REVERIE

Wide Open Spaces ~

2012-01-23T00:27:00.000-08:00

The past few days were filled with a whirlwind of buzzing information. Altitude Summit does a grand job of bringing together brilliant keynote speakers and excellent tip-giving panelists {here is an excellent huffington post piece claiming the blogosphere as the new bohemia}. Not to mention the non-stop laughter, catching up, and inspiring chatter amongst new and old friends {estelle, jeanne, kimberly, courtney, katie, melissa, brandi, melisa, and beefy}.

I didn't play the role of a wallflower this year thanks to the kick-in-the-pants support from a very favorite person {she always seems to know what's best}. Hoping there are some positive outcomes with the contacts made.

If I had to sum up my experience, it would be with a quote from Anne Sage, "embrace the fire within". Ideas and goals are raging inside, and I'm going to follow the blazing trail. I'll be taking a mini-hiatus from this space while the embers settle. I'm prepping myself for a new yoga class I'll be teaching beginning next week as well as planning a birthday party for a sweet little crumb who will soon be 4.

Wide open spaces never looked so good.

[image by sean patrick mcardle]

On my way ~

2012-01-18T00:05:00.000-08:00

...to ALT! My second year attending this grand gathering of incredibly talented people who come together for a few days in Salt Lake City and share amazing stories, ideas, tips and forums to help add extra sparkle and shine to your blogging, writing, design, small business, and more.

The sponsors go out of their way to make every detail a smashing success, and this year, there will be a "Diner en Blanc" party where everyone will be wearing white attire. I just know this scene is going to be over-the-top!

So my bags are packed and my inspiration button is turned on and ready to soak up all sorts of brilliant goodies. Of course, I'll share the highlights upon my return...

Au revoir mes amis!

[images by Sean Patrick McArdle]

Pure

2012-01-13T00:05:00.000-08:00

Raw beauty. It's what I like best.

People, food, pigments. The purity of these gifts from nature before they are altered by our hands, machines, chemicals, and more.

Step back and behold these rare untouched moments.

The unconditional love of a person's heart, a genuine smile from a stranger, the sound of your beloved's voice. Pure goodness of people.

Juice from a fresh-squeezed orange, the crunch of a raw carrot, and a lip-pucker from a slice of lemon. Pure tastes of real food.

Vibrant color, minerals that shine, stones that sparkle. Pure pigments which color our world.

Purity is precious. Seek it.

[image via Sean Patrick McArdle]

Planning a garden ~

2012-01-11T00:05:00.000-08:00

Last year was my first attempt at gardening, a learning process to say the least, but we did enjoy lots of tomatoes, herbs, and a few cucumbers, figs, strawberries and beets. This year, I'm starting my research early, for I'm going to fill our plates and pantry with mother nature's home-grown edible gems.

While at the library, I checked out several issues of Organic Gardening {don't you just love all the brilliant resources offered FREE from the library?}. Along with my beloved copy of Sunset Magazine's Western Garden Book of Edibles , I'm plotting my planting and gathering of seeds.

The crumb is as anxious as I am to get this play-in-the-dirt party started, so the fava beans, brussel sprouts, english peas, and chard will find their happy home within the soil next week. Most likely, the research will unveil more delectables to add to the winter planting list.

And of course, I'll gladly take any green-thumb tips you wish to share?

Quinoa with Carrots & Cabbage ~

2012-01-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

I'm on a mission to use what I have on hand and not let food go to waste. In doing so, I rummaged through our fridge and came up with carrots, cabbage and arugula. Quinoa is always sitting pretty in a jar, and my little family never turns a nose up at this delicious seed-like healthy substance. Instead of cooking the carrots and cabbage, I chose to dice them up and add them raw to the cooked quinoa. I'm a fan of raw vegetables...the crunch and taste is as pure as you can get. And when it came to tossing in a flavorful dressing, I kept that at a 'raw' minimum too. With a lemon and garlic on hand {must-have winter essentials}, I knew olive oil would be my binding ingredient, and for an extra kick, a few tablespoons of shoyu sneaked in. This is a really simple and easy recipe, and you could substitute most raw vegetables to your liking.

