Botanical Inspiration: A Costa Rican Landscape

I just returned from a week long yoga retreat in Costa Rica. The country's lush landscape is abundant in hues of greens, layered leafs, rich textures and unusual flowers.  I was completely in awe of it, but what really mesmerized me were the sounds of its rain forest canopies.  I've never heard so many interesting insect calls, howling monkeys and tropical birds.  Even the jeeps and motor bikes traveling on gravel roads and beeping their horns seemed to contribute to the busy jungle noise.  Unfortunately, I don't have an audio of what I heard, but I can provide a visual of the beautiful botanicals I encountered.  Take a look:

I hope to one day return with my family.  Costa Rica is truly an amazing place.  

Italy: Balconies, Terraces and Entryways.

Nearly a week has gone by since our return from Italy, and I'm convinced I left a bit of my heart and soul back there.  Not only are the historical landmarks magnificent, but the modern day living  scenes around them are equally striking.  Some of my favorite sights were the balconies, entries and doors that adorned practically each city and town we visited.  Whether in an urban area, or remote rural one, botanicals seemed to play a major role in defining how an outdoor space evolves with time.   Here are some of favorite images of grand entries, lush balconies and serene, inviting terraces.  

Italy, I cannot wait to return, again and again.  Ciao!!

Out And About: Santa Barbara

Around this time last week, Alex and I travelled to Santa Barbara.  The trip was part of an extended birthday celebration/gift that included tickets to see one of my favorite artists, Banks, who was to perform at the Bowl.  Two days prior to the show, we walked, ate, drank, napped on the beach and shopped a bit in this truly pretty place.  Tucked in between the mountains and the sea, Santa Barbara's air is clean, crisp and a little salty.  We stayed at the hip Goodland Hotel, where I admit to feeling a little out of my league, but where the laid-back, cool California vibe was quite entertaining.  Among the places we visited, my favorites were the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, The Textile Studio, Raoul's, American Ale for cocktails, and of course, the Bowl, where I danced (my-you-know-what-off) to the sounds and amazing voice of Elizabeth Banks.  Take a look a few images from our past weekend:

Many thanks to NS and KT for taking such great care of the kids while we were away.  

As an aside, let's all hope that the recent oil spill that contaminated the pristine Santa Barbara coast is cleaned up quickly and effectively, so that no more wildlife or plant material is lost forever.