Furnishing Interior Design

Dining room solutions

I<span style="font-family: inherit;">n January during a blackout our pipes broke resulting in water damage to a number of rooms in our home. What was a bit of a disaster turned into a positive for me because it finally got me moving to do something about  one of my biggest decorating problems.  That would be my dining room.... See my complaints in this  <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2012/10/do-you-have-problem-room.html">post</a><u> </u>.  It's quite a list. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">Too much of a good thing</span></h4><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is how it all looked  in early 2000 .....</span><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;"><img alt="problems furniture arrangement dining room" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Z8-vSlqkqQwF9gXVzhj_0BMlfX5No9c3cjpwaZ4hvYgzC69Wltv2FG7eGgGI545z9rlBDvHYQcIXemHxBrGzn8Z44-beNamDsaFGUnX8o4FQ6N2NWmyvhhdiHqjl8R1aUa9WDg8LyYLi/s400/DSCN56586666.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Dining room solutions" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wood, wood and more wood</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Problem lines  </span></h4><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Wood everywhere isn't the only problem.  Note the all the horizontal lines from the buffets to the railing,  a light hung too high and a window that has a view of the window next door.   Below is my first attempt to solve some of the highlighted problems.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><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><img alt="arranging dining room furniture " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2XpLMZjEms8fAtIgnWC0vsUlVVaslYf5F6lPMXPgvmPAWvzL1yKqfuYgWJDw7uqrtzgTYywAzmrWlYeoGkvNXWnPpTyxaY1EbMB0Yr4Jf4ws6-BcjkiwqhjDxibx6YwWV8Qu9dta1cud/s400/DSCN8196_01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Dining room solutions " /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> A different orientation solves some problems</span></td></tr></tbody></table><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Rearrange and add</span></h4><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I liked the changes and that satisfied me for a short time.  The new light was a good height and the roundness worked well against all the rectangles.  I also added longer (very temporary and too short) drapes to break some of the horizontal lines.    I moved the art work from  the living room to dining room,  and created some height and brightness on the dining table.  Still seriously problematic in my book because I did nothing to alleviate the wood issue, but it was improved but sorely lacking  pizazz.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Enter 2014... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The power of paint and fabric</span></h4><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">One of the cheapest updates you can make to any space is to paint something.  I don't care if it is furniture, accessories or walls, it works every time. Since we had to repaint all the walls (BM Glacier white) I continued on to paint quite a few things which I will reveal over the next several posts.  </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG5CI9kByKFJ_Yud820APzD38tJ6ZstoBevwkvgY561Rvc-jqoIvmZ-pQp3QvBw8ez8OKVTlNJnGXqG7JEMpx1PdY5Fj36iDDGZv_RiT_T4Qqh31v42yFu4-OsrPP_ncs6dDe1UW-wEoK/s1600/DSCN0087_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="painting upholstery dining chairs gray circles" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG5CI9kByKFJ_Yud820APzD38tJ6ZstoBevwkvgY561Rvc-jqoIvmZ-pQp3QvBw8ez8OKVTlNJnGXqG7JEMpx1PdY5Fj36iDDGZv_RiT_T4Qqh31v42yFu4-OsrPP_ncs6dDe1UW-wEoK/s1600/DSCN0087_01.JPG" title="Dining room solutions " width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Bringing  it into 2014</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">To break up the wood and the set,  I was determined to sell all the dining chairs and buy new ones. I still don't know how I got hubby to agree to selling 8 hand made solid ash chairs because they were too matched. He was probably fed up listening to complaints!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span>After an extensive search,  I realized the chairs that looked best with the table  were the ones my husband made for it. I don't like sets, but in this case I had to concede.  So ... after much discussion with sister and daughter and varying opinions, I found a fabric I loved and then choose spray paint to work with it. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I would like to say that cleaning and spray painting 8 chairs was exciting.  Not so.... But I got to use my favourite motif (circles) and my favourite colour gray. What could be better!   Part 2 coming soon... new problems and solutions. Hint:  Look at the vignettes on the buffet and table.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">What do you think?  </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />

Dining room solutions

In January during a blackout our pipes broke resulting in water damage to a number of rooms in our home. What was a bit of a disaster turned into a positive for me because it finally got me moving to do something about one of my biggest decorating problems. That would be my dining room.... See my …

