Sweet Petite Retreat

Country Almanac

Summer, 2011

In major bookstores and on retail newsstands everywhere NOW!

You're just gonna love to hunker down during cold February with the new summer (dream time!) issue of Country Almanac magazine! It's filled with absolutely gorgeous photos and fun articles, including "43 Magical Garden Rooms Inside & Out" and the "10 Most Romantic Waterside B&Bs."

And...ta da...! The magazine also features the article I wrote about the talented garden designer Rebecca Sweet's adorable backyard cottage home office retreat. What makes Rebecca's home office especially magical is that it's filled with memorabilia from many family members, including great-great and great-great-great relatives! (You read right!)

Check out Rebecca's beautiful blog, Gossip in the Garden, and her gorgeous landscape design website, Harmony in the Garden. And of course, you'll want to buy a copy of her new book on vertical gardening, Garden Up!, co-authored with landscape designer Susan Morrison.

Many thanks to Rebecca for sharing her beautiful backyard cottage office and for her kind words about the article I wrote.

And as always, kudos and heartfelt thanks to the talented New York publishing team at Country Almanac magazine. They expertly know just how to creatively showcase my writing with their beautiful photo and article layout skills! You're the best!

'Til Next Time!

Kathryn :)

http://www.kathrynbechenink.com/

"Where Beauty, Order, & Business Bloom!"

Ah! A Serene Seaside Master Bedroom Retreat

Interior Designer Matthew Alexander of

Matthew Alexander Creations

I had a great time recently touring the lovely home of Dena and George Malasek since I'm writing a magazine article about their (in progress) beautiful master bedroom suite redecorating makeover which is being orchestrated by talented interior designer Matthew Alexander, who specializes in creating gorgeous master bedroom retreats for couples, especially newlyweds.

I'm not at liberty to reveal all the details of the Malasek's makeover, but I will give you a bit of a blog glimpse here and you can read the full details and see beautiful photos published in the magazine article when it comes out this spring. Order here.

Dena is an expert on couples in love as she's the owner of the beautiful San Diego Style Weddings magazine which for over 20 years has brought brides and grooms all over Southern California FAB resources and vendors to create the wedding of their dreams. (2011 is my fifth year anniversary of writing many articles for her magazine.)

I just love these chocolate brown wall stripes Matthew came up with and I think they are a great example of his astute ability to blend the "yin and yang" of design for couples so that their male and female tastes are taken into account and they are both happy and comfortable with the final result.

(I mean let's get real here; not every guy is like my big teddy bear kind of hubby who good- naturedly agrees to my pink floral drapes in our bedroom, and I, being the "foo foo" cottage style sort of gal that I am would never agree to an um....moose head...or other such he-man kind of hunting lodge style "decor" above my bed! :)

See what I mean...Matthew did a great job of combining soft colors, shell pictures, and not-too-foo foo-floral pillows for her with a leather bed, dark wood nightstands, and fur pillows for him. Nice!

The next time Dena goes on vacation I think I'll ask her if I can sneak over and vacation at her house...where I'll take a long nap in her serene new seaside master bedroom retreat....which overlooks her gorgeous swimming pool...tucked into a beautiful hillside.

Why not turn your master bedroom into...bliss!?

'Til Next Time!
Kathryn
http://www.kathrynbechenink.com/
"Where Beauty, Order, & Business Bloom"

Inn the Month of Love: Your Romance Quotient Is?

Happy Month of Love, Sweet Ones!

As I was contemplating the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday, I asked my hubby Steve to help me compile a list of fun things we do to keep romance alive in our marriage of 30+ years so I could share them with you. I hope they give you ideas to multiply (pun intended!) your own "Romance Quotient!"

You'll notice that even though some of the places are really incredibly beautiful, (because we both value gorgeous scenery, good food, lovely architecture, gardens, and artsy style), many of our FAVORITES won't break your bank. We choose appetizers and iced tea instead of a five-course dinner, travel off-season, love discount stores, and enjoy dining at home too at our own "Bechen Bistro" or on our little urban terrace, for instance. To us, "Romance is more about the size of your heart than the size of your pocketbook." :) (And you can quote me!) --Kathryn Bechen--

FAVORITE BED & BREAKFAST INNS

For years friends have been asking me to compile a list of the 60+ Bed and Breakfast Inns we have stayed in across the U.S. (Okay, so we admit to a bit of "inn-dulgence" here!) We consider this adventurous hobby of ours not only fun, but a wise"inn-vestment" in our marriage as well.) Here's the list! Enjoy!

