Slim Paley photo
Sparkling Strawberry-Rosemary Lemonade.
serves 6
2 pints strawberries, hulled, plus garnish
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (aprox. 7 lemons)
1 cup Rosemary syrup (6 oz. simple syrup with two large rosemary sprigs brought to a rolling boil and steep)
2 cups seltzer
1) Place strawberries in juice extractor, process. Should yield 2 cups of juice.
2) Transfer to large pitcher, add remaining ingredients and stir.
Strawberry and Rosemary syrup may also be combined with vodka over rocks. Just sayin’
(recipe adapted from an old Martha Stewart magazine)
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Happy Friday Favourites Everyone!
Did anyone participate in Kevin Anderson’s “Life in a Day“ project last weekend ? A couple of my girlfriends and I did- no joke! The menfolk were away, which presented the perfect opportunity for a pajama party where delicious fruity cocktails were imbibed and, as is most often the case when ladies get together in the comfort of pj’s and the absence of testosterone, world changing ideas were exchanged. Filming commenced first thing in the morning July 24th, nesty hair, puffy eyes and all. Victoria’s Secret catalogue eat your heart out. I wish I could share it with you. Sort of. Conversation highlights included families, parenting, the near pornographic nature of advertising lately, killer whales and gardening. We also covered the documentary’s suggested questions; What’s in your bag? What do you love? What do you fear? and What makes you laugh?? Needless to say, the answer to the last question was a resounding “MY GIRLFRIENDS!” Unfortunately, in reviewing our videos afterwards, we agreed that we just weren’t quite brave enough to have all our unedited raw footage available on YouTube in perpetuity. If by some bizarre chance 
our footage was not selected for the film that would be the case (Always read ‘The Terms and Conditions’!!) Nevertheless, we had an absolute blast filming our little time capsule and how often do you ever do something like that… when it doesn’t involve your kids??!
The following are ‘desktop shots’ NOT video, there is a little audio though
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“OMG, I get it…you’re from NY…you need TWO pods instead of one…Settle down. Are you sure this is your first coffee??!”
Audio of Coffeetawk
Believe it or not, I do have eyes- they just don’t open when I’m laughing this much in the morning. Not before 11.
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Hoping third time’s a charm…
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The ad campagin in question, although this isn’t even one of the most provocative ones. What say YOU?? Do you think they’re too much?
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Slim Paley photo
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My friend “QVC’ing” a gigantic blackberry.
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Later in the afternoon, we visited a beautiful orchard and rose garden where, as usual, the conversation turned to drunk dead guys on killer whales.
AUDIO
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This probably gives you a good idea of why we opted out of participating in ‘Life in a Day‘, but I’m certainly looking forward to seeing the project come to fruition!
Click here for “Life in A Day” regularly updating site
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At the other end of the spectrum… If you want to see some women that are just AMAZING on film, go see;
Loved this movie! It’s so funny but it also really made me cry. The acting is inspired all round (when is Julianne Moore ever less than fabulous?!) but I have to say it was Annette Bening’s performance that really sent me to the cleaner’s. She’s so utterly fearless and real- I hope she gets nominated for an Oscar- she’s that good. In fact they both deserve to get Oscar noms. What a great movie!
(R- for strong sexual content, nudity, language and some teen drug and alcohol use)
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Still in keeping with Friday’s Female Love Fest, my older son and I went to see Joanna Newsom in concert tonight at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. Um…just a little talented. WOW. She has a clear, bright, beautiful voice, exceedingly reminiscent of Kate Bush. Like Kate, she is a pianist, writes all her own music and lyrics, and plays the hell out of the harp. Very cool show. She said her father was in the audience and I felt so happy for him. He must have been so proud.
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PS. Robin Pentfold, the lead singer from Fleet Foxes opened for Joanna Newsom. Quite honestly, you’d have to be a log not to get goosebumps from his voice in concert. Long time readers of Slim Paley know what a huge fan I am of Fleet Foxes. So, all in all, it was an inspiring evening, despite driving home lamenting the teeniness ( I say it’s a word, so curse you, Spellcheck) of my talents. Why oh why didn’t my parents MAKE me play that harp?!
