Mallorca Magnificence

When I'm feeling overwhelmed during a day of work in front of my computer, I turn to WSJ Magazine. I give myself a few minutes of perusing and mental liberties to become transported to distant lands, philosophies and stories. One of my favorite more recent pieces was written by Sarah Medford which details a dreamy getaway in Mallorca designed by Michael Smith. 

Mallorca has always intrigued me, (especially since I read The Rocks) and this article only heightened my fascination. Michael Smith has designed a splendid retreat for dear friends, rich in pattern, texture and history. Let the photographs enchant you like they did for me, and have a read for yourself (here). 

Cabana Magazine: Issue 8

I just received CABANA MAGAZINE's Issue 8 as a gift from a dear friend who knows my weaknesses quite well. I've been meaning to simply subscribe, however I keep setting out on a mad mission to Barnes & Noble each time another issue is released, in a frenzy to devour and examine every inch of the publication. The bi-annual international interiors magazine is based in London and printed in Italy. At the top of the masthead is founder & editor in chief, Martina Mondadori. Raised in Milan, Martina had a colorful upbringing by influential parents who had distinct passions for travel, obsessive collecting and living to inspire. 

Each issue feels like its own art piece with a heavy handle and cover that is almost always destined for a feature at The Louvre. Issue 8 is no disappointment as it was made in collaboration with Ralph Lauren. It comes in 5 different cover fabrics, all Ralph Lauren. Above is mine, sitting on top of my new sheepskin from Farmhouse Pottery. 

As the UK's Newsstand proclaims: "Absolutely wonderful, so much inspiration for anyone looking at top quality home decoration and if you like the finer things in life, you really will love Cabana. A Print Peach." 

Looking forward to the stillness of the weekend to dive into every page of this 'print peach'...

Troop Misty Moss: The importance of a little fun...

Last year, I invited a bunch of girlfriends up to our Vermont hideaway for a weekend in the wilderness. The November air was crisp and we spent the weekend hiking a misty trail, cooking Autumn-inspired meals and conversing around a campfire. It was that type of good-for-the-soul quality time with friends that, turns out, all needed a little getaway of their own, too. In a silly state as we summited Pico Mountain, we decided to name ourselves "Troop Misty Moss". In part, this was a play off of the iconic 1989 film Troop Beverly Hills, which still remains one of my favorite movies. It could also have been the cold, raw, rainy weather that had us in a slight delirious daze.... From that moment, I embraced the establishment of our troop name and ran with it.... 

This year, we turned things up a notch. Our second annual weekend was another one for the books. We took turns cooking up fabulous cabin concoctions, hiked up to The Long Trail, carved mushrooms, built fires and enjoyed Cheese By Carol. It was a weekend that served as a reminder of how important it is to sometimes take pause from "real life" whilst enjoying the natural landscape with people you cherish. Being silly is also "OK" in adult life... Here's to the the 3rd Annual Weekend next year!

Troops were greeted Friday evening with bandanas for the weekend's hike, local Vermont jam and branded matchboxes. 

My sister meanders through the forest with my vintage Adirondack pack - perfect for holding all the mushrooms and ferns we foraged... 

Our kooky A-frame, ready to greet the troops! 

Cheese By Carol makes a debut by the firepit.... this cheese board didn't last long. 

At Home with Jane Scott Hodges

I've always enjoyed watching the home tours Quintessence conducts with designers and tastemakers. Just yesterday, Quintessence published a video tour with Jane Scott Hodges, the founder & owner of Leontine Linens. The home is a 19th century greek revival Jane Scott and her husband have outfitted in delicious hues, modern art - all with Jane's signature entertaining panache. Have a look at the video piece here. 

Jane's lacquered living room, a space Jane and her husband made larger by removing a wall after they purchased the home.