Adios, Cancun!

Hi Everyone!  My post from last week about Hacienda style was inspired by a recent trip to soak up some Vitamin D in beautiful Mexico.  We are back now, but here are a few more related spaces that I thought were worth sharing...

I'm back in rainy Seattle now, but at least everything is bursting with color for Spring.

I hope you are enjoying some sunshine where you are!

More European Doorways

If you have been following my blog (and specifically my travels) for a while now, you know how much I enjoy photographing spectactular architecture and especially doors...  You can see the first post I did about doors from my travels the last few years in Europe here.  

I have put together a few more from our more recent adventures, plus a few going back a while, to add to the collection.  I hope that some of these doors speak to you, as they did to me, and that perhaps they will provide some European-style entryway inspiration, too!

Madrid, Spain May 2011

Copenhagen, Denmark August 2011

Madrid, Spain May 2011

Tuscany, Italy June 2011

Barcelona, Spain September 2010

Brugge, Belgium August 2009

Munich, Germany April 2011

Venice, Italy October 2008

I hope you enjoyed this little "architectural vacation"!

All photos were taken by me, Barbara Jordan Dettweiler.  
Please do not use without my consent.

Outdoor Flair

Hi Everyone!  Hope you had a good weekend.  We had particularly *bad* weather on Saturday and surprisingly *awesome* weather on Sunday.  We still have family here from Germany (gotta love those European vacation days!) so they helped us on Saturday with some house projects, and on Sunday we got to show off how incredibly beautiful and unique Seattle can be  :)  We were also out both nights this weekend, exploring new restaurants in the area which was a ton of fun.  It wasn't a bad weekend I'd say. :)  


As a side note, I have had some questions about sources lately and I wanted to make sure you all knew where to find all of this incredible inspiration.  I have pinterest boards here and at the bottom of each post (when it applies) I include a link to whichever board(s) are relevant. Hope that helps!


With all of that sun shining yesterday, it really felt like Summer is truly upon us!  So...I had to share a few of these beautiful outdoor spaces that have great style. Whether it's a small detail like a window in a wall, a great vignette, or a grand sweeping space, I think all of these have something special.  Take a look:

So inviting!  It's amazing how much just a few steps up or down can add so much to the ambiance of a space - even outside.

I really like this one for many reasons - in addition to a great feel, the glass roof lets the light flood the space while still protecting it from the elements.

This one would transport me to Spain - not bad at all!

Another beautiful outdoor mirror.

This makes the most of a side entrance - very charming!

LOVE this idea!!!

A relatively humble small space that anyone would love to sit in...

Do I spy petrified wood stools??

I think I'm going to need to buy some old shutters at a flea market coming up...there are so many possibilities!

My kids are done with school as of today - yahoo.  :)
HAPPY SUMMER!!!

Sources

Ocean Inspirations

Summer is coming soon and ocean waves are calling my name...here are a few sea-inspired thoughts/products/ideas from me today:

Lamps from Pottery Barn, Coral Throw from Overstock, Crete Lagoon fabric
from Calico Corners, Glass Bottles from Wisteria. 

{Coastal Living}

{Max and Co. via Enchanted Home Blog}

{J. Covington Home}

{Sears - can you believe it?}

{Vietri}

There is a little town in northern Italy known for its ceramica factories. My favorite pieces come from Vietri, including two of these seashell candlesticks shown above. I think the whole set would be a bit too much for me but when the accents are paired with my simple white dishes it looks great.

{Natural History}

This is a more abstract take on coral which I love.  Take a look here for another post I did exclusively about how crazy I am about coral.


A few years ago we spent ten days in Mallorca - an island off the coast of Spain.  We had this beach almost completely to ourselves.  It was SO beautiful!!! 

What do you love most about the beach?

Beautiful San Miguel Home

I was browsing around the Canadian House and Home website today (I really love their style!) and stumbled upon this stunning home in San Miguel, Mexico.  Let's take a look together:

That entry really sets the right mood...

Those floor tiles are gorgeous.

Beautiful detailing on the sink...

You know I love a good door!



I hope you enjoyed the beautiful details in this house.  Apparently it's available for rent if you're interested.  I would love to spend a vacation in such a beautifully appointed home! You can read the entire article here.

Al Fresco

Let's take a little detour from the winter, Christmas feelings flying around blogland right now and escape for a soothing al fresco meal in a beautiful setting. 

Take your pick - will it be...

An unforgettable pasta dinner at a villa on Lake Como...

(sorry, George Clooney is not available)

Breakfast in Greece, watching the yachts come and go...

A hip rooftop meal in NYC, catered by Dean & Deluca...

A rustic picnic surrounded by lavendar fields in Provence...

California cuisine in Napa's wine country...

An elegant brunch in Venice, with transport via gondola... 

A BBQ on a Texas ranch...



A super-casual, laughter-filled backyard get together...

A tapas feast overlooking a gorgeous crumbling European city...

Sweets and cafe au lait for two in Paris...

Passion fruit smoothies and more in tropical paradise...

Overlooking African deltas on safari with the sounds of the animals for music...

A farm-to-table meal in Oregon...

(I've done this and LOVED it)

In your own backyard, shaded by leafy trees and a gentle breeze...

A seafood meal overlooking the coastline in La Jolla...

A healthy lunch at a luxurious spa in Arizona, surrounded by succulents...

In the garden of your friend's beautiful home in the English countryside...

OR - last choice - a four course meal in an enchanting tree house like setting...

I'd love to hear which one you're dreaming about.  For me it doesn't get any better than al fresco dining.  I think I'd just start at the top of this post and work my way down!

PS - thanks so much for the support for my "Giving with Purpose" post from yesterday. 

I loved hearing more ideas to do good in the world also!

Sources and even more al fresco inspiration can be found here.