For many, it is the dream—the dream to travel abroad and to walk the very grounds in which were walked upon by great literary artists long ago—their words replaying in our minds and lives today. The dream to breath in the scent of the famously fragrant roses, lovingly kept and carefully maintained . . .
. . . to take tea as was traditionally planned and created, to touch upon the stones that were laid so many years ago and to gaze up to the thatch roof lines of centuries gone by.
The heart of England lies within the very threads of its culture—the language of customs, of beauty, of traditions, of arts. Indeed, the dream does not lie in sights alone, but in scents, tastes, sounds, and feelings of the heart itself—a secret that whispers about, and if we listen, we might just catch on.
And just when most life is asleep for the duration of this winter season, we might see a whole new angle to the respected art of one of the most integral parts of England: English gardens. And in truth, the lines and forms of such spectacular gardens might be most appreciated in their simplicity, draped in alabaster frost.
. . . and so, today we ask you to join us as we set along on foot, imagining a walk in and amongst some of the greatest gardens in the world there ever were . . .
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{take me away № 14 | the magic of winter gardens}
{take me away № 13 | a wintry escape}
An alabaster, wintry frost hardly seems like the warmest of welcomes, but the magic of the icy snow that glistens like diamonds layered upon diamonds, encompasses guests and the glow of an intoxicating combination of warm and cool lights, and the intrigue of the lines and carvings, without a doubt fades any perceptions of a cold reception.
And so it is, the gentle and hushed spell of winter has been cast, and for a short time, we see snow itself in a whole new and beautiful light . . .
{hope you've had a beautiful weekend & a few lovely links}
{hope you've had a beautiful weekend + a few lovely links}
{take me away № 09 | st.petersburg, russia}
St.Petersburg’s rich history can be found as one strolls up and down every street, and inside every little shop and restaurant; within the grand walls of every awe-inspiring palace, painted in the past, and with every foot that touches upon every stage.
The city is, simply put, brimming with history and sprinkled with endlessly beautiful [and fortuitous] points of culture to take in; and of the endless list of possible places to visit, Peterhof (Petrodvorets), a breathtaking palace also known as the Russian Versailles, The [lavish] Winter Palace, as well as The Winter Canal, and St.Isaac’s Cathedral, are just a few of the must-see sites. Here, tradition is recognized, remembered and celebrated.
And if possible, one must take in a performance or two while visiting, as Russian ballet is known all over the world for exquisite performances, there is luckily, [and nearby] The Hermitage Theatre—just one of the lovely possibilities.
Come away with us, on an adventure in beauty and culture, as we catch a glimpse of the enchanting city of St. Petersburg, Russia . . .
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{a new month & happy december}
. . . quite stunning, actually, how we have arrived at december so quickly, and in such a beautiful whirl of hours and days, flying at breathtaking speeds, only to arrive at the end, the very last month of an extraordinary year, and soon there will be the making of resolutions and plans for a new year, but for now, immensely looking forward to twinkling crystal & mimosas at festive brunches, holiday soirées and elegant dinners by candle & fairy light, to sequined dresses and upswept hair, and most of all, to a little time spent with those we love . . .
happy december! wishing you days filled with the utter magic of the holiday season, roséline xo
{images: one | two}
{the first snowfall & a little romance}
. . . there is just something about this time of year that makes everyday feel even more romantic -- perhaps it is the millions of tiny twinkling lights, or the champagne, or catching of one's breath at the sight of the first snowfall, each floating snowflake drifting soundlessly and beautifully against the window pane, whatever it may be, somehow, everything feels tinged with a little romance . . .
{p.s.} and to p., meet me under the mistletoe x
{image: tiffany & co. via confetti and cocktails}
{the stars were brightly shining}
. . . and while we're on the topic of spending the holidays in warm places, quite adore the idea of decorating an elegant evergreen wreath with seaside inspired starfish, even as the icicles glisten in the late-december light and a soft blanket of freshly fallen snow beautifully envelopes a perfect winter's afternoon . . .
{image: country living via lovely influence}
{it's beginning to look a lot like . . .}
. . . absurdly late and for some unfathomable reason, still awake, and despite the darkness and stars beckoning with promises of dreams laden in romance and softly falling snow, they can never match the romance of being awake and in love, the new chilly-ness in the night air bringing with it a deep anticipation for all the adventures yet to come, and days have faded into weeks and soon the weeks into a new year and it's beginning to look a lot like . . .
{p.s.} tiffany's inspired décor
{images: doutzen kroes & neal bledsoe photographed by peter lindbergh for tiffany&co., facebook via priya on twitter, more at a glamorous little side project}
