Gloves

Posted on Nov 16, 2017 in All Blog Posts, Fashion

Gloves

“Like most little girls, I found the lure of grown-up accessories astonishing – lipstick,    perfume, hats, and gloves. When I write female characters in my historical novels, getting these details right is vital.” Sara Sheridan Winter is slipping through the cracks in frosty gusts, as we rush to retrieve scarves, hats and gloves to keep us warm and snuggly. Nothing feels quite as sensuous as slipping into a pair of leather gloves lined in cashmere. Yum! An exquisite pair of gloves peeping from a Christmas stocking will surely be welcomed, and often the first gift put to good use. Over...

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Texas & The West

Posted on Jul 15, 2019 in All Blog Posts, Travel, USA

Texas & The West

We’ve traveled through Kansas and Oklahoma in our sojourn west, and I’m sure a few Texans are wondering when we’re going to give a tip of the ten gallon to the Lone Star State where The Stars at Night are Big and Bright. (Sorry, couldn’t resist. Did you know there are 100++ songs devoted to Texas? from Abilene to Amarillo, Big D to Brownsville, Galveston to La Grange, Luckenbach to San Antonio…Texans love to sing about their state!). There’s just so much to see and do there. If ever you find yourself in Texas, I’d strongly recommend a road trip of this fantastic state. Some...

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Botanical Beauty

Posted on Apr 15, 2019 in All Blog Posts, Botanical

Botanical Beauty

The season of growth and reawakening has arrived. A time when the sun warms both the earth and our spirits, and drops us at the doorstep of restoration. Gardens have for centuries nourished and sustained, inspired and enriched our spirit. They provide both playground and classroom for endless learning. From Buitchart to Boboli to Shalimar Bagan, from Versailles to Villa D’Este, from Giverny to Exbury and beyond. We’ll focus less on the manicured masterpieces of world renown, and instead spotlight the simple pleasures we can all enjoy.   As far back as 450 B.C. the book of Ecclesiastes...

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Think Pink

Posted on Mar 20, 2019 in All Blog Posts, Fashion

Think Pink

Once upon a time long ago in a land far, far away known as Dallas, there lived a beautiful young girl named Brandes (rhymes with Candace) who adored the color pink. From the tip of her little knit cap to the bows on her teensy slippers – pink. Her jammies, blankie, teddy bear, and bedroom – pink; her petticoat, sweater, suitcase, even her Christmas stocking – pink!  Methinks perhaps she was on to something and wise beyond her years. Tailors and couturiers have known for eons that the rosy hue flatters everyone, men and women alike, enhancing every skin tone. (Ever seen Oprah in raspberry?...

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San Francisco II

Posted on Feb 28, 2019 in All Blog Posts, Travel

San Francisco II

“Leaving San Francisco is like saying goodbye to an old sweetheart. You want to linger as long as possible.” Walter Cronkite And linger we shall…with so many marvels to explore, the city requires an extended visit. In San Francisco I we found handkerchiefs that were virtual tourist guides, amassing dozens of highlights on a single canvas. The colorful compilation below has so much to say it has to start listing locations! Note the Fog is featured in its own special corner. Truly the mercurial mists are part and parcel of the city’s character, as so many visitors have declared. “We’ve never...

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