Temple's Blog

Already Sprung!

2012-02-01T21:18:17Z

This has been a mighty warm winter, and most of us are already feeling spring fever. How we enjoy throwing our doors open and letting the fresh air in- both literally and figuratively. It is time to monopolize on the renewed energy for life that Spring inspires. After the long drought and winter, our eyes have tired of all things dormant. While nature works her magic, we too have some sprucing up to do: it is time to do our part to breathe new life into these beautiful hills!

At River House, we completely flipped the store in honor of Spring, giving us a feeling of newness and fun. We have pulled all things winter, and are enjoying the new spring and summer accessories as they arrive from market. At the EmilyAnn Theatre we have broken ground for the new Education and Performance Complex, making way for year round classes, performances and community events. Yes, this energy feels great!

At home we all have several little projects that, once tackled, will keep our spirits high. Tending to the art on our walls can be a great place to start, especially after this dusty drought. Gently cleaning and possibly shuffling those treasured works from wall to wall, or room to room can really make our homes feel fresh. A trip to Lorrie Dunk's LT Frame Shop can provide much needed solutions, solving pet peeves (not all frames are wonderful), and enlivening some deserving pieces. With the Wimberley Art Fest on the horizon in April, now is also a good time to take note of spaces where a new piece might be just the ticket!

Decide what is important to you and go for it! My plan this year is to search high and low for a long table for my covered porch - one that can accommodate many more friends than the one I now have. What's on your list now that spring has sprung?

Pictured below is local artist Cleve Ragan-- who was our featured artist for a previous Wimberley Art Fest.

That Time of Year Again!

2011-12-28T20:28:31Z

It is that time of year again, and I need to get my act in gear. How can I possibly pick a single New Year's resolution out of the myriad improvements that I need to make? Happily, I recall that a wise man once told me, "When in doubt take a quiet overview of yourself, then do the next right thing". In other words, what sort of person do I want to be and what will I do next to get there? The first time I heard this, I thought surely this exercise would overwhelm me; surely I would disappoint. But in truth I found the exercise to be strangely liberating and invigorating! So here goes:

On the world stage, I would like to continue to learn about other cultures, to stay alert to what is going on, to send prayers to those who suffer, and to make educated decisions at the polls. Last year my resolution was to participate more with family and friends and see each other more often, and I am happy to say that I did (learning how to buy airline tickets with "miles" really helped realize that dream!). How about you? If you had success, spread the word; if not, what is your "next right thing?" Keep it simple and doable!

This year, my goals are right here at home. I would like to be a better volunteer for the EmilyAnn, helping to support the community in which I so joyfully live. But I will definitely need more stamina proceed! To stay close to friends and family, focus on River House, and participate in the community, I am going to have to build up my energy level and address some physical challenges that age has brought to bear. Oh #%*- this means exercise, self discipline, walkin' the dog! Well, I never said that moving forward was painless. But if from this simple deduction, I get energy, health, time and focus, then, good grief, it's a no brainer! I hope that you choose well and have a very Happy New Year!

HoHo Already

2011-12-01T17:41:44Z

HoHo! It is already time to ready our homes and hearths where our families and friends will soon gather in celebration of Christmas or of the holiday season. We must slow down a bit to reflect on the joys of Christmases past and on the loved ones with whom we hope to celebrate next week - yes, next week!

I have found that some family traditions are well worth keeping. Every Christmas Eve, my parents hosted an open house for all of their friends and their families. Dad set up games and a train in the family room for the kids. The "Growns" had a delicious spicy milk-punch and other libations to choose from, while we youngsters sussed each other out, and became shyly reaquainted. There was food and fun and lots of friendship shared.

My Christmas Eves here in Wimberley are a conscious continuation those traditions - faith, loving family, and friends at the center of it all. Setting up my collection of nativities is first on my home agenda - a delightful process, requiring much thought and adjustment. Trimming a fresh cut tree, hanging wreaths and stockings, and deciding what in the world to do with the table come next. And as it happens, the Hays County fire ban has been lifted at long last- so we can even get the fire screen cleaned up and the logs set too!

