A Feature on the Ageless Style Series!
It is a true pleasure to be featured on the monthly Ageless Style Series hosted by the popular (and stylish) bloggers Cindy Hattersley and Elizabeth (aka La Contessa). I’m spilling some fashion/beauty/travel inspiration, and thoughts on staying ageless, over on Cindy’s beautiful blog at Rough Luxe Lifestyle.
From the Ageless style Series
It is a true pleasure to be featured on the monthly Ageless Style Series hosted by the popular (and very stylish) bloggers Cindy Hattersley and Elizabeth (aka La Contessa). I’m spilling some fashion/beauty/travel inspiration, and thoughts on staying ageless, over on Cindy’s beautiful blog at Rough Luxe Lifestyle here.
More posts on style:
Color Story: Yellow Crush
Perhaps it's the settling in after a dreamy tropical vacation getaway, the pins and needles concern for our friends in the path of the hurricanes or the review of 9/11 on Monday, but I feel the need for a bit of cheer today. A shot of sunny yellow is just what the mood doctor ordered from my board "Yellow Crush" on Pinterest.
Color Story: Yellow Crush
lemon.canary.daffodil.sunshine.banana.butter.limone.mellowyellow.goldenrod.lemon.canary.daffodil.sunshine.maize.lemon.canary.daffodil.sunshine.banana.butter.limone
Perhaps it's the settling in after a dreamy tropical vacation getaway, the pins and needles concern for our friends in the path of the hurricanes or the review of 9/11 on Monday, but I feel the need for a bit of cheer today. A shot of sunny yellow is just what the mood doctor ordered from my board "Yellow Crush" on Pinterest.
Happy colors have a tendency to lighten the mood and I totally agree.
Wishing you a cheery day.
COLOR STORY: Blush
The first home I owned was a condo in the northern suburbs of Los Angeles, in La Crescenta. Though it was small, purchasing it was a huge milestone in my life. It was a brand spanking new one bedroom, one bath space with a balcony that overlooked a luscious garden of fragrant orange trees from the neighboring house. It was perfect for me.
Though I kept the color scheme neutral, back in the late 1980’s, I sought out the perfect shade of blush paint for the walls of my bedroom. The color, chameleon as the light changed throughout the day, added just the right amount of warmth to my space. Blush is a universally flattering shade which is always a good thing, especially in the bedroom.
COLOR STORY: Blush
The first home I owned was a condo in the northern suburbs of Los Angeles, in La Crescenta. Though it was small, purchasing it was a huge milestone in my life. It was a brand spanking new one bedroom, one bath space with a balcony that overlooked a luscious garden of fragrant orange trees from the neighboring house. It was perfect for me.
Though I kept the color scheme neutral, back in the late 1980's, I sought out the perfect shade of blush paint for the walls of my bedroom. The color, chameleon as the light changed throughout the day, added just the right amount of warmth to my space. Blush is a universally flattering shade which is always a good thing, especially in the bedroom.
Whether blush is used as an accent in decor or in fashion, it adds a touch of warmth without being overpowering. I love it mixed with the bold yellow and aqua of that second image, as well as in more muted color schemes accented by gold.
Are you a fan of the shade blush?
Color Story: Navy Blue
After donating my leather pumps, a chic little handbag and a stylish suit in this color, several years ago, this shade suddenly seems fresh again. I’m talking about the color navy blue. The one dress I bought on my recent trip to Paris was, you guessed it, a chic shade of navy blue. It felt so right for Paris and for fall in California.
After donating my leather pumps, a chic little handbag and a stylish suit in this color, several years ago, this shade suddenly seems fresh again. I'm talking about the color navy blue. The one dress I bought on my recent trip to Paris was, you guessed it, a chic shade of navy blue. It felt so right for Paris and for fall in California.
While traveling in Riviera Maya a year ago, I noticed that the accent woodwork and ceiling beams in our suite were painted a rich navy blue. It had the same bold impact as black, but the blue tones brought a lighter feel yet added some richness to the space. I thought it was a brilliant choice for the woodwork at this beachfront resort, Zoetry Paraiso del la Bonita. I was thrilled to meet the architect, a part-time resident at the resort, during our visit. I recently encouraged a design client to consider navy blue for her woodwork in need of some design inspiration.
These are a few of my collected images of navy blue on Pinterest and I find I'm liking the shade equally well for fashion and for decor.
I wondered if Pantone agreed with me about the suspected resurgence of navy blue. I discovered there is a shade of deep blue, Snorkel Blue, projected to be an "It" color for 2016. It pairs well with a number of shades as seen here. I'm especially liking navy blue with shades of copper and gold this season. Navy and white are purely a classic color combination.
Find more color inspiration on my Pinterest board Color Story: Navy Blue
Are you a fan of navy blue?
What shades of color are capturing your attention this season?
How to Make a Limoncello Spritzer - A Taste of Positano
One of my favorite discoveries of the liquid kind, on our trip to Italy, was the Limoncello spritzer. Scott and I typically store a bottle of the velvety-sweet lemon liquor, Limoncello, in the freezer for the occasional after dinner ‘digestivo’. In Positano in July, we were introduced to a lighter, more fizzy version of this bold citrus taste. It also happens to be the easiest cocktail recipe I’ve ever made.
Limoncello Spritzer
One of my favorite discoveries of the liquid kind, on our trip to Italy, was the Limoncello spritzer. Scott and I typically store a bottle of the velvety-sweet lemon liquor, Limoncello, in the freezer for the occasional after dinner 'digestivo'. In Positano in July, we were introduced to a lighter, more fizzy version of this bold citrus taste. It also happens to be the easiest cocktail recipe I've ever made.
