Recipe ~ Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Morning y'all! I'm soo hoping all my friends on the East coast are safe and y'all haven't sustained any damage to your homes or more importantly your person.  I blog about interiors and prettiness everyday, but things like this remind me that it can all be wiped away in a heartbeat.  So I'm counting my blessings and saying my prayers for the folks affected by Sandy. <br /><br />Yesterday, Kip displayed symptoms of morning sickness, except it was probably the flu.  He never gets sick, except when I get sick, so this time I was able to actually take care of him.  After getting him his favorite Strawberry Soda, I decided to make some homemade chicken noodle soup.  It ended up being delicious and I thought I'd share the recipe.  I made it in the slow cooker, but you could easily make it on the stove as well.  My slow cooker just has a bigger pot so I use it more.  I would say it's semi-homemade, but that's Sandra Lee's line and it would be really embarrassing to get sued by someone as nice as Miss Lee.  So I'll say it's home-made<i>ish</i> instead.  Enjoy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciNyJgTpsYs-C5gIcurjlo5-LEI_vrUcnCh_vRVbLBTrqCi-rVyjiYslCumfN4HnPJCwH7kU7VHiPIeSVNUCg9RefN8zJfh663ym9fkWsDUDKnnlY1alHYlUUY-JYEYe9wrdfppvactk/s1600/Creamy+Chicken+Noodle+Soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciNyJgTpsYs-C5gIcurjlo5-LEI_vrUcnCh_vRVbLBTrqCi-rVyjiYslCumfN4HnPJCwH7kU7VHiPIeSVNUCg9RefN8zJfh663ym9fkWsDUDKnnlY1alHYlUUY-JYEYe9wrdfppvactk/s640/Creamy+Chicken+Noodle+Soup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br />

Recipe ~ Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Morning y'all! I'm soo hoping all my friends on the East coast are safe and y'all haven't sustained any damage to your homes or more importantly your person.  I blog about interiors and prettiness everyday, but things like this remind me that it can all be wiped away in a heartbeat.  So I'm counting…

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My Bum is on the Swedish

Who remembers <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonely_Swedish_%28The_Bum_Bum_Song%29">Lonely Swedish (The Bum Bum Song)</a>?  The one by Tom Green created for <i>The Tom Green Show</i>?  Anyone?  Anyone?  Bueller?  Bueller?  Ok, now I'm embarrassed.  That was what was going through my head when I was looking at the pretty <a href="http://carolglasserinteriors.com/pages/gallery_03.html">Swedish-style home</a> by <a href="http://www.carolglasserinteriors.com/">Carol Glasser Interiors</a>.  I <i>pray </i>Miss Glasser never reads this.  I have no idea why my brain works the way it does. <br /><br />Anyway, after singing The Bum Bum Song in my head for a few minutes and laughing at myself, I then started thinking "ooohhh pretty!"  The thing I love about this style is how edited it is.  It works well in Houston because it's a cooler feel (and Houston's hot).  I feel like it would be a little harder to pull off in the Midwest, but I'm referring to it as a study in holding back, which I'm trying to do in the new house.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQdeNFPJdrBu2GkRIsOzLp6JuOzsce0IYtAM4ojRWBfDiZRWisvosORzQFO2-FONjCtvzNiyHeHtu9_xv6NX_Vj6JAp3c5yiX7QsSX1rw8O-OmmhxXoPNc8q_Djr4XMMIN2iQ8wsQILQ/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQdeNFPJdrBu2GkRIsOzLp6JuOzsce0IYtAM4ojRWBfDiZRWisvosORzQFO2-FONjCtvzNiyHeHtu9_xv6NX_Vj6JAp3c5yiX7QsSX1rw8O-OmmhxXoPNc8q_Djr4XMMIN2iQ8wsQILQ/s1600/Picture+2.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVC-3xFuPzRZZ1W5yJP0JciwSQwpxB1fRxyLc8l_v1ReOSmK89-R21jA7KJFhjWdW2T6T2s4jNvEEulwL4iCkSWqF3aWnx1k_lGYT65yTE-2s0m_QHTTHmAusYpUVO4QdLlYz2lq2PU0/s1600/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVC-3xFuPzRZZ1W5yJP0JciwSQwpxB1fRxyLc8l_v1ReOSmK89-R21jA7KJFhjWdW2T6T2s4jNvEEulwL4iCkSWqF3aWnx1k_lGYT65yTE-2s0m_QHTTHmAusYpUVO4QdLlYz2lq2PU0/s1600/Picture+4.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeFcwLScbJRRnSvZy_DzurJHBYvgILqD6_Q7tyRifh_SUFUp2cbVnnGqf4iqzu0ZoEXs1X3dXgtEvs6A0Pmb-o4jLRNnr9bsWtN_xmDBTdbkTDleS7JQBgGn7oHSIu0z7oWhQD4rzu3o/s1600/Picture+12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeFcwLScbJRRnSvZy_DzurJHBYvgILqD6_Q7tyRifh_SUFUp2cbVnnGqf4iqzu0ZoEXs1X3dXgtEvs6A0Pmb-o4jLRNnr9bsWtN_xmDBTdbkTDleS7JQBgGn7oHSIu0z7oWhQD4rzu3o/s1600/Picture+12.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPwk44__kJVYh_FAweYjdaaVT39-UDb-rZ-KOfmJ3srl9Rjy9dKJEMpDDraGAeB-26eoKyBGr3BKItXLu2YGLLQSMiYFTOwPJatfNOqPjPeM35byRUpxtHuATHNTgx2LEWzTj_IAedio/s1600/Picture+13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPwk44__kJVYh_FAweYjdaaVT39-UDb-rZ-KOfmJ3srl9Rjy9dKJEMpDDraGAeB-26eoKyBGr3BKItXLu2YGLLQSMiYFTOwPJatfNOqPjPeM35byRUpxtHuATHNTgx2LEWzTj_IAedio/s1600/Picture+13.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHltV8atF5qaHomMTAxL_2-kuYSlG5Dp44v3UIIOpwZaH8vvZ5z3uuYsKy3gxX81UzG08ayS6l68DpaLkmIYJX6vbZ4LjuSwagmY4gRQCdssy8ZLBfeHYBaIo6KSqSIQeXnJbvsfwbUI/s1600/Picture+14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHltV8atF5qaHomMTAxL_2-kuYSlG5Dp44v3UIIOpwZaH8vvZ5z3uuYsKy3gxX81UzG08ayS6l68DpaLkmIYJX6vbZ4LjuSwagmY4gRQCdssy8ZLBfeHYBaIo6KSqSIQeXnJbvsfwbUI/s1600/Picture+14.png" /></a></div><br /><br />I love all of the chandeliers and oil paintings, and I particularly love the pink room with all of the chairs (as well as the blue room duh).  What do y'all think?<br /><br />* Btdubs, I know y'all are wondering about Bieber.  It was everything I hoped it would be and more! Bieber is legit, but I've said that from day one.  He has awesome dance moves. Two things: first, we clearly didn't get the memo on the tutus.  Everyone had on tutus and Bieber shirts.  They were also 12, but still, it's something we should've know about beforehand.  Second, no line at the bar.  My friends' husband joked about that before the show, but for realz, we were the <i>only</i> people at the bar during the show.  Again, most of the attendees couldn't see over the bar, so that was a win for us.  We danced hard and somebody's dad was filming us so there may be YouTube video footage out there of us experiencing the Bieber Fever.  Overall, I would do it again in a heartbeat.  A <a href="http://www.belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2012/10/32-bieber-hearts-for-yall.html">Bieber Heart</a> beat :) <br /><br />

My Bum is on the Swedish

Who remembers Lonely Swedish (The Bum Bum Song)?  The one by Tom Green created for The Tom Green Show?  Anyone?  Anyone?  Bueller?  Bueller?  Ok, now I'm embarrassed.  That was what was going through my head when I was looking at the pretty Swedish-style home by Carol Glasser Interiors.  I pray Miss…

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Creating calming environments

