Laurie Ricksecker ~ Interior Design & Thrill of the Hunt Events

2011 ~ Thoughts on Design

2011-01-17T17:08:00.000-08:00

A new year always inspires me to open my eyes to all that is around

me for inspiration. I never leave home without my digital camera so

I can catch just that moment that takes my breath away. My list is

long: rain-soaked grass, the outline of bare branches, mud puddles,

streets filled with leaves, new buds coming out, rocks, the beach,

sunsets, sunrises, the rain, clouds (this winter has produced the most

amazing clouds!), the glorious shades of green everywhere outside,

the movement of the water outside my window, tree bark, peeling

paint, that perfect bloom on my magnolia tree, rusted metal, birdbaths,

moss, faded textiles, clearly I could go on and on!

Even a trip to the grocery store gets me thinking about color and

textural combinations. Think leeks and articokes on a big platter with

radishes and eggplant. Fabulous texturally and oh the colors! Next

time you are stumped for ideas on what color(s) to use in a room, look

no further than your favorite Farmers Market or produce aisle at the

Supermarket. Mother Nature has done all the work for you! Choose

what speaks to you and try it in your space. Granted, not all your

inspirations will work in every situation, depending on the light in the

area you are using and how it changes throughout the day. But it will

get you started and assist you in thinking about colors in a new way.

Here are some things that I am loving, right now!

• Coral and navy

• Yellow orchids

• Framed maps

• Bordered seagrass rugs

• Art hung on paneled doors

• Black, cream and red ~ mixed with LOTS of texture

• Ebonized furniture

• Blue and white exportware

• Articokes and watermelons as table art

• Repurpose old sterling silver vases as desk organizers

• Zinc urns and columns

• Forced branches

• Don't reupholster ~ drape a beautiful throw or quilt over

• Wicker baskets repurposed as lamp shades (trust me)

• Found pots, jars under console tables

• Antlers, horns and shells!

• Painted boxes

• Vases filled with leaves

• Pussy Willows

Gotta run and get busy planning my next THRILL OF THE HUNT.

Check back often for details and dates for a Late Spring event.

Postponing September 26th Thrill

2010-07-19T22:14:00.001-07:00

I am pushing back my next Thrill of the Hunt event. Please check back

often for further details and a new sale date(s).

See you soon!

Laurie

We're Baaaccckkk on Sunday, September 26, 2010!

2010-05-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

Watch this website for details on our next event ~ one day

only, Sunday, September 26, 2010. I'm already hunting

and gathering. Don't miss it!

Next Thrill of the Hunt is Set for Saturday, April 17th!

2010-03-28T20:28:00.001-07:00

My last Thrill in mid-February was a huge success! Thank you to all

my faithful supporters and newbies. Always wonderful to see new

faces, along with the familiar ones, as you walk through the gate.

Spring will be in full bloom on Saturday, April 17th from 11 a.m. to

4 p.m. ~ One Day Only at 1200 Saint Charles in Alameda. Joining me

is my favorite Thrill Buddy, award-winning artist, Suzanne Etienne.

Suzanne will be coming down from her gallery in Ashland, bringing her

newest original pieces and a load of fabulous giclees for sale. If weather

permits, we will have art throughout the garden and brightening the

guest house. If you aren't familiar with Suzanne's work, checkout her

website at etiennegallery.com.

I've just returned from a hunting trip down the coast. Amazing weather

and inspiration galore! The highlander was so packed with treasures

that I had to skip my last stop for lack of room to put one more thing.

Cannot wait to show you all I've gathered from Petaluma to Paris, with

fabulous new sources that I've just come across.

With so many special occasions in the Spring, I will be featuring great

gift ideas for your favorite mother, graduate, bride & groom and

birthday buddy.

Here's a short list of my favorite things that inspire my design:

Lemons, pears, figs, melons, coral, rolling green hills, goats,

lamps, wicker baskets overflowing with flowers, allees, birdbaths,

yellow, Paris, rust, arbors, paintings, nests, urns, clock faces,

grasses, asparagus, geraniums, pigs, the sea, shells, fabrics, ikat

patterns, pillows (lots of them), pearls, turquoise, moss, terra

cotta pots and so much more.

We now accept VISA and MasterCard, along with local checks.

