jilldupre'design

Costa Rican adventure. Mardi Gras break 2012.

2012-03-05T22:11:00.004-06:00

First stop, 3 nights at the El Silencio resort near Sarchi. In the cloud forest of Costa Rica.

This place was awesome. Beautifully quiet and scenic views. I loved this little rock garden outside the main lodge.

Our room had a porch overlooking the landscape with great birdwatching. See Josh below.

One of the main reasons I liked this resort was because of all the waterfalls on the property. We hiked to all three with this one at last.

Gorgeous.

So much wildlife and exotic plants. This vine was called Hot Lips.

We had an outdoor hot tub and the spa was very nice for a massage (after all that hiking). El Silencio is considered an EcoHotel and it did not disappoint. We had a personal EcoConcierge who helped us every day with our activities. There was a chicken coup for eggs, cooked at our morning breakfast. (Mathilda happily got up each morning to collect them.)

They had an organic garden as well, if you wanted to pick some veggies for your salad.The onsite trout pond was stocked for your dinner meal. (The kids caught these 4 very easily)

One day at El Silencio, we took a day trip to the Arenal Volcano area for ziplining and a visit to the hot springs at Tabacon. Jimmy, our driver, stopped off for some snacks on the way.

And Mose found this snack, yet not quite ready for eating.

We had a great view of the Arenal volcano from La Fortuna, where we stopped for coffee and bird books.

A pretty little church in La Fortuna.

Jimmy knew of a guy who owned a small nature preserve near the zipline and with an hour to kill, we checked it out. Most people who know us, know we are birders, some (Mose/Josh) more than others (me). A highlight for me-the none bird watcher- was this amazing hummingbird's nest. The eggs were the size of jelly beans. So cool.

We also saw this little Blue Jean dart frog. Sweet.

There were some very big iguanas at our next stop.

The zipline was crazy fun. The highest and longest in Costa Rica. With 8 lines over and through the rain forest. It was awesome. It rained on us, as well, so we got the full effect. Here we are in the tram that takes you up.

The kids hanging on. It was sooooo fun!

On the fourth day we hopped a very small plane to Drake Bay, which is on the Osa Pennisula in the southern Pacific area.

We stayed at another EcoResort called La Paloma Lodge. It was very special. High on a cliff overlooking the Pacific. Lush and secluded.

The beach at La Paloma.

Outside our room, the Capuchin monkeys would come in the mornings and evenings and use our roof as a shortcut to the apples they wanted. So cute. Mose also spotted a sloth up there.

We took a boat out to see some marine life.

We caught up with 3 humpback whales, a large turtle and some dolphins.

The beach and resting spot in the Corcovado National Forest Ranger Station.

We went on a great hike here to a couple of waterfalls.

We could rely on Mose for super fast creature identification. We made a list of all the birds and animals, reptiles, etc that we saw. Over 50+ varieties were documented. Including howler monkeys, spider monkeys, macaws, sloth, spotted dolphin, Olive Ridley turtle, Great Kiskadee, Yellow Crowned Night Heron, scorpion, trap door spider, White-nosed Coati, Long-nosed bat, headlight bug, fireflies, Gaudy Leaf Frog, Green Shrike-Vireo, Blue Morpho butterfly and tons more.

On another tour we went snorkeling at Cano Island. Mose is an excellent shell collector. He has an eye for the special ones, which he found for me, in large quantities.

I called these the umbrella trees. An unbelievably tall, thin trunk with a perfect umbrella canopy. Very dramatic.

On the Osa. Josh heading over a hanging bridge over a beautiful stream. We kayaked it one day.

I had arranged with La Paloma to do a little community service while in Drake Bay. We brought supplies to make our famous pipe cleaner bracelets and keychains with the kids studying english at the local lower school. We had a great time. We left them with markers, color pencils and other supplies, as well.

Mathilda teaching english.

With the teacher and a couple of students in Drake Bay.

I just loved the amazing flora. Everything was oversized. Red banana here.

Big smile, bigger leaf!!

Next we hopped another plane to Tamarindo to visit our friends, the Koerner's, who live on the beach near Playa Grande. On the northern Pacific coast.

The beach and the boogie boarding at the Koerner house was fabulous. The first night sunset with Jackson and Chase.

To my delight I found tons of Mermaid's Trumpet shells on the K beach.

And Mose lost his head:-D

The mornings at Playa Ventanas were equally as wonderful. We walked with Gumbo and Lily,

while throwing the football to check out the tidal pools.

The low tide left the rocks with tide pools to be discovered. One of my favorite things to do is hunt tide pools. We found sea urchins, sea slugs, lobster, tiny fish, etc.

And one very big fish, ha:)

We all got in a surf lesson.

With lots of time for more boogie boarding.

And hanging out with Louis and Louisita (aka Chase) at Lola's on Playa Avellanas beach.

On our last day, the Koerners and their friends took us out on a catamaran for snorkeling and sunset sailing. It was a perfect day with rum punch and tacos.

It was a fan-tastic trip (sorry:). Exotic and exciting.

Pura Vida.