When I'm planning a redesign, I want to know how clients want their space to feel.<b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b>Many people don't think about that aspect of space planning while others are quick to elaborate on the topic.<b> </b>Words like peaceful, restful, and tranquil are showing up more and more in decorating conversations. People want to escape from the frantic pace of life to a calm environment. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b>Remove "clutter" and visually open the space</b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrMca1e0K0ZLi3HBmZ-eSOHadCdAdUGg-3ytQR2rFDKdP5KgaIKj-vVbRAJRte7ol0qTrVWM0aVrvjJv8fALKo3Uqw_FoqfkyKYNXOCvFg3N8NOaKL_zok6U7k4W_em1e1KLiRKvFqq_9/s1600/171277592048349767_1HVf5y6B_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrMca1e0K0ZLi3HBmZ-eSOHadCdAdUGg-3ytQR2rFDKdP5KgaIKj-vVbRAJRte7ol0qTrVWM0aVrvjJv8fALKo3Uqw_FoqfkyKYNXOCvFg3N8NOaKL_zok6U7k4W_em1e1KLiRKvFqq_9/s640/171277592048349767_1HVf5y6B_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171277592048349767/"> <span style="color: #444444;">Pinterest </span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> There isn't one "look" for a calm decor but there are guidelines/principles that can help you achieve a quieter environment in your own home.  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Minimalism and Zen come to mind immediately when you use the words serene and calm because  both aesthetics translate into living with less of everything- colour, objects, furniture, etc. It's about selected focus and getting rid of what is meaningless. Ask yourself what is absolutely essential and remove the rest.  It's liberating!  Rather than a gallery wall of art use one well chosen piece as the hallmark of the space. Rather than 8 pieces of furniture perhaps 4 will suffice.<span style="font-size: small;"> Put thought into what you want to display. <b><br /></b></span><br /><br />A clutter free home is usually achieved by having a place for everything and that means adequate behind the scenes storage. Of course filling up drawers and cabinets with junk defeats the purpose!  Purge to the core.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Limit palettes </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4QOGjIGiD6wG4VRU8mL6gwEtM4m2Z7ODuMr5p8un4cVgLZD5EYV_6k2l0wH4LLCa2lHO9pSpApPU02phDYfZPlenARh-ukZ6YgmeCSvcoxcGeBY9N0qm6hVmsqHgUdPJCB3ut0exuz7O/s1600/119275090101944027_7K8YMHo5_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4QOGjIGiD6wG4VRU8mL6gwEtM4m2Z7ODuMr5p8un4cVgLZD5EYV_6k2l0wH4LLCa2lHO9pSpApPU02phDYfZPlenARh-ukZ6YgmeCSvcoxcGeBY9N0qm6hVmsqHgUdPJCB3ut0exuz7O/s640/119275090101944027_7K8YMHo5_c.jpg" width="634" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171277592049814189/"><span style="font-size: small;">Pinterest </span></a></span> </b></div><br /><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_5ijO4TYJjy3lvkdQntNCPPJbGPrRI87j5fFGi2aKXQ3fBetqc192n6lzZDHi854DSUMwcgxlI1lKGfipBYGPD_7hqsie5nlxAudigf31_dFdyJIY3_5GamBqlKxPbM2qQJXZ_z7sJ-u/s1600/171277592049760951_jh0c8Alq_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_5ijO4TYJjy3lvkdQntNCPPJbGPrRI87j5fFGi2aKXQ3fBetqc192n6lzZDHi854DSUMwcgxlI1lKGfipBYGPD_7hqsie5nlxAudigf31_dFdyJIY3_5GamBqlKxPbM2qQJXZ_z7sJ-u/s640/171277592049760951_jh0c8Alq_c.jpg" width="640" /></a> </b><br /><br />If you want a calm look you have to think about  colours that are soothing.  It won't be red or orange! White is at the top of the list, but if that is too stark, go for other  restrained colours like soft grays, ivories, soft beiges and neutrals that hint at lavender, green or blue. <span style="font-size: small;">Consider painting walls and <span style="font-size: small;">trim the same<b> </b><span style="font-size: small;">colour<span style="font-size: small;"><b>. <span style="color: #444444;"> </span></b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: black;">Then add accents that are softer colours<span style="font-size: small;"> like this beautiful green.</span></span></span><b><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></b></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Accent judiciously </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><b><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/79549/Fireplace-contemporary-living-room-san-francisco"><img border="0" height="758" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/79549_0_8-1000-contemporary-living-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></b></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/marknewmandesign/mark-newman-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Mark Newman Design</a></small></div><br />Choose bursts of colour in smaller accessories like pillows or vases. Hang  one colourful artwork or stack objects on a tray.  Again less is more. <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: black;">Note how<span style="color: #444444;"> <span style="color: black;">the light textured rug helps to soften the harder lines of the furniture.</span></span> </span><u><b><br /></b></u></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Simplify window treatments or have bare windows</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1065826/NeMo--New-Modern--modern-bedroom-orlando"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/1065826_0_8-9850-modern-bedroom.jpg" width="500" /></a> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/philkean/phil-kean-designs" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Phil Kean Designs</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Keep it simple, consider textured glass inserts or translucent film  rather than draperies.  If you like the softness of fabrics go for very clean lines and soft colours. Natural fibers translate well in more minimalist decors.  <b> </b>Roller shades and matchstick blinds also work well for a clean feel. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Control pattern and layer texture</b></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aJOhMcm7Qdru8BtnvR_QNEsk5ufMKxFpTY8Cnh0SCVHjbPkytjKGxebarXx9uEsogdcX9M3BAG2hdR1kM_0a4mNNZ-ffYiJFFHqP2GeqXW-CDNR1p_Lu6qqUu56fpd7XpnPljQU_bf4n/s1600/76068681177011454_4swgY7q1_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aJOhMcm7Qdru8BtnvR_QNEsk5ufMKxFpTY8Cnh0SCVHjbPkytjKGxebarXx9uEsogdcX9M3BAG2hdR1kM_0a4mNNZ-ffYiJFFHqP2GeqXW-CDNR1p_Lu6qqUu56fpd7XpnPljQU_bf4n/s640/76068681177011454_4swgY7q1_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XG8nv3_FeCXEXdPGzEXsiHQ-GC5AR60mpMENCb4T1tW0baOc1qGOUGaQ5asn-4P3JQX5ZMmutaWRaJ92-MmXhPFF7gmJEhSsv81l2EDT6b2Mt_LCCMELeyI_pGzjPYhYto79fWj9UftV/s1600/204280533068465731_XfZo61TB_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XG8nv3_FeCXEXdPGzEXsiHQ-GC5AR60mpMENCb4T1tW0baOc1qGOUGaQ5asn-4P3JQX5ZMmutaWRaJ92-MmXhPFF7gmJEhSsv81l2EDT6b2Mt_LCCMELeyI_pGzjPYhYto79fWj9UftV/s640/204280533068465731_XfZo61TB_c.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/zen-decor/"> </a><b><a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/zen-decor/">Pinterest </a></b></div><br />You can use pattern effectively in minimal spaces, but control the scale and loudness of it. Small scale and tone on tone work best.  Ramp up your use of texture to create visual interest, think quilted, knobby, woven, rough, smooth etc.