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Showing posts from May, 2012

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents EYE CANDY PART 8 / Day 5 --...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents EYE CANDY PART 8 / Day 5 --... : imagecourtesyhousebeautiful Peeps, Before we step out of this beautiful entry and into summer, I'd like to remember all the fallen s...

The PEEPSHOW presents EYE CANDY PART 8 / Day 5 -- MEMORIAL DAY 2012

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imagecourtesyhousebeautiful Peeps, Before we step out of this beautiful entry and into summer, I'd like to remember all the fallen soldiers who fought to ensure our freedom, as well as to pay tribute to our armed forces who are bravely serving in foreign lands.  Whether or not we agree with the decisions for having American troops engaged in warfare overseas, or the purposes, or the desired results, we applaud their efforts and commitment, as well as the families who patiently await their return.  On this Memorial Day, I'd also like to remember the hundreds of thousands of persons who remain behind bars without access to legal counsel or the opportunity to redress past alleged violations;  many are denied the possibility of parole for transgressions which are at best morally, ethically, or legally questionable.  It's no secret that individuals from 'minority' groups account for a disproportionate percentage of the convicted; what's less known is that the

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents EYE CANDY PART 8 / Day 4 ...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents EYE CANDY PART 8 / Day 4 ... : imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelinesblog Peeps, The cool of the past weeks has been replaced with hot days and in the garden-beds unwa...

The PEEPSHOW presents EYE CANDY PART 8 / Day 4 --

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imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelinesblog Peeps, The cool of the past weeks has been replaced with hot days and in the garden-beds unwanted vagrants have proliferated with a vengeance.  Pity the lazy gardener who avoids digging out every last bit of quack-grass and crab-grass; seemingly overnight snake-like joints burrow through every inch of soil in search of new residence.  Fortitude, sun-hats and tall glasses of lemonade are required, as is the wisdom to sensibly retreat once the clock's hands hit noon.  Back to back DVR'ed episodes of The Killing or Throne of Crowns will prove more enjoyable in the cool of the den. Michael S. Smith, designer to the Obamas and countless other celebrities, aptly demonstrates why Elle Decor named him 2003 Designer of the Year, and Architectural Digest included him in the ' AD 100  ' roster.  He describes his style as 'updated traditional,' and and excels at blending vintage, classicism and contemporary elements for a l

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents EYE CANDY PART 8 / Day 3 ...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents EYE CANDY PART 8 / Day 3 ... : imagecourtesybijouxandbohemeblog Peeps, While my preference in a place of repose runs to dark and moody in the style of Caravaggio ...

The PEEPSHOW presents EYE CANDY PART 8 / Day 3 --

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imagecourtesybijouxandbohemeblog Peeps, While my preference in a place of repose runs to dark and moody in the style of Caravaggio or Bacon ( less   Basic Instinct,  more Blade Runner ), today's interior is quite sweet and certainly captures the spirt of the season.  Who among us can resist a four-poster bed piled high with pillows; a cozy chair perfect for the morning paper, and a center-table painted the color of a Caribbean boat-hull and suggestive of Bermuda (or Belize).  Truth be told, the vase of flowers probably clinched my selection of this particular image, as I find hydrangeas irresistible and can't wait for my bushes to burst forth in all their glory.  After a good night's sleep, I'll head out in the morning to the garden for an hour of two of solace, undisturbed but for the early birds who lately have been having a feast on the fruit of the serviceberry trees, just beyond the reach of Lady Emblom's over-sized kitty named Sausage, who regretfully

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOw presents EYE CANDY PART 8 / Day 2

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents EYE CANDY PART 8 / Day 2 : imagecourtesyvintageandchicblog Peeps, How often do we have the opportunity to splurge, and then splash contentedly afterwards?  An ...

The PEEPSHOW presents EYE CANDY PART 8 / Day 2

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imagecourtesyvintageandchicblog Peeps, How often do we have the opportunity to splurge, and then splash contentedly afterwards?  An outdoor shower at the edge of the garden for rinsing au natural during the summer months comes close, as does today's visual treat which I've envied and wished were mine.  I'm going to paste this photo in my inspiration folder and integrate into my dream home--you know the one that involves an old stone-house surrounded by 25 acres of lush plantings which I'll barricade from roving deer and prying eyes through tall fences and dense hedges of pyracantha and holly and barberry.  And with little persuasion, a gurgling fountain to be placed in the center of boxwood parteres where I can listen to its melodic song all through the day and night. Today during the brief rain-storm I had the opportunity to sneak away from the usual requirements of a working day, and so drove over to visit The Banana Tree Imports pop-up shop.  This temporary

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents EYE CANDY PART 8 / Day 1

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents EYE CANDY PART 8 / Day 1 : imagecourtesypinkwallpaperblog Peeps, Oh, oh!! Who could have imagined that brass handles could still look so 'just right' and fly i...

