Red & White Stripes (part III)

Posted on 07/01/2012 by Slim Paley

HAPPY JULY EVERYONE!!

I hope your weekend was grand.

It has been stunning here in Santa Barbara but my heart goes out to those in many other States right now suffering from storms, early heat-waves and dreadful fires. Having lived in Santa Barbara for so many years, we know all too well the devastation of fire in our foothills and flames licking at our little town’s doorstep, so I’m especially thinking of those in Colorado right now.

Bless all the firefighters who work so bravely to keep us safe.

.and, uh…no rush, but any chance of a new calendar soon?!

On a lighter note,

we’ve kicked “June Gloom” to the side like a tired old boyfriend and we’re starting off this month starry eyed and hell bent on enjoying warm-weather pleasures.

I’m dusting off the popsicle maker

and, as always,

deriving plenty of elevated Summertime Serotonin levels from delving into my “Red & White Stripes” file.

Other than black & white stripes, it has to be my most favouritist combination, especially from May through September.

Love it in the bedroom

(I won’t bore you with the photo of my son’s room again!)

on the beach

In my Picassos

In my dreams of the Riviera

and beautiful vintage photographs

While beach attire and attitude has most definitely changed over the decades…

The appeal of red & white stripes has not.

From my garden today, taken with Instagram.

tents + stripes= 2 things that make my heart happy

The perfect beach tote available at The Loaded Trunk ( $64)

Peppermint twist cake (sorry to have lost the credit for this talented person)

A bold statement to be sure.

More my speed

On the porch filled with magazines, or pool side filled with towels,

or wine. Whatev’s

I had a red & white striped tablecloth but I seem to have lost it.

No doubt it will turn up in November.

Red Velvet cheesecake.

Red Velvet flavoured VODKA. You heard me.

Red & white stripes work pretty much everywhere

The Exotic

Romantic

Cozy

Playful

Certifiable.

Just trying to imagine the ‘dialogue’ with the neighbours…

Perhaps a lawn would soften the blow??

On the sea

At the lake.

Me. Here. Now.

It just works.

Not sure if I’ll have time to post again this week or not..

so just in case I don’t,

Wishing all the Yanks a terrific 4th of July.

Be safe. Be Joyful

and let’s keep the red stripes on fabrics and not on your skin.

Sunscreen People!

PS. Still “pulling” my coconut oil

SWIM

Posted on 06/18/2012 by Slim Paley

photo Shayne Laverdiere

Less than 4 days left until the official start of Summer

Are you in the swim yet??

Have you noticed that bathing caps are feeling very au courant ?

Alex Katz

Every once and a while I hear of something new or, in this case, something old feeling very new again and think

Genius! WHY didn’t I think of that?!

Exactly my thought when I first read about the “AquaLilies”

“Aqualillies is America’s hottest water ballet entertainment company, reinventing the classic art form for the new millennium.”

“Our goal is to inspire people with beauty, grace, and spectacle, bringing to life the magic of the universe through synchronized swimming and dance.”

Check them out here;

AquaLilies video

Aqualillies

Deirdre

Alysha

The Aqualillies have even received the stamp of approval from the original Queen of Water Nymphs herself,

Esther Williams (now 91)

Esther Williams

Who didn’t love to watch these movies on a rainy Saturday afternoon ??

The Aqua Lillies in action

Picasso’s “The Bathers” (1918)

A fun summer read

The shade any self respecting mermaid will be wearing in the pool this summer

Dior’s “St. Tropez”

A Lily in action

True Confessions;

I can’t dive. Never learned. Never will.

Just thinking about it sets my nasal passages afire.

But just in case you’re more aquatically inclined than moi (which would pretty much be any and all of you)

the Aqualillies are holding auditions as well as classes right now.

What are you waiting for?

Hurry up and get your swim on!

Sunflower Serenade

Posted on 09/22/2010 by Slim Paley

Slim Paley photo

Today was officially the last day of summer. Sniff… big tear drop falls into Ugg boot. I will now embrace you Dear Sunflowers, paintbox sunsets, comfort foods and cashmere. Actually, that doesn’t sound half bad, does it?! I’m returning to the East Coast towards the end of the week, and although I’m a tad too early to enjoy the turning of the leaves, I do have a few things on the agenda to look forward to. Firstly, I have dinner booked at Alinea , recently voted the best restaurant ever in Chicago. I’m so excited. I’ve been studying Grant Achatz’ incredible cookbook beforehand as I’m an Alinea Virgin. Sadly, I hear the 23 course tasting menu has just been slashed to a mere 16. The nerve of some people. Do you think I should bring some crackers in my pocket just in case?!

I haven’t been to Chi-town in a few years but it is one of my most favourite cities to visit.

Sassafras Cream with Mandarin Ice on a bed of Root beer reduction and shortbread crumble at Alinea

Charles Burchfield

After Chicago, our itinerary finds us back in NY where I plan on taking my older son to see the Charles Burchfield (1893-1967) show at the Whitney. I saw it the last time I was there and found it quite moving. The manner in which Burchfield painted… repainted…and painted again, revisiting and enlarging the same canvases over the course of many years is just fascinating to me. This workman-like approach to achieving such delicate beauty…it’s very humbling. After a stint designing wallpaper (one you will see below) Burchfield decided he would quit his position there and devote himself entirely to his art. Almost immediately after leaving his job, the Great Depression set in. No Picasso or Singer Sargent was poor Charles. While some of his paintings do portray the bleakness of the Depression era, many others positively vibrate with beauty and light. The show is on until October 17th. Try to see it if you happen to be in Manhattan.

Heatwaves in a Swamp paintings by Charles Burchfield

My son and I also have tickets to see “Gatz”, a SIX HOUR long production of The Great Gatsby! I’m already worrying about what to wear to be comfortable. Don’t you love that my son said he would go with me? My husband’s response…mmmmm not so keen… complete Road Runner cloud.

And now, just a little Early Autumn Colour Inspiration;

Slim Paley photo

I love Sunflowers against a white marble counter top. The white flowers mixed into the arrangement grow like a weed in several places up my driveway. I have lavender ones too- I’ve no idea what they’re called.

‘Childhood’s Garden’ Charles Burchfield

What a glorious painting, don’t you think?

Vegetable Tartine Photo from Playingwithfireandwater.com

I’ve talked about this website before, but for newbies to Slim Paley; Do NOT go to this website unless you are feeling very, very secure about your cooking abilities.

Like Angelina Jolie secure. Like Giselle in a bikini secure. OK, now don’t say I didn’t warn you.

‘Noontide in Late May’ (1917) Charles Burchfield

A Charles Burchfield designed wallpaper. One room is completely papered in this at the Whitney.

Slim Paley photo

Happy!

Slim Paley photo

I’m sharing with you one of my very favourite things – Our beloved enamel refrigerator from 1910. It was part of an outside walk- in refrigeration room when we bought the c 1895 house.