Quinoa with Carrots & Cabbage

serves 4

1 cup of cooked quinoa

1 1/2 cups of chopped carrots

1 1/2 cups of red/purple cabbage chopped

2 cups of arugula

sea salt to taste

Dressing:

1 clove of garlic minced or crushed

1 lemon {juiced}

4 Tablespoons olive oil

2-3 Tablespoons shoyu

In a large bowl, mix quinoa, carrots and carrots. Add sea salt to taste. Whisk together all ingredients of the dressing, mix and toss with quinoa and vegetables. Either blanket bottom of bowl with large handful of arugula or add arugula to mix just before serving.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Winter in the Wine Country ~

2012-01-06T00:05:00.000-08:00

About 90 days after the first autumn rains, mustard begins to push through the vineyard soils to beautifully embellish the resting Winter vines. This dormant stage in the grapevines is very important to the vineyard health and performance in the upcoming season.

Throughout January and February, severe winter pruning takes place on all the vines. The Mustard Season is one of the most beautiful times of the year in the Wine Country. Its golden blooms blanket the floor of the soundly sleeping vines, and as the sun shines, the landscape glows in a daydreaming brilliance. The rainy season will provide nourishment to the terroir promising a Spring of bud break and phenomenal wines to come.

This is Winter in the Wine Country ~ a time for rest and renewal with a sparkle of gold.

Clean Peace ~

2012-01-04T00:05:00.000-08:00

I've been cleaning a lot these past few days. It is the winter purge of sorts...holidays are over, and it's time to make every thing fresh, fresh clean. Trust me, cleaning isn't my favorite past time, but at least it has been somewhat enjoyable thanks to Clean Peace organic cleaning products.

The packaging alone thrills the heck out of me...GLASS! I will go out of my way to find glass packaged products because not only are they more environmentally friendly, but they are also reusable and normally dictate superior ingredients. The lovely ladies of Clean Peace sent me some general purpose cleaner to try, and I can't stop scrubbing and finding places to wipe down. The black fig and cedar scent is an added bonus to the peace of mind this product has given me ... no bad fumes or harmful residue left behind for my little family to be bothered with.

I could go on and on, but instead, I'll leave you with their words:

"We are an earth friendly, pet friendly, human friendly company who is dedicated to revitalizing your home and lifting your spirits without breaking your budget."

Thank you Clean Peace for making the chore of cleaning a more pleasurable {and safe} experience.

[Reverie-Daydream Image]

A Simple Comfort Food ~

2012-01-02T00:05:00.000-08:00

We all have our chosen comfort foods. The recipes we go to when we need to feel all warm and cozy inside, cheer our bellies and soothe our minds. Banana Bread does it for me. A warm slice with butter and a cup of hot tea underneath a wise old walnut tree was the perfect treat on a sunny winter afternoon.

Banana Bread

{adapted from Sophie Dahl}

5 1/2 tablespoons of soft unsalted butter

4 ripe bananas

3/4 cup of light brown sugar

1 egg

1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of baking soda

1 pinch of salt

1 1/2 cups of spelt flour

1/2 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup dark chocolate bits {or chips}

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x5-inch pan.

Mash bananas in a big mixing bowl. Add the butter, sugar, egg and vanilla extract and mix together with bananas. Add the baking soda, salt and flour. Mix well. Stir in coconut, walnuts and chocolate last. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour, remove, cool for 5-10 minutes, then serve.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Intention ~

2011-12-30T00:05:00.000-08:00

I'm ready for 2012.

Believe me, 2011 was filled with some amazing moments, but it also kicked our butts and made us step off our paths of focus a lot. When it comes to setting your true passions aside to keep your head above the waters, then I really tend to dislike the 'lessons and trials'.

In our perfect world, every day would be devoted to health, art, happiness, helping, learning, {and copious amounts of good food and wine}. Really, is this too much to ask? One life to live, let's do it right, non?

Over christmas, my amazing Sean created the above masterpiece. The moment I first laid eyes upon this gorgeous chalk drawing, I wept. The strokes of genius took my breath away, and awakened a yearning for more. More art, more culture, more healthy endeavors...more living in the moment of beauty.

This will be my intent for the new year ~ to not stray from our passions, our goals, our dreams.

New beginnings are good. Fresh starts with the rear-view mirror detached. A focus on what's ahead and the glorious path which is before us.

Cheers to a new year.

