grand {magical} entrance

It is said that "you can't judge a book by its cover" but I ask can you judge a home by it's grand entrance? All I know is that this magical Moroccan inspired entry definitely has me wanting to cross the threshold.

(via luxe interiors and design)

7:13 AM by beemagnet · 0

event inspiration {hot summer nights}

With the upcoming Independence Day weekend I definitley have casual hot summer night events on my mind--particularly those that are shoreside with a cool ocean breeze and where I would imagine there would be an amazing view of local fireworks.

(via rebecca thus, prue roscoe, paperfinger, prue roscoe, hallie burton, karen mordechai, hallie burton)
Do you have any fun firework viewing plans for this weekend?

3:17 PM by beemagnet · 0

al fresco dining {by light}

I am finally getting to spend sometime on my deck with a glass of wine at the end of the day and wish that I had a more glamorous form of lighting then my current flood lights, perhaps a lovely chandelier? I just so prefer a soft glow when outdoors in the evening--whether the light source has a more modern edge...

...exudes casual glamour...

or is quaint and rustic.

(via canadian house and home, unknown, amy butler via the city sage, right bank to the left coast)
How do you light your outdoor living and dining areas? Also, I am completely crazy about the first outdoor space and you can see more of it right here--it is part of a wonderful patio makeover.

6:15 AM by beemagnet · 0

a secret garden

The weather has just been just wonderful here the past couple of days and I have had no desire to be inside (hence the sunburn). It leaves me yearning for a room that would allow me to be to be inside while still enjoying the wonders of the outdoors. Perhaps one with a little chandelier?

Or a citrus filled orangery with the perfect settee.

Or maybe a peaceful and more traditional conservatory...


(via flickr, madeline soder , haven and home (via country living), southern accents, lucyina moodie, erik johnson)
Do you have a dream room addition?

8:12 AM by beemagnet · 0

thank you trina turk!

There was a day last summer when I was getting dressed for dinner in one of my trina turk ensembles and was thinking "how cool would it be to have a line of home accessories from her?" A few days later I realized that she had opened a home store but was bummed that the products weren't available online for those of us that don't live in Palm Springs. Ok, so long story short--she has a new line of pillow and rugs that is going to be available online "soon"! I for one am thrilled and love the images of them from the summer 2009 look book:





The styles totally appeal to my inner prep! And the icing on the cake is the beautiful new line of outdoor/indoor fabric she has designed for schumacher.





Ok, enough day dreaming about summer and lounging by the pool--back to work for me!

12:12 PM by beemagnet · 0

Puddle Jumping

I wear my Tory Burch leather flats almost everyday which with the current amount of mud is not exactly practical (something I usually am not!). Anyways, I do have to admit that it may be time for more appropriate footwear. I was thrilled when I came across these WATERPROOF Tory Burch offerings. Being a former equestrian, I especially love the boots!

(Winnie Rain Riding Boot)

(Matthew Rain Shoe)

2:39 PM by beemagnet · 0

Glamping

Yes, Glamping is a term that I recently saw used in the August 2008 Mountain Living magazine and is short for glamorous camping. When I read the article and saw the "camps" they recommended I think the term is quite appropriate. I love camping but I always dread knowing I won't get a good night sleep due to a tree root jamming into my back, the bites of mosquito's or rain leaking in to the tent. If you dread these not so glamorous aspects of camping too then you would definitely be interested in the accommodations at Paws-Up, a Montana resort offering luxury adventure vacations. Here are some pictures of the "tent" accommodations:

The tents are 270-square-foot, have a king-sized feather bed, electricity, spacious deck, private master bathroom, twice-daily housekeeping service, gourmet meals and even your own personal butler that will make you a campfire and tell stories!! They appropriately refer to their River Camp as a place "where nature is served on a silver platter." In addition to all the luxuries offered, you can also enjoy the beautiful setting along the Blackfoot river:

10:36 AM by beemagnet · 0