31Mar2014

Pardonnez-moi

<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSVZuDjyKRDnMRq6wWUtA-XXEWxkhvO6jN-VKmZVN65ra0N1RHkCkncz0Mevh9-5xCFea3LnSJ3ApJJQenSzeVkC_jcloXMf98cHSwEGOigUhRdD6rx46zc_o0egayUaQuChypGsBC3o/s640/blogger-image--1145530147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSVZuDjyKRDnMRq6wWUtA-XXEWxkhvO6jN-VKmZVN65ra0N1RHkCkncz0Mevh9-5xCFea3LnSJ3ApJJQenSzeVkC_jcloXMf98cHSwEGOigUhRdD6rx46zc_o0egayUaQuChypGsBC3o/s640/blogger-image--1145530147.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My computer and I are going through a temporary "conscious uncoupling."  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We're on Spring Break. Kind of. Gone are the days where I stood awkwardly in the boom boom room at Club La Vela while girls took the "thong song" a little too seriously (Spring Break 2000 was a special time).  Now I'm just where I ought to be: curled up on The Suze's couch and watching Bravo, while people bring me queso, and then happily play dinosaurs with Edward and hold my baby (who never stops moving. Ever. Never. Ever.). And even though I really miss Kip, I'm glad he gets to go hit golf balls after work with nary a side-eye from me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's good to take a little break, enjoy your family, and Snapchat the family members who can't be there to make them jealous. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Since I won't be back to the blog until Monday (Tuesday, let's be honest), I will leave you with this tale of caution. That special (awful) Spring Break 2000 in Panama City, FL, I found my friend talking to a reporter by the hotel pool. I got there just in time to hear her spelling her last name for him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A week later, we learned what she said to that reporter when her father, a kind, good, professional man, asked her to go get the front page of the Life section of USA Today.  He'd had a few copies placed on his desk by his colleagues and coworkers. (Spoiler: he wasn't laughing) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There it was. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Soaked in an overabundance of Captian Morgan's, H--- M---*,19, University of M----, proclaims, 'You only live your life once. So you have to live your life and you have to do your life. So everybody do your Spring Break!'" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">* names and schools have been vaguely obscured to protect my friend who's actually an intelligent and functioning member of society now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Moral of the story: always be sure they quote you while drinking a fine red or respectable champagne - for posterity's sake. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><br></div><br></div>

Pardonnez-moi

My computer and I are going through a temporary "conscious uncoupling." We're on Spring Break. Kind of. Gone are the days where I stood awkwardly in the boom boom room at Club La Vela while girls took the "thong song" a little too seriously (Spring Break 2000 was a special time). Now I'm just wher…

26Mar2014

Do you need a little luck?

