I'm Off!

photo credit: Rebecca Lily via Flickr

Bye Bye California! I'm heading off to Texas for a buying trip. Hoping for sunshine and no rain, cause it could get muddy, and my rain boots aren't too comfy. I've never really spent time in Texas, so it should be fun! Hoping to bring home some treasures. Definitely on the agenda... a pair of vintage cowboy boots!

Wishing y'all a great weekend and be back "atcha" next week!!

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A Favorite: sfgirlbybay

Green Shoes - photo: sfgirlbybay

San Francisco-based blogger/writer/editor, Victoria of sfgirlbybay never ceases to amaze me. Her colorful and inspiring blog is one I look forward to reading on a daily basis.


Sfgirlbybay is one of the leading interior design blogs, brimming with new product reviews, shopping tips, including art, photography and design resources, flea market finds, vintage inspiration. Gosh, the list is too long! This is one talented gal!

Orange Crush.

Onion Peeling.

Take for instance, Victoria's Sunday in the City series where Victoria shares some of her San Francisco musings captured in her beautiful photography. And, with a fun play on words!

Or her current updates on decorating her Pacific Heights apartment, which I may add, she is in the process of moving into a house. Can't wait to see the new photos!

Icing on the Cake.

I love Victoria's Flickr photo series...

And can't help being biased since we live in the same city...

Victoria also has her own Etsy shop, where she sells her own photography, 'Keep Calm & Carry On' posters, and more...

How does she do it all?

Victoria was recently voted #10 of the London Times Top 50 Design Blogs. So, if you have a moment, take a trip over to sfgirlbybay and relish her lovely blog. And be sure and check out her Etsy shop too!

Thanks Victoria for the endless inspiration!

all photos: sfgirlbybay

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FOUND: Rare Hotel Silver from Hawaii

double-logo serving dish - Alexander Young Hotel

ALOHA! I just had to share my latest acquisition of hotel silver from the old Alexander Young in Honolulu, Hawaii. Hawaiian hotel silver is difficult to find, so I was thrilled to purchase a large collection from this old, extinct hotel. It was actually the first luxury hotel in Hawaii. Can you imagine what Honolulu looked like during the Victorian-era?

The Alexander Young Hotel was built in 1901 by Alexander Young, a Scottish-born Honolulu businessman who had made his fortune in sugar mills and as the General Manager of the Honolulu Iron Works. The hotel opened for business in 1903 with 300 rooms at Bishop and Hotel Streets in downtown Honolulu. The hotel was turned into an office building in 1961, and sadly demolished in 1981.

I just love the detail of these old pieces, such as this compote. The base has a fancy raised logo of the hotel, and the top rim is quite ornate.

Here is a close-up of the raised logo that grace these lovely pieces.

I'm also going to be adding a set of flatware from the "Hob Nob" coffee lounge located in the Alexander Young Hotel. What a cute name, right?

These pieces were made by Reed & Barton, date to the early 20th century, and are available here at Paris Hotel Boutique!

MAHALO!

photos from Paris Hotel Boutique

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Ahhh... Spring!

After a long and rough Winter,
tomorrow is officially the first day of Spring in the US!

The flowers are starting to bloom,
The skies are getting bluer...

The days are longer,

Nights are lighter...

RELAX & ENJOY THIS LOVELY SEASON
& HAPPY WEEKEND!

photo credits: 1. Kristybee 2. Shana Rae 3. Ekler

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The Power of Blogging

It's 9:35 am Sunday morning. I could still be in bed. I could still be cuddled up with my dog. I could be watching the local news. Let's face it, I could just be catching up on a lost hour of sleep because of Daylight Savings Time. But instead, I'm standing on aisle 16 at Target, looking at pillaged shelves, for a product I don't even know that I want. How did I get here? A BLOG.

Yes, that's right. Annie of Poetic and Chic "tweeted" about Liberty of London's new collection for Target, which led me to her blog, and then eventually to Target. Annie had an inkling that the "collection" would be out early, so she hit 4 different Target stores yesterday!

Annie told me which local Target to go to, so I jumped into my hideous sweats, brushed my teeth, and was out the door. I don't even know much about Liberty of London products, but after looking at Annie's blog, I couldn't help myself. There were some really cute things.


I purchased two of these vanilla-scented candles for $9.99 each. Pretty scents in a clear glass jars. Love the packaging...

Then two picture frames for $9.99 each that match the colors of my office...


Unfortunately, most everything was sold out. I was hoping to find some fun pillows (like the one above) for my office (that's the room that I go funky). I wasn't impressed by the clothing and some of the other items that were left. But certainly at these prices, you could find some cute things.

I checked Target's website and most of the items are already sold out. Wondering if they'll be restocking?

