i love ina.

ina garten has always been my second favorite food network personality, only behind giada. the blend of simplicity and elegance behind her meals inspires me to cook and entertain whenever i can, and i do.

i also love her relationship with her husband, jeffrey. my brother in-law always says good ole jeffrey is the luckiest man alive. they seem so in love, which is sickening, but i guess when a man has a wife that cooks her way into his soul, who can blame them?

ina films barefoot contessa out of her fabulous hamptons barn she renovated especially for the show and it was featured in housebeautiful magazine in january 2009. i've had these images saved on my computer for a while, so i thought now was as good a time as any to share it with you all...or share it again for those who have already seen it.

this is the "barn". yes...the barn. i would happily live in this barn. wouldn't you?

her AMAZING kitchen, which is what you all see on the tele

i could definitely see myself "working" at this rustic desk!

 a bed and bath filled with light. how darling is that bathtub?! i want! i need!

and last, but not least, an amazing patio out back. cocktail hour never looked so cozy.

*all photographs by simon upton via housebeautiful.com

now, if only i could find me a jeffrey to give me this kind of life. lol. jk. happy cinco de mayo, everyone! xoxo

sit. feast on your life.

-Derek Walcott