Beach Cruising!

It's no secret that I have not been fond of bikes... Growing up in Denmark, where you bike everywhere and in all kinds of weather, I simply lost my  interest in riding a bike EVER again!! But something has changed... my husband is a tri-athleth and is obsessed crazy about his bike, so it's kinda rubbing off a little. Just a little! For the record, you will not find me out there with the peleton any time soon, just so we are crystal clear :)

The images below are more in tune with what I had in mind!!!!

We live fairly close to the beach, and the highway running along the ocean is the perfect stretch to bike! Also there are a ton of charming small streets with amazing homes and cottages all along the beach stretch, so I figured I would join the Beach Cruiser community and get a single speed cruiser. I want to be able to ride up to the beach - it's close to impossible to park the car anyway - and also be able to bike through all the small and charming streets!

I loved the look of the above Beach Cruiser, so I did a little research and found it! I ordered it from California which might seem a little silly, but I wanted the bike just so! White everything... still didn't order a basket, but I will, and it, too, will be white :)

My husband now thinks that I will be his water-girl when he is training for the running part of the Tri... we shall see :)

Happy Beach Cruising!

Natasha

P.S.

I ordered this Firmstrong Bella Fashionista Single Speed White bike. As simple as they come. I ordered it from this shop, and so far the customer service has been outstanding! My Cruiser arrived Saturday afternoon, of cause it's freezing here in Florida this weekend, but I can't wait for a warmer day!!

Image #1 - #3 via, Image #4 via

Gates of Palm Beach.

A while back I was tempting you with an image of a beautiful facade, clad in the softest of pale pink flowers, promising more images to follow.... well, here they are!

Ever since my very first stay at a friends house on the island of Palm Beach, I have been fascinated by the homes, the gardens and the sheer volume (you'll see) of the hedges and the landscaping. I live not far from this place, but visit far to seldom. I truly enjoy spending a day in Palm Beach, but while there is world class shopping, I would rather drive around looking at all the beautiful (not all) homes, and the fantastic (all) gardens! I have said it before; the landscaping is impeccable!!

The easy way would be to fill these "pages" with images of homes, one bigger than the other... BUT, as you can see, I have chosen to show you The Gates of Palm Beach. Since The Island is not gated in itself, tourist of all sorts, even those living locally ;), can drive by.
I find the mystique of "what lies beyond" so fascinating, don't you?

Wouldn't you love a peak behind this door, even if it's just looking through the window??

There are iron gates, wood gates, small gates & tall gates. Gates you can see through, gates you wish you could see through (!!!), gates that have been there for a while and almost hidden side gates and of cause gates for The Help.

The hedges surrounding the homes are for the most part taller than the gates, and do a great job of keeping prying eyes out.

And then there are the gates that have been strategically placed; beautiful bougainvillea and palms, but you still do not get to really see anything :)

Even the skill set of the Gardner is tested... check out this perfectly trimmed circle in the back, finishing the half moon of the iron gate to perfection!

... and what about this? Just one of many tall, green and handsome hedges, keeping privacy at a max and keeping the landscape people busy for hours!!!

Ahhh, the Blue Door!

My favorite... Hope you enjoyed this little Garden Gate post!

Natasha

All images NHH for the Northern Light Blog (if you borrow, please link back! Thank you)

Sunday Afternoon in Palm Beach

A favorite pass time of mine, that I only get to do every once in a while, is spending the afternoon on the North End of Palm Beach! Just sharing a few quick images, as a little teaser, as I have an other post on the subject planned, so stay tuned ;) !

 As I might have mentioned before, the landscaping is impeccable....

... Don't you want to take a sneak peek at the pool area, just beyond the privacy hedge?

... and delivering mail to a mail box surrounded in pretty flowers, not too shabby :) ...

Stay tuned for more beautiful gardens in Palm Beach!

Natasha

All image by moi

Shopping; Palm Beach Style

Let me introduce you to Island Home!

Island Home opened it's doors in 1999, and is an absolute MUST when visiting the island of Palm Beach!! Owned by Susan E. Palmer, a native Texan, she moved to Palm Beach in 1994 and brought with her the perfect Island flair!

What the store lacks in size, it makes up for in style and charm! There is absolutely anything, and everything, you could possibly want for your beach decor!

A few notables are the ever so delicate Bexley lamps, just inside the door. Fantastic - and majestic - shell mirrors, both real and faux, lets the sunlight shimmer around the store, catching all the glass hurricanes!

It's difficult to just have one favorite...

How about these linen Ankasa "tie-dye" pillows in the colors of the ocean?

Throughout the store are sea life images and artifacts. Leaning on shelves and ledges, hanging on the walls are real Sea fans, pressed between two pieces of glass and framed in metallic frames (acid washed silver). The Seafans have been dyed to a soft White, a Seafoam, a darker and more vibrant China Blue and Black. Remember to consider your wall color and wall texture before committing!!

Not everything in the store is white and blue, green creeps in and so does a little orange and some hot pink. Furniture is kept natural, some evoking driftwood in color, others a bit darker.

A collection of Seafoam candles, nestled together on a sea grass tray, completes the beachy look.

The girls at Island Home were so nice, very knowledgeable and friendly! Thank you to Patti (standing) for your hospitality, and for letting me photograph inside the store! Owner Susan Palmer, in white, to the right.

If you visit Palm Beach, check out the store. If you are drooling from a far, there is a website, but of cause it's not the same.... ;)

Natasha

All images NHH for Northern Light Blog, except image #2 & #11 via Island Home website.

Sneak Peak!

Isn't this facade pretty??
The flowers are ever so softly pink and cream....

Spent the day on the island of Palm Beach, can't wait to show you more! Forget about the houses (they are ridiculously huge, and NOT all pretty!!), but the landscaping is out of this world....

Natasha

Image NHH for Northern Light Blog