So, the next time you find yourself on aisle 16, you'll know the reason why. It was the blog you read...

photos from Liberty of London for Target

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LONDON HILTON PARK LANE info and pic

One of the most visible addresses on London's world famous Park Lane, the Hilton stands on the edge of Hyde Park, the largest and best loved of the Royal Parks. Along with stunning views from the hotel, Hyde Park's 350 green acres offer all sorts of outdoor activities, from horseback riding and boating to tennis.

Stretching down the east of the park, the elite neighbourhood of Mayfair spreads out around the Hilton with some of the world's finest dining, boutique shopping, and classic luxury emporiums. Hyde Park Corner underground station is a link with the rest of the city on the Piccadilly line, including services direct to Heathrow Airport in about 45 minutes.

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CONRAD HOTEL Chelsea london info and pics

The Conrad hotel London is located in a pristine harbour area overlooking the marina in Chelsea Harbour, which is an exclusive section of the River Thames. This peaceful area is just off the New Kings Road a few minutes from the King Road. This area happens to be the main shopping district of London. Business travelers find the location convenient too since the Earl's Court and the Olympia Exhibition centres are close by. Other important places of interest located in this area are the Natural History and Science Museums, the Fulham Palace, Hyde Park, the Kensington palace and gardens, the Westminster Cathedral and the Buckingham Palace. The harbour area provides excellent view of the River Thames. Communication is smooth and convenient with all the airports and major railway stations located close by.

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THE RITZ HOTEL london deluxe info and pics

The Ritz hotel is synonymous with class, luxury and style. Originally opened in 1906 by Cesar Ritz, the hotel is world renowned for offering opulence and grandeur. Returned to private ownership in 1995, The Ritz has been completely refurbished, restoring the hotel to its traditional Louis XVI style, even down to the fabrics and fittings.

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Dorchester Hotel london info and pics

A very special hotel, The Dorchester has provided elite accommodation for well heeled persons for the last 75 years. Located on Park Lane in London's rich area of Mayfair, this 5 star hotel is famous the world over.
This location, overlooking Hyde Park and Park Lane, is so convenient for shopping in Bond Street, Mayfair, the Burlington Arcade or Knightsbridge as well as attractions such as the Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace.

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THE LANGHAM HOTEL info and pic london

The Langham Hotel in central London, has been a popular destination for celebrities, diplomats and visitors to London for over 140 years. The hotel is well known for its luxurious accommodation and service, and is one of the most well known hotels in London.

With its traditional styling and service, comes modern conveniences. The Langham Hotel has its own health club and spa, featuring a gym, indoor swimming pool and massage and treatment rooms.

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Ambassadors Hotel in london info and pics

From its relatively quiet location just off Cromwell Road, the London Underground rail network at Gloucester Road and Earls Court, is just a few minutes walk away, giving quick and easy access to the City, Chelsea Football Club at Stamford Bridge and also London's Heathrow Airport.


Within the Hotels vicinity are the main exhibition centres of Earls Court and Olympia, making these centres easily accessible for those on business as exhibitors or visitors.

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Airways Hotel London pics and info

The Airways hotel is a basic bed and breakfast in Victoria, approximately 10 minutes walk from London Victoria train station (With Gatwick Express train to Gatwick airport). The hotel is a short distance away from Buckingham Palace and Westminster Cathedral, Royal Chelsea Hospital and Tate Britain art Gallery. Customer comments include - small, outdated fittings, not very clean but a good location and cheap rates.

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ABBEY COURT HOTEL LONDON info and pics

The Abbey Court Hotel London in Bayswater, is a tourist class hotel located in one of Central London's central locations with easy access to all famous attractions and yet in a quiet tree-lined avenue of Sussex Gardens.

The Abbey Court is in Bayswater, a central district of London in the postcode W2 area. From here Oxford Street is a 15 minute walk whilst across Hyde Park is the fashionable area of Kensington and High Street Kensington. Just 10 minutes walk away

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My Favorite Find!

Have you ever seen a GIGANTIC PINK French paper mache pig before? I hadn't...tee hee. I was perusing an antique show and this enormous pig stopped me in my tracks! This life-size (5 ft. tall) paper mache pig is from France, c. 1930's. I just had to buy it.

The brass plaque reads, "Je Donne une Truffe Mettez 1 fr, 'I give a truffle put 1 franc." The humorous twist being that hunters in France used pigs to sniff out truffles. But, from what I heard, once the pigs found them, they ate them!

Originally mechanical, the head of this pig would nod and the truffle would come out between his legs. The mechanics are not original but still work if plugged in. Hilarious to see the head bob. I'm guessing that this was in a shop and that some sort of candy/chocolate probably came out. I doubt it would be truffles, as in mushrooms, don't you?

Wouldn't this be a "show stopper" display piece for a specialty food store or candy shop? Heck, I'd like it in my living room!

So, what a fun find for me (and my friend that I bought it with). It's for sale here on 1st Dibs in my friend's shop...

