How To Behave And Why

With cute illustrations and simple words of advice that children can relate to, "How To Behave And Why" is a great family book for this time of year.  Written by Munro Leaf, author of  "Ferdinand the Bull", this classic book of lessons has become a favorite in our home.  Take a look at the book and have a peek at our well behaved children's Christmas tree below:

For the past few years, the kids have had their very own Christmas tree in their bedroom. Decorated with ornaments from my husband's childhood,  the tree is full of memories of Christmases past.  Not only are there Santas and fluffy teddy bears hanging from its branches,  there are  also little photo frames displaying pictures of Alex and me (in our younger years).  Thanks to his mom,  the kids can see how we once looked...

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I Got Big Plans! Big Plans, I Say!

This week I have big plans!  A phrase from our children's favorite read at the moment that just happens to be true.  I do have big plans.  Tonight, I'm flying to Paris with my husband, just the two of us.  So, all the hoopla about needing time alone to get into a book-- well,  no more excuses.  Not only that, I'm going to see and experience so much.  I thought about showing some "found" Paris photos to tell you about my big plans,  but I prefer to share this beautiful city through MY lens.  So, until then here are few random obsessions. Take a look and remember to follow me on Twitter for some inevitable Paris highlights.

The book Big Plans is great fun.   One can get very expressive reading it to children.  The excitement over big plans is BIG!

A beautiful outdoor space by From Me To You.

Will Leather Goods' Dhurrie messenger bag because I'm loving anything carpet covered at the moment.

A friend lent me a beautiful skirt and shirt from A Detacher for my trip to Paris.  I'm now a huge fan.

A Paris dining room.  Love the mixed chairs and wood accents that give the space texture and warmth.

Watermelon granita from Kumquat, sweet and refreshing.  Sante!

 

Books I'm Perusing Right Now

 

I have to admit that one of my New Year's resolutions hasn't quite materialized yet:  reading more.  For me, getting into a book entails a long train or plane ride (minus three kids) or a weekend getaway with the hubby (sans the kids again).  Since neither has happened as of late, my most recent reads have been more along the lines of visual and culinary inspirations. Take a look at three books I'm perusing at the moment...

Chihuly's glass sculptures are just amazing.  On a recent visit to the MFA in Boston,  I found Dale Chihuly's drawings to be equally impressive, so I bought Chihuly Drawing.  Learning how he first brought his 3-dimensional ideas to paper is purely magical.  The color combinations can easily inspire a room palette.

"The Best Camera Is The One You Have With You" is a journal of the author’s photos,  all taken with his iPhone.  It has made me realize that one can take great photos with any camera.  Strangely, just prior to giving me this book, my husband also bought me a fancy camera.

Above photo taken with my iPhone using The Best Camera App.

In Secret Suppers the author shares her dining experiences at supper clubs throughout the country.  With an occasional recipe thrown in, it speaks to my own desire to start a supper club in our area.

Have you perused or read any good books lately?!  Please share some titles...

 

Loving Frank

Staying true to my New Year's resolution of reading more I'm doing just that with Loving Frank.  Barely a blogger, definitely not a book reviewer,  but I'll give it my best.

Poetically written, Nancy Horan’s account of Frank Lloyd Wright’s passion for design should be easily appreciated by both those with a designing eye and those without.  On a personal level, his transgressions may have been familiar to most readers, but perhaps not the extent of his love affair with Mamah Cheney.  The tragic tale of a defiant love in the face of all things right force the reader to be torn between right and wrong throughout the novel.  At times one feels as passionate about the affair as those who lived it, at others, deeply saddened by the ordeal imposed on all around them.  Is true love worth entire families dismantled in its path?  This doomed and never quite realized love story ends suddenly and violently.  Its impact on the reader is softened by Wright's life long dream to have nature and structure coexist in harmony.  A must read for anyone who loves good design and a good love story.

At a time when the norm for architecture was cookie-cutter style,  Wright braved it all with his idea that structures should coexist with their surrounds, blending seamlessly into the landscapes that defined them.  Take a look at some examples of his work.  I would SO love a tour.

Cocoon's Book List

Putting together Cocoon's favorite book list I was conflicted as to which one should be first, since they're all still my very favorites.   They all have offered inspiration for different projects and evoke memories of valued clients.  I decided to go with Textile Designs by Susan Meller and Joost Elffers because I've always loved poring over the pages whether I needed to or not. This book is a great reference for color combinations and historical representations of textile design.  A perfect coffee table book.

Dwellings by Stephen Sills and James Huniford is a study in classic luxury.

Kelly Wearstler's Modern Glamour because everyone needs a touch of it in their home.

Ethnic Interiors is filled with beautiful photographs of different regional styles that inspire readers to dig into their own roots and add diversity and drama to their own decorating styles.

Being a huge fan of mixing patterns this book is high on my "love" list.  Browsing through At Home With Pattern is both a visual treat and a license to combine materials one may not expect to blend together.

Apartment Living combines great ideas for all spaces, either in apartments or single family homes.  It features useful solutions and great examples for traditional, contemporary and/or modern interiors.

Not only do I admire Nine by Design's style and approach to interior design on paper,  I also love the creativity and energy of their TV show .

For botanical inspirations Christian Tortu's Sensational Bouquets is hands down an all-time favorite of mine.  He manages to reinvent floral design by mixing colors, textures and vessels while creating modern classics.  A must have.

Let me know what your favorite design books are.