The PEEPSHOW presents EYE CANDY PART 8 / Day 1

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imagecourtesypinkwallpaperblog Peeps, Oh, oh!! Who could have imagined that brass handles could still look so 'just right' and fly in the face of popularity which deems brushed nickel, rubbed bronze, and stainless steel almost mandatory for any design project currently under consideration or construction.  Like fashion, home furnishings and decorative accessories transmute through cycles of desire and disdain, and pity the man (or woman) who is caught late jumping on the party-wagon, or unaware of the end of one trend and the emergence of its successor.  Smart interior-designers suggest that before leaping into the pool of conformity, spend an afternoon or two at the library reading up on the history of design where it becomes easily apparent that irrespective of any epoch's 'look', the tenets of warmth, comfort, and appropriateness should guide the decorative process of one's home.  While conducting 'research' (best undertaken in an easy-chair,

The PEEPSHOW CELEBRATES THE 2ND SEX (FINALE)

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photoelizabetaporodina Peeps, How do we satisfactorily close this week's series entitled ' CELEBRATING THE 2ND SEX, ' devoted to the all the wonderful women in our lives?  Hopefully on a high note, that's all I can wish for from the blog readers who life in such faraway places like India, Singapore, Russia, and that enthusiastic group who hails from our backyard, Canada.  Fiercely charismatic Hilary Clinton receives kudos for bringing back a certain gravitas to the post of  Secretary of State  (bare-faced and all); my days would not be as challenged or enriched without the broadcasts of NPR host Diane Rehm, who continues to deliver the best of talk radio from 10 to 12--bar none.  And, besides unsung heroes (or heroines) such as nurses, nannies, and teachers who are expected to give unselfishly and without reserve, folks such as the cleaning-crews who head out after normal business hours to mop/vacuum/sweep/wipe-down the offices until clock-out at 1 or 2 am; the

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW CELEBRATES THE 2ND SEX / Day 6 -- A...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW CELEBRATES THE 2ND SEX / Day 6 : imagecourtesyandreaguitterez.com Peeps, Anyone who has the courage to jump ship from: working for the Man/getting by/sitting it out/ ...

The PEEPSHOW CELEBRATES ANDREA GUTIERREZ L.A.

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imagecourtesyandreaguitterez.com Peeps, Anyone who has the courage to jump ship from: working for the Man/getting by/sitting it out/ whatever, I need a paycheck/just doing what I have to do/putting in my time until retirement, and so forth, should be commended; and the entrepreneur-inclined among us should be twice saluted and given seconds of bubbly for having the sheer audacity to forge their own path in spite of innumerable obstacles which loom even larger in this time of a sluggish market, greater competition, and tighter credit access.  In exchange for full autonomy, one gets to play all roles of a business company without the satisfaction of an assured income, or the periodic pep-talks from a 'concerned' supervisor whose interests may differ markedly from yours--or the employer's bottom line which can run contrary to your ethics or sense of purpose (in life). Thirds of bubbly and heaped spoonfuls of caviar for women who bravely charge against the walls of sex

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: THE PEEPSHOW REMEMBERS DONNA SUMMER

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: THE PEEPSHOW REMEMBERS DONNA SUMMER : imagecourtesytheprophetblog Peeps, I've been more forgiving of my tendency to disengage than perhaps I've been of others who do ...

THE PEEPSHOW REMEMBERS DONNA SUMMER

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imagecourtesytheprophetblog Peeps, I've been more forgiving of my tendency to disengage than perhaps I've been of others who do the same.  Yet, in other ways I demand more of myself than is perhaps necessary, or healthy; but this probably true of all of us.  Over the years I've flirted with the notion of attending a concert of my favorite music performer (and diva), namely Donna Summer, and upon hearing the news of her passing today, the matter is now closed, yet not entirely satisfactorily.  For reasons many of us can understand, re-experiencing the music of one's teen years brings us to the place where the past and present collide, or at least hustle across a frenzied dance-floor.  Perhaps, in once again listening to the melodies that accompanied the passage of one's formative years, the unchecked and unfiltered memories that rise from the depths of history can be disconcerting.  For in the place between lyric and melody when one is unguarded and vulne

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW CELEBRATES THE 2ND SEX / Day 3

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW CELEBRATES THE 2ND SEX / Day 3 : imagecourtesyindigenousdialogues Peeps, Perhaps because of a heavy demand, or a shortage of that particular DVD, I waited quite a lon...

