Oct 28, 2013

The Prince of Chintz

Mario Buatta
Fifty Years of American Interior Decoration

Mario Buatta, the "Prince of Chintz," has a newly 
released tome of his fifty years of work; as depicted above. The greater body of his creations has been in the English country manner, but the book shows that he has accomplished many forms of design.



Room by Mario Buatta
Illustrated by Jeremiah Goodman

The room above shows Buatta's talent for the
 monochrome room, always punched with 
a surprise of color and whimsy.





Room by Mario Buatta

The bedroom above marries chintz, his signature fabric, with checks and solids. The result is a "room of her own." 

The book is a great gift for anyone who enjoys the 'eye candy' that his designs never cease to provide.

For more examples of chintz, see my 'Hints of Chintz' board on Pinterest.

Happy Chintz to all!

Sep 2, 2013

Labor Day - The American Workers' Day of Recognition

Labor Day Poster by Ricardo Levins Morales



Labor Day 2013

Today we 
give recognition to the many American workers whose hard work, determination and might
 built this country from the ground up.

Ricardo Levins Morales depicts in his poster with great detail the accomplishments of the
American Labor Movement.
The individuals and the multiples of
the American work force
and their respective achievements
are often overlooked
but can never be denied.

I give a special call out to my father,
a Union Leader who fought each and every day for workers' rights and recognition. His efforts improved the living standards of many who knew him and benefited many more who never had the good fortune to meet him.


Happy Labor Day!

Jul 19, 2013

Linens on the Line

"La Biancheria" - John Singer Sargent  Watercolor 1910


Laundry Day!

Loving all things vintage,
I especially have fond memories of
 taking the laundry down from the clothes line.

The chore itself had no great attraction
but there was something magical
about the scent of the items
after they were dried by wind and sun.

Ready to be folded and returned to their stations
 in drawers, closets and armoires,
the clothes retained that lingering outdoor scent
 that only Mother Nature can provide.

This watercolor by John Singer Sargent
 is currently part of a Sargent watercolor exhibit
 at the Brooklyn Museum.
The artist is famously known for his portraits
 of the affluent Edwardian ladies and gents of his time.

His talent went far beyond those iconic renderings.
Sometimes it is in the most simple of life's daily actions
 that creative talent may depict the greatest beauty.

There is a movement to return to the days of old,
reduce our carbon footprint and
hang the laundry once again.

Not for everyone, for certain.
But inhaling those crisp and clean scents
 are still a wonderful ending to such a perpetual chore.

Jul 18, 2013

Where the Turf Meets the Surf



Del Mar Race Track



Opening day at Del Mar!

It's a rite of passage for San Diegans 

and all residents of Southern California.

The racetrack was the creation of Bing Crosby.
Track plans were developed at the offices
of Warner Bros. Studio.
He left no stone unturned in its development
and his efforts are clearly visible today.

Bing even sang a song about the track:


Where the turf meets the surf
Down at old Del Mar
Take a plane
Take a train
Take a car.

There is a smile on every face
And a winner in each race
Where the turf meets the surf
At Del Mar.
And They're Off!
The facilities are magnificent.
They are a beach pebble's throw from the ocean's surf.
The thoroughbreds are spectacular
and on opening day
everyone gussies up
in his and her best finery.

Yes, casual Southern Californians do know how to
'dress the part'.

Take a look:

Del Mar - Then and Now


Jul 14, 2013

Allons enfants de la Patrie!

Happy Bastille Day!

Today French citizens celebrate 
the anniversary of the
'Storming of the Bastille.'

America and France
 fought for and won their respective 
freedoms from 
 18th century monarchs. 

July is the month where both countries 
celebrate their 
historic victories
from oppression.

Democracy
 then and now
is never won 
without heartbreak and 
endless determination.

Le jour de gloire est arrive !





Jul 5, 2013

Garden Seating

Repurposed Curbside Chair Becomes Garden Seat


Garden Seating

My sister found this abandoned chair frame by the curbside as she was driving to do some shopping.

