Author: Frances

One Little Thing: Making the Magician’s Choice

Author, speaker, and self-described late-bloomer Jerry Posner tells of a seemingly random experience he had on an airplane that got his attention in a good way. Heaven knows we’ll take what silver linings we can get from commercial flights these days. Jerry speaks regularly at Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires, and that’s where I heard… Continue reading One Little Thing: Making the Magician’s Choice

Light as a Butterfly

Is this the coolest? This Butterfly Lamp flew out at me from a Facebook post the other day by EcoFirstArt. Hand crafted of steamed, bent wood by British craftsman Tom Raffield, its playful, graceful shape is inspired by the movement of a butterfly in flight and, says the artist, “intercepts the light making intricate shadows… Continue reading Light as a Butterfly

New Fashion Vibe? Carrie Bradshaw Meets Grace Kelly

Is this striking a chord in the spring fashion melody? In a recent and fleeting foray onto Rodeo Drive last week, I was struck by this mannequin at Prada. Well I was struck by whole Prada thing period, but that’s another story. Anyway, there she sat, all prim and yet a tad edgy at the… Continue reading New Fashion Vibe? Carrie Bradshaw Meets Grace Kelly

At the Beginning and at the End

Resolutions are well and good but have a way of running off the road and into a ditch. What about, as an alternative, the cultivation of one positive habit? It does require a touch of discipline but no gyms or diets. Interested? In searching for a message to share with you and to begin my… Continue reading At the Beginning and at the End

Never Eat More Than You Can Lift…

LOS ANGELES–One of my idols, Miss Piggy, says “Never eat more than you can lift.” This came very close to tipping the scales… A thing of burger is a joy forever… Spent a quick night in L.A. on the way back to the ranch from Christmas in Atlanta with my family (grateful). My sister Duvall… Continue reading Never Eat More Than You Can Lift…

Veranda’s New Look

Veranda magazine’s new look is comfortingly like its old look. Gratifyingly the new table of contents for the features actually gives you an idea of what the feature contains. In the old iteration this was always a peeve of mine, and don’t think in the 10+ years I wrote for them I didn’t say so.… Continue reading Veranda’s New Look

Angels We Have Heard on High

Destined to become a classic–something about the eyes: Her mother would not dare throw it away, and neither would I. What such aesthetically challenged decorations lack in allure, they make up for in sentiment. The presence of such goofiness amid otherwise refined and tasteful interiors implies not only a sense of humor but a willingness… Continue reading Angels We Have Heard on High

One Little Thing: Bling – With Ribbon

You know all those pretty ribbons and wrappings you save just in case? Make a necklace with one of those ribbons and a brooch or other bauble–a pretty ornament even–for a festive spin on your holiday adornment. If the ribbon is long, tie it in a bow and let the streamers float gracefully down your… Continue reading One Little Thing: Bling – With Ribbon

Getting Into a Stew – The Best You Ever Tasted

Here it is, that perfect one-dish wonderful meal for the holidays: Everyone loves it; you can make it in advance; it’s fool-proof. And, as my godmother Caroline says about almost everything: It freezes beautifully. Even those who have to ask directions to the kitchen invariably find themselves in it at some point over the holidays.… Continue reading Getting Into a Stew – The Best You Ever Tasted

Pretty Is as Pretty Does

You must be thinking about doing up your holiday table, if you haven’t already, and I just came across the prettiest, simplest centerpiece and table decorations by Carolyne Roehm in the November/December issue of Veranda. Of course everything Carolyne touches is pretty. Carolyne is pretty. And smart and funny and interesting and warm and genuine… Continue reading Pretty Is as Pretty Does