The PEEPSHOW CELEBRATES THE 2ND SEX / Day 3

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imagecourtesyindigenousdialogues Peeps, Perhaps because of a heavy demand, or a shortage of that particular DVD, I waited quite a long time for it to arrive, and if at risk of sounding almost cliched, it was worth the wait.   The Stoning of Soraya M. , director Cyrus Nowrasteh's drama based on a true story about the stoning of an innocent woman/wife/cousin/niece/neighbor/friend in the rural village of Kuhpayeh, is shocking for its realistic portrayal of a marriage where a husband plots with the local mullah to have his wife falsely accused of adultery in order to divorce her and marry a young girl.   Rather than have to bear the financial burden of maintaining two households, Ali (the husband) fabricates an alleged affair.  Soraya, her aunt, (and I believe that most of the Western world) are surprised (and shocked) once it is explained that in this particular system of law, if a man is accused of infidelity by his wife, she must prove his guilt, but if a woman is accused, s

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW CELEBRATES THE 2ND SEX / Day 2

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW CELEBRATES THE 2ND SEX / Day 2 : photokacperkasprzyk fordazedandconfusedmag courtesyarch/dez/art Peeps, In response to numerous inquiries today, this week's blog se...

The PEEPSHOW CELEBRATES THE 2ND SEX / Day 2

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photokacperkasprzyk fordazedandconfusedmag courtesyarch/dez/art Peeps, In response to numerous inquiries today, this week's blog series is inspired by the book entitled The Second Sex written by French existentialist Simone de Beauvoir, and released to critical acclaim in 1949.  It is a work in two volumes (the first entitled Facts and Myths , and the second, Lived Experience ) about the treatment of women throughout history, and is regarded as a major treatise on feminist philosophy, and considered by many as the starting point of 2nd-wave feminism.  Having studied this particular book under the guidance of Dr Debra Bergoffen, I've kept my copy, and frequently turn to individual passages when I try to understand the justifications given by some politicians regarding their attempts to limit the autonomy of women, especially in the area of reproductive rights, and wage equality.   In part two of the first volume, "History," Beauvoir states that two factors wh

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPS SHOW CELEBRATES THE 2ND SEX / Day 1

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW CELEBRATES THE 2ND SEX / Day 1 : illustrationceciliacarlstadt viabijouxandbohemeblog Peeps, Even after the bouquets of vibrant roses have faded, and the carefully f...

The PEEPSHOW CELEBRATES THE 2ND SEX / Day 1

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illustrationceciliacarlstadt viabijouxandbohemeblog Peeps, Even after the bouquets of vibrant roses have faded, and the carefully folded stacks of greeting cards have begun to yellow, moms (and sisters and sisters-in-law and nieces and girl cousins and grandmothers and stepmothers and indeed all that belong to the fairer sex) still should be celebrated and honored for their contributions, of which perhaps foremost is the ability to bear offspring, although not limited to this, foremost and singularly.  While the numbers of women who enter the workplace has significantly increased at this time, sadly, a significant pay gap still exists between female workers and their male counterparts, even if performing the same tasks.  Jobs performed largely by women, such as child-rearing, house-keeping, teaching and nursing, secretarial and lower-to-mid level white collar jobs, rarely command the respect and salaries attributed to more male-dominated arenas such as banking and accounting,

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW celebrates MOTHER' DAY 2012

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW celebrates MOTHER' DAY 2012 : imagecourtesybijouxandbohemeblog Peeps, It would be fair to say that those of us fortunate to have our mothers still in our lives, a...

The PEEPSHOW celebrates MOTHER' DAY 2012

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imagecourtesybijouxandbohemeblog Peeps, It would be fair to say that those of us fortunate to have our mothers still in our lives, are infinitely blessed.  Others, perhaps not so fortunate, live with memories.  On reflecting upon my vocation of creating interiors and gardens, full credit must be given to my mother for fostering a deep appreciation for the aesthetic, even if at times during my teenage years it all seemed like a tiresome burden.  While other kids seemed to have the entire length of summer vacations for innumerable games of soccer or bike-rides that stretched endlessly, my all too-brief break from the monotony of high-school invariably involved a summer-redux of our home in which walls were dusted and cleaned in preparation for painting (perhaps done every 2nd year to coincide with some ancient ritual I've yet to discover).  All the furniture had to be polished, window-treatments carefully washed and repaired, mattresses aired, and rugs beaten with brooms and

The PEEPSHOW presents VISIONS OF BEAUTY, PART VII / Day 5

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imagecourtesyweheartit viadelectable-collectibles/indigenousdialogues Peeps, It seems that less-enlightened voters in North Carolina have won the battle, but may have lost the war for marriage equality, and inherently full civil rights for certain individuals (and groups) who have yet to be accorded all the rights and privileges guaranteed by our Constitution.  I admit that last night I felt quite discouraged and disappointed upon learning that Amendment One had passed by a 69-31% margin.  It was disturbing to read that over four million registered voters choose not participate in the civic process, and 1,303,876 persons voted for Amendment One.   While I acknowledge that exit-polls reveal that many folks did not fully understand the ramifications of amending the state's constitution to define marriage as only between a man and a woman, being informed is not terribly difficult in this, the information age.  Sadly in many areas, slick politicians practicing divisive ta

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents VISIONS OF BEAUTY, PART VII ...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents VISIONS OF BEAUTY, PART VII ... : imagecourtesyathoughtfuleye Peeps, We all wait anxiously for the results of North Carolina's vote on Amendment One.  Today, the nati...