A tasty ham with a nice Russian potato salad, homemade chile and rice with all the fixin's, a lemon cake from The Sugar Shack , pecan pies from Wimberley Pie Company topped off with some delicious spiked milk punch, and aromatic coffee from Sip ought to get my group in the mood for the long winter's night, and for celebration on Christmas day..

As you prepare for your family celebrations, we at River House thank you for your patronage and wish you love and joy this season.

PS Hope to see you at the EmilyAnn on the Trail of Lights- what fun!!

Thanksgiving Delights

2011-11-09T19:04:22Z

One of the perks of the holiday season is that it presents a wonderful excuse to take time to peruse recipes, and think about great food! There are innumerable resources for seasonal culinary delights: the online wonder Epicurious.com and good old Martha Stewart , to name a couple. And of course, family recipes deserve serious consideration as we honor our history and enhance our traditions. I lick my lips as I read through the recipes I have accumulated, hoping to settle on a delectable menu to thrill my loved ones’ taste-buds. That, in itself, is a challenge, but the biggest test for me is always time. It is important to be very realistic, and carefully plan my time around work, conversation and rest. I select recipes for Thanksgiving dinner (served at around 2 at our house) which can be successfully accomplished in the free time I have before everyone takes a seat.

Now to consider the visuals of Thanksgiving. It takes only a glance outside to thank our lucky stars that the Texas Hill Country is HOME. Bring the colors that are so prominent out-of-doors into your table- oranges, yellows and rust. Add a complimentary color to make them ‘pop”; dark plum or rich aqua candles and napkins could work well. Pull out your beautiful oven- to- table stoneware, dinnerware and serving pieces to be sure they are ready to go. Pre-prepare any recipe that can be made in advance, and refrigerate.

Weather permitting, start Thanksgiving Day on your porch or patio- your house guests will love it! Decorate the patio table (or your coffee table in front of the fire) with orange, yellow and purple pansies. Be sure that the insulated coffee carafe is ready for company and the rolls are in the warmer. Lastly, be secure in the fact that guests LOVE help themselves to a leisurely morning! Preplanning tasks that you would like to pass on to helpers definitely makes the day more pleasant. If you are organized enough, it will be a breeze! At noon, orchestrate the setting of the table; 12:30 pm, set out some good locally made cheeses, pears, apples and nuts, served with chilled wine or icy spiced tea. At 1:30 carve the Turkey and lay out the feast. And at 2, count your blessings and enjoy!

Watcha Wearin'?

2011-09-28T21:55:51Z

With the cool weather, I am always thrilled with the variety of textures that fall insinuates into our lives. Great looking accessories are pulled out of our drawers: nubby scarves, rich leather hand bags and cozy mittens. Beautiful fall-colored clothing comes out of storage- exciting after the siege of summer. As in spring, the wonderful weather gives each of us a sense of renewal as we march into the holiday season.

Creating a fresh fall/winter look is easier than ever these days, and accessories are the name of the game. With wonderful textiles in plentiful supply, a new scarf can resurrect a favorite jacket or outfit. LowenHide and Spartina hand bags have tickled my fancy this season, with Spartina’s handsome fall prints and LouenHide’s luscious soft-to-the-touch barrel bags. And at the international Folk Festival in Santa Fe this summer, I found some terrific wearable treasures from India as well.

As a buyer I am always looking for the best in all price ranges, and with this economy, I really look to cover all the bases in the wearable accessories that we offer. What has caught my attention these past few years is how many really well made products are available at every price point. With the cost of precious metals sky rocketing, some superb jewelry designers like Susan Shaw and Jill Fannin have put time and technology to work to make some extremely tasteful plated pieces. Several other artists provide us with exquisitely fun jewelry using a wide variety of non-precious colorful materials. One of the things I love best about my work is the surprise of discovering new product lines in unexpected places. For example, my niece from Santa Fe showed up to visit wearing a very distinctive Minetta sterling silver necklace that I could not take my eyes off of, and another evening my neighbor arrived for a dinner party wearing some fantastic Alaya Barr earrings – River House now offers both lines!

