September is California Wine Month

02 Wednesday Sep 2015

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Hi friends, I know I’ve been absent. I will try to be better with the season change. Somehow I feel more creative in the cooler months, does that ever happen to you? Thanks for your patience and I’m so happy you’re here. I miss you guys when I’m not around.

September is California Wine Month. {Who knew?!} One of the jewels in the crown of this state is the various vineyards dotted along the coastal regions of California. The Napa Valley is certainly the most well known, but on its heels are Paso Robles, Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley. I’m sure there are many more that I’ve simply not visited or heard about.

Taylor Family Vineyard

Since I have been known to enjoy a glass of good Chardonnay {Rombauer is an expensive favorite} now and again {almost every evening} 😉 I thought I’d share with you one of my favorite vineyards and some of the homes in the Napa Valley region.

Rombauer

I’ll start with my favorite vineyard, Newton. This winery was made known to me about 7 years ago when the business partners I work for planned their annual retreat to the Napa Valley. Their trip included the 3 partners and their wives. One of the wives organized the itinerary and I noted with interest that I had never heard of Newton. We journeyed to the wine country shortly after this discovery and included a reservation for a tour.

The tour, limited to 12, is a relaxing and informative walk around the grounds—ending with a tasting that includes samples of, not only their wines, but small bites of various foods that would enhance each wine. All were served, and wines were considered, at this table in this room with a view that goes forever.

The British phone booth is one of the first things you see upon entering the grounds at Newton…

In addition to the Zen garden on the grounds…

…there’s this…

This (below) was our first visit one rainy day in February {before the California drought}

Mr. B. and I are the couple on the left…our dear, brave friends joined us. Newton provided the umbrellas.

If you’d like to know more of the fascinating story about Newton visit HERE

The Napa Valley region is one that enjoys vistas of rolling hills, many dotted with vineyards.

Some time ago we attended the wedding of the son of some good friends. The reception was held at Beaulieu Gardens in St. Helena, a beautiful little town north of Napa. It was a memorable event not only due to the celebration and marriage of these two lovely young people, but the setting…

{via}

There are some lovely homes in the area and, as expected, many of them are estates with price tags to match. I want to share a few of homes I found on Zillow, in case you’re ready to pack up and move to this slice of paradise. 🙂 All 3 of the homes below are near, or well over the $1,000,000 mark. Crazy, right? But it is a pretty amazing zip code.

This cute little home is located in one of my favorite smallish towns in the region, St. Helena.

{via}

I like the shutters on this beauty. The olive tree and architecture gives this property a French vibe, don’t you think?

{via}

The gray house appealed to me because it looks to be set in a wooded area, something I find so peaceful.

{via}

To end my nod to “Wine Month – California” I also want to share some of the rooms designed by a favorite interior/exterior designer in Napa—Barbara Colvin.

Enjoy the beauty this talented designer creates…

[Barbara Colvin & Co.]

Have you ever visited Napa Valley?

Happy Birthday to my lovely California daughter-in-law, Sarah. We’ll toast your birthday with your favorite wine in the coming week!

{GHP} Happy St. Patrick’s Day

17 Sunday Mar 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Holidays, Travel

≈ 22 Comments

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St. Patrick's Day

I’d like to invite you to drop by my house this morning, Sunday, March 17th,

St. Patrick’s Day…

{1}

We’ll travel through the countryside of Ireland, I’ll drive…

{2}

{3}

We’ll stop and visit a few of the stately homes…

Note: This post is pure fantasy. As it turns out this lovely structure (below) is located in Wales {thanks, Rosemary}

Photograph by: Gareth Hughes

{4}

maybe even visit one that offer tours…

{5}

{6}

{7}

{8}

{9}

Since the weather is pleasant, I suggest we have lunch at an old church that has been converted into a restaurant.

{10}

The courtyard of the church has a lovely outdoor dining spot…

{11}

if it starts to rain we can eat in the sun room, equally lovely…

{12}

We have to try the restaurant’s specialty St. Paddy’s Day beverage, “Liquid Luck”…

{13}

Remind me to show you a favorite little tree house on the way back…

{14}

Here’s the key…

{15}

I know we’ll have fun visiting, enjoying lunch and laughing…I can’t think of a better way to spend the day! ♥ Karen

♣Happy St. Patrick’s Day♣

Source: {1, 5, 8, 9 – tumblr The Fullerview; 2, 3, 10, 12 – tumblr Wasping through the Countryside; 4, 6, 7 – tumblr Connoisseur; 11 – tumblr Simply Pix; 13, 14 – tumblr Looking for Rainbows in the Moonlight, 15 – tumblr Lavender Colored Glasses}

{GHP} 2013, a New Year

03 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Flowers, Gardening, Gardens, Misc, Party Planning, Travel

≈ 13 Comments

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NY Goals

This is my 400th post. When I started in 2007 I barely knew how to post my words, let alone images. I’ve met some wonderful blog friends and been inspired by more of you than I can even name, or place on my blog roll. Thank you for stopping by and for any and all comments, it always tickles me to hear from you!