FAVORITE BED & BREAKFAST INN WEBSITE TO SEARCH FOR INNS

I Love Inns

FAVORITE HOME DECORATING STYLE

Cottage. (Our former floral cottage bedroom was featured in Country Almanac magazine.)

Urban Cottage. (Our current all-white master bedroom.)

Our former beach cottage faux brick floor was hand painted by hubby Steve.

FAVORITE ROMANTIC MOVIES

Kathryn: I can't pick just one! (Can you say "incurable romantic?! Yep, again!)

Steve: Casablanca (Such a classic!)

The Way We Were (Our first date, 1977!)

FAVORITE SAN DIEGO AREA+ RESTAURANTS

Kathryn: Harbor Fish, Carlsbad, CA (Seaside simple on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.)

Gusto's, Encinitas, CA (Oh-so-romantic little Italian bistro.)

Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, RSF, CA (Best expensive burger in town and genteel inn. Gorgeous patios and grounds. Photo. )

The Prado at Balboa Park, San Diego, CA (Great food, beautiful decor and patio.)

Villa Royale, Palm Springs, CA (Old World charm, FAB food, lovely waiters.) Photos/my review.

Hotel Laguna, Laguna Beach, CA (Sunny seaside lunches overlooking an incredible beach.) Photos/info.

Steve: Bechen Bistro (Our own dining room, kitchen, terrace.) Terrace dinner photos.

Mr. A's (Best view of San Diego skyline and bay with elegant service and food.) Photos/my review.

Jeff's Burgers, La Jolla Shores, CA (Best budget burger in town and a short walk to the beach.)

The St. Regis, Dana Point, CA (Appetizers on the terrace with amazing grounds and ocean view.) Photos.

FAVORITE SAN DIEGO COFFEE AND TEA PLACES

Kathryn: Orange Blossom Cafe, Solana Beach, CA (Oh-so-cute with FAB crepes and coffees! In the Cedros Design Distict.)

Innfusions of Tea, UTC area (Charmingly tiny, many teas, friendly staff.) Photos/info.

La Valencia, La Jolla (Oh, the ocean view terrace!) Photos/my review.

Steve: Einstein Bagels

FAVORITE ROMANTIC BOOKS

Kathryn: Living Romantically Every Day by Barbara Taylor Bradford

Happiness for Two by my author friend Alexandra Stoddard Photo of me at her home.

Steve: Prefers movies over books

FAVORITE PLACES TO KISS

Kathryn: Wherever and whenever the spirit moves me! (And my spouse is nearby!)

Steve: The same!

FAVORITE SAN DIEGO COUNTY PLACES

Kathryn: Balboa Park (Incredibly beautiful architecture, grounds, museums.) My photo tour/review.

Cedros Design District (Fun design shops and Farmer's Market.)

Hotel Del (White sand beach, gorgeous historic hotel.) Gorgeous photos.

Ethan Allen design/furnishings stores (Great place to browse for home design ideas!)

Steve: The beach, the beach, the beach!

Torrey Pines Golf Course--North Course

FAVORITE SAN DIEGO COUNTY BEACHES FOR A ROMANTIC STROLL

Kathryn: La Jolla Shores (A long stretch of beautiful flat beach.) Gorgeous photos.

Del Mar Powerhouse (A gorgeous grassy bluff and beautiful flat walking beach.) Photos.

La Jolla Cove (Gorgeous rocks, bluffs, park, and sweet baby seals.) Amazing photos.

Coronado Island (Long, long stretch of flat white sand beach.) Photos.

Steve: The same!

FAVORITE ROMANTIC CITIES

Kathryn: San Diego, CA (It's called "America's Finest City" for good reason!) Things to do.

San Francisco, CA (I did indeed leave my heart in San Francisco!) We stayed here in the 80's.

New York, NY (I left my heart here too, several times, in Central Park! Photos. ) For me, there's just not a more fascinating city!

Boston, MA (Love the architecture, especially the Row Houses.) Photos.

Savannah, GA (Can you say "Southern mystique?!") Loved the historic district! Photos.

Steve: San Diego, CA (We chose to move here for sun and beaches.) The photos say it all!

San Francisco, CA (Cable cars, Golden Gate Bridge.) We love the "crookedest street!" Photos.

Charleston, SC (Beautiful architecture, Southern manners.) We loved Rainbow Row! Photos.

FAVORITE ROMANTIC SMALL TOWNS

Kathryn: Eureka Springs, AR (Little Switzerland in the Ozarks; home to many quaint inns.) Gorgeous photos of "quaintness!"

