Hotel Silver: Still a Hot Collectible

Gosh was I thrilled to pick up the newest issue of Romantic Homes to see hotel silver included as one of editor Jacqueline deMontravel's picks for top vintage collectibles.


This issue is definitely a "must-have" for antique/vintage enthusiasts. It is brimming with goodies. There is a special flea market section which includes the top 50 flea markets in ths US and the top romantic flea markets. Its 'special collection section' includes the editor's picks for the top vintage collectibles, as well as what's hot and where to find it.

part of my hotel silver collection (above)

I'm humbled that Jacqueline contacted me to talk a bit about my favorite collectible. It's been a passion of mine for over 13 years; collecting and selling it, and I'm honored to be quoted (above). There's even a photo of part of my collection. Hotel silver is something I'll never tire of and I'm glad to see that others are still as enthusiastic!

If you have an opportunity, pick up the August issue of Romantic Homes on newsstands now. This issue is the biggest collectibles guide ever and you'll love it!

Many thanks again to Jacqueline at Romantic Homes for including me in this wonderful publication.

images: Romantic Homes magazine

Loving Matchbook Mag...

Have you had a moment to read any of the new online lifestyle publications? Matchbook has become one of my favorites with a wonderful infusion of classic vintage.

I stumbled upon these whimsical old 1960s ads while perusing through Matchbook's blog, Daily Spark. Aren't they fun?


If you have a moment, check out Matchbook magazine here. Their June issue has just been released!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Where the Past Meets the Present

Have you had a chance to see the new shelter and lifestyle magazine, Anthology?

The talented editor Anh-Minh Le and creative director Meg Mateo Ilasco cover décor, travel, design, entertaining, and culture with wonderful narratives in this beautiful print, yes print, publication.

What a fabulous publication it is -- chock-filled with goodies. Anthology is printed on such quality paper stock that you don't want to ear-mark the pages!

image: looking into the Past Flickr Group

The latest Winter issue, "Where the Past Meets the Present" is filled with such great nostalgia that you must pick up a copy. I especially loved the feature "Once & Again," where members of a Flickr group return to the scene of an old snapshot and align it to create a new photo. Very clever!

image: Looking into the Past Flickr Group

So, of course I had to scour through boxes of old photos to find one whose setting was close enough in proximity to visit. The sleuth that I am, I quietly snuck up to my childhood home (not too far away from where I live now) and tried to "match" the photo to the original scene. After the shots, I jetted off as fast as I could!

This is my Mom holding my childhood dog. Actually the grass looks greener now, doesn't it?

My cousin, friend and I (middle) in front of my house, 1972.

I didn't do too well aligning the above photo, but you get the overall feel, right?

You definitely may want to try this little snapshot idea. It's a lot of fun seeing what has changed about the old surroundings and melding the past with the present.

Also, be sure and check out Anthology magazine. It's printed quarterly. Visit their website here to subscribe and find out the stockists in your area. Issue 3 to be out any time now!

first image: looking into the Past Flickr Group

I'm Loving...

The new issue of Lonny, online today! I am especially drawn to interior decorator, Jennifer Dyer's 1940's Hollywood Regency home, pages 172-193. Wonderful advice on incorporating vintage into your decor. Check the whole mag out here!

images: Patrick Cline for Lonny

Nesting Newbies Issue 4 + A Fabulous Day!

The fourth issue of Nesting Newbies is now LIVE! We can finally let the cat of out of the bag. This has been hush, hush...Try keeping a dozen bloggers mouths shut for 2 months!

Earlier this summer I was delighted to attend this amazing gathering of San Francisco bloggers hosted by Nesting Newbies, a lovely online magazine based here in the Bay Area. It was held at the spectacular Fogarty Winery in Northern California and we were treated like queens.

vines at the winery...

The mountain top setting was breathtakingly beautiful!

The tabletops were styled by Lotus Bleu and food was prepared by the amazing Chef Lea. The pink and green color combo was just lovely. Fabulous online video footage accompanies the preparation of the table settings and the meals...

The bloggers hanging out for our shoot. It was so much fun to hang out with some friends and chit chat with bloggers I knew, but never met in person.

And we got to be models for a day...something I've never done before. Oh yeah, that's me in the upper right with Rebecca of loving.living.small. Glad I knew Rebecca from before as we had to put on our "model smiles." Difficult to smile without actually talking!

The "Midsummer Mediterranean" dinner couldn't have been more divine. You must try each and every recipe of Chef Lea's!

We all oohed and aahed over the magnificent Creamy Lemon Champagne Vinaigrette. To die for! Melissa from Ruby Press said she would put this dressing on everything she eats!

