L.L.Bean

I received a L.L.Bean gift card for Christmas and I couldn't wait to spend those bean bucks.

I found this Kennebunk Shirt in the sale section.

I can always convince myself that I need a new Boat and Tote...

and that's just what I did. There are fresh new colors for spring 2010.

I desperately want a pair of Bean Boots but I am afraid they don't come in my size. I am a size 6 and Bean Boots are sized one size too big. I would need to order a size 5 (which L.L.Bean doesn’t make) or grow bigger feet...boo hoo for me.

Photo by George Strock, 1941 LIFE

While we are on the subject of Bean Boots…I was talking to one of JCW’s pals via email last month and he described a story where his bean boots may have been dissed!

And a quick side story, the guy who took the pictures actually called my bean boots "galoshes", as in a mocking "nice galoshes" comment when he picked us up in Boston. I started to mount a stunning defense of bean boots and trace through decades of preppy history that underlined their awesomeness, and then stopped mid sentence as I realized that he just was never going to get it...sad, really.

Photo by George Strock, 1941 LIFE

William Sonoma Home Accents

Blue and white for the home...

Blue and white for the powder room...

William Sonoma Home is a gorgeous home decor store. In essence it's refined elegance.

I am always stopped dead in my tracks by the displays. If I was a cashmere throw this is how I would like to be merchandised.

The store has a fantastic selection of coffee table books. Books aren't sold in their catalog or online. The closest WSH to me is at King of Prussia in Pennsylvania. I would be elated if one opened in Maryland.

33rd America's Cup

Photo by Gilles Martin-Raget, BMW Oracle Racing

The America's Cup is the most prestigious sailing regatta in the world.

Photo by Gilles Martin-Raget, BMW Oracle Racing

It was held in Valencia, Spain for 2010.

Photo by Guilain Grenier, BMW Oracle Racing

The BMW Oracle was a multihull boat that was built for San Francisco’s Golden Gate Yacht Club team.

Photo by Guilain Grenier, BMW Oracle Racing

Alinghi was the Swiss boat defending the Cup.

Photo by Gilles Martin-Raget, BMW Oracle Racing

The American team BMW Oracle won the 33rd America's Cup.

The last time the trophy was won by an American team was in 1992 by America3.

Valentine's Festivities

On Valentine's Day my sister brought us red velvet cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake. It was so nice for her to think of us.

We had dinner at Meli.

Meli means honey in Greek.

The food and the decor both had touches of honey.

EAS & JCW

To start I had the goat cheese salad followed by the squash ravioli.

JCW got the lobster mac & cheese and a steak.

My favorite part of the meal was the Chocolate Mousse Bomb I had for dessert. You can also get this dessert from their carry out section.

One Roe Striped Top also turned up during the course of the weekend! It definitely fit the pink criteria but was totally the wrong season so I had to resist the urge to wear it. I found the Roe top fits true to size. I had a couple of people say they had to go up a size but that is always something I try to avoid if possible.

Special thanks to my honey for being such a sweet Valentine! xx

Valentines Day

Tory Burch Croc-Print Reva Ballet Flats, Saks

Martha Stewart Sweetheart Petals Bouquet, 1-800-Flowers

Tweezerman Slant Tweezers, Sephora

Silk Scarf, J.McLaughlin

Coral Necklace, Lilly Pulitzer

Diptyque Pink Roses Candle, Bigelow Chemists

Patchwork Umbrella, Vineyard Vines

Jo Malone Red Roses Bath Oil, Bloomingdales

Godiva Chocolates

Notice the Open Oyster to the left...my favorite Godiva creation.

Gifts for the gents...

Bowtie, J.McLaughlin

Glen Plaid French Cuff Dress Shirt, Brooks Brothers

Creed Royal Delight, Bergdorf Goodman

The Art of Shaving Kit

Solid Pinpoint Oxford PJs, J.Press

Moon Pies

These are one of JCW's favorite treats...he always heats them up in the microwave.

Last year for Valentines Day we had a dinner party...

Instead of using traditional place cards I made my own using conversation hearts.

After dinner everyone opened their box and began reading the hearts...it was a lot of fun.

This cocktail would be fun to fix for your sweetie...

Have a Happy Valentines Day weekend! xx

Diptyque

Diptyque is a French perfume company that was founded in 1961. In 1963 Diptyque began selling candles. They are my favorite candles to burn and display.

The enchanting fragrances of these candles are like no other. There are numerous scents to choose from and the hardest part is deciding which one to buy.

Limited edition Beauty & the Beast Candle Set, Barneys

These labels were designed by illustrators Kuntzel + Deygas. This is a great his and hers gift.

Figuier Vert (Fig Tree), Saks

John Galliano Room Spray, Barneys

Diptyque Muguet (Lily of the Valley) is one of my favorite scents. Not only do Diptyque products smell great but the graphics are clean and simple. I will not buy a candle if I don't find it visually appealing...no matter how much I love the scent. Diptyque candles are very versatile so I never have to worry about them not working in a particular space.