Robyn Pentfold Blue Ridge Mountains click
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Lastly, My Old Classic Book recommendation for this week is;
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Edith Summers Kelley’s “WEEDS”
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Do you ever have those days where you feel so ridiculously sorry for yourself that something only need fall off a hangar and you’re convinced the entire universe is conspiring against you? Or you pull in the wrong side of the pump at the gas station and you start crying? Oops- TMI?! Have I got a book for you; Try reading “Weeds“. Written in 1923, Edith Summers Kelley tells the desperate story of a young woman tobacco farmer living a life, if you can call it that, that will leave you gasping. This is neither uplifting, nor an easy read, but God is it good. The writing is spare, unflinching and pitch perfect. And BTW, Why are there so many great Canadian women writers- what’s that about? Apres ‘Weeds’ you’ll be hard-pressed whether to make out with your iron or fondle your dishwasher. There’ll be Disney blue birds circling your microwave. I considered knitting a sweater from my dryer lint. (in the New Blue!) Never again It will be awhile before you complain about all ‘the stuff’ on your list when you finish this raw slice of genius.
(Available on Amazon. *Would make a great book club book.)
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So, That’s it for this Friday’s Favourites. Don’t you just love when they come on Saturday?! So much more special. I’m thinking “Saturday Stuff” might not be such a bad idea…Fridays come around so quickly!
Hope you have an abundance of sunshine, music, and reading time this weekend
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Cheers!
xx Slim
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Light As A Feather
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Slim Paley Photo
Devigarh Hotel, India
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Hallelujah!! The sun has finally come out here! What a glorious feeling to wake up with warm, bright rays dancing beneath my curtains today. I’ve left the cave and moved towards the light! This post is simply a collection of images and things that make me happy, including something very special; My friend Patty Smyth’s amazing new song “Hard For You to Love Me”.
I’m sure you’re going to love it as much as I do, so I’m not even going to talk anymore.
Happy listening!
“Hard For You to Love Me”
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Tumblr
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Slim Paley photo
My treasured Edwardian feather tiara
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Roe Ethridge photo
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Nicholas Kirkwood Fall 2010
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Slim Paley photo
A Favourite Badgley Mischka Bag
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Laura Mercier
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Pat Mcgrath for Dior Fall 2010
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at ..
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London Milliner Gabriela Lagenza
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Matisse’s The Joy of Life
Devi Kroell oxfords
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Banco de Areia Swimwear
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Tiffany
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Solve Sundsbo photo
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Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2010
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Lizzie Buckmaster Dove
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Emile Oton Friesz
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Guiseppe Zanotti map boots
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Emile Oton Friesz
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Chanel
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Roger Vivier
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Jean Puy
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Pat Mcgrath for Dior fall 2010
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Valentino Fall 2010
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Slim Photo of photo from Vogue Australia 2008
Manuel Canovas “Lima Stripe” hangs behind a collection of Indian saris from Soraya Devi Raju
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Photo from House Beautiful
Yes, Please
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Lara Merrett
Love this!
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Lanvin Fall 2010
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Dom Perignon commissioned the Design Library of St. Martins School of Art & Design to create these limited edition, Andy Warhol inspired champagne bottles.
(Vintage 2002, Available in October 2010)
Cheers!
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Are you dancing around the room yet??!
ROCK BLOGSTER
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Slim Paley photo
Greek kitties
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Grey, Gray, Gris… whichever way you spell it, we are experiencing IT big time this summer in Santa Barbara. The sun hasn’t come out ALL DAY, yet again. I’m writing my Congressman person. This is ridicoolus. In any case, our stony skies have inspired me to share this amazing little Spanish guest house featured in the June 2010 issue of Interior Design Magazine with you. May all of you in warmer climes feel cooler just looking at it
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Photographs by Roland Halbe
House of Rock
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This tiny cliff side guesthouse situated on the rocky Costa da Morte, high above the Atlantic Ocean in Northwest Spain was designed by Ensamble Studio principal Anton Garcia-Abril, who describes it as an “unearthed truffle” The construction consisted of digging a large hole and then compacting excavated soil around the cavity to form a rough retaining wall. Concrete was then poured around stacked hay bales placed within the hole. Once the concrete was set, the compacted soil was removed to reveal the boulder- like mass in the photo above. How to remove the hay bales still within? A hungry cow named Paulina was employed. Several months and 600lbs later, Paulina waddled away, and this 270 sq. ft. mass was left to complete. Much like a well designed boat, most of the interior components are multifunctional. The headboard is also a cabinet that houses a sink at one end; doors at the other end conceal a toilet. Garcia-Abril even found space to include a fireplace- something any self respecting cave-person couldn’t possibly live without. I find the juxtaposition of the primordial and modern minimalism to be completely magical, don’t you? Although truth be told… they had me at “truffle”.
