Sweet Romance

Orange County woke up to overcast skies, light rain and cold. Burr! This gloomy weather just makes me want to get back and bed and snuggle with the man in my life. I’m so thankful to have him in my life! Today, I wanted to share some images of love and romance as a weekend reminder to all to stay close to the ones we love! XoXo!

David & His Wife, Iman

Hate Airport Goodbyes

Images courtesoy of tubmlr & The Gifts of Life

Equestrian Exquisite

 It's Friday! Friday is Southern California...........When I was living in San Francisco one activity that would participate in was the Friday journey to San Rafael to a fellow classmates farm to ride. I wish I could be doing the same thing as now and that I'm off to San Juan Capistrano or somewhere for a joy ride. Soon enough! In the interim I'm posting some exquisite imagery of equestrian style. Furthermore, what girl doesn't love horses? Polo Matches? Trail Riding? Trail Riding in Santa Barbara? Horse Shows? Oh, that's right- the American Royal Horse Show is taking place right now in Kansas City, MO and that event is always such fun. The horses are so beautiful, the people watching is entertaining and the outfit critiquing is a sport itself. Have a good weekend!

photos courteously of The Gifts of Life, Town & Country Magazine, Hermes

Haute Homestead

Rachel Ashwell's expanding Texas retreat is putting an under-the-radar shopper's paradise firmly on the map~

Another magazine that I follow, and it has a cult following, is Garden & Gun because its a celebration of Southern Living and way of life. Yes, there is the hunting aspect of the magazine, but they also feature articles pertaining to lifestlyes and interiors. I found this article about Rachel Ashwell's Texas retreat and seeing these images made me nestagic for the days that I lived in the great state of Texas. Who's Rachel Ashwell? Well, the article says it best, "Ashwell—author, designer, and founder of the global Shabby Chic brand—has spent the past year transforming five primitive buildings on forty-six acres of rolling farmland into an authentic Lone Star retreat, where guests mingle easily with visiting locals and the property’s familial staff. There are cattle grazing, roses blossoming, and panoramic views for miles in all directions. It’s part Out of Africa, part Lonesome Dove—a secluded, peaceful oasis at the heart of an eclectic and emerging travel destination." If you want to read more about Ashwell and her work click here to read more and be sure to check out Garden  & Gun as it will be worth your time.

A Southern Take On Morocco

If you haven't checked out Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles the magazine is a great resource for elegant sophisticated homes and interiors that feature southern charm with a twist. In their current issue, there is a whole expose on interiors and decorative accessories featuring Moroccan elements from the travels of a few interior designers. The piece is entitled The Allure of Morocco and it illustrates how to incorporate the theme of Morocco into our own homes, but without going completely Aladdin. Its fun, its whimsical and def. worth checking out. I love how inviting these images are and especially the nurturing rustic quality.

Back home in Atlanta, Webb created an environment that captures the magic of Marrakech by using products from Atlanta shops and showrooms. Rug, Sullivan Fine Rugs. Souk tables and Tangiers pendant by Currey & Company. Upholstered pouf, Bee. Pillows, Gramercy Fine Linens & Furnishings. Photographed on location in the courtyard of Summerour Architects.

The tea service includes fresh mint from the garden.

The bowl is from Scout for the Home.

The glasses and tray are from Scout for the Home. The pierced lantern is by Currey & Company..

The tea pot is from designer Beth Webb’s personal collection; it belonged to her grandmother. Pomegranate salt and pepper shakers, Scout for the Home 

Figs and dates are arranged on a platter from Scout for the Home.

 Rosemary flourishes in the courtyard. Currey & Company’s Souk table features intricate detailing.

 David Austin roses rest atop an assortment of Moroccan tiles from Ann Sacks and Renaissance Tile & Bath

Beth Webb at Royal Mansour

Architectural Details that is just Beautiful

 Photos: Erica George Dines