Hues of the South Pacific

Well, I have started to think about what to take on my Tahiti trip (I know, poor me) next week and I will be bringing a few of my must-have items in tow. Other items I cannot forget will be my gadgets, such as my MacBook Pro, Canon camera and my shiny new iPhone.

I'm so fortunate to being going back to one of my favorite places on earth. Each time I visit I am truly  amazed by the natural beauty of these islands. I look forward to the sweet smell of the local tiare flower, hearing the song and dance of the graceful Polynesians, tasting the local fruits and there is one thing that I cannot leave without having - the mouthwatering vanilla creme brulée.

The breathtaking warm waters are so striking and mesmerizing because of it's range of colors. Believe me, photos cannot do it justice. The spectrum ranges from a clear baby blue color to a deep rich navy. I'll be sure to post some photos soon - until then, la orana.

Summer Tablescape

I have always admired beautiful table designs (I must get this trait from my auntie Bev), the table clothes and napkins, the glassware, flatware and decorative centerpieces. The element of mixing and matching colors, textures with combining contemporary and classics together is to me what makes a great composition. For centerpieces, you don't have to spend lots of money - a simple bowl of fruit will do, or flower clippings from your yard (or neighbors yard) will suffice.

Believe it or not, the color inspiration came from the Home Depot landscaping dept. I was browsing for annuals to plant and was immediately attracted to the bright pink and fuchsia Gerber daisies, vincas and impatients.

Enjoy the Memorial weekend and if you are interested in any of the items above, I can tell you what website to go to.

Venice, Florence & Rome

My top three places in Italy. What's not to love? The charming architecture, the history, the romance and overall beauty of these incredible cities. I have been very fortunate to be able to visit these cities, and sometimes more than once!

Not only did I want to showcase these locations, but also promote my good friend, Roger Paperno. He is by far one of the most incredibly talented photographers I've had the pleasure to work with. In addition to being a stellar photographer, he is a co-author in a book series regarding Café Life in these cities. 

His most recent book, Café Life Venice, explores a select group of family-run establishments. However, because Venice moves to the stroke of its very own gondola paddle, you’ll be drinking less coffee, eating less gelato and sipping more wine. This may be good news to some of you. The Venetians do love their wine, and you’ll see them loving it at almost any time of day in one of the city’s many bacari. The bacaro is a cross between a cafe and a wine bar, where you’ll find locals knocking back an ombra (Venetian for glass of wine) and eating cichetti (tapas-like snacks) as they stand at the bar. 

You can find these books on Amazon.com, and for more information about the photographer, please visit www.rogerpaperno.com.

Announcing POSCH TIES

We are so close to launching the website - just a few weeks away. In the meantime, I wanted to showcase this new concept in neckwear.

POSCH TIES

Neck adornments have been worn since ancient times to signify wealth, title or status.  Although fashion has seen dramatic changes, the necktie has remained almost unchanged in general style.  The evolution of the necktie has been limited in design to alterations in patterns, fabrics and the width.  The clip-on tie is considered by many to be the most dynamic change to neckwear … until now. 
Introducing the Posch Pendulum Tie, true innovation in neckwear.

If you look at the photo you will see there are 2 layers to the tie. There is a solid background pendulum, and on top there is a patterned pendulum. In essence, it is just like a regular tie, but in reverse.

For more information, please email us with any questions at shop@poschties.com.

Golden Age of Ocean Travel

I love black and white photography and images that have the antique, sepia-tone effect. I also love cruising, so the combination has inspired me to create this blog. The timeless elegance of transatlantic cruising reminds of the romantic (and unfortunately tragic) movie Titanic. An era when cruising was a privilege and when travel was an event. When luxury ocean liners had sweeping staircases, grand ballrooms and expansive promenade decks for lounging days on end.

There is a boutique agency in Coral Gables, Florida that designed and created a stunning invitation and brochure for Cunard for their inaugural of Queen Mary II (see images above).  For more information on this talented agency, please contact PIL Creative Group by visiting www.pilcreativegroup.com, or call 305-442-1990.

Community Organic Garden

This is a great story that will warm your heart.

   There is a church in Delray Beach that recently faced adversity and was facing some serious issues at hand. An unbalanced budget, a lack of attendance and a decline in neighborhood programs. They determined that what was of great value was the four acres of land behind the church . . . and that is when the Community Garden was born.

   The organic garden grows everything from tomatoes, to strawberries, carrots, okra and cabbage, just to name a few. The church gives back to the community by donating the fresh veggies and fruit to the local soup kitchen to feed the hungry.

   There are two incredible women that took on this considerable challenge and manage it day-to-day, Candy Evans (my sister is on the left) and Lori Robbins. I give great kudos to these ladies that have dedicated their own time, efforts and passion into this garden. They built back a sense of community into this small town . . . now you see volunteers pitching in, families planting seeds and attending to their own garden every weekend.

And to plant a garden is to believe in the future.

For more information, please visit the Cason Church on Swinton Avenue in Delray Beach, or go to www.casonumc.org

Baubles, Glam & Fashion

What girl doesn't like baubles, fashion and style? For generations, the fashion and design worlds have always worked together hand-in-hand . . . like peanut butter and jelly, or bread and butter, or even dark chocolate and red wine;). Everybody knows that whenever there is a fashion show, there will be trends to follow immediately - from the cut, to the fabric to the color and length. 
   I recently read an article that specifically spoke about "fashion & home design" - something that I honestly never thought of. I guess in my mind, it just stayed within the fashion world, but with the Oscars that just finished, the fashion trends have flowed over into the interior design world. I suppose this has been going on for a long time and I just never realized it - so this is why I've chosen to present this blog with "fashion" plus "interior design".

   Over the past several years, I've worked with an incredible stylist (complements of the two talent photos above) and this blog is dedicated to her. Her sense of style and elegance makes her a superior talent herself. Bravo to Melanie!

*For more information, please contact stylist, Melanie Whittle at 305-773-3296, melaniewhittle@mac.com, or visit www.spindriftrentals.com for wardrobe and accessory rentals.

The village of Port Clyde, Maine

Maine. If anyone knows me, then they know that Maine is my ultimate inspiration. Could it be the fresh salt air, or the smell of wildflowers as you drive Route 1 towards Port Clyde, or maybe the incredible food - sweet lobster with hot melted butter, fresh codfish just caught hours before, or the homemade blueberries muffins my Mummy makes every morning.
   Port Clyde is a small picturesque fishing village, located on the tip of the St. George Peninsula, approximately 2 hours from Portland. My Mom and Uncle own and manage the Ocean House Hotel (center photo) - an 11 room Inn that is full of rustic charm. Within walking distance, you have an art gallery, the Dip Net restaurant, the Marshall Point Lighthouse and Museum (Tom Hank's Forrest Gump movie was filmed there), and the Monhegan Boat landing that takes you to the artistic island of Monhegan.

   The atmosphere is charming and quiet, as there are no stoplights in Port Clyde - there is one General Store, one post office and two churches. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy Maine as a home-down place, then this is your destination.

*Ocean House Hotel, 870 Port Clyde Road, Port Clyde, Maine. Please call 800-269-6691 or 207-372-6691 and ask for Bud (my uncle).

Color Inspiration

The color green. . . What does it mean? What does it represent? How does it inspire you? In general, colors have the ability to influence our feelings and emotions in a way that few other mediums can. With Spring right around the corner, I thought it would be a great color to feature (plus, this is my friend Jill's favorite color;). According to several websites it symbolizes nature, growth, freshness and harmony. It is a restful and calming color - and an opposite to red, which signifies safety. And of course the color green represents green living. Green light go!