March seems to be devoted to colorful celebration, and I am excited for this month of merriment! First we are bedecked in purple, yellow and bright green for Mardi Gras, the wonderful indulgence holiday of New Orleans.

Falling on March 8 this year, this last ditch celebration before the devotions of Lent begin offers a bit of a chance for frivolous fun and mid week masquerading! Mardi Gras also offers the perfect excuse for a getaway, so take advantage of the celebratory atmosphere and remember to pack your best mask!


Arguably the biggest color that comes to mind in March, however, is the lucky shimmering green of the Irish. St. Patrick's Day is March 17, and the day beckons to both kinds of people in the world - "Those that are Irish, and those that wish they were." As Ireland is one of my favorite places to visit and explore, I love when this time rolls around, and I'm inundated with Irish folklore, myths, and stories surrounding this little island. The green waves of color from clothes, food, drink and decor seem to be trying to mimic the lush rolling hills of the homeland, creating a bright fresh color of new life. The joy and merriment of this time of year, from leprechauns and pots of gold to a little extra luck in your day, always seems to pull me in. A favorite Irish saying of mine always seems to find me this time of year

"Bless you and yours
As well as the cottage you live in.
May the roof overhead be well thatched
And those inside be well matched."

I believe this is particularly important for Innkeepers and their travelers, who have the opportunities along their respective journeys to be a wealth of knowledge, comfort and joy for each other along the way!


To add to the plethora of colorful events and goings on this month, the wonderful and optimistic color pink has been named Color of the Year by Pantone. About time! I love pink, and have used it in many ways. A few of my favorite tips for using pink unexpectedly: Pink light bulbs in at least one lamp in every bedroom and the dining room, guaranteed to cast a flattering light and create a romantic atmosphere effortlessly (Pinqueslavania.com). A pale pink ceiling, which can be achieved by adding a small amount of pink to any white paint, works magic by reflecting a flattering light downwards and can be used with any wall color. Pink flowers are somehow always very special. Camellias are in bloom right now and are a long lasting classic. Roses will be coming up soon and the specific pink that pantone selected "Honeysuckle Pink" will be reflected in summer's blooms. The shade pink is actually named for a color from the flower genus Dianthus an, an especially clear and bright shade. Pink is great with many other colors in small or large doses. Picking up on the trim from glossy wall paint, a single pink wall can really light up a room and especially a dark area. Play some light on it for instant pop. I love pink contrasted with black and shiny dark brown, but actually, there are very few colors that don't go well with pink. Some of my very favorite shades are: Bridal Pink from Benjamin Moore, Hibiscus by Ralph Lauren, Red Earth, by Farrow and Ball, Light Sandstone from Martha Stewart Living, Checkerberry from Glidden, and Persimmon from Benjamin Moore. Just give it a try and I think you'll find that a dose of pink will have you viewing the world through rose colored glasses.

March seems to be devoted to colorful celebration, and I am excited for this month of merriment!

First we are bedecked in purple, yellow and bright green for Mardi Gras, the wonderful indulgence holiday of New Orleans.

Falling on March 8 this year, this last ditch celebration before the devotions of Lent begin offers a bit of a chance for frivolous fun and mid week masquerading! Mardi Gras also offers the perfect excuse for a getaway, so take advantage of the celebratory atmosphere and remember to pack your best mask!


Arguably the biggest color that comes to mind in March, however, is the lucky shimmering green of the Irish. St. Patrick's Day is March 17, and the day beckons to both kinds of people in the world - "Those that are Irish, and those that wish they were."

As Ireland is one of my favorite places to visit and explore, I love when this time rolls around, and I'm inundated with Irish folklore, myths, and stories surrounding this little island.

The green waves of color from clothes, food, drink and decor seem to be trying to mimic the lush rolling hills of the homeland, creating a bright fresh color of new life. The joy and merriment of this time of year, from leprechauns and pots of gold to a little extra luck in your day, always seems to pull me in. A favorite Irish saying of mine always seems to find me this time of year

"Bless you and yours
As well as the cottage you live in.
May the roof overhead be well thatched
And those inside be well matched."

I believe this is particularly important for Innkeepers and their travelers, who have the opportunities along their respective journeys to be a wealth of knowledge, comfort and joy for each other along the way!


To add to the plethora of colorful events and goings on this month, the wonderful and optimistic color pink has been named Color of the Year by Pantone. About time!

I love pink, and have used it in many ways. A few of my favorite tips for using pink unexpectedly: Pink light bulbs in at least one lamp in every bedroom and the dining room, guaranteed to cast a flattering light and create a romantic atmosphere effortlessly (Pinqueslavania.com).

A pale pink ceiling, which can be achieved by adding a small amount of pink to any white paint, works magic by reflecting a flattering light downwards and can be used with any wall color. Pink flowers are somehow always very special.

Camellias are in bloom right now and are a long lasting classic. Roses will be coming up soon and the specific pink that pantone selected "Honeysuckle Pink" will be reflected in summer's blooms.

The shade pink is actually named for a color from the flower genus Dianthus an, an especially clear and bright shade. Pink is great with many other colors in small or large doses. Picking up on the trim from glossy wall paint, a single pink wall can really light up a room and especially a dark area. Play some light on it for instant pop.

I love pink contrasted with black and shiny dark brown, but actually, there are very few colors that don't go well with pink. Some of my very favorite shades are: Bridal Pink from Benjamin Moore, Hibiscus by Ralph Lauren, Red Earth, by Farrow and Ball, Light Sandstone from Martha Stewart Living, Checkerberry from Glidden, and Persimmon from Benjamin Moore.

Just give it a try and I think you'll find that a dose of pink will have you viewing the world through rose colored glasses.

This story was published on 02 Mar 2011.