Remember too that I am available year-round to assist in your

interior design needs. No job is too small! Consultation

appointments are welcomed.

See you on April 17th! Don't miss it...and bring your friends.

Cheers!

Laurie

Great Day To Be At Thrill of the Hunt!

2010-02-19T17:54:00.000-08:00

Come on by ~ I'm open again tomorrow, Saturday, February 20th

from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Guest House is filled with lots of

fabulous finds for your home and garden. More surprises tomorrow!

Put a Spring smile on and come on by ~ 1200 Saint Charles, Alameda.

Call me if you need directions at 510.368.1447.

Can't wait!

It Has Been Too Long!

2010-01-31T15:34:00.000-08:00

I'm ready to beat the "Winter Blahs" with the first Thrill of the Hunt

for 2010 ~ Friday and Saturday, February 19-20. The doors will be

open both days from 10 am to 3 pm, rain or shine. I'll have something

sure to cheer you up when you arrive!

Come by and wander through the treasures I have collected to spruce up

your home and garden just when you need it most. All this rain has left

many of us feeling soggy! I try to remember this is the precursor to all

the beautiful new buds and green hills coming our way.

Every day things inspire my design aesthetic. None more than color

combinations that I see in nature. When stumped on what colors work

together, just look out your window or leaf through a gardening book.

Much like you can force a bit of Spring by bringing a bowl of Paper

White bulbs and watching them peek up, you can bring sunshine into

your rooms now with a few unexpected color additions. Try adding

orange or coral in a neutral room or add lime in a yellow or blue palate.

Adding a pop of color in small doses with toss pillows, a colorful new

vase or a grouping of items on your coffee table with a chic colored tray

provides you with a lot of bang for your buck!

I'm heading to the San Francisco Design Center later this week to

preview what's new and take in some classes at the 2010 Design Week

event. I'm excited to see the new textiles and furniture lines being intro-

duced into the marketplace. I always return with renewed creativity,

lots of useful information and new ideas to share with my design clients

and Thrill goers.

Check back here often for tidbits I'll be sharing from things I learned

and ideas that popped up while being inspired walking through all the

design showrooms.

Talk to you soon ~ and see you all February 19 & 20!

What the Heck is Thrill of the Hunt?

2009-10-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

Many folks have been telling me "I'm not sure I know what Thrill of the

Hunt is". In a nutshell, it is a day, 2-4 times a year, when I open up my

design studio to the public and sell my collections, props, vintage and

antique pieces acquired and just fun stuff for your home and garden

that catches my eye. I have things available for every budget, literally

starting at $1.00 going up to $5,000. I usually have small furniture

pieces, original and reproduction art; mirrors, decorative home

accessories and great gift items. Pillows, rugs, dishes (vintage and

new), serving pieces and objects of art can be found throughout the

Guest House.

While I have a European-inspired home, I admire all design styles.

Thrill is full of transitional items that I believe work in most any

decor. I love to interweave styles and think it makes a home much

more interesting. A very contemporary home can benefit from a few

well-placed antiques, just as a period home comes alive with an asian

flavor here and there.

Checkout the photos below from the last Thrill to catch a glimpse of

what I'm talking about. Each Thrill is different ~ I never know what I

might have for sale and really love everyone to just come and 'hunt'.

You might just find that perfect object that you have been looking for

or something you didn't even know you needed!

Thrill has turned into more than a day of hunting. So many familiar

faces with so many of you spreading the word to your friends and

family. I am very grateful for your support. You are the reason Thrill

continues and is growing in leaps and bounds. Friendships are made,

patched up and enriched in my little Guest House. Don't miss the next

one! Keep checking back to this website for details about future dates

in 2010. With luck, there will be news about a new location as well.

Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Your partner in the 'hunt',

Laurie

An Ode to Fall 2009

2009-10-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

Sunday, September 27th was a record-breaking day! Beautiful, beautiful weather. Shoppers by the hundreds. Amazing art displayed throughout the Guest House and garden, with treasures finding new homes, as Thrill-goers scooped up their finds.

So now the little Guest House looks sad ~ and empty ~ and will be getting a good coat of paint while we are in the "quiet season" 'til early 2010.