The PEEPSHOW presents VISIONS OF BEAUTY, PART VII / Day 4

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imagecourtesyathoughtfuleye Peeps, We all wait anxiously for the results of North Carolina's vote on Amendment One.  Today, the nation and the rest of the world gets the opportunity to see how 'admirably' the democratic system works; perhaps future generations will look quizzically, or disbelievingly, upon this occasion where the rights of some individuals can be upheld or dismissed by popular vote, sort of like a contest for the most popular movie, or a surreal version of The Hunger Games , or a Shirley Jackson novella best left unspoken. On Wednesday, North Carolina, or more specifically Charlotte, steps forth into the national spotlight again.  The BofA (Bank of America) shareholders' meeting is scheduled for 10am in the BofA Center Auditorium, and protest groups comprised of community, labor and religious activists plan to demonstrate their dissatisfaction at this prominent bank, considered responsible by many for the unprecedented rate of foreclosures, th

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents VISIONS OF BEAUTY, PART VII ...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents VISIONS OF BEAUTY, PART VII ... : imagecourtesyjjjjound Peeps, I had the pleasure of visiting Charlotte (NC) this past weekend, and in the true spirit of South...

The PEEPSHOW presents VISIONS OF BEAUTY, PART VII / Day 3

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imagecourtesyjjjjound Peeps, I had the pleasure of visiting Charlotte (NC) this past weekend, and in the true spirit of Southern hospitality, the Queen City did not disappoint this weary traveler.  Having the good fortune of mild temperatures, long walks through lovely gardens abundant with ferns, roses, azaleas, magnolias and irises were made even more memorable under the gaze of the fullest moon this side of the hemisphere.  Not unlike Williamsburg (VA) and our local regions, boxwood shrubs were quite plentiful, as were colorful placards on almost every front-yard, either in support or in opposition to Amendment One, scheduled for a public vote tomorrow.  My hostess proudly pointed out the nays outweighed ayes, at least in the more civilized and enlightened parts of the state -- with the exception being counties to be found in that particular intersection of bible belt and gun belt, allegedly located down in the 'south-eastern bit.' And irrespective of wherever

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents VISIONS OF BEAUTY, PART VII ...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents VISIONS OF BEAUTY, PART VII ... : imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelinesblog Peeps, Nothing comes quite close to the delight and joy one experiences upon entering a truly b...

The PEEPSHOW presents VISIONS OF BEAUTY, PART VII / Day 2

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imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelinesblog Peeps, Nothing comes quite close to the delight and joy one experiences upon entering a truly beautiful residence.  Comfortable furnishings, wonderful art, and innumerable objects of varied interests:  these are the hallmarks of a well-furbished home where both heart and soul is satisfied; and undoubtedly the mind is too stimulated, as evidenced by those wonderful little things that we call books, here fetchingly abundant.  The debate still continues as to whether the printed book is obsolete, a casualty of modern technology.  Yet bookshop owners report brisk sales, although now to a highly-select clientele who value the stimulation of all senses offered by those wonderful little things we call books.  I confess to a passing interest in the apparent ease, and attraction, of the various electronic reading-devices currently on the market; still, I savor the anticipation of peering into limitless universes, found tucked between front cover and

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents VISIONS OF BEAUTY, PART VII ...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents VISIONS OF BEAUTY, PART VII ... : imagecourtesyelementsofstyle viamynottinghillblog Peeps, My quick trip to visit family in Florida was wonderful, and made even more e...

The PEEPSHOW presents VISIONS OF BEAUTY, PART VII / Day 1

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imagecourtesyelementsofstyle viamynottinghillblog Peeps, My quick trip to visit family in Florida was wonderful, and made even more enjoyable by the cool rains that swept through day after day.   It seems that tropical plants can reach fence-height overnight, and breath-taking nests of brilliantly-colored orchids literally crowned every tree within sight.  Body-surfing down at South Point was out of the question, yet watching back-to-back episodes of Mad Men and Spartacus while sipping colorful concoctions of imported spirits kept the adrenaline pumping, as did late night dancing at Gaby's Lounge (on Pines Blvd in Pembrooke Pines).  As usual the house-band tore it up as the enthusiastic crowd screamed for more!! Glad to be back home, and the daily routine of work, the garden, and reading all the posts from the wonderful folks on social media sites.  I've planned lots of articles for next week on some of the many inspiring individuals I've met on FB, so please stay