Picking up just a few great new accent pieces can make our trusty old wardrobes feel new again, and put a fresh lilt to our step. So, what are you wearing?

Why Wait for Mother Nature?

2011-08-30T16:54:59Z

by Temple Wynne 8.27.2011

On the cusp of fall, we look forward to wonderful cool weather, beautiful fall colors, and most importantly - positive change. Kiddos settle into the new school year, and the grown-ups gladly break their routines, getting out and about as often as possible, planning weekend getaways, and planting fall gardens. The boost that a change can give us humans is undeniable. But why leave this boost to our psyches solely to Mother Nature?

There is much that you and I can do to effect change in our lives that will cheer our souls, almost as much as a fresh, cool breeze. Some of these actions are truly simple. We can call those folks who keep popping into our thoughts, take a neighbor to a fun movie, or start a reasonable exercise program. We can wait until something in nature satisfies our desire for a beautiful sight, or we can work a bit to create it as well. I am lucky - I am surrounded by friends, colleagues and customers who inspire me in this last endeavor. Always conscious of the positive effect that a lovely, workable environment has on the human spirit, these friends seem unusually aware that small changes in home visuals can make a big difference in our daily lives. Yep, take a moment to consider the possibilities.

Don't let your home stagnate: rework the focal points in your main rooms to help generate that delightful feeling that seasonal change brings. Some folks decorate with florals with great success. Handsome pieces by designer, Jan Barboglio act as focal anchors in my living/dining room. To effect change, I play to the designer's strength with bold color in bowls of hard fruit, a colorful candle and fresh flowers. To pique further interest, we can shuffle smaller items in the room, and maybe recover a few pillows to compliment fall. These simple changes always surprise and delight the eye when we walk through rooms that we have long taken for granted. We should allow our homes to remind us that life is moving happily forward; yes, Mother Nature and we can work hand-in-hand on this one!

Up and away! by Temple Wynne

2011-07-25T22:30:43Z

At this point in the hot Texas summer, even I have had to cry uncle. I normally chide folks who complain too loudly about the Texas heat as if it were somehow novel, but this year's high temps arrived in spades, testing the resolve of even the toughest Texans. To my way of thinking, a little get-away is nothing at all to be ashamed of!

Having just returned from just such a respite, I can tell you that a change in temperature, if only for a few days, can renew the spirit and refresh one's attitude considerably. This year I traveled up into the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico to visit old friends who have built a totally green, self sufficient summer house at 8,000 ft, in the Santa Fe National Forest. My friend John first heard about land conservation as a child,(long before "going green" was fashionable) from his Cub Scout master Bill Clements , our former Gov. Some 50-odd years later, John, his wife, and a bevy of friends have designed, engineered, and hand-built the perfect little cabin-in-the -woods. Having a chance to breathe fresh mountain air and participate in this adventure with my friends really made my heart sing, and I returned home, not only refreshed, but inspired. John suggests "going green" at my house, bit by bit, so as to chip away at the expense in a manageable way. Solar panels here I come!

Make travel this summer easy: I used airline miles to buy my ticket- perfecto! I absolutely love my 4 wheel, hard sided carry-on that glides comfortably along beside me instead of dragging behind me - something to think about when replacing older luggage. When the time comes, top your experience off with a spacious Baggallini tote slipped securely onto the handle of your suitcase, grab a River House sun hat, and have a refreshing time out there!

An Art Feast!

2011-06-21T20:52:00Z

It really is a hot time in the city. Every Texan that I see is sporting cool, loose clothing and flip flops, putting it all together according to his or her original style [at River House the ladies are loving Lindsay Phillips' wide array of "switchable" fashion sandals and shoes!]. But once all dressed for the heat, what's a girl or guy to do to stay engaged with life in the dead of summer?

The first thing that comes to my mind is "let's go feast our eyes"! Creative people are forever making original art work that is wonderful to the eye and nourishing to the soul. Local galleries and summer art fairs are prime targets for fun outings, and who knows, you might find something extraordinary for your home. Here in Wimberley, with the Berman Gallery and multiple fine artists represented around town, we do not have to go far to become inspired.

