Fight for a just cause; Love your fellow man; Live a good life

Filoli is a magnificent estate located on the Peninsula in Woodside. The estate, still remaining on all of its 654 acres, was built by Mr. and Mrs. William Bowers Bourn II who lived there from 1919 to 1936. The Bourn family owned the Empire Gold Mine, the Spring Valley Water Company and the Crystal Springs Reservoir and like many families during the early 20^th century, prospered during America’s “Gilded Age”.

San Francisco architect Willis Polk designed this amazing estate using elements from different architectural eras and styles. The house, styled mainly in a modified-Georgian tradition has French and Spanish influenced architecture, with outstanding works of art from throughout the world. In the ballroom, Ernest Peixottoe, a San Francisco artist, was hired by the Bourn family to paint wall sized murals of their family estate, Muckross House and Abbey, with the surrounding Irish countryside, gifted to their daughter Maude on her wedding day.

 

The formal gardens at Filoli were designed by San Francisco artist and designer Bruce Porter and built between 1917 and 1921. The sixteen-acre garden is a true complement to the refinement of the estate and to the natural California countryside surrounding the home. The expansive gardens are divided into two parallel north-south walks, yet within each, walkways wrapping through gardens, doors and terraces give each division of the garden a feeling of total immersion and intimacy.

In 1937, Filoli was sold to Mr. and Mrs. William P. Roth, owners of the Matson Navigation Company. Mrs. Roth, a horticultural enthusiast, brought worldwide recognition to the Filoli gardens and to Isabella Worn, whom assisted with plant selection and design. Worn’s detail in selection and plating design brought remarkable color and life to the gardens.

 

Mrs. Roth donated the estate to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1975 in order to ensure the estate would be available for all to enjoy years later. Filoli is open Tuesday through Sunday, mid-February to late October and is a true pleasure for architectural, design and garden enthusiasts alike. 

all original photographs. 

Italia

Back from Italy with a MILLION pictures...here are some for your enjoyment. Talk about an amazing cultural experience!

Going to Italy!

Hi Loves!


Great news I am leaving for Italy tomorrow, so I won't be able to write for a while!


Ciao, Arrivederci!! xo

Balenciaga at the de Young Museum

Visiting the Balenciaga and Spain exhibition at the De Young Museum is like taking a cultural trip through time. Visitors are shown the dynamic play between a rather reserved Spanish culture and the innovative and dramatic designs of Cristóbal Balenciaga. The haute couture clothing, works of art by their own rights, showcase the genius of Balenciaga, and how he used the social and cultural currents in Spanish life to inspire and influence his designs. 

Balenciaga found inspiration in the fantastical matador costumes, dramatic flamenco dancer dresses, common fishermen garb, religious figures and works of art that surrounded him as a young man in Spain. The 120 piece exhibition has been gathered from private collectors and the De Young museum's own collection. 

Curated by Hamish Bowles, the European Editor at Large for Vogue, the exhibition is on display from March 26, 2011 - July 4, 2011. Personally, I have seen numerous fashion exhibitions at the De Young and think the Balenciaga is the best show by far. Not only are Balenciaga's designs exceptional, but the magnificent display and historical context that accompany the pieces provide a panoramic view of this fascinating period in history. 

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Pressed Prints

I am really into the pressed ferns...aside from green being my favorite color, I think the pressed prints, especially colorful plants and flowers, adds pizzazz to a room. And you don't have to worry about wilted flowers!