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Open up the space </b></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDkSFLJQfX1qWH88AsFh4fLPcIDw_WRUdodFy6ynqfbxtHO7AqaFohFMzSetWdNkjCx-oEUpo6_hEvagnscLDefCq4gSeLAgeCMYIgiMaaffi9irCM0X0upF73FoU1Ln0czWboUUEGdjb/s1600/81487074478928111_wQdbu3MN_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDkSFLJQfX1qWH88AsFh4fLPcIDw_WRUdodFy6ynqfbxtHO7AqaFohFMzSetWdNkjCx-oEUpo6_hEvagnscLDefCq4gSeLAgeCMYIgiMaaffi9irCM0X0upF73FoU1Ln0czWboUUEGdjb/s640/81487074478928111_wQdbu3MN_c.jpg" width="486" /></a> </b></div><br />Spaces are restful when your eye can find a place to rest . The more open spaces the more restful.  Think about unrestricted sight lines in a space. Don't block walkways or windows with furniture , leave enough space to provide ease of movement. Of course light coloured furniture helps your eye move over it. Your room doesn't have to be stark. Warm it up with light textured rugs or throws.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Choose furniture with clean lines </b></div><b> </b><br />Forget about ornamentation and frills. Don't go for overstuffed and large scale, but do go for comfort.   No decor should be uncomfortable to live in. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Use repetition </b></div><br />Repetition is a wonderful soother. Consider repeating the same shape or colour  to move the eye along.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/22250/electic-green-and-black-eclectic--other-metros" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/22250_0_8-1000-eclectic-.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>The repetition of colour and the shape in the  white chairs moves your eye along and helps with the competition of the black chair and vessel.  Natural elements are always attractive and calming especially when paired with vertical objects. I love the way the chair and flower act like an exclamation point.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/79852/Lake-Calhoun-Residence-contemporary-dining-room-minneapolis"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/79852_0_8-1000-contemporary-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><small>  <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/tea2architects/tea2-architects" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">TEA2 Architects</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Here your eye is drawn along the tea lights and flowers to the sparsely displayed art work. The repetition in the light fixture over the peninsula and in the mill work all help<span style="color: #444444;">s</span> the eye to wander calmly.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT51nVZj4YhRXs31Fb_TI33nhuaQILHJiE3fXOjv_9n-YrbjIHOIS2a-LLG-zfs2W_lsLK3W4FFh7v0F0XgEKMTItnz4X9Fd8Z_82woYX7LI9L1SvS5hMMV16PBgGLuMDup5HJj76SskaZ/s1600/228276274831832506_gvVAzUnO_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT51nVZj4YhRXs31Fb_TI33nhuaQILHJiE3fXOjv_9n-YrbjIHOIS2a-LLG-zfs2W_lsLK3W4FFh7v0F0XgEKMTItnz4X9Fd8Z_82woYX7LI9L1SvS5hMMV16PBgGLuMDup5HJj76SskaZ/s640/228276274831832506_gvVAzUnO_c.jpg" width="402" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nature and repetition together creates a stunning shower.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Select  uniform wood finishes</b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/22095/West-Chelsea-Loft-modern-living-room-new-york"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/22095_0_8-1000-modern-living-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/amylaudesign/amy-lau-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Amy Lau Design</a></small></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> The use of similar wood tones pull this room together visually.  You eye moves easily from piece to piece and the lighter colour palette is soothing and doesn't take away from the wood.  </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Use natural elements</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>  </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AOgGu6-8julETuoZxnPSj3RzJcUQAty-6BkIaxbyKpqpnjG7EZPtputJpbvewBkLPAu2emJel3TdFsnstZu3cFUh_oJvvjw5pYMo7JXjGGmBkKfwvjom35ze6-EFYCbpCG_EuyP4sKuo/s1600/351843789607930360_L1OUIa7o_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AOgGu6-8julETuoZxnPSj3RzJcUQAty-6BkIaxbyKpqpnjG7EZPtputJpbvewBkLPAu2emJel3TdFsnstZu3cFUh_oJvvjw5pYMo7JXjGGmBkKfwvjom35ze6-EFYCbpCG_EuyP4sKuo/s640/351843789607930360_L1OUIa7o_c.jpg" width="348" /></a></b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpodMGVpE0kyP0TwM5GUxGap-kjRIfr6PYnuX7UaRxSrXXHUAzExsvJuh7MHl7UTpPQ7f7zcFJJKANfi8ADqyYNQKnhRuG4Nnav_Mu3qxoarGECWnHZUIGx5aA7LBRM75fayKbQgsQbZ8I/s1600/95701560801233389_3tDVYSO0_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpodMGVpE0kyP0TwM5GUxGap-kjRIfr6PYnuX7UaRxSrXXHUAzExsvJuh7MHl7UTpPQ7f7zcFJJKANfi8ADqyYNQKnhRuG4Nnav_Mu3qxoarGECWnHZUIGx5aA7LBRM75fayKbQgsQbZ8I/s640/95701560801233389_3tDVYSO0_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AOgGu6-8julETuoZxnPSj3RzJcUQAty-6BkIaxbyKpqpnjG7EZPtputJpbvewBkLPAu2emJel3TdFsnstZu3cFUh_oJvvjw5pYMo7JXjGGmBkKfwvjom35ze6-EFYCbpCG_EuyP4sKuo/s1600/351843789607930360_L1OUIa7o_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8CDXCxiw4eMRHl4gqCrYofiKKKFvuSBOuDuYFa0Ivusgb8BRxLAW2pzm970lNGtLPmlUgD9nGSa3aXDJpstprXNPEOT63bXc9vpHSY1aC6cl_xCc3gpRF6L8xai2Up3tHvnxPVBVLGKs/s1600/82190761918994119_drYToU3b_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8CDXCxiw4eMRHl4gqCrYofiKKKFvuSBOuDuYFa0Ivusgb8BRxLAW2pzm970lNGtLPmlUgD9nGSa3aXDJpstprXNPEOT63bXc9vpHSY1aC6cl_xCc3gpRF6L8xai2Up3tHvnxPVBVLGKs/s640/82190761918994119_drYToU3b_c.jpg" width="416" /></a> </b></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hJ7HxO9wmWyF1l_3xJpc2eXhYEcxbO21miqm8rDQSPPiwmWvJTpc9fhEMjSrP8HayUZwzBnfYP4983q1a7Z0Z5yH0UqIS5BX3hXo-u_Fqalu-cwhlRdy4034WWP_vSbmkfrpLENvA_OS/s1600/59883870014722550_KZU537mF_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hJ7HxO9wmWyF1l_3xJpc2eXhYEcxbO21miqm8rDQSPPiwmWvJTpc9fhEMjSrP8HayUZwzBnfYP4983q1a7Z0Z5yH0UqIS5BX3hXo-u_Fqalu-cwhlRdy4034WWP_vSbmkfrpLENvA_OS/s640/59883870014722550_KZU537mF_c.jpg" width="640" /></a> </b><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/zen-decor/">Pinterest </a></span><b><br /></b></div> Plants, twigs, stones, pebbles, water, reference the calmness of  nature cycles. Use them well. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Include circular shapes</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_5ijO4TYJjy3lvkdQntNCPPJbGPrRI87j5fFGi2aKXQ3fBetqc192n6lzZDHi854DSUMwcgxlI1lKGfipBYGPD_7hqsie5nlxAudigf31_dFdyJIY3_5GamBqlKxPbM2qQJXZ_z7sJ-u/s1600/171277592049760951_jh0c8Alq_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b> </b></div>Nothing is more calming than spheres or circles. Think of several places you can add them to your decor.  A round table encourages the eye to mover around a space, round mirrors are calming  when well placed.  People often forget that mirrors can reflect aspects of decor that are not complementary to ones focus.Open vessels/bowls are soft and flowing.  Look back through the images to see how they have been used in various decors. </div><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/79852/Lake-Calhoun-Residence-contemporary-dining-room-minneapolis"></a></div>