But before heading out, it never hurts to do a thoughtful study of the rooms in which we live or work. We spend a huge amount of our time in these spaces, so we should really enjoy what we see there. As I write, I recognize that I have a couple of places on my walls where paintings that no longer engage my interest currently hang, and where at least one picture frame is begging to be replaced. We each have a couple of prime spaces in our homes that are filled with items that we have never particularly bonded with. We can plan to gradually replace these items with art work or well crafted items that truly make our heart sing!

Our personal tastes in art will always be evolving, and require exposure - window shopping as we discover work that really floats our boat. Museum visits and gallery hopping are great ways to continually enlighten ourselves about what is out there. It is a virtual movable feast! Let's get out there and drink it all in - a stimulating pass-time on a hot summer day.

A Favorite Find

2011-05-24T22:00:38Z

My mother was a woman of great taste and frugal habit, and at her side I learned to enjoy the hunt for a wonderful treasure to grace my home - something beautiful or just plain cool! Antiquing with her was always a blast, and learning to assess the good, the mediocre and the flat out ugly with efficient speed is a skill that I have appreciated all of my life. As a result of my dear mama's influence, and my own curiosity, I am insatiably drawn not only to seeing what is being made, but how, and with what materials. In my personal life, wandering through an arts festival or an interesting store is a fun pass time in and of itself. How about you? How do you go about collecting for your home? What is your favorite new find?

Folks frequently ask how I find the merchandise for River House. For this, the hunt can be a lot more arduous. Sure, I find individual vendors here and there, but the huge wholesale home & gift "markets" (housing hundreds of showrooms, featuring thousands of vendors showing their new products, with the merchandise constantly changing) are also part of the job. For this hunt, good shoes and moving at a quick clip is the mode of pursuit.

You never know where a great find might lurk. At one such market, I entered a showroom which showed nothing out front to recommend it, but inside I made my favorite find of the year- Rose Ann Hall's candles and glassware. I personally owned one of the wonderful Santa Rosa candles, so I recognized them, but the real surprise was their fabulous etched glassware. I love it when a find makes my heart jump, and this glassware does! I was doubly in luck because co-owner of the company Charlie Hall was there to tell me all about the processes they use. Charlie personally operates their factory in San Miguel where artisans (paid a living wage) blow and hand carve the glassware from recycled glass, make candles, and craft copper. Upon investigation, I learned that the Halls are well known for their fair trade practices, employing a growing number of physically handicapped artisans. A true find for River House!

I love it when that happens, don't you?!

Mixin' It Up!

2011-05-19T22:13:48Z

I am excited to see the current American trends in dinnerware selection- more open minded and exciting! It used to be that a bride and groom registered for one formal china pattern, one pottery pattern, one crystal, etc, and that was it-they were done. Serving pieces, everything, "matched" in the same patterns. While a table filled with a single pattern can look beautiful, it is inevitably boring, boring, boring. I cannot count how many people have told me that they haven't pulled their china out in years!

Now, couples of all ages seem determined to put their own marks on their dining styles and add some pizzaz to their tables- what fun! The beauty of a fine traditional china is complimented and softened with a richly glazed pottery charger rather than with a tablecloth. Hand thrown pottery is dressed up with sparkling glassware or formal crystal. Beautiful ceramic and pewter platters and bowls bring a splash of color, texture and individual style to the table. The addition of a single textile from African, India, New England or the American Southwest changes the look of the table from one meal to the next.

No longer are we following the staid British mandates of what is proper, but we are back to our adventurous roots! Many newly weds forgo the fine china altogether, choosing a beautiful, microwavable pottery for everyday and special occasions. And at least part of the credit for the change in attitude may come from the designers themselves. Fine lines like Vietri, Match and Jan Barboglio have been designing dinnerware which encourage the imagination and lend themselves to individualistic interpretation. International trade has made gorgeous Mexican, Italian, Indian and Asian lines accessible as well. Mixing ceramics, pewter, iron and hammered metals into the equation makes setting a buffet a much more interesting proposition as well. Ah, life is good, and sometimes it only takes a small addition to make our dining experience seem fresh and new.

