white orchids

March 16, 2018

The current highlight at Longwood Gardens, one of the top public gardens in the nation, is orchids. I like orchids, though they are not my favorite. But, I have to say, on my last trip to Longwood, I fell in love with one of the orchid installations.

It consists of all white (my favorite flower color!) orchids suspended from the ceiling in balls.

I am sharing a few photos of this display for today’s Friday field trip. I am sorry the exposure of the photos isn’t the best, but they were taken on a stormy weekend!

If you are an orchid lover, I strongly encourage you to visit Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The Orchid Extravaganza continues through March 25^th. If you can squeeze in a trip, you will also be treated to a viewing of a rare display of blue-poppies – currently in bloom.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a fabulous weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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longwood gardens green wall

March 9, 2018

The Green Wall in the corner of the East Conservatory at Longwood Gardens definitely achieves its goal of resembling a lush green jungle! This display really needs to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. One view is enough to cause a fern lover go into shock! Not only is the sheer size of the display impressive, but the way the design incorporates a hallway of doors is simply beautiful!

The Green Wall, containing 47,000 plants, is the largest in North America – a very impressive 14 feet high and 300 feet long.

The wall is made up of 12” x 12” stainless steel panels containing a potting mix for use in vertical gardens. Each panel is planted in one of 29 different planting configurations. Each configuration is based on plant type, lighting requirements, and other factors. Just inside the stainless steel, a layer of coconut coir fiber lines each panel to hold moisture.

In 2010, the panels were assembled in Florida where over 50 pallets, each 8-foot-tall and containing 72 boxes per pallet, were loaded in 3 climate-controlled refrigeration tractor trailers and transported 36 hours to Longwood in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

I hope these photos on today’s Friday field trip give you a little sense of the amazingly beautiful Green Wall at Longwood Gardens. This display is just one of the many breathtaking displays at one of the most beautiful public gardens in the nation (and one of my happy places).

Does this inspire you to start thinking of your spring garden? We change the clocks this weekend!!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend.

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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dreaming of warmer days

March 2, 2018

A storm is brewing and the shift in the barometric pressure has given me an awful headache! I can’t help but dream of prettier, warmer days!

So, for today’s Friday field trip, some pretty pool photos taken at The Four Seasons Orlando! (With a few of my favorite plant photos thrown in for good measure – taken at The Four Seasons as well.)

Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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balmy and the beach

February 23, 2018

What to do on a 70-degree day in February? Head to the beach, of course! Connecticut does not usually experience temperatures this high in February, so a trip to the beach, no matter how short, seemed in order!

Today I am sharing a few photos from that warm day earlier this week.

I wanted you to see how the fog had created some really cool views by making the water and the sky appear as one.

Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a wonderful weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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beauty in the details

February 16, 2018

Beauty is in the details. If this is true, I must see an infinite amount of beauty! I can get really obsessed with details. This is especially true when I enter new surroundings.

For example, every time I visit a hotel, I get caught up in some aspect of its esthetic. At The Breakers in Palm Beach, it was the staff uniforms – I thought they were amazing – every employee wears a uniform and they are fabulous! The gals have beautiful Lilly Pulitzer outfits! I ended up spending my first visit to the Breakers doing an analysis of all the employee’s outfits!

For today’s Friday field trip, I am sharing my obsession at the Four Seasons in Orlando – lighting! I have already shared the most magnificent fixture on the property (click here to see), today I am sharing a little glimpse of the rest of the hotel lighting.

Light fixture in the entrance to the spa at the Four Seasons Orlando.

I hope you found these photos inspiring. Maybe they are motivating you to revamp some of your own fixtures? Replacing an old fixture can give your space an instant refresh!

Thanks for stopping by!

A chandelier in a restroom at the Four Seasons Orlando.

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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anna rifle’s flagship store!

February 9, 2018

If you follow this blog, you may already know that I have a real love for paper products! I still believe strongly in hand written thank you notes, as well as notes of condolence. Especially in this age of technology, with rushed emails and hurried texts – who doesn’t appreciate receiving a personal note in the mail? What better way is there to convey a heartfelt message?

Because of this love for hand written messages, I also have a love for great paper products. When I think of my favorite paper product artists, a couple instantly come to mind. On the top of this list is graphic designer Anna Rifle Bond.

Anna ‘taking a meeting’ at Rifle Paper Co. in Winter Park.

On today’s Friday field trip, I am thrilled to share photos from a recent visit to the place where Anna Rifle Bond and her husband Nathan started their company, Rifle Paper, in 2008. This spot in Winter Park, Florida is also home to their flagship store.

I developed an appreciation for Anna’s designs when she started her partnership with Anthropologie, early in her company’s 10-year career.

(To see more on Mast Chocolate, click here to see Friday field trip to Mast)

Feminine and colorful, with a little whimsy, Anna’s designs appear on a lot more than just paper! Beyond calendars and cards, some of the items that showcase Anna’s quaint designs include phone covers, candles, wallpaper, books, candy wrappers, and sneakers. Quite a repertoire from what began as designing posters for her husband’s band and wedding invites for her friends!

I hope you enjoyed today’s Friday field trip. Thanks for stopping by!

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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up all light

February 2, 2018

For today’s Friday field trip – a little something to brighten up your day!

These photos are all of the same light fixture…

located in the main staircase of the Four Season’s Hotel in Orlando.

Hope they add a little brilliance to your weekend! Have a great one!

And, remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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snow place like home

January 19, 2018

The best part of a collection is enjoying it! My friend Phyllis has the cutest miniature snowman collection that she displays in her windowsill at this time of year.

The gorgeous, snowy view from out her kitchen window is supplemented by a variety of little snow people – all in miniature. Noticing this little collection is sure to provoke a smile!

Today on Friday field trip, I am sharing a few of the little snowmen I enjoyed last time I visited my dear friend – hoping to add a smile to your face as you start the weekend!

Do you have a collection that puts a smile on your face when you notice it during your daily routine?

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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at frost glance

January 12, 2018

Bitter cold temperatures made walking along all the town beaches this past week risky business! I felt I was in danger of frostbite when I took my hand out of my mitten long enough to snap a couple photos!

But, with wind chills below zero and over 13” of snowfall last week, Long Island Sound was definitely something to look at! I don’t know if I would say the beaches looked magical or if they looked more like something out of a science fiction movie, but they did look amazing!