Creating calming environments

When I'm planning a redesign, I want to know how clients want their space to feel. Many people don't think about that aspect of space planning while others are quick to elaborate on the topic. Words like peaceful, restful, and tranquil are showing up more and more in decorating conversations. Peop…

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32 Bieber Hearts for Y'all!

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLv7QIBuPzAY3e5PN3CVP5oDig_tefogLNFBBz7jOWkBP9-Y6tz5U43HQzrJMf3QXHzraHZePFLb-fLv-MX0VRYmxDb6vNuSIP9ekTszo36voq1yO3RTk1L-rsxZRp6NV1YPl3DljWOPQ/s1600/Bieber+Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLv7QIBuPzAY3e5PN3CVP5oDig_tefogLNFBBz7jOWkBP9-Y6tz5U43HQzrJMf3QXHzraHZePFLb-fLv-MX0VRYmxDb6vNuSIP9ekTszo36voq1yO3RTk1L-rsxZRp6NV1YPl3DljWOPQ/s1600/Bieber+Heart.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://yardsellr.com/for_sale/justin-bieber-heart-in-hands-necklace-wfree-shipping-4602778">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />First of all, what if I wore this?  Would y'all still be my friend?  I kind of love it though.  Even though it's a Bieber heart, my college friends will tell you this was <i>my</i> symbol.  Whenever I saw my friends canoodling with a guy at a party, I would flash this heart symbol across the room.  It made everyone feel awkward, but separated the men from the boys.  I don't really know what that means, but it was funny and it was<i> my schtick</i>.  I'm just lending it the Biebs.  <br /><br />So on the eve of my 32nd birthday, I am going to the Justin Bieber concert!! I think it's the perfect way to end 31 and start 32 off the right way.  It's also a great way to pick up some dance moves for Edward to learn.  I'm so excited for the year ahead.  One of my main goals this year is to get back in fighting shape.  I'm fine with how I look, but I need some more energy to keep up with my little rascal.  He wakes up at a level 10 on the toddler energy scale, and I usually wake up at a -3.  Other than that, life is pretty good!<br /><br /><br />Now, enjoy some linkies with your weekend drinkies:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2011/09/blue-white-kismet.html">The importance of 32</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">explained in this post </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I made these <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/01/bacon-wrapped-chicken-bites.html">bacon wrapped chicken bites</a> last night - <span style="font-size: small;">mmm yum</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">TWO INGREDIENTS</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 WW Points </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-chinoiserie-front-door.html">Probably doin</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-chinoiserie-front-door.html">g this to the front door area</a> while I <span style="font-size: small;">search for affordable blue and white planters</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I like <a href="http://decordeprovence.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-kind-of-town-house.html">this fun<span style="font-size: small;">, artsy <span style="font-size: small;">Brooklyn townhouse</span></span></a></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I also like <a href="http://thebloggess.com/2012/10/just-to-answer-your-question-in-advance-i-have-a-lot-of-small-wigs-because-i-thought-theyd-fit-the-dead-weasels-but-then-it-turned-out-they-were-slightly-too-large-and-i-hate-returning-things/">wigs on cats</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://designmanifest.blogspot.com/2012/10/cottage-talk-going-dark-in-bedroom.html">Pretty </a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://designmanifest.blogspot.com/2012/10/cottage-talk-going-dark-in-bedroom.html">dark teal rooms</a><span style="font-size: small;"> (like my front <span style="font-size: small;">door color)</span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4wodh2Kqe4">I'd get fat to feel better</a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Full disclosure: I know this guy.  He's actually a brilliant shoulder surgeon, but don't tell him that.</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">H<span style="font-size: x-small;">e <span style="font-size: x-small;">is performing with Doct<span style="font-size: x-small;">or, Doctor at the <a href="https://arthscr.ejoinme.org/?tabid=390995">A</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://arthscr.ejoinme.org/?tabid=390995">rthritis Foundation Bone Bash</a> in Dallas tomorr<span style="font-size: x-small;">ow. Wish I could be there!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://dwellerswithoutdecorators.blogspot.com/2012/10/you-dont-have-it-but-you-need-it.html">This is genius</a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/10/10-favorite-wallpapers.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FbboSV+%28A+CUP+OF+JO%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">10 Fun Wallpapers</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Welp, that's all the links for today.  It's taking about 10 minutes to load a page right now.  My computer literally just told me to get a new computer because my operating system is out of date and it can't support the newer versions.  Is this for real? Good thing Christmas is coming soon!! Oy vey, it's always something y'all.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a lovely weekend! </div><br /><br /><br /><br />

32 Bieber Hearts for Y'all!

viaFirst of all, what if I wore this?  Would y'all still be my friend?  I kind of love it though.  Even though it's a Bieber heart, my college friends will tell you this was my symbol.  Whenever I saw my friends canoodling with a guy at a party, I would flash this heart symbol across the room.  It m…

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House Happenings & Halloween Decor

Afternoon y'all! I just woke up.  HAAAAAAAAA! Just kidding.  I did sleep until 8 though, which is amazing when you have a 2 year-old/early-riser.  He's been waking up at 5:30 am every morning and this morning I was all, "oh no you di'n't!" and I gave him some milk and a kiss and he went back to bed.  It's a small but huge victory for this mama.  <br /><br />Sooo last night I got a very lovely package from Jennifer at <a href="http://www.thepinkpagoda.us/">The Pink Pagoda</a>.  For those who don't know, she has a gorgeous <a href="http://pdfwd.laskj.servertrust.com/Default.asp">Blue & White Porcelain</a> online store, and in a ridiculous moment of blue and white kismet, I won her ginger jar giveaway!  Well, yesterday I received not one, but two ginger jars.  I thought it was a mistake, but Jennifer insisted it was a housewarming gift.  It was so sweet and beyond generous of her.  I can tell you they are truly gorgeous in person.  You should all go out and buy a pair right now.  I'm not even just saying that to be nice.  I'm going to try and do all of my Christmas shopping through bloggers' online stores, you know support my peeps, and I will definitely be spending time in all of <a href="http://pdfwd.laskj.servertrust.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1817">The Pink Pagoda shops</a> - she sells <a href="http://pdfwd.laskj.servertrust.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1821">porcelain</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thepinkpagoda">prints</a> and <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/thepinkpagoda">accessories</a> (like <a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2012/01/have-you-seen-my-phone.html">my famous iPhone case</a>, and cute mugs and pillows and stamps, oh my!) Definitely a great resource for gifts and blue and white. <br /><br />So here are my new ginger jars on the mantle in the family room:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwjPQLEZbxOE-WIvrqE2wGB4DSNId5qqp4JjjNty5rE5yFJwQa44cou5IsSYgUkQSee2f4oJJOO_tSsNdhGTdxF0oonzilkj3rKz5hAZQy9crDMAGFreORyeTk7mTlyzYjmnGZcnkoEU/s1600/DSC_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwjPQLEZbxOE-WIvrqE2wGB4DSNId5qqp4JjjNty5rE5yFJwQa44cou5IsSYgUkQSee2f4oJJOO_tSsNdhGTdxF0oonzilkj3rKz5hAZQy9crDMAGFreORyeTk7mTlyzYjmnGZcnkoEU/s640/DSC_0013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPy4fBlWGjwwZqLeFkc1YIyqshk71CuqRwvUHT3JgOg80xj3EnsV2W244nHlIECcUQ4xnIxBpBW087qd0QBG7iIQOAn1NV6nXfkhXYlF5yoY4xysU5Uu8Fau6SRQLEEIeJtw9sX4VcTE/s1600/DSC_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPy4fBlWGjwwZqLeFkc1YIyqshk71CuqRwvUHT3JgOg80xj3EnsV2W244nHlIECcUQ4xnIxBpBW087qd0QBG7iIQOAn1NV6nXfkhXYlF5yoY4xysU5Uu8Fau6SRQLEEIeJtw9sX4VcTE/s640/DSC_0011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-EWB3Pmr0PoTnUsx5ydoypPp9UKA9-VERzHKG-4HMKGLg6qW6jKWZGQmpu9IfD7dwAC5JpQBgAYxZp2s7j3zLynjMqqzo0-OjBGs6CIEMyrxQaUpMxgs02IfgoVlJs4Fet-0E-rk2bk/s1600/DSC_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-EWB3Pmr0PoTnUsx5ydoypPp9UKA9-VERzHKG-4HMKGLg6qW6jKWZGQmpu9IfD7dwAC5JpQBgAYxZp2s7j3zLynjMqqzo0-OjBGs6CIEMyrxQaUpMxgs02IfgoVlJs4Fet-0E-rk2bk/s640/DSC_0010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Purdy purdy right!<br /><br /><br />One more view from the front door.  I'm kind of obsessed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxss0TIKODaH7hhJp_gd_P-bT1L9TNvv3hGiD9Z-uILXq7vqIi9ahJvv23exWJSBkmY-6cG8Ja8-gq1sSYjnepBrgIkMzrdEKcInpbEhow6OWAuUmk4Ei0ztJ44nUUJQxucJuM2j65_xo/s1600/DSC_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxss0TIKODaH7hhJp_gd_P-bT1L9TNvv3hGiD9Z-uILXq7vqIi9ahJvv23exWJSBkmY-6cG8Ja8-gq1sSYjnepBrgIkMzrdEKcInpbEhow6OWAuUmk4Ei0ztJ44nUUJQxucJuM2j65_xo/s640/DSC_0019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Speaking of front door, it has not been painted.  I'm totally confident in my painting skillz, but I'm not confident in Edward's, and since he is hell-bent on "helping" me, I decided to leave it to the pros.  Now I just need to call the pros ...  <br /><br />Here's my new little black and white pillow from the <a href="http://www.target.com/c/nate-berkus-brand-shop/-/N-56drx#?lnk=sr_rd_nate_berkus">Nate Berkus for Target</a> collection. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZN39tN0ZEViG3OiIzKTQrnE6AQCpk_Hq61Y3Sg3aEi1gufd-Yh9wwXbAEe-khWR-0hmuZGA476AH5Y-3oIQuqb0IjGWZyQAXtriWmgO9q_KImYUGCpWCjKhx-MmDDZdSQ_p5Cyg42Jf0/s1600/DSC_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZN39tN0ZEViG3OiIzKTQrnE6AQCpk_Hq61Y3Sg3aEi1gufd-Yh9wwXbAEe-khWR-0hmuZGA476AH5Y-3oIQuqb0IjGWZyQAXtriWmgO9q_KImYUGCpWCjKhx-MmDDZdSQ_p5Cyg42Jf0/s640/DSC_0018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'm not like obsessed with Nate or anything, but I happened to walk past this pillow and then I felt it and sniffed it (I worry about smells) and I was like, "oooh soft" and somehow it ended up on my sofa and I like it.  It feels like cashmere. <br /><br />Here's a little display in my entry.  I share this because those pink shells miraculously made it through the move.  I picked them up at the beach in Costa Rica and carried them on the plane in my pocket with a baby and a diaper bag.  They're super delicate so I'm amazed they've lasted.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_B_lyL22WzBmf-VeKsiu9AfFfiXm8zIX6I6hsfHD-E9_oZRgDKl6p6UifWDyGp4EHTcHAN6n_7dBL-34GwSQ7R4VBeYYaHGWjow_Qgka0WuDTB71z5PZ4PQweoHbojfBPW2-G46i4pE/s1600/DSC_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_B_lyL22WzBmf-VeKsiu9AfFfiXm8zIX6I6hsfHD-E9_oZRgDKl6p6UifWDyGp4EHTcHAN6n_7dBL-34GwSQ7R4VBeYYaHGWjow_Qgka0WuDTB71z5PZ4PQweoHbojfBPW2-G46i4pE/s640/DSC_0021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Things on the table to remind me to do them:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdItC7WR4UW45XH0cKexSL4VOv6MxcfsrplsvZrPRivMp32PPmBK4LDR6PviA9sgrz1knELL4rYANaJj242HvuWK4sU22ffLx6GrD7tbgKH_NG-LgS2i7GCJsBLrgxoI08ExbditeuiY0/s1600/DSC_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdItC7WR4UW45XH0cKexSL4VOv6MxcfsrplsvZrPRivMp32PPmBK4LDR6PviA9sgrz1knELL4rYANaJj242HvuWK4sU22ffLx6GrD7tbgKH_NG-LgS2i7GCJsBLrgxoI08ExbditeuiY0/s640/DSC_0023.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bag of silver stuff to polish, tobacco leaf plates to hang (I'm in love with the tobacco leaf pattern), and mini-pot pies to make from the November House Beautiful.  (It's Sandra Lee so it's easy)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And finally, the moment you've all been waiting for .......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">my Halloween Decor!  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGhb0CLZeKREUIFaZ44ktSDULuKJMKR2DKnkseFtn-bkNt72w4frC3-4M0G_mPwortdcxSAvp0G5lz0vYFRHkt8AsQls95uDPtumDCUK0jWQ45dF4eGA37MutGqnI0RPGqn_4U_eMwvM/s1600/DSC_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGhb0CLZeKREUIFaZ44ktSDULuKJMKR2DKnkseFtn-bkNt72w4frC3-4M0G_mPwortdcxSAvp0G5lz0vYFRHkt8AsQls95uDPtumDCUK0jWQ45dF4eGA37MutGqnI0RPGqn_4U_eMwvM/s640/DSC_0027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Er uh hmmm.  I just, well, there's a pumpkin? and a jar of candy?  The <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lauratrevey?page=1">Laura Trevey Rooster</a> is going to be framed someday.   Hopefully soon, but ya never know! Anyway, I just can't get in to Halloween this year.  Maybe it's because Edward is terrified of every costume I try to put on him.  I think we're just going to skip it this year.  Except for the candy part. <br /><br />Okay y'all! I've talked way too long! My posts have gotten way longer lately.  I'm a woman of a few thousand words, I've been told.  Have a lovely day! 