I've already been lucky in finding some great vintage dishes and glassware for next time. As well as connecting with my Parisian shopkeepers, who just sent me really beautiful pieces to sell. I am so excited! As you might guess, I am plotting my return to Paris. While I have been very lucky to have been able to travel quite a bit over the years, a city has never taken hold of my heart like Paris has.

Of course, my recent trip has greatly influenced my design sensibilities. That is not to say I think every house should be "French", just French-inspired. By that I mean infused with not only the homeowners personality but also a joy for life and all those pursuits that interest them. That's truly "French Design". They really don't. They just display and use those things that bring them joy and never wait for a special occasion.

I don't know about you, but I was raised in a house full of lovely things. Not necessarily expensive things, just items that held memories or were found on our many family vacations. My mother has great style and was always ahead of her time, even though money was not plentiful. She painted, sewed, moved things around and really loved to take our home from season to season. Nothing was too precious to be used and children were welcome everywhere. China never sat in a cupboard waiting for a holiday or special reason to use it. I have that same philosophy in our home. Candles come out at breakfast and cloth napkins are derigeur.

Use those things that you have. Display them, move them around, enjoy them! Just moving art around can change the whole look of a room. Actually, a bouquet of flowers or greens from your garden, local Farmer's market, or grocery store can also uplift a room. Better yet, pile a big bowl full of Fall fruit on the coffee table. The colors will inspire you and your family will get in the habit of grabbing that delicious looking fruit for a snack!

Of course right now the markets are full of Indian corn, mini pumpkins, faux autumn leaves and more. All for just a little bump in your grocery budget. Take advantage of these items, adding in green apples, artichokes, eggplant and before you know it, you have a stunning centerpiece for your entry table, dining room table or buffet.

Have fun with your home and your surroundings. It is the 'french' way.

'til next post.

Laurie

The Countdown Begins to Sunday, September 27th

2009-09-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

Come wander through the Guest House

and grounds, hunting for that special

something that makes your

heart sing

I've collected antiques, found objects,

art, and treasures from my travels

perfect for your home and garden

at every price point

One day only, many one-of-a-kind pieces

don't miss out

Sunday, September 27th

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1200 Saint Charles Street

Alameda

Credit Cards, Checks and Cash accepted

All sales final

Bring a friend or two or more! Always

some surprises

Watch for 2010 Sale Event Dates

The Next Thrill of the Hunt Is Coming!!!!

2009-08-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars ~ Sunday, September 27th,11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

is my next Thrill of the Hunt. The Alameda Historical Home Tour

is the same day, so be sure to stop in and check out my latest finds

while you are touring all the beautiful homes on this year's tour.

We will be happy to hold your purchases while you continue the

tour until 5 p.m.

NEW THIS EVENT: I am now accepting credit cards! Local

personal checks and cash, of course, are always welcome.

Suzanne Etienne will be joining me again this event, bringing

with her from Ashland, Oregon, her newest creations in

impressionistic painting. This will be Suzanne's only Bay Area

showing this Fall.

Don't miss this one-day event. Treasures from my recent visit

to Paris will be available, along with all the goodies you have

come to expect and look forward to. You never know what you'll

find, since I get them as I see 'em.

See you Sunday, September 27th 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at

1200 Saint Charles, Alameda.

Laurie

Definitely The Best Day Yet

2009-07-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling very verklempt (sp?) as I start this journal entry. It's

almost 6 p.m. on my last day in Paris. I'm meeting the

Silverman-Wilson clan and Maddie shortly for a farewell dinner

near their apartment in the 17e. Today had to be my favorite

(might mention that every day has been)!

I went to two areas I had not been to, on the opposite ends of

the City. Since time was of the essence, I did take the Metro to

the St Germain-Latin Quarter area. Still don't like it. The buses

do it for me, since I get to ride AND see the beautiful sights. Must

be a kick-back from the thousands of endless miles I rode in the car

as a child on our family vacations. Car rides are still my favorite

way to travel.

Each area was completely different from the other and the 7e

where I'm staying. I think I love the Saint Germain/Serves'-Babylone

area the best. May be that it is much less touristy, more like its own

little city. The stores I wanted to go to were worth the trip. I'm

bringing home wonderful treasures and many are so unique.