The end:)

Haiku's from Mathilda in honor of Mardi Gras missed.

2012-03-03T10:37:00.000-06:00

She has inherited my love of haiku's. Here are a few I really like.

Make music appear
as they march closer in a
line. To throw their gifts

Thick outstretched rough arms
reaching too high. Clutching beads
with gnarled fingers

Friends turn over chairs
as they reach up for cold beads.
Colors cheat their eyes

New Anthropologie finds.

2012-03-03T09:52:00.001-06:00

This Ellery chair is so great. Love it in the dining size and bar height. Perfect to mix with white. I could use another dining chair???

I adore anything Origami. This coffee table, with glass top, is my favorite kind. The glass doesn't hide your cool rug underneath.

Small I Pillow from artist Draga Obradovic at Anthro. Love everything she does. Sublte, but strong.

Happy Valentine's Day 2012!! My favorite day.

2012-02-14T15:57:00.003-06:00

This is a video I made about family and love. Such a wonderful year of smiles and hugs.

I had some friends come over for coffee, sweets and Valentine's making. It was great fun.
Carrot cake cupcakes. Yum.

Cookie hearts for my dearest.

The Valentines are ready.

One for my sweet love. As I said to him this morning, forever is not long enough :)

And for my little bunnies, when they were just widgets. I heart U.

Inspiration. From Estemag online magazine.

2012-02-08T15:29:00.000-06:00

Texture happy with black. Perfect combo + orange.

The over dyed rug here in pink.

The chalkboard strikes again. Still love it.

http://www.estemag.com/

Josh has a day.

2012-02-06T10:45:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday my love.

Since Josh is not the cake kind of guy. We bought him a hunk of cheese for his candle aka sparkler.

Birthdays always happen.

2012-02-06T10:40:00.001-06:00

Thanks goodness for that.

My birthday was great this year. It started with a bunch of sweet cards from my family. My Mom always sends 2 or 3. Mose called me swaggerrific. MJ wrote me a haiku. My favorite, though, was from Josh. It said, You remind me of the planet, as you get older, you're getting hotter :)

We had lobsters for dinner. My fav.

And Mathilda made me a cake. Very simple chocolate whipped creme tart. 2 pans of chocolate cake. Whipped cream and cheery filling in the middle and on top. Delicious.

It was my lucky day. I have had 17,155 lucky days so far!!

Jillsroom. Before and after.

2012-01-26T10:05:00.001-06:00

A small stool mess.

The perfect dinner perch.

San Francisco Fun.

2012-01-22T22:19:00.003-06:00

Josh and I took advantage of a Saints playoff game in SF to enjoy some great food with friends and family and a little r&r.

Getting off the plane in SF. Fox 8 sports talking to Josh about the game. Camera hog.

First stop was Swan's Oyster Depot. Amazing oyster's, crab salad, chowder, herring and more.

Our room at Hotel Vitale on the Embarcadero had a view of the Bay Bridge. Lovely.

Pre game farmer's market visit, where our friend and food blogger Pim of Chezpim, was selling her award winning jams.

Game day at Candlestick. Tailgateing with fellow New Orleanians. Josh getting into the mood with a quick game and pose. Heisman.

Popeye's represented.

We got on the field for pre game and saw up close the Saints' game faces. Love me some Jimmy!!

It was a crazy game and ended as a true heartbreaker. This photo says it all.

We made it out of there with our lives. (Actually we had a pretty good experience with the 49ers fans.) And headed to Nojo in Hayes Valley. An awesomely delicious and very interesting Japanese tapas/skewer restaurant.

We did some sight seeing, SFMOMA (great Richard Serra show) and some shopping around.

Love this advertisement.

On Sunday we headed down to Los Gatos to eat at Manresa. Josh's best buddies 2 star Michelin restaurant for an amazing meal. You must eat here before you die.

David at the bar.

An egg dish like nothing you have ever had before.

We headed south to Santa Cruz to hang out with Pim and David for Monday. The Dream Inn on the beach was a great stop for us.

All in all a FANtastic trip. Game aside:(

Ultimate hangout.

2012-01-20T18:13:00.001-06:00

Thinking of the Herrington house here. Oodles of black and white bean bags. Please say yes!

Mose's birthday party. 12 years.

2012-01-20T18:00:00.000-06:00

Mose had a party to go along with his birthday. It was at the Great Lawn in City Park, one of our favorite places to spend some time together. Here he is with a few buddies. playing football.

He wanted a cookie cake, so we made one. He helped and it was way better than any store bought cookie cake for certain! BO$$

With the candles. To another year:)

The 2nd in my quest for a miracle. Azulene Calming Mask

2012-01-12T10:20:00.000-06:00

Only kidding, but time IS my enemy at this point in my relationship with my face. I love this mask so much. Made by Mario Badescu. It is light and tingly and makes my face feel amazing!! Also available at my local Earthsavers.

What's in my cart?!?

2012-01-10T17:02:00.001-06:00

A rug to cozy up to as the height of winter sets in. Souk rug at West Elm.

