Jeweled Macarons Anyone?

The Caketress, a boutique cake company based in Canada, created an exclusive dessert bar shoot for New York-based event planner, Amy Atlas. I nearly flipped when I saw Amy's blog post this morning. {I've definitely been in "sweet tooth" land lately!}

This all grey and white chic dessert bar also included pearls and lace; lace wrapped pumpkin cupcakes, macarons, malted chocolate pearls, and licorice white cotton candy! Oh my!

Click here to read the entire post and view the rest of the photos. Divine!

credit: Taylor Jackson Photography, via Amy Atlas

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

photo: beBo

Why the random photo of a pretty staircase? Because I wanted to blog about it, but can't seem to find out who the photographer is...

Which brings me to my point. Let me preface this by saying, I'm not the "blogger police," but just wanted to post a little blogger etiquette.

I first discovered this staircase photo on We Heart It.

which led me to Tumblr, Would You Like to Swing on a Star,

which led me to The Life is a Rose,

which led me to princess-queen-v. Then nothing.

That's right. No photo credit for this lovely image.

So, what to do?

• There are all sorts of legal and copyright rules for the internet. Some of which you can read about here on this informative post.

• How many times have you read a blog with numerous images and there are absolutely no image or link credits? Frustrating? Very. I frequently find something I'd like to view or purchase with no trace of where the image originated from.
  

• When you post images that you do not own, you should always credit the photographer if you possibly can. It is their art, not yours. You should also credit the source of the information (where you found it), and any sources that they have named. So, if you found the image on another blog or website, at least credit them with a link back to their site/blog. It's only fair.
  

• An interesting quote...“Tumblr is the place where copyrights and credits go to die.” - Door Sixteen
  

• I know we bloggers frequently stumble upon random images on the internet with no credits at all. What to do then? I'm not really sure how to answer that one. Perhaps do a little more research. At the very least, make an effort to try and find the credit for it.
  

I realize that there is no way to control the vast world of the internet. It's like the Wild West. But, it sure would be nice if we try and give credit to people's images when we can. If I was a photographer, I'd certainly watermark my images!

I hope I don't sound "preachy" as I'm definitely not the authority of the blogging world. Just wanted to share some thoughts.

Other bloggers and photographers, do you have any tips to share on image etiquette or guidelines for usage?

Ada & Darcy

I recently discovered Ada & Darcy, the gorgeous blog of Australia-based interior designer Kellie Collis.

Ada & Darcy takes my breath away with Kellie's eye-catching photos of her own home, her DIY projects, and the pure & simple beauty that she admires.

Kellie has a passion for all things beautiful, especially fabulous interiors. She is always looking for new and gorgeous things for her interior design and styling business, and for her online store that will be opening very soon.

Her precious babies, Lily & Molly...

Colorful pillows & vibrant flowers grace Kellie's home...

If you're looking for endless inspiration, a romantic and ethereal place to get lost in, visit Ada & Darcy here. You may find yourself spending much time perusing it as I have! It's fabulous!

photo credits: Ada & Darcy

Something to Make You Smile!

Balloons...from oh, hello, friend collections...

Have a happy, fun-filled weekend!!


photo credits: Oh, hello, friend

Pin it Forward: What Home Means to Me

I'm thrilled to be a part of Pin-it-Forward, a blogger mashup organized by Victoria of sfgirlbybay and Pinterest, a visual bookmarking site. The theme is "what home means to you," and over the course of several weeks, 300 bloggers will share their photos and passions of "home." It's so much fun!

So, here I go...What does home mean to me?

You may have already figured out that I live in San Francisco since I talk about it so much. Born and raised here, with roots going back to the 19th century. I love the open feeling of living near an ocean and bay, and breathing the fresh dewy air. Even with the dreary fog that encompasses this City much of the year, San Francisco is home.

Ahhh...comfort. Nothing cries "home" more than snuggling into bed enveloped by a down comforter with my little poodle Vito as my pillow. Home is a place of solace...a place that we can escape the outside world and surround ourselves with comfort.

Family heirlooms and antique finds reflect my passions and the past. Being surrounded by these special objects brings a uniqueness to my surroundings and puts a smile on my face.

I don't like to get too serious about decorating. I love a home filled with the unexpected. Nothing too staged, and reflecting the owner's personality. An eclectic mix of pieces from different eras and touches of whimsy always makes for an interesting space. What awaits me when I turn the corner? I never know!

Guilty as charged. Guilty of stashes of candy in drawers & cabinets. Not too much, but just enough to be able to pull out that licorice when I'm in the mood. Total comfort. Stashes of wonderfully scented candles and magazines to devour. Nirvana!


I'm crazy over small touches of glitz that bring me back to a bygone era. And I love mirrors! They make a small house seem larger, and the reflections they create are magical.

Home is my retreat. Husband, dog, family and friends. It's my favorite place to be!

my Pinterest page

Many thanks to Victoria at sfgirlbybay and the group at Pinterest for the opportunity to participate in this fun event, and for enabling my new Pinterest addiction. Just what I needed...another fun thing to take me away from my work. Actually it's a wonderful source to "bookmark" your favorite photos while browsing the web!

To follow the other boards I've created, hop on over to my Pinterest page. You can also check out other bloggers participating in the "Pin it Forward" by viewing the full schedule here.

And now... I'm passing the baton to art...work, so be sure to check out her post on Monday.

Happy Weekend Everyone!

photo credits found on my Pintrest page

Nesting Newbies-- A Great Way to Start Off Your Weekend!

