Design by the Details: Faux Bois

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bbw7Gq9L4qQ/Uwprl3se90I/AAAAAAAAAYg/K4tktUN42B4/s1600/Faux+Bois+by+Capella+Kincheloe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bbw7Gq9L4qQ/Uwprl3se90I/AAAAAAAAAYg/K4tktUN42B4/s1600/Faux+Bois+by+Capella+Kincheloe.jpg" /></a></div>1. Kevin O'Brien Woodgrain Jacquard 2. <a href="https://www.globalviews.com/product_groups/568" target="_blank">Global Views Faux Bois Dining Table</a> 3. <a href="http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Martha_Stewart_Living_Layered_Faux_Bois_Area_Rug/270/" target="_blank">Martha Stewart Layered Faux Bois Area Rug</a> 4. <a href="http://www.duralee.com/Duralee/Duralee-Fabric/Product/15441-79" target="_blank">Duralee Chun in Charcoal</a> 5. <a href="http://www.rosssveback.com/launch" target="_blank">Ross Sveback Dinnerware</a> 6. <a href="http://www.olystudio.com/faux-bois-floor-lamp.html" target="_blank">Oly Studio Faux Bois Floor Lamp</a> <b>PRONOUNCE:</b> foe bwah <b>WHAT:</b> In French, faux bois, literally mean false wood.  Items can be made to look like wood as in the lamp and table above or could be printed with a wood grain pattern. <b>HISTORY:</b>  Not too long ago, a French gardener by the name of Joseph Monier created something called ferrocement or reinforced concrete.  Using concrete, sand and metal rods Monier could construct a relatively strong structure with layers of concrete that were much thinner than the usual at the time.  In 1875 Monier made the first bridge out of reinforced concrete and sculpted that concrete to look like…you guessed it: wood!  But it wouldn't be proper to mention faux bois without also mentioning trompe l'oeil, which is the art of creating a optical illusion and making a two-dimensional object appear that it has three and is real.  Trompe l'oeil means "to fool the eye" in French and has been around for centuries.  I would speculate at some point someone decided to paint an object so that it appeared to be wood, but was in fact, not wood, long before Monier crafted his concrete.  So while the term faux bois can refer to both the printing and sculpting of something to make it look like wood the techniques have different origins. <b>USES:</b>  Faux bois is widely used now for textiles and wallpaper -- things that can be printed, rather than the sculpted materials from which it originated.  Faux bois can be used to give depth to a two dimensional surface and can act in place of a animal print.  Its a hint at nature and not as trendy as say, chevron. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6-dVljB7S8/UwqAItBKXDI/AAAAAAAAAYw/AbacTHzSJiw/s1600/FAUX-BOIS-BEDROOM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6-dVljB7S8/UwqAItBKXDI/AAAAAAAAAYw/AbacTHzSJiw/s1600/FAUX-BOIS-BEDROOM.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Walls by <a href="http://www.mccroskeyinteriors.com/2013/04/02/faux-bois-bedroom/" target="_blank">McCroskey Interiors</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMB0RIHpV1o/UwqBKSUqz3I/AAAAAAAAAY4/c_0G6633UlQ/s1600/CoastallivingScannedImage-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMB0RIHpV1o/UwqBKSUqz3I/AAAAAAAAAY4/c_0G6633UlQ/s1600/CoastallivingScannedImage-3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Floor in William Diamond's Hampton House in Coastal Living July/Aug 2010</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4UNdp6i_cU/UwqCyGDn00I/AAAAAAAAAZE/wJovchgRRVM/s1600/msl_apr03_304s1_flowers_hd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4UNdp6i_cU/UwqCyGDn00I/AAAAAAAAAZE/wJovchgRRVM/s1600/msl_apr03_304s1_flowers_hd.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mirror and Table in <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/275114/home-tour-relaxed-elegant-town-house/@center/276999/home-tours" target="_blank">Home of Gael Towey and Stephen Doyle in Martha Stewart Living</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx3Lvwwj5mE/UwqDuuGOH4I/AAAAAAAAAZU/xOJqLgFnISU/s1600/LXTX25mrFEASTR_1_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx3Lvwwj5mE/UwqDuuGOH4I/AAAAAAAAAZU/xOJqLgFnISU/s1600/LXTX25mrFEASTR_1_16.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rug in Dining Room by <a href="http://www.luxesource.com/slideshow/39/artful-lodgers/6" target="_blank">Ashley Golforth in Luxe</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dgYhJJnOdJc/UwqEn5Q3FII/AAAAAAAAAZg/wR8Pqld1qoU/s1600/portfolio_036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dgYhJJnOdJc/UwqEn5Q3FII/AAAAAAAAAZg/wR8Pqld1qoU/s1600/portfolio_036.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Table in <a href="http://jennywolfinteriors.com/portfolio" target="_blank">Jenny Wolf Interiors</a></div>Don't miss the previous installments of this series: <a href="http://paloma81.blogspot.com/2014/01/design-by-details-chintz.html" target="_blank">Chintz</a> & <a href="http://paloma81.blogspot.com/2013/12/design-by-details-cloisonne.html" target="_blank">Cloisonné</a>. How would you most likely use faux bois?  Wallpaper, furniture, an entire sofa? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.capellakincheloe.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="116" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-InIEuiYb1uI/UpzvodFWhGI/AAAAAAAAATU/Ub26fvcddsI/s1600/signature.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.capellakincheloe.com/blog" target="_blank">Blog</a> + <a href="http://instagram.com/capellak" target="_blank">Instagram</a> + <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/capellakid/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Design by the Details: Faux Bois

1. Kevin O'Brien Woodgrain Jacquard 2.  Global Views Faux Bois Dining Table  3.  Martha Stewart Layered Faux Bois Area Rug  4.  Duralee ...

Read more »

On my Radar: J.Crew Spring 2014 Shoe Collection

Over the weekend, I was doing a little online shopping and felt like I'd hit the jackpot when I cam across J.Crew's new Spring 2014 shoe collection! It pretty much includes anything you could need in your shoe wardrobe. There are chic sandals, timeless pumps, and several fun flats in versatile neutrals, glamorous metallics, and playful prints. With warmer weather just around the corner (here's hoping!), it's time to start thinking about the season ahead and what better place to start than with your shoe wardrobe? Which pair is your favorite?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCizsNcY3E0Q6jI7l_BCjw93Mdk8TOeM7X55ts0fQsw8WADewuK_vCo2PT9TIXjpSUi5Z5LTHRkRn-OTFeg8zuPUvbYBeJX7UYSNF63ZJwF6gaUr7uNlV63qZt1XoF0ohS2K03N-8SJA68/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-23+at+5.39.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCizsNcY3E0Q6jI7l_BCjw93Mdk8TOeM7X55ts0fQsw8WADewuK_vCo2PT9TIXjpSUi5Z5LTHRkRn-OTFeg8zuPUvbYBeJX7UYSNF63ZJwF6gaUr7uNlV63qZt1XoF0ohS2K03N-8SJA68/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-23+at+5.39.29+PM.png" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZy-rzU13s9KLCyqnLY4STChmkHEzJEV27BSymUWUgGuCTdz9YEL3N6jznn6FB_NiqfcIT3nW-sMkyUxGaxkyj6YQDW4BhDrf8HTDXyY4R8jH5bnybjItgY1LW8CZ8U9PkQV4vJWg61Gi/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-23+at+5.13.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZy-rzU13s9KLCyqnLY4STChmkHEzJEV27BSymUWUgGuCTdz9YEL3N6jznn6FB_NiqfcIT3nW-sMkyUxGaxkyj6YQDW4BhDrf8HTDXyY4R8jH5bnybjItgY1LW8CZ8U9PkQV4vJWg61Gi/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-23+at+5.13.40+PM.png" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzyC1t5GSdXvZE5zOYTpl2fgE1hFtCwANeD7h0WLFYiHMrJd8rXINA__f25315XrKao1womDwveX_CvUC12eswD1oukeBdXLrX40EzdHcjNsryueTYKDlLh0j6aiMgNEH0QYiPiz6k0Mu/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-23+at+5.14.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzyC1t5GSdXvZE5zOYTpl2fgE1hFtCwANeD7h0WLFYiHMrJd8rXINA__f25315XrKao1womDwveX_CvUC12eswD1oukeBdXLrX40EzdHcjNsryueTYKDlLh0j6aiMgNEH0QYiPiz6k0Mu/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-23+at+5.14.45+PM.png" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjCc4V-ZRACuuzf0cDF6UKVY_eU2KH1pggv0Xh3joKlCs-qgZ6omL03qGRyf6_vHpz4ZZDm0G0WMAR3SHP00PBoyB685xNpi3MNLYsj2Vq-tOX2WriCiqhh5C0R-RfZc0vm0hxKbKuetS/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-23+at+5.15.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjCc4V-ZRACuuzf0cDF6UKVY_eU2KH1pggv0Xh3joKlCs-qgZ6omL03qGRyf6_vHpz4ZZDm0G0WMAR3SHP00PBoyB685xNpi3MNLYsj2Vq-tOX2WriCiqhh5C0R-RfZc0vm0hxKbKuetS/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-23+at+5.15.29+PM.png" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEagaUzo2M9pyrWF5T2mWpnTVW-GHcozXUJv1xBhOeS4YXtSwfDjbyJLgBBJnmQgKGSahSD_0jm70h6cikBJ-STPBuKW7bP_N9Fziadsmo8rQljFJmEFuc2GbO9Gto7-BfLu51kR1yd_C/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-23+at+5.16.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEagaUzo2M9pyrWF5T2mWpnTVW-GHcozXUJv1xBhOeS4YXtSwfDjbyJLgBBJnmQgKGSahSD_0jm70h6cikBJ-STPBuKW7bP_N9Fziadsmo8rQljFJmEFuc2GbO9Gto7-BfLu51kR1yd_C/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-23+at+5.16.34+PM.png" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CARBUHvAjYikxymbyuVdvwgiF-DLPiM5Pa5NMYgOCD-W3cybkBLm2mHCJ6CbsRpFiRtep3Hky4kZJVwkL2B2DxNCSGC3Gp1LuNp2073oZJRokQu69iLx9iv-fQTlunihhyaYPHSH7TLI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-23+at+5.16.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CARBUHvAjYikxymbyuVdvwgiF-DLPiM5Pa5NMYgOCD-W3cybkBLm2mHCJ6CbsRpFiRtep3Hky4kZJVwkL2B2DxNCSGC3Gp1LuNp2073oZJRokQu69iLx9iv-fQTlunihhyaYPHSH7TLI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-23+at+5.16.44+PM.png" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{1. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1DsTj" target="_blank">Lillian Patent Low Wedges</a> | 2. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1DsPf" target="_blank">Evie Metallic Mid-Heel Sandals</a> | 3. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1DsFr" target="_blank">Callie Sandals</a> | 4. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1DsTj" target="_blank">Lillian Patent Low Wedges</a> | 5. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1DsTj" target="_blank">Aubrey Mid-Heel Sandals</a> | 6. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1Dt6d" target="_blank">Callie High-Heel Sandals</a> | 7. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1Dte5" target="_blank">Mirror Metallic Kitten Heel Sandals</a> | 8. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1Dtc9" target="_blank">Mirror Metallic High Heel Sandals</a> | 9. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1pUGR" target="_blank">Everly Suede Pumps</a> | 10. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1DhY1" target="_blank">Falsetto Printed Leather Pumps</a> | 11. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1DtNz" target="_blank">Collection Blakeley Summer Stripe Pumps</a> | 12. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1DtJX" target="_blank">Blakeley Suede Pumps</a> | 13. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1DtXL" target="_blank">Collection Blakeley Printed Pumps</a> | 14. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1Du29" target="_blank">Collection Valentina Calf Hair D'Orsay Pumps</a> | 15. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1Dtwd" target="_blank">Emma Cap-Toe Ballet Flats</a> | 16. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1Dtoh" target="_blank">Emma Leather Ballet Flats</a> | 17. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1DtAp" target="_blank">Lucie Printed Fabric Slingback Flats</a> | 18. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1DtDf" target="_blank">Cleo Striped Fabric Loafers</a> | 19. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~1Dug5" target="_blank">Cleo Perforated Loafers</a> | 20. <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/eygpcck3e" target="_blank">New Balance for J.Crew 620 Sneakers</a>}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><center></center><center></center><center><img src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww267/fabkcreative/2012/Signature-3.png" /></center>