Kjoo necklace. I love her things so much. I buy them as gifts, but thinking about my own birthday coming up...

The Labyrinth pillow by DwellStudio. For a client's banquette.

A winner!!

2012-01-09T18:14:00.001-06:00

Josh's horse Alaco Castle ran in a race last Friday night for the first time since his injury last year. He won!!! Josh is overjoyed to say the least, and Sonny too.

New fabric love.

2012-01-04T15:07:00.000-06:00

I just received this beautiful linen fabric from Nancy Straughan on Etsy. It is so amazing, I can't wait to make some pillows or poufs or Widgets with it!!

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-02T18:11:00.002-06:00

We had a great New Year's Eve in the hood with 3 parties- including kids. The Florence's had a live singer songwriter and violinist with the best Cusimano veggie lasagna on the table. Second, a fresh sushi making fete at the Levine's, with a piano player and lots of champagne. And the third and final, at the amazing Herrington mansion with Curry pork tenderloin, fireworks, sparklers and all the trimmings. A great new year is ahead, indeed.

Mose hits midnight with a load, honking noise.

The kids got into the new year by banging pots and pans.

As the night ended and we headed home, the neighborhood church at Grand Route St John was just getting started. We ducked in to check out a song and it was a rocking gospel good time. Happy 2012!

Mose is 12!

2011-12-31T17:02:00.004-06:00

My man Mose turned 12 this week. I can't believe it. He is a very cool guy and I love his passion for things (usually the opposite from everyone else) and his kind heart (especially among those less fortunate:)

His day went a little like this. Stack of presents in the morning.

He shows us the money.

Lunch of tacos.

Afternoon of spending shown money at Academy and Sports Authority. Dinner of sushi. Brocato's for ice cream and the customary birthday song. (Football party to come next weekend.)

The last night of Hannukah was on his birthday, as well. So one more present for Mose. Love u man.

Holiday treats!

2011-12-27T12:27:00.001-06:00

Almost every year I try to make holidays treats for teachers, friends, neighbors, etc. My mom has always made (many) of these candies for the holiday season. I enjoy baking very much, and so I love the process and the packaging fun. Here are a few pictures and recipes to try.

Santas Whiskers are my favorite, mostly because they are so easy to make. For any occasion, as a hostess gift, school party, etc.

recipe:
1 package Butterscotch morsels
1 can chinese noodles

Put morsels in a ceramic or glass bowl, put in microwave for 1 minute. Stir. Put back in micro for about 55 seconds more. Stir. Keep stirring until smooth. Pour noodles into bowl. Stir to coat noodles with melted butter scotch. Drop on wax paper. Let harden. Yum.

Chocolate Coconut Balls. I always find myself going for these. They are additive. They consist of melted chocolate morsels, pecans, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, mix, cool, roll into balls while soft and then into sweet shredded coconut!!

Most Hannukahs I make this fun take on the dreidel. Kisses, marshmellows, pretzel sticks, white icing as glue, blue icing for letters. Let's hope you don't get NUN. Ha, Ha!

The Divinity Fudge

This recipe is pretty difficult, I've only been making these for a few years. I loved these so much when I was a kid. Soft Ball... Hard Ball...Very exact. But so worth the effort!!

The Hello Dolly.

This one was not in my mother's repertoire. But I like these for their ease. And you can add anything into them you like.

I use:
1 cup whole oats
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup pecans or walnuts (or whatever nuts you have around;)
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt (I add a little more)
5 tblsp butter melted
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
Here's where you add whatever else...

Oven at 350. 9 inch metal baking pan, lined with tin foil and buttered. Toss all the dry stuff together in a bowl. Beat egg, butter and vanilla in another bowl. Add to dry mix, stir and pour into pan. Pat and cook for about 25 minutes are until brown on top.

This year we made something for our friends, canine friends. Peanut butter honey dog treats. It was a lot of fun! Mathilda and her friend Gabby did most of the work.

We gathered all the goodies into take out containers.

Added some ribbon and custom printed tags. And off to deliver.

The dog treats were separated into their own bags, so not to be confused.

My perfect Lipstick.

2011-12-27T11:26:00.000-06:00

I am not a big cosmetics person. But as the birthday's continue to accumulate I find myself searching for things to help lesson the gravitational pull. This lipstick is all I could have asked for. By Kaplan MD and found at my local Earthsavers, LIP20, has spf 20, moisture therapy, hyaluronic filling spheres, and twists open for easy open and close. Not a bargain, but worth every penny in Sheer Berry Shine.

Holiday Market 2011

2011-12-20T17:10:00.001-06:00

Once again I hosted a Holiday Market at my house a few weeks ago. It is always an awesome time, with great deals and amazing works of art and gifts. This year, MJ and I made some softies, called Widgets. She worked the room and sold them all. (30 or so) She did a great job. Here are a few of the Widgets and Mathilda at her post. Toys for Tots received 10% of sales.

Also showing her work was Helene Florence. She had some beautiful shirts and accessories made from vintage kimonos.

Alexa Pulitzer was once again showing the best paper products at great prices. Love her notecards!

