Today is special

Ever since starting the Sunday Cup project, I've become quite sensitive to the many beautiful possessions in my home that I rarely, touch, use, admire or wear. In addition to my cherished collection of cups and saucers, I have sundresses saved for special summer occasions, vintage jewelry waiting to be worn with ball gowns and an entire room filled with art and family photo albums and the most comfortable couch in the house that is apparently waiting for a cocktail party.

And then there is my china. My husband and I did not register for gifts when we were married, but had we done it I would have only registered for china. I love it. I love seeing what other people choose for themselves when given the opportunity and, of course, I adore the sets that are handed down from previous generations. I cherish several pieces of Limoges porcelain that were sent to me from my Grandmother in France, who grew up in a village close to Limoges and associated much of her life to that industry.

When thinking about owning my own set of formal china, I knew I wanted something that reflected my French heritage and so Bernardaud was a no-brainer. It's classic and so chic. I imagined gifting ourselves with a setting here or there over the years and eventually passing the collection down to one of our children.

Several years ago, on a family trip to New York City, Tom and I dragged his kids to the Bernardaud shop on Madison Avenue. Giddy and nervous, I spent a ridiculous amount of time examining each display. I had been pouring over the catalogue and website for many months and I knew I loved Frivole (the design above), but I was open to other opinions. I showed the kids several options and genuinely wanted their feedback. At the time, they were 11 and 12. They told me with reluctant interest that they didn't really like any of them. Um, o.k. And with that, my little family fantasy fell flat.

Sensing my disappointment, dear hubby wasted no time in ordering our first setting of Frivole. I do believe that someday I will add to the collection (a serving platter here, gravy boat there), and I do hope Emerson grows up eating cupcakes and sipping soup from these beautiful pieces of art.

For now, I am just happy to use this one set more often. For morning coffee and pastry. And as I write this, I am wearing a pretty sundress, for no other reason than the fact that it feels good. And this weekend, I plan to wear a spectacular costume necklace I found in my great grandmother's jewelry box.

The time to enjoy the beauty around us is now. I'm not sure what I've been waiting for...is there anything that you've been saving for a special occasion? Is there any reason that today could not be that special occasion?

Field trip

A much-anticipated visit to Sunset magazine's test gardens was everything I imagined it would be. There were, of course, amazing plants, arranged by the major Western planting zones. But there were also pathways leading to gigantic dahlias, towering sunflowers, strawberries, grapevines, peppers, succulents and even a chicken coop - full of sweet little chickens doing their business. Below are a few highlights.

Beautiful red sunflowers and truly triumphant dahlias.

Succulents. Aren't they pretty?
All three kids LOVED the chickens.
Although, Lark seemed particularly fascinated with them.
Emerson was quite taken with this door - which was bolted shut. Can you imagine a secret garden on the other side of the gate?Melanie and I left feeling completely inspired with the natural beauty of the gardens and the ease with which each plant seemed to just flow gently into the next. It all looked so effortless. Of course, we knew better as we have both toiled away in our own yards. A green thumb is not born, it is created over time, through trial and error and hard labor. I do suppose that's why the experts at Sunset call it their test garden. And I'm reminded that the seemingly perfect images that appear in their magazine just don't happen over night and any thriving garden takes much tending to - a persistent life lesson I have yet to fully grasp.

Managing gracefully

It's funny how some days you wake up and the pieces of your life don't fit together like they did when you went to bed. I've spent days now trying to force it all back in place to no avail. So, today I give in. And I am hoping that the new order of things will feel more comfortable. Sylvia Boorstein talks about "managing gracefully" in life. As apposed to "managing tensely or fearfully." l would very much like to get to the graceful place. Any tips?

P.S. Nothing has gone terribly wrong in my life. Everyone is healthy. But the baby won't eat her sweet potatoes any more, migraines have returned after a year or so of peace and my house is dirty. So thanks, Dear Diary, for listening.

Hiatus

I feel tired and a bit scattered. I have lots to say and so much I want to photograph and share, but I must take a tiny rest. Just a day or so. Hope you are having the happiest of Mondays.

Pavlova please

If you've never had yourself some baked meringue, piled high with fresh whipping cream and seasonal fruit, do yourself a favor and whip up a Pavlova this weekend. I could not resist sharing just a few more photos and the recipe from this most delicious dessert.

Megan's Amazing Pavlova

6 egg whites
12 oz sugar
2 tsp cornstarch
2 tsp distilled white vinegar
2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 325.

Whisk egg whites until foamy then slowly add half the sugar while continuing to whisk. Add half the cornstarch and half the vinegar. Continue to whisk, gradually add in the rest of the sugar finishing off with the remainder of cornstarch and vinegar and the vanilla. The meringue mixture should now be stiff glossy white peaks. This process should take about 10 minutes with an electric whisk. Pile the meringue into a round fluffy nest like pillow onto a baking sheet lined with parchment.

Bake for about 30 minutes. The outside should be hard to touch but not browned. If it starts to color, turn the oven down slightly. Once the outside is crisp, take it out of the oven and leave to cool. It may collapse just a bit at this stage but this is normal.