On my Radar: J.Crew Spring 2014 Shoe Collection

Over the weekend, I was doing a little online shopping and felt like I'd hit the jackpot when I cam across J.Crew's new Spring 2014 ...

Read more »

This Week's Quote

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_7guE65oTtQ-8y9FqLWZ2VqtGCZf17vEqsv2zLssE80onutQnZC1jpFxbz_H0ohgydgZe-5JYIVfuJ56YOW1UlWas6eBpoCRkqiW4UxrugITFgH0Bmtcd5KB_15JCk7TTlXx2UiJyxqQ/s1600/steve+maraboli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_7guE65oTtQ-8y9FqLWZ2VqtGCZf17vEqsv2zLssE80onutQnZC1jpFxbz_H0ohgydgZe-5JYIVfuJ56YOW1UlWas6eBpoCRkqiW4UxrugITFgH0Bmtcd5KB_15JCk7TTlXx2UiJyxqQ/s1600/steve+maraboli.jpg" width="590" /></a></div><center></center><center></center><center><img src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww267/fabkcreative/2012/Signature-3.png" /></center><center><br /></center><center>{Image via <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/stevemaraboli/all-maraboli-quotes-uncategorized/" target="_blank">Steve Maraboli</a>}</center>

This Week's Quote

{Image via Steve Maraboli }

Read more »

Fabulous Room Friday 02.21.14

<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJvj4_G3Mj09sJGwt4Dc-ub35ImEWIiFAaJ4nrpouoM7ZY29gdRnV4cfMTPfSWdYN5gCQPrPOZkhyphenhyphenmdWltP5aKXJ68N_kvrbHw88bfisc8wPIa8Ku6Xxupv7TRiY_BhVLwKIvzCL_ZUQ/s1600-h/luxe%252520report%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="luxe report" border="0" height="712" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1g0QINYp3IsCk1y21kLZ5ZYR5pHKhbtWJWLhXcH2Iltj1AJnBg_d3cL6Yp-W49zLkVotrHCIAZSndD3_7s3uqoAfjOiM0ymeWHmSwCy8an5DtekLS4wF_0H7I0nEStwxnQNTWUZKPknud/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" title="luxe report" width="590" /></a></p> <p>We were really lucky to return to beautiful weather in Houston when we came back from California. It’s been pretty warm with highs in the 70’s all week, which has me looking forward to spring. I’m sure those of you in colder climates can definitely agree considering the brutal winter you’ve been dealt this year! </p> <p>I came across this beautiful sunroom in Palm Beach the other day and it catapulted me further into my yearning for spring to officially get here. Designed by <a href="http://www.luxereportdesigns.com/home.html">Luxe Report</a>, an interiors and event styling firm, the space is tailored, elegant, and glamorous. I love the neutral color palette with a few bright pops of color from the art, flowers, and Hermes tray. The crisp white upholstery on the sofa and chairs looks fabulous paired with the black tape trim of the sofa cushions, leopard throw pillows, and gilded frames of the Louis XVI arm chairs.The vintage chandelier and flamingo print are the perfect tropical touches honoring the home’s Palm Beach location. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0YOmDk4kEHobBzjfzrUuzCOP_EADemo-Dhgfsqkq8b37z1ZXOaCCWu2wqsapnfdBaV20M7FmgzwHxbmeQfxF9rRTPHcJ4sA94wUJq2YCCwUcakeeX54Uu94EjBkrCQggKUtqOKKMVRAq/s1600-h/luxe%252520report2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="luxe report2" border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nEqcwJ79MQBtJ-d2sOHlsfcHabZJns9ZnK2NBVp5b0KEfONTjcBPM6Ev6yGu9mD_Res9PsrOjrjG9PpGgl4k1FbXf_IHDqtDlt55NuvQkMA1mCoeoBmeFSI37PUXWoflKsfJX_53KdE/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" title="luxe report2" width="590" /></a>  {I love the juxtaposition of the earthiness from the wooden beamed ceiling, brick floors, and seagrass rug against the glamorous fabrics, finishes, and accessories.}</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32GaJ78cT0uTEDTdibhKmZNAiH9pY9q73mRAEhHbKxkBHWrHRf2hXZmazMkT0orj5Yk-U1cOQ3advZvGb09y9wwiWBanog3wYduRC26PUigCReg2v30V9ZqWUEGhfbA95xDDTAJ2Udmw/s1600-h/luxe%252520report3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="luxe report3" border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnL8mhRty5rmt_wOkRRLGKgMbhQCZ4KYB3pQdphUW7SFTVwyPjcHWt3JNQx0Cvx9JiHVlA3PV0jTiF-aoNYdfdfm7tvswZr0zx-wXp3d4GXRFErQyymQteioDzmdSX6gD-O8B5A7E75s/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" title="luxe report3" width="590" /></a> {Glamorous Details on the Coffee Table}</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MtkdYeKkL3oCsBGceGTYZOdPpBMAMlZBaNIrVingPSTYhgk1x-PytIStMFlTQK4uL-Xouzo7ol9i4NXC6c6zMCug7AJQQHCT_hHvdroSKgqbpTMnp0uK8kOb5fZWhOCUj0bILlH_Bj8/s1600-h/Signature-3%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="Signature-3" border="0" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_u3l0ZVpxXNHK7wamCciJT4YhoNkWT9VFkLKaOHnc-piUBgIuNGd_oVBrFHd3L6NLpqyxYwYt7Pgkx7Nqfk-0CLYRlQuCdaoHSGVl-VJ8cUjEAePHfITU1kKajBfxNIlZMCLQzwUAX_EY/?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" title="Signature-3" width="146" /></a></p> <p align="center">{Images via <a href="http://www.luxereportdesigns.com/home.html">Luxe Report Designs</a>} </p>

Fabulous Room Friday 02.21.14

We were really lucky to return to beautiful weather in Houston when we came back from California. It’s been pretty warm with highs in the ...

