Puerto Rico Adventures on the horizon...

With two posts on winter happenings, I just had to warm it up a bit. Today we pack, tomorrow we are on a plane to PR, providing this forecasted storm does not hold us up at Logan. Whatever the case the adventure is almost upon us. I am starting to miss my kids already, but I know I will be home soon. I hate this feeling of conciousness. Mothers have to have it, I guess.

So, we don't have too many things on the agenda. Visiting Old San Juan (OSJ) and the El Yunque Rainforest.

The rainforest is full of the el coqui frogs that create a symphony as the sun goes down.

I would also like to see a bioluminescent bay. Doing a bit of reading, I found that the bioluminescence is due to Red Mangrove trees growing near the shores. Their roots release tannins and B12, which I guess the dinoflagellates like to munch on. The size, depth and temperature of the water are in perfect balance, creating a perfect environment for the bioluminescent ecosystem. I wonder if the conditions have changed there in the last few years, with all the global warming going on. I will try to find out. I checked the moon phase and it will be optimal the whole time we are there. No moon is a good moon.
image via the gentle on flickr

lusting for

A 21 pound turquoise bowl via alibaba. Imagine it being the bathroom sink? Oh my!

Carved Asian Screen via Oriental-Decor.

But, oh the real passion....take me to Marrakesh. All aboard?

Rooftop sunset anyone?

Tranquil nap?
A festive afternoon gathering?

I hit the style files the other day and almost fainted. I could not scroll fast enough! Danielle de Lange is based in the Netherlands, giving her viewpoint on design from a European perspective. I just love her finds and her inspiration.

These finds were discovered via Marie Claire Maison via the style files.

Weekend in North Conway

The White Mountains, New Hampshire

Gift of Life, North Conway

Getting air off a 10-12 foot backyard ledge, Bartlett, NH

The Roy's Log Home, Bartlett NH. A sweet house that I highly recommend renting, summer or winter.

Iron railing upstairs in the lofted hallway were so rustic and fitting. Three 6 foot panels, that were not obtrusive, but very tastefully done... and the children just loved all the animals within the imagery.

On Saturday, it was bitter cold and windy, but we went for a horsedrawn carriage ride alongside the Saco River, by The Farm By the River. A really laid back bed and breakfast with a working stable, this place is great for winter and summer stays. It's nestled in right by Cathedral ledge and Echo Lake on the Saco River. The minute I walked in, I was brought back in time, as it had "homesmell" of my grandparent's house. BTW...Duplicate homesmells (completely made up) are rare.

While waiting for our Belgian horses to get harnessed, we sat inside by the toasty fire. The owners, Rick and Sharon were very sweet and made us feel very comfortable, while their Weimaraner Heidi entertained the babies.

Our sleigh driver was a sweet guy named Manuel who told us that the farm had been in Rick's family since 1785. He and his wife, Michelle drove sleighs for the farm. While we were there many people were visiting, including a young couple planning their fall wedding. Of course, we offered to help them out with their invitations! (It was nice to see that the economy was playing nice with The Farm By the River.) Manny also pointed out tracks through the field made by a coyote. Of course I had to ask why they were in a straight line, unlike a dog track. He laughed and said that it's a 3 legged coyote! They call him tripod.

After thawing out in the car, we all ran to the shelter of the house...and the Grey Goose. Oh, Isla Verde, are you ready to warm our bones? We will see you Wednesday by noon!

North Conway

Bartlett via greatnhgetaway.com

North Conway 5 and 10 via waymark gallery

via JayG on Flickr

Images of New Hampshire. I can't wait to post some that I take this weekend. We are planning on taking the big kids to Attitash to snowboard and I think the babies, Max and Soleil will love this train station in North Conway. Max is a train lover. So when Andreea is not trying to make 1 year olds ski, I will promote a trip to the train station. Fun times with family and friends awaits.

via vogue jan 09

Did you see that, Mom?