I’m not a huge fan of resolutions but I am obsessed with lists. What is it for some of us? There is something so satisfying about making a list, [and checking it twice?] maybe it’s a Santa thing.

So I’ve decided to start with a short list of things to do in the first quarter of the new year…wait, is this the same thing as a resolution? No, I think not. It’s more of a list of goals for life. A list of things I’d like to do that I’ve talked about but not accomplished with regularity. A simple list, really. A list to enrich daily, weekly and monthly life. Not a “cure world hunger” kind of list but one to enrich our (Mr. B. and me) lives. I’ve always maintained that if you want me to do something, put it on the list, I’ll get it done.

1. More local, weekend field trips with Mr. B or girlfriends. This is one of those items that I’ve talked about, but so far, haven’t achieved. I confess the inspiration came from our newest addition to the family, Sarah, my youngest son’s lovely wife (of 1 month). She is forever planning little getaways for the two of them to California festivals and fairs. They don’t even have to involve overnight stays, but when there’s a fair or festival that interests them, they often go. I want to do more of that in this new year.

{I believe Kevin and Sarah went to this festival and it sounded like they had fun. I know I got an olive tree sapling out of their visit}

{My girlfriends and I wanted to attend Remnants of the Past last fall, but the wedding kept me from wanting to loose a weekend, so we promised ourselves we’d go in 2013}

2. Plans for the garden. I’m a garden enthusiast, but I find lately (the last 3 years) I’ve kept the garden maintained but not actively planned for new shrubs, trees, or perennials for any area in the garden. I’ve been mostly keeping things trimmed, soil turned and all plants fertilized but have failed to plant the garden of lavender I’ve wanted to grow, or change out some rose bushes that simply don’t do as well as they should in a given spot. I’ve only maintained. I want to change this status quo in the garden. I may even try my hand at planting some annuals from seed this year.

{I need to change a couple of the roses in the knot garden. My hybrid tea, ‘Pearl’ isn’t doing that well and I could use a red rose. I’m thinking of Mr. Lincoln or a Romantica Rose. I need to check out my options soon so that when they come to the nursery I can buy what I want}

{Mr. Lincoln}

{The pink jasmine is lovely in the spring but I’d like to plant an additional vine that would bloom when the pink jasmine has completed its cycle}

{This image from Ivy Clad is what I strive for where my boxwoods are planted…the inside planting space needs more plants, plan to be determined}

I have wanted a fountain for the side yard for years. I’ve had fountains in other spaces out doors, but they can’t really be heard from the rooms we spend the most time in, kitchen, library and family room. I’ve also chosen fountains in the past that offer a sound similar to a little boy using the lavatory…not the gentle fall of water droplets that I long to hear. I’ve been told a two-tiered fountain is what I need.

Trish of trouvais fame posted this image of her lavender garden a year or so ago. I decided to plant lavender where I felt it would get plenty of sun and hoped to reap the benefits of the beautiful scented plant and flowers. Unfortunately, I got started late and 2 of the plants died. I will re-attempt this planting again this spring. Isn’t this image beautiful?!

3. Entertaining more in 2013. There was a time when we enjoyed having friends in for dinner at least twice a month. I think my taking a full time job in corporate America in 2005 was when the pattern changed. Now I find myself thinking, next month I’ll have __________ [fill in the blank] over for dinner. Unfortunately I’ve been dropping the ball and “next month” has become next year in many instances. I am going to make an effort to have good friends over for dinner more often in 2013. By the way, I read that some hate the term “entertain” due to the formality it conjures up in our minds. I do enjoy the creativity of setting the table, determining the menu and planning for all of that, but we rarely do what I would consider “formal” entertaining. Most of our friends offer, and I accept their offer, to bring some small portion of the meal. It works well and I find it shares some of the work. That said, I am not above buying some great appetizer that is nearly made for me, or a bakery-purchased dessert.

I’ve come a long way baby, I no longer feel the need to keep everything perfect and formal. I enjoy buying some of the meal, like a yummy appetizer from Bristol Farms or Trader Joe’s and then cooking the rest of the meal, or even letting some of the guests bring something. Either way, Mr. B and I truly do enjoy the quality time spent with friends and family over a meal in the comfort of our home (or that of a friend).