Today was all about going with the flow. After accomplishing the

last few things on my list of 'to dos', I just let my feet take me where

it looked interesting (6 miles worth). They did not fail me! I had a

ball shopping for both my girls, me (yes, I did get Richard something)

and "Thrill". Along the way I saw more fabulous entry doors, sweet

neighborhood parks and charming streets, all unique and welcoming.

I did make a stop into Monoprix ~ France's TARGET. It wasn't

'all that'. I didn't spend more than 30 minutes looking around.

Anyone who really knows me can tell you I have NEVER gotten

in and out of a TARGET in less than an hour. I love that place.

Anyway, Le Bon Marche' is another story. Magnificent! Such a

beautiful, serene place you hardly remember you are in a huge

department store. Seems more like a gallery. Funny too since

the prices are comparable to our Bloomingdale's/Nordstrom's.

But what an experience to wander around. Obviously the French

know how to shop.

After that I just walked and walked, stopping in where it looked

appealing. I've been most impressed with what Parisian shop-

keepers can do with limited space. I think my cozy Guest House

is small when cramming in all my goodies for each "Thrill" ~ but

it is gigantic by Paris standards. I will have a fresh eye when

staging for September's event and be more grateful!

I'm back from dinner. A delicious meal, great friends and special

time with Maddie and her Southampton girlfriends. They will be

staying on in Paris until mid-August. Jealous! What a gift this trip

has been for Maddie. Her adventure here has been completely

different from mine, with days spent at museums and monuments,

visiting Versailles and living in a 4-bedroom apartment. Of course,

she's my kid, so shopping was involved too.

Driving back to the apartment tonight in the taxi (love that they are

green cars) I had those last few glimpses of the City. It is especially

lovely at night with all the lights and people everywhere. I have loved

this time abroad ~ more than any I can remember before. I realized it

is good to get out of your comfort zone, regularly, and do something

unexpected. Just because. I also realized that Richard is extremely

capable of handling things at home without me (even if it wasn't done

"right"!!!). A good thing for both of us. All in all, a perfect trip.

I just finished packing (sob) and ready to jump into bed. Wondering

if I will be able to sleep back in Alameda without the clip clop of the

horses at night carrying tourists back and forth.

Feeling very grateful for this time, its lessons, friendships and

memories made. I found a little bit of me that had been tucked away

and I like that I'm back!

Biding you all adieu and bon nuit!

Laurie

P.S. Checkout the last photos from the Wednesday and Thursday.

Finally got them uploaded.

Day 6 and I've Mastered the Bus System!

2009-07-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

Where to begin. Today was an exceptional day. Weather was

overcast and a tad bit humid. Still lovely with a nice breeze on my

face as I walked and walked. Logged in 4.70 miles today. Since I

was determined to 'win' in finding my way across the city and back,

more bus riding happened. So many beautiful sights and fabulous

finds came my way.

Oh if only I could take everything home with me! Walking into a

maison (home) store today was excuriating. Item after item calling

my name and just perfect for several clients and "Thrill". BUT getting

them home, not in the budget. Hard to justify a purchase when the

shipping was almost twice their value! I did set-up several

connections with shopkeepers interested in doing business in

the U.S. Hopefully we will be able to purchase and ship direct from

them in the future. Lovely people at every stop, all very helpful and

trying so hard to communicate. One of them even gave me a gift

when I left.

Sure that I'll be a whiz at Pictionary after this trip! Between hand

signals and drawings, I've pretty much gotten my needs across. I

certainly could go to the big department stores, where most sales

clerks speak English, but what's the fun in that?

The day started off with a lovely ride on the Botabus to the Louvre. I

was there when it opened and had no wait. It was a short visit this

time, my 3rd, but inspiring none the less. I left with lists of ideas, on

a mission to see if I could make any of them happen. Several did,

with so many still floating around in my head. Must get those

thoughts down before they fly away! Seriously thinking about taking

up painting. Talent may not be there, but my fingers are just dying to try.

Must say, one of my favorite things to do here is go to the grocery

store. They are tiny and jammed packed, but the packaging is just

extraordinary. I get the same feeling at the Open Markets here and

Farmers Market at home.

Tonight I found a tiny little street cafe that served pasta. I settled in

to soak up the people-watching duties and enjoyed a delicious

linguine with olive oil and red pepper. Light, refreshing and very

tasty. As usual, I came away with some more observations that

I noticed yesterday as well.