Share the Wealth!

2011-03-10T23:13:00Z

I have always been amazed by the sheer number of good, interesting folks that populate our world; they are there at every turn. What's hard is finding time to get acquainted. Don't be shy, ask them over and share the wealth that fellowship offers! Stir them into your mix of friends and assume the best. Easter is upon us - what better time than this to make room for one (two or seven) more at your table?

First, forget about the limitations of your dining table. Plan to pull out your light weight folding tables and chairs. If you don't already have some, they are inexpensive and well worth storing for occasions like this. Yes, they are less than lovely, but are just the ticket for an expanded guest list. Then call around to your favorite people, and get the guest list rolling. Plan a menu of spring time favorites: spiced iced tea, excellent cheeses, deviled eggs, a Mexican shrimp and avocado dish, carrot salad, and a nice ham from "Ham I Am". I usually ask my guests to bring desserts or finger food to keep things Interesting.

Next, get out the brooms and brush down the entire porch, ceiling to deck, eradicating all signs of red wasps and winter webs! Fill planters and vases with potted plants (be sure to select plants that will later grace your garden like dianthus and lilies) and lively bouquets. Line the tables end to end on the porch or in your garden and dress the them with your favorite textiles- a variety of style and texture can be fun on a day that is traditionally celebrated with so much color.

Set a buffet with some of your family treasures. I am particularly fond of the hand finished pewter that I received as wedding gifts. Pewter gets a lot more use at my house than almost anything else, as it requires almost no care, and looks so beautiful. Mix your colorful ceramics into the equation to add to the fun.

When guests arrive, oversee or delegate introductions for new comers, an all important feature of broadening your mix of friends, for sure. Before you know it, the afternoon is full of good conversation, good food, and good fun. Enjoy!

Warms the Cockles

2010-09-16T17:50:00Z

For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to the beautifully hand painted majolica pottery from the Gorky Gonzales family of Guanajuato, Mexico. Traveling with my family to San Miguel in the late 50’s, I was dazzled by the beautiful designs in Mediterranean colors of cobalt blue, green, rust and yellow painted over oyster-crème colored glaze – so very different from the rather dull porcelain “everyday” china that I was accustomed to at home. These plates had colorful leafy borders with rabbits, foxes and deer in the centers; I could not believe my great good fortune that even kids were allowed to use it! Little did I know then that Mr. Gonzales, widely known as just “Gorky”, was a world famous ceramicist, or that I would collect his work for most of my life!

Today, Americans have wised up to the wonderful offerings for our tables from abroad. We have come to value that which our eyes see day after day and are willing to deviate from the usual big box store fare to seek out something different and special for our families. The good news is that the Gonzales family is still producing the high quality pottery that it was known for way-back-then. When I was shopping a few years ago for my store, River House in Wimberley , I visited the Gorky studio in Guanajuato to verify their standards for myself. This company, now managed by Gorky Gonzales Jr., is still decorating and firing its terracotta clay to the highest standards on the market - all food safe and FDA approved for sale in the US. While they now have some modern designs, the wonderful traditional Gorky designs are still my favorites. Whether you like a motif with charros, birds, deer or simply floral designs, Gorky’s artisans can put various borders and center designs together to delight each person at your table. Seeing a table laid with delightful Gorky dinnerware continues to make me hungry (for Mexican food!) and warms the cockles of my heart!

Switch It, Quick!

2010-08-11T16:32:45Z

"Delightful" is the word for the switchable/changeable features of some of today's most creative ladies' accessories. Spatial and financial economy may be what initially draws customers to these products, but "fun" is what keeps them coming back for more. With our Lindsay Phillips shoes and Miché bags, River House customers are having a blast!

Lindsay Phillips’s great looking Switchflops evolved from a highschooler’s art project into a ridiculously comfortable line of thong sandals with colorful, switchable straps; she also offers cute ballet flats and heels with a wide variety of switchable snaps. From tailored to the blingiest of bling, there are styles for all tastes.