Love the white table setting and surroundings (above).

This was a table set for a dinner for a friend with a May birthday. It reflects the upcoming spring (when this picture was taken), but my point in including it was to show you the centerpiece. It’s a planter I pulled from the atrium and added a few English daisy. It’s fun to mix up the centerpieces with cut flowers, fruit or potted plants. This doesn’t have to be difficult or costly. Fixing food for friends and then sharing it is the goal.

(Below) I love the stone items that are part of this table. So classic.

{Annelle Primos}

For the above dinner I used a silver tray as the centerpiece and added a vase of simple flowers from the market. I used my chargers instead of a table cloth or place mats…easy and casual.

Some even mix the country feel of a picnic style table with beautiful candelabras and flowers for a dinner setting that is appealing and yet, not stuffy.

{Charlotte Moss}

So that’s it, these are my goals for 2013. Not too ambitious, therefore conceivably attainable, right? Did you set any goals or make any resolutions for this year?

{Home} Historic buildings and architecture

30 Tuesday Oct 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Architects & Builders, Travel

≈ 20 Comments

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historic buildings

Being born and raised in Southern California, it wasn’t until Mr. B took me to England in 1985 that I developed a very real appreciation and love of historic buildings and the details each possessed. The first exposure I had to London was overwhelming, I couldn’t take it in fast enough.

I thought we (you, my dear blog friends) could journey together and take in some beautiful facades of some buildings I’ve discovered online. Imagine living in some of these buildings…I can dream of what life might be like living behind these doors and gates, with their cobblestone streets and sidewalks!

After many visits to New York I saw that Manhattan and adjacent areas shared many of the same breath taking details on the facades of most buildings in the city (apart from the newer ones, of course). Our son and daughter-in-law lived in Brooklyn for 2 years and the brownstones lining the streets held great appeal for me as well. I’m sure the list of locations of architecturally fabulous buildings is long, I enjoy virtual travel all the time, thanks to the internet so if you have some recommendations, I’m open.

Paris and London are stamped in my passport but whenever and wherever I come across a building (real time), or photograph of a beautiful building online, I save it to a file.

I wonder if my city would consider repaving my street with cobblestones?

Come by for a visit…I’ll leave the light on.

All images except 2nd to last found here; 2nd to last image found here.

{GHP} A visit to Bainbridge Island, Washington, Part I

04 Thursday Oct 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Travel

≈ 16 Comments

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Bloedel Reserve

I recently took a trip to visit my dear friend Linda (and her husband, Tom) on Bainbridge Island. I’ve visited before with Hubby, but this was mostly a girl’s trip. Gretchen (Linda’s sister) and I flew up mid-September and were thrilled to escape the last days of a heat wave that had swept our usually-mild climate out, and ushered in temps and humidity resembling Houston!

We arrived to a glorious 70 degree afternoon with lows expected in the high fifties. Ahhh, this is what the week before fall should feel like.

Linda had a flexible itinerary for us and the first day had early morning shopping on the Island and then a much anticipated visit to the Bloedel Reserve. Created by Prentice Bloedel (son of a prominent lumber company owner) and his wife, Virginia, the couple lived on the 150 acre property from 1951 until 1986. The pair worked with landscape architects, Thomas Church, Richard Haag, Fujitaro Kubota and Iain Robertson, but the overall vision was that of Mr. Bloedel. The grounds and house are more beautiful in person than any photograph can capture, but I wanted to share a few of the images with you. If you ever get to Seattle and care to take the ferry to Bainbridge Island, this is a worthwhile stop.

Linda is on the left, I’m on the right. Since it was such a sunny day (unusual for Seattle surrounds, right?) the hats were useful.

The walkway up to the front door of the house was shaded, but the home is lovely and there is a tour available (free with your admission to the grounds) of the downstairs.

The front lawn slopes to a pretty pond, where, the day we visited, several Canada Geese (Goose?) were enjoying the mild weather.

This is the back of the house…the view from the back is…The property was donated by the Bloedel’s to the University of Washington in 1970.

The side of the house provided one more spot to relax while absorbing the beauty of the grounds.

The Canada geese followed us around to the back of the house to keep an eye on us as we sat admiring the view of the sound.

This reflecting pond is a calming space and the general area where, upon their death, Virginia and Prentice were buried

More than half of the 150 acres are left untouched as second growth forest. Prentice believed that the serenity of the natural habitat was a place people could “gain wellness”.