Lemons, steeped in history, are a staple of life in Amalfi Coast and are used to brighten the flavors of many flavor-filled dishes and luscious cocktails. You will see quaint storefronts selling all things lemon-flavored from soaps, fragrances, skin care, candles, remedies to sweets, liqueurs and just about anything you can dream up for a lemon.
This is my simple recipe for the limoncello spritzer, as shared by a handsome waiter, in Positano.
Limoncello Spritzer Recipe
Limoncello
Seltzer Water
Lemon Slices
Ice
Frosted Glasses
Place equal parts limoncello and seltzer water in a shaker (or pitcher). Add ice and shake/stir to blend the flavors. Pour into a frosted glass and garnish with a lemon slice. Enjoy this taste of Positano in a glass!
*Seltzer may be replaced with prosecco for an extra bit of sweetness and fizz.
Read this to learn more about the amazing lemons of the Amalfi Coast. Long live the lemon!!
For more on our travels to Italy.
Salute!
In the Mood: Dine Al Fresco at Home
Though I've enjoyed elaborate al fresco dining in the past, like this date night at home for Valentine's Day, a simple tapas menu is my favorite. It's easy to put together a platter of olives, nuts, crackers, cheeses, a bottle of chilled sauvignon blanc or rose', some pretty linen napkins and you have a perfect al fresco snack.
Al Fresco Dining
The jet lag has eased up, yet my mind is still a kaleidoscope of images from our summer vacation in Italy and Paris. As I'm sorting through 1,000+ photographs I've decided I'm not going to rush to get a post out immediately. Instead, I need some time to savor and remember the details of each place we stayed. I definitely came away with renewed appreciation for living la dolce vita, and the little luxuries of life, like dining al fresco. This simple alteration of daily planning costs nothing, except perhaps a bit of creativity.
Do you enjoy dining al fresco as I do?
Though I've enjoyed elaborate al fresco dining in the past, like this date night at home for Valentine's Day, a simple tapas menu is my favorite. It's easy to put together a platter of olives, nuts, crackers, cheeses, a bottle of chilled sauvignon blanc or rose', some pretty linen napkins and you have a perfect al fresco snack.
If you don't have an outdoor dining space at home, pack up your favorite nibbles, and a blanket, for an outdoor picnic. While Scott and I were in Siena we stayed in an historic apartment in the city center with no outdoor dining space. We put together a picnic and dined on the stairs of the cathedral with a number of Italian families, tourists, and pigeons, creating a memorable al fresco dining experience in Italy.
With that in mind, I discovered more beautiful inspiration for al fresco dining, from simple to astonishing, on my Pinterest board.
These images run the gambit from simple to swoon-worthy. Read more on the 100 best places to dine al fresco in America according to Open Table.
Do you have any tips for dining al fresco?
Color Story: Dressed up in Summer Whites
There is nothing you can slip on that makes you feel more fresh and summery than shades of whites. Summer whites are especially eye-catching this year. Whether presented in crisp, minimal shapes or flouncy, flirty, boho styles, white is hands down the coolest thing going for summer style.
Summer Whites
There is nothing you can slip on that makes you feel more fresh and summery than shades of whites. Summer whites are especially eye-catching this year. Whether presented in crisp, minimal shapes or flouncy, flirty, boho styles, white is hands down the coolest thing going for summer style.
I think I have a split personality of the fashion variety. I'm drawn to the crisp, clean lines of minimal dressing and then a lacy, ethereal number catches my eye and I'm enamored. This gallery clearly displays my lack of direction when it comes to summer white. Truth is, it's fun to mix it up and the only rule is that it feels good on your skin.
From chic white swimsuits to crisp white jeans, palazzo pants to flowing skirts and lacy, or sleek tops. One of my favorites ways to wear summer white is head to toe.
Summer white always works.
Date Night: Al Fresco Dinner At Home for Valentine's Day
It was an unusually warm Valentine’s Day this year. Scott had the brilliant idea of ordering in from the Chico gold standard, Bacio Catering, so that we could thoroughly enjoy our evening. Turns out this was the perfect way to enjoy a stress free date night and an al fresco dinner at home.
Date Night: Al Fresco Dinner
It's been a busy month around here and I'm in need of calming my spirit. I just discovered images of a date night at home from way back on Valentine's Day. Feels like I'm a bit behind the eight ball but I'm going to share this anyway.
The landscape outback looks far different than it does today, but the images made me smile. I hope they do for you too. A beautiful sunset, some delicious food, and a camera on a tripod can capture a mood.
This is a throwback post to February and a cozy evening spent hanging around the house.
It was an unusually warm Valentine's Day this year. Scott had the brilliant idea of ordering in from the Chico gold standard, Bacio Catering so that we could thoroughly enjoy our evening. Turns out this was the perfect way to enjoy a stress-free date night and an alfresco dinner at home.
The delicious menu (Thank you Amanda):
While Scott was putting the meal together, I had time to set the table, arrange the flowers, and sip some champagne.
Now, THIS is my idea of a fun night at home!
Watching the quality of light change -- from sunset to sundown to twilight -- is one of our favorite elements of living here with this view.
The city lights come alive on a clear night like this one. I had no idea placing the camera on a tri-pod would capture the candlelight this way. A moody soundtrack, fresh flowers, candles and twinkling lights help set the mood for date night around our house.
So does his face... :)
Whether it's a simple meal you cook together, your favorite Thai take-out boxes, or a special occasion meal like this one, a date night at home can be just as good (or better!) than going out on the town sometimes.
Do you have any favorite ideas for creating a memorable date night at home?