We are going up to North Conway in the White Mountains this weekend for a little snowboarding, eating, sitting by the fire, cocktailing, and celebrating with a bunch of friends. One of the revelers is celebrating his 50th this weekend. Happy Birthday Jeff! This image is of my son, taken oooh, four or five years ago while camping on the Appalachian trail at Mt. Moosilauke in the Green Mountains of Vermont. I can't wait to see what he can do on his board. I don't get on the slopes much, but I will this weekend.


We are staying at The Roy's log home in Bartlett. For those of you that love mountain festivities in the winter or summer and would like to stay up north, check out the digs!!

From their site:
Enjoy watching the skiers as they descend the slopes of Mt. Attitash from the comfort of your room. This new spacious log home was constructed in 2006.

I can't wait for Olivia's Romanian cooking, sitting by the fire and having a great time with my family and friends. Fun on the horizon. I will be packing for North Conway and days later doing it again for sunny adventures in Isla Verde. From the snowy mountains of New Hampshire to the sandy shores of Puerto Rico, a fun week I do believe!

Bodhisattva

I came across this quote today...

I believe that to meet the challenges of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for oneself, one's own family or nation, but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace.

The Dalai Lama

So it got me thinking about what the Dalai Lama thinks of this US election and all that comes with it.

I found this. (Sweet.)

The world is falling in love with hope in the name of Barack Obama and his beautiful wife Michelle. I just stumbled upon this post at My Castle in Spain. So cute. In Romania this summer, we felt the same vibe. It looks like the world's prayers were answered. I believe history will be made like never before.

image via the secret tibet

Bodhisattva won't you take us by the hand?

Barack Obama

Today, January 20th, 2009 is a historic day for the world. Barack Obama will put his hand on the same Bible that Lincoln did, as he is sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America. He will pledge to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States" before all that will be watching in the frigid weather in DC and on televisions across the world.

A New Birth of Freedom and the acknowledgement of Lincoln's legacy will be the theme of this inauguration.

On a design note, the critical person I am just can't hold back...this is the inauguration ticket, which in my professional opinion, is not quite the one I could have designed. Everything about this day is historic and this ticket was deserving of a bit more nuance.

Barack and Michelle, eh, I mean Mr. President and First Lady Michelle Obama, don't forget to call on me the next time you need some tickets, invites or any printed piece!


image of ticket via shiningstar

image of Barack Obama via google search

GET ON YOUR BOOTS!!!

U2 is about to release No Line On The Horizon, recorded in Fez, Morocco and Dublin. Hmmm, I wonder if Maryam over at My Marrakesh caught a glimpse of the boys? I just love those boys.

GET ON YOUR BOOTS

The future needs a big kiss
Winds blows with a twist
Never seen a moon like this
Can you see it too?

Night is falling everywhere
Rockets at the fun fair
Satan loves a bomb scare
But he won’t scare you

Hey, sexy boots
Get on your boots, yeah

You free me from the dark dream
Candy floss ice cream
All our kids are screaming
But the ghosts aren’t real

Here’s where we gotta be
Love and community
Laughter is eternity
If joy is real

You don’t know how beautiful
You don’t know how beautiful you are
You don’t know, and you don’t get it, do you?
You don’t know how beautiful you are

That’s someone’s stuff they’re blowing up
We’re into growing up
Women of the future
Hold the big revelations

I got a submarine
You got gasoline
I don’t want to talk about wars between nations

Not right now

Hey sexy boots...
Get on your boots, yeah
Not right now
Bossy boots

You don’t know how beautiful
You don’t know how beautiful you are
You don’t know, and you don’t get it, do you?
You don’t know how beautiful you are

Hey sexy boots
I don’t want to talk about the wars between the nations
Sexy boots, yeah

Let me in the sound
Let me in the sound
Let me in the sound, sound
Let me in the sound, sound
Meet me in the sound

Let me in the sound
Let me in the sound, now
God, I’m going down
I don’t wanna drown now
Meet me in the sound

Let me in the sound
Let me in the sound
Let me in the sound, sound
Let me in the sound, sound
Meet me in the sound

Get on your boots
Get on your boots
Get on your boots
Yeah hey hey

pre-order here

Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti

click on image to view larger
(an absolute must)

"Caravan" is a trend that I have been seeing, as forecasted at Maison d'Objet, but this line is taking a trend and bringing it to a whole new level. Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti mixes earthy tones with flamboyant patterns of color and fabrics that flow and accentuate the body. Genius and striking. I only hope it gets to the streets. Open this month's Vogue and W and the images are showstopping.