Stonington, CT (Quaint New England; home of my FAV author friend, Alexandra Stoddard.) Photos of our trip there.

Mendocino, CA (Gorgeous quaint village on the bluffs of the Pacific Ocean.) Heavenly photos!

La Jolla, CA (Upscale seaside charm.) Photos to enjoy.

Newport, RI (Beautiful architecture.) Photos.

Steve: Eureka Springs, AR (Quaint Ozarks village.) We enjoyed staying at this B&B.

Portland, ME (Beautiful coastal New England.) Photos.

Beaufort, North Carolina (Quaint Southern fishing village.) We loved the historic district. Photos.

FAVORITE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DAY TRIPS

Kathryn: Roger's Gardens, Newport Beach, CA (Amazing gardens and decor/design mecca!) Photos/info.

Seal Beach, CA (Quaint seaside village.) Photos.

Palm Springs, CA (A little charm+glam in the desert.) Photos/review of a FAV inn there.

Laguna Beach, CA (Upscale artsy seaside village.) Cute cottages abound.

Getty Museum (Up Los Angeles way.) Photos.

Steve: Coronado Island, CA (Beautiful white sand beach and outdoor terrace lunches.) We stayed at this beautiful inn there.

San Clemente, CA (Beautiful pier and a cobblestone street downtown.) Photos.

Dana Point Harbor, CA (Sailboats galore.) We love the Blue Lantern Inn.

FAVORITE SAN DIEGO COUNTY GARDEN TOURS

Kathryn: La Jolla Secret Garden Tour (Exquisite gardens; incredible seaside views.) Photos 2008. Ticket info 2011.

Steve: Encinitas Garden Festival (Beautiful gardens and fun marketplace in the park.)

FAVORITE SAN DIEGO RESORTS FOR APPETIZERS

Kathryn: Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa (On beautiful Mission Bay.) Photos/info.

La Costa Spa (Sprawling gorgeous grounds/landscaping.) Photos from a magazine photo shoot I attended there.

L'Auberge Resort Magnificent patio overlooking the ocean. Many weddings held here.

Steve: The Inn at Rancho Bernardo (Gorgeous patio and grounds.) Photos there from my San Diego Style Weddings magazine Spring Fling party.

FAVORITE SPIRITUAL PLACES

Mission San Luis Rey, Oceanside, CA (The grounds and gardens, architecture, the loving spirit. We've been there for several wonderful marriage retreats.) See beautiful photos here.

Episcopal churches anywhere (Our Christian denomination; we visit Episcopal churches when we travel.) Photos of our home church here.

Mildred Cooper Chapel, Bella Vista, Akansas (We celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary here; feels like you're in the woods.) See amazing photos here.

FAVORITE ROMANTIC RESORTS

Kathryn: South Seas Plantation, Captiva Island, FL We had lunch here once; beautiful!

Steve: The Elms, Excelsior Springs, MO We spent 4th of July here once and loved it.

FAVORITE PLACES TO SMILE AND LAUGH

Watching a movie at home together

Observing kids at the beach

FAVORITE ROMANTIC PROPERTIES IN PALM SPRINGS/PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA

I toured several beautiful properties as a writing assignment for San Diego Style Weddings magazine. Enjoy the article here.

FAVORITE ART EVENTS

Art Alive, San Diego Art Museum (Flower arrangements depicting famous paintings. Amazing!) Photo tour. FAB! when we attended.

Balboa Island Art Walk, Newport Beach, CA (Adorable upscale yet quaint seaside village.) My client/friend Erin exhibits her lovely seaside cottage-style paintings there. Photos.

FAVORITE PLACES TO BUY CHOCOLATE

Bristol Farms (When the cravings hit!) (Valentine dinners for two.)

Pharmaca (Organic. Some sugar-free.) (Amazing place!)

Ghiradelli (Now there's an excuse to go to San Francisco!) (Since 1852!)

Godiva (I think the packaging is as gorgeous as the chocolate!) (Truffles!)

FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

Kathryn: TJ Maxx (I'm a discount diva!)

Marshall's

Home Goods

The Forum, Carlsbad, CA (Great sales!) (Gorgeous nighttime photo!)

Home & Clothing Boutiques (To browse for ideas/styles.)

Steve: Costco

FAVORITE PLACES TO BUY FLOWERS

Kathryn: 1-800-FLOWERS (With just a the click of your mouse!) (Valentine's Gift Guide.)

La Jolla, CA Open Aire Market (Fresh air, sunshine, quaint. Ah!) (Info/hours.)