[drawing by Sean Patrick McArdle]

Why Beauty Matters ~

2011-12-28T15:29:00.000-08:00

Our friend, Micaiah Hardison, urged us to watch a BBC documentary titled Why Beauty Matters. It is an excellent 52 minutes, and I applaud Roger Scruton for being bold enough to go against the mainstream thinking of art, architecture and music. Very strong opinions seep out of my mouth straight from my heart when art is being discussed. I'll spare you the passionate verbiage, except for this...I believe art is only art when it involves skill, taste, and creativity. Since the mid-20th century, art has been too loosely defined...beauty does matter.

[Bottecelli's Birth of Venus]

Magical ~

2011-12-25T22:39:00.000-08:00

I believe her day sparkled and shined.

[Union Square, San Francisco ~ Christmas 2011]

Joyful & Bright ~

2011-12-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

She is the one I can thank for renewing the magic of Christmas into our lives.

With every bell that jingles, each light that twinkles, and all stars atop which shine, she finds wonder and joy in every moment of this season.

Wishing a merry, merry Christmas to one and all.

[McArdle Images]

Wishful Thinking {a guest post by karey of mackin ink}

2011-12-21T00:05:00.000-08:00

so i was thinking and thinking and thinking about this post - probably far too much, but that's always the way i work when i really adore the friend to whom i'm giving my words - and maybe it was one too many viogniers one night, but all of a sudden i found myself all "forget wishing! wishing is for wimps!"

i said it way naughtier in my head.

but it's true, you know. someday, i'll have to tell you all the time i feel i've wasted on wishes. the months that added up to a full year that i wished my dad wouldn't die; perhaps i messed it all up with the one who's in charge of such decisions with my begging that he not suffer anymore. i can see how that would be confusing. then there was the matter of my sister. i don't need to tell that story again, but i will tell you this: my stomach muscles still remember the clench of wishing so hard that she'd get to stay with me forever. i still ache.

there are always silly wishes in between serious, at least one every hour in my head, from "i wish uncle sugar would make me a coffee" to "maison martin margiela...be mine" to "please please please let the girlies three be ok." i must spend that half-hour before they hit the door at the end of their school day waiting with a million wishes and wonderings about their someday lives. their someday health. their someday love. i wish it would all be perfect. in spite of all i know and all i've endured, i still make that silly wish that they skate through it all. unscathed and unbruised and unbroken. especially their hearts and hopes.

wishes can be pretty empty. they're like a bottle full of bubbles in a way, filling the air up around us with iridescent invisible circles that fly away and disappear a second or two after we've made them. no offense, but i've never seen a wish really do anything - like win a race or cure a disease or even make me thinner than that mom at the pool i kind of despise - except look pretty and make us gasp with the possibilities and then leave us wondering...what now?

wishes are good for one thing and one thing only. they make us realize, with the falling of a lash or the tick of the clock at 11:11, exactly what we want. and that, my sweet friends, is that. what comes next is entirely up to you or up to someone else or maybe completely out of anyone's control.

listen. i've made wishes on stars that exist only in my eyes, solitaire games, whether the traffic light would turn green in an even number of seconds, and the last red jellybean in the bag. and i'm still not the woman i'm wishing i'd be. still not the mother i'm wishing i'd be. still not the writer, either.

2012 is going to be different. kickass, for sure. i feel it in my bones. i'll still probably be wishing for everything to be all right - especially my girlies three - in between wishes that include that jerk mom at the pool, the size of my bum, my someday book, and just one more red jellybean - every day at 11:11 or even 12:12 if i miss it. but maybe i need to take better care of those little bubbles of mine. keep watching over them long after they pop. they're still there, you know. even when i can't see them so well anymore.

p.s. plus a white bikini for my move near bali.

wishes found here. bubbles found here.

oh that karey, i always fumble for words after reading her perfect ones. i'll never forget the day i discovered her blog. she was on 'posting' hiatus, but i read every. single. word she had ever written within that magical space. then one amazing day, my reader sparkled and shined...she was back! since then, i've been begging for her to write a book, adopt me as one of her girlies, and just be that really cool writer friend i've always dreamed of having in my circle of life.

