HOT FOR PINK

Welcome to another addition of New Muse Monday when we introduce the theme for the week....this weeks theme or muse is hot pink/fuchsia!

 I actually had a lot of difficulty knowing what to call this color.  According to Wikkipedia, fuchsia and magenta are synonymous and very close to what the fashion industry calls hot pink.  Then there is the added problem of how the computer screen translates color....oh my.  Can we all agree that hot pink/fuchsia/magenta or what ever you want to call it is a kick ass color, looks great on just about everyone and makes us smile...really big?

Little pink houses for you and me.

Of course we'll be talking about hot pink fashion this week.  Is there anyone out there who doesn't like to wear this color?  I would love to know why.

I would feel like a goddess in this dress.

Let's talk about the cosmetics industries love affair with hot pink.  Would you be bold enough to wear fuchsia eye lashes?

Let's talk about hot pink in decor.  I love the impact of the chair in the picture above....otherwise the room would be lovely but a little bit dull. 
  Check out the wow factor when various shades of pink are applied to every surface, even the ceiling! 

Obviously this is a beautiful face, but the magenta lipstick takes it to another level....gorgeous!

This handsome man proves that hot pink is not just for the ladies.

I'd be tickled pink if you'd join in the conversation (sorry, couldn't resist).  What's your opinion on hot pink?  Do you decorate with bold pink?  Wear it?  What do you think are the best colors to combine with fuchsia?  Does the man in your life wear pink?

Have a beautiful day.
YANCEY

LUAU!!!! LET'S PARTY HAWAIIAN STYLE.

In the early 1800's Hawaii's King Kamehameha II abolished the religious practice of separating men and women at meals.  The good king celebrated this wisdom by inviting the women of the island to a festive dining experience and the Luau or Hawaiian party was born. 

All of my favorite colors!

Traditionally no utensils are used at the Luau....so finger food is imperative.

I love this idea for a wreath made of tiny paper umbrellas!

Nothing says "happy" like hot tropical colors.

 When I was a little girl my mother used to make a salad with canned pineapple rings on a bed of lettuce, topped with a (disgusting to me) dollop of mayonnaise and a cherry.  Trust me, this was rather exotic fare, although I believe all the suburban moms of that time had access to this recipe thanks to the women's magazines of the day.
Who do we really have to thank for the impressive canned pineapple?  James Dole, that's who.  The Dole company, born in Hawaii in 1900, was the first to sell pineapple in a can.  Suburban moms everywhere thank you Mr. Dole.

Assuming a forgot to pack my grass skirt, I would wear any of the following to a Luau.

This would look fantastic with a little bit of a tan.

Even with the bright and busy print, the nipped in waist and knee length hem make this one perfect for petites.

The color of this kills me.  Oh joy.

I hope you've enjoyed Tiki week.  Join us on Monday when we will introduce a new muse, as always.
Have a beautiful weekend.
YANCEY

RATTAN + BAMBOO = COOL DECOR FOR A HOT CLIMATE

Who hasn't dreamt of living in a tropical climate?  Never having to deal with ice and snow again.  Wearing next to nothing while lounging away the day.  Sexy night time strolls along the beach.  Flowers, flowers  and more tropical flowers.  
The dream is available to everyone....all you need do is decorate with rattan and bamboo.....let's see... 

Bamboo and rattan are a natural choice for a porch.

 Or....bring the outdoors in with bamboo/rattan furniture in the living room.

Green and fairly inexpensive, Bamboo is also quite strong and can be used for the actual construction of furniture as well as flooring and counter tops.

A member of the grass family, bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world.

How about faux bamboo?  Fauxboo?

There are no words for how much I love love love the color of these cushions.

 Rattan furniture has a breezy and relaxed quality and accepts paint and stain quite well making it great for kitchens, porches and informal areas.

Check out the blue crab lamps.

A little bit country (the bed) and a little bit rock and roll (the silver table).

You know how the phrase "paradise found" is way way overused?  Can you think of a better one?

Do you decorate with bamboo and rattan?   Live in a tropical climate?  Are you a panda bear?  They eat bamboo you know, and only bamboo, silly bears.

Have a beautiful day.
YANCEY

PEARL HARBOR THROUGH THE HOLLYWOOD LENS

It is not my intention to glamorize or make light of what surely was a horrific event for everyone who was alive on December 7th 1941, but the photos from two of (in my opinion) the best movies made about Pearl Harbor bring to life the beauty and romance of a place and time.
As Braxton pointed out to me this morning, one positive outcome of the attack was that it opened our eyes to a part of the world many Americans had never seen....the islands of the south pacific.


See if you can spot the Polynesian influence in fashion and decor in the following pictures.

 Sergent Milton Warden:  "Rose, do you know why I like to have you serve me beer?  So I can watch you when you walk away"

Karen Holms:  "You certainly chose a lovely spot for our meeting.  I've had three chances to be picked up in the last five minutes"

Karen Holms:  "I never knew it could be like this!  Nobody ever kissed me the way you do"

Evelyn:  If I had one more night to live...I'd wanna spend it with you"

 Admiral Kamamoto:  "A brilliant man would find a way not to fight a war"

 Rafe:  "You are so beautiful it hurts"

Have a beautiful day.
YANCEY