Elderly French women are so stylish and full of life. I want to grow

up and be like them. I observed 3 different pairs of 80+ ladies

having a meal together, shopping or just walking down the street.

They often hold hands as they navigate their way. Two such women

sat next to me yesterday at lunch for several hours. They were

drinking wine, giggling and having a grand time. No botox

or plastic surgery needed for these happy gals. They earned

their laugh lines and are darn proud of them. I love that! Makes

me recall a favorite thing my dearest Aunt Ruby (now passed)

said to me. She told me, even at 99, she felt like such a girl.

Keep that one and remember it.

Think I've rambled on long enough for today. I'm excited for tomorrow,

though sad it is my last day here. I have the day crammed with those

last few things I must do and have left plenty of time for "flexibility".

That's when the really good stuff happens.

Au revoir and bon nuit.

Laurie

Two Days, One Sitting

2009-07-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

The days are going by so quickly here and yesterday was a non-stop

adventure. I"ll try to recap yesterday and today in the same post, as

I dropped into bed last night exhausted and didn't journal.

To start off, it is good to note that I actually did not realize until I got

here, by myself, without speaking French, that I might be out of my

comfort zone! Being an independent soul and having a fairly good

sense of direction, I did not give it much thought. Clearly the past

few years being so focused on my business, the girls and keeping

the family running, I really haven't had an adventure nor traveled

alone. Carmel does not count as no passport is needed or nail-

biting plane ride!

So...each morning I get up and head out into the unknown after a

little pep talk that "I can do this". Well, I can. Each night I make a

list of shops I want to visit and go from there. But as I always tell

my kids, "Be flexible".

My plan yesterday was to catch the bus to Le Bon Marche', which

has just been renovated and browse the surrounding area. Well,

the first bus that pulled up to my stop was going to the Galleries

Lafayette, a huge shopping area much like Union Square, in the

Right Bank. Change of plans! Getting there was the easy part.

Problem was, I did not know where to get off the bus and no one

on the bus understood my question. I accidentally rode the

bus to the bus station/end of the line. Just as the bus pulled

into a parking space all the bus doors opened and an 'army of

black suited men and women, holding some sort of tazer-looking

device' got on yelling in French (of course, I had no idea what they

were saying but they would not let anyone off the bus). At this point

I was a little freaked out! Apparently there is a big problem with

people riding the bus without tickets Uh huh, so, this is their idea

of making sure you aren't stealing rides.

Thank god I could find my ticket. But then, I am at the end of the line

and don't know where to go. After a lot of talking to each other (I'm

talking about the black-suited people) about what bus I should get

on, none of which I understood, I board another bus heading to

where I thought I wanted to go. Wrong again. Geez.

Hence my 6-mile walk home. Often in a downpour. My little red rolly

bag and I were undaunted going from main streets to side alleys on

the hunt for those little gems I had on my list of "must sees". OK, so

realistically, some of them were a waste of time; others were closed

for the day (big challenge here is to figure out when things are open)

and a couple were magic. As anyone who loves the hunt knows, the

magic ones are the only ones we remember!

I did make it back to the apartment, just in time to shower and get

ready for a nice dinner out with our friends from Southampton who

are hosting Maddie's Paris visit. Since I had not seen them since

the holidays and I had not seen Maddie in a week, it was a great

to get together and catch up over a lovely meal. Dinner was divine

and our host and waiter were gems.

After dinner, ending at 11:15 p.m. (way past my jammie time), we

headed to the Eiffel Tower! The place was hopping and the gang

decided to head up to the top. An hour later, after seeing the

light show, everyone was down and ready to head home. As our

waiter so sweetly said upon our leaving dinner, "happy memories".

Here we are at today's recap. The weather remains almost perfect.

No rain today, though it doesn't stop anyone. Lots of blue sky,

billowy clouds, cool breezes and fun people to watch! Since it's

Tuesday and most everything (except the museums) are open, I

headed to the Saint Germain area to check out a few places on my

list. Also made a point of going back to several spots right near the

apartment that have been closed Sun/Mon, to sneak a peek. Several

were still closed, so I'll try again tomorrow. Even when my plans

are squashed, I am so enjoying the architecture and feel of each

neighborhood/area. Seeing fabulous doors, door knobs, iron work

and more makes the walk all the more fun.