Read more »

Chic Combinations: Lavender + Cream

<div style="text-align: justify;">Hi everyone! <a href="http://ariannabelle.com/">Arianna</a> here, with a new installment of 'Chic Combinations.' Today I'm spotlighting spaces that combine lavender (and it's variations like lilac and mauve) with creamy whites and beiges. As you'll see in the inspiration images below, this combo exudes grown-up femininity and feels very graceful and serene.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ariannabelle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/chiccombo-mutedpurples+cream.jpg"><img alt="Chic Combinations: Lavender + Cream // by Arianna Belle for La Dolce Vita Blog" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5150" height="2453" src="http://www.ariannabelle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/chiccombo-mutedpurples+cream.jpg" width="575" /></a></div><br /><br />Below, a few pieces for creating a similar look in your own home:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ariannabelle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/chiccombo-mutedpurples+cream-getthelook.jpg"><img alt="Chic Combinations: Lavender + Cream (Get the Look) // by Arianna Belle for La Dolce Vita Blog" class="aligncenter" height="1018" src="http://www.ariannabelle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/chiccombo-mutedpurples+cream-getthelook.jpg" width="575" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1- <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/fnpkxc75e">sheets</a>, 2- <a href="http://www.fschumacher.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?sku=5004726">wallpaper</a>, 3- <a href="http://www.ethanallen.com/en_US/isabel.html?start=28">bed</a>, 4- <a href="http://www.ariannabelle.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=62&product_id=65">pillow</a>, 5- <a href="http://www.casa.com/p/lands-downunder-lilac-assiro-herringbone-throw-744793">throw</a>, 6- <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/d8fwyc75e">ottoman</a>, 7-<a href="http://rstyle.me/n/es95ac75e">lamp</a></div><br /><br /><h6 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999;"><em>image sources: 1- unknown, 2- design by <a href="http://meredithheron.com/" target="_blank">meredith heron</a> | photography by Stacey Brandford via <a href="http://www.styleathome.com/homes/interiors/interior-modern-glam-condo/a/45768/4">style at home</a>, 3- <a href="http://www.jedroot.com/stylists/evyan-metzner/fashion">jed root</a>, 4- <a href="http://vanessajackman.blogspot.com/2011/03/paris-fashion-week-aw-2011amanda.html">vanessa jackman blog</a>, 5- <a href="http://www.cococozy.com/2012/09/see-this-house-modern-inside-of-old.html">coco cozy</a>, 6- <a href="http://studioannetta.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/todhunter-earle.html">studio annetta blog</a>, 7- <a href="http://atlantahomesmag.com/">atlanta homes mag</a></em></span></h6>

Chic Combinations: Lavender + Cream

Hi everyone! Arianna here, with a new installment of 'Chic Combinations.' Today I'm spotlighting spaces that combine lavender (...

Read more »

Art in 5: Julius Shulman

<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22276 aligncenter" height="765" src="http://smallshopstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Julius-Shulman-Case-Study-House-22-by-Pierre-Koenig-1960.jpg" title="Julius Shulman Case Study House 22 by Pierre Koenig 1960" width="600" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Case Study House #22 by Pierre Koenig, photographed by Julius Shulman, 1960</em></div><div style="text-align: center;">"...One of those singular images that sum up an entire city at a moment in time..." -- New York Times architecture critic Paul Goldberger</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">/</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hello, it's Erika from <a href="http://smallshopstudio.com/blog" target="_blank">small shop</a> with our third "Art in 5"! Since we've covered a painter (Ellsworth Kelly) and a sculptor (August Rodin), today I thought I'd discuss a photographer: Julius Shulman. I actually had the immense honor of meeting Shulman at his house in 2007 through a family friend. At 96, he was as sharp as ever, and quite a spitfire. One of the questions he brought up during our encounter I still ponder to this day: <strong>What's more famous: the architecture, or Shulman's photograph of the architecture?</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">I remember he seemed to say with both pride and a hint of bittersweetness in his voice that he was still at that time making a living off of work by mid-century architects like Neutra and Lautner who had all passed away decades before. But in a symbiotic kind of way, these same architects became famous initially because of <em>his</em> photography. Would we even know some of these structures if it wasn't for his beautiful photography?<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you're not too familiar with him or his work, but have seen a few of his images, here's what you should at least know (and two little fun facts about two of his most famous photographs that he revealed to us that day!)...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22275" height="1250" src="http://smallshopstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/small-shop-art-in-5-Julius-Shulman.jpg" title="small shop "Art in 5" Julius Shulman" width="600" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And here are some of his photographs that you may or may not know:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22288" height="755" src="http://smallshopstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Julius-Shulman-Spencer-House-Malibu-California-by-Richard-Spencer-1955.jpg" title="Julius Shulman Spencer House Malibu California by Richard Spencer 1955" width="600" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>The Spencer House Malibu by Richard Spencer, photographed by Julius Shulman, 1955</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">/</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22277" height="754" src="http://smallshopstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Julius-Shulman-Booth-house-by-Smith-Williams-1956.jpg" title="Julius Shulman Booth house by Smith Williams 1956" width="600" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>The Booth House by architects Smith & Williams, photographed by Julius Shulman, 1956</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">/</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22283" height="744" src="http://smallshopstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Julius-Shulman-Convair-Astronautics-by-Pereira-and-Luckman-1958.jpg" title="Julius Shulman Convair Astronautics by Pereira and Luckman 1958" width="600" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Convair Astronautics by architects Pereira and Luckman, <em><em>photographed by Julius Shulman,</em></em> 1958</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">/</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22282" height="743" src="http://smallshopstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Julius-Shulman-Chuey-House-by-Neutra-1958.jpg" title="Julius Shulman Chuey House by Neutra 1958" width="600" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>The Chuey House by Richard Neutra, photographed by Julius Shulman, 1958</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">/</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22278" height="752" src="http://smallshopstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Julius-Shulman-Case-Study-House-20-Saul-Bass-House-by-Buff-Straub-and-Hensman-1958.jpg" title="Julius Shulman Case Study House 20 Saul Bass House by Buff Straub and Hensman 1958" width="600" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Case Study House #20 The Saul Bass House by architects Buff, Straub & Hensman, photographed by Julius Shulman, 1958</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">/</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22279" height="729" src="http://smallshopstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Julius-Shulman-Case-Study-House-21-by-Pierre-Koenig-1961.jpg" title="Julius Shulman Case Study House 21 by Pierre Koenig 1961" width="600" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Case Study House #21 by Pierre Koenig, <em><em>photographed by Julius Shulman,</em> </em>1961</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">/</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22280" height="470" src="http://smallshopstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Julius-Shulman-Case-Study-House-22-Stahl-House-by-Pierre-Koenig-1960.jpg" title="Julius Shulman Case Study House 22 Stahl House by Pierre Koenig 1960" width="600" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Case Study House #22 The Stahl House by Pierre Koenig, photographed by Julius Shulman, 1960</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">/</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22284" height="473" src="http://smallshopstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Julius-Shulman-Chemosphere-by-Lautner-19611.jpg" title="Julius Shulman Chemosphere by Lautner 1961" width="600" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>"Chemosphere" by John Lautner, <em>photographed by Julius Shulman,</em> 1961</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">/</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22285" height="483" src="http://smallshopstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Julius-Shulman-Chemosphere-interior-by-Lautner-1961.jpg" title="Julius Shulman Chemosphere interior by Lautner 1961" width="600" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>"Chemosphere" interior by John Lautner, <em>photographed by Julius Shulman,</em> 1961</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">/</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22286" height="479" src="http://smallshopstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Julius-Shulman-Silvertop-House-by-John-Lautner-1980.jpg" title="Julius Shulman Silvertop House by John Lautner 1980" width="600" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Silvertop House by John Lautner, photographed by Julius Shulman, 1980</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">/</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite quotes about his work comes from <em>Newsweek</em> magazine's Cathleen McGuigan who wrote that Shulman's photographs of modern glass houses in Palm Springs and Los Angeles "are so redolent of the era in which they were built you can practically hear the Sinatra tunes wafting in the air and the ice clinking in the cocktail glasses."</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cin cin.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-13503" height="70" src="http://smallshopstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/xoxo.jpg" title="xoxo Erika Brechtel" width="200" /></div>

Art in 5: Julius Shulman

Case Study House #22 by Pierre Koenig, photographed by Julius Shulman, 1960 "...One of those singular images that sum up an entire city...

Read more »

