no rest for the weary

today i survived the longest bicycle ride of my life. in 39 degree weather and with the wind against us the entire way (i am in no way dramatizing the experience) we biked 30 kilometers — 18 miles — to the "nearby" villandry château. and, though in the midst of the biking i never thought i would say this, it was worth it. so, so, so worth it. these gardens were among the most beautiful things i have ever seen. thus although these pictures are not particularly related to design, i just have to share with you a few of the more beautiful moments of my big adventure.

this trip made me realize my love of moats. how awesome is this? turquoise water, limestone architecture, and perfect green gardens meant i was in heaven.

a tree-lined reflecting pool beyond the balustrade. take me back (but preferably not by bike!).

these intricate low box hedges remind me of the queen of hearts scene in alice in wonderland. (anyone else?) topiaries everywhere, heart-shaped hedges in time for valentine's day... somehow the 18 miles were worth it.

no time to sit and reminisce, however. i'm off to blois and chenonceau (with a stop at a local chocolaterie!) with the bucknell group bright and early tomorrow morning. and so after a seemingly endless bike ride, it's back on the bus (not the one above, as much as i wish it were!) for me... wishing all of you an equally adventurous (though perhaps not as exhausting!) weekend wherever you may be! i'll be back monday with more desks du jour and plenty of other pretty things. à bientôt!

today i survived the longest bicycle ride of my life. in 39 degree weather and with the wind against us the entire way (i am in no way dramatizing the experience) we biked 30 kilometers — 18 miles — to the "nearby" villandry château. and, though in the midst of the biking i never thought i would say this, it was worth it. so, so, so worth it. these gardens were among the most beautiful things i have ever seen. thus although these pictures are not particularly related to design, i just have to share with you a few of the more beautiful moments of my big adventure.

this trip made me realize my love of moats. how awesome is this? turquoise water, limestone architecture, and perfect green gardens meant i was in heaven.

a tree-lined reflecting pool beyond the balustrade. take me back (but preferably not by bike!).

these intricate low box hedges remind me of the queen of hearts scene in alice in wonderland. (anyone else?) topiaries everywhere, heart-shaped hedges in time for valentine's day... somehow the 18 miles were worth it.

no time to sit and reminisce, however. i'm off to blois and chenonceau (with a stop at a local chocolaterie!) with the bucknell group bright and early tomorrow morning. and so after a seemingly endless bike ride, it's back on the bus (not the one above, as much as i wish it were!) for me... wishing all of you an equally adventurous (though perhaps not as exhausting!) weekend wherever you may be! i'll be back monday with more desks du jour and plenty of other pretty things. à bientôt!

What Room Doesn't Need A Window Seat?

there's really no need to explain my love of window seats. in an eat-in kitchen, i imagine sunny breakfasts from a comfy perch with a view. in a bedroom, i envision a cozy nook for reading on rainy nights. in just about any room, i like the idea of a perfect spot to snuggle up and take in the outdoors from the inside.

my eat-in kitchen vision becomes a reality in this cheery space by amanda nisbet.

am i the only one who could spend the entire day in a spot like this one?

a window seat for a mix-and-don't-match dining room.

i'm not quite sure if there's room for reading on this built-in window seat with its excessive pillow count, but i love the look regardless of its utility.

comfy upholstery makes the most of a room with a view.

snow outside means a candlelight and a good book inside.

an irregular space is transformed into a high-style hideaway with custom seating and an enviable collection of throw pillows.

how do we feel about a window bed? you can bet i love the idea!

there's really no need to explain my love of window seats. in an eat-in kitchen, i imagine sunny breakfasts from a comfy perch with a view. in a bedroom, i envision a cozy nook for reading on rainy nights. in just about any room, i like the idea of a perfect spot to snuggle up and take in the outdoors from the inside.

my eat-in kitchen vision becomes a reality in this cheery space by amanda nisbet.

am i the only one who could spend the entire day in a spot like this one?

a window seat for a mix-and-don't-match dining room.

i'm not quite sure if there's room for reading on this built-in window seat with its excessive pillow count, but i love the look regardless of its utility.

comfy upholstery makes the most of a room with a view.

snow outside means a candlelight and a good book inside.

an irregular space is transformed into a high-style hideaway with custom seating and an enviable collection of throw pillows.

how do we feel about a window bed? you can bet i love the idea!

desk(s) du jour

the same craft table in three finishes and i love all of them! it's a utilitarian piece that houses all your office and library needs, not to mention provides double the desk space. when i checked pottery barn for the link to this particular product, i found that they're actually having a special! so if you're in the market for a craft table and you've got a spare $949 (hey, down from $1,157) lying around, i suggest you place an order for the bedford project table set. i think it's beautiful!

the same craft table in three finishes and i love all of them! it's a utilitarian piece that houses all your office and library needs, not to mention provides double the desk space. when i checked pottery barn for the link to this particular product, i found that they're actually having a special! so if you're in the market for a craft table and you've got a spare $949 (hey, down from $1,157) lying around, i suggest you place an order for the bedford project table set. i think it's beautiful!