Swichflops Ballet

The Miché bag is great because you can change the entire style of your hand bag by simply changing the magnetic “shell” (or outsides) of the bag. Forget all of the time and hassle of transferring your things for one bag to another; with Miché you can have a new look in 3 seconds or less! Three sizes of Miché “base” bags and over 50 shells in every style imaginable are available to our customers. Even the stylish bag handles are switchable!

The reasonable price-points and space-saving qualities of both lines make Lindsay Phillips and Miché shoes and accessories perfect for avid travelers and fashion plates of all ages! Check out selections at SWITCHFLOPS.COM and MICHEBAG.COM. Call (512-847-7009) or email us ( info@riverhousewimberley.com ) and River House will be happy to send you any items that suit your fancy from either line.

Guest Magnet!

2010-04-26T23:08:00Z

With our wedding chapels, rivers and glorious hill country views, folks are flocking in for a visit. Yes, living in God's country means being a favorite destination for friends and niňitos, and I love it. However, with busy schedules all around, planning ahead for a good time to visit can be challenging. And as much as we may revere old fashioned hosting ways, and enjoy romping around this blessed countryside, the prospect of inserting 2-3 days of entertaining into the calendar can be overwhelming. From their perspective, friends and kids often find a few days open, but hate to "impose on short notice". Ah, a dilemma! Perhaps it is time to move away from the traditional vision of what having house guests means. Rather than looking at the prospect of guests from an antiquated perspective- which means that we should clear our schedules completely in order to spend every minute entertaining and squiring our guests- why not adopt a more user friendly attitude? Why not put everyone at ease? Think about your own comfort zone, and plan accordingly.

Rather than miss a chance to visit, I have issued a standing invitation to my own crew. All they have to do is call, and if I have a free bed, it is theirs. If this sounds like a bed and breakfast, it sort of is. It works very well for me, and sets the tone for the visit itself, saying- relax, take it easy, and welcome to a self-serve little piece of heaven. If this approach sounds appealing to you, then as the scouts say- be prepared:

Stock as many staples as you can, including bottled water, and other beverages. We have an extra fridge in the garage for this purpose.
Freeze caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees and some great bread or rolls, just in case as breakfast is likely to be your first meal together.
Keep guest rooms, baths and daybeds ready, with clean sheets towels soap etc. Doing this just after the space is vacated works best for me.
Make time for the Grocery or farmers' market right before arrival.
Keep directions handy to restaurants, shopping destinations, golf courses and scenic hill country venues. Send them off on a fun adventure- they will have many tales to tell over dinner.

And last but not least, be sure to keep a table on the porch clear of debris and ready for company. Relax, and enjoy your visit!

N2JKZH3WWRPD

Step Right Up!

2010-04-13T13:52:00Z

Life feels so much greater when there is a spring in our step. It is time to wake up, get moving, and let ourselves be gratified! We all have tasks that are MUSTS, so let's take care of these first, and quickly. Keep things simple and forward moving. Put the things that you like to do least at the top of the list, dispatch them with haste and feel great about it. Tidy up the house, file all those tax papers, ready the porch for company and move on. Success is the ticket!

Nothing feels better or gives one more energy than lending a helping hand: let ourselves be relied upon. Offer a few hours each week to others. Talking heads promise that "getting out of ourselves" by helping others can bring great rewards, and I can see that it's true. I have never met such delightful people as those who serve so generously here in the Texas Hill Country, and they have so much fun doing it! Our community offers myriad opportunities to keep things moving in a positive direction. Helping at The Village Store on behalf of The EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens, for example, generates real dollars to the heart of our community. The Crisis Bread Basket and our library's literacy programs also come to mind. Sign up, suit up and show up. Just do it if only for a few hours- we can see that every little bit truly does help.

And lastly, enjoy this gorgeous Spring with folks you have been meaning to ask over. Pick up the phone and get things rolling. Maybe start (out of doors, of course) with a tangy martini or tart lemonade. Salty almonds and tomato-basil pesto brochette might be tasty. Serve a generous, crunchy shrimp salad (there are some great, quick recipes available online), sour dough toasts with aged gouda cheese, and fresh grilled mixed squash with fresh dill. Top it off with lemon meringue pie. Yes, let's step right up to life this Spring - we'll all be glad we did!

