A long overdue thank you to...

the fabulous Courtney at Style Court...

...the talented Megan at Beach Bungalow,

...and the classy Judith at Paris Atelier...

for their kind posts about Paris Hotel Boutique. If you haven't checked out their blogs, be sure and add them to your reading list!

Thank you girls!

The Ed Hardy Collection

Antiques buyers from around the country are expected to attend the auction of antiquarian, Ed Hardy. Ed Hardy has been a fixture here in San Francisco since 1976. His studio is built like an Italian palazzo and is filled with the most outstanding and unique examples of period furniture and decorative arts from the 17th through 20th centuries.

Partly due to the declining economy, Hardy will closing his studio and auctioning off over 700 items through Bonhams & Butterfields on May 5th.

An Italian Restrato glass five light chandelier
circa 1950, in the manner of Barovier
estimate $4,000 - 6,000

This is so sad as Ed Hardy has been among one of the most respected dealers around the world. He still plans on consulting after giving up the studio.

Here are a few previews I've selected among the hundreds of items at auction. If you can't make it to San Francisco, you can bid online here. Also be sure and sift through the items on Bonham's website as well. Amazing things!

A pair of American terracotta lion form architectural elements
New York
last quarter 19th century
estimate - $3,000 - 5,000

A Burmese gilt lacquered seated Buddha
19th century
estimate - $2,000 - 3,000

A pair of French cast iron, brass and glass side tables
circa 1960, in the manner of Maison Jansen
estimate - $3,000 - 5,000

A superb French Baroque blue and white faience pharmacy vessel
Montpellier
early 18th century
estimate - $3,000 - 5,000

An Italian Rococo style green painted commodino
mid 20th century
estimate $1,500 - 2,000

A magnificent pair of Venetian tempietto tôle, clear, amber and cobalt glass lanterns on botticino marble bases
19th century
estimate - $70,000 - 90,000

A pair of Murano glass and giltwood lamps 1940s
estimate - $3,000 - $5,000

An American or English scrimshaw hourglass

Capt. John Reuter, 1817
estimate - $2,500 - $3,500

Photos from Bonhams & Butterfields

Feed Sack Chic

The May issue of Country Living features some great uses for feed sacks. I've sold "feed sack" chairs before and love the juxtiposition of the feed sack on a fancy French chair. Perhaps a bit uncomfortable, but has a unique look for sure!

Cute little pin cushion...

Corkboard made from a Guatemalan coffee sack!

Old French chair upholstered in a 1906 feed sack...

All photos courtesy of countryliving.com

Peter Island Resort: Coming Home

My wife and I are back on Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands this week. Peter Island holds a special place in our lives because it's our first home as a couple and my first international posting as a hotelier. Our eldest daughter called Peter Island her home the first year and a half of her life. I was promoted to the Director of Food and Beverage post here by Amway Hotel Corporation in 1993. We lived on Peter Island for almost three years; returning to Michigan in 1996 to help manage the resort from the corporate office until 2000. 

Peter Island is located four miles across the Sir Francis Drake channel from Road Town, Tortola, the capital of the British Virgin Islands. A Norwegian shipping company developed this 1,800 acre private island into a resort in 1971. They built eight A-frame buildings with thirty two rooms, Tradewinds restaurant, and a marina on Sprat Bay. In 1979, entrepreneurs Jay Van Andel and Rich DeVos, purchased the island after falling in love with the location during one of their yachting excursions in the crystal waters of the BVI's. 

The resort evolved into a full scale luxury resort with the addition of twenty beachfront rooms, a beach restaurant, three villas, a world class spa and numerous water sports and fitness facilities. VAE of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is now the sole owner of the resort.

I must admit that the resort has never looked better. The lush gardens are in full bloom and continue to provide resort guests with an idyllic escape from the realities of city living. The five beaches are as perfect as I remember them. The new Falcon's Nest Villa is unmatched in scale, design and amenities in the Caribbean. But most of all, the staff who took good care of my family during our stint on the resort, welcomed us back with open arms. It's nice to be home again.

A Yummy Surprise!

Today I received an amazing box from Dolce Isola, Lynn Von Kersting's latest venture, The Ivy's bakery and retail space. I posted about Lynn at Indigo Seas the other day.