A Hideaway in the Hollywood Hills

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pwZp9pFIWTtZq4CwgFKFRjkggfsKXjpP17RV8ewXFuFhePVmunmUPFpJCDmDHVd4NLh2ei51PbzDLFpw4zx_S5iRi31saBL9wKfz-BD8xtTpTTgS03WFFMgwDC6jIRRgUZtM3jgPuj4S/s1600/klein+goldwyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pwZp9pFIWTtZq4CwgFKFRjkggfsKXjpP17RV8ewXFuFhePVmunmUPFpJCDmDHVd4NLh2ei51PbzDLFpw4zx_S5iRi31saBL9wKfz-BD8xtTpTTgS03WFFMgwDC6jIRRgUZtM3jgPuj4S/s1600/klein+goldwyn.jpg" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{I love the soaring windows and fireplace in the living room. They are perfect for allowing the beautiful Los Angeles light to flood the room.}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have you all read the March issue of <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2014-03/madeline-stuart-jeff-klein-john-goldwyn-los-angeles-home-article" target="_blank">Architectural Digest</a>? It is <i>so</i> good and not just because Patrick Dempsey, aka McDreamy is on the cover. There are several homes in this issue that I really loved and my favorite is the 1950s house in the Hollywood Hills belonging to producer John Goldwyn and his husband, Jeff Klein, who happens to be the proprietor of the legendary <a href="http://www.sunsettowerhotel.com/" target="_blank">Sunset Tower Hotel</a>. The duo worked with Los Angeles interior designer, <a href="http://www.madelinestuart.com/" target="_blank">Madeline Stuart</a> to create a design that pays reverence to the home's storied roots while reflecting the couple's taste and lifestyle. The house was originally designed in 1951 by architect John Elgin Woolf and was one of three cottages on the estate of filmmaker George Cukor. <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2014-03/madeline-stuart-jeff-klein-john-goldwyn-los-angeles-home-article" target="_blank">The article</a> goes on to detail the connection between the house and Goldwyn's grandmother. It is a truly fascinating story, so you should definitely pick up the issue to get all of the details. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPhJYBPG3-dxMfRkumioNYYocUWzKtgGmigk1zh3UIGlc7RO_ie8-z06fPxzvAi5AT-YRDc95pbY2aRBUuSz76sT1WuYOLG2QYrONnXiZ-L9XO0kSkDwUADLT3qGvYQwlhGaU6SYcysKa/s1600/klein+goldwyn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPhJYBPG3-dxMfRkumioNYYocUWzKtgGmigk1zh3UIGlc7RO_ie8-z06fPxzvAi5AT-YRDc95pbY2aRBUuSz76sT1WuYOLG2QYrONnXiZ-L9XO0kSkDwUADLT3qGvYQwlhGaU6SYcysKa/s1600/klein+goldwyn2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The dining area features a horn inlaid Karl Springer table Goldwyn inherited from his grandmother along with a bronze chandelier from the 1940s.}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgBtNjV2YAxpzfczf7UI4komLrZHSWUIUH6MgwMalmyt6faIUs3euyfIK8U5PZDl6CLgoVQYdIXDAu7M_sxiAtDTx_wub_hTtfbL5HsqUES3n0Hqlh9nXuL_rL3mTK71Wd5CboLErfnyc/s1600/klein+goldwyn3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgBtNjV2YAxpzfczf7UI4komLrZHSWUIUH6MgwMalmyt6faIUs3euyfIK8U5PZDl6CLgoVQYdIXDAu7M_sxiAtDTx_wub_hTtfbL5HsqUES3n0Hqlh9nXuL_rL3mTK71Wd5CboLErfnyc/s1600/klein+goldwyn3.jpg" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{I love the freshness of the kitchen. I know some people are over the subway tile, carrera marble, white cabinet, stainless steel appliance combination that has been so popular in kitchens, but I am not one of them. To me, the look is enduring because it is classic and truly timeless. I am not driven by trends so I am not as concerned about the next hot thing in kitchen design. I like things that are beautiful and I can't imagine ever growing tired of a kitchen like this.}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHlvlnNFROa2Jcd-TTXrNK7b9pt1RsRkX75I2wSBGoNbZaUyiSWO4_KviVXRoIRAiUnp3-A9upRWgtft-ERNLJlvDjvGh3rDi1ppsdCStpiJLCWYunq7K1FuyeJe-DMXVAagBLg-bLYxk/s1600/klein+goldwyn4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHlvlnNFROa2Jcd-TTXrNK7b9pt1RsRkX75I2wSBGoNbZaUyiSWO4_KviVXRoIRAiUnp3-A9upRWgtft-ERNLJlvDjvGh3rDi1ppsdCStpiJLCWYunq7K1FuyeJe-DMXVAagBLg-bLYxk/s1600/klein+goldwyn4.jpg" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The screening room is pure Hollywood Glam. The walls are swathed in suede and feature copper crown molding. Madeline Stuart designed the seating for the room, pairing it with a French bronze cocktail table from the 1970s.}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmgsRrVVVGvWp-JMEic-m3psHN0AEWnEZ9O-mwtHwVTWLAiRFZqvI2DUPRgvSobV8ZZzBubNOFrRy9x0adAvPHTLPuBJDotv5Ea0wVK-5V4HRh8UoVnGotT2oWQIWt1DVFFqTKgzX9gUj/s1600/klein+goldwyn5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmgsRrVVVGvWp-JMEic-m3psHN0AEWnEZ9O-mwtHwVTWLAiRFZqvI2DUPRgvSobV8ZZzBubNOFrRy9x0adAvPHTLPuBJDotv5Ea0wVK-5V4HRh8UoVnGotT2oWQIWt1DVFFqTKgzX9gUj/s1600/klein+goldwyn5.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{I love the master bedroom. It looks so bright and fresh-- exactly the type of place I'd want to start the day. I don't typically love chintz, but I really like the Lee Jofa fabric Stuart selected for the loveseat at the foot of the bed she custom-designed for the couple. It's the perfect pop of color, tying the indoors and outdoors together perfectly.}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixO65M3U313R_f4c3tjthCOWicqGKlwqy2Vt_77N3he09ypHIZjzCygGGYqZFJcdkyX-PtRB-DshycLemhtBnS3LI_9dkKlcWbpKFyz9Wo2RUbH7Vm_VFlqm9U-Cz2BRC28TyLVlMRdA_m/s1600/klein+goldwyn6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixO65M3U313R_f4c3tjthCOWicqGKlwqy2Vt_77N3he09ypHIZjzCygGGYqZFJcdkyX-PtRB-DshycLemhtBnS3LI_9dkKlcWbpKFyz9Wo2RUbH7Vm_VFlqm9U-Cz2BRC28TyLVlMRdA_m/s1600/klein+goldwyn6.jpg" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The terrace is what dreams are made of. It is the embodiment of Los Angeles for me-- filled with sunshine, elegant yet relaxed, and completely inspiring.}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What are your thoughts on this house? Do you have a favorite room?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><center></center><center></center><center></center><center><img src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww267/fabkcreative/2012/Signature-3.png" /></center><center><br /></center><center>{Images by Roger Davies for <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2014-03/madeline-stuart-jeff-klein-john-goldwyn-los-angeles-home-article" target="_blank">Architectural Digest</a>}</center>

A Hideaway in the Hollywood Hills

{I love the soaring windows and fireplace in the living room. They are perfect for allowing the beautiful Los Angeles light to flood the roo...

Read more »

