Birthday Wishes to My Mom

It’s your birthday, Mom... (We're gonna party like it's your birthday, we're gonna sip Bacardi like it's your birthday!)
So I will raise a cheer!
Without you, my special, loving mom,
I would not be here.

Yes, I owe it all to you, Mom.
From the time that I was small,
You encouraged me in everything,
And tried not to let me fall.

Throughout my life your caring,
Brightened each and every minute.
You loved me and enriched my life,
And I’m so glad to have you in it!
I hope you have a wonderful birthday Mom, and I can't wait to celebrate your special day! I love you...Vanessa

Here's to you Mrs. Robinson (and Mr. Ford)

In case you haven't seen Tom Ford's new eye wear campaign featuring Carolyn Murphy and Nicholas Hoult (from his latest movie A Single Man), take a look at the irresistible Cougar Couple!!!

Carolyn's tan lines, shoulder length do, and blonde streaks in the front remind me of Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate and Nicholas as a young Benjamin.

I'm seriously considering chopping my hair and donning a few blonde highlights for summer just like these! It's so sleek, sexy, and fun - and easy maintenance!

Here's to you Mrs. Robinson!

Elizabeth Daniels

In case you have never been exposed to the phenomenal talent of photographer Elizabeth Daniels check it out now!!! The minute I saw this pic, I was in love!

Happy Birthday Miss Chelsea Valentine!

There's no better way to enjoy this day celebrating my sister's birthday than with a little trip away to The Parker Palm Springs!!!

Enjoying brunch with my sister Chels (in the red Tao Beach tank) and my mom.

Family portrait below: From L to R my bro, my mom, my sis, me, my hubby, and my dad

In case you have never been, I highly recommend brunching al fresco at Norma's. Be sure to bring your appetite because the portions can practically feed a family of 4 on one serving of pancakes! The french toast is dipped in Rice Krispies and can easily double as dessert, there will be no counting calories here today!!??

And once our bellies are full and the buzz has set in, it's sun and pool time...looking forward to a great day with my family!

My bro playing a game of croquette

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Love Brunch

Show someone you care by making them a little brunch with love...

Be Mine

You are so fine, Miss Valentine!

Happy (early) Birthday to my little sister Chelsea Valentine. Here's to painting the town red, enjoying your youth, and resting and relaxing in the desert...our kind of town! Cheers, Miss Valentine!

Paris Dreaming

I'm off on my Vespa to spin around my favorite city in the whole wide world! Today I am Paris dreaming!

Before I start my day I'm going to stop by a little corner cafe for a cup of French pressed coffee (and maybe a cigarette or two - we are in France remember!) and then do a little blogging from my dreamy apartment with a window view overlooking the Eiffel Tower. (Seriously, can I move in!!??)

Later, I'm gonna pop into the Cafe de Flore for lunch and enjoy the people watching...

...the day wouldn't be complete with a few macarons from Laduree

...and then I think I'll hop on my bike to see where the wind takes me...

...and just might skip in the rain...

Before heading to my local corner cafe to order a bottle and a bucket of champagne...

...and enjoying my little day dream of Paris. Thursdays just got a whole lot easier...

Things I Love

Chanel Gardenia is something I wear daily and I couldn't get my day going without a couple of spritzes of this!

Tea and French macarons my favorite! And pretty to look at!

Anything that reminds me of Paris j'ai adore

love notes and painted hearts

Pretty Flowers

I love, love, love pink peonies, hydrangeas, camelias, and of course roses. (This pink and black graphic print chair isn't bad either!)

I never thought of arranging single stem roses in chemistry vials, but these take on a very organic life and reminds me that flowers truly are living things that you can enjoy, yet watch fade away right in front of your eyes.

So casual and so uncontrived flowers become arranged in 3s in a pretty glass bowl.

No floral arranging classes required here.

My favorite "vase" by far is an antique tea cup.

What's your favorite flower?

Love note...

Have you told someone today that you love them?

Green Envy

Lately I've been inspired by all things green. Instead of black, brown, or gray as a base neutral, why not reach for all shades of green for the new neutral??!! You definitely won't go unnoticed in a kelly green number like these ones backstage at the Balmain show Fall 2008. (This color flatters all skin types and is equally stunning on blondes and brunettes!)

The word green has several connotations: one may think "to grow", it can also describe someone who is jealous, sick, or inexperienced. It can also be a slang term for money (and if you're like me CASH RULES!!!) It can also be associated with minerals that have a green color like emeralds, and it seems everyone now days is "Greenwashed" by companies promoting environmentally friendly products.

Love these pretty little green velvet tufted chairs set against an all white room!

Sofia Coppola gets it just right with this little LV clutch - green + gold = understated glamour. (Wow, notice the interesting faucet?? Not sure if I think it's gaudy and gauche or just all out glam!)

I have forever loved this room, especially this olive green tufted bed, mirrored side tables, and the green graphic print gold chair. When can I move in?

I just can't retire from posting about green trellis. Livens up any space and green is my favorite, next to the black!

Green doors are so unexpected, but really dress up this hallway, especially with yellow as an accent color - reminds me of Kate Spade's old perfume box and bottle.

Again, just a little olive green goes a long way in this room - it's so natural with yellow zebra chairs and a black lamp shade to top it off! Again, I am in love with this tufted sofa!

Fromental's Paradiso in green has been on my inspiration list for quite sometime. It really can compliment every color of the rainbow, but again, I love it with yellow!