Before Betsy started at West Point this summer, we only made one annual pilgrimage to New York City every fall. We love it there and will be heading east again, next month. In honor of David Letterman, who we enjoyed seeing a couple of years ago, I’ve created my “Top 10” list about NYC. 1. The energy. I feel it in New York more than anywhere. It’s almost like you can reach out and grab a bite of it! 2. The amazing collection of people. Walking downtown, on a weekday morning, I’ve seen a stylish older lady, carrying her bird…
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Today, I’m offering a “grab bag” of ideas and news. First of all, if you ever shop Ballard Designs, they’re having a 15% off sale on everything until midnight, Tuesday night. 11:59 pm, to be exact. One of my new favorites in their mirror department is the Audrey mirror. It comes in 3 sizes, starting at less than $100.00. The larger sizes would be perfect in a bath or over a mantel. You can order it here: Audrey mirror Now, promise you won’t roll your eyes on this one, but I have a big blue and white bowl, that I…
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Before becoming the blog fairy, I would jump at new magazines arriving in the mail; “Traditional Home, Better Homes & Gardens” and many more. Now, thanks to my fellow blog friends and Pinterest, I get more visual stimulation than I could ever hope for! Stacy at Conspicuous Style, recently posted this master bedroom picture and it was love at first sight! 1. Let’s start at the top. The ceiling…you know I love a beamed ceiling! 2. The fireplace! I’ve painted myself into this room, with a good book on a chilly afternoon, enjoying the warmth of the fireplace. 3. The…
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Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is a line of furniture paint from England, that is now sweeping the United States. I doubt that the surgeon general or the head of the CIA knows about Annie Sloan Chalk Paints, (ASCP), but crafters, DIY’ers, and design bloggers are “in the know”. What’s so special about Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, you ask? Well, probably the ease of application is what makes it so unique. It sticks to just about any surface without sanding or preparation, besides having a clean surface. It dries quickly and often one coat will do the trick, followed by the…
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Last year, I hired the amazingly talented landscape architect, David Gibson, to come by our home and give me his thoughts on what to do with the landscaping in the front of our home. Before leaving, he invited us to come over and see his own home’s landscaping, since he wanted to show me how he had used some of the materials he spoke about, for our place. It was a great idea but never happened. Lo and behold, there is a beautiful spread in the September issue of Sacramento Magazine, with gorgeous pictures of the home…inside and out. I…
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Many of us seem to be discovering antique olive jars these days. I’ve developed a fondness for them. They’re from Spain, Greece, France…anywhere olives are grown…and many are over 100 years old! My question is, what makes this French olive jar $2600, while this one, origin unknown… Costs $285? The shop I found this one in has a twin and they’re both on these neat iron stands. The shop is a collective and the owner wasn’t there, but I guess I need to ask him/her for more information. Maybe they’re reproductions? If they are, they are surely good ones…at least…
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If you’ve ever thought about updating your bed to one of the gorgeous, upholstered bed frames, this might be the perfect time to take action! This beautiful linen, wing back head board and frame, is available in limited supply, today on Joss & Main. Price? $469.99! Pretty amazing, if you ask me! It’s available in a number of colors and you’ll have to become a “member” of Joss & Main, if you aren’t already, but these are gorgeous! Happy shopping!
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In my short-lived life as a design blogger, I’m amazed to see some of you southern women with craft/art/office/sewing rooms as big as Tara’s mansion in “Gone with the Wind”. I’m not sure where all the space comes from, but it’s enviable! I have a dear friend, Debbie, who is a die-hard paper goddess. She has a small space in her home that’s meticulously organized to pack any tool or gizmo made that has to do with paper. If it’s been made, she’s tried it, bought it sold it or given it away. Her trash is my treasure! And the…
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