We just finished two months of renovations after our broken water pipes  and I wanted something fresh and green  for my living room. I went to the florist to get a....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5eTr_BEDflvsYArCKbxHnW2HG9lLz4JDvbWfp9n2F_jIZyEWZ-SmfO0nsG5yXDt5SJVhaptX_uUcxcHPFZ1ahiFgDKtGnj97aIJqHwfmIJTeug4qkdCFWTkLdIhMP0UQvL1woibNN-7l/s1600/Shamrock-plant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="shamrock plant for good luck Irish " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5eTr_BEDflvsYArCKbxHnW2HG9lLz4JDvbWfp9n2F_jIZyEWZ-SmfO0nsG5yXDt5SJVhaptX_uUcxcHPFZ1ahiFgDKtGnj97aIJqHwfmIJTeug4qkdCFWTkLdIhMP0UQvL1woibNN-7l/s1600/Shamrock-plant.jpg" title="Plants for  good luck" /></a></div><br /> lucky shamrock seeing it was St. Patrick's Day  and my ancestors are Irish.  The best laid plans often fizzle in the face of something more interesting or inviting. The poor old shamrock didn't get a second look when I saw this....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEgPFa2XNqxTkpCIkVGuK1_zSmf83uf0OrnInkxVJPJq266pEOufOVnFqlSSfrRgxGNBomz16lghrEEbWkc24PIH9M4xW1f2VPM6LBNpMTOWxnvJwP_2x4uqe3P666qqELsIRm-7-uXEfT3v/s1600/DSCN0083_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="lucky bamboo pillar " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFa2XNqxTkpCIkVGuK1_zSmf83uf0OrnInkxVJPJq266pEOufOVnFqlSSfrRgxGNBomz16lghrEEbWkc24PIH9M4xW1f2VPM6LBNpMTOWxnvJwP_2x4uqe3P666qqELsIRm-7-uXEfT3v/s1600/DSCN0083_01.JPG" title="Plants for good luck " width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucky bamboo pillar</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I couldn't help myself.  I was pulled in by this  lucky  bamboo. Most bamboo plants grow into a leggy, somewhat untidy mess, and for that reason I've never bought one.  I didn't realize  there were different ways of braiding or shaping them.<br /><br />So I am  now the proud owner of a lucky bamboo.  Here's my Cole's notes (am I dating myself?) version of my research on understanding them a little more:<br /><br /><h4>10 facts about lucky bamboo</h4><br />The lucky bamboo:<br /><ul><li> has been used for 5,000 years in the practice of Feng Shui</li><li>arrangement can have  5 essential elements of Feng Shui- earth (rocks or pebbles), wood (stalks), water (for growth), metal (add small coin or ornament), and fire (red or orange   object added) </li><li>is not a real bamboo, it is an Asian tropical water lily, botanical name "dracaena sanderiana" </li><li>does well in low light, but needs a constant supply of  water (keep at 1 inch)</li><li>likes distilled water  or tap water left out overnight ,</li><li>doesn't like  water with flouride </li><li> needs a water change once a week </li><li>brings luck (amount of luck it brings depends on the number of stalks) check this<a href="http://gardenia.ps/index.php/component/k2/item/7-history-of-lucky-bamboo.html"> link</a></li><li>leaves can be toxic when ingested</li><li>designs are trellis, pillar, tower or "random"</li></ul><h4>Special designs</h4><div><br /></div><div><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/AVvXsEhapa9dgLeLWKkYJlaUK8HjgrdgaKc785x_1YfC2G01Lt5i2lroGiNdIDRCBDU4zdXLQeWqFiusrHZEG5cXlan2JIODa7MNaCvfr1fiZhx_3OLTrlgKjpfR5LHd8D3aa2LVVlLtNxLmxLL_/s1600/curled-lucky-bamboo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="spiral triad lucky bamboo" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapa9dgLeLWKkYJlaUK8HjgrdgaKc785x_1YfC2G01Lt5i2lroGiNdIDRCBDU4zdXLQeWqFiusrHZEG5cXlan2JIODa7MNaCvfr1fiZhx_3OLTrlgKjpfR5LHd8D3aa2LVVlLtNxLmxLL_/s1600/curled-lucky-bamboo.jpg" title="Plants for good luck " width="265" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spiral triad</td></tr></tbody></table><span id="goog_1581586626"></span></div><h4> </h4><h4></h4><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEg9VnYe_ddkkP2c78H-rxNVxinGVL-mTLHDH0wXa8veXvWRmjnbTQJs9Epso5YVHtxH1OjO70-p8EvMhG41vGmLQXGHKBLytAcR8d02cxRFORAfcUrHJgjv8MCniPLnlAzoT_ndcHZJguwE/s1600/pineapple-braided-lucky-bamboo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="lucky bamboo pineapple braided pillar" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VnYe_ddkkP2c78H-rxNVxinGVL-mTLHDH0wXa8veXvWRmjnbTQJs9Epso5YVHtxH1OjO70-p8EvMhG41vGmLQXGHKBLytAcR8d02cxRFORAfcUrHJgjv8MCniPLnlAzoT_ndcHZJguwE/s1600/pineapple-braided-lucky-bamboo.jpg" title="Plants for good luck " width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pineapple braided pillar</td></tr></tbody></table></div><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/AVvXsEhvBpzShffNHXel5QjJuS27Tw1ILUeNanGdsweCiVj22Jplg8F8OHLT6gLbzkT6sU9819fsufgpLZQj_7M9l5g9XgPVaHLmKt9I1zafu3bgIrNFKeQUincv0Q6PG5yqh5qCJqRheIqHiAHV/s1600/braided-tower-lucky-bamboo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="simple braided pillar lucky bamboo" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBpzShffNHXel5QjJuS27Tw1ILUeNanGdsweCiVj22Jplg8F8OHLT6gLbzkT6sU9819fsufgpLZQj_7M9l5g9XgPVaHLmKt9I1zafu3bgIrNFKeQUincv0Q6PG5yqh5qCJqRheIqHiAHV/s1600/braided-tower-lucky-bamboo.jpg" title="Plants for good luck " width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Simple braided