Subscribe to Pleasure in Simple Things via RSS ReaderFollow Pleasure in Simple Things on InstagramFollow @InSimpleThings on TwitterLike Pleasure In Simple Things on FacebookFollow Pleasure In Simple Things on PinterestEmail Jackie

Taliesin West

March 12, 2019

residence FLW Arizona

On a recent trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, I visited the city’s only National Historical Landmark – Taliesin West.  The landmark was architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter camp and desert laboratory.

FLW residence

Whether you are interested in design or are just fascinated by notable people in history, Taliesin West is worth visiting.  Today, I am sharing some photos from Taliesin West – what Frank Lloyd Wright called “a look over the rim of the world.”  The location still functions as a learning facility.

detail at Frank Lloyd Wright

light at FLW

Frank Lloyd Wright, as you may or may not know, led a very colorful personal life (some of this has been documented in the historical fiction by Nancy Horan, Loving Frank.)

inside at FLW

books at FLW

This week, I am sharing some photos from my visit to Taliesin.

pool in front of flw

Thanks for stopping by!

outdoor ornament FLW

cactus at FLW

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

no comments

lunch at the herb box

March 8, 2019

cookies at The Herb Box in Scottsdale

I don’t really mean to make you hungry!

I just couldn’t resist posting photos of the fabulous lunch I had at a place called The Herb Box in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The entrée was so unique and so tasty, I am sharing it today on Friday field trip.  What was the entrée?

butternut squash enchilada

Butternut squash corn enchiladas…so good!   The restaurant has even received accolades for this meal as the best vegetarian lunch in Scottsdale.

salad at Herb Box

My meal was supplemented with a salad and a variety of house baked cookies…yummy!

cookies at the Herb Box

Maybe you will be inspired to lunch at someplace new!

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

no comments

one more

March 5, 2019

change quote

This should be the last of my inspirational ramblings…I hope to be back on my normal blog routine by the end of the week!

Thanks for stopping by!  Here’s to building the new!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

no comments

happy friday!

March 1, 2019

single life

Hi friends!

I know my posts have been a little different than usual this week, but it has been an unbelievably crazy week!  By the end of next week I hope to be back to a more normal routine.

I will share a little more in the future, but for today, I’d just like to leave you with this little bit of inspiration and wish you the very best of weekends!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

no comments

today’s inspiration

February 26, 2019

Newport RI flowers pleasure in simple things blog

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

no comments

lights beyond the holidays

February 22, 2019

lights and glass

Twinkle lights and candles are not just for the holidays!

ornate lantern at Terrain

Doesn’t special lighting make everyone feel special?  So, why save it just for the holidays?

candle with flicker

A great way to brighten up any décor is with a string of lights or a few well-placed, beautiful candles.  And, now that there are realistic looking simulated lit versions, candles can be enjoyed without a fire risk or suffering any soot/paint damage.

lights in a box

For today’s Friday field trip, I am sharing some photos from a recent trip to Terrain in Westport as a way to inspire you to use special lighting at every time of year!

candles with dripping light

There is no better way to beat the winter doldrums!

lantern candle at Terrain

Thanks for stopping by!

candle with rocks

Have a fabulous weekend!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

no comments

6 years ago today

February 19, 2019

piles of snow in Feb

Today I am sharing some photos I took this time six years ago.  Maybe my friends here in Connecticut will think better than to relax about this year’s snow.

FEB STORM

Trees in the Snow

Plus, everyone seems to forget that just last year, the worse month of snow was in March!!

branches in the snow

buds in the snow

Do not rest easy my friends!  We live in New England, after all ;)

walking in the snow

Thanks for stopping by.  Remember to take pleasure in simple things – like the beauty of a newly fallen snow!

no comments

it started with sea glass sinks

February 15, 2019

Before bathroom photos

My friend Phyllis is finishing up a remodel of the bathroom off her bedroom.  I am so enamored with the results!

view of double sinks

So, even though the bathroom wasn’t yet styled and the window coverings weren’t yet complete, I snapped a few photos when I was last over her house.  This bathroom just made me so happy to look at, I had to share.

cabinet with floor detail

The level of detail on the trim work is beautiful.  A mutual friend from back in our high school days is a master craftsman and was responsible for the designing/creating of these details.

