The Mystery of the Floating Bed

Much thanks to Roséline at This is Glamorous for identifying the talent behind the beautiful floating canopy bed image that I posted this past weekend. I had stumbled upon the image on the web, but was mystified as to who the photographer was. I searched and searched with no avail. No photo credit was given to this talented artist {that's a topic I'll cover later}. In any event, Roséline was a great help with my endless search.

The artist is Vincent Olinet. French, but of course. The work is titled, "Pas encore mon histoire," and is an installation piece from the Lauren Godin Gallery in Paris.

I've located a French design blog that details this unique installation and have done my best to translate it into English. Follow along and enjoy the lovely photos and story behind them!

"Pas encore mon histoire," 2007

Floating bed, installation by Vincent Olinet
Presented by Galerie Laurent Godin, Paris
2009 in the Tuileries

A bed canopy floats elegantly over the basin. As it sails delicately, the cushions call for a romantic girl. A fairytale that appeals to little girls who love stories about beautiful Princesses in danger to be rescued by a Prince Charming.

Upon closer inspection the seemingly pristine bed reveals its yellowed blue and white veils. There are slight tears in the muslin and gold swags from heavy rain. The wonderful yields to the blows of reality and the nightmare is not far. The bed is a crumbling fairytale. The Princess is missing and Prince Charming is not coming.

Vincent Olinet anchored his four-poster bed in the Exedra north of the Tuileries Gardens. Pushed by the wind, the ghost ship drifted a few inches into the basin. Ducks climbed onto the bypass or white sheets at the risk of soiling. The bed was flanked by statues inspired by classical Greek mythology: on one side, Venus Callipyge (Aphrodite), the other Apollo chasing Daphne.

The time for fairy tales are over. Visitors gazed at the facility with pleasure, attracted by the sweetness of the first installation.

photo credits: Vincent Olinet via archéologie du futur

Heaven on Earth: The Residences at Seven Canyons, Sedona

Somewhere between heaven and earth, at 4,500 feet elevation is Sedona, Arizona. A few miles northwest of Sedona's strip mall city center on highway 89A, lies the residential and golf oasis called Seven Canyons. I have to admit that Sedona itself was a disappointment from the standpoint of urban planning. Take away the breathtaking backdrop of the magnificent Red Rocks perched above the city, you have a typical suburban main street of commercial driveways and parking lots. I'm sure there are some charming retail stores tucked away beyond the rows of parked cars, but it is just so difficult to get past through the asphalt jungle which defines this city. 

So to say that Seven Canyons is an oasis is not exactly an exaggeration. This small residential community of about 31 homes is simply magnificent. The developers did not spare any detail; from the stone masonry, to the wood craftsmanship, to the exterior dining and grill area, to the expansive bathrooms and outdoor showers, down to the Acca Kappa bathroom amenities and illy Francis Francis espresso maker. Need I say more. And yes, the thread count on the sheets that's too ridiculous to even mention. 

Very good friends of ours invited us, along with three other guests, for a long weekend retreat to help celebrate their milestone birthdays. It was real treat even for this globetrotting hotelier. I've stayed in too many villas where opulence overshadows comfort. Not here. We felt so at home even though our abode in Michigan pales in comparison. Perhaps, it isn't exactly just the design of the place that makes it cozy, but the company you're with. And on this weekend, the company of close friends and wonderful new acquaintances made all the difference. To those who were with us in Seven Canyons, thank you.

Fountain in the front garden

Guest bedroom

Guest bathroom

Acca Kappa amenities

Master bedroom

Master bath

Outdoor shower

Outdoor great room

Bedroom lamp

Hot tub with the Red Rock in the background

Guest tub

Kitchen with Viking appliances

Beautiful light coming through the shower window

Living area

Nap nook outside of master bedroom

Outdoor dining, grill and fireplace

View from the living room

Wood beams at entrance

Iron detail

Avocado chair in the guest bedroom

Daybed

Wanna Join Me?