House Happenings & Halloween Decor

Afternoon y'all! I just woke up.  HAAAAAAAAA! Just kidding.  I did sleep until 8 though, which is amazing when you have a 2 year-old/early-riser.  He's been waking up at 5:30 am every morning and this morning I was all, "oh no you di'n't!" and I gave him some milk and a kiss and he went back to bed.…

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The Next Wave in House Beautiful: Margaret Kirkland Interiors

Morning y'all! Thanks for all your sweet comments on my guest post at <a href="http://theenchantedhome.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-perfect-fall-day-with-jennifer-of.html">The Enchanted Home </a>yesterday, and a special thank you to Tina for having me and saying all of those super nice things  (your $100 is in the mail).  Also, <i>Hellooo</i> to my new readers who came over from The Enchanted Home. <br /><br />Have y'all seen the November issue of House Beautiful? It's real gewd.  In fact, it's so good that <a href="http://www.belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/welcome-to-belclaire-house.html">The Suze</a> pretty much ripped out every page in the issue.  This is her way of dealing with her magazine hoarding problem.  Rather than keep an entire issue, she tears out the page she likes, stuffs it in her handbag where it will then be placed in a file folder to be placed in a basket that someone other than herself carts up and down the stairs (that basket can get heavy y'all).  It works because it keeps her stuff contained to a basket, but it doesn't work when the entire issue is great.  Obviously, she didn't realize the entire issue was great until she got to the end and realized she'd torn out every page.  Silly Mama!<br /><br />Anyway, one of these ripped <i>and dog-eared </i>pages looked something like this:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDwacSO1UY-XAnGwXt6cuJZI2ZxWqK8sQYWqlb13HcxUKoXCUVUjejZtJRAUB0m6pd4vF24sqdBTkCJLrHfDkd2s95GBx7YAu7nOQinpeR6CYyoGLMH9wUyJMFpOt51EO3EdNROcmaHI/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDwacSO1UY-XAnGwXt6cuJZI2ZxWqK8sQYWqlb13HcxUKoXCUVUjejZtJRAUB0m6pd4vF24sqdBTkCJLrHfDkd2s95GBx7YAu7nOQinpeR6CYyoGLMH9wUyJMFpOt51EO3EdNROcmaHI/s1600/Picture+3.png" /></a></div><br />We were like, "ooooohhhh pretty! I want all of those things and that birdcage."  I was surprised to see it was done by such a young designer, <a href="http://margaretkirklandinteriors.com/about">Margaret Kirkland</a> of <a href="http://margaretkirklandinteriors.com/">Margaret Kirkland Interiors</a>.  Actually, I have no idea how old she is, but she looks young so I'm just guessing here.  It's no secret that my taste is veering in a more traditional direction.  It's more about separating <i>what I like</i> from <i>what I want to live with</i>.  I like lots of things I could never live with, if that makes any sense.  So it's fun to see someone who looks to be around my age doing traditional and pretty interiors. <br /><br />Here's some more pretties from <a href="http://margaretkirklandinteriors.com/">her web site</a>:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgACxM2VOmKW5gjXMYZJrHJY-fz7PnoXl3ENMKRqSjAGiYUIea9z5PtXVlmue2PDy2fqtizq7FvMBN9lPIzpLPyuE7W-uN-KcIm7Cr81Tv8RwUGp6pDrWaAuOCw8dJ3BbYc9fI03Vk94/s1600/Margaret+Kirkland+Interiors+2+Loggia+PageImage-502321-2846717-IMG_0211.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgACxM2VOmKW5gjXMYZJrHJY-fz7PnoXl3ENMKRqSjAGiYUIea9z5PtXVlmue2PDy2fqtizq7FvMBN9lPIzpLPyuE7W-uN-KcIm7Cr81Tv8RwUGp6pDrWaAuOCw8dJ3BbYc9fI03Vk94/s640/Margaret+Kirkland+Interiors+2+Loggia+PageImage-502321-2846717-IMG_0211.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I've said previously that I can't live with much red in my house, but those lanterns could come live with me any day.  I love the floral nooks with the pistachio painted moulding and the black and gold sconces.  It's such a mix of styles but looks so inviting!  <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKoiv4NjR40rH_DsUEMCWamjPfLdZFu6ERLS2aXEXXMBN7aRJTzjWyYmyiAQsiHb2jayR2vygKkl3B2YKVSep2rVdidVmQI5906uf7z02Agb442CqdDoCr3dljfjP_U47Vn2tKzkBIPQ/s1600/Margaret+Kirkland+Interiors+3+House+Beautiful+PageImage-502321-2846733-MaliAzima_MargaretKirkland_110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKoiv4NjR40rH_DsUEMCWamjPfLdZFu6ERLS2aXEXXMBN7aRJTzjWyYmyiAQsiHb2jayR2vygKkl3B2YKVSep2rVdidVmQI5906uf7z02Agb442CqdDoCr3dljfjP_U47Vn2tKzkBIPQ/s640/Margaret+Kirkland+Interiors+3+House+Beautiful+PageImage-502321-2846733-MaliAzima_MargaretKirkland_110.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here's a better image of the one from House Beautiful.  This garden room is huge, but she did such an amazing job of making it feel cozy.  I love all of the seating and that birdcage.  I need a birdcage somewhere in my abode. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEehe6qyjVN4bVMdoFEgzrZ2126v6e6lnWJO85z1Ug5WWnctTJDYbAomscVVC5TGPZ_d4I4t-YrwLlhWRg0Hz731knQ9cpgPJHiV5cVncNcqXxDKR62Ollih3kdvWQiazmItM_YEIntI/s1600/Margaret+Kirkland+Interiors+Entry+PageImage-502321-2835738-KirklandClarendonPlantation31518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEehe6qyjVN4bVMdoFEgzrZ2126v6e6lnWJO85z1Ug5WWnctTJDYbAomscVVC5TGPZ_d4I4t-YrwLlhWRg0Hz731knQ9cpgPJHiV5cVncNcqXxDKR62Ollih3kdvWQiazmItM_YEIntI/s640/Margaret+Kirkland+Interiors+Entry+PageImage-502321-2835738-KirklandClarendonPlantation31518.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Love this entry! The wallpaper, the giant botanicals, the bench.  It's so bright and pretty.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcc2cXKxYg5gVnE8mfBIcw8Wt1cGNvfJ3_9Y8ZQHuWvH1UMWKtorT1a9TOzUxppSLH6oeDqyKP3Kl7N7wsOWOj-HkF2P0W2OC_8gnZj_Xn0tZ_p-5c325uFiWfUwZ7NA5hIj2mHEQCK1k/s1600/Margaret+Kirland+1+Bedroom+Soft+Pistachio+Pleated+Lamp+Shade+PageImage-502321-2846732-MaliAzima_MargaretKirkland_076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcc2cXKxYg5gVnE8mfBIcw8Wt1cGNvfJ3_9Y8ZQHuWvH1UMWKtorT1a9TOzUxppSLH6oeDqyKP3Kl7N7wsOWOj-HkF2P0W2OC_8gnZj_Xn0tZ_p-5c325uFiWfUwZ7NA5hIj2mHEQCK1k/s640/Margaret+Kirland+1+Bedroom+Soft+Pistachio+Pleated+Lamp+Shade+PageImage-502321-2846732-MaliAzima_MargaretKirkland_076.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And, of course, a bedroom (I can't not include a bedroom).  I love the white walls and the soft color palette.  Something about pleated lamp shades makes me happy.  It's a little detail that I always appreciate.  Does anyone know where I can get pleated lamp shades that aren't $500? <br /><br />I like her style a lot.  This is one lady I'll be setting up a Google Alert for.  Just kidding that's totally creepy.  But I will be sure to look for more of her spaces in the glossies! <br /><br />To see more visit <a href="http://margaretkirklandinteriors.com/">Margaret Kirkland Interiors</a> (you'll be glad ya did)

