The Back Porch
Living on the Water Can Only Mean Living on the Bay (Chesapeake Bay- that is)
Growing up on the Chesapeake Bay was the foundation of my childhood and the source of many treasured traditions. Despite moving around frequently, the bay near Annapolis became my constant, my home. Yes, I'm one of those people who LOVE crabs! Every year, I have a bushel shipped to San Diego, where I enjoy my own little feast, picking crabs for myself and everyone else. My crab cakes are legendary, especially when paired with a corn and tomato salad, reminiscent of the farm stands we visited on trips to Rehoboth and Ocean City. The corn and tomatoes from those stands are simply the best, bursting with flavor.
How Growing Up on an East Coast Beach Shaped My Style and Lifestyle
Oh, the beach life! Growing up on the East Coast, the beach wasn't just a place; it was a vibe, a muse, a second home. I can still feel the salty air on my face, the sun-drenched sand underfoot, and waves crashing in my ears. Fast forward 46 years, and I've swapped coasts, landing a block and a half from the Pacific in sunny San Diego. Yet, my heart still whispers, “East Coast, best coast,” and I’m already plotting my retirement back east. But that’s a story for another time another blog.
Postcards from France: The Parisian Prints Collection
Bonjour! Anne and I were enchanted by France this past autumn, and from that adventure, our exclusive Parisian Prints collection was born. Captured through our lens while wandering the French landscape, these prints are a love letter to the everyday magic of Paris. Imagine them as a vignette on a cherished wall in your home, each serene and organic image weaving together the threads of romance, history, and design that are quintessentially French. The only thing missing? A bottle of Bordeaux to complete the scene. We hope these prints beckon you to celebrate France's heart and soul in your own space.
Mastering Masion et Objets: An (Un)Ordinary Journey to Paris & Bordeaux
It started with a question. “Have you been to the Masion et Objets show in Paris?” It ended with a 10-day trip to Paris and Bordeaux and this is how it went. The Masion et Objets show in Paris has always been on my list to go ever since I found out about it 15 years ago. It has grown to be the largest home market show with over 3,500 exhibitors in 8 buildings totaling 2,800,000 square-feet. Which means, bring your walking shoes cause there’s a lot of ground to cover. Both Kirsten and I have been in the lighting and home furnishings business for over 30 years; we have been to most of the home market shows in the United States. We always heard the Masion et Objets show was the crème de la crème of market shows; so naturally we had to check it out for ourselves.
Cloth Napkins: Unleashing the Eco-Chic Elegance & Sustainability
When it comes to dining, there are several options for wiping your hands and face. Most people probably opt for a paper napkin, while there are others who use their jeans, shirt, dish rag or paper towel, you know who you are. But what about cloth napkins? Are they worth investing in, or are they just an unnecessary hassle? Keep reading because I am going to explore the pros and cons of using cloth napkins and whether they're a worthy addition to your everyday place setting.
