Elegant Outdoor Spaces

 The idea of owning a summer house is such a freeing idea - a serene place to escape to every weekend, whether it be in the mountains or by the sea.  Here are photographs of gorgeous outdoor spaces belonging to fashions elite, like the Castiglioni's and Oscar de la Renta. I would be overjoyed to snap my fingers and appear in any of the settings below.  All of these places are almost like a secret garden and I just love that.  

Images from here

Escape to Vermont

(My first trip down the mountain)

Nothing is quite like escaping from the big noisy city and disappearing into the solitude and wilderness of Vermont.  A weekend away was badly needed, so we dropped our dog off at doggy daycare in Greenpoint and headed up north to Killington Mountain. I had my first go at skiing and was shocked at how well I went down the mountain! I didn't even go down the bunny hill, we just went up the chair lift (this is where I snapped the gorgeous mountain vistas below) and I managed to make it down only falling once. I then did about seven amazing runs.  I have a new found love for this outdoor sport! 

(The chair lift)

(Warming up with a nice cup of hot cocoa)

(Our hosts gorgeous land, which was filled with white burch trees and a frozen pond)

(Sun-drench birch trees)

(A stunning view from the top)

I lived in Vermont for about six years and it wasn't until those years that I was able to taste and appreciate 'real' maple syrup, meaning not Aunt Jemima's or Log Cabin, syrups that are filled with fake ingredients and preservatives.  Authentic Vermont maple syrup is thinner than it's store bought counterpart and is not nearly as sweet. I didn't realize the labor intensive process of making syrup, but luckily our hosts had their very own sugar house and I was able to see first hand just how it is made.  I also got to taste the finished product from last years harvest and it was absolutely divine; served over pancakes was the ultimate way to end our relaxing weekend away in the Green Mountains of Vermont. 

(The Sugar House)

 (Warm pancakes drizzled with our hosts Vermont Maple Syrup)

(A bottle of our very own, which will be our new brunch staple)

Matchbook Magazine

 (Fashion designer, Jules Reid at home)

 (Purple stripes with a purple ikat pillow, all against a white backdrop)


I am a sucker for print magazines - clearly, my towering collection is becoming some what of a problem.  Even though I love to physically hold an issue, study each and every page for as long as my heart desires, I have also fully embraced the digital magazine, just because there are so many good ones out there.  One of my favorites is Matchbook Magazine.  This publication is just pretty.  I love their interior spreads, it reminds me a tad of Domino (oh, dear Domino). In the February issue, they feature the inspiring Jonathan Adler offices, the colorful home of interior designer turned fashion designer Jules Reid and the luxurious Greenbrier Resort.  

(Hints of lavender brighten up the living room)

(Light pink and clear acrylic create the ultimate feminine touch)

(The Greenbrier Resort, West Virginia)

(A heavy dose of colorful patterns)

All images from matchbook magazine

Escape to Paris

Oh, how I dream about escaping to Paris. Winter, spring, summer or fall this enchanting city has the ability to take my breath away and make me fall in love again and again.  

All images from here

Castle on a Cloud

I have long been fascinated with castles.  They evoke a sense of grandiose luxury and wealth, but also a sense of mystery and the dream of a fairytale.  I am fascinated by their stunning architecture, immaculate gardens, but overall their presence, whether standing tall surrounded by a moat or alone on top of a hill.  It is my dream to rent a castle in the Loire Valley in France. I hope that day arrives very soon, but until then I am currently dreaming about these...

All images from here

Gilded (French) Luxury

 (The stately Chateau la Durantie)

 (The black and white checkered floor is the perfect backdrop for the gilded accents)

 (A sunny and inviting bedroom)

 (A very glamourous and welcoming bath. I dream of drawing a bubble bath in a tub like this)

 (Two conversation chairs under a beautiful crystal chandelier)

 (Golden chairs)

(An inviting tree-shaded lane)

All images from here

La Belle France

   

France has always held a very special place in my heart.  From my very first three week sojourn in high school, I immediately fell in love. My first visit to Paris was magical.  I was thoroughly taken aback by the beauty of the city’s architecture, food and café lifestyle.  I was also lucky enough to be able to explore both Lyon, Dijon and the remote French country side where my host family lived and owned a vineyard.  I knew that on the plane ride back to the States that I would definitely be back soon. 

I hold dear to my promises and six years later I found myself back on that plane to Paris for a semester abroad, which would really change my life and open my eyes to the world.  I have always had a sense of adventure and a passion to discover faraway places.  My days were filled with school (only a few days a week, what an arrangement!) and wandering around the Jardin du Luxembourg, strolling along the Seine and eating so many hot baguettes, pain au chocolats and concord grapes that I officially lost count after the first month.  I have two favorite things about Paris, first being the light – I don’t mean all of the sparkling lights at night, I am talking about the rays of light that during the day reflect off the marble and create an ethereal glow.  My second favorite thing is the color of the sky – the grayish/bluish/purple billowy clouds that are just not seen anywhere else.  It has just been too long since I have journeyed to France, but I really  hope to change that in the next year.  In the meantime, I really, really want to jump into each and every one of these stunning photographs found here of the La Dorgdogne region.