Steve: Costco

FAVORITE ROMANTIC ISLANDS

Kathryn: Catalina Island, CA (It was worth getting seasick on the boat for!) Photo tour. I LOVE this rooftop deck overlooking the harbor; great little place to stay.

Cabbage Key Island, FL (Remote by boat.) We had lunch there once.

Steve: Pawley's Island, SC (Cool, huh?!) Photo tour.

Hilton Head Island, SC Photo tour.

Both of us: Sanibel/Captiva, FL (Gorgeous sunset photos of Captiva and Sanibel. ) The shells on their beaches are amazing!

Coronado Island, CA (Photos of day trip.)

FAVORITE ROMANTIC LAKES

Bella Vista, Arkansas (The Ozarks.) We own a timeshare here where we've had great fun at these lakes.

FAVORITE HOT DATES

Snuggling up on our bed with a big bowl of popcorn and a great classic movie

Looking through our scrapbooks of our travels and life together

A walk on the beach after eating fish tacos

Strolling downtown La Jolla, CA (Window shopping its art galleries and shops.) Photos/info.

Touring new housing development Open Houses (For design ideas.) Directory/map for San Diego County.

A walk through the Renaissance UTC, San Diego neighborhood (Duck ponds, winding paths, beautiful architecture.)

A walk through Balboa Park, San Diego (Beautiful everything!) Things to do there.

Southern California day trips DayTripper Tours.

FAVORITE WEDDING MAGAZINE

San Diego Style Weddings

PLACES WE STILL WANT TO TRY/VISIT TOGETHER

(We welcome your suggestions?!)

*Tea or brunch at the Westgate Hotel, San Diego, California (Looks beyond elegant!)

*San Diego Harbor Cruise (At night!)

*Napa Valley, California (Beautiful photos huh?!)

*Big Sur, California (One of California's most beautiful coastal places.) Breathtaking photos.

*Yosemite, California (Another of California's beautiful places.) Gorgeous mountains!

*San Luis Obispo, California (We hear it's quaint!) Fun photos.

*Carmel, California (This time to stay in a B&B inn!) Love their cottages!)

*Hearst Castle, California (A legend.)

*Hotel Bel Air, California (Just to have lunch and see the swans.)

*More California Missions (So holy.) Map of the many!

*My birthplace of Honolulu, Hawaii (I've never been back!) My first beach: Waikiki

*Vermont, New Hampshire (For a quintessential New England B&B inn trip!) "Gaspingly beautiful" fall photos!

*Masachusetts: Cape Cod (Quaint by the sea!) Martha's Vineyard (Gorgeous.)

*New York City (This time to stay in a B&B inn in the heart of Manhattan! Oh WOW!) This inn looks gorgeous!

*San Francisco (Again, to stay in a B&B....(maybe at Fisherman's Wharf?)...and to buy Ghiradelli chocolates!)

*Florida: St. Augustine, Sarasota, Amelia Island, Lakeland, Keys.

*Mackinac Island, Michigan (No motor cars; quaint.) Photos.

*A train trip through Canada (Steve's idea and I'm game!) Looks fun!

*Grand Canyon, Arizona Photos.

*Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (History!) Photos.

*Seattle, Washington (Rain!) Visitor info.

*Portland, Oregon (Green!) And "green."

*Hot Springs, Arkansas (Artsy, beautiful Ozarks.) Photos.

*A driving trip through the Deep South (Yes, again! Loved it!) Looks interesting!

*Asheville, North Carolina (Artsy!) Photos.

*Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina (Southern hospitality.) Photos.

*Outer Banks, North Carolina (Wild pony legend.) Visitor Info.

*Williamsburg, Virginia (History!) Photos.

*The Holy Land (The roots of our faith.) Where Jesus walked.

*Europe. Paris!, Provence, Ireland, Germany, Italy, (Isle of Capri) (Tuscany), England. Interesting tour M.O.

*Greece (Corfu.)

*Bermuda (Romance with a British flair.) Top 10 Bermuda beaches.

*Cayman Islands (Hello hammock under the sunset!) Turquoise water!

*Mexico Sea of Cortez.

*A cruise around the world! (A girl can dream, right?!) On this cruise line...oh my goodness, you can even buy an apartment on the boat and sail indefinitely with your sweetie-matie-pie! What will they think of next?!

Now we hope you'll compile your own FAV romantic list and enjoy! (And please share your list with us!)

'Til Next Time!

Kathryn :)

http://www.kathrynbechenink.com/

"Where Beauty, Order, & Business Bloom!"