Good Luck Soup ~

2011-12-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

Being able to make a gift with my own hands, using resources offered unselfishly by nature or repurposed materials, and presenting something that is useful or full of meaning to my dearest friends and family is what Christmas is all about ~ the gift that is filled with love. So this year, my dear friend, Sherry of Culinary Getaways, and I decided that her Good Luck Soup recipe packaged up with delicious heirloom beans and fresh garden grown herbs would be the ideal gift for anyone on our list. Growing up in the South, my grandmother always prepared a New Year’s Day lunch or dinner that included black-eyed peas {and collard greens}. According to her, black-eyed peas were for good-luck. Even then, as a young girl, I would eat at least two helpings of these delicious legumes because everyone hopes for the lucky goodness to be on their side 365 days of the year. More so than ever, I believe we all could use a hefty dose of good luck in our lives!

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

An Elegant Evening ~

2011-12-16T00:05:00.000-08:00

...with my Prince Charming.

It was a night of total splendor, festive glory, and fine art. My handsome artist husband and I were invited guests to this exquisite holiday gala in the Court of Honor at the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco.

For two souls who love art, this was a dream come true. An entire evening devoted to celebrating the artistic masters of our past as well as present-day artists...the museum galleries were ours to peruse, linger and enjoy. With cocktails in hand, we mingled among the elite, but mostly we giggled and gasped at our good fortune to be included in such a grand evening.

A dinner fit for a king was served by candlelight, an orchestra enticed all to join on the dance floor, and memories to last a lifetime were made underneath a tent draped in sparkling decor...an elegant evening indeed.

Wishful Thinking {a guest post by French Essence}

2011-12-14T00:05:00.000-08:00

I have always had my head in the clouds… dreaming of something different… wishing upon a star… searching for ways to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary… I think that is why I love words as much as I do… the endless possibilities to stir the imagination and to craft fantasy from the everyday… This is the time of year when we are all wishful thinking. We wish that the holiday season would slow down, that we could gear up our pace a little to accomplish all that we desire. We wish that the year hadn’t passed in a puff and that they weren’t slipping by quite so quickly and we wish, with all our hearts, that our children’s hopes and dreams come true.

When I snapped this photograph in Paris it made me pause for reflection… The beauty of the cobblestones, the architectural details of the buildings, the faded shutters and the hanging lanterns caught my eye… I had to capture that moment. But more than that… It was the family, for I imagined that they were a family, walking in step, in simpatico… with their perfect strides. This image made me wish that time could and would stand still, that this beautiful family could forever walk together through the streets of life harmoniously, as they were on this particular day… My thoughts turned to my own family and myself and I realized there and then that my one true wish was for nothing to change. This moment in our time together is good… great even… may it last…

Melissa, thank you for inviting me to participate in your ‘Wishful Thinking’ series… it is such a great pleasure to be a part of your exquisite blog amongst such wonderful company. I wish you and your readers a holiday season filled with lots of love, light and laughter… xv

Vicki Archer

December 2011

I'm assuming most who read this blog already know the beautiful and lovely Vicki of French Essence. Before I even entered the world of blogging, I knew of Vicki Archer and her exquisite way of life and love for France via her first book, My French Life. Then I found her blog and my heart swelled with glee because I am able to live vicariously through her dreamy world every. single. day. In short, Vicki is definitely one of my heroes, for she lives the life she has always dreamed of and she lives it with grace, beauty, and enthusiasm. I'm still pinching myself that she took the time to share her wishful thoughts on Reverie...merci beaucoup Vicki!

[Image via Vicki Archer]

Le Chocolat Chaud

2011-12-12T00:05:00.000-08:00

It's the time of year when I always have my mug filled with something warm.

Recently, I shared one of my favorite winter indulgences with Belle Inspiration.

Take a look here:

Sparkle ~

2011-12-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

~ May your weekend be filled with creative moments that make your soul sparkle and shine ~

more glitter goodness curated by me over at kirtsy.

[image via Luxirare]

Wishful Thinking {a guest post by Fanciful Designs}

2011-12-07T00:05:00.000-08:00

I will write peace on your wings and you will fly all over the world.

~ unknown

I've had this quote written down in a book for quite some time. This simple sentence changes my perspective when life gets too rushed. It reminds me of how powerful peace is. When my thoughts and my surroundings are peaceful, I fly.

My wish is to write peace on your wings this season and always.