Today was at a much slower pace (with less heart-pounding), which I

was ready for. I sat for two hours over lunch at an outside cafe,

people-watching and feeling very, very lucky to be here. More than a

few observations about the passerbys, but most better left unsaid!

Needless to say I can share a couple:

• For all my single girlfriends: Come to Paris. The men are beautiful!

Sharp dressers (which usually means they are coming from a job!),

trim (sadly, probably due to the fact they all smoke) and so handsome.

They are everywhere. Really.

• I think we should all ask ourselves, honestly, are our bras doing their

jobs? Realistically, I fear they are not for 90% of the women out there.

I honestly was not focused on any such thing, but it became such a

regular sight, that I had to comment. Ew.

To wrap up, after a great day I usually head back to the apartment

to rest a bit, talk with Richard before he heads to the office and read.

Then about 8-8:30 p.m., I head back out into the neighborhood to

pick up a magazine, stop at the supermarket for bottled water or just

walk to find more things I want photos of. I wonder why I don't do this

more at home?

Tomorrow is off to Le Bon Marche' (hopefully), then a visit to the

Louvre tomorrow night. The museum is open on Wed/Fri nights and

the crowds are long gone by 8. I love to go for the inspiration and

always come away with my head full of ideas of color combinations;

themes and that pure creative rush. Can't wait!

Au revoir 'til tomorrow. Checkout the new photos below!

Laurie

Crazy Day at Marchee aux Puces De Saint-Ouen

2009-07-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

Today was my trip to The Puces (flea market). An experience I won't

soon forget. Guess that the weakness of the US dollar has greatly

affect their sales, as vendors were pulling on me to enter their stalls!

Also a culture shock to leave the 7e and its upscale lifestyle to enter

the 'burbs. Coming out of the Metro you moved along with the throng

of people walking toward the underpass to rue des Rosier. Gypsy-like

stalls are set up everywhere, along with fully set-up stores and alleys

off the main area are full of treats. Soooo many WONDERFUL finds,

I had to start writing down where I had seen things I loved so I could

go back after taking a 'flyover' of the area first. Sadly, so much of

what I loved was too large or too expensive. Worse feeling ever for

us diehard shoppers. The perfect place to furnish an empty Parisian

apt! Definitely lots of brocanteurs (junk) but also stunning pieces.

Odd feeling was the further down the alleys I went, the more I felt like

I had fallen down the rabbit hole. The fear of never finding my way

back to my apartment came up more than a couple of times.

Thankfully, I picked up a few cherished treasures small enough

(and at the right price) to bring back with me. I did find my way back

to my neighborhood and a huge bottle of water. Then a nap ;-)

This evening I walked back down to the Metro at Ecole Militairie

to explore a bit more and window shop (most closed on Sundays

and Mondays) several ceramic shops I had seen earlier. Will

go back on Tuesday.

I'm loving the bus system here. So different from Alameda. They

show up, they are many and they are on time. The Metro and bus

lines use the same tickets, so easy to get around. I'm trying to walk

as much as possible, but a ride now and then is heaven.

Just when I thought I had charged my camera before heading to the

Flea Market today, I did not. New photos of the Eiffel Tower lit up.

A really beautiful sight. More amazing doors and buildings.

Camera is charged for tomorrow.

The weather: Could not be better! It has been cool, sunny with a

lovely breeze each day. It is now 10:15 p.m. and I have the floor

to ceiling windows open to my balcony, as I sit at my little dining

table and write. Heaven. Hmmm. Just noticed that there is no

clip clopping tonight. The horses must have Sundays off.

Tomorrow I head to Bon Marche ~ just completely renovated,

then meeting Maddie and our Southampton friends, who are here

for a month, for a tour of the Eiffel Tower and dinner. Would love

to take in the Batobus if time allows. These boat buses go up

and down the Seine to the most important monuments, Eiffel

Tower, the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay, Notre Dame,

Hotel de Ville and more.

So far I have held back and not had any of the amazing pastries.

Must have at least one before I leave. The more I explore, the

more patisseries and chocolatiers I find. They look like jewels

in the window.

