Coming from a profession where the psychological effects of color is basic knowledge, I have to chuckle at her seeming incredulity over the idea.

What do you think of the concept?

In an economic crisis, you really need a laugh. That’s why we love Whorange for posting this money origami by Asegawa Yousuke.

If you’d prefer to spread the smiles yourself, check out these smile stickers (not what you may think) at Boing Boing.

What do you do when your not-quite-three-year-old is tall enough to help herself to everything in the kitchen? House in Progress shares her stories (and asks for advice).

Shannon Quimby is building a new house that will reuse every single piece of an old house — even the kitchen sink. See her R.E.X. Project here. (Via Charles & Hudson.)

Speaking of sinks, Remodelista shares kitchen sink accessories you won’t mind having on display.

And here are simple tips for a greener kitchen at Re-Nest.

It’s apple season. Try some homemade applesauce at Make and Takes. Yummy.

Fall is in the air at Marimekko; see it at More Ways to Waste Time.

There’s (seasonal) art in your entryways, says Poppytalk.

What do you think of this black apartment at Plastolux? That’s sort of the opposite of the thinking around here.

Some dark and light we like: dark metal lighting at Oh Joy!

Going from black to black and white, see Casa Sugar’s decorating homage to Jean Harlow. As lovely as the lady herself.

What a great pillow by Nate Williams. Check out more of his art here.

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com

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The blogging girl

 couldn?t help but 

wonder

 what lay behind

 the pink door????

 Perhaps pots of Moroccan gold?

Photo by wespionage

Have a lovely weekend!

"Theatrical color can distract from flaws. Confederate Red draws the eye from the unassuming laminate cabinets in this rental kitchen."

Visiting Jennifer and Justin Leonard’s garden in Portland yesterday, it occurred to me that this renovated garden is so inviting partly because it offers so many delightful places to sit.

I recently added a new book to my illustrated children's book collection, called "Opposites" by Brian Wildsmith.

It was originally published in 1967 and is still in print.

Remember my post on the late Gene Hovis- the man whose gorgeous home and envy-inducing linen and silver collection piqued my fascination? Well, he popped up again, this time in the Tiffany Gourmet Cookbook. (Not that this is news or anything. The book was published in 1992.)

Hovis' library/dining room was the setting for this elegant meal. I know, I know- I've read where many are tired of the library cum dining room concept. But don't you kind of fall in love all over again with the idea when you see how smashing Hovis' dining room looks? Good books, good food, and a beautifully appointed room. Really, what could be better?

The menu consisted of Crown Roast of Lamb with brussel sprouts, deviled carrots, and pan-fried shredded potatoes, served on Tiffany's "Yellow Bird" faience platter. Hovis also included a yummy looking tomato aspic with shrimp and crawfish nestled on a Tiffany ribbed silver tray. (And please, don't knock the tomato aspic- it's really good. I swear!).

The dessert course- coffee profiteroles with chocolate sauce- is laid out in front of a 19th century French hand-blocked paper screen- yes, I am coveting this. And wouldn't you be pleased to take tea or coffee served from this Louis XIV service from Tiffany's?

So my question is- do any of you still entertain like this? And if so, how often? I love formal entertaining but don't do it often enough. I think Mr. Hovis has inspired me to do so.

(You might also be interested in Gene Hovis' Uptown Down Home Cookbook. Truth be told, the dust jacket is not the most elegant looking thing, but the recipes look really good. A lot of classic, tried and true recipes as well as some Southern favorites. If I can find the time, I'll test out a few and let you know!)

 

Designing around an egg, by Johannes Hoyos.

http://www.design-egg.net

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Oh the sea breeze on the Moroccan coast made her hungry and living in landlocked Marrakech, she had just one thing on her mind when in that seaside town of Essaouira ........fresh fish.  Thankfully, there were some delicious options.   

Now one could always sit family style at plastic covered picnic tables near the pier.   It was all about eating tomato and onion salad with a fork, fried fish and grilled shrimp with fingers, and washing it all down with sticky sodas sipped from straws.  It was messy and it was chaotic but somehow that was why it was so fun. 

More upscale, there was lovely Taros Cafe where one could while away the noon (or evening) hours under woven umbrellas on the roof terrace.......

Oh, there was a view of the sea at Taros Cafe......a view of which she never grew tired.......

Mmmmm.....the grilled calamari...........And a cold beer.  Perhaps the perfect meal?

And then at night in Essaouira, there was After 5  Lounge Restaurant.  The blogging girl and her best friend were partial to their stuffed crab...........

There was a well stocked bar and cool music.

After 5's atmosphere:  Chic Cavern.  (What do you mean that is not a genre, either?)  And the French owners were amusing and told the best stories.

But the Summer was over now.  Sniff.  And so goodbye Essaouira and hello again beloved Marrakech....

 Taros Cafe:  Place Moulay Hassan, Essaouira, 024-476407, www.taroscafe.com

After 5 Restaurant Lounge:  Rue Youssef El Fassi, Essaouira