Knowing that I could give it a new
raison d'etre
she pulled over and popped it in the back of her SUV.

Her gift arrived that same weekend
 and within hours
 it had its place in the garden.

A throw away became a one-of-a-kind container 
 for the vibrant marigolds. 

Yes, it was truly on it's 'last legs,'
but it soon had a new home
with all imperfections notwithstanding.

The folksy watermelon wreath 
and seed packet stake complete the venue.

Everything old can be new again!

Jul 4, 2013

Fourth of July Lessons Lived and Learned

 July 4th Welcome


Happy Birthday, America!

May everyone have a safe and blessed holiday celebration.
May we remember today and always that this country is
one-of-a-kind.

Many years back I was with a group of Parisians enjoying a lovely dinner in a wonderful restaurant in Paris.
The topic turned to the 'Etats-Unis'
(U.S.) and the negative remarks of my French dinner guests seemed endless. I did my best to 'represent' my country, but was feeling isolated in my attempts.

My dinner partner, a charming cousin of my host, leaned over and said to me,
"Don't fret about our comments.
Secretly, we would all give an eye to carry an American passport."

A lesson lived and learned.




Jul 1, 2013

Sum Sum Summertime

Vintage Watermelon Tabletop Collection
Sum Sum Summertime

It's the first of July and Summertime is well under way.
Mother Nature has turned the heat up throughout the country, even here in Southern California.

This is the time of year when a cool drink quenches one's thirst and makes the weather take a temporary back seat.

Here's a great Summer Cooler to try. It even tastes better when served in vintage ware such as the photo above. 

The dishes are transferware from the 1930's.
The ceramic pitcher and mugs are from the 1920's. 
Just looking at them makes you think
S U M M E R !

WATERMELON COOLER RECIPE
Serves 6 - 8

Ingredients:
  • 4 cups chilled cubed & seeded watermelon
  • 1/2 cup mint simple syrup (see below) to taste
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 4 cups cold club soda
  • Mint leaves for garnish
Directions:

Blend the watermelon in a blender until desired texture, but be sure not to liquify.
Add the lime juice and mint simple syrup.
Blend another minute.
Pour into pitcher and add club soda and lime zest.
Stir.
Let chill for 15 minutes, garnish with mint leaves and enjoy!


Mint Simple Syrup:

Add 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup mint leaves to 1 1/2 cups water and heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Remove the mint leaves. Use what you need and refrigerate the rest.






Jun 30, 2013

Chez Laurice Shoppe

What's in the Cupboard?

Have you ever been antiquing and then be fortunate enough to come upon an old cupboard?
If they could speak stories of lives lived long ago would be revealed, layer upon layer. 

Cupboards had primarily utilitarian purposes generations past.
They stored dry goods, surplus needs, dishes, quilts, linens and so much more.

Those of us who possess one (or more) of these bearers-of-many- uses well know the never-leaving scents that they hold within their confines.

My treasured nineteenth century cupboard in the photo above comes from an old world convent. It was used to store hand embroidered linens.

I placed a mixed assortment of vintage ceramics, glassware, china and such on the shelves for shoppers to select.

The doors are mostly hidden in the photo, but they spread out like open arms, welcoming the requisite antique quilt or Old Glory for adornment.

Dainty doilies, hankies and a doll-sized picket fence accessorize my cupboard to give it character and sass.
I placed a hand carved wooden mantel on top as a crown.

Next time you are antiquing take a second look at the charming cupboards.
Painted or not, they can make that special one-of-a-kind addition to your home.

Oh, and those lingering scents . . . they will always remind you of the untold tales that are shelved within.













Jan 1, 2013

January 1, 2013

Character
 is the ability 
to carry out a 
Good Resolution
 long after 
the excitement of the moment
 has passed.
                                            Cavett Robert


Happy New Year to one and all!