Happy weekend To Everyone

Set your sites on some beautiful views and look a little closer with your binoculars. Pile your swinging tray full of delicious reading material and have a happy weekend!

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Givenchy Postage Stamp | France

This Givenchy Stamp makes me want to write a letter.

Two women represent the typical Givenchy style of the 50s and 60s: Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy. By furnishing Hollywood movie stars beginning in 1953, Givenchy achieved a popularity like never before. A rather sad event brought global attention to Givenchy dresses. When John F.Kennedy was assasinated, the world witnessed a mourning Kennedy family all dressed in Givenchy clothes. Jackie Kennedy ordered a Givenchy dress for the funeral, which was especially flown in from Paris. It is said, that at that time, the Givenchy atelier possessed individual patterns sheets for every female member of the Kennedy family. In 1955, he introduced separates and then the Orlon-fabric to the haute couture. His designs are elegant and refined. Biography of Hubert De Givenchy.




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Chateau de Chenonceau

    

Chateau de Chenonceau
"Built on the river Cher, where the unique beauty of its architecture reflects in the water, the Chateau de Chenonceau is the Val de Loire’s finial." This is definitely a must-see castle in France. Group trip?



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23 Breathtaking Natural Swimming Pools

23 Breathtaking Natural Swimming Pools

To me there are two joys in swimming pool ownership . . . getting one and getting rid of one. I do like some of these natural pools that look more like ponds. Click on the link to see the complete slideshow.

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Sunshine Award

Yesterday Debbie of Strings of Purls presented me with this Sunshine Award. Thank you so much. Now I have to pass the torch to a few of my most loyal friends who comment regularly (both publicly and privately) so here goes.

Susan of Ash Tree Cottage

Sabina of Barefoot in the Orchard

Cassandra of Cassandra Considers

Crush Party
Robin of Decorating Tennis Girl
Tina of Gal Friday The first blogger I "met" on the Internet.

Jill of Jill Morris Design Personal friend with no blog. Wonderful designer with the best taste. Loves antiques.

Leslie of La Maison Fou
Marilyn of Room on the Left

Stacey of Stacey Snacks Personal friend. Best cook and hostess. Loves antiques.

Debbie of Strings of Purls Made me do this!

Tea or Wine

Millie of The Laurel Hedge She made me an honorary Australian.

The Queen Vee

Pammy of Up in the Attic

Now I'm supposed to leave a comment on each blog and suggest that the "sunshine" be passed on. That might take a while. Thanks again Debbie.

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Harper's Monthly Cover for June 1896

 Signed top left: Edward Penfield ~ Woman in green rocker, reading.
That's what summer is for isn't it? Rocking and reading.




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Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 14

I never fail to burn something if I walk away from the stove with something cooking.

Life's Little Instruction Book by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.




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Grow it yourself: Plan a farm garden now.

"Poster for the U.S. Department of Agriculture promoting victory gardens, showing carrots, lettuce, onion, tomatoes, and potatoes growing." Image: Click here to print a copy in various sizes.




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DIY Origami Seed Starter Boxes

I love this idea of making something from nothing, don't you? Use your recycled newspaper to make a tray or cookie sheet full of origami seed starter boxes for your seeds. Click here for tutorial. Once the sprouts pop up you can plant the whole thing in the ground since the paper will decompose. Nice! Great project for children too. It's not too late in the year to plant seeds since there's plenty of time left in the growing season. It's a great winter project too for starting herb seeds for the windowsill or for gifts.




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Hollyhocks Are Such Country Flowers

Wish I had hollyhocks here at the cottage. I had them one year and they never came back. I still have some seeds. Maybe I'll try again. Google images.




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A Book Is A Present You Can Open Again and Again

This is the season for gifts, isn't it? Weddings, graduation, Father's Day, Housewarmings, etc. Why not give a book? Image credit: I scanned a greeting card designed by Mary Engelbreit.




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Bolingy Cottage Cornwall UK

I've never been to Cornwall either. You know I love this Cornwall Cottage.




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Beautiful Stone Church in New Zealand

Church at Lake Tekapo New Zealand

I've never been to New Zealand but this beautiful photograph makes me want to go Down Under. Two readers send the following information: "This church was built on the lake shore as a memorial to the pioneers of the MacKenzie Country, nearby stands a very touching memorial to the dogs who worked this country as well. A stunningly beautiful spot. Just beyond the church is a lake with a color you have to see to believe." Now I really want to go.




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World's Best Dollhouse

This early period Georgian Doll House with a Palladian influence is absolutely amazing, isn't it? It's certainly one a girl would never outgrow. She and her mother could play here and decorate in miniature forever. It really is an architectural masterpiece. I want one too.

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