Tricky Wickets

Cruising down a winding country road with Mother Nature as our only escort and our beloved summer getaway the only destination, we’re finally free from summer’s grip.

A refreshing breeze blows through our hair as we enjoy the scenery through the tint of our sunglasses. After an hour (or two.. because who’s counting?) we approach the crest of a hill and catch a glimpse of the picturesque cottage peaking through a cluster of lazy willow trees.  It’s exactly as we remembered it, crisply painted with all the enchantment one expects from a country house.  Birds chirp and squirrels scatter as we’re greeted by the hydrangeas that have been patiently waiting all season for our arrival.

Once inside, each creek under foot from the wide-plank floors scares away the tension of the past few months.  Just as we’re sinking into the linen sofa, there’s a knock at the door.  Anxiously awaiting our arrival, our friends from down the road have popped in and brought us a basket of freshly picked vegetables from their garden that we’ll happily work into tomorrow’s dinner menu.  This evening, however, our annual Shirts vs. Skins croquet match is on! But before any of the extreme sporting begins, we’re all in need of some light refreshments.  After selecting our favorite color mallets, we sip on Pimm’s cups putting some of those freshly picked cucumbers to good use! Several rounds (and some missing balls) later, we make our way back towards the house avoiding the tricky wickets, as lightning bugs fill the evening air.

1. Karin Blake

2. 1953 Chevorlet Corvette

1. Mariette Himes Gomez

2. French Country Log Basket by Cottage Home

3. Charles de Lisle Workshop

1. Steven Gambrel

2. Lyre Wall Light by Hector Finch

3. Boston Tumbler by Villeroy & Boch

1. The Adventures of Tartan Scot

2. House Beautiful

3. Pimm's

1. Brown Swirl Porcelain Doorknob

2. Fenwick Chair by Mclain Wiesand

3. Karin Blake

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An Invitation We Couldn't Refuse

San Francisco based designer and fellow blogger Scot Meacham Wood of The Adventures of Tartanscot has graciously invited us to his cabin this week.  Well, not really, but we are extremely excited that Scot is sharing his ideal weekend hideaway with Bubble & Squeak. What makes this tartan clad gentleman's heart race with inspiration? Well, be quiet!...he's about to say something....

1.  Scot Meacham Wood

“Greetings y’all.  Welcome.  It seems as though we’re all leading such incredibly busy lives.  Over-booked.  Over-worked.  Over-stressed.  And we all need to find a place where our minds can go quiet.  Whether it’s the site of fresh snowfall, the sound of the ocean, or the smell of a verdant forest - we all crave a place of retreat.

For me, I’ve always been a mountain person.  I’d much rather spend the weekend in the remotest corner of Lake Tahoe, than in the finest hotel in Hawaii.  It’s just the way that I’m wired.  I was quite lucky as a young kid, growing up near Los Angeles, to have spent my summers at a camp near Big Bear Lake.  Waking to see the sun rise over the mountains.  Swimming  everyday in the chilled waters of the lake.  That is the genesis of the constant wanderlust to be under a secluded, star-filled sky in the woods.  

So, please come and join me next to the roaring fire.  I've even brought the marshmallows."

1.  Big Bear Lake, outside of Los Angeles, California.

2.  SMW Design - Lake Tahoe Project

1 & 2.  SMW Design - Lake Tahoe Project

3.  Hickory Side Chair, Flat Rock Furniture

1.  Scot and friends rafting on the American River, near Auburn, California.

2.  Caviness Paddles

3.  Chipper Joseph, from House Beautiful

1.  Charlotte Moss, from Elle Decor

2.  Ralph Lauren's Double RL Ranch, Colorado

3.  Ralph Lauren Home Collection, Fall 2009

A big "THANK YOU" to Scot for his generosity and support.  If you have an extra minute, we encourage you to check out his wonderfully inspiring and beautiful blog, The Adventures of Tartanscot where Scot shares his motivations and tribulations as an interior designer.  

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