Fleeting Moments

Lately I've been feeling like time is passing so quickly.  I look at our children in awe of their growth, both mental and physical.   At times, it's hard to believe that they where once "little".  When I try to recall infant milestones and preschool memories, their immediate presence pulls me back to the present.  Fleeting as it may be I am grateful for every second of time.  This week's event and others that caused so much pain and loss leave my heart heavy and my soul searching for answers.  We may never have the answers but for now we need to live in the moment with kindness and love for all we meet.

We're thinking a lot about the city that was our home not so long ago and all our loved ones who still live there.

Off The Counter: Herb Stuffed Tomatoes

During our weekend at Wilbur Hot Springs, Alex and I prepared yet another dish from the cookbook Plenty.  We cooked in the hotel's industrial and communal kitchen filled with all the culinary essentials and a great mix of people.  The evenings' preparations were not only delicious but quite entertaining.  Take a look at Yotam Ottolenghi's herbed stuffed tomatoes:

The next morning, we paired the leftovers with a black lentil salad (also from Plenty) topped with a fried egg.  This cookbook has changed the way we approach our meals in a very good way.  If you don't already have own it, buy it and share your favorite dishes with me.

Cocoon Botanicals: California Style

It's official.  Last week Natalia began working on the West Coast version of Cocoon Home Botanicals.   Using natural materials and vintage finds as planters, she used succulents, bromeliads and other plant materials to tell a green story with her one-of-a-kind compositions.  Take a look at her latest projects and stay tuned for more botanical developments from Cocoon Home:

These  captivating plantings are perfect for garden entertaining areas or indoors to add a touch of  [low maintenance] organic energy to your interiors.  If you're interested in acquiring or commissioning a Cocoon Home botanical please contact:  debra@ccocoonhome.com.  We welcome botanical projects of any scale.

7 Of The Moment Inspiring Spaces

 

While creating spaces of your own looking at others' for inspiration can help define a personal style.  For my own home I am gravitating toward elements present in these 7 images.  Take a look:

Which of these spaces appeal to you?

1./2./3./4./5./6./7.

A Most Relaxing Birthday Weekend At Wilbur Hot Springs

To celebrate my birthday Alex and I spent the weekend at Wilbur Hot Springs.  Since our last visit was over 13 years, our return to the hotel was both nostalgic and renewing.   A few things have changed since our last stay, but the effect of Wilbur's mineral rich waters and serene landscape remained the same.  At this retreat, one can't help feeling completely relaxed in mind and body.  Take a look at a few images from our weekend.

We went to the springs with the intent of celebrating my birthday, but in essence we celebrated our return to California.  We are so happy to be back.

Thank you Babik for hosting the kiddies so we could spend time alone and to Alex for making this amazing weekend happen.  I love you both so much!