Back to Reality

Just returned from a wonderful, but too short getaway in Southern California. It was so nice to see the sun and spend some "girl time" with my dear friend!

Four short days away and I forgot about our horrendous San Francisco weather. I ran out last night to get a bite to eat and couldn't help but take a little video to share a little bit of San Francisco summer with you...

On another note...


My "guess the photo" post last week was solved! Once again, the ever-so-brilliant Roseline from This is Glamorous identified this photo. It was actually part of a Photoshop contest (had me fooled) at Worth 1000. Credit: Oil Corner. Thanks Roseline...your prize is on its way!


The current issue of Vintage Magazine, Deuxieme issue has launched. For excerpts visit their website or pick up a copy at fine shops and museums, or subscribe. It's stunning!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Country Home is Back!

Today as I was waiting in the checkout line in the grocery store I noticed Country Home on the front row of the magazine stand. Could this be true?

The once defunct magazine has made a comeback with a quarterly magazine loaded with photos and no ads. How can that be? Well, I suppose it's the $12 price tag that I didn't notice until I got home. I just got so excited and plopped it on the register next to the chicken. Oh well, it was worth it. 160 pages chock-filled with photos and a thick paper cover.

Hurray for Country Home. Let's keep supporting those magazines. Even at $12. I'd hate for them to go away!

Addendum: I was just informed that it's a compilation of old issues. A little bummed out about that, but still happy to see it.

Next issue out in September...

photo credits: Country Home Magazine ~ late summer 2010 issue}

aah...Inspiration!

Today the online Lonny Magazine launches their 5th issue. I just glanced through the over 200 pages of eye-candy. Must take a look here...

photo from Lonny Magazine

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!!

Vintage Magazine ~ The New Flair?

The other day I was perusing one of those fabulous smoke shops with thousands of magazines, and Vintage Magazine stopped me in my tracks! Modeled after Fleur Cowles' legendary Flair magazine (1950-51), the newly issued Vintage Magazine uses various types of paper, textures, die-cuts & fold-outs, and is filled with art, music, fashion, food & travel covered by selected writers. It's truly amazing!

The premiere issue has an open spine bound with ribbon, rather than glued or stapled, paying homage to the craft of magazine assembly.

The dirty truth behind New York City's 19th century sugar refineries by food historian Joy Santlofer

Vintage Magazine is one of the most inspiring magazines I've seen. I'm just giddy over it. With all of the e-zines popping up, it's so nice to hold a piece of art in your hands.

An homage to the lost art of the album cover by Giddins, told on pages cut to resemble album jackets for the 45 rpm single

Randi Gollin on the rise (and rise) of the Ferragamo wedge, illustrated with a glossy photo tucked behind a die-cut window

Vintage Magazine was founded by Ivy Baer Sherman, a first-time magazine publisher with a background in publishing, graphic design, and photography.

The magazine is published bi-annually. Its rather hefty price of $20 is definitely worth it! It's exquisite in person. You can visit Vintage Magazine's website here.

photo credit: Vintage Magazine

The Paris Issue

Every year I look forward to Romantic Home's April issue, which is fabulously French! I'm flattered to be included in the latest issue among these fabulous bloggers who have a love for all things French.



There is Mimi Charmante, whose blog is filled with the most beautiful eye-candy and interesting stories. Mimi's Etsy shop of "lovelies" offers vintage & handmade items, as well as her own beautiful photography.

Leeann of Fabulously French, is based in France (lucky girl), and takes you along on her journeys, from sharing stories of her shopping excursions, to just the simple pleasures of living in France. She also has an online shop, Fabulously French, which is fabulously French!



Tara Bradford of Paris Parfait is an American living in Paris who offers a romantic take on life from the City of Lights. It is one of the most informative, beautiful and interesting blogs for you Francophiles. A must read!

And the fabulous Vicki Archer of French Essence, who lives between London and Saint Remy de Provence in Southern France. You may know Vicki from her books, My French Life or French Essence. Her fascinating blog takes you on an awe-inspiring journey. Rather than me talking more about it, you should go visit for yourself!

What a thrill to be included among these wonderfully talented ladies. And special thanks to Jacqueline at Romantic Homes! There are many more fun features for you Francophiles, so be sure and pick up a copy of the April issue!

A bientôt!

photos from Romantic Homes Magazine

Unbelievable.

More sad news on the magazine front. Today it was announced that Metropolitan Home is kaput. Last issue is December. This is so sad for everyone; the staff and loyal readers. We've lost so many shelter magazines these past two years and yet some lesser known magazines still exist. What gives?

Tricks & Treats

To celebrate spooky Halloween week, I thought I'd post these haunting photos from the October issue of Harper’s Bazaar. They feature characters from filmmaker Tim Burton's past movies; The Night Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands & Beetlejuice -- the models bedecked in designer clothing and accessories.

The spread is called, "Magical Fashion" and the photos were shot by the talented Tim Walker.

The spread is in anticipation of Tim Burton's career retrospective at New York's Museum of Modern Art from November 22, 2009–April 26, 2010.



To see all of the photos, visit Harper's Bazaar. And, thanks Lisa Golightly for turning me on to this eerie and fabulous spread!

photos from Harper's Bazaar

Thanks Architectural Digest!