pillar</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><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/AVvXsEh2TGcnuSGbdvmCNV3PptK46IB2rH5IfpwVl9RLN4jcLyvgPfKdF9Utt112y1Y6LCdVjT_ET7Wmx1hy7lhTPcvu1yHTRv6FbLQQMKA4dNwYK-fBG8w8gb-eE9G7c8vkzs9ptrwZBSlPrIVU/s1600/two-tiered-towers-lucky-bamboo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 13px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="two tiered tower lucky bamboo " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TGcnuSGbdvmCNV3PptK46IB2rH5IfpwVl9RLN4jcLyvgPfKdF9Utt112y1Y6LCdVjT_ET7Wmx1hy7lhTPcvu1yHTRv6FbLQQMKA4dNwYK-fBG8w8gb-eE9G7c8vkzs9ptrwZBSlPrIVU/s1600/two-tiered-towers-lucky-bamboo.jpg" title="plants for good luck " width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two tiered tower</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjJUwxNuCWu1NNSuaY4AIYSi-DTfVvDT8hkfHL_ah7EgS-Ppbxm40J9RiJBbsRDO_8HHGAkbdLfIcB7ZmPDVRe1k5hhospJCYlkUk0qVh6sxNldn2zb6rrM4ra6HWLH4X8LVXP83rt8R5-P/s1600/serpentine-wall-lucky-bamboo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="serpentine wall lucky bamboo " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUwxNuCWu1NNSuaY4AIYSi-DTfVvDT8hkfHL_ah7EgS-Ppbxm40J9RiJBbsRDO_8HHGAkbdLfIcB7ZmPDVRe1k5hhospJCYlkUk0qVh6sxNldn2zb6rrM4ra6HWLH4X8LVXP83rt8R5-P/s1600/serpentine-wall-lucky-bamboo.jpg" title="plants for good luck " width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serpentine wall </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><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/AVvXsEgwXY7vjtm763NoXAmMEatARTHNCZ_1QGpiT8R02vTQT-WyhE7rqOVTYX6cAMW_V5CYctM2ApFK0Jwx9LpQTU4MG18SCdxA6i8isMAWy5oF9P0M23QwXJrTlD5ouCzpISCxiUquzC9a7Q3B/s1600/trellis-lucky-bamboo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="trellis lucky bamboo " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXY7vjtm763NoXAmMEatARTHNCZ_1QGpiT8R02vTQT-WyhE7rqOVTYX6cAMW_V5CYctM2ApFK0Jwx9LpQTU4MG18SCdxA6i8isMAWy5oF9P0M23QwXJrTlD5ouCzpISCxiUquzC9a7Q3B/s1600/trellis-lucky-bamboo.jpg" title="plants for good luck " width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trellis lucky bamboo </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>If you want a plant in your home a lucky bamboo is your best bet if you don't have a green thumb.  It may even survive for awhile.<br /><br /></div><h4>Using lucky bamboo in decor</h4><div><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="http://www.houzz.com/photos/49903/glimpse-into-my-home-eclectic-family-room-other-metro" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="lucky bamboo arrangement dining table " border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/214143c90bca60fa_8-1000/eclectic-family-room.jpg" title="plants for good luck " width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using repetition of small arrangements in a dining space</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small>Source </small></div><br /><br /></div><div><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="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2027551/Green-Lines-contemporary-living-room-san-francisco" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="lucky bamboo curled centerpiece coffee table " border="0" height="500" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/4d31515c00ac1ae1_8-1570/contemporary-living-room.jpg" title="plants for good luck " width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sculptural quality of curled lucky bamboo makes a stunning centerpiece</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/leighah/heydt-designs" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Heydt Designs</a></small></div><br /><br /></div><div><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="http://www.houzz.com/photos/47691/Shoreline-Modern-Master-Bath-modern-bathroom-seattle" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="curled lucky bamboo zen bathroom " border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/d6a1b41d0bb2280d_8-1000/modern-bathroom.jpg" title="plants for good luck " width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucky bamboo in a simple design works well in a Zen bathroom </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/d-ryan79/dawn-ryan-akbdryan-interior-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Ryan Interior Design</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><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="http://www.houzz.com/photos/5308522/Back-Bay-Penthouse-traditional-entry-boston" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="spiral lucky bamboo arrangement console table " border="0" height="734" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/61a10a3302124709_8-9554/traditional-entry.jpg" title="plants for good luck " width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An  arrangement of curled  stems needs no other adornment </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small>  <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/adamsandbeasley/adams-beasley-associates" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Adams + Beasley Associates</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div>

