I found my heart in the trees

It's my favorite time of the year, when the air is crisp and cool and the leaves begin to change their colors. The Aspen trees in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are turning from chartreuse to deep golds to bright orange and even to bittersweet red.
Every year the ski area runs their lifts so folks who only like to hike down the mountain (like me) can enjoy the beautiful scenery.


Being in the mountains is like being in a sea of gold!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

I think I was born too late

How I wish I could have lived in a time when feminine beauty was celebrated and was as easy as pouting your lips and batting your eyelashes. Click to watch this beautiful video of Kodak's earliest motion pictures, dated to 1922.

Amazing.
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Morning Pause

Whilst I should be getting ready for work, I am still in my jammies, listening to good tunes, enjoying a frothy chai latte and eating the most wonderful figs for breakfast.
It is finally the season and the stores are bursting with multiple varieties. I of course had to photograph them because they are so pretty, but I wish you could taste them. They are plump and ripe and remind me of long summer days spent in my grandmother's backyard. We would climb onto the branches and pick figs straight off the tree, and have no idea how special that was.
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

The Most Beautiful Store in Malibu

If you ever find yourself in Malibu, California, you MUST be sure to stop at Cosentino's !
There you will find the most beautiful succulents, orchids and seashells...not just on their own, but all mixed together. The creative arrangements are stunningly beautiful and each display is carefully crafted.

Exotic succulent and orchid species are tucked all around the shop and each corner provides another surprise to delight the senses. Everywhere you look, another detail is to be appreciated.

Shelves display antique sea glass, vintage linens and a variety of seashells. You can also find unique furniture, Chinese containers and other one-of-a kind treasures.

I was in heaven! If I could live there, I would. Cosentino's is truly the most beautiful store in all of Malibu.
-Jessie, via Malibu, CA

Gifts from the Garden

Cherry and Lemon Boy Tomatoes
Crookneck Squash
Edible Nasturtium
Rainbow Chard
Not sure if I would categorize this little booger as a "gift" since he's been chomping on my parsley...but he was still pretty!

There is nothing more satisfying than eating the fruits of your labor. Not to mention, the flavor and taste is truly amazing!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Bathing Beauties

With Summer in full swing and the heat causing my bangs to frizz and my brow to glow, I feel the need to go grab my swim cap and take a cool plunge!
Images via Modern Marie and Vogue 1955
Who knew swim caps could look so cute! I just love the fashions and glamour associated with the vintage bathing beauties pictured above.

Water ballet, otherwise know as synchronized swimming has become a popular modern workout which combines strength, grace, breath control and of course fashion.
Photo via Glamoursplash
Synchronized swimming first came to the stage in Berlin, Germany in 1891, but it wasn't until 1933 when the World Exhibition in Chicago showcased "The Modern Mermaids," an elaborately staged underwater performance.

In the 40's and 50's these performances gained popularity in Hollywood films with the appeal of Esther Williams, a competitive swimmer and movie star. The clip above combines amazing orchestration, stunning costumes, athletics, and of course Esther's special swimming talent combined with the ability to smile underwater with her eyes open, I'm impressed!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Paradise Found

Yesterday evening I was skipping down the paths at the Denver Botanical Gardens. I'm almost 30, but nothing excites me like a small child more than being surrounded by beautiful gardens, lush plantings, overflowing fountains and humming bees.
I was in paradise. Every where I turned were signs of nature's perfect design; ribs of Swiss Chard that looked like they were painted with vibrant watercolors, sweet layered domes of cabbage leaves, and some of my favorite things in the whole wide world, blooming hens and chicks!

We were able to visit the gardens at dusk and were treated with the most beautiful sunset and flowers that echoed the colors of the sun's final glow. Currently the gardens are showcasing a Henry Moore exhibit of twenty different sculptures. I couldn't think of a Moore perfect place to display such elegant pieces and enjoy a perfect summer evening!
Jessie, via Denver, CO