Whisk plenty of fresh cream and pile it in the center of the pavlova then add an assortment of seasonal fruit cut into bite sized pieces onto the top of the pavlova. This traditionally would include berries of any sort, kiwi fruit, mango and passionfruit.

Summer haze

Palm Tree Row Polaroid by Feaverish Photography.

When I find a good book, I tend to tear through the author's library like someone completely starved of outside stimulation. (My lack of self-control when it comes to addictive reading is precisely the reason I will not be picking up Twilight any time soon).

I'm not ashamed to admit that at 12 years-old it was the Sweet Valley High series, which I realize is credited to Francine Pascal but looking back, I have to assume there was a team of ghost writers working off a tired Nancy Drew formula. At 18, it was everything by Jacqueline Susann. That turned out to be a particularly dark summer. At 22, it was Armistead Maupin. That was a terribly carefree summer. And at 33, it was Joan Didion. "The White Album" permeated my waking moments that summer and I could not get enough of her and the world that she described. This photo has been bookmarked on my computer for many months and I just realized why. It reminds me of her voice. It's moody and cool and dreamlike - all in one glimpse.

What are you addicted to this summer?

Confession

I used to covet the little blue box. There, I said it. The first piece of "real" jewelry I purchased for myself came wrapped up with a white satin ribbon. I still love my Elsa Peretti Bean. It was a lovely gift for myself.

When my husband dropped down to one knee, he pulled out a black velvet box from Tiffany & Co. It was and remains the most romantic and indulgent gift I've ever received.

Since then I've been drawn to jewelry that is both iconic and unique, but a bit more one-of-a kind in nature. Mali Sabatasso's designs are just that. If it's possible to be earthy and glamorous all at once, these pieces have done just that. They are designed within three catagories - earth, sky and sea. Just beautiful.

Here's what I love...

All photos via Mali Sabatasso. (In the interest of full-disclosure, I learned about her lovely jewels from someone's blog. I can't remember who... and I've been searching. I'm sorry. Someone deserves some credit here.)

Not a Sunday Cup

I realize it's summer and I have no business complaining about unrelenting blue sky, but it's hot and I'm wilting. No part of me wants to relax with a cup of tea. Sunday Cup takes a brief respite and in its place? Designer cupcakes worth every cent. 

In college I interned for six months at a PR firm down the street from Stanford Shopping Center. And it occurred to me last night as I dove into this box that I would have happily spent most of my paycheck and my lunch hour waiting in line for baked goods had Sprinkles been around then. Thanks be to middle age and geography that my college years predated the cupcake craze and I couldn't possibly get here and back within 30 minutes. 

P.S. You'd like to think that the high priced and trendy things that Hollywood starlets covet are just overrated and unnecessary. And in this case, you'd be wrong.

 

Beautifully made

My girl, Megan, learned how to crochet a couple weeks ago. Naturally, she made this beautiful blanket for her much-anticipated baby. I love the color combination and that fact that she whipped up something so pretty in her spare time just floors me. 

It reminds me of how much I appreciate handmade things and how I would love to have a go-to skill like this when it comes to creating meaningful gifts for my loved ones. It seems that with every passing birthday or celebration in my life I am faced with these things that I only wish I could do. 

The problem is that I tend to draw out most any personal project to an excruciatingly painful point. Meaning, I may start knitting a blanket and six months later I'll be so tired of the yarn that I'll never want to look at the finished product. So forget about giving it a pretty home on my couch. 

I have one beautiful silver silk skirt that took me two years to complete. I've never worn it. I was so disgusted with the experience that I hung it up in a storage closet five years ago so I wouldn't have to be reminded of the process. Self-torture has long been my thing, but it's getting old.

I own a sewing machine and knitting needles so I'm thinking the first project may be a small blanket or a simple dress for Emerson. Any thoughts?  

Made in France

Boots that I clearly got a lot of wear out of around the age of 2. I love that my mom saved these. (Now I don't feel nearly as bad about hoarding all of Emerson's baby shoes.) They seem so rugged for a toddler and so sweet. If only I had a photo of me traipsing through the French countryside in them.

I would not consider myself a francophile, although on any given day I love me some macaroons, wine from the Rhone Valley and too many things to list about the country's capital. I love that as a people, the French value good food, extra long meals, conversation, art in many forms and generally a slower and possibly a more appreciative and attentive pace of life. But for most of my life I've been reluctant to waive the flag in enthusiasm for a country of which I share half my heritage. 

I do, however, bust out a bit of patriotism every year for France's Independence day.  It's a delightful excuse to share a bottle of bubbly, listen to Edith Piaf with my husband and acknowledge the place I was born. Subsequently, it's always good fun to imagine sharing the Fourth of July holiday with my family in France and serving them hot dogs amid a soundtrack of Lynard Skynard and CCR.

So try to imagine my disappointment and shock when I realized tonight that Bastille Day came and went yesterday without so much as a pop of the champagne cork at my house. Bummer. Did anyone else celebrate with a delicious beverage or some really stinky cheese? Please say yes.

