garden romance

I just love the sculptural qualities of these well-manicured gardens. I found these images torn out from an old issue of Elle Decor, and just had to scan them, to share with you. How I would love to stroll through those magnificent hedges, with my darling, and maybe even get a bit lost together....

outdoor living

Although summer is winding down here in the States, I know those of you living in warmer climates will be spending lots of time enjoying the outdoors, for a while longer. So here is a little outdoor living inspiration for you. I'm hoping to be to returning to Australia, in a few months, to be with my fiance, when it will be summer there, --and nice and hot! (Too hot, really!)

savoring summer

To enhance your enjoyment of this last hurrah of summer...Here is a recipe for mojitos (found here).


Mojito

Ingredients

• Ice
• 6 ounces light rum
• 12 mint sprigs, or spearmint, 8 roughly broken apart
• 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• Club soda
• 4 slices lime

Directions

Place ice in beverage shaker then add in the rum, 8 broken up mint sprigs, lime juice and sugar. Shake well and serve over ice in a high ball glass. Top off each glass with a splash of club soda.

Garnish each with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint

Living in Provence

I have been going through books which I left at my mom's house, before I went to Australia to stay with my boyfriend for eight months. Now I'm back in America, and sorting out some things, namely getting a visa to go back, among some other important matters.

I found a big Taschen book called "Living in Provence" which is full of gorgeous photos of homes and gardens. Coincidentally, I had read the book "A Year in Provence" by Peter Mayle while traveling from Australia to the U.S. The story provided a perfect escape from the boredom of flying for nearly 23 hours!

Seeing the photos in this book, I can really imagine being in Provence. It is such a huge heavy book, I know I can't afford to ship it to Oz. So, I scanned my favorite images. Thought you might enjoy seeing them.

Bella Pollen's English Country Home & Garden

When I saw Bella Pollen's country house and garden in the English countryside, featured in Vogue, I just sighed at the beauty and serenity of the place. How I would love to be transported to the garden, for a long stroll, or stay a weekend in this gorgeous home. I love the wildflower garden and the house's airy feel, elegant proportions, and tall windows. Looks like heaven to me!

purple day

(find cupcake recipe here)

(find it here)

(find it here)

(find it here)

(find it here)

I've got this dark purple jersey infinity scarf that I've been wearing a lot lately. There's something about its drapiness and softness which always feels cozy, and dark purple is a color I never seem to tire of. So I'm in a purple mood today.