Fall Al Fresco Dining

Hi again everyone,

We are having a spectacular fall here in Charlottetown with summer like temperatures.  Our leaves have not begun to turn color yet, which usually doesn't take place until October, around our Thanksgiving.   

While walking our dog today, I met two people on our street who were visiting from a cruise ship and travelling to our east coast for the first time from Brisbane, Australia.  They were hoping to see 'more color' in the trees, but I'm afraid they were just a tad bit early for that.  They did, however, love what they were seeing here in Old Charlottetown and the east coast in general as they cruised from Montreal to Boston.

With such amazing fall weather, I couldn't help but think what a perfect opportunity it is to enjoy some al fresco dining.........     
  

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These ideas have certainly inspired me and I hope they will do the same for you.......even without the colorful leaves, we have a bounty of beautiful fruit, gourds, pumpkins, flowers, tartans and dishes to produce some delightful table settings.

Enjoy!

Kay

The Last Honest Man in Havana

Hello Everyone!

Wow!  It feels good (and so natural) to be sitting here writing on my blog.  So good, in fact, I have to wonder why I ever stopped in the first place.   

Who knows?  Sometimes, life happens so fast, it's hard to keep up with everything.  

Recently, however, there's been an exciting new development in our family and I wanted to share it with my readers (those of you who still check in now and then, anyway!)  According to my stats, I am getting more visitors now per day, than ever!  Who knew???

Here's the latest!  After working on her novel part-time for the past seven years, our daughter, Melanie, has finally published her book, The Last Honest Man in Havana, which takes place in Cuba during the 1980s and 90s.

For those of us who weren't familiar with what was really happening in Cuba at that time, here is an opportunity to find out.  I think you'll like the main characters, Rafael and Elena, and will learn to love them as you discover what they endured to survive the times.  It was very enlightening to me and I enjoyed it immensely and I highly recommend it! And not just because it was written by our daughter, but because it showed me how resilient, determined, creative and loving the people of Cuba are despite the obstacles they endured.  I know that personally, as well, because our son-in-law, Roberto, grew up in Cuba at that time and he managed to not only survive the hunger and deprivation, but has retained his wonderful sense of humor and has blossomed in his new life in Canada.  He, as you can imagine, has a deep seated appreciation for all that we sometimes take for granted, such as the mere ability to go to a grocery store and buy whatever you want, or to work hard and make a decent living, to be able to do what you want with your own hard earned money, or simply to hop in your own car and go to the beach for the day - you get the picture.  In other words, simple everyday pleasures.

You'll see what I mean when you read the book!

The book is available at www.amazon.com, click here.

Also, at www.amazon.ca, click here.

And at www.CreateSpace.com here.

I'm certain you will enjoy this story and we would love to hear from you!

Thank you for stopping by today and I will be back soon with more interiors posts.

Have a great day!

Kay

Some Wonderful Girl's Rooms

Little girls often dream of having their very own special rooms........their own little havens.

The following rooms have lots of details and ideas to incorporate into a child's room to personalize for any child.........murals, canopies, wall art, wonderful fabrics, monograms, side chairs, antiques, chandeliers and stuffed friends scattered about with comfort, color and prettiness everywhere!

Any child's dream!

Enjoy!

What little girl wouldn't love this room?  Living in a tent like room and surrounded by friends?

Love this ostrich painting.

Betty Lou Phillips

Love these murals

The Eloise Room at the Plaza by Betsey Johnson

Jonathan Adler

Marjory Segal

Pink toile is alway welcome!

 

Ruthie Sommers

Who could resist tents for a sleepover?

Beautiful tufted beds!

A fun, colorful room.

Annie Brahler

Barry Dixon

Betty Lou Phillips

Pinterest

House Beautiful

Veranda

Elle Decor

A Traditional New York Penthouse

I happened upon the soft blue woman's study of this New York penthouse on Pinterest recently and had to track down the owner and designer, Friederike Kemp Biggs.

I was thrilled to find the rest of the penthouse at Architectural Digest.  I particularly love the master bedroom, adjoining bath and of course, the woman's study.

Enjoy!

New York penthouse foyer

Library with tv hidden behind faux book spines.

Chinoiserie wall paper.

Unique kitchen with cabinetry painted black over China blue

Mantle vignette with antique Irish mirror

Beautiful master bedroom - love the cosiness with the mix of florals - patina bed from Rose Tarlow Melrose House - Scalamandre fabrics on light shades, pillows and ottoman

Adjoining bath with Scalamandre wallpaper to match bedroom

This is the study that caught my eye.......love everything about it!

Penthouse terrace with blue and white accents.

New York skyline!

Architectural Digest

Kelli Ford's Beverly Hills Vacation Home

So far, we've seen the Southampton guest house and Dallas home of designer Kelli Ford.

Now, take a peak at her Beverly Hills vacation home that she shares with her husband, Jerry Ford, and daughters.

Enjoy!

Veranda

KirstenKelli.com