Mosaics & Genuine Craftsmanship

I've been taking pictures of stunning examples of Moroccan craftmanship like a madwoman, but here are a few shots of tiles and other handiwork at a huge Mosque in Casablanca. I think it's the 5th biggest in the world?

All the work was done by hand, by Moroccans, and it's simply overwhelming in person. You can take tours where they tell you about the details of many design elements, but I was too jetlagged to sit through one. Regardless, enjoy the images! I wish I could tile my floors! Oh! And import some chandeliers!

I'm Getting Custom Bedding!!!

Today we went to the fabric district in Casablanca, which is apparently the biggest in Morocco. The selections are incredible and while I didn't love everything, I found some spectacular fabrics at prices that must be about 20% of what they would cost in the U.S. So, I'm getting some custom pillows and a coverlet! I'm so excited. You buy the fabric and the trimming, and then a tailor makes it all in just about two days. I can't wait! The stripes and flowers are what I got for my bedroom. I'm thinking of having curtains made out of the orange fabric for my living room. Oh, it was hard to stay calm today!

Traditional Moroccan Bakery

These were the best cookies ever of all time. Yum yum yum. And, beautiful tiles and an amazing door added to the pleasures of going to this bakery.

Maroc!

I arrived in Casablanca early Tuesday morning. It was a balmy 70 degrees and sunny. I love, love, love it here. My fiance and two of his sisters (shown above) picked me up from the airport and took me straight to an outdoor walled garden for a Moroccan breakfast. Isn't it lovely? The perfect welcome!

Art from my Childhood Bedroom

For some reason my bedroom is the only one that hasn't been renovated in over 20 years, since I was a kid! It had aqua green striped wallpaper and red accents and I loved it when I was little. The bird on top of the bookshelf was painted by my childhood best friend Stacy. It still looks great, I think, and of course, I still love art that features animals. Sometimes preferences are formed early on.

Snaps from my Mom's House

Although my mom's taste is much more traditional than my own, she has always inspired me in her love of interior decorating since I was a child. We lived in a very, very old house that always needed some kind of remodeling, of course :) She has beautiful, fresh colors and patterns throughout. Enjoy!

My Childhood Town In Pictures

I'm from a tiny harbor town on the north shore of Long Island. Since I'm here until Monday, I thought I'd give you a little taste. Starting in the middle of next week, I'll be blogging from Morocco, where there will be decidedly less snow.

The white house on Thompson Street is where I grew up; my parents moved there when I was three, and still live there. The brick building is the village library, only a few doors down from our house. The harbor is, well, the Port Jeff harbor, and the big boat is the ferry to Connecticut. The girl is my sister Amy. The cat is Mini.

Tomorrow I'm going to post some interior shots of my parents' house, since my mom's obsession is also mine: decorating.

White Christmas

I'm home visiting family on Long Island and as my mom said, it looks like the north pole here! Isn't it lovely though? Happy Holidays my dear readers!

Pinks and More Pinks

Some more fuchsia and light pink garden roses with peonies sprinkled in. You cannot imagine how heavenly these flowers smell until your nose is hovering near them. Is there anything more peaceful than a velvety white peony? Sigh that we can't all be surrounded by them every single day.

Winter Whites

Here are a few more shots of my winter white flowers in Daily Candy. I can't believe how gorgeous these fluffy white cabbages are, I've never seen them before!

Letter Paper Flower in Daily Candy!

That's right, we are in it today with ideas for DIY holiday flowers! Check out the full link here!!!

Renegade Favorites: Tiny Sparks Design

Yummy mid-century style screen-printed wood. If you want, make it extra useful via hooks and clocks. By the talented Tiny Sparks Design. I have their little bird block with hooks hanging in my entryway, and it gets tons of compliments. My friend bought one of their stunning clocks and I am kind of jealous...Check them out!

Renegade Favorites: Papaver Vert

OK, so I know I've posted about Papaver Vert before. But, I was overjoyed to see them at Renegade this time around, and I wanted to post a picture of their stunning wares. Plus it was great to meet them! I made out like a bandit with a cozy felt vase in deep gray and fuschia / purple. It was hard to stop there, and frankly, the booth was so gorgeous it was hard to stop staring. I'll snap a picture of my vase for you all, once I pick up some fresh flowers, because I can't get enough of luscious wool felt.

Renegade Favorites: Nora Aoyagi

A little bit scary and yet so intriguing. That's how I would describe Nora Aoyagi's work. I find myself completely fascinated right now by her cool modern take on fairy tales.