Refresh your interiors: Part 2

Add splashes of color to rejuvenate your rooms and your spirit. (Especially if you live in the frigid winter zones!) Can you tell the winter is getting to me? With all the talk of sandy beaches, warm sun, and color...I can't wait to "sun and fun" myself. A bio luminescent bay with no moon perhaps? A little comfort for the adventurous soul. For now a pink pillow will have to do.

images via living etc.

Reflect

Mirror
I look into you
Visual lucidity
Like the colors of carnival
To find myself
My heart

My soul
Circumstance
The barrier
To the light
Reflected upon you
Refracted upon me
My eyes wide open
Like the moon
My mind searching
Mirror,
One dimension
Trying to be three

me

10/22/02

image via wikipedia

Doors

Old world areas appeal to me, as the States have fairly new structures. Our country is a baby compared to European cities. I am really drawn to old world communities. Image of the turquoise door called Greek Isles "OIA Turquois Doors" via Tarickisfineart.

Not so old world, but originality at it's finest, this copper metal door with it's spidery root like handle looks custom and handcrafted. Yum, seductive and enchanting. This door makes you wonder what is on the other side. "patina door" via vered galor fine photography.



My favorite and most artistic is this door from Arles, France by Keiko Oikawa a gifted Japanese photographer living in the UK. Thank you Keiko for sharing your images. For those of you that love photography that makes you experience something, Keiko's have a zen-like feel. I am just loving them! Images via her personal site Nordlijus.com.

Trying to photograph the door while getting my footing, this little cat snuck by as the old woman closed the doors abruptly. I guess there was too much conversation outside and she and the cat needed to get away. If you look closely you can see the top of her head.

Sigishoara, RO 2008 by me.

A door just opened on a street

A door just opened on a street--
I, lost, was passing by--
An instant's width of warmth disclosed
And wealth, and company.

The door as sudden shut, and I,
I, lost, was passing by,--
Lost doubly, but by contrast most,
Enlightening misery.

-Emily Dickinson

Refresh your interior: part 1

Adding and subtracting from what you already have is a great way to punch up the winter funkies. I tend to change things around alot because boredom sets in. Create new spaces and celebrate change, with a glass of wine of course!

images via living etc.

My invitation was featured

Today on The Finer Things my invitation was featured! They give a lot of love to our invitations. Thank you Jess for choosing it.

Anyone who is in the market for invites, think of me... and I highly recommend Sprout Worcester for florals extraordinaire, and Something Sweet by Michelle for your confections. Michelle came in first in Bride's Magazine's 50 most beautiful cakes this year.

Bona Drag

Today, Emily Quillen pointed out bonadrag.com to me, after seeing my Pedro Garcia post. Coincidentally, the Capezios were shot on an oriental rug not unlike the one in my shot. I love fate-y stuff like that. So cruising directly to the shoe section of Bona Drag, I was taken aback...Capezio in full force. Choose lace up or studded. My insides were screaming for more. I have a little confession, the foot of the ballerina is perhaps one of the most beautiful sights EVER. The lines of the ankle down the curved arch to the pointed toes is just perfection. (shivers)

For more of what makes me go ahhh, check out this slideshow on you tube.

There is also something about the ballet fashion, the dancer in torn and tattered tights, elegant and rugged at the same time. We used to cut out tights and slip them over our heads and wear them as undergarments. No bra, freestyle. Perfect for under leotards. The legwarmers were an additional element of iconic dancer style. Pedro Garcia replicates alot of these elements in his latest line of satin covered shoes, the torn edge and precise lines give this glam combination, a shabby avante-garde chic.

Images I ffffound

all images via ffffound