Do you need a little luck?

We just finished two months of renovations after our broken water pipes and I wanted something fresh and green for my living room. I went to the florist to get a.... lucky shamrock seeing it was St. Patrick's Day and my ancestors are Irish. The best laid plans often fizzle in the face of somethi…

25Mar2014

Have a Lovely Spring Weekend Y'all!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaiPmAB95foK2q1iFW0ksXT7kl9BQdGvf4cJC6jvPhLtEXJpGuke6_FsOuRJYbFt1TwMT6yrkuKZV3WLw6jyu1IeUnXoAJ629X1cVikwrQQCxjtIPQ2q5AQf0KopZJGGRk5kALLPNiJI/s1600/lamkin_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaiPmAB95foK2q1iFW0ksXT7kl9BQdGvf4cJC6jvPhLtEXJpGuke6_FsOuRJYbFt1TwMT6yrkuKZV3WLw6jyu1IeUnXoAJ629X1cVikwrQQCxjtIPQ2q5AQf0KopZJGGRk5kALLPNiJI/s1600/lamkin_0006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Thank you friends for all of <a href="http://www.belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2014/03/craigslist-coffee-table.html">the coffee table suggestions</a>!  Y'all had some great ideas.  When I get it painted, I'll be sure to style it up all nice an unrealistic for a family with toddlers and share some pictures ;) Enjoy your weekend!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This fantastically floral garden room is from <a href="http://thepeakofchic.blogspot.com/2014/03/speed-lamkin-at-home-in-louisiana.html">this lovely Louisiana home</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://frontburner.dmagazine.com/2014/03/14/kristen-bell-rolls-with-gordon-keiths-soft-punches/">Kristen Bell is just so cool and funny </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm down with <a href="http://madebygirl.blogspot.com/2014/03/fashion-placid-blue.html">placid blue</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A <a href="http://gadaboutblog.com/a-little-bloom/">pretty post</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A <a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2014/03/chic-london-wedding.html">Chic London Wedding </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't wait to try these <a href="http://designerbagsanddirtydiapers.blogspot.com/2014/03/korean-beef-bowls.html">Korean beef bowls</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thepursuitofstyle.com/2014/03/bridesmaids-2/">Cute Bridesmaids Gifts</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/03/satisfied-with-your-life/">How to Be More Satisfied With Your Life</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aperfectgray.com/2014/03/wonderful-white-bedroom.html">A Lovely Bedroom</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">(And do I need to read The Goldfinch?)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aestheticoiseau.com/2014/03/anshun-by-schumacher.html">This fabric</a> is real nice </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com/2014/03/designer-tricks-of-trade.html">Fun Tips & Tricks</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/11047961560636225/">This is hilarious</a> and so my sense of humor</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, I'm going to try ALL of <a href="http://theglitterguide.com/2014/03/19/10-spring-drugstore-buys-worth-trying/?slide=1#content">these drugstore buys</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://happyplace.someecards.com/30037/local-weatherman-cracks-up-on-air-after-wishing-a-happy-birthday-to-hugh-janus">If you have a 10 year-old boy's sense of humor</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not one to be negative, but <a href="http://sftimes.co/?id=134&src=share_fb_new_134">this house's interior is spectacularly ugly </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/coming-up-roses?page=3">this pretty Chairish shop</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brass lovers, visit my girl's <a href="https://www.huntersalley.com/profile/375-200main">Hunter's Alley shop</a> on the reg</div><div style="text-align: center;">  </div><br />

Have a Lovely Spring Weekend Y'all!

Thank you friends for all of the coffee table suggestions! Y'all had some great ideas. When I get it painted, I'll be sure to style it up all nice an unrealistic for a family with toddlers and share some pictures ;) Enjoy your weekend!This fantastically floral garden room is from this lovely Louis…