Rebecca Rebouche' was there this year with some always lovely paintings and hand sewn art works. You can also see Rebecca's work exclusively at an Anthropologie near you.

I love the tree plates so much and have one hanging in my bedroom:)

Lorena of the De Petra jewelers was at the show this year and their things are gorgeous and so interesting. It was hard to choose just one!!!

Seema from Liamolly was again doing a brisk business in the back living room with her knitwear collection. So creative! One day very soon, she will be knitting her sweaters here in New Orleans!!

Trashy. Very trashy.

2011-12-16T22:31:00.000-06:00

Oh, the crazy emails I get. This was one of the latest offerings from one of those online home discount sites. A vintage- for lack of a better, more polite term- asshole trash can. I just love it!!!

Kitty love. Twice.

2011-12-09T23:28:00.000-06:00

Well, I guess it had to happen eventually. Mathilda has been begging for a kitten for some (12 months) now. A tiny kitten came out from under the neighbors house a few months ago, but went back under after a few days. (Which I quickly thanked God for) The kids named it Tangerine. But he was not seen again. Then on Monday, this same cat came back out from under the neighbors house and up onto our porch and into our now cat's bed, and hasn't gotten out since. Needless to say, MJ has been feeding him and holding him, and begging to keep him, etc. I am still holding out hope he will go back under the neighbor's house again, but we may have a new member of the Esplanade gang.

Sunny, aka Pickles, aka Tangerine, aka Pippen, seen here loitering in Sia's bed.

The Kitty Pod Geodome. Possibly Sunny's new pad.

Widget World.

2011-12-05T12:31:00.002-06:00

When my kids were little I referred to them as widgets, just some little creatures that made me laugh and surprised me with funny noises. As they have grown into teenagers I still refer to them as widgets because they do, sometimes, make me laugh and they definitely make funny (louder) noises.

Mathilda and I started making these "widgets" recently as part of our ongoing doll making adventures. (teaching her how to sew in a fun, creative way). We call them widgets (see above) and they will be available to purchase at my annual Holiday Market on Sat.

Mathilda has come up with names for all of them and stories about their widget lives.

So much to be thankful for.

2011-11-29T15:08:00.004-06:00

As the Thanksgiving holidays have passed. I reflect on how lucky I am to have 2 wonderful extended families to enjoy. Which I enjoyed, very much, this holiday weekend.

I always marvel how my Mother continues to create. As a kid I remember the holiday season very fondly. In her heyday, she had decorations in every room. Yes, even the bathrooms. Really. (Mostly which she made herself) While visting over Thanksgiving, the kids and I got to help decorate her tree. Some shots of her (and our) handiwork here.

Her extensive collection of Santas on the mantel.

Her handmade miniature beaded Christmas tree. Amazing.

MJ loading up the tree. I remember lots of these ornaments from years gone by.

Mose enjoys each and every one.

The creativity extends to my sister, Dawn, who made this nativity from wool. Love it!

The collection of Santa's helpers is impressive, as well.

My Mom embraces the fact that we are Jewish, in my family, and proudly displays Mathilda's popsicle stick star of David on the tree.

These are truly the show stoppers. She makes these carolers from glass bottles, foam balls, dip'N'drap and misc. notions. The front teeth are pin heads in different sizes. Magical!

And, of course, a stocking for each grandchild.

She is Mother load!

At the Houston Mayers we celebrated mostly around the gorgeous dinner table (or in front of a football game:) Eric watches the guest of honor, Mr. T.

The glasses are filled.

Linda, Peter and Josh looking for seconds.

The spread.

Eva Jane has Mr. T's leg all to herself.

I happen to be a big fan of the Jello mold. Especially orange ones.

Isabelle and Dottie talking about world issues or belly buttons.

Josh, Eric and Sam. Ready for dessert or maybe some badminton is in order.

On a scale of 1-10? This holiday was a...

From the sign on the 10th floor hotel room at The Derek in Houston :)

Boards in the studio.

2011-11-29T14:32:00.000-06:00

Boys woodlands bath.

Owl bath mat from Urban.

Master bedroom mix.

My obsession with Rex Ray continues. Now in pillow form.

Boys room for a fun guy.

With my favorite ferris wheel mural.

MacBrief MacBeth

2011-11-28T13:40:00.000-06:00

Mathilda was witch 3 in the Lusher Drama Troupe's Fall performance of MacBrief MacBeth. She did a great job, as did the whole cast, costumes and set design.

The witches were so scary!!!

Chalk board on wheels!!

2011-11-28T12:59:00.000-06:00

You all know how much I love chalkboards. Every where. Well, Mose and I found this one on something unexpected. A truck parked outside the Lowe's. Mose says, "Well, if it rains, they just draw a new one". That's what I love about chalk! (and Mose)

Halloween 2011

2011-11-22T16:57:00.000-06:00

I just made it home in time to go out for Halloween this year. Caught the earlier flight from Miami. Here is what I found. Tilda and taco.

Our Cuban Mission in pictures.