A Doozy!

2010-03-04T21:05:00Z

Our waterways are running at full tilt and spring buds are beginning to burst forth. How long must we wait to play in the fresh water rivers and creeks? How many garden centers must we bypass waiting for the proper time to plant? I can just taste the fresh lettuce, spinach and radishes that I plan to serve to my guests this spring! While we wait for the waters and soils to warm, there is still plenty we can be doing. Now is the time to plan and prepare our kitchen gardens and to clean kayaks and tubes. It is the perfect time to think about what can be done to get our outdoor environments ready for warm weather fun!

The winter months were harder than usual on our outdoor living spaces, with winds whipping juniper pollen here and yon, and temperatures varying wildly. Our furniture and fabrics have taken a beating, and many usually winter-hardy plants have been horribly damaged. All in all, some action is definitely necessary before company comes!

Cleaning and shifting things around will work miracles in outdoor areas. Take the space down to bare bones, removing clutter and faded pillows. Put all pots off to one side and nurse or replace the damaged plants. Be sure to prepare at least a few containers that could be used handily indoors when needed. Clean everything from the top of the porch to the ground, then stand back and take a long look at the area. Shift the furniture, even a bit, to give a fresh feel. Look at your colors and freshen your fabrics. Where would a blast of blue or another new color be a blessing? Haul it, pot it and place it!

Now that you have done your part, sit back and let nature do the rest; spring should be cherished for the sheer simplicity of it all. Without any direction from us, the Hill Country blooms and this year may be a doozy! Invest in some lovely teas, grow a little mint, and get ready for the magic of spring!

Charmed!

2010-02-01T18:48:00Z

Do you have charm bracelets tucked away? Well I do: Mine, my mama's and my grandmother's. I thought that collecting charms was a thing of my distant past, but as my oldest granddaughter approaches her teen years, I have occasion to think again! Looking around, I am impressed by the innovative cable bracelets and bead charms on the market today (SilveRado is my fave) in sterling, gold, Morano glass and crystal. They are a quieter and less likely to snag fabrics than the bracelets of old- huge plusses! With my interest reawakened, I also became curious about where and why charm collecting began.

Considered a necessity by the people of ancient Egypt, charms were collected and worn as protective talismans during life, and served as identity markers in the afterlife. Around the world, people of different cultures have followed similar practices for health, religious and social reasons. But during the Victorian era, as the public became more educated and superstition waned, charms began to be used in another way altogether- as decoration! Queen Victoria herself set the style by wearing multiple charm bracelets laden with photo charms of her children, Prince Albert's watch fob, etc, and the fashion took off! As the trend gained momentum, charms began to be mass produced in more affordable materials and were attainable by the general public in 14K gold, sterling silver and gilded pot metal. During the wars of the 20th Century, soldiers searched for bracelets and commemorative charms for their sweethearts back home. Cities, vacation destinations, special events and popular icons commissioned charms for sale to the public, and collecting became a heartfelt pass-time for millions. One at a time, carefully chosen- what fun!

My original bracelet is loaded with charms signifying my birth, my teen loves and my early travels. I love it. Now I will collect for my new bracelet and for my granddaughter (yes one for you and one for me). How fun is that? Thank you, Charmed!

All Decked Out! by Temple Wynne

2009-12-21T21:40:00Z

Now that River House is well into Christmas, I turn my attention to my home - yikes - " the cobbler's children . . . !" After looking the holiday décor in my retail store for several weeks, it is hard to think about more. But grandchildren are coming and it's time to persevere!

In an effort to rekindle enthusiasm for decorating at home, my mind wanders back to the family gatherings of my childhood. I recall my childish awe: the meaning of Christmas, heartfelt and warm, which still enfolds me every Christmas season. The beauty of it all was splendid to my young eye! Decorating began one week before Christmas, and the metamorphosis was astounding; I could not believe that so much effort went into something just for us! Then there was the food: chili, spice round, divinity and fudge; what could possibly be more wonderful?