21Mar2014

Craigslist Coffee Table

<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This happened yesterday. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qGjW62H-jXMGKWQcM8OrC8ZPMXjLhz138-1wpdcIOz7G-TXQxR5lkIOxDmO-dOLEpDTqoCRHJgNS2ZjUDU410wmpT2oMI1k_rZ7WLQwJz_d2ogkvuyax1QeqXtoTavUBMYsdJ1fz8DE/s640/blogger-image-1696509854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qGjW62H-jXMGKWQcM8OrC8ZPMXjLhz138-1wpdcIOz7G-TXQxR5lkIOxDmO-dOLEpDTqoCRHJgNS2ZjUDU410wmpT2oMI1k_rZ7WLQwJz_d2ogkvuyax1QeqXtoTavUBMYsdJ1fz8DE/s640/blogger-image-1696509854.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And I pounced. These tables, painted, go for $1200 on One Kings Lane. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's a little on the small side for the room, and the top looks like it's been the platform for many games of quarters. But I love the shape and it's good solid wood. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpjiXDoHPfZweSwWgUwUcYn5umzOnXTFITeftBxSfLYLbFjeHi71uf7MP-u6LhFm5Ek-i6Zk19gmYjPXIQiVWCCnaMmbyIp63OJlxwwe3_GwacTWjRyMF42yr2ChqXQdJ-nwIhdwJ11w/s640/blogger-image--349333583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpjiXDoHPfZweSwWgUwUcYn5umzOnXTFITeftBxSfLYLbFjeHi71uf7MP-u6LhFm5Ek-i6Zk19gmYjPXIQiVWCCnaMmbyIp63OJlxwwe3_GwacTWjRyMF42yr2ChqXQdJ-nwIhdwJ11w/s640/blogger-image--349333583.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxiemblJDRUcUo7jL44ojGgxfklI4ZdnqUeD_NHk_TxQrl8Z0Jlsl9hWhJou_wz4sQdaZ5GXjDQgiQ1zbK7JQnVuzCJvFpMETQr1SBQDX7eYKBNY8lxnmV0nV8SwL12IXVOWqbvCqoCV8/s640/blogger-image--1637374158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxiemblJDRUcUo7jL44ojGgxfklI4ZdnqUeD_NHk_TxQrl8Z0Jlsl9hWhJou_wz4sQdaZ5GXjDQgiQ1zbK7JQnVuzCJvFpMETQr1SBQDX7eYKBNY8lxnmV0nV8SwL12IXVOWqbvCqoCV8/s640/blogger-image--1637374158.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So now I need painting suggestions.  It's definitely going to get painted.  Originally, I thought glossy black, but I'm worried it will be too much black in the room. The rug is so bold that I don't want it to compete. Maybe an off-white? A glossy olive? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I love the look of these tables, but don't know if I could replicate it on this table. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oK_2UbKTWQFw148naqnCC-JYml9hHiW93sXHWwDVhT7Ddl4p8Tr5yZeCLEVQCi72Zi1rWHa3HieL9oqwyY8hb9nxaP5Nl-wvg8_KJZwbWSaRDYQq4hYvxBrWmZ7M4cqTcEKMGFuT2Qg/s640/blogger-image--917237378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oK_2UbKTWQFw148naqnCC-JYml9hHiW93sXHWwDVhT7Ddl4p8Tr5yZeCLEVQCi72Zi1rWHa3HieL9oqwyY8hb9nxaP5Nl-wvg8_KJZwbWSaRDYQq4hYvxBrWmZ7M4cqTcEKMGFuT2Qg/s640/blogger-image--917237378.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Any ideas, y'all? </div>

Craigslist Coffee Table

This happened yesterday. And I pounced. These tables, painted, go for $1200 on One Kings Lane. It's a little on the small side for the room, and the top looks like it's been the platform for many games of quarters. But I love the shape and it's good solid wood. So now I need painting suggestions. I…