The Next Wave in House Beautiful: Margaret Kirkland Interiors

Morning y'all! Thanks for all your sweet comments on my guest post at The Enchanted Home yesterday, and a special thank you to Tina for having me and saying all of those super nice things  (your $100 is in the mail).  Also, Hellooo to my new readers who came over from The Enchanted Home. Have y'all …

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Playdate at The Enchanted Home

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://theenchantedhome.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-perfect-fall-day-with-jennifer-of.html"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFL8t5y5VMIl0N7mZjD770PDPuEoez49RARH48EURiqBCVx-b7qvywFFpN4SKOhLyN8niWTReP34oCoZ7QbfchbVdq3HtDJKA2aXIn0lnkQ_wiRoPHMYdU4CRdg_zwdrATb_0S67z7bA/s640/Picture+2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Morning y'all! Come and play y'all! I'm over at <a href="http://theenchantedhome.blogspot.com/">The Enchanted Home</a> being silly and talking about my <a href="http://theenchantedhome.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-perfect-fall-day-with-jennifer-of.html">Perfect Fall Day</a>! Tina was one of my first bloggy friends and is one of the nicest bloggers out there.  We started at around the same time, although her readership is way more humongous than mine - for good reason, her blog is fabulous and she should win an award for bestest sweetest comments in the world.  I'm so happy to be a part of this series.  Fall is definitely my favorite time of the year!<br /><br />See ya over there at <a href="http://theenchantedhome.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-perfect-fall-day-with-jennifer-of.html">The Enchanted Home</a>!

Playdate at The Enchanted Home

Morning y'all! Come and play y'all! I'm over at The Enchanted Home being silly and talking about my Perfect Fall Day! Tina was one of my first bloggy friends and is one of the nicest bloggers out there.  We started at around the same time, although her readership is way more humongous than mine - fo…

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A Door Color is Chosen

duh duh duh. <br /><br />I know, y'all were probably sitting around all weekend wondering what color I might choose.  I mean, we have a lot of important decisions to make these days and my front door color is certainly at or near the top of everyone's list.  So after a long and contentious internal debate, where the voices in my head suddenly became New Jersey undecideds, who asked me questions like, "Hey Lady, what do ya really want to do?" and "Hey Lady, make up your mind already and fohgetaboutit!!!" Ok that last one was not a question, but somehow I started channeling Joe Guidice in my inner monologue and then I got scared.  Anyway, we found the perfect color. <br /><br />Benjamin Moore Twilight  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFQe69THSjc3XsMSFliTs3W6Pf8C7ebLVLq-ZnSafa0XDYZcbWvUtQkx6AKjRUzNr2LkwGeVr2g2LzbsEF6p5PqSd8UQRj2vmLQ98lLlMT6t-ph_VYeZ9WzpjiopGsjMQGTQbhN9A9wE/s1600/Benjamin+Moore+Twilight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFQe69THSjc3XsMSFliTs3W6Pf8C7ebLVLq-ZnSafa0XDYZcbWvUtQkx6AKjRUzNr2LkwGeVr2g2LzbsEF6p5PqSd8UQRj2vmLQ98lLlMT6t-ph_VYeZ9WzpjiopGsjMQGTQbhN9A9wE/s320/Benjamin+Moore+Twilight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's only the most appropriately named front door paint color ever (<i>Team Edward always and forever</i>).  <br /><br />We held a giant swatch up to the front door and Kip and were both like, "Oh yeah, that's it.  That's soo it."  And then Kip fell to the ground crying from happiness that we don't have to talk about it anymore.  <br /><br />It's so close to Hague Blue that I questioned whether I was completely insane and had just picked the same color in a different brand.  It's basically 1/114th of a shade lighter than Hague Blue.  Less black in it.  The reason it works better is because it contrasts with the dark navy shutters more.  The Hague Blue looked a bit like we tried to match the shutters and failed miserably.  It's also a more consistent color.  One of the things I love about Hague Blue is that it changes with the light, but I didn't want such an extreme change with the front door. <br /><br />Sooo I'm really hoping to get it painted this week so we can take our freaking Christmas card picture stat.  Having a child has really brought out the "crazy Christmas picture panic" in me.  I remember The Suze would get it around July and then again in December.  Being the awesome teenager that I was, I would roll my eyes and be like, "gah, Mom it's just a Christmas card, stop freaking out about it! It's so lame."  (I know, I was really fun to be around between the ages of 13 and 20).  Anyway, getting the perfect Christmas card becomes an obsession this time of year.  I don't mean perfect in that we have to look perfect, but it has to be what I envisioned or I feel like I've failed.  <br /><br />Ok, I've veered majorly off-topic.  Here are some libraries painted in a 50/50 mix of Twilight and Gentleman's Gray, both by Benjamin Moore.  They're real pretty.  I thought I'd share so you get a better idea of the color.  Plus I love to see how paint colors look in actual magazines (which are usually nothing like how they look in real life but whatevs) <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNf7ITao9GxOMNc7JWSLADvvfT02mcaDv7D0xKcYq3uPKqAcc0y5OorxpAJjLClhcGA5IKnoJ8b7l_HNF27aVmjLiowPnLLAL8ZH0jdHMcoAHmKw5adTyKfuNBqAOv0RpXRmG8i9thdg/s1600/Benjamin+Moore+Twighlight+-+Mix+of+Twighlight+&+Gentleman%27s+Gray+hbx-blue-family-room-whitaker-0210-G07dAS-lgn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNf7ITao9GxOMNc7JWSLADvvfT02mcaDv7D0xKcYq3uPKqAcc0y5OorxpAJjLClhcGA5IKnoJ8b7l_HNF27aVmjLiowPnLLAL8ZH0jdHMcoAHmKw5adTyKfuNBqAOv0RpXRmG8i9thdg/s1600/Benjamin+Moore+Twighlight+-+Mix+of+Twighlight+&+Gentleman%27s+Gray+hbx-blue-family-room-whitaker-0210-G07dAS-lgn.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/home-makeovers/colorful-makeover-manhattan-apartment#slide-1">Ashley Whittaker</a></td></tr></tbody></table>The "Prussian Blue" library from Ashley Whittaker is part of a Manhattan apartment makeover featured in House Beautiful probably a while back.  It's totally worth revisiting though.   <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/home-makeovers/colorful-makeover-manhattan-apartment#slide-1">Go here</a> to see the rest. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWY7kBncCSw7fhrNafDnCyGo5jbYvFuncRLOphl4BfehRA97JEC5_OdEJvXBCpEkSHBNeoIaZ8_qMTiVrSJgjHfoIsa_MXKZRBC9n5tiBEUcl9bXSaNKSEFPyMU3j3_vit8uVhBTkXPd8/s1600/Benjamin+Moore+Twilight+Book+Shelves+via+Design+Sponge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWY7kBncCSw7fhrNafDnCyGo5jbYvFuncRLOphl4BfehRA97JEC5_OdEJvXBCpEkSHBNeoIaZ8_qMTiVrSJgjHfoIsa_MXKZRBC9n5tiBEUcl9bXSaNKSEFPyMU3j3_vit8uVhBTkXPd8/s1600/Benjamin+Moore+Twilight+Book+Shelves+via+Design+Sponge.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2012/05/sneak-peek-zoe-johns-max-catalano.html">Design*Sponge</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Doesn't that look nice and cozy?  The color is so rich and yummy.  This lovely bookcase reminds me that I need to work on the bookcase in the master sitting room today.  Kip keeps threatening to do it himself.  So if I actually get that done today, I'll take some pics for y'all.  <br /><br />Okay, can't wait to get this door painted!<br /><br />Have a lovely day!

