Sunday, April 24, 2011

SMILES OF ITALY

One of the things I enjoyed doing on our
trip last year to Italy was to take pictures
of the various people we met.
We met so many nice smiling people I wanted
to remember.  When I asked them if I
could take their picture they beamed.
You visit museums, see fabulous landscapes,
eat wonderful food and drink great wine,
but it's the people you meet that make for
a memorable trip.
How could you resist these three sisters
who came to work with their Mother
at the Campo de Fiori market in Rome.
The barrista's who
served my favorite cappuccino


These girls from the Dominican Republic
who are going to college in Rome were
fun to be with.

Window shopping in Rome I was drawn to
this contemporary furniture store and this
nice lady gave me a tour.





My favorite morning stop at the Campo de Fiori
bakery.

In Sicily we were having a glass of wine
 in a little enoteca where we met this
very cute lady.  She had the best laugh I wish
I could have recorded it.  We didn't understand
what she said but we knew it was funny.

You get the feeling people enjoyed what they do

Giving a tour of a winery

Or selling candy


He made our lunch special


We even got smiles from the animals


Everywhere we went




And special friends





It's full of worth and goodness too,
with manly kindness blent,
It's worth a million dollars
and it doesn't cost a cent.
            Let us smile.


Saturday, April 16, 2011

DECORATE WITH CARE AND JOY

"I love to create a warm and welcoming environment
for my family and friends."  This is a quote from
Hilde of POM POM INTERIORS , you know
what a true statement this is when you go
into any of her three stores.
The store on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica
has a lived in elegant look that's relaxed
and casual.
From the moment you walk into the front door
you feel as though you have entered someones
cozy beach bungalow.




Hilde is also the owner and creator of
POM POM AT HOME the fine linen
line I represent.  Her goal is to create products
that fill you with delight and bring you that
little touch of luxury that makes life just a
bit more pleasurable. This is very apparent 
throughout the store.




Anna the manager of the store also
has a gift for display. Her attention
to detail always with a passion for beauty.





I really like the covered porch and outdoor
garden area.




Beautiful living is practical living.
                             Hilde Leiaghat

Sunday, April 10, 2011

"ARTE POVERA"

While in Italy last year we had the pleasure of
staying at the charming country bed and breakfast
Ca' del Cardo  Here we were introdued to
"arte povera" (poor art) furniture.  This means
those pieces of furniture built single handed
by country craftsmen in the past two or
three centuries. Since  the countrymen were very
poor (so the origin of the name) the furniture
favored functionality and the needs of
the owner.
 Carlo and Donatella our 
hosts are lovers of this style and have
used it thoughout there home.
They custom designed these pieces
to best suit their needs.

This kind of furniture was spread all over
the Italian territory, found in the cellars and
lofts of the Tuscan and Umbrian country
houses and it defined a sheer style of
simple easy shapes.  50 years ago
this furniture was cheap and easy to find,
but the growing interest created a demand.
Now it is not easy to find authentic pieces,
but if found the cost are high.
Now expert craftsman in the northern part of Italy
have reproduced a selection of these classics.











Using reclaimed wood
these pieces are designed with function
and ease in mind just like the originals were.






This is one instance where the past
can be recalled.  If there is an interest
I would appreciate your comments.