As you may have noticed, I've been having a grand old time with my latest obsession, Pinterest.

Pinterest is a visual bookmarking site that allows you to make ‘boards’ under any theme of your choosing and add to that board by linking images from anywhere on the internet!

I have always loved organizing things -- although I wish I could apply that organization to my housework. Pinterest lets you save any photo you come across on the web by just pressing a "Pin It" button and walla!


These are some random photos I've stumbled upon and added them to my "Think Pink" board.

My "Think Pink" Board

What more can I say? This is such a great way to organize your favorite things/photos all in one place.


Currently Pinterest is by invite only. I have some invites left, so if you'd like to join me, please leave a comment (email included...I'll need that to invite you). I promise you'll get hooked! I'm working on getting more invites so don't hesitate to ask...

Pinterest credits: pelicans; vintagerosegarden.tumblr.com, chandelier; tumblr.com, dresses; heygorg.com, striped umbrella; matissecolor.blogspot.com, swimsuit; designismine.blogspot.com, woman in pink skirt; sayyestohoboken.com. {This is not to say that these are the original photographers. Many have been "re-pinned" from other sites.}

Escape.

Do you know what I've been doing all weekend? Hibernating in my home, heater full blast (it's bitter cold outside), and losing myself on Pinterest, a visual bookmarking site. I am thoroughly amusing myself finding photos on the the web and pinning them to my inspiration boards on Pinterest.

Yes, lots of hours that I could be... well...doing chores or reading a book perhaps...but this is way too much fun! Can't wait to share some of my favorite photos with you.

Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

photo credit: Vincent Olivet

The Best Fast Food Burger in the World!

The In-N-Out Double-Double: 2 100% pure beef patties, hand-heafed

lettuce, 2 slices of American cheese, sauteed onions, stacked high on a

freshly baked bun. The best fast food burger. Hands down!

A West coast trip wouldn't be complete without indulging myself in the best fast food burger in the world - In-N-Out! There was the trip to Napa Valley where my wife and I found ourselves craving In-N-Out, and for some miraculous intervention, we discovered one located past a Napa river bridge near downtown Napa. But my favorite was the time when several of my colleagues and I went on an INO late night run in Las Vegas just two hours after our nine-course meal at Joel Robuchon at the MGM. Joel Robuchon's was terrific, but INO was memorable.

I first discovered INO when I was living in California in the 80's and I've been a loyalist since. You might not know this but INO started the first drive thru in the US in 1948. Yes, that's true. Little has changed since 1948. There are still 5 items on the menu - Double-Double, Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Fries and Shakes & Drinks. That's it. No breakfast burritos or trendy wraps. Why mess with perfection?

So after arriving in Phoenix yesterday to a blistering "dry heat" of 110 degrees, my wife and I tracked down an INO located near Freeway 17 and 101 on my blackberry. It was the perfect pit-stop before the two hour ride to Sedona where we've been invited to spend a long weekend with our close friends at the luxurious Seven Canyons (more about Sedona later).  I ordered my usual Double-Double "animal" style. I was in heaven despite the hellish heat!

Still, only 5 items on the menu!

Relax. Enjoy. Happy Weekend!

Wishing you peaceful, restful weekend! (I'll be working, but don't feel bad...ha!)

photo from Tumbler

Ada & Darcy

I recently discovered Ada & Darcy, the gorgeous blog of Australia-based interior designer Kellie Collis.

Ada & Darcy takes my breath away with Kellie's eye-catching photos of her own home, her DIY projects, and the pure & simple beauty that she admires.

Kellie has a passion for all things beautiful, especially fabulous interiors. She is always looking for new and gorgeous things for her interior design and styling business, and for her online store that will be opening very soon.

Her precious babies, Lily & Molly...

Colorful pillows & vibrant flowers grace Kellie's home...

If you're looking for endless inspiration, a romantic and ethereal place to get lost in, visit Ada & Darcy here. You may find yourself spending much time perusing it as I have! It's fabulous!

photo credits: Ada & Darcy