There is an abundance of teak benches in various spots off many of the trails. They invite you to sit and smell the forest, so to speak.

When trees are toppled by storms or high winds, the Bloedel allows them to remain and new trees sprout up from the deep roots. This old tree root almost looked like a sculpture of a spider web. My photograph doesn’t do it justice.

In deeply shaded locations lichen and moss cover this fallen tree trunk.

The Bloedel’s planted a moss garden with dozens of varieties of mosses. Volunteer ferns crop up and you’ve got a beautiful sea of green.

There is a Japanese inspired tea house complete with zen sand area but I failed to get a photo due to the afternoon shade.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little escape.

If you want to read more about the Bloedel follow the link.

{GHP} Cottage love

17 Thursday May 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Architects & Builders, Collections & Accessories, Travel

≈ 10 Comments

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Carmel by the Sea, cottage, Fairytale Cottages

♥What I love about the blogosphere is that there is something for everyone, literally. If you are so inclined you can find blog sites that cater to the mansion owner {or the dreamer who dreams of one day living in one}, the industrious do-it-yourself artists, those who live on a ranch or farm, city dwellers and last but not least, cottage lovers. Trust me, I’ve only hit a few of the themes, but you get what I’m saying, right?
There is room (no pun intended) in my heart for admiration of a little of each of the above, but when push comes to shove, I prefer the cottage and the smaller rooms that generally accompany that.

Haus Design

Home Bunch

5th & State

I’m sure that a psychologist might say I need the security of close environs. I’m not sure there is anything to that other than a subconscious draw to cozy and quaint. I appreciate good design whether it’s been achieved in a spacious room or home, or a small one, but when I stumble upon a smaller home, layered with antiques, comfortable and inviting furnishings, I swoon.

A rose growing over the front door only works to seal the deal…

{The image above was taken by the talented Trish of Trouvais. This lovely cottage is in Montecito, California}

Laguna Beach ~ photo by Linda Yvonne, flickr

Hubby and I were both born and raised on the west coast, Southern California to be exact, and early in our marriage we discovered the charming town of Carmel. It has been a favorite weekend getaway since before we had our children. It remains top on our list of destinations, in fact it has always been a bit of a dream to live there one day. The Fairytale Cottages are amazing and I enjoy taking pictures each visit.

I love the shingles that are made to look like thatching…

Fairytale Cottage ~ photo by Linda Yvonne

Fairytale Cottage ~ photo by Andreas Graemiger, flickr

Raindrop Cottage, Carmel ~ Linda Yvonne, flickr

For more detailed information about the Fairytale Cottages built by Hugh Comstock visit HERE

“I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage with my books, my family and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post, which any human power can give.”

~ Thomas Jefferson

What are your thoughts on this? No right or wrong answer, just a preference!

Join me at No Minimalist Here open house party…she features a lovely home in New Orleans!

{Home} Plaid

31 Saturday Mar 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Traditions, Travel

≈ 26 Comments

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plaid

When I think of plaid I think of…

Scottish Villages

Balmoral Castle

President Reagan & Queen Elizabeth

tumblr ~ walks in the country with my dog

I have had a long standing crush on plaid. Hubby likes to say it’s my favorite color {smile} and he’s not completely wrong. There is something about the traditional plaids, in particular, that always attracts me.

I count my red check as plaid, is that fair?

Plaid used to immediately take me to the cooler seasons (fall and winter), but now I see plaid as a pattern that can serve spring and summer with equal relish.

House Beautiful

Photo by Keith Scott Morton ~ Country Living

Photo by Anthony Ferrie ~ Architectural Digest

House Beautiful ~ Sun Valley

House to Home

Country Living

SMW Designs ~ The Adventures of Tartanscot

So, I’m thinking I need to buy some of these clothes…

the Steward

search for some Tartanware for the tables…

and head out in this car…

What do you think? Too much? Have I gone too far with the whole plaid thing?

I’ll be having some plaid fun this week at:

The Polohouse

Vignette Design

Upstairs Downstairs

Hyacinths for the Soul

{Party} Barefoot Contessa, new easy recipes, and Austin

08 Monday Aug 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Family, Food, Recipes, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook, Travel

≈ 2 Comments

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Austin, Barefoot Contessa

Austin was wonderful. HOT, but wonderful. We always stay with Son #1, his lovely wife and now, Olivia! Since Olivia is our first grand child we are over the moon with joy and we delight at her every move. She is crawling and charming us with her smile.

While in Austin our kids always make it a point to try new, well-reviewed places to eat. I’m pretty sure I gain weight each visit but come away wishing Orange County, California had 1/4 of the fabulous places to dine. I’m giving you the list, just in case you visit Austin sometime soon.

