Hello Lovely

Many many thanks to the lovely Italian artist,

Irene Diamente, who painted this adorable watercolor

of our beloved and Italian named,

Bella Luna.

It was such a pleasure corresponding

with the artist (dimdi on etsy) who offers original

paintings of the animals she loves.

I could not resist requesting a custom portrait

of our fluffy baby

who drinks from the faucet

and chases a red balloon everyday.

Please send Irene my greetings if you contact her for your own masterpiece!

Peace to you right where you are.

Someday I will see England.

Until then, I can experience its glory thanks to

images and commentary in

England's Hideaways: Discovering Enchanting Rooms, Stately Manor Houses, and Country Cottages

by Meg Nolan van Reesema.

Want a peek?

Travel journalist and hotel expert

van Reesema has explored England

from London to the Lake District

(anyone else loving her job???)

to discover the best destinations to enjoy...

oh my, it's calling my name.

pampering,

exclusive retreats,

and must-visit destinations

across the romantic British landscape.

Inside

England's Hideaways: Discovering Enchanting Rooms, Stately Manor Houses, and Country Cottages

are hundreds

of sumptuous interiors,

stately manor houses,

and country cottages.

Have you visited?

Where you would choose to hide away?

Peace to you right where you are.

Blogged about this designer's work

in the past, but Chicagoan

Michael del Piero's rooms are simply

too stunning for just one glance.

Loving this skirted table...

Bucktown Contemporary

Del Piero is so successful at marrying

modern and warm.

Sculptural lights sold in her shop

Back to her Goldcoast Vintage project...

how incredible is the palette and

the dining room chandelier below?

So texturally scrumptious

Peace to you right where you are.

all images mine

Chicago's Lyric Opera House

Snapped these while in the city yesterday. Truly an architectural lovely welcoming tenors, sopranos, and a great law firm. The Lyric is the second largest opera house in North America (after the Met). Built in 1929, the building's architectural sculpture is by Henry Hering, and the interior is Art-Deco.

Peace to you right where you are.