Tuesday Inspiration: Uniquely Chic

We stopped in to say "Hi" to Barbara at her store, Uniquely Chic on Saturday. Am I ever glad we did too. Barbara could hardly contain herself with excitement. She announced that the one and only Fifi O'Neill is coming to Healdsburg in July, to Uniquely Chic for a book signing!I said, "Fifi O'Neil, the author of Romantic Prairie Style? Are you kidding me?""Yes, that Fifi!" said Barbara.I'm so excited for Barbara, and so excited to meet Fifi!A lot...

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Remembering Steve

36 years ago today, in the wee hours of the morning, our family lost this fine, young man. He was only 24 years old at the time, the same age that my daughter is now. I was only 21.I looked up to Steve. He was my older cousin who I was very proud of. Steve accomplished a lot in his short life. At the time of his death, he was certainly already a legend. I am proud of all of his achievements as a runner, but also for his activism and outspokenness.He...

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An Amazing Anniversary Dinner

Today is our anniversary, but we celebrated last night at The Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg.Amazing food, amazing restaurant! We had an amazing bottle of wine that we've been saving. A 25 year old Chateau Lafite Rothschild.An amazing desert of chocolate and peanut butter torte ended our perfect anniversary evening.29 years and counti...

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The Romance Of Kilims

Pottery BarnKilims! I'm in love with them right now!When I was in NYC, I took note of Ralph Lauren's California Romantic room, and how he used them layered everywhere, even draped over the coffee table. I was smitten!High Gloss MagazineLately, I've noticed them a lot in kitchens, like this one designed by Jamie Meares.I now have a kilim in my kitchen, and I love the new look. It is actually an indoor/outdoor rug from Pottery Barn. Just hose it...

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Family Room Sources and a Reality Check

I've received a few emails and comments asking where I bought my family room furniture.The sofa and loveseat came from Crate and Barrel. This is the stock version, available for immediate delivery. My inspiration for this style was from this photo in House Beautiful of a house in Napa.I like the one, long bench seat cushion and the fluffy back cushions. Even the ticking stripe was a consideration. So when we visited the Crate and Barrel showroom...

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How To Feed 300 High School Seniors

Just when I thought my volunteer days at the high school were over, my daughter's company, Tourshi Catering was asked to provide the food for the 300 graduating seniors of Burlingame High School for their brunch. Of course my kitchen was commandeered!All day today, we made 300 yogurt and fruit parfaits, 450 wraps, 20 gallons of pasta salad, 15 gallons of cole slaw, bagels and various flavored cream cheeses. Root beer floats will also be served!Luckily,...

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Just Like Heaven

Yesterday, May 21st came and went without The Rapture. Still, we took no chances and headed north to Asti. We figured that if the world was going to end, then this is where we wanted to be.It has been a long time since we were here. When we arrived yesterday, the sun was casting that warm afternoon glow on everything. As we walked around, taking inventory of the roses and lavender, we looked at each other and said...."Rapture or no rapture, we're...

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The Family Room Reveal: New Sofa and Loveseat

The new family room sofa and loveseat finally arrived! Maybe now my family will stop complaining about not having enough places to sit in here!It was such a big decision: a sectional or a sofa and loveseat. My family pushed hard for a sectional, but I just couldn't do it! As you can see, I've wrapped a paisley throw on the sofa seat, to protect it from the dog and number 2 son, home for the summer from college.It's is a new look, with the neutral...

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