court side

In the center of The Four Tides is a charming courtyard. Yes, charming does denote small but it is large on quaintness. There are bushes of herbs, a trellis, architectural remnants, the outdoor shower and curvy paths that lead to the cottages. Courtyards are classic, in the truest sense, as they date back to 300 B.C. thus surviving every design trend. I can see why. This is where proposals happen. Or little girls who get lost in their imagination.

On another note just to the right you will see a latticed wall, which is part of Low Tide. This will be replaced by a wall of glass to create an inviting sun porch. Stay tuned...

what a difference a year makes

This morning last year I woke up with a full list. It was my wedding day. There was a cake to safeguard, hair, a botched pedicure. Summer renters and visiting family would just have to wait. It was a memorable day, a simple wedding but large on atmosphere, the wedding we wanted. What's left is the perfect memory, a few pieces of torn paper that were used in my bouquet and this wedding silver that I look to as a keepsake, given to us from Diane Sedo of Sentimental Celebrations.

A year later we have a son to play with, while a summer here always provides a list of things to do. Happy Anniversary! xo

today's forecast: showers

Sand, ocean, sand, ocean--thus is a Saturday ritual. The best way to clean off beach detritus is from an outdoor shower. Look up and you see the sky. Look down and there may be a snail.

salad days

When the thermometer has a growth spurt and more people are in the water then on land, the menu calls for salad. Aside from the ocean view, this salad has it all.

Ingredients

• 1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon blackberry preserves
• 1 teaspoon chopped basil
• 1 chopped garlic clove
• Ground pepper to taste
• 2 cups red lettuce
• 1 cup fresh greens of choice in season
• 1/2 sliced yellow pepper
• 1/2 sliced orange pepper
• 1/2 cup crab meat
• 1/8 cup hearts of palm
• 1/8 cup beets
• 5 tablespoons cilantro
• 5 tablespoons almonds
• 1/8 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 apple or pear, finely sliced

Directions

1. In a small bowl or creuset, mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, blackberry preserves, pepper, garlic and basil.
2. In a large bowl, toss together greens, vegetables, crab, hearts of palm, beets, almonds, cilantro and dried cranberries. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss.

summer regulars

This week our friends the Vernons began their vacation in Red Tide. It's a tradition, they spend two weeks here, followed by the Hahns (more on that in two weeks). This is the high point of summer as they are true vacationers: constant grilling, board games, lots of beach paraphernalia, those little Kellogg's boxes of cereal in the morning. The deck has more color. Towels and suits look appropriate hung on the picket fence.

making sleep arrangements

Apologies for the gratuitous Luc posts, he is my constant as of late. What I have discovered is that he has become quite an accessory. Just this morning, when I was attending to my hunger, I passed Luc off to Allan and said, "will you take this?" As if he were a basket of laundry or package. I've also found that our kitchen nook, piled with pillows, is remarkably handy when we are eating. I just plop him on one and it puts him to sleep.

animal kingdom: giraffe's rule

So Luc's little nursery area (next to our bed) has become a shrine to the giraffe. This was not intended. Though I've always been drawn to the animal with its beautiful print and neck that secures its status as the Audrey Hepburn of its kingdom, I was more partial to the animals that had amusing personalities such as an otter or panda.

The giraffe print has shown up in everything from his very chic Sophie squeaky toy (think the piercing tone of a doy toy) to his mobile above. The print is even on his clothes. There are other elements in his area, such as an illustration of how I wish I really looked like and a sweet sign that came with a gift from a friend.

sophie's choice

A special gift from Luc's big sister Olivia, this teething toy called "Sophie" is all the rage in France. I think Luc needs a trip to Paris to see why.

security blanket

This haute blanket positions Luc as a style maven. One of the many sweet giraffe gifts he received from such thoughtful, and tasteful, friends.

back in print

This muslin swaddling blanket is so soft, Mom sometimes steals moments with it during our nap times.

well illustrated

The great thing about being illustrated is its cheaper and more natural than botox. My skin never looked so good. Also love the Michael Kors dress, which I would love to really own.

upwardly mobile

Returning to our giraffe theme, these twirling giraffes that dance to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" is just the thing for brand new boys who are fighting sleep.

a sure sign

I did not have the heart to toss this excellent example of creative packaging from the most generous gift from Kathleen Delgado. She is the maestro behind Vintageweave, a French inspired interiors store in LA.

luc caught in an animal pose

Luc strikes a pose in his onesie that recalls Swee'Pea of Popeye notoriety. Can you spot the giraffes? Another fantastic gift from Lidy of Little French Garden House. My does she have taste.

I cannot be certain if Luc knew what I was up to, but this may be one of those images he will get annoyed with mommy later on when he has opinions on such things.