Now I know that to transform one's home into Christmas can be done with less fanfare than I imagined. Wreaths, tree, ribbon, and stockings are musts. Keep everything else simple. In your main room, select one color (red,white, gold, silver, copper, green) to mix lightly Into your regular décor. Tie ribbon on candlesticks and tray handles - just enough to look festive. It does not take much to transform the room when a beautiful tree is the focal point.

Make a good pot of chili (put chopped garnishes in baggies) and some spicy pork posole a few days before Christmas, and save it at the back of the fridge. After the tree, Christmas morning, a big breakfast of eggs, posole, sweet rolls and fruit is appreciated by all; good coffee and hot chocolate rule. Lounge out for the rest of the day, having chili and rice sometime midday, and enjoy all things Christmas!

PS - We are very grateful for our loyal patrons and friends, from near and far, who have called and/or come to shop with us at River House this year. Thank you!

Full of Surprises

2009-08-21T14:46:00Z

Summer is the time when many of us are apt to cut loose and seek out a little adventure. I am no exception, and this summer’s adventures were full of surprises! First, I found that I was scheduled to be half way around the world in Indonesia; yep, Jakarta, two days after the most recent hotel bombings. I know it sounds crazy, but my youngest son (26), his sweetheart and friend were waiting for me- so what’s a mama to do? My second surprise came at 3:30am at the San Antonio airport when I found out that the airline had not received payment from Expedia- so after a grueling bunch of phone calls and a day late, I began my journey. Not knowing how we would be received on Java, my group took sensible precautions and stayed in locally owned, modest hotels. We were pleasantly surprised by how genuinely gracious the people were, Muslim, Christian, Hindu and Buddhist alike, and how clean and welcoming the hotels and public areas were everywhere we went. The bazaars, great (insanely inexpensive) savory meals, and the beaches of Bali made for a delightful adventure in spite of our initial concerns.

Back in Texas, I squired my granddaughters to the annual Wynne Family Reunion held at a lodge on Lake Buchanan. On our first evening there, while milling around with her cousins and listening to a Cowboy Poet perform, granddaughter Kelsey (9) was struck by a rattle snake. Yes, bitten by a rattle snake, right there on the patio with 40 other people. We raced to the hospital where anti venom was administered, and were medivaced to Dell Children’s in Austin. Kelsey is a rock star patient, making a full recovery . OK, terrorist bombings, and rattle snake bites make for a bit too much adventure, even for me!

Good Hill Country Hosts

2009-06-04T16:36:00Z

Being raised a good Texas Woman, I believe that it is an honor to welcome guests into my home for a drink or a meal. However, many of us, who have moved from bustling big cities where entertaining was a more formal proposition, may now find ourselves on shaky ground when faced with the prospect of hosting friends in our new homes. "My house is not.......", " I want to wait until I have............", " I am not confident enough about my cooking". Do any of these fears sound familiar?

Living in the Texas Hill Country affords us a new perspective on entertaining at home. First of all, having friends in for a meal is a way of life here- not a rare opportunity to be scrutinized. The purpose for getting together is friendship and conversation. I have attended a small dinner around the kitchen table, innumerable tasty potlucks, picnics, drinks on the porch, dessert and coffee, dinner for anywhere from 3 to 25 people, seated and buffet. I even had the pleasure of going to a party where you had to swim across the creek to the cooler for a soda or a glass of wine!

The most important rule of hosting in one's home is to keep it simple (by your own standards). Start with something familiar: make a beautiful cheese tray with pears, salty nuts and dried apricots for drinks on your porch; prepare an old family favorite served with a salad and a Wimberley Pie Co pie a la mode; put something beautiful on your buffet or new napkins on the table- something small that pleases you. I find that the setting, simple or grand, is wonderfully satisfying when the host is in his/her comfort zone. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved!

Don't forget to check out all the fab items at our new webstore, RiverHouseWimberley.com!

www.RiverHouseWimberley.com