How about this cover? I'm crazy for this insane gilded chair throne that MJ is sitting in. Simply over-the-top! Wouldn't work in my house (yours?), but, whimsical nonetheless. The November Collector's Edition also features an inside look at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. Sad... but a great issue to pick up!

And thanks A.D. for the little piece (above) about Paris Hotel Boutique in their 'Discovery by Designers' section. What an honor to be included in this magazine!

images from Architectural Digest

What's Next?

I'm sure by now many of you have heard of the sudden closing of these four magazines from Conde Nast. So sad for the employees, and of course, the loyal readers. Gourmet magazine was established 68 years ago and has one of the largest followings. Here is what blogger Freckled Citizen has to say about it.

I just read that 80% of magazines' revenue comes from advertising. Okay, we're in a recession and that accounts for a lot of this. But, recently we've lost so many wonderful print magazines; House & Garden, Domino, Blueprint, Home Companion, to name a few. I love going to my mailbox and seeing stacks of new magazines awaiting. I'm a bit of a magazine whore hoarder...

photo from One Pretty's Things

There's nothing better than curling up with a magazine, flipping through the pages, earmarking them or tearing them out. Stacks of magazines all around. I shutter to think of sitting on an airplane reading a magazine from a computer screen.

So, what's next? Do you think that one day there will be no print magazines? Are some just being weeded out because there are too many? What are your favorite magazines? What can we do, if anything, to support them?

R.I.P. Gourmet, Elegant Bride, Modern Bride & Cookie...

LONNY is here!

Today is the official launch of the much-anticipated online magazine, Lonny. If you miss the (sadly) defunct Domino magazine as I do, this may fill that void!


Michelle Adams, who served as the Market Editor of Domino, along with photographer Patrick Cline, are the forces behind this decorating and lifestyle publication. Michelle is also founder of the textile line, Rubie Green.


Tonight I briefly browsed through Lonny and it looks amazing. Brilliant photography and useful decorating tips. And you can zoom in to see the fine detail. Gorgeous!

Currently Lonny is only viewable online, but you never know...

I wish the Lonny team great success! Now go and check it out here!

photos via ma-belle blog

New Discovery: Toby McFarlan Pond

photo credit: Toby McFarlan Pond from WSJ. Magazine

Hollister Hovey always comes up with the most interesting finds! She recently blogged about English photographer, Toby McFarlan Pond, and I had to share.

photo credit: Toby McFarlan Pond from WSJ. Magazine

McFarland Pond shoots gorgeous Dutch-inspired still lives, like these photos from WSJ magazine. I didn't even know that there was a Wall Street Journal magazine! Thanks again Hollister. Yet another discovery from you.

photo credit: Toby McFarlan Pond from WSJ. Magazine

These still lives are from a series of articles from the WSJ, called "The State of Luxury," talking about the economic downturn. Sad topic, but aren't they stunning?

I did a little more research on Toby McFarlan Pond and found some of his work here on M.A.P.'s site. They feature several artist's portfolios on illustration, styling and photography.

How wonderful are these photos?

For more of McFarlan Pond's work, visit here.

Photo credits: Toby McFarlan Pond

Thanks Romantic Homes!

I just wanted to share that my home is the featured story and cover of the newest issue of Romantic Homes magazine. I'm blown away. To me it's just my little row house in foggy San Francisco...

Thanks to my dear friend Janet at FrenchBlue & Co. for writing the lovely story, and to Jacqueline deMontravel, the editor of Romantic Homes, for coming to my home and taking the photos. You gals are the BEST!

The 10-page story has photos of my collections, including my insane amount of hotel silver. It's actually been downsized a bit since the photos were shot. Too much silver to polish!

I love the fact that my wacky bright green bathroom was included. The house was built in 1939 and the kitchen and bathroom have their original tile, bathtub and sink. It's fun working with what you already have, as opposed to gutting it all. Gives it more character.

Well...thanks for letting me brag a bit. Actually, I'm quite humbled to be in this magazine. Kind of weird seeing your livingroom on the cover. It's the October issue...should be on newsstands now!

photos courtesy of Romantic Homes Magazine

Romantic Homes: The Paris Issue

Just received my April issue of Romantic Homes magazine. It’s the Paris issue…my favorite! Special thanks to Janet at FrenchBlue & Co. for including Paris Hotel Boutique’s ‘'hotel silver" in the “Ten Trends in Paris” feature. I’m thrilled to be included among Lanvin, Goyard, and my friend Lucy at Paris Flea Market!

This issue is brimming with goodies! The talented Sandra Evertson has a feature on creating charming custom place cards. She even provides her own artwork for you!

Claudia of The Paris Apartment (yes, you Claudia!) has written an 8-page story titled, “ The Art of Conversation” that you won’t want to miss. And, Larry Solomon (FrenchBlue’s husband) shares his experiences of the Paris Flea Market in “Le Marche de Paris.”

There are many more great features, some beautiful homes, including Janet Rodriguez’s French-style home, with her cute Bichon Frise on the cover! Check your newsstands or purchase a copy here.

Photos courtesy of Romantic Homes