La Dolce Vita in Napa

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11drxARmjdSoMIMqta8HtF-x9qZp-2c9SV0alTGuzuOegj3P9GMT9aeH8Vyg-ZlXY-GJa-1t7eI7XFdctQ1pND6oADyBmWgR2QpKAXJhdz1TSM9GbuUQwcS40yO9wmHoRAioaiOis32M6/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11drxARmjdSoMIMqta8HtF-x9qZp-2c9SV0alTGuzuOegj3P9GMT9aeH8Vyg-ZlXY-GJa-1t7eI7XFdctQ1pND6oADyBmWgR2QpKAXJhdz1TSM9GbuUQwcS40yO9wmHoRAioaiOis32M6/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The View from the <a href="http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/" target="_blank">Auberge du Soleil</a>}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Spending the last week in Napa and San Francisco was one of my favorite vacations of all time and I know Fabian feels the same way. We had so much fun just enjoying each other's company and visiting wineries, taking in the scenery, and partaking in the slower pace of the Napa Valley. We visited Sonoma for a day together on a trip to San Francisco many years ago and I had been to Napa a couple of times with friends and for work, but it was his first time in Napa and our first time there together, so it was great to share some of my favorite places with him and discovering new favorites together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZvbcj0gPvJ2X3m2cSR41-st1kDIZ4xr9IRysLze-avJI1VnYnwoBoCSugsJp7BiWWAsNQEdAZtEfq9Vc6HtfOejdDZF2dXXeyJDF9-62lK9mco47UJIa4N-VCXICpAscfZ_otptYusw_/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+9.13.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZvbcj0gPvJ2X3m2cSR41-st1kDIZ4xr9IRysLze-avJI1VnYnwoBoCSugsJp7BiWWAsNQEdAZtEfq9Vc6HtfOejdDZF2dXXeyJDF9-62lK9mco47UJIa4N-VCXICpAscfZ_otptYusw_/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+9.13.26+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><center></center><center></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz1MLRwiLZASSjFxygW1GLsH3rA9nZGSSNV19jh9WERLx8dReH98IlRwwm2vVIN4rVTgqtX6L2MGb2lSFcSSp9VzqSvVU9kgCfXep8ybEY1Y6lNCDvl9RCxPTel44zJ9w37t5EES8QQ3o/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz1MLRwiLZASSjFxygW1GLsH3rA9nZGSSNV19jh9WERLx8dReH98IlRwwm2vVIN4rVTgqtX6L2MGb2lSFcSSp9VzqSvVU9kgCfXep8ybEY1Y6lNCDvl9RCxPTel44zJ9w37t5EES8QQ3o/s1600/photo+3.JPG" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We stayed at the <a href="http://www.solagecalistoga.com/" target="_blank">Solage</a> in Calistoga and absolutely loved it. I had been to the property before, but hadn't stayed there. As soon as we started planning our trip, I knew that I wanted to stay at the Solage. Designed by the foremost architect in Northern California, <a href="http://www.bgarch.com/index.html" target="_blank">Howard Backen</a>, the Solage is an homage to modern farmhouse style and captures the chic, but casual vibe of Napa so perfectly. We absolutely loved that we had our own private cottage (they call them studios) which was nearly 600 square feet, providing more than enough space. The flow of the cottage was fantastic and we had our own private patio and a pair of cruiser bikes to ride around the property or take into town. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ltz3pAYLM5G7v19DEggT3JGw3o3eftl9psdVumYbum3I1HU7vT3wlQL2DYg3B7vWirMkk0XVtM24PiUgY-uzxsIyt6C-wDGaeMSQdh01k1jS_CkNXJbbrW02fcbmwRjND_ws3XDI45KG/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ltz3pAYLM5G7v19DEggT3JGw3o3eftl9psdVumYbum3I1HU7vT3wlQL2DYg3B7vWirMkk0XVtM24PiUgY-uzxsIyt6C-wDGaeMSQdh01k1jS_CkNXJbbrW02fcbmwRjND_ws3XDI45KG/s1600/photo+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Fabian and I both have crazy travel schedules for work and it just happened to work out that we could take the trip in mid-February. I didn't really think about the fact that it was an off-peak time in Napa. I've always visited in the fall when the valley is the perfect picture of the season, but along with that come hordes of tourists and crazy traffic at all hours. Fabian and I are convinced that February is a perfect time to visit! The weather was mild with highs in the low to mid 60s and there weren't many people around making resort amenities, one on one time at wineries, and dinner reservations much easier to come by. Another cool feature at the Solage that Fabian particularly enjoyed was their Mercedes Benz program. They have a fleet of cars available for hotel guests to enjoy at their leisure whenever they are available. The Solage is in Calistoga on the northern end of the Napa Valley. If I could change just one thing about the Solage, I would move it to the central part of the valley to make it more convenient, but it wasn't a big deal. The drive into St. Helena is absolutely gorgeous and it feels much closer to everything than the Carneros Inn which is on the opposite end of the valley. We loved our stay so much that we realized once we got to San Francisco that we would have preferred to have stayed at the Solage another night or two and maybe skipped the city.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXC90FS5ix58YBysd5LpCkDjPLsdr2wrokUKh6MuS1EoY4UWr217fZrbzPyDSvFpWXeXXP3ya9PT_Ri-hD9RFN-Qcc5E9QVnXjEX5TqT04pGbhHVdU3jZEn_H6NF6f_4UhrCwrYvg23ko/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXC90FS5ix58YBysd5LpCkDjPLsdr2wrokUKh6MuS1EoY4UWr217fZrbzPyDSvFpWXeXXP3ya9PT_Ri-hD9RFN-Qcc5E9QVnXjEX5TqT04pGbhHVdU3jZEn_H6NF6f_4UhrCwrYvg23ko/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The Solage}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H20a_aL0_GcQ5KzIC2H-yB8EEvdICElVGlysiX4wG48NMg190sx27WkY9g8sWftvKjVqRX3gk0UfldKS8nUZkbCRq99RxR-bztqYprFIGPz0t10L_NoMhafgYsxj-JsWPL1g9atzyZ5s/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H20a_aL0_GcQ5KzIC2H-yB8EEvdICElVGlysiX4wG48NMg190sx27WkY9g8sWftvKjVqRX3gk0UfldKS8nUZkbCRq99RxR-bztqYprFIGPz0t10L_NoMhafgYsxj-JsWPL1g9atzyZ5s/s1600/photo+4.JPG" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The Solage}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YKLoQh6JiXFacQoAbfCuFytQtUgjclno75eT0zLov4FicD_zpN5yckFRsSsAy9A-o6v_DCRA8t389ezIkY9I6AQyMupTCykjzsdpn8ZaPdbveguij_Q0K9UynVHKYGUKRuXt20hqZje-/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+2.04.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YKLoQh6JiXFacQoAbfCuFytQtUgjclno75eT0zLov4FicD_zpN5yckFRsSsAy9A-o6v_DCRA8t389ezIkY9I6AQyMupTCykjzsdpn8ZaPdbveguij_Q0K9UynVHKYGUKRuXt20hqZje-/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+2.04.15+PM.png" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Our Adorable Private Cottage and Cruiser Bikes at the Solage}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwzU7UR3pqjAN-O0xUZW0dgYJMJFaxxKUmkl17obnIksKUZKYJPiwqzMXp87vDH7cRMpuVZiORqDPo9uf0p_ewE4L3XW_XQQNc0NcX4jR_BEN0X_bg6PPTMt3BZqEO7vW5cayAJoYYBMl/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwzU7UR3pqjAN-O0xUZW0dgYJMJFaxxKUmkl17obnIksKUZKYJPiwqzMXp87vDH7cRMpuVZiORqDPo9uf0p_ewE4L3XW_XQQNc0NcX4jR_BEN0X_bg6PPTMt3BZqEO7vW5cayAJoYYBMl/s1600/photo+3.JPG" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The Solage}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigG2WaaTzqc6lW0k9hHtMQNn3RFog8brAvpWahaOjYTd4_WfEIxqlkFSKnPgHKRjauWdlmsMvxkfSpkRkOdR1nEw7gOr5GNq6zMS6sAXa1n24nrqoIZiHnUXESqgUFSSslP1nhdjYo4qVG/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigG2WaaTzqc6lW0k9hHtMQNn3RFog8brAvpWahaOjYTd4_WfEIxqlkFSKnPgHKRjauWdlmsMvxkfSpkRkOdR1nEw7gOr5GNq6zMS6sAXa1n24nrqoIZiHnUXESqgUFSSslP1nhdjYo4qVG/s1600/photo+4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The Fabulous Pool at the Solage}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNN5DSYPaJGVaj4mgB3W-akXksTLOhrgP0wfaezQR28ttWcno9nrwiaHudnuWF_TVzGuQbBKQJsqVjvzehUFnzDyODF-9oI5irssnXAiKzfkAOwQwJ8ShkRVEORd0U9LDp19FJN0OtdbAh/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNN5DSYPaJGVaj4mgB3W-akXksTLOhrgP0wfaezQR28ttWcno9nrwiaHudnuWF_TVzGuQbBKQJsqVjvzehUFnzDyODF-9oI5irssnXAiKzfkAOwQwJ8ShkRVEORd0U9LDp19FJN0OtdbAh/s1600/photo+5.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Bocce Ball Courts}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6_vJGOg-NYkkL5P7RV_5ul7tkC_tOY2j2ZuERRnixo5jNzhwTOOAKIrC1GDi-aGsS3434L-m8_ANw3UWC0L4hyD_cUog1Zr95bTB3bhft8Ps4Bs1bNzJa4iIgOSoHkoDYeQK9Bdcbnb_/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+9.14.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6_vJGOg-NYkkL5P7RV_5ul7tkC_tOY2j2ZuERRnixo5jNzhwTOOAKIrC1GDi-aGsS3434L-m8_ANw3UWC0L4hyD_cUog1Zr95bTB3bhft8Ps4Bs1bNzJa4iIgOSoHkoDYeQK9Bdcbnb_/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+9.14.33+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wHJNYqScTBYB4aci4oQMGNS5pogZ3QJHrTaiQC03OR8CejmDeL8IOZAcGgR78g9PTHzA71lS6xFOjfy3hx6Zs9fu9W_NfjdZc7j6MdgRm9BpQm7dTc7QWQLPyBAlGxNoENJdFqTKWvRI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wHJNYqScTBYB4aci4oQMGNS5pogZ3QJHrTaiQC03OR8CejmDeL8IOZAcGgR78g9PTHzA71lS6xFOjfy3hx6Zs9fu9W_NfjdZc7j6MdgRm9BpQm7dTc7QWQLPyBAlGxNoENJdFqTKWvRI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The Grounds at Far Niente}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I received so many great recommendations from readers and <a href="http://instagram.com/ladolcevitablog" target="_blank">Instagram</a> followers about wineries to visit and I'm happy to report that we checked out a few of the places you mentioned. We started out at <a href="http://farniente.com/" target="_blank">Far Niente</a>. The grounds are absolutely beautiful and they have a vintage car collection which was a bonus for Fabian. The tour was the most in-depth of all of our tastings. It was a great experience. Their tasting menu consisted of two whites, two reds, and one sweet dessert wine along with an excellent cheese pairing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBom2Q2ydlpWIg1MZHOcwhBXMkho77pDOSUFkSgVjfQf6HXkjrlhCO1Rec6qxF8dDCGyBpAiE1B9Kg8zfSBmLzW5PTVlIWnqSCif6ognx6AoogyzAkiNIxSN1D3eCBx-NLjogh3wEpw0D/s1600/far+niente+cave.