2011-11-07T18:36:00.002-06:00

Josh and I were lucky enough to be involved in a religious mission to Cuba recently. What we learned was these people are hard working, friendly, extremely creative, unbelievably industrious and hopeful. They do not cook spicy foods, most do not have cell phones and they sustain a life on very little outside help. They believe in education for everyone. But a bellman makes more in a day than a doctor does in a month. I left with a great sense that the new leadership is helping them become a more modern independent society, little by little.

Che' is everywhere.

His monument is as big as he is.

The cars are insane. Every American model pre-58. In all shapes and sizes and varies states of decay. Josh channels Dean Martin in front of one at the Hotel Riviera.

This one in Trinidad was waiting for the wedding party inside the church.

On the way to the beach, in our 37 Ford convertible.

The red Chevy took us around Havana.

Lots of other transportation is available in Havana.
Street cab/bicycle.

The bubble taxi.

And in the countryside. The horse draw taxi.

The buildings are amazing. All, as well, in states of decay. But just beautifully colored with paint, or graffiti or laundry.

A home in the very poor interior. Walking his goat.

Ahhh, yes the graffiti and the art in Cuba was pretty amazing. I was very excited about seeing it and it did not disappoint. So much. Just a small collection here.

Yes, Josh and I purchased some art, too.

I heart Cuba!

We went to the Cuban Ballet. So perfect. The music monotone and repetitive, but to see what the dancers could do together, how chaotic, but united. Was Cuba.

I guess you can't be a tourist in Havana and not go to the Tropicana. So, we did. I did not have very high expectations, as I have been to the Krewe of St. Ann in the French Quarter at Mardi Gras, most of my adult life. I have seen many queens in very little clothes with extra large headdresses parade around to music before. But, I have to say, it was a great time and great show. Bottle of rum for everyone.

The street music in Cuba is astoundingly good. There was always a group in every restaurant we went to. Playing the crowd and selling CDs of their music. Josh became a favorite among them for purchasing said CDs. Probably because he was such a willing participant. Needless to say, we came home with a fine selection.

Guitar Hero of Cuba.

A few of my favorites of people and places and street life. Increible o Fabuloso!

The beach at Santa Maria. 20 minutes outside Havana. Totally untouched.

Teri T takes it all in.

Vegetable street vendor in old Havana.

Street parade. So patriotic.

The kids are dressed in colored uniforms by grade level.

Men and their chickens.

The baseball park, where Cubans get together and debate American baseball. Josh gave out baseball cards one day.

Waiting for the party.

Baskets for 2 Cucs.

Josh's cigar friend.

Cuban McDonald's.

This way.

A rainy colored day.

The Jewish cemetery in Santa Clara.

View from the Revolutionary Museum.

The Cuban bus stop. No bus is coming. but hopefully there will be a cart or bicycle willing to take them where they need to go.

At the Jewish Tempe in Havana.

Work, study, defend.

The funniest thing our guide said when we asked where we could get a Cuban Sandwich was, "In Cuba, it's just called a sandwich." Josh having one here.

Viva Cuba!!

Loving this sconce for my ship captain client.

2011-11-07T11:29:00.000-06:00

The Knotty Bubbles Sconce.

Bat Mitzvah miscellaneous.

2011-11-03T09:55:00.003-05:00

We had a photographer shoot the Bat Mitzvah. And since I was too nervous to do much. I don't have many photos of my own of the festivities. But I scrounged up a few to share here. A wonderful time. Very special and touching.

Friday night leaving the house, with Bob and Mathew.

After the Sat. service with friends outside the Temple.

Photo by Kimaree Long

At the party. Flying high.

Doing the Hora dance. Flying higher!

Photo by Brian Burkey

Some sweets for the sweet girl.

The MJ.

Sunday brunch. Mose and Eleanor check out the Taco truck!

Mathew and Kyle enjoy a taco or 2.

My favorite. From the photo booth. Just pure joy with her friends. What it's all about :-D
Mazel Tov!!

I laugh.

2011-11-01T09:32:00.000-05:00

At my daughter :)

Mathilda's video we played at her Bat Mitzvah party!

2011-10-19T14:16:00.001-05:00

Congrats MJ!!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Booties, booties, bat mitzvah.

2011-10-10T14:20:00.000-05:00

I have been shopping lately for Bat Mitzvah clothes.( One of the many pluses to staging such a wondrous event). But, I have found myself obssesing over shoes called "booties" that are not really suitable for temple attire. I guess I'll have to just go rogue.

Alba booties from Anthropologie. Look they are a color besides black!

Julienned booties. Love u!

A girl's room in blue (ish).

2011-10-10T12:16:00.000-05:00

West Elm bubble side table. Great texture for any room.

Jonathan Adler's Brasilla side table.

Zimmer Seafood!

2011-10-10T12:04:00.000-05:00

At a recent Lusher swim meet in the Lakefront Arena, we "Yelped" this restaurant nearby and were extremely pleased to find some amazing seafood there. Fresh boiled crabs, stuffed crabs and marinated crab to name a few. Po boys and all other yumminess. Awesome find. Check it out.