Light today

Photo by Bethany Howson.

Have you ever come across an image that transports you to another place? One that doesn't just invite you in for a visit so much as it folds its world around your very being? To me, that defines art. And actually, I suppose this goes for music, film and writing, as much as it does for painting, sculpture or photography. I love the truly guiltless escape that another person's creations can provide.

Bethany Howson's photos are a delightful escape. Pardon me while I spend the day wrapped up in her light.

Photos by Bethany Howson. Check out her Beth Retro Flickr photo stream and Etsy shop.

Sunday Cup: 19 of 52

Oh, how I love this cup. Isn't it gorgeous? My girl Megan brought it to me all the way from New Zealand and I've been so excited to sip some tea from it. It's official. This is now my favorite cup and saucer. First it's orange (my all time favorite color) and the wide cup is just so comforting to hold. I only wish my photography skills could have done its loveliness some justice. This cup of Tazo Darjeerling was exactly what I needed to ground me after a frantic weekend.

Breaking bread

This is it. The last of the Napa round up. To be honest, it all feels a wee bit self-indulgent, but I cannot help sharing just a few more lovely moments. We had a tremendous feast of walnut bread, truffled goat's cheese, fresh honeycomb, Beluga lentils with wilted greens, radish salad, cherry tomato salad with fresh basil and the most amazing Pavlova for dessert.   

Sugar, sugar

A lovely old friend came to visit this morning with her adorable two-year old son. Emerson and I ran out early to pick up some pastries from the French patisserie on the corner of our street. I was so looking forward to catching up with dear Patricia and little Frankie (and indulge in some chocolate croissant) until they showed up with a bag full of warm Mexican pastries. They so overshadowed my offerings - in the very best way. What a sweet surprise indeed. 

Fresh and local

Behold a few of the findings from the Oxbow Public Market. We shared several meals, snacks and sips of coffee and wine here throughout the weekend.



Kara's Cupcakes. Yum.

Ritual Coffee. So good I had to bring some beans home to share with the hubby.
Three of my girls roaming the farmer's market just down the street from Oxbow.

Celebrating friendship

Before walking to dinner we toasted to friendship with a bit of sparkling wine. Then we shared a truly decadent French meal at Angele. I would highly recommend anything on the menu if you are ever looking to celebrate life in Napa.

There are no words

The words are swirling about my head and I cannot formulate much of a coherent recap of the weekend. For now, I will cheap out and post a "photo essay". I'll probably post one each day this week and if I can manage to capture a clear thought or memory I will share that as well.

Basically, it was a weekend spent with four lovely ladies whom I have known for more than 20 years. It was everything I would have wanted and more than I could have dreamed for a vacation with the girls. Bottom line: I would have been just as happy camping out with these friends in the backyard with a single tent, beer from a can and chips out of a plastic bag. But several days in wine country was spectacular to say the least. And that's where I'll leave it for today.

The house we rented:

The Napa farmer's market where we wandered while collecting ingredients for a feast:

Sunday Cup: 18 of 52

I can't even begin to process all the magnificent bursts of laughter and joy and love that was the past 48 hours. There will be photos and plenty to say after I rest and recover from such a lovely and rare weekend.

For now, I leave you with the five cups of Tea Forte (compliments of my husband). The cups were nothing special. White ceramic from West Elm. Found in the cupboard of our rented house. The company, on the other hand, was priceless.

Immediate needs and #16 on the list

The next 48 hours will be entirely devoted to meeting immediate needs while simultaneously fulfilling #16 on the list. I fully intend to laugh, eat, drink and sleep as much as possible this weekend. I can hardly believe that I'll be spending two nights with four of my favorite people, sans children. That means at any given moment I may be drinking without consequence, eating without interruption, sleeping with abandon and hope of all hopes, laughing inappropriately.

The girls and I promised each other a number of years ago that we would take a weekend trip to honor our 35th birthdays. Today we make good on that and head off to wine country for a little celebration.

Here is to enduring friendships, setting little and big goals and accomplishing them.

Photo taken by Melanie of me (on the right) and Tiffany in New York City, circa 2003. The last time I laughed that heartily.

Can you imagine?

Photo via Design Sponge.

Seriously? People live like this?

Wouldn't this be an amazing way to start each morning? I imagine I would hop out of the shower each day feeling sparkly and polished - just like those lovely little tiles. It's photos like this one from Design Sponge that re-affirm my 20 year plus crush on L.A. I know there is plenty to hate about a city filled with cars, questionable air quality and actors, but this right here looks to me like the life.

P.S. I've never spent more than 48 consecutive hours in Southern California but it always strikes me as a place that is beaming with shiny possibilities. I think it's that energy that propels it to my top 10 list of places I would like to spend a year. Don't judge me.

Found it

Photo via Design Sponge

Dunn Edwards' Riviera. It's the color I've been dreaming of for weeks. I hope it looks lovely on my old picnic table. Does it remind anyone else of Carrie Bradshaw's fancy remodeled apartment from the Sex and the City movie?

Yes, the project is underway. I've begun sanding. I bought primer and a paint brush. Photos will come soon.