I had sent Lynn a "thank you" for her lovely gifts and I received this today. Yum! Praline and chocolate brownies, chocolate chip & raisin cookies...all in this beautiful box!

Dolce Isola has an amazing menu of fresh baguettes, sourdough, country loaves, and the famous scones. Savory pizzettas and rolls make for a quick lunch; sandwiches (Caprese, meatball, prosciutto with ricotta, Italian-style tuna) are made to order. And bakery delights galore!

So, after shopping at Indigo Seas, go next door for lunch at the Ivy, and then perhaps dessert at Dolce Isola. Forget the diet that day!

Dolce Isola (The Ivy Bakery)

2869 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034

310-776-7070

Thank you Lynn!

Things to do in Pattaya-hotel

Things to do in Pattaya-hotel

by James Bukovsky

Pattaya is one of the premier travel destinations of Thailand and is located along the gulf of Thailand. This popular Thai beach resort area has plenty to offer travelers and tourists. If you decide to spend your vacation in Pattaya then you will certainly never have a dull moment.
If you would like to spend some time in this wonderful resort town then be sure to visit some of the attractions listed in this article. You will definitely have an unforgettable holiday experience.
Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum
This excellent museum is popular with both adults and kids. The collection at this popular Pattaya attraction includes a wide array of weird and unusual items. There is also a really great theater located at the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. If you would like to visit this popular attraction then please visit the third floor of the Royal Garden Plaza.
Underwater World
The Underwater World aquarium is the latest major tourist attraction which has opened its doors in Pattaya. It is one of the largest aquariums in all of Asia. Visitors can view over four thousands marine animals at the Underwater World aquarium. If you would like to visit this excellent aquarium then please note that opening hours are daily from 09:00 until 18:00.
Sriracha Tiger Zoo
Whenever I visit Pattaya I always plan a visit to the Sriracha Tiger Zoo. This rather unique Thai zoo is home to over two hundred tigers and over a hundred thousand crocodiles! There are also many other types of animals at the Sriracha Tiger Zoo including elephants, wallabies and camels. Opening hours at the Sriracha Tiger Zoo are daily from 09:30 until 18:00.
Water Park
One of the most popular attractions among kids is most definitely the water park which is located next to the Pattaya Park hotel. Visitors can enjoy a variety of different slides, whirlpools and Jacuzzis.
Tiffany
The Tiffany cabaret is one of the most famous ladyboy cabaret shows in the world. This popular cabaret show is suitable for both kids and adults. There are three shows a day at Tiffany and tickets cost between five hundred and seven hundred Thai Baht.
Siriporn Orchid Farm
If you would like to get to know more about Thailand then only its nightlife then perhaps you should plan a visit to the Siraporn Orchid Farm. This wonderful Pattaya tourist attraction is home to a wide range of orchids including Pompadours and Vandas.
About the Author
James is travel consultant living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for

