Originally submitted at Timbuk2

A camera bag disguised as a messenger.

Snoop Camera Messsenger

Great Small Bag for Big Things

Pros: Comfortable , Attractive, Durable , High Quality

Best Uses: Computer, Airplane travel , Commuting, Day Trips, Extended trips 

Describe Yourself: Practical, Modern, Stylish

Was this a gift?: No

We have 4 Timbuk2s in the family! The 4th is this Snoop Camera Messenger Bag in XS. I have a Nikon D7000 and wanted to have it in a small enough (but protective!) case to go on our trip to Costa Rica. This one does it for me! I ran across this while looking for a small Timbuk2 and the camera insert. I didn’t even know they did the work for me!! So happy I have a great solution. My only complaint is that the XS does not have the advertised tripod straps on the bottom. Could’ve come in handy. But, not worth marking the bag down a star, since it is all that I wanted +. Are you guys gonna make a messenger for our dog? He’s the only one left without!

(legalese)

Gluhwein, the traditional mulled wine, is gross.  We settled for tons of hot chocolate…I mean tons.  Each market has a commemorative mug for the gluhwein/hot chocolate.  We collected about 20…yeah…that much hot chocolate.

Honestly, we still didn’t have any better schnitzel than what we can get at Friedhelm’s Bavarian Inn in Fredericksburg, TX.  Texas has a long German history and I am surprised there is no Christmas market here.  We could pull it off.  Hmmmm…..

Oh, thinking about interior décor in Germany?  Fuhgeddaboutit.  Enjoy the highly social Weihnachtsmarkt, love all of the traditional Lebkuchen (I know I spelled that wrong.  a.k.a gingerbread), marvel at the decorations, freeze in the seasonal cold that we lack, and try to visit the 100′s of markets you missed the next time you are there!

Italy calls.

Really, Italian interior décor is leaning the same direction.  I have stayed at many economical hotels that thrive on this idea.  Berna, a company known for its beautiful Italian flooring (see their showroom in Florence), seems to have a hotel décor arm that provides box solutions for hotels in this spare fashion.  My guess is that this simple look is popular with the younger crowd for its utilitarianism and price-friendliness.   If you don’t own a hand-me-down villa in Tuscany and must provide for yourself, this is an affordable, trendy option.  For my tastes, although it is functional, modern décor doesn’t speak to me. 

However, combine a contemporary made of straight lines and stark coloring with the beauty of a richly decorated traditional piece, you have a very striking interior that captures the eye.  Here, imagine this for a dramatic example:  all white interiors, straight lines, minimalist furnishings, complete with maple-colored wood flooring…then

Large Ricamo oil jar - Fratelli Taccini

POW!  Isn’t that exciting!?!  My point being that you don’t have to do your whole interior in traditional fashion.  Like all art, let it draw your attention and speak to you.

That is the end of my soapbox monologue for today.  Let it sink in and let me know what you think!

For grins, I have put the baby blankets on Etsy.  I want to see what kind of response they get.  If you are interested, take a peek at http://www.etsy.com/listing/55338505/luxury-heirloom-baby-blanket-of-imported.

They are also on my website under “Featured Item.”  Don’t tell me you need the address for that too!  *sigh*  Ok: www.lacoccinella.us.

These jewels are warm, ultra soft, and durable…all that a gifted young child needs!

Love ya!

I got rid of the Umamimami blog.  I thought it was interesting, but didn’t have the time to do it right.  Maybe later…

You can still contact umamimami23@gmail.com, but tuscaninteriors@gmail.com  or lacoccinella@gmail.com is preferred.

Cheers!

Whatever it is, I am not the only one who feels this way.  My son will put everything he owns into too small containers if left to do so.  The elegant, highly crafted Italian briarwood boxes (and not inexpensive!) that I carried at my boutique….all gone.  Others understand what I am talking about.  I have been consumed with Koa boxes, Japanese puzzle boxes, jewelry boxes, safes, cardboard boxes, ladybug boxes, smooth wooden boxes by master craftsmen, letterboxes, and on and on….

My latest obsession comes in the form of non-functional, whimsical pieces of art from BJ Thornton.  NON-FUNCTIONAL.  Crazy, huh?  Not really.  Take a peek:

TREASURE CHEST

Dim: 5″ hexagonal, 6 1/4″high Price: $110

So fresh, you can feel the ocean mist brush your cheek.  Isn’t it beautiful?  The box presents you with a vivid feeling or an image.  Here, try some more:

WEDDING CAKE

Dimensions: 4 1/2″ round x 4 1/2″ high, $95

Dim: 8 1/2 wide, 5 1/4 deep, 4 1/2″high, $120

Dim: 3 1/4″ star x 3 1/2″ high, $45

Every box has a delicate treasure inside.  Some will have points of interest on the bottom or back!  These whimsical treasures are inspired by the artist’s life near the ocean and extensive travels.  Each box is unique and tells its own story.  Worth collecting to hear all of the tales they can tell!  Even better: commission a collection of boxes for your very own stories.

Email BJ to discover more of her collection:

bjcivi@yahoo.com

“Why go, then?” 

Food.

www.tuscaninteriors.us for upscale, Italian Interior decorating

 www.tuscaninteriors.us

Rich golden hues set against the neutral of the room.  The bed was custom-made by Paganelli of Umbria, Italy.  It is hand-distressed, lacquered Italian walnut in a queen size.   It also has the matching nightstand.

The art above the bed between the posts is Ballo by Fratelli Taccini.  Surrounded by greens and doves, it depicts a scene reflected by the artist Alessandro Taccini when he was in Spain.  During a street festival, a younger man asks a more mature woman to dance.  She declines, urging him to dance with someone his own age.  He persists and she reluctantly accepts.  As their dance progresses, the woman remembers the long-forgotten moves and the feelings of her youth and a time gone by and once again lives in those moments.  It is a piece in solid terra cotta, accented with real gold leaf and Alessandro’s signature tree of life.

The linens on the bed are from Busatti‘s Avignone collection.  In golden linen and cotton, the fabrics have a suble sophistication and elegance.  The throw at the end of the bed has the hand-crocheted lace for which the Italians are famous.  Sheeting is pure Irish linen, very fresh and soft to the touch, but not the cheap fibers that break apart and fuzz up after one use.  These pieces will last a lifetime!

Panels on the bed are also of the Busatti fabric.  The pattern is Giglio: 100% linen in an exquisite pattern.  What makes this fabric perfect for the bed is that it is mildly opaque, lending its jacquard pattern only in gentle lighting.  Thus the pattern does not overwhelm the room. 

This room becomes warm and inviting with comfort and elegance.  Its casual play with light and art give make it a place you can find immediate respite.