+ Walton’s Fancy and Staple

This little gem is owned by Sandra Bullock (yes, that one) and her sister. the pastrami sandwich on pretzel bread was the best pastrami sandwich I had eaten in a very long time. I unfortunately ate it all which left me with no room for one of their fabulous desserts. The cafe also sports a florist and small gift shop. It was wonderful.

+ Eastside (I actually mentioned this HERE)

I had eaten here a visit ago with Jamie’s mom (DIL). We’ve decided to make it a tradition. The food is delicious and many of the ingredients are grown on the grounds. They even have a chicken coop with a wide array of chickens, their eggs are from those wonderful chickens.

This little rooster was very small for a rooster. The baby chicks above are so cute. I didn’t take a picture of the mom but there are a wide variety of chickens at Eastside.

+ Haddington’s

+ Franklin Barbecue (this was mentioned in a recent Bon Appetit as the best barbecue in the nation! It didn’t disappoint but you have to arrive before they open to get in line. Once they run out of brisket, ribs or any other delicious meat, they close)

When we got home I was ready for some simple recipes for easy summer meals, 87 degrees, not 107 temperatures. I had tried a couple of recipes from Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten’s “How easy is that?”. Even though this recipe requires the oven, I think you will enjoy the fresh flavor of the green herbs and summer is the ideal time for salmon, right. I prepared this with rice and a mixed green salad. Super easy and so delicious.

image via the kitchen designer blog

Roasted Salmon with Green Herbs

Serves 6

1 (2- to 2 ½-pound) skinless salmon fillet
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup good olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ cup minced scallions, white and green parts (4 scallions)
½ cup minced fresh dill
½ cup minced fresh parsley
¼ cup dry white wine
Lemon wedges, for serving

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Place the salmon fillet in a glass, ceramic, or stainless-steel roasting dish and season it generously with salt and pepper. Whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice and drizzle the mixture evenly over the salmon. Let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.

In a small bowl, stir together the scallions, dill, and parsley. Scatter the herb mixture over the salmon fillet, turning it so that both sides are generously coated with the green herbs. Pour the wine around the fish fillet.

Roast the salmon for 10 to 12 minutes, until almost cooked in the center at the thickest part. The center will be firm with just a line of uncooked salmon in the very center. (I peek by inserting the tip of a small knife.) Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Cut the salmon crosswise into serving pieces and serve hot with lemon wedges.

Hope you are staying cool and enjoying the final weeks of summer.

Spring fever…a little daydream

21 Monday Mar 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Misc, Travel

≈ 4 Comments

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Scottland

I’ve been diagnosed with “spring fever” (self-diagnosis) and as a result I find myself sitting around, staring out the window and day dreaming…

…of taking a little trip to Scotland. I’ll use the Orient Express for an overview of the country and then stay in a few castles to round out the vacation.

Image via Atmosphere by Ingrid

Image via The Royal Scotsman, Orient Express

The Royal Scotsman (one of the Orient Express trains) offers a 2 night Highland Journey for only $3,720. This price is per person but does include all meals and alcohol, HUGE savings there! I’d definitely want to go with Hubby so make that $7,440. We’d depart from Edinburgh and during our 540 miles on the train we would see Dundee, Montrose, Aberdeen, Keith, Inverness, Dalwhinnie and Perth.

Once the train portion of this dream is complete, I’ll head north by car to Loch Ness, near Inverness for a stay at Aldourie Castle. The region is called the “capital of the Scottish Highlands”. We’ll look for the Loch Ness monster, visit the James Pringle Weavers operation and tour the Abrinchan Gardens. Oh, and the price for 2 nights in this castle? £10,500 plus VAT. {Did I mention this little vacation will take place once I hit the lottery? Guess I better start buying a lottery ticket!}

Next stop, Comlongon Castle, Dumfries & Galloway. The restored Medieval Scottish Castle and Baronial Hotel specializes in a menu that is prepared with the current season’s bounty. Lots of abbey ruins and museums to see here along with the home of Robert Burns, (Auld Lang Syne). Cost: £120 – £240 per night, seems a bargain!

And finally, we’ll stay our last few nights at Skibo Castle. Andrew Carnegie, a wealthy industrialist, bought this castle in 1898 for £85,000. Carnegie, his wife and only child spent many summers here. Its changed hands a few times since the Carnegie family sold it in 1982. We won’t be joining The Carnegie Club but we’ll take advantage of their policy of letting new guests stay there once while being considered for the exclusive membership!