Living Tastefully
  • Home
  • PAINTINGS
  • About
  • Passions-to-Pastry Blog
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • BOOK
  • Bisous In Paris

Visiting Family

9/14/2012

2 Comments

 
Picture

     I took a break from all of my commitments (i.e. pre-wedding responsibilities, home repairs, and my French Bulldog Pipi).  I visited my family, now all living in Ohio, and had the best, restorative time while there.  That was due, in part, to my stay at the Hotel Kelsey -- the name I gave to my niece's resort... I mean... home.  It's a very special place.  I loved the time with my niece, her husband, and their little boys, but I also felt very pampered while there.  My niece is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in NYC, so the food is always good!  The outdoor space is incredible (no photos of me spiraling down the water slide, however ;-) 

Picture

     But my favorite thing about the Hotel Kelsey is the interior space.  Thanks to Antique-of-the-Week Susan, my niece's home is full of objets d'art I love.  When Susan and I were in Paris a year ago, we stumbled upon a small restaurant on the right bank with its walls covered in vintage, wooden, gold gilt mirrors.  It became the inspiration for the wall in the photo below.  I initially envisioned the mirrors hung on a Zuber wallpaper remnant, but the stenciled walls are equally beautiful. 

Picture
     Squeaker, the resident Jack Russell, in his preferred lounging spot below the mirrors.

Picture
Picture
                             An old German trade sign from a watch shop.
Picture
                 An old French advertising poster purchased at a farm auction!
Picture
                                               Caladiums on the porch.


Picture


Picture
Picture

     We also spent time at The Willow Tree, my nephew and his family's new home.  The 1830's historical property is a venue for weddings and celebrations that take place on the grounds and in the large barn. 

Picture
              The property boasts the oldest "spring house" in the state of Ohio.
    
Picture
                       My favorite part of the house?  The blue kitchen door.

Picture

     Antique-of-the-Week Susan will occupy one of the buildings on the property with her antiques shop, Needle-in-a-Haystack, opening sometime next year.  It needs a bit of work before it's habitable (and that's putting it mildly).

Picture
Picture

                   Preparing for a wedding that took place the following day.

Picture
                                   Chandeliers in the celebration barn.

Picture
                                    Seating for the wedding ceremony.

Picture

     A first, and a last -- I climbed three stories to the top of the Widow's Peak at The Willow Tree to take photos.  I will not do this again. 

Picture
Picture
Picture

     I'm back at home tackling more preparations for my daughter's November wedding.  Still lots to do.  Hopefully, I will spend some time in my kitchen!  We have to eat!!


TAKE a LOOK:





2 Comments
Diane Smith
9/14/2012 03:53:09 am

WOW! I've been waiting for Susan to post some "after" pics. We may have to head east for a few days, rather than always thinking SW to see Kim in AZ. Glad you had a good time. Hurts to have to see "all family in Ohio now". Keep up the great work. I check daily to see what is new from you in the kitchen. I wish I was that talented and probably patient. PS. Didn't realize you were married at the age of ten....! Happy 40th Anniversary! Diane

Reply
Tom | Tall Clover Farm link
10/6/2012 12:39:54 am

Eileen, what a property and what a renovation. Congratulations to your family for their hard work and keen since of style (must be genetic). The Willow Tree is beaming no doubt. The slate roof alone is inspired. I love everything. Now the next time those shutters need painting, I have one suggestion: paint them in a richer, deeper blue, a French Blue, or Prussian Blue, say like this color: http://www.flickr.com/photos/13634983@N06/1622889405/ Maybe you and your sister will need to go to France to find the perfect blue. Just sayin' ;-)

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture




    Picture
    Picture
    Enter your Email

    Preview | Powered by FeedBlitz






    Categories

    All
    Amana
    Appetizers
    Beef
    Breads
    Breakfast
    Cakes
    Chocolate
    Condiments
    Cookies
    Daring Bakers Challenge
    Desserts And Sweets
    Drinks
    Eggs
    Espresso
    Etcetera
    Fish
    French Bulldogs
    Friday Night Dinner
    Fruit
    Germany
    Gratins
    Great Kitchens
    Grilling
    Ice Cream
    Lamb
    Main Dishes
    Muffins
    My Garden
    My Kitchen Renovation
    New Years Day Brunch
    Paris
    Pasta
    Pork
    Poultry
    Provence
    Restaurants
    Rhubarb
    Rice
    Salads
    Scones
    Seafood
    Side Dish
    Soup
    Sunday Mornings
    Sweet And Savory Tarts
    Thanksgiving
    Tomatoes
    Vegetables
    Vegetarian

  • Home
  • PAINTINGS
  • About
  • Passions-to-Pastry Blog
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • BOOK
  • Bisous In Paris