Marrakech: and a tale of indigo painting

Here's hoping that is weekend brings out the artist in you, whether your canvas is big.... or small:-)  

Blog 1
And speaking of painting (and blue) , I sent the uber-talented Melanie creative direction on one of the projects for her upcoming painting retreat at Peacock Pavilions in October.  The concept:  indigo. Pop over here to see a few of the images I sent her for inspiration.  They are surprising and, frankly, incredible!  There are still a few slots left on her retreat.  We'd love to have you join us -- you'll not only learn decorative painting techniques to make your own home more beautiful but you'll experience all the wonders of my exotic hometown, Marrakesh! 

Essaouira, Morocco: and a drunken, delicious tale at Val D'Argan

There were six of us who headed out that weekend to Val D'Argan, the lovely winery just 20 minutes from Essaouira, Morocco.  

Oh, the vineyards stretched as far as the eye could see....  a reminder of the bottles and bottles of wine soon to come. (Please don't ask how many -- I'd be too embarassed to tell.)

DSC_2592-1
And just as memorable as the wine, was the food!  It started out with the most charming handmade Moroccan dishes.

DSC_2665
The darling girls in the kitchen made all the starters and sides.  Peppers, lentils, beets, tomatoes and everything delicious.  Yum! 

DSC_2608

 And the rest of the meal...............oh my, epic.   (Did I mention that there were three smart aleck-y foodie types from the Four Seasons in Marrakech in our motley little band?  They did all the cooking. We provisioned ourselves appropriately in Essaouira right before. )

There were fresh sardines, grilled to perfection. 

DSC_2610
And tender shrimp, quickly sauteed.

DSC_2615
The hugest lobsters.  Oh!

DSC_2645
And truly, the most beautiful fish.

DSC_2678
Dessert made by the accomodating Val D'Argan staff:-)

DSC_2671
Oh, the food never stopped that weekend.  And, cough, neither did the Val D'Argan wine.....

DSC_2673

The perfect setting for naughty stories and raucous laughter:-)

DSC_2660
And so I lift my glass and say Bravo to the Val D'Argan! And Bravo again to the moonlighting chefs! (Shh...this one is secretly the Four Seasons Marrakech Hotel Manager.  Ahem, don't tell his boss. )

DSC_2656

The Val D"Argan (contact@valdargan.com)

Don't miss it if you're heading towards Essaouira, Morocco.  For lunch, dinner, and spending a night or two.  I'll see you there.

Moroccan design: and a tale of Beni Ouarain carpets & rugs

Organic.

Dramatic.

Elegant.

Soothing.

Cozy.

Timeless.

Moroccan Beni Ourain carpets and rugs.  New stock in my shop, Red Thread Souk.  

S - carpet 333 4
Moroccan Beni Ouarain carpet 333.

S - carpet 334 2
Moroccan Beni Ouarain rug 334

S - carpet 328 2

Moroccan Beni Ourain carpet 328

S - carpet 337 2
Moroccan Beni Ourain Berber rug 337

S - carpet 338 2
Moroccan Beni Ouarain carpet 338

S - carpet 331

Moroccan Berber Beni Ourain carpet 331

Take a peek at all my carpets at Red Thread Souk, right here:-)  

PS So excited to see one of my carpets in Dooce/Heather Armstrong's living room!  Check out it out here.  And many thanks to designer AB Chao:-)