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBom2Q2ydlpWIg1MZHOcwhBXMkho77pDOSUFkSgVjfQf6HXkjrlhCO1Rec6qxF8dDCGyBpAiE1B9Kg8zfSBmLzW5PTVlIWnqSCif6ognx6AoogyzAkiNIxSN1D3eCBx-NLjogh3wEpw0D/s1600/far+niente+cave.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The Caves at Far Niente}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruExKAqGqFRdRfr1n2DuRqU8vDp5uNxB3Vy-YEfVQoK6EBzolIS8NBV8mRnfIws5vg3XMC1u0uVrMX81BNInUh7P5DxqNfDP0Ez0UuDhaZLIQcgwGOXb3J-U6yYvGinHCdtppq9y4L0C5/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruExKAqGqFRdRfr1n2DuRqU8vDp5uNxB3Vy-YEfVQoK6EBzolIS8NBV8mRnfIws5vg3XMC1u0uVrMX81BNInUh7P5DxqNfDP0Ez0UuDhaZLIQcgwGOXb3J-U6yYvGinHCdtppq9y4L0C5/s1600/photo+5.JPG" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Alpha Omega}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We decided to check out <a href="http://www.aowinery.com/" target="_blank">Alpha Omega </a>because we loved the look of it from the highway and a reader happened to email me about it while we were there. We really enjoyed our experience and are so glad we went! The tasting was very informal and they were very accommodating. I am not a fan of Chardonnay and half the tasting at Far Niente had consisted of Chardonnay, so I asked if we could swap it for a Sauvignon Blanc instead and it wasn't an issue at all. The gentlemen who helped us were so fun and gracious, taking excellent care of us. We loved several of the wines we tasted there and made sure to order some for home.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj3EaTDA3C23w_4kDCzoTQa73wA8DNLxnB2FAMJbrEp0skbibYKIvDfnzvnphZhbATyNVmXvgTBYioGGUycLPLJBUrdXYDL3MYou_bPug0AGB8-4kaTuhgAl190A229FmA8c8VaeUOaz2/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj3EaTDA3C23w_4kDCzoTQa73wA8DNLxnB2FAMJbrEp0skbibYKIvDfnzvnphZhbATyNVmXvgTBYioGGUycLPLJBUrdXYDL3MYou_bPug0AGB8-4kaTuhgAl190A229FmA8c8VaeUOaz2/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Grounds at Alpha Omega}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwbYgHr2TkuYjX93GDP8oTmp1zauPvisTQxHKA9DwzaiVK7H5pyDiGHOPZnkTuqM8Yrf3-8Xkp2fGgKq1QAZc4vvcqt6d8BkjxwDZWgk8SFDkuRlrb7KNGqDOYJa7c3rFrw11Sj-o8HNI/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwbYgHr2TkuYjX93GDP8oTmp1zauPvisTQxHKA9DwzaiVK7H5pyDiGHOPZnkTuqM8Yrf3-8Xkp2fGgKq1QAZc4vvcqt6d8BkjxwDZWgk8SFDkuRlrb7KNGqDOYJa7c3rFrw11Sj-o8HNI/s1600/photo+4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The Tasting Room at Alpha Omega}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4xtZhgketRiD8Sh3ekPTvJM5uYEHGHDHoC6BKOgvBqWXjfcVvfRysaYH-wQewh6lz3vuXBw8GVg9EhmNlEK3CGM6DiM-_vKNKBRjwQhNMekr1kxwvqcRXrzYvP3RN9qWko-5wSWHoRsk/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4xtZhgketRiD8Sh3ekPTvJM5uYEHGHDHoC6BKOgvBqWXjfcVvfRysaYH-wQewh6lz3vuXBw8GVg9EhmNlEK3CGM6DiM-_vKNKBRjwQhNMekr1kxwvqcRXrzYvP3RN9qWko-5wSWHoRsk/s1600/photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.swansonvineyards.com/" target="_blank">Swanson Vineyards </a>is a personal favorite and I suspect it will be a go-to for me every time we return to Napa. The setting is chic, charming, and whimsical and their wines are outstanding. We had a great tasting there which was also tailored to our liking focusing on red wines and foregoing the whites. We love their wines and again ordered some bottles to be shipped to us along with some of their amazing Clarke's Bark. If you love chocolate, it is an absolute must. Imagine dark chocolate and toffee that has been soaked in their Swanson Merlot and then sprinkled with pink sea salt. It is divine! The attention to detail is evident in every stylish element at Swanson.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OLdhoyTSTGqZMGpkh-Dvxk7bDAJXP9fOIF_u86E_GXnm1OJKcv_HNHKbaWiGVNcrBT7GzZokAPIRn_XZB-KhpSjCmCVARG1BThCTwo2S0nJXwf4gSRkXueDXw9KsZRM1jIujiMwXBWTu/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OLdhoyTSTGqZMGpkh-Dvxk7bDAJXP9fOIF_u86E_GXnm1OJKcv_HNHKbaWiGVNcrBT7GzZokAPIRn_XZB-KhpSjCmCVARG1BThCTwo2S0nJXwf4gSRkXueDXw9KsZRM1jIujiMwXBWTu/s1600/photo+4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The Grounds at Swanson Vineyards}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO3Ei1wpwy54j2rcH6imx80Iu8SxtQ-3_TuZpcdGki4h6nfZv6vkeIdNmiljMqJJftcbNvXPKZ1ZCAFWOod3nrI1Ze3u1Sdf2XmmwY7We0uTB_KN8A8uRM7kTaD0MDM3QYukP1nuHSTys/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO3Ei1wpwy54j2rcH6imx80Iu8SxtQ-3_TuZpcdGki4h6nfZv6vkeIdNmiljMqJJftcbNvXPKZ1ZCAFWOod3nrI1Ze3u1Sdf2XmmwY7We0uTB_KN8A8uRM7kTaD0MDM3QYukP1nuHSTys/s1600/photo+5.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Since it was just the two of us, we opted for the more casual setting of the Sip Shoppe}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcBIeGqCQgrBCOG-e8i5guFBhXrHMfiZg-e5jZily5IY-U5qjLoa-t_wX2uz3b9ZeyQ8jH7omwEyogoCVL7pv9du8LmIKBtQgIy5zJ37CicH5EoFjSZiZz_1Xr6gM00rIAhADxXPmJIEF/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcBIeGqCQgrBCOG-e8i5guFBhXrHMfiZg-e5jZily5IY-U5qjLoa-t_wX2uz3b9ZeyQ8jH7omwEyogoCVL7pv9du8LmIKBtQgIy5zJ37CicH5EoFjSZiZz_1Xr6gM00rIAhADxXPmJIEF/s1600/photo+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The Sip Shoppe at Swanson Vineyards}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1-8lYI44nbL8uWiIpC2103uUNWUz2ET1dSayq4O2kNypptWgTGkYdsEWFupekWlHcO9OgfHpeNDBY0bX4uEXZ52zUlcMbefvj6hik6Kls7PXcWds0StmGCzqTyKRyn-Wgvz6eEr_71GP/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1-8lYI44nbL8uWiIpC2103uUNWUz2ET1dSayq4O2kNypptWgTGkYdsEWFupekWlHcO9OgfHpeNDBY0bX4uEXZ52zUlcMbefvj6hik6Kls7PXcWds0StmGCzqTyKRyn-Wgvz6eEr_71GP/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Next door to the Sip Shoppe is the beautiful Salon where formal, lavish tastings are held.}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDkDzT_oxk_JNqsmnyaWelJFuJzBRbUj-EIpQxSI1eHPLQJ5XEJsXav58yhny-_hoefCpowfW19puJiKnUs6dvWkjrlCH4aYCJepecHWOAfawPUw9qSn4xyNp1pTlCdoey4uE9hLF0bZe/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDkDzT_oxk_JNqsmnyaWelJFuJzBRbUj-EIpQxSI1eHPLQJ5XEJsXav58yhny-_hoefCpowfW19puJiKnUs6dvWkjrlCH4aYCJepecHWOAfawPUw9qSn4xyNp1pTlCdoey4uE9hLF0bZe/s1600/photo+4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The Salon at Swanson Vineyards}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rTh1t0FY-Qla6Sn2wgBJT-8h6zCtK3hPQLs0XIbO5T0ysgNtH-jZNLOExkztaDrRoyfLIQX7s5qr8jehyZUh4zVe1Q6LEZWDqB6Sz3rWqQhsLFjs0LFiTrci_PoxqSyYGUY82y5kehBl/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rTh1t0FY-Qla6Sn2wgBJT-8h6zCtK3hPQLs0XIbO5T0ysgNtH-jZNLOExkztaDrRoyfLIQX7s5qr8jehyZUh4zVe1Q6LEZWDqB6Sz3rWqQhsLFjs0LFiTrci_PoxqSyYGUY82y5kehBl/s1600/photo+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The Salon at Swanson Vineyards}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOH86S5eGMKmZ2EYThdcP6JoVUK1yBd8w4KyGNGDKGTxoiqm5njnOy1GCt1Dv6Kx871MTRegWGrPhY2ajEpHm0W9Qb5eST8ZYPkuiHcDCm3AR72Q-cW32eZ6Y8WResuEaMWVppqUJ3HxSn/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOH86S5eGMKmZ2EYThdcP6JoVUK1yBd8w4KyGNGDKGTxoiqm5njnOy1GCt1Dv6Kx871MTRegWGrPhY2ajEpHm0W9Qb5eST8ZYPkuiHcDCm3AR72Q-cW32eZ6Y8WResuEaMWVppqUJ3HxSn/s1600/photo+5.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The Salon at Swanson Vineyards features a Table Inlaid with Agate}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZCOe_CTansoRTel57-3aMJqM9XWT-upp1eV5B3vA8wk19IKMHW4tXJ9k8dMmoCunhXlvbSIGN_qzeW6SYdVL4EI8xkspnQ4fG9Eu1t449Jyg0r0INWVP2oRQI0M2NbG6puBKtN_S3xwr/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZCOe_CTansoRTel57-3aMJqM9XWT-upp1eV5B3vA8wk19IKMHW4tXJ9k8dMmoCunhXlvbSIGN_qzeW6SYdVL4EI8xkspnQ4fG9Eu1t449Jyg0r0INWVP2oRQI0M2NbG6puBKtN_S3xwr/s1600/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Cakebread Cellars}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The last vineyard we visited was <a href="http://www.cakebread.com/" target="_blank">Cakebread Cellars</a>. In case you're wondering, I think two tastings per day is a good number. That way, you're able to enjoy each experience and make it to dinner without being indisposed for the rest of the day, if you know what I mean. Cakebread is located in Rutherford, very close to Swanson and Far Niente. As a matter of fact, Alpha Omega is pretty close as well. Cakebread produces delicious wines! We are fans of their Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc and ordered some for back home. Their tasting was a steal and was extremely generous-- $15 per person for a flight of six wines. Our tour guide, Summer was personable and hilarious and we lucked out with a really fun group. We had such a fun time at this tasting! Cakebread is definitely a must.