Archive for category Nature
Outdoor Dining-Entertaining Sonoma Style™
Posted by Irene Turner in Entertaining Sonoma Style, Nature on July 14, 2011
Outdoor dining, otherwise known as dining Alfresco, is a pleasure for the senses. I don’t know what it is, but there is something elemental about tasting food, in a beautiful setting outdoors in nature, and with friends. Alfresco dining is known as a style of dining that is casual and often party-like in its atmosphere, in a cool place and always outdoors. It’s one of the major elements to outdoor living.
We Entertain Sonoma Style
Outdoor entertaining is, by definition, a casual affair, so don’t stand on ceremony when it comes to planning your next summer party. It’s less about the formality of matching plates and table linens and more about enjoying a great backyard barbecue with family and friends. From a laid back morning meal, drinks by the pool; or dinner for 1 to 10 or more, here are a few tricks to set the scene, making it look extravagant with minimal effort. Continue reading “Outdoor Dining-Entertaining Sonoma Style™” »
Summer Solstice-Celebrating the Seasons: Part 1
Posted by Irene Turner in Nature, Personal Style & Well being on June 21, 2011
photo courtesy of Only an Almond Bean
Welcome Summer! Today is the Summer Solstice and what is consider as the official start of summer, and the longest day of the year here in the Northern hemisphere. I love observing these ancient cultural celebrations as it is a great way to slow down, recognize and give thanks to nature in our world.
The Summer solstice is recognized and often celebrated in many cultures around the world, in both the past and the present. The Celts & Slavs celebrated the first day of summer with dancing & bonfires to help increase the sun’s energy. The Chinese marked the day by honoring Li, the Chinese Goddess of Light. Perhaps the most enduring modern ties with Summer Solstice were the Druids’ celebration of the day as the “wedding of Heaven and Earth”, which is why there are so many June weddings as we still believe them to be “lucky”. Continue reading “Summer Solstice-Celebrating the Seasons: Part 1” »
Natural Pools
Posted by Irene Turner in Interior Design & Renovation, Nature, Sustainability on June 14, 2011
However, there is a sustainable choice if you want to enjoy a beautiful water feature, an exotic addition to your garden and the fun and relaxation of floating in water. It’s a natural pool, and, I think its a great alternative to the traditional pool; both when building new, as well as converting when it’s time to resurface or fix an existing pool.
Blend your garden and your pool! via justson blogspot
Natural swimming pools or ponds originated in Europe over 25 years ago, and has yet to make it’s way here to the US with any kind of impact. While Natural swimming pools still use pumps and skimmers, they mostly use gravel stone and clay in place of concrete or fiberglass, and aquatic plants instead of harmful chemicals and complicated mechanical filtering systems. All of which blend into, and make our natural environment very happy. Continue reading “Natural Pools” »
Gaudi is Personal to Me
Posted by Irene Turner in Architecture, Art, Nature on April 19, 2011
Gaudi is personal to me…Growing up in Barcelona from age 7 to almost 10, I was fortunate to see how his work influenced the face of architecture in Barcelona. To this day I distinctly remember walking past these fantastical buildings daily, or visiting these famous landmarks with my family.
That's my mom and two sisters...I'm the oldest one in the back with the blonde bangs
Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926), is one of the greatest architectural figures of the late 19th,early 20th Century and particularly so in the history of Spanish, and Catalan, architecture. Seen as the genius of the Modernist movement (Art Nouveau), his work was not only innovative, but also very radical. Continue reading “Gaudi is Personal to Me” »
Give Yourself Flowers
Posted by Irene Turner in Color, Nature, Personal Style & Well being on April 12, 2011
What is it about Spring that makes me want to run out and buy flowers? I mean, it’s not like our winters here in Northern California are particularly harsh or grey…well maybe grey, but also emerald green. Never the less, every spring I want to fill my garden with blooms, and place them all over my house! They simply make me happy.
Flowers can be:
- as elaborate as a banquet arrangement
via George V in Paris
- multiple arrangements in one room
- a simple as a single bud in a vase Continue reading “Give Yourself Flowers” »
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