Yummy chopped asparagus salad...

And who could resist Chef Lea's Bakla Pops?

If the food, wine and setting wasn't enough, amazing local shop owners donated gift bags chocked filled with goodies from Fogarty wine and macaroons, to gorgeous decorative gifts.

Be sure and check out the just-released fourth issue of Nesting Newbies here!

Meet the rest of the wonderful San Francisco bloggers, check out those divine Madeleine Weinrib rugs and cushions we're all sitting on, and try Chef Lea's recipes which will certainly inspire you!

Thanks Nesting Newbies (Jodi, Lea and staff) for a most wonderful day! It was truly one of the highlights of my Summer.

photo credits: Nesting Newbies

Back to Reality

Just returned from a wonderful, but too short getaway in Southern California. It was so nice to see the sun and spend some "girl time" with my dear friend!

Four short days away and I forgot about our horrendous San Francisco weather. I ran out last night to get a bite to eat and couldn't help but take a little video to share a little bit of San Francisco summer with you...

On another note...


My "guess the photo" post last week was solved! Once again, the ever-so-brilliant Roseline from This is Glamorous identified this photo. It was actually part of a Photoshop contest (had me fooled) at Worth 1000. Credit: Oil Corner. Thanks Roseline...your prize is on its way!


The current issue of Vintage Magazine, Deuxieme issue has launched. For excerpts visit their website or pick up a copy at fine shops and museums, or subscribe. It's stunning!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Country Home is Back!

Today as I was waiting in the checkout line in the grocery store I noticed Country Home on the front row of the magazine stand. Could this be true?

The once defunct magazine has made a comeback with a quarterly magazine loaded with photos and no ads. How can that be? Well, I suppose it's the $12 price tag that I didn't notice until I got home. I just got so excited and plopped it on the register next to the chicken. Oh well, it was worth it. 160 pages chock-filled with photos and a thick paper cover.

Hurray for Country Home. Let's keep supporting those magazines. Even at $12. I'd hate for them to go away!

Addendum: I was just informed that it's a compilation of old issues. A little bummed out about that, but still happy to see it.

Next issue out in September...

photo credits: Country Home Magazine ~ late summer 2010 issue}

aah...Inspiration!

Today the online Lonny Magazine launches their 5th issue. I just glanced through the over 200 pages of eye-candy. Must take a look here...

photo from Lonny Magazine

Nesting Newbies-- A Great Way to Start Off Your Weekend!

Have you seen Nesting Newbies online magazine yet? The Spring/Summer issue is out and we're humbled to be a part of it!

Paris Hotel Boutique decoupage trays featured on page 176-177

Nesting Newbies online site blends a traditional magazine format with online videos and blogs. It features content for those who are new to nesting, and includes great tips on cooking, entertaining and decorating. AND, you don't have to be a "Newbie" to enjoy it!

Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing like holding a magazine in your hands, but this is so easy to navigate, the colors are striking and the format is great.

great recipes and cooking tips

I'm also excited to be included among some of my blogger pals such as Megan from Beach Bungalow 8, Crystal from Plush Palate, Karen from Alkemie, Jenn from the Department of the Interior. I know I've left some out!

Hopefully you have a relaxing weekend planned! If you have a moment sit back, get comfy, and take a peek at Nesting Newbies here!

HAPPY WEEKEND!!

Vintage Magazine ~ The New Flair?

The other day I was perusing one of those fabulous smoke shops with thousands of magazines, and Vintage Magazine stopped me in my tracks! Modeled after Fleur Cowles' legendary Flair magazine (1950-51), the newly issued Vintage Magazine uses various types of paper, textures, die-cuts & fold-outs, and is filled with art, music, fashion, food & travel covered by selected writers. It's truly amazing!

The premiere issue has an open spine bound with ribbon, rather than glued or stapled, paying homage to the craft of magazine assembly.

The dirty truth behind New York City's 19th century sugar refineries by food historian Joy Santlofer

Vintage Magazine is one of the most inspiring magazines I've seen. I'm just giddy over it. With all of the e-zines popping up, it's so nice to hold a piece of art in your hands.

An homage to the lost art of the album cover by Giddins, told on pages cut to resemble album jackets for the 45 rpm single

Randi Gollin on the rise (and rise) of the Ferragamo wedge, illustrated with a glossy photo tucked behind a die-cut window

Vintage Magazine was founded by Ivy Baer Sherman, a first-time magazine publisher with a background in publishing, graphic design, and photography.

The magazine is published bi-annually. Its rather hefty price of $20 is definitely worth it! It's exquisite in person. You can visit Vintage Magazine's website here.

photo credit: Vintage Magazine