Mathilda has her first "friend" date.

2011-10-10T11:59:00.001-05:00

Mathilda was invited by a family friend (8th grader) to the Jesuit homecoming dance at the Superdome. She was a little intimidated, at first. (which was the word she used in the text that came once she got there) but ended up meeting a few cool girls and then saw a couple other friends she knew. She had a great time with Jasper. So cute. Wrist corsage and all. Oh my, my...

Wood and white are on my radar.

2011-09-28T21:07:00.000-05:00

Excel double wall sconce from Ylighting

Eames molded plastic armchair in white. Winner every time.

Weego classic bunkbed option. Nice!

Mindfulness.

2011-09-23T13:11:00.002-05:00

I love this excerpt from a book my friend, Becky's, mom sent me. It's about doing the mundane things that make you crazy, like laundry, but says embracing the mindless can give you mindfulness? Hmmm... I will never look at a basket of laundry the same.Thanks, Cook

Nothing is worth the measure we give it, because worth doesn't really exist. It is a figment of our judging minds, an imaginary yardstick to measure the imaginary value of imaginary distinctions-and one more way we withhold ourselves from the whole enchilada of life that lies before us.

If nothing is worth it, why cook? Why shop and chop, boil and toil, and clean up after? To engage yourself in the marvel of your own being. To see the priceless in the worthless. To find complete fulfillment in being unfilled. And to eat something other than your own inflated self-importance. That's what we empty when we empty the bowl, and a busy kitchen gives us the chance to empty ourselves many times a day.

PS. I still don't like laundry!

Lusher Sea-Lions!

2011-09-23T12:51:00.000-05:00

Mathilda is on the Lusher swim team again this year and she is having a great time. Back is her stroke!

I love how they write things on each other. Eat my bubbles!!

OMG!!! Rex Ray!!

2011-09-21T17:38:00.001-05:00

I tell you, I died when I saw this new line of wallpaper from Flavor Paper. One of my favorite collage artists. I have one of his tiny pieces and love it! But look. You can now fill your whole wall with Rex Ray.

My must have. Timborana.

So fun for a little girls room!! Nazereno.

Family room's continued.

2011-09-21T17:30:00.001-05:00

More from the design salon...meaning my guest room bed :)

The Joslyn is a floor lamp. Mega!

Jonathan Adler's new Ulu table.

Kippah for MJ.

2011-09-20T15:37:00.000-05:00

I have been working on this needlepoint Kippah for Mathilda to wear on her Bat Mitzvah day. All done on my end, now Crafty Needle needs to block and line it.

I officially converted to Judaism on Friday and thought I would share my short speech. I was very emotional, but made it through without crying or throwing up.

2011-09-20T15:08:00.000-05:00

Sh'ma Yis'ra'eil Adonai Eloheinu Adonai echad.

When I was a kid, for many summers, I would spearhead a carnival in my front yard to benefit the Muscular Dystophy Association. I have a friend who has this disease. I vividly and happily remember the porch stage we set with sheets for the play, the balloons blown for popping, the swimming pool duck pluck and the little tickets we made and collected. I also remember standing in the middle of my town‘s main street with a smile and a can collecting change for Jerry’s Kids and enjoyed being a counselor at the MD camp for many summers. I did not know one Jewish person until I went to college. I had noticed then, that Jews were very kind, very confident and funny. And I adored every one I met. So, when I met my husband Josh and married him, I knew I wanted to be Jewish, I knew it felt right for me, but I never really knew why, until I met the Mitzvah and the Tzedakah. I realized then that even if I didn’t have the history of the suffering of the Jews in my DNA or all the hoildays quite figured out yet. I did know about Mitzvah’s, I had started them early in my life and enjoyed every moment of the giving. And what I thought was especially amazing was I didn’t have to wait for some afterlife to feel the happiness or joy associated with it. That an anonymos act of giving or kindness in this life was a Jewish tradition I could call my own. A reward that had no fear attached to it. The mitzvah to me, is what religion is all about. Now, I can’t quite remember which holiday is a Kugel holiday and I don’t get the yiddish words right at all. But I can organize a fundraiser and make sandwiches for the homeless. And I do make a pretty tasty latke. And I want to be a Jew because my family is Jewish. Because I love the traditions and the sybolism and two zoo zim, of course. And because the tradition of Tzedakah is so powerful, I can’t think of a better way to teach my kids about caring and giving of oneselves and putting the other guy first, every day. I love the belief that all earthly possessions belong to God and that one's worth is measured in mitzvot, not in material goods. I realized why I liked every Jew I met. Because they had Tzedakah in their homes and in their hearts from the beginning. They had a Josh and a Mose and a Mathilda and an Opa to help foster peace in the world and I am happy and honored to become one of them. Shabbat Shalom.

What I'm loving today. Texture and motion.

2011-09-19T19:06:00.000-05:00

Rocking sconce from Caleb-Siemon.

Cool spatter painted wall from Lonny Mag.