19Mar2014

Coffee Table Inspiration

Coffee Table Inspiration

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18Mar2014

Moodboard Monday: Awkward

We've slowly been getting new stuff in our living room.  It takes time in real life, especially because I want to the room to look like it's been pieced together over time.  I'm going for a "house on King Street" vibe where I pretend I live in Charleston and am accumulating pieces passed down from my Grandmama and mixing it with more modern furnishings.  I know, specific.  (P.S. Who's watching <i>Southern Charm</i> on Bravo? I couldn't tell you what's going on with the storylines, but I love getting a glimpse into some of the homes)<br /><br />Also, we have the whole issue of small children and small children stuff.  Their stuff takes up a lot of space and is not exactly chic, but I don't mind that.  I know it's soo temporary that it will feel like the blink of an eye. It just makes me focus more on having pretty "moments" in the room, if you will, as opposed to a room that can be photographed as a whole.<br /><br />So right now this room is in a little bit of an awkward stage.  <br /><br /><div>First, the good moments. </div><div><br /></div><div><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/AVvXsEgJAtLtBBgxJ2bM1wakXH6lGhRetywjT2eltwohsLBWFzXnXll9DRO3-JFg9IyyuDlDG89fHC09i1kNdcB5Pd8BdumCLJrFxajAF0bGepyqXhEOeBPmEm3qz6tUvKrKS39BuMGn3uA29fE/s640/blogger-image--129194067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAtLtBBgxJ2bM1wakXH6lGhRetywjT2eltwohsLBWFzXnXll9DRO3-JFg9IyyuDlDG89fHC09i1kNdcB5Pd8BdumCLJrFxajAF0bGepyqXhEOeBPmEm3qz6tUvKrKS39BuMGn3uA29fE/s640/blogger-image--129194067.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My new blue and white consignment store lamp.</div><br /></div><div><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/AVvXsEj0J1a3-CC99GVpDrki8woruHTJXoZB_xPFhYLJGxWWr4FsrYmvGnRjeRR4JDhkmuPx7bTfLusVHF9j8_SwaNKPjEQMFOJR03SbX7dPJfuSmiTWp0Mw9CWPdgCFQ78m-sgo1HdHZfei4Qo/s640/blogger-image--199780043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0J1a3-CC99GVpDrki8woruHTJXoZB_xPFhYLJGxWWr4FsrYmvGnRjeRR4JDhkmuPx7bTfLusVHF9j8_SwaNKPjEQMFOJR03SbX7dPJfuSmiTWp0Mw9CWPdgCFQ78m-sgo1HdHZfei4Qo/s640/blogger-image--199780043.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Rawr. </div><div><br /></div><div>And now for some awkwardness. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><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/AVvXsEiqFkuKjj63qqi_H4vLN_rhei6Jhtolbrqovt5rk3alVDStUacBc2rATUvaWp4GL_FU9QWVX47LY5Yx3bQRMm8wgXGjE3BsuR5NlylHJyN8IIlIhfsH4uxdJLK42Z5a7_n2_8dgIa9KRiI/s640/blogger-image--643826055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFkuKjj63qqi_H4vLN_rhei6Jhtolbrqovt5rk3alVDStUacBc2rATUvaWp4GL_FU9QWVX47LY5Yx3bQRMm8wgXGjE3BsuR5NlylHJyN8IIlIhfsH4uxdJLK42Z5a7_n2_8dgIa9KRiI/s640/blogger-image--643826055.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We have a trampoline in the corner. I was hoping this would help with the Tom Cruise sofa jumping that Edward loves to reenact. Not so much. Why jump on a trampoline when you can jump on an ottoman? (As you <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=632820313466794&set=vb.116058598476304&type=2&theater&notif_t=like">may have seen on Facebook over the weekend</a>) </div><div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script> <br /><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=632820313466794" data-width="466"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=632820313466794"></a><br /></div></div><div>And just to keep it real, </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJFl3_sIlNcrKcz6iMm-11ZrAHYFDwJFExKHAG9eFSj2xTNLL5nnIjOFdkBN_xtxYrvJ43ISP48Ph-1vcB0eWXcKgLwpFXeMbyurQ9Ipw_u_evRFDivvNMhsWq6lOfEzldjyaDL2BHrQ/s640/blogger-image--1062072787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJFl3_sIlNcrKcz6iMm-11ZrAHYFDwJFExKHAG9eFSj2xTNLL5nnIjOFdkBN_xtxYrvJ43ISP48Ph-1vcB0eWXcKgLwpFXeMbyurQ9Ipw_u_evRFDivvNMhsWq6lOfEzldjyaDL2BHrQ/s640/blogger-image--1062072787.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br />This was a relatively clean day.   <br /><br />The ottoman is from our old set and just temporary until we can find a new coffee table.  I want a big square coffee table that is durable and not bouncy.  Also, not glass because bouncy children. <br /><br />The chairs are usually pushed back.  They pick up a sagey color in the rug although it's hard to see in the picture.<br /><br />So in an effort to stay focused, here are some things I would like for this room:<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/family_room_things/set?.embedder=8728156&.svc=blogger&id=116542041" target="_blank"><img alt="Family Room Things" border="0" force="1" height="515" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/saBMfkPBmoniEe6UQq86Q/cid/116542041/id/-tvAfOat4xGXFC8R7BSULw/size/c600x515.jpg" title="Family Room Things" width="600" /></a></div></div><br /><br />The big square coffee table and comfy chair are priorities.  I love that <a href="http://www.furbishstudio.com/sheldon-slipcovered-wingback/#.UycY4F5sjHJ">striped chair from Furbish</a> but I'd like something with an ottoman.  I want this room to be cozy first and foremost.  And my dream is to someday have a <a href="http://www.shaingallery.com/susie-pryor">Susie Pryor Painting</a> over my fireplace and I love the <a href="http://shop.kerrysteele.com/product/figural-painting-on-11-x-14-1-in-series">figural painting from Kerry Steele</a>.  It would really class up the place.  Kip is doubting by abilities to keep a plant alive and is really confused by the necessity of a birdcage, but both are important pieces of my overall vision so thbttttt.  <br /><br />Anyway, sorry for the awkwardly long post.  Let me know if you have any coffee table suggestions.  I'm scouring Craigslist and consignment shops and if I ever get a moment alone I'm going to head to the antique stores.  Have a lovely day! <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/family_room_things/set?.embedder=8728156&.svc=blogger&id=116542041" target="_blank"></a><br /></small></div></div>

Moodboard Monday: Awkward

17Mar2014

Have a Lovely Weekend!

