The Hamptons

2009-08-26T10:54:00.012-04:00

I just got back from the beach late last night. Sharing photos from The Hamptons seemed like a perfect Waterside Wednesday post.

It was a great trip. I hawked my book, relaxed with friends, and ate scrumptious beach food.

We stayed in Amagansett (one of the towns on the south fork of Long Island, New York that is collectively called The Hamptons) at a former sea captain's house owned by my husband's best friend (since age three) and his wonderful wife Ashley.

Their home features gorgeous original details such as this carved newel post.

The house is located two blocks from the beach and a few blocks from the town's main street. Since I live where you need a car to go anywhere, it was a treat to be able to walk anywhere I wanted to go.

Most of the houses in Amagansett are covered in weathered wood shingles. It's hard to tell the historic cottages from newly built homes, because many humble dwellings have been added on to and remodeled through the years.
Many of the really huge oceanfront mansions, owned by the rich and famous, are hidden behind gates or tall hedges.
Originally a farming community, all but a few of the remaining barns are now guest houses.
Thanks to Hurricane Bill, the beaches were off limits to swimmers.
But our visit was far from a washout.
Ashley and I went shoe shopping! We each bought several deeply discounted pairs. These Progetti pumps came home with ME.
But women cannot live by shoes alone, so we also stopped to shop the end-of-season sales at Roberta Freymann (for cotton print beach kurtas), Purl By The Sea, a terrific yarn shop that is unfortunately closing in a few weeks, and Haven, Montauk's cool coastal home decor emporium.

Here's a peek at the beach glass candle cups I found there.

I'll be featuring more photos of the shop and owner Kathi Cogen's bright and breezy decorating tips on my Waterside Styles website next week.

On Saturday night we had dinner at The Laundry in East Hampton. Despite it being a hang out for the rich and famous, the only stars we sighted as I munched on their fabulous panko crusted crab cakes were the ones in the sky. They were highly visible from our table on the back porch.

On Sunday we had lunch at the Hampton Chutney Company. They specialize in dosas. These are large rolled crepes stuffed with the filling of your choice. But the real scoop was who sat about 20 inches from me at an adjacent picnic table...Paul McCartney.

Our friends said they run into him all the time. I was at the right end of our table and he was at the left one of his.

He looks fabulous, even close up. I need to know who his colorist is. It's the first thing you notice… his fab hair, then his boyish grin. No photo, alas. It would have been rude.

In the Hamptons, Paul is just one of the guys. He was lunching with his girlfriend Nancy and her teenage son. They planned to go on a post-lunch boat trip but Nancy thought the waves were too rough. Although the harbor looked fairly calm, if Paul had asked my opinion, I would have agreed with Nancy.

*** It's not too late to join Waterside Wednesday and win a little Italian fishie. I will draw one lucky linker on Thursday. Good luck. ***

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: SEASIDE GARDENS

2009-08-18T23:49:00.012-04:00

Waterside landscapes try the patience of gardeners. Few plants can adapt to sun-baked sandy soil, harsh winds and salt spray.

Amazingly, there are plants, such as nasturium, day lilies, giant hibiscus and echinacea, that love, or at least tolerate, these conditions.

Choose hot color flowers. Unlike pastel blooms, red, orange and yellow blossoms stand up well to relentless sunshine.
Plant short annuals and perennials instead of tall ones. In windy locations stake everything!

Grow modern shrub roses and heirloom rugosa types (with deeply crinkled leaves.) Both thrive in coastal locations.

Add an evergreen backdrop to serve as a windbreak. This looks especially attractive contrasted against gray, silver and pale lavender plants.

Hold off erosion with hidden barriers and decorative edgings.
Place containers and windowboxes in sheltered locations. Filled with enriched soil you will be able to grow flower varieties that shun sandy soil and full exposure to the elements.

** A GREAT BIG GRAZIE**

A few days my BFF Natasha Burns of Artistic Creations sent me an email saying "Don't look at my blog until you get a package from me in the mail."

Since I love surprises, I complied -- but it was hard.

Yesterday, the package arrived and I was speechless. Natasha sent me a watercolor that she painted from a photo of a Positano view I posted.

How did she know it is my favorite photo of the entire ridiculous 1600 photos I shot. Natasha isn't just talented... she's a obviously a mind reader!

Even though I've barely unpacked from my trip to Italy, I'm hitting the road again. This time, I'm heading for The Hamptons for a waterside vacation that's closer to home. See you next week.

** WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY**

Please join the fun. Everyone who posts is entered to win a Little Fishie (sorry, leaving comments won't count for this giveaway but they are greatly appreciated) Can't get it together to post? Visit all of the site links and wish them good luck!