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Oh ya- suddenly, I’m a cave woman at heart…
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Raquel Welch in “1 Million Years BC”
What I’d wear
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Bathroom fittings by Roca Sanitario
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And some appropo music …
Rock Lobster, B-52′s
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Fire pits on sale at Restoration Hardware right now
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Donna Karan Summer 2010
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Alexander Wang
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MBubbles 100% silk fabric (available in any length or width)
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Donna Karan Summer 2010
Bean bag rope chair
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Liya Kedebe
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Tonale collection from Alessi.com
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Dennis Basso 2010/11
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Michetti Daniele
(Eat your heart out Paul Simon)
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Stone pillows available at Smarin and Amaridian
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Marc Jacobs Fall 2010 ad campaign by Jurgen Teller
(I’m guessing perhaps Marc was already breaking up with his boyfriend when he OK’d this campaign??)
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Marc Jacobs Fall 2010
hmmmm…
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John Saladino’s Montecito Villa
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Jean-Michel Cazabat
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Donna Karan
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Planters from Restoration Hardware (On SALE now)
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Don’t be the only guy in the cave with watered down whiskey- get some Whiskey Stones (available on Amazon)
Roger Vivier
Not quite sure how one navigates the fringe dragging on the ground but that’s one sexy boot!
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What I’d be reading in the cave :
‘In Ruins’ by Christopher Woodward
A meditation on the mystery and allure of a thousand years of ruins through history, art and literature
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What I’d be eating:
White Truffles
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Have a great week!
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Friday Favourites (13)
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Slim Paley photo
Happy Friday Everyone!
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Hope you had a fun week. The “June Gloom” revisited Santa Barbara in full force (Hellooo, 3rd week in July…) so I enjoyed the sun stealing back in the late afternoons to create this beautiful light in my guest room.
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Slim Paley photo
I don’t know whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing (insert quip from husband, here) but I can’t really remember the last time I physically shopped. So instead, for this week’s Friday Favourites I’m offering up a couple of internet finds, as well as introducing a new weekly feature on Friday Favourites; A Favourite Old Book.
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I feel compelled to start off with one of my ALL TIME favourites “Love In the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I realize that a great many of you have already read this masterpiece, but occasionally great novels or films can slip through your list cracks. If by any chance you haven’t read it yet, I’m extremely jealous. You have something very special to look forward to. I can’t imagine better summer reading than this incredible love story.
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(Caveat; If you were one of the few people who actually saw the film- please don’t judge by that because I hear it was not good, and I’m being kind here)
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3 Reasons to Invest in This Birkin
- It’s so inexpensive you can own it in multiple colours and say things like ” Ohmigod- now which coloured Birkin did I leave the butter in?”
-If your reusable shopping bag is a Birkin you might not be so inclined to forget to bring it to the grocery store every single time. Or is that just me??
-This Birkin brings home the bacon, instead of spending it all (Ok, sorry, it’s late and I mightn’t be at my most clever … I don’t get paid for this you know!)
Anyway,do check out these adorable totes at Avril Loreti.com
(PS. I hope this isn’t the Avril that I went to school with because she wasn’t very nice to me)
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(Not that I hold a grudge)
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Favourite “Smokes”
Great Literature “To Take Your Breath Away”
Speaking of old books, I love these little classics cloaked in iconic packaging. Finally, something good for you coming out of a cigarette box.
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Favourite new download thingy;
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Perhaps I’m late to this, but have you heard of “Invisible Hand” ? It’s kind of genius! Just click on the above link and download it to your computer. I used Firefox and it was super easy and fast. Then, let your fingers do the shopping. When you look anything up on the internet, if it’s available somewhere else online for less $$, a thin yellow bar pops up across the top of your window with links to all other less expensive vendors. What a world. How did we exist shop before computers?!
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And lastly, as I drift off into the Internight…
This is such a cool idea!! Good luck to Kevin McDonald. It can’t be easy to come up with an inventive idea for a film these days. I hope thousands of people participate. I know I’ll be watching!
Click here for : KevinMcDonald’s“Life in a Day” concept.
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Have a fabulous weekend !
A Birthday Dinner, Part Real, Part Imagined…
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Slim Paley photo
Hydrangea and lavender from the garden in Majolica and a little porcelain “hydrangea” vase (front right) I found at a flea market.