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZKa5CMcW3WEJ-boFRlgbtaviPJofpoWM9viJVUgXBdeqs16GE4hQNVSVNb4a05_cHs9OVG_3prZtBkIA3Ao3sCXXhtYwEXhjU-3SSxvnvhTyC1MvCc9HjGYWWhjmopNE1v2NLAu1YIwI/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZKa5CMcW3WEJ-boFRlgbtaviPJofpoWM9viJVUgXBdeqs16GE4hQNVSVNb4a05_cHs9OVG_3prZtBkIA3Ao3sCXXhtYwEXhjU-3SSxvnvhTyC1MvCc9HjGYWWhjmopNE1v2NLAu1YIwI/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Cakebread Cellars}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKV0YNhQgnEAOefcePjdM_LfYe1jDOWEpnLmtbxeJ6hzZJYKkqKpOiqeuB6ahmySVQvVDZFckj2RI0ZifeLVPg7YPE01348KeeuXmr3_FO1fqmqDEa21Ic4dFKDHZr3nbF0GcVdTwrh3Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+9.14.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKV0YNhQgnEAOefcePjdM_LfYe1jDOWEpnLmtbxeJ6hzZJYKkqKpOiqeuB6ahmySVQvVDZFckj2RI0ZifeLVPg7YPE01348KeeuXmr3_FO1fqmqDEa21Ic4dFKDHZr3nbF0GcVdTwrh3Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+9.14.40+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGejCn4YrO-Tx9CDn0q3ikj-WPCjfmn0Mk8x4RdcTI6CXAi8RvPzP4Y9sdWIb7UfyWrE4n2ymj53mIJsFT4b6zYfpb_cS00uZCFxVMM3EMTbzPdK6n9aqd1cXTaW3fynpPnIQA60VJ16sM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+2.04.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGejCn4YrO-Tx9CDn0q3ikj-WPCjfmn0Mk8x4RdcTI6CXAi8RvPzP4Y9sdWIb7UfyWrE4n2ymj53mIJsFT4b6zYfpb_cS00uZCFxVMM3EMTbzPdK6n9aqd1cXTaW3fynpPnIQA60VJ16sM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+2.04.46+PM.png" width="622" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Redd Wood in Yountville}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have been blessed to be able to travel as much as I have and I must say, I would be hard pressed to find a place with better food than Napa. I have had some of the best meals of my life there. Fabian and I really enjoyed everything we had. I attempted to get us into Redd, where I've dined a couple of times before, but it was totally booked up. Instead, we tried Chef Reddington's newer restaurant, <a href="http://www.redd-wood.com/" target="_blank">Redd Wood </a>and had a fabulous meal. If you go, you must try the Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad and Mushroom Pizza with Kale and Red Onion. Both items are absolutely divine! The restaurant was designed by Erin Martin and has a very cool vibe. The next day we had breakfast at <a href="http://www.themodelbakery.com/" target="_blank">Model Bakery</a> in St. Helena-- everything there is amazing. We had their breakfast sandwich on their famous English Muffin and it was so darn good. That day we went to lunch at the <a href="http://www.aubergebistro.com/" target="_blank">Auberge du Soleil</a> which offers sweeping views of the Napa Valley along with great service and food in the most beautiful setting. It makes for a very special experience that I would highly recommend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkm59P6FFEb6OGZmC9xVzP2fECmSEDSua6W5h7nKFZsghvjo23XIcI44LuVCKEaQNECudhm0TPJ5rIX0lc5LNfUSPbpIQLKzErXlwIZrF_C3lhm5lJrlQ3UWFiZ-vEzX0R89R-FULwUYHz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+2.06.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkm59P6FFEb6OGZmC9xVzP2fECmSEDSua6W5h7nKFZsghvjo23XIcI44LuVCKEaQNECudhm0TPJ5rIX0lc5LNfUSPbpIQLKzErXlwIZrF_C3lhm5lJrlQ3UWFiZ-vEzX0R89R-FULwUYHz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+2.06.45+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That afternoon, we popped into <a href="http://frenchbluenapa.com/" target="_blank">French Blue</a> for a drink and a couple of nibbles before dinner. I really wanted to visit because it belongs to architect, Howard Backen and his wife, so I knew it had to be chic beyond belief. Sure enough, the setting is just gorgeous. It looks like the set of a Nancy Meyers movie and I was secretly hoping that Ina Garten would walk in because she certainly belongs in this beautiful setting! I wanted to make it to dinner looking and feeling refreshed after a day of wine tasting so I only had sparkling water, but we ordered their oysters on the half shell and grilled naan which were really good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7w10hVL9aM3_6Vz-P2ygK-ULgGatb6CSk61OiRVjJqB0_pfAYbUVDQmwQTiOYF17mGgqRTRAx-hrT2LxCwgV87RwVk0yt3Ghm1eOqNiP9VwbDrvU6euj67PV39u6RR2Y-dKRQT9iYXYij/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7w10hVL9aM3_6Vz-P2ygK-ULgGatb6CSk61OiRVjJqB0_pfAYbUVDQmwQTiOYF17mGgqRTRAx-hrT2LxCwgV87RwVk0yt3Ghm1eOqNiP9VwbDrvU6euj67PV39u6RR2Y-dKRQT9iYXYij/s1600/photo+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{French Blue in St. Helena}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Napa is filled with so many great restaurants-- you could literally go to a different restaurant each day of the month and have a really good meal each night, so we were a little disappointed with our choice of restaurant the second night. We went to La Condesa and while some of the items we had were good, others were just so-so and the service was really hit or miss, especially considering the fact that there were very few patrons while we were there. Other than that, the decor was really cool, so I would probably just recommend it for drinks and a bite before dinner elsewhere. On our third night, we had dinner at <a href="http://www.cooksthelena.com/" target="_blank">Cook</a> on St. Helena's Main Street per Alexis Swanson Traina's recommendation and it was fabulous. We each enjoyed our food tremendously and really liked the intimate ambiance of the little jewel box of a restaurant. For casual lunches, <a href="http://gotts.com/" target="_blank">Gott's Roadside</a> and Giugni's Deli are definite musts in St. Helena.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAK4LpeMFWTWo3HVxfRvDK3ye6nh6dpNoc6Vxj1c_myoO0-J1BQhtK7LaYWFgEDP9xgzxeCSbbhgULLtXZEclwHedwoOSdZuQG4B9GtKq6FCJs-SMRkaZcpmT0KLAxxbw2xtaWlcSTf-d8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+9.14.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAK4LpeMFWTWo3HVxfRvDK3ye6nh6dpNoc6Vxj1c_myoO0-J1BQhtK7LaYWFgEDP9xgzxeCSbbhgULLtXZEclwHedwoOSdZuQG4B9GtKq6FCJs-SMRkaZcpmT0KLAxxbw2xtaWlcSTf-d8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+9.14.46+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAGcgH5TGi0OAPy9UVII5AFw5r1sRJAOuWpmaiGp3EF3va1GJSvAGENY8NUkucBNzda-XhoOH7Gsw3loSNgm1qnGsdZ9LkBDoQQ2J0ZDp6OU_e73vAbC0n0Gj0bIxRvIexbHRj1Vfeg4y/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+2.05.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAGcgH5TGi0OAPy9UVII5AFw5r1sRJAOuWpmaiGp3EF3va1GJSvAGENY8NUkucBNzda-XhoOH7Gsw3loSNgm1qnGsdZ9LkBDoQQ2J0ZDp6OU_e73vAbC0n0Gj0bIxRvIexbHRj1Vfeg4y/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+2.05.32+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Erin Martin in St. Helena}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you've ever been to Napa, then you know that St. Helena is a big draw. It's home to a lot of vineyards, but also has the cutest main street, dotted with art galleries, restaurants, and great shopping. We popped into several stores throughout our time there. <a href="http://erinmartindesign.com/" target="_blank">Erin Martin</a> is always a fun stop for design inspiration. She is really fearless in her aesthetic, which I respect and admire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3boDcH8KmGB-vm-ZVDZiKOLaG5MLAKblksUikf0liybX89-P2X4KX_i6W_nUaM4IlEdP-hLA6uowVvbI7r9aS-A3KRblrUJD62UOwLeEMAXzUHZP-uaqWAqynGYL1qKwoTxe5tmIRCJiN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+2.06.20+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3boDcH8KmGB-vm-ZVDZiKOLaG5MLAKblksUikf0liybX89-P2X4KX_i6W_nUaM4IlEdP-hLA6uowVvbI7r9aS-A3KRblrUJD62UOwLeEMAXzUHZP-uaqWAqynGYL1qKwoTxe5tmIRCJiN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+2.06.20+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the more traditional end of the spectrum, <a href="https://napavalleyvintagehome.com/" target="_blank">Vintage Home</a> is also a must in St. Helena. It is the most beautiful shop filled with housewares, decorative items, and chic gifts. I loved the current Astier de Villette display in the window. Another favorite was <a href="http://acreshomeandgarden.com/" target="_blank">Acres Home & Garden</a> just a few doors down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNr_vpagS4vkj6Nui64BvFuhFJYTbZbf8tQhT1rc5bsxgczHHUadd3M1OQKNelFPc1MhWFEdT5jMxMVdHDbbJmaU6sXU6Z9caQiar9gWzRBcHFmDozNWDe84OlSp1Pl5dhtWPbxgnTnPj/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+9.14.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNr_vpagS4vkj6Nui64BvFuhFJYTbZbf8tQhT1rc5bsxgczHHUadd3M1OQKNelFPc1MhWFEdT5jMxMVdHDbbJmaU6sXU6Z9caQiar9gWzRBcHFmDozNWDe84OlSp1Pl5dhtWPbxgnTnPj/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+9.14.52+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYXCyMxVc2UvgnttbTkkaP-E5iL6_dTafut_FyZlPD5gcfcv7WqsejVsbhn0NADOEv0SyW-T5p8J0zsuu8c4g0IiL2qFVRjQRS5bT5iJ2BQ4LFRs1DxqN3gFz4FiNeTAEXfe5oitkzlX3/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+2.03.