A Clean Spring Sweep

The change of seasons always motivates a fresh look at closets and storage. Last week I was at my daughter's home, where together we did a clean sweep of several areas. The biggest transformation came to her hearth room shelves.

                                            

On either side of the fireplace are two large shelving units. After they bought the home, the couple had   the strange drawer/shelf configuration covered with doors. (I think the black cremone bolts added a nice vertical touch.)

                           

The doors provided a safe haven for toys which were stuffed willy-nilly onto the shelves. That wouldn't have been such a bad thing, except the cupboards need to be open for optimal electronic effectiveness. 

                                              

So, when company visited to watch a game or view a video, the chaos was on display. Hmm, my daughter thought this was a bit embarrassing. Consequently, our goal was to organize the shelving for public consumption. 

                                               

We measured the shelves and went basket shopping. Michaels was having a half price on wicker boxes and they had the number and sizes we needed. Bingo! 

What an amazing difference! Now company thinks my daughter is Wonder Woman. Truth be told, she is. :)

The French Just Have a Way

Have you ever noticed how French women just know how to throw on a scarf so it looks effortlessly elegant? Their gardens are divine and their culinary creations are unparalleled. No wonder their tableware is "magnifique".

Our middle daughter has a way of ferreting out treasures and her latest discovery is French pottery. Astier de Villate ceramics are handmade in Paris of black terra-cotta clay.

The pieces are tactile and charming. They are lightweight, but purportedly extremely durable. If they weren't so "cher" (translation--expensive), they'd be perfect for everyday tableware.  

 The milk white finish would compliment any table. And, I am in love with the raised dots and pinking-shear edges of this piece. Like snowflakes, each piece is unique. That's what makes them so special.

Each artisan stamps his or her personality into their designs. Curlicues, dents, and pointy chapeaus add whimsey to utilitarian pieces. You have to agree the ceramic cutting board would be perfect for some Camembert or Brie!

Anna got her first pieces of Astier crockery in Paris where they are made by Benoit Astier de Villatte. These charming ceramics are produced using techniques perfected before dishware was cast. 

Aren't these charming? Can't you see what an interesting table could be set using these beauties?

Now when our daughter is in New York she often stops by the shop that carries these treasures and treats herself to a piece.

You can now buy this unique table service in Chicago at  Tabula Tau, in San Francisco at Sue Fisher King and in Boston's South End at Patch NYC.

I would love to visit the flagship store on rue St. Honore in April. Paris is supposed to be splendid in the springtime!

Judging the Games

The 2014 Sochi Olympics have inspired me. No, I haven't decided to take up bobsledding. I have decided to become a judge--a judge of Olympic fashion. Here is how I scored the opening ceremony uniforms.

Taking top honors on the worst-dressed list for the 2014 Sochi Olympics has to be the USA. They won gold by a long margin. Years from now, we will remember the uniform that Ralph Lauren designed for the Sochi games. Even Olympians will save it for the "ugly-sweater-party".

As bad as the sweater is standing alone, when amassed in a group shot, it is hideous.

 If you don't agree, you can purchase the official Ralph Lauren Team USA 2014 Sochi Olympic Ceremony Cardigan man's sweater on E-bay today for only $1,995. Are you watching the bidding to snag one at a discount? Don't worry, I'm not your competition.

I scratch my head and wonder, what was Ralph, the- purveyor-of-classic, thinking?

http://www.blogfordmodels.com. Ralph Lauren pre-fall 2014 show

The closing ceremony uniforms are somewhat better. 

However,  the patently self-serving polo logo front and center is irritating. Does't Lauren own enough classic cars and designer vacation homes? Does he have to turn the Olympics into a marketing ploy? He, of all people, should know that water polo and equestrian polo are summer sports. :) 

From my scoring, it's no contest; the US uniforms take all-around ugly honors.

Coming in a distant second in the worst-dressed competition at this year's Olympics are the Germans who win silver. The rainbow effect certainly draws attention, but why the orange-and-rose print pants?

                           

Obviously, the print was not an afterthought. Adidas created an entire suit of the print as seen here on the world's best all-around female skier. I predict that Maria will look back on the games with pride, but will wince at the outfit.

Coming in third on the podium of worst-dressed Olympians were athletes from Lithuania. When leprechaun marries gecko, the offspring are just weird. They win bronze.

Seriously, I have enjoyed watching the games and noting the fashion statements. The handsome and beautiful Olympians are made-to-order models. 

But in the spirit of fair play, let's turn the tables. How would the athletes or how would you judge the few ski vests I pulled out in honor of the games? 

I predict judges would give the canary yellow outfit gold for worst-outfit. However, I will have to await the awarding of style points on the other two? (Can you guess which one is actually a Polo vest?)

In conclusion, I am hoping that by the time the Olympians march out of the Sochi arena, winter marches out of the mid-Atlantic states! Enough of hideous sweaters, rainbow-colored puffy coats, and silly hats.

Beatrix Potter Birthday Party

Last month, our daughter and son-in-law hosted a pink-and-gold, Beatrix Potter birthday party for our darling one-year-old granddaughter.

When guests arrived,

Peter Rabbit greeted them.

He clearly was ignoring Mr. McGregor's warning.

In the dining room, the table was set for the big celebration.

The cake took center stage with its banner flying.

The bunnies had gathered  atop the cake for their own party.

                             

Each place setting was marked by a clay pot where a Beatrix Potter character perched to welcome the guest to their place.

The little people had their own table.

However, before dinner was served, guests had to pass photos of birthday-girl's first year on their way to the appetizers.

After looking at the album and chatting, everyone enjoyed a buffet served from the kitchen table...

where another family of bunnies were gathered in that centerpiece.

At the end of the main course, the traditional "Happy birthday to You" was sung by birthday-girl's adoring fans. She clearly was delighted.

Meanwhile, big brothers were anxiously awaiting a bite of the birthday cake.

Everyone agreed: it looked good enough to eat.

According to the guest of honor,"Once I rolled up my sleeves...

                                         

and took off this hat….

                         

 ...the five variegated pink layers of cake were yummy!"

Next, all the guests adjourned to the hearth room for the opening of presents.

                           

Not surprising, her parents' present was wrapped to coordinate with the color scheme. :)

Birthday-girl's favorite gift--hands down--was the doll house given to her by her paternal grandparents.

Before her cousins and brothers said goodnight, they each got a party favor with their own Beatrix Potter character.

I AM sorry to say that Peter and the birthday party guests were not very well that night after the chips, guacamole, chicken enchiladas, rice & beans, tossed salad, and birthday cake. Their mothers put them to bed, and gave them each a dose of  camomile tea! ‘One table-spoonful to be taken at bed-time.’

the end

Snowing, Again

I awoke to another white day.

Outside every window, nothing but white:

white sky,

limbs outlined in white,

and white confetti still coming straight down.

Since before Thanksgiving it has been always winter.

I don't know about you, but I am ready for the birds to return

and the swing to once more sail in the sunshine.