shower and tub in the sunlight

The combination of a master craftsman and my friend’s great taste made the bathroom come together in a fabulous way!

floor detail

The entire project was spearheaded by the selection of two beautiful sea glass looking sinks!  They were the first item chosen for the bathroom and provide a fabulous little pop of color to the finished project!

closeup of seaglass sink

toilet and wall detail

The ‘cherry on the top’ is the view from the tub!  But then, this is the yard I call a park…the landscaping is fabulous and the property adjoins a golf course.  In the middle of winter it may be hard to imagine the gorgeous view during the rest of the year, but you can see it by clicking here.

detail of view

Thanks for joining me today on Friday field trip.  I hope you enjoyed seeing some little glimpses of my friend’s new bathroom!

Sadie Sue

My buddy, Sadie!

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

no comments

a valentine mug cake

February 12, 2019

mug cake ingredients

Have you ever made a mug cake?  They are great!  Essentially, it is a cake made in a mug.  Certainly, a single size serving of cake made in a mug (with no extra dishes to wash) is a great invention, don’t you think?

For Valentine’s Day, I am sharing a recipe for a mug cake using Nutella and raspberries.  You can change up the recipe a little to accommodate your own tastes if you’d like.  The nice thing about experimenting with mug cakes is that you aren’t using too many ingredients if you decide to scrap one and keep trying different variations.

mug cake for Vday

This recipe was created from all ingredients I had on-hand.  Something chocolate is a must on Valentine’s Day and, of course, I needed a little something red – hence, the raspberries!

Make one as a special Valentine treat to yourself!  Or, print up the recipe for it and attach it to a pretty mug as a Valentine gift!

Valentine Mug Cake Recipe

  • ½ cup minus 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
  • 3 Tablespoons sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 Tablespoons milk
  • 2 ½ Tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 Tablespoon Nutella (plus extra for spreading on top)
  • 1 Tablespoon crushed raspberries
  • 5 mini marshmallows
  • Extra marshmallows & raspberries for garnish

Combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar and baking powder in a mug.  Add remaining ingredients to the mug and stir well to combine.  Cook in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes on 80 percent power or just until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Cool 1 minute.  Spread the top with additional Nutella if desired and garnish with marshmallows and raspberries.

eating a mug cake

Enjoy!

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

no comments

oasis in the desert

February 8, 2019

palm trees

I shared photos of the white sandy beach I visited in Arizona in my last post.  For today’s Friday field trip, I am sharing some additional glimpses from my stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.  This hotel is currently celebrating its 28 consecutive year as a five Diamond resort.  It boasts 6 pools and 2 18-hole championship golf courses.

The most impressive part of the resort for me was the spa.  Even though I did not utilize the services the spa had to offer, I did take a quick tour.  From the rooftop pool with mountain views to all the thoughtfully landscaped courtyards, the way the facility is integrated with nature is truly beautiful.

row of palms scottsdale fairmont

spa stairs at Scottsdale Princess

The 5 restaurants on property also utilize the outdoors.  My favorite outdoor seating is at the restaurant Toro.  So comfy looking, don’t you think?  And, some great views as well.

restaurant at the Scottsdale Fairmont

It was also a restaurant – La Hacienda – that housed my favorite lighting fixture.  (You probably know by now that I have a thing for lighting!)

lighting at La Hacienda

The Fairmont strives to provide harmony with nature through vast open spaces, lushly landscaped grounds, and plenty of Saguaro cacti.

hotel bell in Arizona

A fun spot for visitors to party is in the faux Western town created on the resort property.  There is plenty of ambience to add Western vibes to any gathering!

Princess Scottsdale Western Village

western village at the Princess Scottsdale

If you know me, you know I never visit a hotel without checking out the desserts!  My goal is usually to do the best I can to meet the pastry chefs when I am on property – they are my rock stars!  My favorites at The Fairmont were this chocolate raspberry torte and a deconstructed Boston Cream Pie.  I plan on recreating the later!

chocolate tortes

deconstructed boston cream pie

I hope you enjoyed this little visit to The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess!  Thanks for stopping by!

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

no comments

Back to top