Posted by Bluelines

Love or hate the label, there is no one who doesn’t appreciate the comforts of home from time to time.

Briton Jane Brocket, creator of yarnstorm, is a self-described “domestic, but not necessarily domesticated, mother of three.�

She shares her twist on stitching, baking, nature, art, and more in “The Gentle Art of Domesticity,� out this September in the U.S.

It’s filled with quirky, warm DIY projects. Whether she is knitting a tea cozy or baking jam tarts, Jane’s approach and accompanying photographs are always done with touches of wit and whimsy.

Witness this pairing of handmade socks and sweets.

And candy-bar-foil bookmarks for your classic novels.

If you can’t wait until September, check out her daily blog and revel in the domestic wanderlust.

OK, one more. A heart-shaped marshmallow.

Posted by Lisa & Rena

A couple of weeks ago, I left Rena alone at Rare Device in the cold and windy San Francisco and headed for one of my favorite spots in the world: California's Mojave Desert.

I flew into Palm Springs (which is a treat itself) and met my aunt and uncle, who live about 50 miles outside of Palm Springs, near Joshua Tree National Forest, in the town of 29 Palms.

A sign entering 29 Palms

29 Palms is a bit of a sleepy town, and that’s what I like about it. I have returned time and time again for its clear, clean air, gorgeous sparse desert landscape, and mountain vistas. There isn’t a whole lot to do there besides hike around Joshua Tree, but this activity alone makes the trip worth it.

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most special places in the world -- there is nothing else like it on the planet. (In fact, sometimes walking around the park you feel like you might be on another planet).

The famous Joshua trees of Joshua Tree

Before my aunt and uncle retired there last year, I stayed twice at the lovely 29 Palms Inn, a rustic, affordable, and beautiful accommodation in town, near the entrance to Joshua Tree Park.

Besides hiking in the park, there is some great antiquing and thrift store shopping in nearby Yucca Valley. And any kid will enjoy a visit to Pioneer Town, a cool movie set where they used to shoot western TV shows and films. If you like driving around and taking photos of old signs, the expanse between 29 Palms and Yucca Valley are chock full.

An abandoned homestead

Low on pretense and cost, high on hidden charm, gorgeous desert views and fantastic weather (especially in the fall and spring), 29 Palms is truly out of this world.

I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving is just a week away! I’ve been working like mad lately, and barely noticed October ended. I’ll be working Thanksgiving weekend as well — but luckily I can get stuff done from home, online. So, instead of traveling to visit family, we’re holing up in Catskill. I’m looking forward to cooking on Thursday — even though I won’t be able to prepare anything before that day. It’s frustrating that most magazines include things to cook a couple of days in advance. Who has that luxury?! I’m thinking of trying the three-and-half hour Thanksgiving plan I saw in Real Simple. This 911 page over at myrecipes.com also has some good tips (not to mention, pretty pictures). I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes — I may do a shortcut like buying a pie from a local baker or opting for canned cranberries (which I kinda love). What about you? Are you going to be a guest or a host this Thanksgiving? Which do you prefer? (The best part about hosting? Leftovers.) — Angela M.

P.S. Need a few dessert recipes? Try this prize-winning pumpkin pie, or our neighbor Brendon’s pecan pie. Don’t have three-and-half hours to cook? I gave Domino’s one-hour Thanksgiving a try and it was great!

Veranda, September, October 2006, Photo by Laura Resen

It can be quite a daunting task to find just the right thing for oneself. One must consider the size and shape of the room, and how many guests are typically around the table. Is one's lifestyle casual? Formal? And, very importantly, what can one afford? These are all of the practical considerations. But then there are the preferential considerations. What does one "like"?

I have been on the hunt for a Dining Room table for my family for a few years now. My criteria: it has to be round, or nearly so; it must seat up to 10; it can't be too formal; I prefer wood because it is more forgiving and I like the warmth; and I would love to have something unique. I can go contemporary with an antique chair or antique with a more contemporary chair.

Well...to cut the the chase, I saw this table in Veranda magazine and thought "this is it!" It's perfect! It seats eight, it's wood, it's beautiful and unique. Any sort of chair would look wonderful with it. And one thing that really matters to me: one can comfortably fit crossed legs under the "skirt" of the table. It has these wonderful Palladian arched openings. There are no sharp edges to bump a leg on. Even better: it was designed by Robsjohn-Gibbings.

The down side: it was designed by Robsjohn-Gibbings and is VERY unique. In fact I can't find another to even look at, much less purchase. ( A little help 1st dibs?)This particular table is owned by Dara Caponigro, decorating editor of Domino Magazine. You may have caught it in this new book:

Photo from Amazon Website

So Dara, if you ever want to talk. If you are planning to move into, say, a bigger place where this table just won't work anymore, could you please......just shoot me an email? I would really appreciate it. I have started a fund. Perhaps by the time I have enough in "the fund", you may have moved on to something new? Just a thought. Call me.

A house with a heavy mid-century vibe to it, where spaces interact with each other instead of delimiting areas. I love the play of modern designer furniture combined with the ultra classics. The black Saarinen and white Panton chairs are a plus.

The minimal use of colors for the canvas makes the accent pieces pop even more.

http://www.damilanostudio.com

Benji Lanyado, the darling columnist of The Guardian's fab Travel Blog  has tagged me. My task is to reveal a hidden secret in my very favorite city.........Marrakech. (This blog isn't called My Machu Picchu, after all.)

Now of course Marrakech conjures up images of fortune tellers and snake charmers, but sometimes a bit more subtle Moroccan-ness is called for.....And the way to this girl's heart (besides jewels of course) is........ahem, pottery. (I believe the British call it, crockery.   I swear, they really do speak an entirely different language.)

Now if you are pooh-poohing the thought....that is simply  because you haven't visited Tatchibana.  It's located in Marrakech's very own Kasbah.  A tiny little boutique tucked into a most delicious little restaurant.   (Do come for dinner, so you can conveniently test drive the dishes before purchase.)

All Moroccan workmanship with sleek Asian flair, in the most charming colors and patterns.  Sold only here.........Let me just say, I am saving my pennies (err...pence)......

Tatchibana

38 Bab Ksiba,  Kasbah, Marrakech

Tel : +212 24 38 71 71

And now for more fun, I am tagging fave Manhattan dweller (and former Marrakech denizen) Elizabeth so we can find out her little New York secret, too.  But if you have a city secret that you would like to share, do play along and leave a comment.....

I feel so lucky to be part of this very supportive medium that informs, entertains, supports, and amuses us all. And people like you are the reason I keep going! Thanks so much Joni! And to all of you that come and read my little blog. I so appreciate you all.

Best-
Katie

Posted by Bluelines

We took an unexpected and unintended hiatus for the past few weeks.

Will be up with a fresh idea from Lena shortly.