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Shaftesbury Premier London Paddington, info and pics

The Hyde Hotel, a 4 stars Invitee Advance, is only 2 minutes from Paddington position, Hyde Explorer and uncommunicative to Metropolis Roadworthy and Bayswater Way. Set rearward in a cloistered tableland. The Hyde Hotel is reachable via all prima routes in and out the courageousness of Writer.

All the flat are non-smoking and the hotel itself is completely non-smoking.

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The Shaftesbury Hyde Park Paddington hotel london info and pics

The Shaftesbury Hyde Park Paddington hotel london, a 4 Star Guest Accommodation, is all new fully refurbished as a boutique hotel complete with the luxurious features that our clientele demanded. Each new room has been lovingly graced with the comfort of mood lighting, Internet access, bathrobes on request, and more. Combined with comfortably sized public areas, the Premier bar, & restaurant, the Hyde Park Paddington Hotel provides the haven in central London for both the London traveller and business persons.

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grand royale london hyde park hotel pics and info

A ascending success of the Shaftesbury Hotel compendium sort and share of the Shaftesbury Hotel Tangled Hyde Arena - Bayswater. The holding is fully non-smoking and fresh refurbished with peer matter and wedge bedrooms. The Shaftesbury Royale London Hyde Park is placed within 2 mins travel indifference from Queensway subsurface post as wellspring as Bayswater facility. Paddington Cylinder Rank and Lancaster Conduit Station are set within close distance.

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Belgravia Rooms in london cheap hotel pics and info

Belgravia Rooms offers 54 grade and cheap hotel rooms in 3 chic 'townhouses' on the said section of Ebury Street in the stylishness amidship London area of Belgravia.

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Ashburn Hotel in london pics and info

This stylish, new boutique hotel in Kensington is accessible for the famous museums on Ironsides Moving, the Albert Adventurer, Hyde Park and shopping in Kensington and Knightsbridge.


Ashburn Hotel is also good settled for Earls Move Accumulation Point and Gloucester Roadworthy Tube Installation.

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Royal National Hotel info and pics

The Royal National is a destination in itself,with bars,restaurant,bowling,health club, and much more.This hotel is London's largest,sleeping over 3000 guests.

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The Euro Queens Hotel in London pics and info

The Euro Queens Hotel in London is located near the Selhurst Park, home of the Crystal Palace Football Club ground and the historic treasure, the Crystal Palace Theme Park. This hotel is an ideal base to start exploring the rich history of the South of London..

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What's Your Favorite Film?

Audrey Hepburn & Grace Kelly with their Oscars
photo: Hulton Archive / Getty Images

Are you ready for the Oscars on Sunday night? The red carpet, lavish gowns, outrageous jewelry and long speeches. All part of the extravaganza!

Did you know that the 1st Academy Awards ceremony was held Thursday, May 16, 1929, at the Hotel Roosevelt in Hollywood to honor outstanding film achievements of 1927 and 1928. It was hosted by actor Douglas Fairbanks and director William C. deMille.

Frank Sinatra- 1971
photo: Hulton Archive / Getty Images

I thought it might be fun for us to share our favorite films...

My all time favorite film is the Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, 1972. Yep, our dog Vito's namesake is Don "Vito" Corleone. Oh, and I mustn't leave out Godfather II as a runner up. Godfather won an Oscar for Best Picture, as well as many other Oscars. Godfather II was was the first sequel in Academy history to win a Best Picture Oscar. Classics. I'm so twisted, I know most of the lines from both movies!

So, what's your favorite film?

Do you have any picks to win the Golden Statue on Sunday?

So, grab some popcorn, get comfy, pop open some bubbly, and enjoy the Oscars on Sunday! See you next week!

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The Paris Issue

Every year I look forward to Romantic Home's April issue, which is fabulously French! I'm flattered to be included in the latest issue among these fabulous bloggers who have a love for all things French.



There is Mimi Charmante, whose blog is filled with the most beautiful eye-candy and interesting stories. Mimi's Etsy shop of "lovelies" offers vintage & handmade items, as well as her own beautiful photography.

Leeann of Fabulously French, is based in France (lucky girl), and takes you along on her journeys, from sharing stories of her shopping excursions, to just the simple pleasures of living in France. She also has an online shop, Fabulously French, which is fabulously French!



Tara Bradford of Paris Parfait is an American living in Paris who offers a romantic take on life from the City of Lights. It is one of the most informative, beautiful and interesting blogs for you Francophiles. A must read!

And the fabulous Vicki Archer of French Essence, who lives between London and Saint Remy de Provence in Southern France. You may know Vicki from her books, My French Life or French Essence. Her fascinating blog takes you on an awe-inspiring journey. Rather than me talking more about it, you should go visit for yourself!

What a thrill to be included among these wonderfully talented ladies. And special thanks to Jacqueline at Romantic Homes! There are many more fun features for you Francophiles, so be sure and pick up a copy of the April issue!

A bientôt!

photos from Romantic Homes Magazine

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