Midsummer traditionally pays tributes the writings of Shakespeare. I think it is a perfect time to catch up with the writing of special notes to dear friends and family. During December, quick notes are just that – quick notes. Some … Continue reading →

Generations of lovely sugar bowls have held sweetness within each of the vessels while being passed to sprinkle joy from our hearts. What a thoughtful design to have two handles to pass amongst guests. Some sugar bowls have lids and … Continue reading →

Delightful summer moments include an outdoor concert picnic. It is a relaxing time to brush up on the classics or popular music repertoires. Many universal musical terms are in Italian. Just as I learned French, I found it was easier … Continue reading →

Lollipops are not just for sweet-tooth pleasure. Lollipops enhance entertaining versatility as hors d’ oeuvres. Lobster lollipops are a summer favorite and lobster preparation is so easy. Some prefer to begin with lobster tails that are pre-frozen. The tails are … Continue reading →

Graduations are celebratory and after all of the excitement graduates need to have something to ease the transition from before to after. Offer an After-Graduation Make-Over Party. Arrange for a hairstylist, make-up artist and nail professional to work during the … Continue reading →

Ballet motions of arabesque to penchée demonstrate some of the keys to ballet’s longevity. The beautiful linear lines are stretched to the depth of one’s capability. Ballet is not a lost art; rather, it is a vital cultural trifecta: classical … Continue reading →

Mom will love a Mother’s Day theme that features a French outdoor cafe and the movie industry. Once a year, the Cannes Film Festival is celebrated in the picturesque city of Cannes on the Mediterranean Sea. One can pose on … Continue reading →

As the temperature outside increases, so does our desire to enjoy coastal pleasures. Sausalito in the San Francisco Bay Area offers such a nautical emersion. Enjoy a sailing vessel showcase while indulging in maritime moments . An afternoon in Sausalito … Continue reading →

Arbor Day is April 26 and since I was a child, I have always thought that trees have personalities. As with people, I admit that I have my favorites. Some trees hold special memories such was my maternal grandmother’s peach … Continue reading →

It is a delight to host a retro revival of a favorite dish from a past era. Do you remember Coquilles St. Jacques? Every fine dining establishment in every major city in America once offered its version of the scallops … Continue reading →

Michael and I have traveled to Vigo, Spain and tasted fresh sardines. Vigo is a charming sea town on the northwestern coast in the Galician region. Vigo is known for its sardine canneries and when reading a sardine can label, … Continue reading →

When our daughter was young, we encouraged her to explore art history by picking a favorite artist and a favorite painting. She selected Claude Monet’s “White Turkeys.” While visiting the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, it was a delight to follow … Continue reading →

Consider hosting an Easter afternoon tea. The timing easily follows church and an Easter egg hunt. An afternoon tea offers the culinary flexibility to design each platter of food with creativity and a colorful design. Ice bowls can be molded … Continue reading →

Dust off your beach shoes and welcome spring with a refreshing walk by the sea. The tactical camaraderie of seabirds will fascinate even the most dedicated dreamer. Seagulls are the sunrise warriors who are so keenly observant as they search … Continue reading →

The luck of the Irish has long been associated with the wearing of green. My mother is a professional artist. Truly, before I learned to properly use silverware, she taught me how to mix colors on an artist’s palette. When … Continue reading →