My Paisley World

January 21, 2013

Mug Shots

Marimekko at Crate & Barrel

Oh, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee!

The warmth of the mug in my hands.

Caring and sharing with a dear friend.
Curled up under Aunt Kate's crocheted afghan.

Sipping while reading a great book.

Coffee has a huge cozy-factor!

Recycled glass by Are Naturals.

"Just around the corner,
There's a rainbow in the sky.
So let's have another cup o' coffee,
And let's have another piece o' pie."
~Irving Berlin

I'm crazy about that curly tail handle! Cat Fancy Gifts

For those whose coffee experience = caffeine intake. Urban Outfitters

Ever-cheery blue & white! Ten Thousand Villages

This laboratory beaker would be a fun gift. Think Geek.

Commemorating 100 years of weaving the "Spirit of the Peoples" blanket. Pendleton

An adorable owl on his perch. Hand-sculpted & hand-painted. Art Fire

Big Apple Love. All New York Gifts.

Rustic hand-thrown pottery. Wild Wings

A previous post you may like: Savor a cup of joe while appreciating The Art of Coffee.

January 19, 2013

Russian artist Vladimir Kush showed interest in art as early as age 7. He began his art career painting propaganda posters for the Russian military. Afterwards, he graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts.

During hard times, he supported his family by painting portraits on the street.

His success grew, and he now owns 4 galleries in the United States.

They're located in Maui, HI, Laguna Beach, CA,

and 2 in Las Vegas, NV at Caesar's Palace & Planet Hollywood.

His surrealistic paintings reveal the amazing way he expresses himself through art.

What talent! Each one could be a scene from a fantasy tale or a magical dream world!

Above the Sea Level

Atlas of Wander

African Sonata

Flying Fish

Land of Cervantes

Orchid Family Rollercoaster

Pearl

Still Life with Mandolin

Pillow Book

Music of the Woods

Images courtesy of Vladimir Kush. View more of his fascinating art here.

January 18, 2013

Winnie the Pooh

fanpop

January 18th is National Winnie the Pooh Day!

Enjoy these charming, heartwarming quotes.

happyologist

lunaserenade

thinknice

sweetlemonart

xaxor

bbyprisxboo

I lovingly dedicate this post to my niece Wendy,

a terrific gal and a longtime fan of the Pooh Bear.

January 16, 2013

The Belvedere Inn ~ Lancaster, PA

belvederelancaster

During a recent trip to Lancaster, my sister and I decided to lunch at The Belvedere Inn.

Located on the corner of North Queen & West Lemon Streets,

this restaurant has firmly affixed itself to my list of Lancaster favorites!

We were delighted to see that they were still festively decorated for the holidays!

Lush topiaries & lanterns flanked the doors.

We were greeted by leopard carpets (be still my beating heart),

and a sumptuous coordinating staircase garland.

Off to the right, these adorable gingerbread men were tending bar!

To complement the decor of the dining room, over-the-top black and white was chosen. Classy!

A more-is-more fireplace garland.

"And what of the meal?", you may ask.

Crab and Watermelon Salad.

Jumbo lump crab meat, grilled watermelon, baby arugula, toasted pecans, blackberry vinaigrette.

...and for dessert? Goat cheese cheesecake with apricot-cranberry topping.

Absolutely ambrosial!

For more information, and to view their menus, visit The Belvedere Inn's website at
http://belvederelancaster.com/

January 14, 2013

The Art of ... Coffee

moleskostudio

Yes, I surely do love my morning cup of coffee.

Here's a lively mix of artwork for those who can relate!

John Vietor

"The morning cup of coffee has an exhilaration about it

which the cheering influence of the afternoon or evening cup of tea

cannot be expected to reproduce."

~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

zazzle

Michael McDonald

posterlounge

Victor Gabriel Gilbert

rlv.zcache.co.uk

Tim Nyberg

Arizonacoffee

January 12, 2013

The Pouf

plowhearth.com

A recent decorating trend is the pouf.
Think ottoman meets beanbag chair.
An updated rendition of Little Miss Muffet's tuffet. :)
Very cool.

They're made in a myriad of shapes and colors, and with a variety of materials.
Take a look at this selection, and find out where to shop for them below.

1. Natural Jute Sack - Casacole.com
2. Mushroom - Anthropology
3. Ikat Sari - Wanelo.com
4. Lime Green Leather - Moroccan Buzz
5. Brown Chevron - Zeldabelle
6. Woven Pink & Purple - Target
7. Surya Jami Pebble - Ottomans.com
8. Teal Roped Cotton - Lamps Plus
9. Silver Leather - SimplyBabyandKids

I think the reason I'm attracted to them is because they're so casual, with an added punch of whimsy.

They provide that often-needed extra surface for a book or a mug of coffee.

And who doesn't love to prop up her feet?