Have you seen Nesting Newbies online magazine yet? The Spring/Summer issue is out and we're humbled to be a part of it!

Paris Hotel Boutique decoupage trays featured on page 176-177

Nesting Newbies online site blends a traditional magazine format with online videos and blogs. It features content for those who are new to nesting, and includes great tips on cooking, entertaining and decorating. AND, you don't have to be a "Newbie" to enjoy it!

Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing like holding a magazine in your hands, but this is so easy to navigate, the colors are striking and the format is great.

great recipes and cooking tips

I'm also excited to be included among some of my blogger pals such as Megan from Beach Bungalow 8, Crystal from Plush Palate, Karen from Alkemie, Jenn from the Department of the Interior. I know I've left some out!

Hopefully you have a relaxing weekend planned! If you have a moment sit back, get comfy, and take a peek at Nesting Newbies here!

HAPPY WEEKEND!!

Giveaway...Vintage Diamond Stack Band!

U.K. based Roseline Lohr has exquisite taste which is apparent on both of her blogs; This is Glamorous and A Glamorous Little Side Project. I have been a follower of hers for many years now. What an eye she has for beauty.

Roseline has been featured in numerous publications including Martha Stewart Living, The Washington Post, and a contributor for Lucky Magazine.

If you like diamonds, here is a chance to win a vintage estate diamond band from Paris Hotel Boutique at This is Glamorous !



This 1930's vintage diamond band (middle ring in photo) is 14 carat white gold and set with 5 diamonds. These bands make quite a statement when stacked.

To enter this "diamond-studded" giveaway, simply visit This is Glamorous here and leave a comment!

Bonne Chance!

I Love Old Hotel Stuff!

Meet Clem Long and Claudia Long-Miller.

I think they are my soulmates.

They have been collecting old hotel stuff since the 1960's.

Dad Clem is 83 years old and was a former auctioneer and hotel liquidator. Daughter Claudia is a certified antiques appraiser who worked with her Dad in the 60's & 70's liquidating old hotels.

The stories they have. And they are telling them!

This father-and-daughter team has started a blog, I Love Old Hotel Stuff. Clem and Claudia started this blog last month to share their experiences of liquidating old hotels and the thrill of collecting antiques. From the wild to the wacky!

Take for instance, liquidating the Commodore Hotel in New York. A 2000 room hotel, which means 4000 beds, which means 8000 pillows. How do you sell 8,000 pillows?


They owned a hearse and an ambulance that they would drive to the various hotels with materials and personnel. Clem would contact the news media hoping they would be there to greet them. And they did. Apparently, the media was more interested in the hearse and ambulance than the hotel itself.

If the hotel was being razed, they would use the hearse to symbolize the death of the hotel. And if it was being refurbished, they would take the ambulance to symbolize the hotel was hurt and was to be brought back to health!

Clem's office had a large desk that was the one used by President Lincoln in his office at the Willard Hotel. The hardwood floor and arm wall came from the Gibson Hotel in Cincinnati. The chandelier was from the Commodore Hotel in New York City.

This is just a tidbit from this fun blog. Please go visit I Love Old Hotel Stuff here for more fun & interesting stories! And be sure and leave Clem a comment!

photos from I Love Old Hotel Stuff

Endless Inspiration: Fiona Richards

I've been obsessed with Cartolina Cards for a long time now. This line is designed and produced by the talented British Columbia-based graphic designer, Fiona Richards. And, I have quite a large stash of her cards in my drawer, ready for the next occasion!

Fiona's designs are influenced by exotic curiosities that surrounded her growing up in Scotland with her grandparents in their 300 year old stone house, filled to the brim with strange and curious mementos from their lives as textile dealers in old world India.

The odd collections of things that filled her home were items that her grandfather brought back from India and South Asia. Everything from books & pictures, to silverware and ornaments. Since childhood, Fiona was exposed to a world of curiosities that have influenced her design work.

Fiona's family photographs are a bizarre collection of elephant riding, pith helmet wearing, and family swimming in the Indian Ocean wearing pointed grass hats.

Elephants play a leading role in imagery for Fiona's cards. They are always a favorite for buyers.

(above) A couple of Fiona's favorite pieces of ephemera that her grandfather collected from India and Asia.

These old French letters sit in a glass jar next to Fiona's computer. The handwriting inspires her every day...

Fiona's studio is filled with artful treasures and design relics she collects on her travels to the markets and shops nearby and abroad. She has amassed quite a collection of vintage items that give her endless inspiration such as her "favorite little tins."

She loves their typography and handpainting...

Curious collections of Fionas include these 2 miniature drawings from Switzerland from a local farm sale, hand-carved wooden boats found in the walls of a Victorian house; tortoiseshell eyeglasses; extra-long paper scissors; rubber stamps

Ancient patterns, colors, exotic images and textures make Cartolina Cards one of my favorite lines...And they're printed on recycled paper of the highest quality!

Even the back of the cards are so beautifully detailed...

Cafe Cartolina cards can be found in shops all over the world, from the U.K. to the U.S. Or, you can purchase them online here at Modern Paper Goods.


Wait! Did I mention that Fiona has one of the most beautiful blogs? Cafe Cartolina is a feast for the eyes. Join Fiona on her latest quests from travel & collecting to design & fashion.

Thanks Fiona for your endless inspiration, and for giving me a reason to visit my local gift shop frequently!

Cafe Cartolina blog
Cartolina Cards wholesale
Cartolina Cards retailers

photos from Cafe Cartolina & Cartolina Cards