LSU vs Oregon

2011-09-08T13:53:00.000-05:00

We went over to Dallas for the LSU vs. Oregon game in the newish Dallas Cowboy Stadium. First of all, that stadium is amazing. Feels like you are outdoors in the daytime because of all the windows, also feels like you are on the field when you walk in. And the jumbo, megatron screens are just beast.

You may be wondering why Mose is not in Purple and Gold, but in Green Duck attire. He is an Oregon Ducks fan and has been for some time. You would have to ask him why? But, it has something to do with Jeremiah Missoli. We got these tickets from a Ducks fan, as well. But, as you all know my MJ and my Tigers prevailed and so the story ends for this week.

We had a great time hanging out in the sunny Dallas W hotel.

Saw some family, did what Dallas does and shopped, checked out the Genghis Khan exihibit in Irving, had Mexican food and most interestingly, went to Medieval Times. Ha! Crazy fun!

From my favorites folder.

2011-09-08T13:35:00.000-05:00

Dying for this chair from Anthropologie. Although, already a gone pecan:(

Love the Juju headress.

For the perfect powder room. The Morphing Console by Kos.

So Mose needs a suit for MJ's Bat Mitzvah.

2011-09-08T13:26:00.000-05:00

I don't think he likes this one :)

A couple of walls I love right now.

2011-08-18T22:32:00.000-05:00

In a tween boys room I designed.

First day of school porch pic. 2011-12

2011-08-18T22:20:00.000-05:00

I never dreamed this would happen so soon.

Both in Middle School at Lusher.

Swoon at NOMA.

2011-08-18T22:14:00.001-05:00

The Thalassa exhibit at NOMA by Swoon. A Graffitiesque artist. The kids and I thought very cool.

My baby girl is 13.

2011-08-18T22:10:00.000-05:00

Mathilda is a teenager now. I love her anyway.

A unprecedented away from home birthday party at the J.

There was lots of diving.

A Smiley cake.

Handmade party favors. Backpack name chains.

Totally cute. (boys)

And lots of friends having fun.

Sweet Pea gets blogged.

2011-08-08T22:56:00.002-05:00

I sent in this photo, that Pim took, of Sweet Pea in her favorite waiting spot by the window. She made it into Designtoinspire's Pets on Furniture Monday.

Cape Cod to finish out the summer!

2011-08-06T22:19:00.003-05:00

We drove over to Cape Cod after camp pick up. Had some great weather. Lots of fun with the Mayer and Bernstein families and tons of adventures.

First day canoe fishing with giant night crawlers for bait. Fish love 'em.

All shapes and sizes represented.

MJ gets in on the action, as well.

Even some surf fishing happening.

We had some yummy meals with the family. Here's a typical Cape lunch. Little necks, lobster rolls and clam chowder. Oh yeah!

Mathilda and I had a surfing lesson. She's a natural.

Sam, Eleanor and Joey were there for us to love. Lucky us!

Wednesday is clamming day in Wellfleet and Josh, Mose and MJ got the best of a very hidden bunch of clams. Thanks to Mathilda's lucky rock:)

Gideon and Nancy brought June, Ginger and Holly to join us for a few really adorable days.

Ginger catches her first fish, with many more to come.

Holly and Mose hung out.

Ginger and Holly fancied the worms.

And Mose and June conversed on the allure of fishing.

MJ gets some hugs.

Eleanor and Holly happy together after a swim.

There were a few dune hikes. This one at Duck Harbor.

And near P Town.

The biggest fish was caught by Eric out in the ocean. Striped Bass, I believe. Yeah baby. Josh cooked it up for dinner with a slightly smaller one, he reeled in.

Great rock searches.

Toni and David got in on the fun at Gull Pond. Taking the kayak out for a spin.

Gathering together for a sweet photo.

Perfect in every way!

A few mood boards I'm working on today.

2011-08-06T18:23:00.001-05:00

A family hangout.

Ikea's Tirrup chair. Seen in both boards here. It swivels!!

Another kids hangout, but for the smaller set.

Tree bookcase from Nursery works. Perfect place for all those sweet books.

Another great year at Keewaydin and Songadeewin!

2011-07-29T22:40:00.001-05:00

We had a great time hanging out with M and M for a day of activities and songs. Truly an amazing place for my kids. Old school tripping, self esteem building, goal setting, making friendships that last and a really wonderful independence that shows.

Every year at pick up, this is the moment I look forward to at Songa. MJ's sprint across the field for our first hello after 4 weeks.

The hug is pretty great.

And the kiss, too.

Mathilda with her BFF Claire.

Canoe demonstration prep.

Songa silly.

Under the birch tree and maple keepsake made in arts and crafts.

With cabin mate Veronica.

Saying good bye to staff Julia.

The happy reunion at Keewaydin.

A hug from Dad.

His wrestling K. Very proud!!

With buddy Milo!

Showing Gary and Carlos how it's done. (Carlos's dad and Josh were campers together:)

Hanging with New Orleanian Jasper.

Saying goodbye to Tent 9.

Feeling happy today. And quite smiley.

2011-07-27T12:03:00.000-05:00

Smiley pouf from Calypso Home.

Love, love this pillow!

