Blooms for the Winter Blues

 

I'm in desperate need of a reprieve from winter! Thank goodness warmer weather is apparent! It is difficult to believe that this gorgeous wintry wonderland  our city has become, will eventfully emerge into greenery and blossom in a few months time. 

 

I've filled the house with the floral scent of Jo Malone's 'Orange Blossom' candles and have been taking a look back at my photos of local gardens in summer; as well as some bountiful blooms from our vacations over the past few years - has been very therapeutic! (Please take note, these are my original photographs!)

 

Can you guess where these locations are? See the answer key at the end of this post...

 

 

 

Winter has taken hold all over the globe it seems!.....

 

~ Wishing you warm and sunny days ahead! ~

 

 

From the top: Our back garden, Calgary; Holborn, London; St. James's, London; Lougheed House, Calgary, ; Colony Palms Hotel, Palm Springs; Bistro Jeanty, Yountville; South Beverly Hills, Los Angeles; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam; Rosendahl Palace, Stockholm; Memorial Park, Calgary; Botanical Gardens, Sydney; Reader Rock Garden, Calgary.

 

Accessorizing the Bathroom

 

Of all the hotels that we have stayed in, probably my favorite bathroom was in Hotel Yountville, in California's Napa Valley area. It's rustic glamour fixtures and finishings offered instant comfort after our drive from the airport.

 

Beautiful accessories such as a lantern, petite metal trays of cosmetic luxuries and hand towels tucked-away in a lovely basket. These are small touches that one could easily add to their own home.

 

 

I like the idea of arranging small soaps, lotions and potions on a metal tray; especially when guests are expected. Placing a tray or basket of towels on the vanity is a welcoming and luxurious touch.

 

 

 

I especially like the blending of polished metal and iron finishes (or oil-rubbed bronze would work). Mixing two finishes looks far more interesting than having everything match in the same finish.

 

 

~Will you be sprucing-up your bathroom this weekend? Or is it already gorgeous like this one?!~

 

 

Wine Country Highlights

A last look at California's wine country before we surrender to the snowy season upon us. Hope you're inspired....

 

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead. If it's turning colder where you are - snuggle up!

European Retreat - In Napa Valley!

What a spectacular week we had in the charming town of Yountville, in California's romantic Napa Valley region! Our hotel, 'Hotel Yountville', had a very suitable new French country theme as the town of Yountville is home to such restaurants as The French Laundry and Bistro Jeanty. The hotel grounds, common areas and rooms are done in a relaxed-glamour style. If you're looking for a luxurious get-away in the region, this is definitely the place! Some more pictures of the property...

The bathroom in our suite was stunning and will get its own post. It's a perfect design if your'e building or renovating a bathroom in the new French country style! More to come!

Happy Friday!