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYXCyMxVc2UvgnttbTkkaP-E5iL6_dTafut_FyZlPD5gcfcv7WqsejVsbhn0NADOEv0SyW-T5p8J0zsuu8c4g0IiL2qFVRjQRS5bT5iJ2BQ4LFRs1DxqN3gFz4FiNeTAEXfe5oitkzlX3/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-17+at+2.03.52+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Driving over the Golden Gate Bridge}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Friday, we checked out of the Solage and drove back to San Francisco. On our way there we stopped at the Marin Country Mart just off of the 101. We've visited the Malibu and Brentwood Country Marts in L.A., so we decided we should make a pit stop at the Northern California iteration of the chic shopping centers. My good friend, Jeni tipped us off to the shops and restaurants we should check out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_P-rPKHrYO0YMoAdQqrT6BD6zCozKUiE9d099c-PUvdgH0GBr3JF6nIqiveS2jnCCoTg7A__CEo-L4zN4lOzp9GuxYXDL_Wz2vB7J4vXiLxBE3_JJ9ZLiFn9mUrTPfLJnMKFWfrBR9vf/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_P-rPKHrYO0YMoAdQqrT6BD6zCozKUiE9d099c-PUvdgH0GBr3JF6nIqiveS2jnCCoTg7A__CEo-L4zN4lOzp9GuxYXDL_Wz2vB7J4vXiLxBE3_JJ9ZLiFn9mUrTPfLJnMKFWfrBR9vf/s1600/photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The Marin Country Mart-- Funny Sidenote: Several stylish moms were having lunch while their adorable tots played nearby and Fabian asked me "Is this where moms come to show off their children?". Something tells me that might be part of what's going on!}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LPEHPDxp_xaH1zpMCLD1_b8E7UJmIJN52AB0jhOYoXdaWzr1Upsen0y6qz4Wt-xKU4h0C6F38Y7_Ue7Hm6llKYwmpEPGZp2bJi7KwNfJ-4wG-Zs30Q3FRchwXaXBhyphenhyphenu65Vo7ofshIZ3T/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LPEHPDxp_xaH1zpMCLD1_b8E7UJmIJN52AB0jhOYoXdaWzr1Upsen0y6qz4Wt-xKU4h0C6F38Y7_Ue7Hm6llKYwmpEPGZp2bJi7KwNfJ-4wG-Zs30Q3FRchwXaXBhyphenhyphenu65Vo7ofshIZ3T/s1600/photo+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have visited San Francisco several times and while we usually love it, we just weren't feeling the love quite as much this time. I think it may have been the shock of going from pure pastoral bliss in Napa all week to the sights, sounds, and <i>ahem</i>, smells of a major city, even one as beautiful as San Francisco. I think we were just in a state of mind where we needed to decompress and really benefitted from our peaceful time in Napa in so many ways. I even managed to cut myself off from technology for the most part which is a huge and rare coup! I Instagrammed a few times, but probably spent about 30 minutes online over the course of the entire week. All of these things contributed to the fact that we just weren't in a city state of mind when we arrived in SF. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhblFF0UyJZgRMH0fL6CDq-HOPVdqluOVzOE3UlNgiCn06J6f6kX40JENoEnnOurT3r5TlARGopw_g3-3hoPR-Zkd_423cOjZdsb_flM2toKDQ9VCjDUOf7PdjTrMlzsPm9LrHJ4xZuj2q/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhblFF0UyJZgRMH0fL6CDq-HOPVdqluOVzOE3UlNgiCn06J6f6kX40JENoEnnOurT3r5TlARGopw_g3-3hoPR-Zkd_423cOjZdsb_flM2toKDQ9VCjDUOf7PdjTrMlzsPm9LrHJ4xZuj2q/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We stayed at the <a href="http://www.hotelvitale.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Vitale</a> across the street from the Ferry Building.  The hotel was well located and perfectly nice with a comfortable bed and bedding. However, it was not the Solage and I think we may have gotten a little spoiled there. I mean, it's a little hard to live up to private cottages with cruiser bikes, Mercedes Benz loaners, and heavenly amenities and grounds. On Valentine's night, we enjoyed a delicious four course dinner at <a href="http://www.isarestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Isa</a> in the Marina which was amazing. We loved everything we had and enjoyed the romantic, intimate setting. The service there is so attentive, too.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvJsAz0d-eHvYl8Qi0vKbJAXenW3PuiS2aco5ITjZNjTjttdQwhKpBOuT215IKSIdLKptXw853olYPxs9OxNVjT_14O4uhqjEmRIVi40rJGB5wPhyphenhyphen8KCtsHc0Nk6gxQJ-QAUpAQ2bWuo4/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvJsAz0d-eHvYl8Qi0vKbJAXenW3PuiS2aco5ITjZNjTjttdQwhKpBOuT215IKSIdLKptXw853olYPxs9OxNVjT_14O4uhqjEmRIVi40rJGB5wPhyphenhyphen8KCtsHc0Nk6gxQJ-QAUpAQ2bWuo4/s1600/photo+4.JPG" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Saturday morning, we went to the Farmer's Market at the Ferry Building and then met up with our dear friends who drove down from the Sacramento area to see us. We had an incredible lunch at <a href="http://www.slanteddoor.com/" target="_blank">The Slanted Door</a> which overlooks the Bay Bridge. I can see why it is a must for our friends whenever they are in SF. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yioNVHzndasksR7SjpIlX5rqLs8cVK44WBuoO0LXiW7pJBW0ujNIyRzNn6SXytRwS1HtwpSF5r9U-zaGjxDRTyw_hKxdPApAAuRrHSMWCRRJJm21hy6rGJBjTWAV9b8Cit5LRDWv92lL/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yioNVHzndasksR7SjpIlX5rqLs8cVK44WBuoO0LXiW7pJBW0ujNIyRzNn6SXytRwS1HtwpSF5r9U-zaGjxDRTyw_hKxdPApAAuRrHSMWCRRJJm21hy6rGJBjTWAV9b8Cit5LRDWv92lL/s1600/photo+5.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Saturday night, we had what might have been our favorite dinner of the entire trip at Tyler Florence's <a href="http://wayfaretavern.com/" target="_blank">Wayfare Tavern</a>. They seated us at the chef's counter which was really cool because it was like having dinner and a show. It's incredible to see the attention to detail the chefs put into everything they do. The restaurant was pretty packed and lit for ambiance, so it was difficult to get good photos, but the design is SO good. The moldings are painted in the most perfect grey-blue tone. I also loved the stair runner pictured above.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUb02rR1xK2tlZ3OYUO5oTAkAzQLjdZ3YWEnIyqzr6hd7_XsmLzAtxW3lI-haU-hK_rQrlTNKSlOu-kjQwXw-GPDt7-6wW8t6zmuhc-qzpk4AxWCjgsJmOMP_0-S1w19nQhASST4l6uN_y/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUb02rR1xK2tlZ3OYUO5oTAkAzQLjdZ3YWEnIyqzr6hd7_XsmLzAtxW3lI-haU-hK_rQrlTNKSlOu-kjQwXw-GPDt7-6wW8t6zmuhc-qzpk4AxWCjgsJmOMP_0-S1w19nQhASST4l6uN_y/s1600/photo+1.JPG" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Chef's Counter at Wayfare Tavern}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicDpkzjykrQLFlTfjxwJ2AaF9ZksFBF0Dijse8XPWsUu69cZdyv06OnzP9i5FsX7j2sdrckSrF5Te9Gs_Zy8MuZ8-821B2jcljAKzncIkT7doaW23WeRtW7Av6lk4mwwuIR9u1tfEAgCN/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicDpkzjykrQLFlTfjxwJ2AaF9ZksFBF0Dijse8XPWsUu69cZdyv06OnzP9i5FsX7j2sdrckSrF5Te9Gs_Zy8MuZ8-821B2jcljAKzncIkT7doaW23WeRtW7Av6lk4mwwuIR9u1tfEAgCN/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Wayfare Tavern is famous for its fried chicken. When my friend who's been a vegetarian her whole life confessed to eating the chicken when they dined there, I knew it had to be good! It is so juicy and flavorful. You can taste the fresh thyme, rosemary, and citrus in each delicious bite. It's a large serving with five pieces, so Fabian and I split it and shared orders of their macaroni and cheese and broccolini, both of which were really good. We will definitely return to Wayfare Tavern!}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qzcVNVNjg6_NzgT-frP0Cp0-sOd3DThFxTbfFEfEpNswv8OempThNzWWE4vuGGFA69p_5gfdAf3fDauGIlrNDzr96nNmqmYfbQKkhyYZ83VC1NBRPHyriGlFckuKQaSuKWl9HZDRGSrJ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qzcVNVNjg6_NzgT-frP0Cp0-sOd3DThFxTbfFEfEpNswv8OempThNzWWE4vuGGFA69p_5gfdAf3fDauGIlrNDzr96nNmqmYfbQKkhyYZ83VC1NBRPHyriGlFckuKQaSuKWl9HZDRGSrJ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{I knew we'd love Wayfare Tavern as soon as we pulled up and saw the high-gloss black exterior with black and white striped awnings.}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I realize that I am getting a bit long-winded here, but there were so many wonderful things I wanted to share about this trip, especially since many of you have reached out to say that you are planning upcoming trips to Napa and SF. I have one last tidbit to share. Have you used <a href="http://www.uber.com/invite/kd8yo" target="_blank">Uber</a>? We don't have it in Houston, but I downloaded the app in San Francisco and am so glad we did. Taxis are notorious for being a pain in the neck whether you're in New York or anywhere else. Sometimes, hailing a cab can take forever. I've walked so many blocks in the rain during a taxi shift change in New York when it felt like no cab would ever stop for me, so<a href="http://www.uber.com/invite/kd8yo" target="_blank"> Uber</a> is amazing in my eyes. You download the app, literally click a button to select the type of car you want-- traditional taxi, UberX (Prius or Small Car), Uber Black, or Uber SUV and in less than 5 minutes, your driver is there to pick you up. Prices are typically comparable to that of a regular taxi and the drivers are so polite and drive spotless cars. The whole experience was so pleasant that Fabian and I are hooked. I just had to share!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All in all, Fabian and I had the most amazing time in Napa and are already dreaming about when we'll get to go back. It was a lucky coincidence that our trip fell during Valentine's Day because the whole week was so relaxing and romantic. It felt exactly as a vacation should!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><center></center><center></center><center><img src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww267/fabkcreative/2012/Signature-3.png" /></center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>{No part of this trip was sponsored in any way. All opinions are genuinely my own.}</center>

La Dolce Vita in Napa

{The View from the Auberge du Soleil } Spending the last week in Napa and San Francisco was one of my favorite vacations of all time and I k...

Read more »