Au revoir!

Laurie

Bonjour from Paris

2009-07-25T05:43:00.000-07:00

I'm here! My little "Kir" apartment, in the 7e right across from

the Eiffel Tower, is tiny but oh so efficient. I love it! Spent

yesterday after arriving exploring my neighborhood, checking

out the best places to buy my daily baguette and latte. Every

building here looks like a monument and the balconies and

iron work are magnificent. I have so many photos of the intricate

doors and fabulous door knobs, sure people around me think I'm

nuts. The flower boxes overflowing with geraniums and ferns are

lovely and a wonderful contrast to all the iron and stone.

The streets are cobble and while lying in bed last night (early as I

had no sleep on the flights over) I heard the clip clop of the horses

hooves as the carriages carried visitors down my street. Only

problem I've encounted so far is telling the difference between my

apartment phone ringing and the doorbell!

Today I walked for miles in the surrounding neighborhood and

made my way to the Open Markets on Rue Cler. Picked up some

wonderful honey, brie, olives, raspberries and a quiche for dinner.

I like going out early in the day and coming back to the apartment

mid-day to rest, write, and plot out tonight's adventure.

I did make note of 5 wonderful shops that I will stop into again before

leaving. I'm "hunting" now and making notes so I will go back to those

things that I've not seen better elsewhere. Few little shops ship to the

U.S., so I have to really love it to use the space in my spare suitcase

to bring it home.

Accessories here are fabulous. The scarves I love alone could fill

my suitcases! Gratefully the apartment had a little rolly bag for

shopping, which I have already employed. The French are not

big on bags or wrappings (very eco-friendly), so everything you buy

you carry out in your own bag. Love it!

I've noticed that most French women here (those that speak French

that sounds like their native language!) wear dresses or skirts and

flats. I've been able to pick out visitors without them even speaking.

The denim gives them away! That and many of the women have

their dogs with them. Tiny, tiny ones ~ probably fit better in their

tiny apartments! Makes me miss my pups at home. They would

be small horses here and they are only 20 lbs!

I've yet to find the flower stalls I want to purchase some nice fresh

flowers for the apartment. Hopefully tomorrow. Only florists in the

neighborhood with arrangements already made up.

Tomorrow is Puces ~ the Flea Market. Since my apartment fills with

sunshine in the a.m., waking up early is easy. I hope to find

linens, dishes, old enamel address signs, and small pieces of art.

More to come. Au revoir!

Laurie

Paris Here I Come!

2009-07-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

This has been an International Summer at our house with both our

children off in other parts of the world and being touched by their

experiences and having some of our own. A highlight was 4 lovely

teenage girls from Finland staying with us for 9 days during the

Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir International Choral Festival.

Choirs from 10 countries and states came together for a week of

bridging cultures through music. Being a small part of the amazing

team planning this event for over a year, then seeing it all come

together this week has been thrilling. Truly unforgettable.

But now I'm ready for some concentrated "hunting"!

In just a few days, I leave for Paris to comb the flea markets and

street fairs all over the City of Lights. I'm staying in a charming

apartment overlooking the Eiffel Tower in the 7E, just a couple of

blocks from the Rue de Cler Open Markets. Many days will also

be spent soaking up inspiration from the art galleries and couture

shops. Fashion and interior design go hand-in-hand, with trends in

color and style crossing over. Walking the City, taking in the sights

and boating down the Seine (not to mention eating all the fabulous

foods!), should keep my creative juices on overload. I plan to blog

each day to let you in on what I've found. To say I'm excited would

be an understatement!

The HUNT for a new location for "Thrill of the Hunt" continues. I

know the perfect spot is out there, it just hasn't presented itself yet.

I appreciate all of your ideas, referrals and positive wishes. It is a

leap of faith to move "Thrill" from its cozy nest, but I'm a believer in

the possibility of great things, so keep the ideas coming!

The next "Thrill of the Hunt" is September 27th, Sunday only. The

Annual Heritage House Tour is that same day. Be sure to check back

for details on hours of operation and location of my sale. French finds

will be unpacked and ready for you to take a little piece of Paris to

your house.

Enjoy the rest of your Summer ~

Au revoir!

Laurie

Thrill of the Hunt is on the move!