A Door Color is Chosen

duh duh duh. I know, y'all were probably sitting around all weekend wondering what color I might choose.  I mean, we have a lot of important decisions to make these days and my front door color is certainly at or near the top of everyone's list.  So after a long and contentious internal debate, wher…

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Have a Lovely Weekend!

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZ23sk3_7jG5-V7ocVB575Bm3cyIwCdxH_auFpNRJ4aN1mBSb__WpRZgqSsHVVK4L4eeEbePYWVVREaSBGrFMrjXW2HuPoTkWzVViFiA2N5Yb9Yb4ZfB5wQwtYKYb_e34IQ2lIF648jo/s1600/Charlotte+Moss+Manhattan+Office+Gallery+Wall+Lonny+Oct+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZ23sk3_7jG5-V7ocVB575Bm3cyIwCdxH_auFpNRJ4aN1mBSb__WpRZgqSsHVVK4L4eeEbePYWVVREaSBGrFMrjXW2HuPoTkWzVViFiA2N5Yb9Yb4ZfB5wQwtYKYb_e34IQ2lIF648jo/s640/Charlotte+Moss+Manhattan+Office+Gallery+Wall+Lonny+Oct+2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LYFP9kkAkKx8roU-sM8_k1LSFpz8PBH_7N0L2GB3tzbW-PVcC4hkjY2u71hZvvm5t-uqbhyphenhyphen7ccHAJJuKqim3ZCQWeilBvq8sHgysCfBBU73E9NLQ__EsyYEMUCc_l43_Kw0hBitz-1A/s1600/Charlotte+Moss+Manhatten+Office+Lonny+Oct+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LYFP9kkAkKx8roU-sM8_k1LSFpz8PBH_7N0L2GB3tzbW-PVcC4hkjY2u71hZvvm5t-uqbhyphenhyphen7ccHAJJuKqim3ZCQWeilBvq8sHgysCfBBU73E9NLQ__EsyYEMUCc_l43_Kw0hBitz-1A/s640/Charlotte+Moss+Manhatten+Office+Lonny+Oct+2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Y'all are THE BEST READERS EVEEEERRRRRR! (said in Oprah's voice) Seriously, I loved all the feedback and paint color names.  The overwhelming majority of y'all loved the Hague Blue and one reader suggested I do what I love, which is <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/11047961556371213/">that blue door with the blue and white pots</a>.  That makes so much sense it just might work.  <br /><br />I guess my concern with the Hague Blue is that it will look too dark.  It really just depends on how the light is hitting the house. I'm going to play around with some of your color suggestions this weekend and if I don't find anything better, I'm going with the Hague Blue.  As another reader said, it's only paint!  Thank y'all so much for all of your feedback and nice comments. <br /><br />Okay y'all, check out <a href="http://lonnymag.com/issues/43-lonny-october-2012/pages/1#p1">Lonny October 2012 here</a>.  It's one of my favorite issues yet, and features Charlotte Moss's Manhattan Office (the two images shown above and more!)  Also here's a bit of trivia, Lonny cover girl, artist <a href="http://marynelsonsinclair.com/about">Mary Nelson Sinclair</a>, could probably trace her first glimpses of fantastic taste and artistic ability back to her preschool days, where she was taught by THE SUZE.  That's right.  The Suze is no doubt responsible for producing many a young tastemaker from her preschool classroom. <br /><br />Ok, so check out Lonny, but first, check out some linkies.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Another <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/11047961556424880/">gorgeous door</a> in a fab color</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If I could have anything from the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, it would be <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/christmasbook/fantasy.jsp?cid=CBF12_O5414&r=cat24050744&rdesc=The%20Christmas%20Book&rparams=xpage%3D67&icid=O5414">THIS</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Ahh it would be a dream come true.    </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not a huge inspirational quotes pinner, but I found <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/11047961557325558/">this one to be so true </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/tempra-tantrum-wines-red-wines-106952">this wine</a> the other night with some girlfriends and we all agreed it was delicious </div><div style="text-align: center;">and the perfect wine to give a mother at her two year-old's birthday party </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.myfavoriteandmybest.com/mfamb-home/2012/10/18/this-is-a-post-about-a-can-opener-a-can-opener-that-will-cha.html">Jenny reviewed a can opener</a> and it's legit.  I need a new can opener real bad.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I would give anything to be <a href="http://classicchichome.blogspot.com/2012/10/organization-series-my-bath-linen.html">this neat and organized</a>.  It's just not in my nature. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-touch-of-tartan.html">For Tartan Lovers</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another fabulous <a href="http://whitehaveninteriors.blogspot.com/2012/10/house-of-week_8.html">Philip Shutze house</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And this <a href="http://belleonheels.blogspot.com/2012/10/horse-stable-turned-cottage.html">horse stable turned cottage</a> is pretty fabulous as well</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/10/braised-beef-italian-vegetable-stew.html">This stew</a> will likely be on the stove this weekend</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I made this <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/easy-garlic-chicken-5478">Easy Garlic Chicken</a> last night.  It was gewd! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I added a little soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce as well as a few red pepper flakes to the garlic & olive oil </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/10/foodrelationship/">3 reasons your relationship with food is totally crazy</a> - so interesting</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hey <a href="http://chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com/2012/10/saturday-inspiration-pumpkins.html">blue and white punkin'</a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I need <a href="http://www.shopfurbish.com/servlet/the-1879/Holiday-Ginger-Jar-Pillow/Detail?category=Holiday">this for my Christmas decor</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Can we just FF to Christmas?  I hate Halloween decor.  </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I did love this post on <a href="http://goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com/2012/10/15-ways-to-add-fall-to-your-home_6.html">how to add Fall to your home without orange</a></span><a href="http://goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com/2012/10/15-ways-to-add-fall-to-your-home_6.html"> </a></span><a href="http://goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com/2012/10/15-ways-to-add-fall-to-your-home_6.html"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last weekend, my brother and sister slinged GoodPop popsicles at Austin City Limits.   </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWgAj1Llb8s&sns=fb">You can see my brother also danced</a>.  Looks like it was fun! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I hope we get these popsicles in KC soon! They are yummy! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Have a Lovely Weekend!

Y'all are THE BEST READERS EVEEEERRRRRR! (said in Oprah's voice) Seriously, I loved all the feedback and paint color names.  The overwhelming majority of y'all loved the Hague Blue and one reader suggested I do what I love, which is that blue door with the blue and white pots.  That makes so much se…

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Front Door Color Help!

