Speaking of Napa ... Auberge du Soleil

The view from the yesterday's post reminded me of another stunning view of Napa Valley from the gorgeous hillside resort Auberge du Soleil. Last summer we had a little babymoon in Napa, when my husband had to be there for work (he has to go at least once a year and I feel so sorry for him...not). Obviously, I didn't indulge in the wine country's finest, but I did eat so much that I gained 7 lbs in 5 days so I'd say the trip was a success. One of the nights we had dinner and watched the sunset from the beautiful terrace of the Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil. It was truly something spectacular. The temperature was perfect, the food was fantastic and we all just sat in silence for a moment taking in the gorgeous view.

Auberge du Soleil

Restaurant Terrace

Another view of the terrace

View of Napa Valley

How lovely would it be to spend a romantic weekend here?

Makes Me Wanna Take a Napa

but with my eyes open.

I mean, really? Is this not heavenly? I love everything about this room, the neutral colors (although I probably would have done blue and white), the fireplace, the row of bookshelves underneath the stunning picturesque view, the white beams. That view! My bloggy friend at The Enchanted Home did a beautiful post on Napa and this was just one of the images. She has the best inspiration images, and if you like my blog, you'll love hers. We have eerily similar taste. Also, she's building her dream home and it's pretty fantastic.

Biscuits

Ashley Goforth Design

Ginger Barber in House Beautiful

Traditional Home

Michael S. Smith in House Beautiful

Albert Hadley in House Beautiful

Charlotte Moss in Veranda

via DecorPad

Posting may be light this week as I am super busy getting ready for my best friend's bachelorette party in New Orleans! I'm making cute little favors for the lingerie party, which I'll share after the weekend. It will be my first time leaving my little man (eek!), but I'm excited for some time with the girls. My munchkin just turned six months and is now all, "I can do whatever I want and stay up all night" and I'm all "Wait, what?" I'm plum wore out.

On The Ground- School Update

In what will go down as my most favorite Monday morning e-mail message, I was informed by Dana Roskey (of the Tesfa foundation) that an organization called On The Ground had made a donation for the Kambata School...

$ 32,893.20

Yep.

So, although the school is going to cost a little bit more than the original estimate (based primarily on Kololo's extremely remote location), we are almost completely there.

And, thanks to all of you, we have met OUR original goals here at eyes of my eyes.

Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. $10 or $32,893.20, every donation counts and is important. Thank you for coming together to make this happen.

More reason to celebrate on the 17th!

I Can Meet the Artist, Get to Know Him Personally- Jim Hubbard

Jim Hubbard is an award winning photographer. And by award, I mean he is a photographer who has been nominated three times for a Pulitzer Prize.

In 1989, Jim Hubbard created Shooting Back, an organization dedicated to empowering children at risk by teaching them photography. The name was coined from a spontaneous comment by one of the young participants in the program: when asked why he was photographing his own world, the homeless child responded, “I’m shooting back.”

I met Jim a few years ago. I was hopeful that they would choose Ethiopia as a location for this project; Ethiopia definitely being a place full of small houses and big welcomes. I love the idea of children documenting their own lives. It is so interesting to see photos taken by small children, to see what their eyes see. I think Jim should still consider doing this project in Ethiopia, and taking me and my friends to pass out the cameras. Maybe we can swarm him at the event to convince him? Just kidding Jim. We promise to only swarm your photos.

I am thrilled that Jim is donating a piece or two for our auction on the 17th. I don't know which ones they'll be, but they could be his I-phone photos from yesterday and I would still be thrilled. Give yourself a treat this Sunday and spend some time here. Be moved and inspired.

Thank you Jim.

A Book (Bag) In Your Hands

The Eyes of My Eyes shop has its first item for sale. All proceeds go to the Kololo school! Purchase here. Enjoy!

French Blue Friday

La Cornue CornuFé Stove, Provence Blue with Chrome & Brass

Me: (Testing the waters) Is $8,000 a lot for a stove?

Mister: A STOVE?????

Me: Yes, a french blue stove.

Mister: (silence)

Me: I mean, I cook a lot.

Mister: (silence)

Me: It's just so beautiful.

Mister: (silence)

Well, I didn't hear a "no" in there :)

J. Lo's Kitchen in Veranda

The Kitchn

The Art of a Kitchen

via Color Outside the Lines

via DecorPad

Have a lovely weekend y'all!

I Can Meet the Artist, Get to Know Her Personally- Christy King

Christy King is one of the great women we have in our Los Angeles adoption community. She is a single mom, and an educator. She has a really, really, really cute son named Eli. Christy makes these cool pieces. Notice the Amharic?

Christy is allowing us to offer one of her custom pieces at our auction on the 17th. Can you picture your kidlet's mug in one of her creations? I can. These are so cool in real life. Miss Tunsitu has one, and it is stunning.

Thanks Christy!

Thank You Verandaaaaaahhhhhh! (in Oprah's Voice)

When my April issue of Veranda arrived in the mail yesterday, I literally couldn't handle it. I was making noises usually reserved for a bucket of fried chicken. With every turn of the page, I became Chad Ochocinco and proclaimed, "Child Please!" It's goood y'all. Unlike The Suze, I like to pitch a magazine as soon as I've ~~read it~~ looked at the pictures. I've been so uninspired by the shelter magazines lately, and I often find myself curled up on the bathroom floor crying and whispering please bring back Southern Accents. However, I will be keeping this entire issue.

* Pretty pink rooms like this one

John Coote

* lovely tablescape by Carolyne Roehm

* elegance and color

Frank Babb Randolph

* glossy blue walls (that look much prettier in the magazines)

David Kleinberg

* A banquette

David Kleinberg

* Beautiful white kitchen, marble countertops, blue and white wallpaper on the ceiling, Grey Goose

David Kleinberg

* Gorgeous gardens

Jinny Blom

* An elegant beach house

James Michael Howard

* French antiques, blue and white, gray done right

Peggy Stone

Ahh I feel inspired again.

I Can Meet the Artist, Get to Know Him Personally- Jake Dorr

Jake Dorr is an incredible artist. He and his wife Beka are also parents to an adorable son from the Kambata Tembaro region. I am thrilled that they are going to collaborate on a painting, like the one pictured above, for the Fundraiser.

Beka, when she isn't busy chasing her son around, writes a beautifully honest blog.

Here is a great article about Jake and his work.

Did I mention that I am in love with my UPS man? I just follow him around like a puppy waiting for these beautiful creations to arrive in Los Angeles. I am constantly amazed at the outpouring of talent and generosity for this project.

Thank you Jake and Beka. I can't wait to share your creation on the 17th.

March 23

The death of a mother is the first sorrow wept without her.

I used to feel sad that I never saw you.

Now I know that I see you everyday.

Abebech- means she has blossomed.

Today we light a candle. And remember...

Abebech.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Dad with a bird on his head

Dad with his first baby (moi)

Dad with his first Grandbaby

Since this is a design blog, I will open up the forum to discuss the fern print sofa in picture 2. Is it so out it's in? I believe so. I remember that sofa so well. It was super comfortable and I never tired of studying the ferns. The Suze claims Dad thought he was going to get a nice big brown manly sofa when they first got married, but she had other plans. He's lived in a world of pink and green and blue and white ever since. You're a saint Dad! Happy Birthday! I love you so much!!!!!