A kippah we are looking at for MJ's Bat Mitzvah :-D

While the kids were at camp this year, and in honor of Josh and his BFF David's 50th year, we headed down to the Bahamas Eleuthera Island.

2011-07-17T19:37:00.003-05:00

Pink sand and every color of blue water. Scrabble and Dark and Stormy rum drinks. Lots of driving, tennis and mosquitoes. Snorkeling with orange and purple sea anemones and eating conch fritters. An awesome trip with great friends.

Birthday boys.

We hung out on the beach at The Cove. We had a great spot up on the point with an awesome view. The caribbean beach quiet and cool with fantastic snorkeling right off the beach.

David and Pim at the Rainbow Inn. Listening to Dr. Seabreeze (Lenny Kravitz's friend) play his guitar songs of caribbean tunes.

This was the view from the Glass Window bridge. Where the Caribbean and the Atlantic meet.

We went to the "interestingly weird" and dry island of Spanish Wells. Yummy spiny lobster at The Gap restaurant. No rum, so we got out of there pretty quick :)

The houses on Eleuthera are all painted amazing colors and perfect combinations. A few favorites here.

The Bahamian people say there are more churches than people on Eleuthera. We found that to be true. All were genuine jems.

This one in Governors Harbor.

James Cistern.

Spanish Wells.

All types of gospel going on. Here in Harbour Island.

In Gregory Town.

Ahhh...the Goombay Punch, mon. What better to go with my pineapple rum for the Goombay Smash!

Bahamas for home.

Pim and David waiting for the water taxi to Harbour Island.

On Harbour Island we ran into some friends, Steve And Tamarin at the Queen Conch. Most of the trip we were looking for the elusive Conch Salad. Said by the locals to keep the bed rocking. We finally caught up to some in Harbour Island.

Steve and Tamarin.

David checking out Queen Conch doing her magic.

At last. Conch Salad!! Amazing.

The way you travel on Harbour Island.

A local girl with her snacks.

The beach at Harbour Island.

Drinks were had at Sip Sip in HI. The masks were carved from old buoys found on the beach. Love!! Have one!!

There are tons of roosters and chickens in Eleuthera. Crazy. There are bumper stickers that says, Take Your Rooster To Eleuthera :-D

One day Josh and I set out on our own. We headed to Tippy's in Gov. Harbor for lunch.

A sea snail on the beach at Tippy's.

A walk together on the pink sand. My favorite pic from the trip.

Conch art.

David and I got to hang 10 at Surfer's Beach. Well, it was pretty rough. I would say I got to hang 5.

Surf report.

As usual, my version of Bahamian graffiti. Signs everywhere.

So, the funniest and most endearing thing about the Bahamas was when we asked for something, like, "Do you have any conch salad, the answer would be, "Yes, but not today!" I am definitely trying this when my kids get home. Never so no again!!!

A perfect trip and, as always, many wonderful moments spent with my love.

Camper updates.

2011-07-11T22:16:00.000-05:00

Some photos found on the Keewaydin/Songa website.

Saturday Spectacular!!!

Cave hike.

Letter writer.

Fourth of July with the girls.

Mathilda leading her pack of the year 2006.

Mose in the 2007 line.

MJ and Mose together again.

Tent practice. Ready for tripping.

Games of some sort at Songa. MJ second from left.

Tennis.

Cabin night.

Tent 9.

New and cool at Anthro.

2011-07-11T22:03:00.002-05:00

The round Moroccan style rug.

32" paper flower Rhododendrum chandelier.

Cork ball trivet.

Camp is great! Absence makes the heart grow fonder?

2011-06-30T23:16:00.000-05:00

I took the kids up to Vermont for camp. But first they had to give Sweet Pea a big hug good bye.

They were very excited to be there. And I was happy guilty.

Mathilda in Iris this year.

The annual on-the-bed pic.

New dining hall at Songadeewin. MJ impressed with the moose.

At Keewaydin, Mose was very happy to have Buddy, his wrestling coach from last year, as his staffman in tent 9.

He is very ready.

Every single time. Air travel is truly an amazing thing!!

2011-06-30T23:01:00.002-05:00

Bored 11 year old boy and an old can of spray paint.

2011-06-30T22:59:00.000-05:00

I had to laugh.

Hanging with the Italian family.

2011-06-30T22:57:00.000-05:00

My sister and her kids came to hang out with us for awhile in New Orleans. Always love having them.

We visited a few of my favorite places. Including Lillette, Octavia books, Dirty Coast, The Bead Shop, Amusement Park at CP, The Galley for the most delicious crawfish hands down and more pictured here.

Hansons snoballs. Satsuma amazing!

Dragos for grilled oysters. Peter joined us for these!

The Sculpture Garden at City Park. Lovely as always.

Brocato's for Baci. My Mayer niece Eleanor was in town and I was hoping for a love connection b/w David my Dupre nephew????

Dawn's BFF Mitzie came to visit. She just has great chi.

Made a few good ol' American pastime visits. Baseball at Carrollton.

And Parkway for alligator Po' boys. Just right!