Belle Blanc - For the Love of White

I get very happy when I find a great blog. 

Even happier when the blog author decides to publish a wonderful book. 

In this case, it is the Mira, from Belle Blanc 

who loves "shabby-vintage-hampton-french-swedish" country living style. 

So there. 

Her book won't be available until February 2011, 

but I'm putting it on my list of faves.

I mean, look at the nice cover!

And seeing the fabulous photos she produces, 

I can imagine it'll be a wonderful book.

Even if you are not into the shabby look, 

go check out her fabulous photography when you have a minute.

It's so nice to get to know all these talented people through this wonderful blog world.

Have a good one, dear ones.

Besos, (Kisses)

Pumpkin Orange

I love pumpkin orange. 

I wouldn't paint a whole room with it 

(or maybe I would, don't know), 

but I would do an accent wall, 

use it in pillows or a flower arrangement, 

or wear a super cute pair of pumpkin shade ankle boots

like the Louboutins below. 

Oh yes, definitely.

Though it's still 80 degrees F and it still feels like summer,

the  leaves are changing colors here in my area, 

the mountains around me show all shades of green, 

orange, brown, yellow, and red due to the changing foliage. 

Beautiful. 

Like those Louboutins.

What's your take on pumpkin orange?

Have a lovely day. 

Gracias for stopping by.

Besos,

Credits: bedroom; Sergio Rossi shoes; foyer; ruffled knitted shawl; living room; fun dresser with mirror; Louboutin ankle boots; polka dot wall decor.

Soft Whites

I love being a girl. 

Today I'm loving things that are...

These two images from Grange de Charme blog show exactly where
I would like to spend my day reading 

a book today:

Soft pillows, white all around. 

It's been a busy week. 

I need some me time...

Hope you get to have the day you are daydreaming about.

Gracias for stopping by, dear friends.

Falling in love with Oi Soi Oi

Autumn is my absolute favorite season. 

Though I find things to enjoy in every season, 

there's something about the crisp air, the bounty of the harvest, 

and the golden sun of autumn that just gets me. 

I love that Oi Soi Oi.com

introduces purples, blues, and dark hot pinks for their autumn collection. 

I also adore their photos. 

Check them out:

I may get me some of those pillows to brighten up all the brown in my living room. 

Thought I would share this with all of you who are looking for something 

different than pumpkin decor for the fall (nothing wrong with pumpkin decor!!!)

Have a super lovely day.

Muchas gracias for stopping by,

Celebrating Life

My friends:

I have been out of the loop for a couple of weeks,

but I have a reason.

My dear mother passed away two weeks ago.

Now, I don't want to bring anybody down 

and I understand that some of you

may feel offended at my sharing 

this very personal part of my life.

However, my blog is a part of myself.

I live, so I blog. I blog, so I share.

Yet...at this time, I do not want to be sad.

The best way I know to honor my mother's life,

is to live mine to the fullest,

making daily commitments to be joyful.

And joyful I am.

From my dear mother, Maria Susana, I learned:

1. To be a very resourceful cook. 

I am a total foodie because of my mother, and I am thankful for that.

I don't need a recipe to come up with a feast.

Thank you, mamá, for spending time teaching me by example.

2. To feel happy when I am organized.

3. To crochet.

At this moment, I am knitting something like this

(I will show you when I am done as now it is just a sea of

crocheted flowers all over my house, with no apparent purpose)

4. To love 1940's music and musicals:

5. To adore, super adore! 1940's fashion:

6. To be in love with Tiramisu 

(my mother made the very best Tiramisu ever.

Seriously! sweet lady fingers dipped in expresso and dark rum, 

surrounded by layers of sweet mascarpone cheese, what's not to like?)

7. To make excellent jam.

When I was growing up, my mom would grab 

whatever fruit from whatever fruit tree in the backyard,

she would add sugar, cook them forever, and voila:

Amazing jam.

 I now make jam too. Kumquat jam is my fave.

8. To love entertaining.

 She was an awesome hostess.

I can go on and on forever thanking my mother. 

Yet, she´s not around to hear me.

If your mom is still around, talk to her today. 

Call her and tell her how much she means to you. 

Even better, if you have her close, give her a hug.

Gracias for stopping by,

MAMÁ:

I love you forever, and ever, and ever.

You will always be in my heart and my thoughts.

Te quiero.

A pic of my beautiful mother when she was very, very young!
She's the one in the flowery dress.
What an wonderful woman.