Noel is the angelic beauty and exquisite talent behind Fanciful Designs. Her stunning creations are one-of-a-kind masterpieces and peaceful artistic designs you wish to have surrounding you. She is one of those souls that you never want to leave your realm of existence. I adore her.

[image: wings by fanciful designs]

A Time to Give ~

2011-12-05T10:32:00.001-08:00

More lovely creations from artisans around the world continue to be added to the boutique.

Give a gift that has a story, created by people who followed their dreams ~ shop here.

25% off with code GIFT25 + FREE shipping in the US {offer good through December 10th}

www.reverie-daydream.com

An Evening for Two ~

2011-12-02T00:05:00.000-08:00

This weekend, at an incredibly romantic bistro in the heart of the wine country, there will be a table for two. It's reserved especially for McDreamy and me. The crumb will be lavished with love and care by her visiting grandparents while we take full advantage of an evening devoted to the original two.

Excited is an understatement.

Bon week-end lovelies!

[L'Hiver by Jean-Gabriel Domergue]

Wishful Thinking {a guest post by Besotted Brand}

2011-11-30T00:05:00.000-08:00

I have a very haunting memory that includes an unfulfilled wish (don't worry, this story may have a happy ending). My beautiful beau at the time, (if you can call him a beau I was quite young), casually brushed my cheek with his finger and held out the tip with great anticipation. I narrowed my eyes to see the object of his excitement only to be greeted by a rogue eyelash. “Make a wish,” he commanded. I stared at him with confusion at first and then the recognition settled in, I rolled my eyes. I informed him in a tone I suspected was very mature, “I don’t believe in wishes.” I assumed that my proclamation would parlay some sort of worldliness, a girl that knew that a wish was a silly frivolity. Instead, I saw the hurt in his sweet blue eyes, the hurt was not for himself but for a little girl that didn’t believe in magic. He closed his eyes and was silent for a second, shrugged his shoulders and then blew my eyelash off his fingertip. I don’t know what he wished for that afternoon, but I assume it was for me and it came true. From that day forward after my 8^th year of being, I made wishes with fervor. Besides ‘eyelash-gate’, there was no other impetus to start, but what I took from that moment in time was that a wish is your hearts request, frivolous as it may be. A wish gives you something to hope for, an anticipation. It is almost as good as the real deal. A wish is free and plenty, why deny yourself such a luxury? My wish is for everyone to have at least one wish granted in his or her lifetime, there is quite a delight in a wish come true.

Where do I begin to share the many delightful things about the ever so talented Miss B of Besotted Brand. I've been a long-time fan of this lovely lady, and just recently, I had the grand honor of meeting this beauty in real life. {It just happened to be right after she became a MRS.!} She has an eye for exquisite details and creates extraordinary stationery and accoutrements that should be on everyone's wish list.

Joy {to you}

2011-11-28T00:05:00.000-08:00

It's hard for me to believe the holidays are in full swing, but time waits for no one, right? So let's spread the joy this season and do our best to support small businesses and artisans and shop local whenever possible.

The boutique has been stocked with some great new items as well as more of the all-time favorites. Take a moment and check out all the new offerings from talented artisans here.

And as a special thank you to each one of you lovely people, we are offering 25% off an entire order {+ free shipping in the US} with code JOY25 {valid through November 30th}

[image of Austin Press Stationery]

Thankful {every day}

2011-11-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

My heart overflows with gratitude for the life I have been given. Truly, I pinch myself regularly because it just seems unbelievable to me that my daily existence is filled with such beautiful love, good health and glorious abundance of food and breathtaking nature. My complaints are few, for I realize how fortunate I am and it's not something I take lightly. We have one life to live, and with every sunrise, I awaken with a thankful heart.

There shouldn't be just one designated day for giving thanks and reflecting upon all the goodness which fills our lives. If we all made more of an effort to appreciate the good fortune which comes our way versus the focus of what isn't up to par, then I believe there would be more smiles in this world. Let's give it a try, there is nothing to lose. Here's to being thankful for each and every. single. day.

[Reverie-Daydream Image]

Candlelight Season ~

2011-11-21T00:05:00.000-08:00

It's the time of year when the days are shorter and the nights are longer, so why not add some pretty candlelight to the season with these gorgeous new additions in the boutique ~ wine barrels find a new purpose as a candle holder. Exquisite design and a perfect addition to your lovely home.

Light up your world here.