2009-05-25T15:40:00.001-07:00

Yes, time has come to move from my sweet little cottage to a bigger, more permanent and year-round, weather-friendly spot for Thrill of the Hunt events. I am planning on offering more furniture and accent pieces, larger antiques and more of the fun stuff I've always had. Monthly Thrill of the Hunt events, special artist showings, and private party bookings are also on the agenda. In order to make all the ideas swimming around in my head come to fruition, I need the perfect spot to call Thrill's home.

That's where you all come in. After looking for a couple of months, finding a few that ultimately were not a good fit, I need help! I am hoping to find a funky industrial location (minimum 1,000 sf) around other active businesses or a single story house in a commercial/residential zone to rent/lease here on the main island. SO, if you know or hear of anything that could be a spot to house my design studio and monthly Thrill of the Hunt events, please let me know. I'll follow-up on all leads. Perfect situation would be to move in by September 1, but I'm flexible!

A September 27th Thrill of the Hunt event is still on the calendar, location to be determined!

Thanks for your never-ending support and help with my search! I'll keep you posted on my progress, so check back often.

Enjoy the last few days of Spring,

Laurie

Thrilling Updates

2009-05-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

So much is happening behind the scenes, even though

Thrill of the Hunt is between events. I just finalized my

travel plans for a week in Paris to hunt out the best

treasures for your home and garden. I'll be staying in

the 7th arrondissement on the Left Bank, right in the hub

of the Rue Cler open markets and a quick Metro ride to

Les Puces (world-famous flea market)! I have a view of

the Eiffel Tower out my apartment balcony, with sidewalk

cafes and bakeries out my front door. Heaven! I'm

counting down the days until I leave, except for the flying

part.

Late August, I'm heading down to the Pacific Design Center

and beyond into LaJolla and San Diego. LaJolla is a magical

place to hunt for treasures and garden antiques. Sure to

bring home some great finds for my next sales event. Of

course, my opinion has always been that any time spent at

the sea is time well spent.

Be sure to check back regularly as the date of my next

event is in flux at the moment. While adding the service of

accepting credit cards for my design services, design client

and Thrill purchases, I've also been busy working on a few

other surprises as my business grows. I promise you'll be

the first to know when all is settled.

Keep me in mind for those room updates, when you need

something special for a gift or you are redoing the whole

house! Most of us are staying home more and entertaining

outside as the weather warms up, freshening up your place

with a few well-chosen items can make all the difference.

Enjoy these last few weeks of the school routine as the

lazy days of Summer are rushing toward us.

Laurie

Laurie Ricksecker, Interior Design and Thrill of the Hunt News

2009-03-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

Starting April 1st, I'll be accepting VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards for my design services and all items purchased through my design business and Thrill of the Hunt. Hopefully this addition will assist my clients and Thrill customers with their purchases. I'm thrilled with this latest addition to my business, enabling me to further provide superior customer service. I hope this serves as a great step forward to improving and growing my business.

Laurie

WOW ~ What a "Thrill"!

2009-03-23T17:49:00.000-07:00

Honestly, the best Thrill ever. A tad nippy, weather-wise, but all the great people coming through really warmed up the place. Thank you to all who came by; to all who sent or brought friends, neighbors and family members; to those of you faithful supporters who talked us up and to all the "newbees" who took a chance and came, sight unseen. Without all of you, I would not be here, doing what I love and letting my 'inner shopkeeper' shine.

While I won't be having an official Thrill of the Hunt again until September 27th, you are always welcome to contact me for an appointment to come through. I would be happy to open for those of you who have expressed disappointment that I wasn't having an event when your sister/friend/cousin/mother came into town OR when you just could not find that perfect piece for the Dining Room! Remember too, artists who have shown their wares at Thrill of the Hunt are just a phone call away. The beautiful jewelry of Janice Cavalli, impressionist paintings from Suzanne Etienne, embellished mirrors from Kari Thompson and soul-touching photography from Anne Kohler can be purchased through me year-round.

Keep checking back into my blog for design ideas; things happening around the Bay that just might interest those of you who love all things "home" and, of course, news about what's up with Thrill of the Hunt and Laurie Ricksecker, Interior Designer.

Enjoy Spring and keep nesting!

Laurie