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Last week, while flipping through one of the many food worshipping magazines I subscribe to, I came across a tantalizing photograph of a fabulous leg of pork, covered in the most gloriously crispy crackling I’ve seen this side of the Old Country. I immediately decided it was the perfect birthday dinner choice for my newly “American/British/Canadian” father and my aunt, who is visiting us from Australia. Unfortunately, though I did have time to snap these few photos of the flowers and apple sauce before we sat down for dinner, the pork took a good 45 minutes longer than expected, negating any further photo op’s. Although the end result was delicious and looked almost as good as the photograph from “Flickr” below, I realized my auntie’s advice was right- one should start with an extremely hot oven first- as high as it will go, to really draw out the moisture. And you need to salt the *%#@$% out of the crackling. Basically, you can’t over do it because you simply wipe off the excess salt once the pork is cooked and your crackling has reached optimum cracklization. In my humble opinion, there aren’t too many Sunday dinners more appealing than a really crisp on the outside, moist on the inside leg or shoulder of pork with lashings of crispy crackling. I adore my flowers and all the delicate gifts the garden proffers, but I’m no shrinking violet (oh wow- did I really just work ‘violet’ into a purple, chartreuse and white post?!) when it comes to being a card-carrying meat lover. I’ve yet to meet a marrow bone that didn’t have my name on it I know that’s terribly unladylike of me, but there you go. I’ve added some girlish apres-pork photos to soften the blow. I ask- Who else gives you Chanel’s latest hot nail polish colour for fall along with tips for perfect crackling?? Enjoy!
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Roast pork with crackling
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Slim Paley photo
Vintage ocean liner stemware, English Silver apple sauce boat and votives from Pottery Barn.
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From Simply Recipes
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Slim Paley photo
From My apple tree!
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photo from “Playing with Fire & Water”
I’d like to say I served this asparagus and goat cheese custard to accompany the pork, but I didn’t. Does ‘wanting to’ count for anything?
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I almost served this homemade blueberry sorbet too. But I thought that would be a bit…much
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‘Picasso Supertunia‘ (via Suzanne Pinckston)
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Slim Paley photo
These are from my friend’s vegetable garden in England. She planted them with electric orange poppies- so fabulous!
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MAC 2010 “VERY VIOLET” eye shadow
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When I grow up I’m writing down every credit. In the meantime…anybody? I totally need this skirt for fall.
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Daria Werbowy
Come to think of it, I almost looked like this at dinner too. But then I thought…that would really be a bit much
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Bodum carafe. Do you ever get stuff from Bodum? It’s great- and they have a sale on now.
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Slim Paley photo
Greece
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Slim Paley photo
Fortnum & Mason Biscuits
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Slim Paley photo
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Eugene Reconneaus
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GROHE Showerhead (comes in multiple colours)
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Slim Paley photo
Iris in Ojai
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Something you don’t see in Ojai
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Something I wish I’d see, on my arm
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Slim Paley photo
Clematis (?) growing in the ruins of Ninfa Gardens, Italy
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Slim Paley photo
A favourite vintage bag
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Slim Paley photo
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Chanel Fall 2010 “Paradoxal“
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Slim Paley Photo
A place to sit and reflect on a lovely meal
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Slim Paley photo
From my garden
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And OK, Gaj- You’ve got me going now- I predict shades of lavender, violet, plum, and dare I say, PURPLE are going to be very hot/cool for this Fall, both in fashion and interiors…
What does everyone else think?!
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Friday Favourites (Special Edition)
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Watch short video clip at the bottom of the page
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Slim Paley photo
From the “Slash” Paper exhibition NYC (covert photo with my iphone )
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Slim Paley Photo
Neon Knickers from Barney’s
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image from Tumblr
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Paul Smith rug for The Rug Company
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“La Montana” by Ana maria Hernando (mounded petticoats stiffened with resin, from a remote village in Peru)
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Slim Paley photo
Elephant on Old Bond St. in London
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Slim Paley photo
Men’s tie section in Barney’s
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Pantone Paint
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Emma Bridgewater for Aga stove (for real!)
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Paul Smith for The Rug Company
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Creativi-tea
Jessica Stam
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This is a very important “Friday Favourites” for me…
Have my colours grabbed your attention?!?
Drumroll please…I finally pulled a Blog Roll together!
I’m so chuffed with myself Still haven’t figured out how to run it down the side without the text going thru my photos, but baby steps…
If you go to my heading at the top of of the page, you will find a new tab called “SLIM’S PICKINGS”
You’ll find my List there. Please take the time to visit all these fun destinations when you have a chance. Thanks so much again to many of you fellow bloggers that have been linking to me since January. If I’ve left anyone out, please know my “Pickings” are still very much a work in progress, much like me.
I’ve had SO MUCH FUN playing in this new world and I look forward to getting to know you all better.
May your days be as bright as this post!!
xx Slim
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PS. If this is ever me, you’ll tell me right?? Pinky swear?
( I kind of love her really- I joke, but I’m having a “Senior Moment” myself- I can’t recall her name 
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“COLOR ME CRAZY”A short video by Sarah St. Clair Renard
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