Pablo Neruda

Pablo Neruda is my favourite poet. I had the chance to visit one of his homes in Santiago, Chile, now a museum. Its name, La Chascona, which means Tousled Hair, comes from his third wife, Matilde's, hair (also called Medusa). The two met while strolling in nearby Parque Forestal, and for years the house served as a romantic hideaway before they married. Winding garden paths, stairs, and bridges lead to the house. Scattered throughout are collections of butterflies, seashells, wineglasses, and other odd objects. Everything reflects his great love for the sea; the rooms in the house itself are built to resemble a ship. His beautiful poetry is timeless and some of the best are captured in this small collection of love poems.



I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way

than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.



Murals painted on the walls outside Pablo's home in Santiago of the poet.

Mission Hill Winery

Mission Hill Winery is located on one of the most breath-taking estates in BC. Treat yourself to a meal in the Terrace Restaurant and if you're going in the summer definitely check the website to see if there are any concerts to attend. I can't think of a more magical setting. One of their best wines (in my opinion) is the 2007 Reserve Shiraz.

Paris, je t'aime

I know it's a cliche but I do really love Paris. It is a city for lovers and I did find my love... in the architecture, cafes, museums and lifestyle. Oh to go stay in this latin quarter apartment, have afternoon coffee avec petits fours and stroll along la rue!

Jimmy Choo Cage Heels

I love the cage heel and am so glad to see, after Jimmy Choo released the Spring/Summer 2010 Collection, that it is not going anywhere!

City Style

Some sleek and chic fashion perfect for city living style...

Vivace

The cafe culture in New Zealand is very apparent. Baristas are focused on pulling the perfect shot and complimenting that with silk textured milk. Coffee shops delve deeper into the essence of the entire coffee process; the overall idea – that the coffee be appreciated for the complexity of the process from cherry to cup, and the education to customers as to what really is a great tasting cup of coffee. When I lived in Christchurch my favourite espresso was from Vivace beans- order a flat white, you can't go wrong!




The Vivace Cafe on Tuam Street, Christchurch, New Zealand

Libraries

During the winter I love cozying up with a good book, a glass of wine and my dog Max in front of the fireplace. Eventually I want to build a 'hidden' library behind a swivel bookcase. Here are some inspiring libraries.

Divine Inspiration

Montreal photographer Irene Suchocki beautifully captures the essence of Paris. I love the technique she uses and the mood her art evokes; it really is Poetry for the Eyes. I purchased the photo of the Parisian carousel (below) and it is inspiring! Check out more of Irene's work on Etsy.

Classic White

A notable trend on the spring '10 runway is white. Elegant, delicious shades and textures of white. Below are some of my favourite silhouettes and designs.

Yves Saint Laurent

Stella McCartney (always fabulous shapes and clean lines)

Chanel

Carolina Herrea

Hermes

White translates so well into interior design as well, don't you think? There's always that fine line between lush extravagance and clinical sterility. I think these rooms have hit the right mark.