LOL...

... to the funny ones…. whether they mean to be or not (sorry, buddy); to the ones (like my brother) whose laugh is contagious and spreads like wildfire (even if you aren't in the same room); to the family friends who always have a cache of hysterical YouTube videos at the ready and my girls whose giggles make my heart swell 1000 fold….  to reminiscing on belly laughs from childhood for the 100th time… to Jimmy Fallon…. for making life a little lighter and a whole lot more fun, I say "thank you!"...

XOXO...

House of Marlowe

Each afternoon as I walk thru the vineyards I spy them….. some days one or two; other days 15 pairs of couples both young and old walking hand in hand or arm in arm.  It's the elderly ones that warm my heart the most…. the sweetness, the commitment, the enjoying each other's company….  I'm left wondering if the choosing to walk together holding hands helps to create the closeness or if a closeness precipitates wanting to stroll hand in hand…. also, have they been doing this for years, or has the quietness of life bared a new tender fruit of affection?…. 

….whatever the case; I want that…. both today 20 years into my marriage and 50 years from now; when all worldly things have faded and we're left with each other and the story we've created together… I want to be seen walking down the path together…. holding hands...

Cheers to love this Valentine's Day...

Let's Bring Back...

…. vintage inspired turntables

urban outfitters

Billboard has published its list of the Top 50 Love Songs of All Time for Valentine's Day;
and what could be more romantic than listening to them on one of these….

… I'm thinking a little Patsy Cline or Frank Sinatra...

Love is in the Air...

… a few easy ideas for playing cupid and sharing the love this week...

HER

red lipstick

Rose champagne

a handwritten note left on her pillow

a Nicholas Sparks movie (bonus points)

HIM

an invitation for a lunch date (at home on a school day)

a 'do not disturb' sign (wink/wink)

his favorite meal (and dessert)

red lingerie (bonus points)

KIDDOS

 a heart shaped treat each day

 a Valentine hidden in their school work

a pink lipstick heart on their bathroom mirror right where their little face goes

an ice cream date... extra sprinkles (bonus points)

XOXO

Black & Blue...

Normally, I would use those words to describe my two youngest girls' bruises on their legs following a week of playing hard at school recess….

… but today I'm referring to a much happier sighting that has stuck with me since this visit; where I happened upon a centuries old library decked out in beautiful built-in bookcases painted in high laquer black and adorned with all variety of shapes and sizes of blue & white ginger jars…. creating a stunning effect.  Sadly, I wasn't allowed to take a photo but, no worries, the impression will be permanently engraved on my brain.  It goes a little something like this…

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Now, ya'll know that I'm an all-white girl when it comes to decor; but I've always had an affinity for black painted furniture and blue and white accents… I've just never appreciated the magic they can work together…. until now...

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Dreaming up a dramatic pairing for my powder room back home…