A Quick Tour Of Paris - The Eiffel Tower And Friends-hotel

A Quick Tour Of Paris - The Eiffel Tower And Friends-hotel

by Levi Reiss

While the seventh arrondissement is located on the Seine River's Left Bank and the eighth arrondissement is on its Right Bank, they are more closely related to one other than they are to their neighbors on the same side of the river. These arrondissements are major employment and tourist centers, posh residential areas, and home to the French National Assembly, the Palais Bourbon.
The Eiffel Tower is perhaps Paris's best-known landmark, recognized all over the world. This magnificent structure, once the world's tallest and still the most visited, attracts over six million paying visitors a year. It was erected between 1887 and 1889 for a World's Fair marking the centennial of the French Revolution. Supposedly the French writer Guy de Maupassant ate lunch there every day, because it was the only Paris location where he couldn't see the tower.
The Hotel Matignon, completed in 1725, is one of Paris's most elegant mansions. During World War II it was a headquarters of the collaborationist government. General de Gaulle convened the government there in 1944 and once again in 1958.
The Champ de Mars was once used for military training. It was the site of both a festival and a bloody massacre during the French Revolution. The Ecole Militaire was founded by Louis XV to enable poor boys to become cadet officers. Napoleon Bonaparte is its best-known graduate. The Invalides complex, first built as a retirement home for war veterans, now includes a soldiers' hospital, war monuments, and war museums. Napoleon Bonaparte and his family are buried there. For a change of pace visit the Rodin Museum which displays many of his works as well as masterpieces by Van Gogh, Claudel, and others.
The Paris Institute of Political Studies is one of France's greatest educational institutions. Many French leaders such as Chirac and Mitterand, thirteen former prime ministers and a whole slew of world leaders are former students, teachers or both.
L'Eglise de la Madeleine church was built to honor Napoleon's army. Its organ is top of the line; the famous composers Camille Saint-Saens and Gabriel Faure were church organists. I am told that this is THE place to have your wedding and funeral.
The Elysee Palace is the President of the French Republic's official residence and holds meetings of the Council of Ministers. The gardens host a presidential party on July 14th. The Arc de Triomphe monument honoring French soldiers sits in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of the Champs-Elysees. It is the second tallest such monument in the world. The nearby traffic circle serves twelve very busy avenues. I have heard that you can find a replica at the Paris Las Vegas resort but don't plan a visit to confirm.
You'll find the Art Nouveau Theatre des Champs-Elysees a few several blocks from that avenue. In 1913 its initial performance of Igor Stravinsky's Rite of Spring quickly degenerated into a full-scale riot. The Grand Palace is a large glass Art Deco exhibition hall built for the Paris Exhibition of 1900. The Little Palace across the street is home to an art museum, the Musee des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris.
About the Author
Levi Reiss has authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but he prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and people. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website http://www.travelitalytravel.com which includes information on Italian wine and food.

First Stop, Indigo Seas

Last weekend my friend Renee and I took one of our road trips to Southern California. I'm sorry to report that we didn’t find too many treasures on this trip. But, as always, the inspiration was wonderful.

Upon arrival, our first stop was to the lovely Indigo Seas on Robertson Blvd. (West Los Angeles). A definate “must stop” on every L.A. trip. Proprietress, Lynn Von Kersting happened to be in the shop that day, so it was an extra treat. Lynn is a multi-talented lady; designer, co-owner (with her chef husband) of the famous Ivy restaurants, and widely acclaimed as a “taste maker.” If you’re not familiar with her shop or work, many have blogged about her including, Joni at Cote de Texas; Von Kersting being one of Joni's top ten favorite designers.

One of my favorite things in this magical shop are the vintage books. Great titles with beautiful covers add a treat of flavor!

Lynn greeted us with her outgoing and engaging personality, detailing page by page of her fabulous book, “La Strada della Dolce Vita.” This book is filled with images of her shop, home, restaurants, recipes and more. It was quite fun to have her share her tales of travel, friends, family and design. Quite an interesting lady.

Lynn does an amazing job of mixing patterns; stripes, florals, it all works. She's not afraid of color, and mixes new and vintage beautifully.

Indigo Seas has an eclectic mix of Grand Tour souvenirs and the most fabulous oil paintings of portraits, florals and seascapes. Depending on the day, you'll hear Brazilian or French background music, adding to the sultry Los Angeles weather, and transporting you to another time and place.

Photos from "La Strada della Dolce Vita" book show Lynn's unique eye...

Shots of Lynn's home...

Fun handwritten recipes in this oversized book.

Color, color and more color!

Before leaving, Lynn was so sweet and gave Renee and I each a shirt. They are from France (of course, right?), lightweight and perfect for summer weather. What a kind gesture!

You won't find Lynn online. She doesn't deal with computers and doesn't hesitate to let you know that. So, you'll have to shop in person. Be sure and visit Indigo Seas at 123 N. Robertson, Los Angeles, CA. Her book is sold exclusively there, so if you can't make it there you could call to order a copy at (310) 550-8758. You won't be disappointed!

A day in Santa Monica and Venice brought us to another favorite spot, Obsolete.

Obsolete has the most unique antiques and artifacts. Entrancing, magical, ethereal. Everything from industrial lighting to obscure curiosities, it is a treat to visit this shop.

These little birds have their own little house in the middle of the shop. They even have their own little vintage lights. How cute it that?

Fabulous found objects...

unique artists...

Mechanical contraptions...

Wonderful art. A treasure of a shop!

Okay, that's all the reporting from So. Cal. See you next trip...hopefully with a van full of treasures!

Photos from “La Strada della Dolce Vita" and Obsolete