I strongly suggest you do something nice for yourself this next month and book an appointment with aesthetician extraordinaire, Cheryl McKereghan. My friend, Olivia, who has exquisite skin (see below) introduced me to Cheryl years ago and I’ve never looked back. My other friend Wini Burkeman (see below again)  is blessed with gorgeous skin too, but attributes some of it’s beauty to Cheryl as well. So go make that call now – the holidays are rapidly approaching and you’ll be the better for it. In addition to making your skin feel great she’ll work miracles on your body with massage. A perfect gift for yourself and loved ones.

Lovely Olivia of the perfect skin club

Gorgeous Wini of the same club

This past Saturday I drove to the North Willamette Valley with my Mom, sister and niece for an afternoon of arranging flowers. Our friends own Red Ridge Farms, a beautiful vineyard and olive oil farm that has been lovingly cared for over the last 4o years – they’ve added olive trees, lavender fields, a nursery and even an overnight cottage.  The class took place in their newly added event space and was filled with plants collected from the property:  gourds, curly willow, echinacea, sedum, eucalyptus and rosemary that we made centerpieces out of. It was a beautiful way to spend the afternoon surrounded by family, flowers and a fireplace.

Next weekend they are having the third annual Olio Nuova Festa to celebrate this year’s harvest. Spend the afternoon tasting fresh pressed olive oil, sampling wines and sharing bruschetta with other wine and olive lovers. If you are in the Portland area, I highly recommend it. It’s a really special place.

Today’s “Touch” segment in Loving’s Five Senses examines Tini Bloom and her existential jewelry line, Etten-Eller.

Initially inspired by a friend’s grandfather, a watch repairman, who died an untimely death on his 96th birthday, Cristina Bloom designs pieces that expose vintage pocket watches’ inner mechanisms: etching, gems, gears, and hands – normally hidden from view. Subsequent seasons include diverse materials such as recycled vinyl, African phono-record beads, snake vertebrae, and metal springs. Every single object joins a unique history and life lesson with strong aesthetic appeal.

‘Tis so fitting that Tini should choose a collection name so similar to the title of Søren Kierkegaard’s existential masterpiece, “Enten-Eller” (ed. Danish for “Either-Or”), which explores the aesthetic and ethical stages of human existence by portraying two life views, one consciously hedonistic, and the other based on ethical duty and responsibility. The first part full of Don Juanism, skepticism, and the second part toned down and conciliating, ending with a sermon that is said to be quite excellent.

Etten-Eller speaks to Bloom’s relentless search for depth and meaning in all aspects of her life, inevitably manifesting itself her beautiful design.  Do you need more reasons to love her? We think not.

Beautiful beads.

A stack of golden bars.

An existential masterpiece.

In today’s “Touch” segment of Loving’s Five Senses, we introduce the magical Gary Graham, who has enthralled us with his pagan grid embroideries and rustic shepherd knits. With a background in costume and textile design, Gary Graham masters beauty in dichotomy, pitting light against dark and pairing rustic patterns with refined drapes.

Known for his cerebral backstories and research-heavy inspirations, Graham’s Fall/Winter 2011 Collection draws us into a faraway world of heros and faeries; channeling an ancient mythological vibe portrayed in Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” or Gunnlaugr’s Sagas. Pull on the maroon & sand Knit Drape Cardigan and transport yourself to a misty winter wood, bow & arrow in hand. Pair the Grey Wool Grid Embroidery Cape with a quartz necklace and you will be ready for your sorcerer’s wand.

The shepherd dress, the perfect fireplace companion.

The Knit Drape Cardigan is pure craftsmanship.

And something blue – all shades of peacock, to be exact. Come see the beautiful, brilliant new baubles from an old friend: Katie Finn of Elizabeth Street. Turquoise, lapis lazuli, and labradorite, oh my!