Love Notes

Apr 21, 2023 • #italy #lemon #Yellow

Che Bello 4/17/23

My thoughts turn to all things Venetian. I practically squealed with delight when I found this image of Peggy Guggenheim and her little furry friend setting off in her gondola. She just had to lead things off for us today. The glasses! Those legs! And that chic capelet - will one of my designer friends please include this silhouette in your next collection? Where do you think Peggy is off to? READ MORE

Apr 16, 2023 • #bride #wedding

I Do 4/10/23

Not having any daughters of my own, I can't tell you the pleasure it brings me to be a small part of a bride's special day. (Well, to be more precise, to have my jewelry play a minor role in their joyful celebration). With technology what it is, a bride or her mother can email me photos of the dresses, flowers, venue, and I can suggest different pieces and styles that might work for them. It is so much fun - I love it almost more than wallpaper! READ MORE

Apr 10, 2023 • #cherry blossom #gardens

Cherry Oh Baby 4/3/23

Have you ever heard of Eliza Schidmore? Born in 1856, Eliza was a journalist and travel author. She began her career writing a Washington society newspaper column. She went on to become the first female writer for the National Geographic Society, and later, its first female board member. In 1885, while still in her twenties, Eliza returned from a trip to Japan with a bee in her well heeled bonnet to bring the beauty of the Japanese cherry tree to Washington's tidal basin. Her campaign began. READ MORE

Apr 10, 2023 • #flower arranging #gardens #spring

Tulip Mania 4/27/23

What in the world is Mother Nature up to? We arrived in Florida and awoke to a chilly 47 degree temperature with a hefty wind to boot! And back in Virginia, half of my camellia blooms fell victim to frost. This tricky March has proven itself to be a florist's refrigerator, and spring's mighty parade of endless blooms will just last longer. And that's the topic for today - most especially, the magnificent tulip! READ MORE

Apr 10, 2023 • #boca grande #bunny #new york city

Some Bunny to Care 3/20/23

I got to thinking about bunnies, and the one rabbit who kept inserting himself into the forefront of my mind was the dapper martini drinking gentleman bunny in the mural by Ludwig Bemelman at Bemelman's Bar. Here's the backstory: in the 1940s, Robert Huyot, the French born manager of New York's Carlyle Hotel, was friendly with Bemelman family. He asked the artist (best known for his series of Madeline books) to create a mural in the hotel's bar, depicting Central Park throughout the four seasons. READ MORE