I need suggestions y'all! In my last house, I grabbed a color and it ended up being perfect.  I can do that about 75% of the time, but the other 25% I end up trying 100 million different colors and then having a mental break down when I realize I don't really know what I want. <br /><br />So here's the deal, our front door is currently bright red.  I don't hate it.  I love a bright red door actually, but I have an awkward relationship with the color red.  I can't live with it.  I love it in other people's houses, but you won't find it in my house.  It's like your best guy friend, who's a great guy, but you could never date or marry because you're not actually compatible in large doses.  Does that make any sense?  Red and I - not lovers, just friends. <br /><br />Before we moved in, when I had been <strike>stalking</strike> driving by our house on the reg as I went to the grocery store, I had decided that my beloved Farrow & Ball Hague Blue would be perfect. <br /><br />Remember?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnrXOJIKzR_9tNNdB8sE7PcNUI3HqdAPI69i7PwnFVe9JbpnUygdJXTIRk46LRsAfWh7oVdGPiQj_cEikcrFJJ-4de72PABrxdmlIhsXJ4STodHHOxZul-5yBiCaiN4ZlW76CxMXcnUc/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnrXOJIKzR_9tNNdB8sE7PcNUI3HqdAPI69i7PwnFVe9JbpnUygdJXTIRk46LRsAfWh7oVdGPiQj_cEikcrFJJ-4de72PABrxdmlIhsXJ4STodHHOxZul-5yBiCaiN4ZlW76CxMXcnUc/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I'd lived with the color in <a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.com/search/label/Playrooms">Edward's playroom</a> for awhile, and I really loved it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOSEcz13Mb7I96Yz4KonIat3Jhd410oNDoHGD9HsMfG14z7F43q544T83BSLd3b1PTYVdCykRnm4OaNclff6_vnL8IWHxJLZcmUxxhadlCLfRn4e4XQnN0T5lGM-Sr0vBI833RFctv_o/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOSEcz13Mb7I96Yz4KonIat3Jhd410oNDoHGD9HsMfG14z7F43q544T83BSLd3b1PTYVdCykRnm4OaNclff6_vnL8IWHxJLZcmUxxhadlCLfRn4e4XQnN0T5lGM-Sr0vBI833RFctv_o/s1600/photo+1.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />I thought it would be a nice middle ground between this look (which I LOVE):<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGhdQ3X-vFigCRkQ_5hYaf-eHbu8rEahKTt-02yCiqmERA6pbPqlT-EzDLGCUpRoIOWP6Kk1JO4-t_4DKGDWDd-nTq6QuvfAi05OSDmRPlWDHKwnUCT3yPuoHvUwBN91NVuiRBoce1HU/s1600/Blue+&+white+planters+1+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGhdQ3X-vFigCRkQ_5hYaf-eHbu8rEahKTt-02yCiqmERA6pbPqlT-EzDLGCUpRoIOWP6Kk1JO4-t_4DKGDWDd-nTq6QuvfAi05OSDmRPlWDHKwnUCT3yPuoHvUwBN91NVuiRBoce1HU/s1600/Blue+&+white+planters+1+.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2012/05/where-can-i-get-some.html">this post</a>, but see also <a href="http://chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-chinoiserie-front-door-coral.html">Chinoiserie Chic</a> who also has a post on front doors today!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />and the way the house looked before it was repainted, when it was more black and white than navy, cream and red.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pg21TrG0PRpYxvDDFcRGWWrN5vnDvbsZEeem7-VswPHzjXRfOf3kTV5cDxFR0Wgn5mzFMQ42rMFgEpBQNPSnNqWn7U6bMdMF11Pu67OxpiwxAKkX0AxxxcESZVAlrRHHnfoqNIelz68/s1600/New+House+Front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pg21TrG0PRpYxvDDFcRGWWrN5vnDvbsZEeem7-VswPHzjXRfOf3kTV5cDxFR0Wgn5mzFMQ42rMFgEpBQNPSnNqWn7U6bMdMF11Pu67OxpiwxAKkX0AxxxcESZVAlrRHHnfoqNIelz68/s1600/New+House+Front.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this picture LONG before I ever knew I was going to live in this house.  It was obviously fate. <a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2011/02/striped-awnings.html">Original post here</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />BUT when I put my painted board up to the door, I decided I didn't like it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcCR4Say-sU1udjvOEX0xNRrQzSBdW6AP8o3ZDk0a7d2ihQPPX4zm7kRZvH0VNW-JsAEoQA55nHnhyphenhyphenqvvBLEOjQmkqG3Cm7Tb9bie1-a614ZokJ6PuNuCKbD0L58oYe7Bswc-ZnzMdr4/s1600/DSC_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcCR4Say-sU1udjvOEX0xNRrQzSBdW6AP8o3ZDk0a7d2ihQPPX4zm7kRZvH0VNW-JsAEoQA55nHnhyphenhyphenqvvBLEOjQmkqG3Cm7Tb9bie1-a614ZokJ6PuNuCKbD0L58oYe7Bswc-ZnzMdr4/s640/DSC_0011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Wamp Wump.<br /><br />Here it is poorly Photoshopped:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz13axkLwN1XTKciywK1eOiHr7iu2i-MBA39x6U7CGXxwTV2317ohg6kMvrha8v8MylbyOMkGiQptbYIWfbwNnakHX4dyRn8PJ1GLEinPDtLwgSVkr82cwXNxQMf83dWSOSwxtuCgahr4/s1600/Door+Color+Hague+Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz13axkLwN1XTKciywK1eOiHr7iu2i-MBA39x6U7CGXxwTV2317ohg6kMvrha8v8MylbyOMkGiQptbYIWfbwNnakHX4dyRn8PJ1GLEinPDtLwgSVkr82cwXNxQMf83dWSOSwxtuCgahr4/s640/Door+Color+Hague+Blue.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br />Again, I don't hate it.  I just don't know if I love it. <br /><br />I'm kind of feeling something lighter.  So here are some other poorly Photoshopped options I did:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixs0rxgO4ohr1CVOzZ5LDuQ4C6eY9IeyA36lkFi-gJyK1VQnO3iiCEhu21f4fkA4XwTWyz4rfGAXr1US26HsGtLoAGdIlqOpM1hfPoQsX0bmwF3Y2O1WoBiPcx_KRF-yiXM90rMFuxNC0/s1600/Door+Color+Lulworth+Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixs0rxgO4ohr1CVOzZ5LDuQ4C6eY9IeyA36lkFi-gJyK1VQnO3iiCEhu21f4fkA4XwTWyz4rfGAXr1US26HsGtLoAGdIlqOpM1hfPoQsX0bmwF3Y2O1WoBiPcx_KRF-yiXM90rMFuxNC0/s640/Door+Color+Lulworth+Blue.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farrow & Ball Lulworth Blue</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgin1eeQKTVuRqsSn0qV54F_EozJjNDm_QRsKo0ELpGfK1ffDZ8wmayAxLCWLWXSYmbfGRy-HAmuU9UHu21sNcDv-aiMJ7IiZfgAs1XAP3DZ8koxDdYs1x8rjYpo-LXd4RpE9vzE5pi1mY/s1600/Door+Color+Valspar+Pillow+Mint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgin1eeQKTVuRqsSn0qV54F_EozJjNDm_QRsKo0ELpGfK1ffDZ8wmayAxLCWLWXSYmbfGRy-HAmuU9UHu21sNcDv-aiMJ7IiZfgAs1XAP3DZ8koxDdYs1x8rjYpo-LXd4RpE9vzE5pi1mY/s640/Door+Color+Valspar+Pillow+Mint.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valspar Pillow Mint</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Kip didn't like any of them, and I felt kind of "meh" about them as well, although I think the Lulworth Blue is the closest to what I want. <br /><br />What do y'all think?  Do you have suggestions? Specific paint colors would be awesomer than awesome.   I want something kind of fun and inviting, that is very me (so not yellow). <br /><br />My only sense of urgency is that I want to take a Christmas card picture in front of the house before it gets too cold so we can send our friends and family our change of address. <br /><br />Ok y'all gimme what you got.  PLEASE!!

Front Door Color Help!

I need suggestions y'all! In my last house, I grabbed a color and it ended up being perfect.  I can do that about 75% of the time, but the other 25% I end up trying 100 million different colors and then having a mental break down when I realize I don't really know what I want. So here's the deal, ou…

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