Modern-Day Cave Men

While visiting Napa and Sonoma Valley's last summer I was intrigued by the wine caves of the various vineyards. Not only do they serve the purpose of storing and aging wine, they are quite beautiful.

The challenge for the design and construction of most wine caves is to create a fairly wide span in weak rock with low cover.

High humidity minimizes evaporation. Wine makers consider humidity over 75% for reds, and over 85% for whites to be ideal for wine aging and barrel storage.



The air temperatures in northern California along with underground temperature of about 58° (F), are optimal for wine caves. Wine in oak barrels evaporates much more slowly in a damp cave than in a dry warehouse.


There is a beautiful ambiance for sipping wine amongst the barrels.


I would love to host a wine tasting party here!

Once thought to be extinct, it turns out that cave men are alive today - and living very well. But unlike those hairy prehistoric hulks with wooden clubs, today's cave men are affluent professionals who sip vintage Cabernet in swank, subterranean cellars.

You too can have your own wine cave.

Perhaps built with stone for a more authentic feel...

...or maybe something more contemporary.

Your wine cave can be constructed to accommodate your collection.

I am not a collector but do enjoy nice wine, maybe I will think about something on a small scale in my (next) home.

Colourful Personality

In the last post, purple was the passion.
What do you think about turquoise? It HAS been on the radar in these past months.

Manolo Home

I love that clock, I wonder if it tick tocks?

Are the colours you decorate with the same as the colours you wear?
If classic dressing is your style, is your home the same?
What about your personality....are you colourful? Does your home reflect that or
do you stay with the neutrals that are so popular?

OR

Do you venture out and try something a bit edgy in your decor?

The Colour Purple

Purple in decor has been popular for a year or so now,
but could you?

ahn-min.com

I am not one to dive in with all fours when the latest trends pop.

I WANT that chair!

Met Home, Decor Pad, Domin, Easy Living via twolia.com

What are YOUR thoughts on this?

What do you do in six months or so when you tire of it?

google images

While this is cheery, if you tire and this is a stencil -
easy - just paint. If it's wallpaper....oy.

google images

I might be inclined to do a "funky" accent.
if the price were right - no reupholstering here.

Perhaps an accent with this beautiful Duralee fabric,
plus this has my favorite warm greeny gold.

Manuel Canovas has beautiful bed linens in the colour purple!


and....


some beautiful fabrics and tapestry's, go here to see!

So, could you? Would you?

Contrast

My husband and I are Green Acres exemplified. He loves the country

would love a cow in the backyard... you know...farm livin'!

Me? I'll take a cowhide rug...in the city.


We have been discussing where we want to live permanently, we know it will be west but where exactly?
Not sure. Most likely the Pacific Northwest.

The south is a lovely place with genuine people, BUT I don't do humidity well.

I am a coastal southern Cali girl, love the smell of the beach.
Hubby isn't a beach-y guy, so we compromise (sort of).

I can get on a plane EASY and happily!

Truthfully, I wouldn't mind a few acres

BUT

I have to be able to get to the city in a reasonable amount of time.

The hustle bustle in the city energizes me!

Anyone else relate?

Birthday Love

A VERY

Happy Birthday

to my sweet friend and fellow blogger

Renee Finberg

A woman of great wit, deep thoughts, a talent beyond measure

and one I call

Friend!

If we were close I would bring the bestest champagne and we would
celebrate in grand style.

Confections that Delight

I usually try to stay away from sugary confections

but here are some enticing delights

it's not too late to be a bit creative

sometimes the enjoyment is more when the are 'pretty'

heehee

adding chocolate is even better

get the little ones involved

I like my sugar in a glass with LOTS of bubbles!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Snow, Pooches, and the Beach

Growing up in southern California, snow days were not something in the vocabulary. I can remember going to the beach in December.

This year our friends across the country have experienced more than their fare share.

New York

Arkansas

Kentucky

Washington, DC

Baltimore

even Atlanta had snow!
And more places in between.

SO, I WANNA KNOW....

Is Your Pooch Properly Dressed?

Baby it's cold outside!

neoprene for boys...

...and girls

Poochy Uggs

Poochy Rainboots


It's time to get warm! Let's head to 'The Don'

The Don Cesar, that is, on St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.



This beautiful hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, also known as the "Pink Lady" and can be seen so splendidly from up and down the beach.


a renowned oceanfront retreat is a favorite among many from all over the world, and moi too!

I say we friends rendezvous here and get warm together.


we can lounge by the pool


or sit on the beach,
aaahhh, the beautiful white sand of west coast Florida beaches


if you are not crazy about sand, lounge here where the view is spectacular and get a massage too!



we can meet for refreshing 'adult' beverages in the beautiful lounge that overlooks the beautiful coast



the rooms are appointed in beautiful Florida style and colours



before retiring, doesn't this chocolate raspberry bread pudding look scrumptious?


So what do you say? Leave the kids with the Mr's and let's have a weekend away!