<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/AVvXsEgxEDT2QKeZgRBKHnRup3t88NVCzMGpyJlEZ_Xq_glP-82WGNiGT8Fb59vn29JcPtPAj4gpVrKtIsxDBdw-W4IFI9XfEAtI5CMcO8Ic0LRo3udfxkWDL8BXFvll9JWC708ZzwHsLfaPhMw/s1600/World+of+Interiors+Screen+Shot+2012-10-11+at+10.59.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEDT2QKeZgRBKHnRup3t88NVCzMGpyJlEZ_Xq_glP-82WGNiGT8Fb59vn29JcPtPAj4gpVrKtIsxDBdw-W4IFI9XfEAtI5CMcO8Ic0LRo3udfxkWDL8BXFvll9JWC708ZzwHsLfaPhMw/s1600/World+of+Interiors+Screen+Shot+2012-10-11+at+10.59.11+PM.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KK Auchincloss Paris Apartment in World of Interiors via <a href="http://delightbydesign.blogspot.com/2012/10/in-weeds.html">here</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Oooops! So sorry y'all.  These glimpses of Spring have also kept me away from the computer (and the laundry room).  I'm trying to get the kids outside as much as I can while the weather is so perfect. I know this could be just a tease and that snow could still be in our future, so I think today is the day I will go buy a large plant for my living room and try to prove to Kip that I can keep it alive. <br /><br />I have so much to share with y'all next week.  Our living room is in a super awkward stage right now.  We have lots of new things, which is really fun, but I'm also dying to finish it.  It's a weird mix, but once it's pulled together, I'm hoping it will look like a room that's been collected over time. <br /><br />I need to know so much more about that room above.  That wall color is perfection and I love the petrol colored bench seat sofas and pops of turquoise with the classic chinoiserie coffee table.  And, of course, the plant sitch, while a bit intense for me, brings a little whimsy to a formal space. <br /><br />Enjoy some lovely links!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I can't wait for <a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/2014/03/drumroll-please-cover-reveal-pre-order.html">Erin Gates' new book</a>! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some <a href="http://blog.wisteria.com/2014/03/5-instagram-accounts-we-love-to-follow/">Instagram accounts</a> to follow</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I could spend all day reading notes from this <a href="http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2014/03/kid-forges-moms-signature-on-permission-slip-fails-spectacularly/">Little Kid Notes gallery</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous eye candy for <a href="http://segretosecrets.squarespace.com/segreto/2014/3/9/brass.html">brass lovers </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://markdsikes.com/2014/03/10/blue-white-delights/">Blue & White Delights</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.greyandscout.com/2014/03/super-chic.html">Super Chic Upper West Side Apartment</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You must see the <a href="http://www.domainehome.com/sarah-jessica-parker-new-york-home-vogue-question-interview/">73 Questions with SJP</a> if you haven't yet</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-truth-about-seasons.html">The Truth about the Seasons</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This <a href="http://www.toryburch.com/calita-dress/11144184.html?start=130&cgid=newarrivals-clothing&dwvar_11144184_color=470&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=cj&utm_content=4441350">blue and white dress</a> for summer</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'd <a href="http://www.isuwannee.com/2014/03/make-room.html">take this room </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://littlebeancollection.blogspot.com/2014/03/waist-detailspring-and-summer-2014.html">Adorable little girl dresses for spring! </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Have a Lovely Weekend!

KK Auchincloss Paris Apartment in World of Interiors via hereOooops! So sorry y'all. These glimpses of Spring have also kept me away from the computer (and the laundry room). I'm trying to get the kids outside as much as I can while the weather is so perfect. I know this could be just a tease and …

14Mar2014

Too much of a good thing

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><h3><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">NO MORE!</span></h3></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypN6ZFgwjPZ-tF51fQxCGCMA0oA5QnMG_ONX7fP-KLrUDjLMYAeLKBtSf55G8c-zIKZMkynYtus2w6kdkoG4DZEcFffQszODWhF35oF9q0YsEi5ppNX-f-mz1dGXEOZn9PJP0SNE2-knn/s1600/blnksym1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypN6ZFgwjPZ-tF51fQxCGCMA0oA5QnMG_ONX7fP-KLrUDjLMYAeLKBtSf55G8c-zIKZMkynYtus2w6kdkoG4DZEcFffQszODWhF35oF9q0YsEi5ppNX-f-mz1dGXEOZn9PJP0SNE2-knn/s1600/blnksym1.gif" /></a></span></div><br /><h4>The big question</h4>Have you ever had to call a halt to buying yet another object  that you love?  When does just enough become too much? I had to confront both questions this week while I was shopping for accessories with my sister.  <br /><br /><h4>Telling it like it is</h4> " Oh, I love that. "  was answered with " "You don't need another one". I had to admit  then and there that I am obsessed with  birds;  circles and poppies are chasing on their heels (or feathers).   I am trying to control it, but I keep seeing so many that I love.  I'm even thinking about  a birds for <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2014/01/a-difficult-good-bye.html">next Christmas. </a> I already admitted that in a previous post before I realized how far I'd gone.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEgNQe9Z1A9LxRkoscRnBToCnw9CcTwUB_wmUI_CWdsXF-RAm_Vs7JaBi-7qZ6rexlNY2WK2iTz5hejzvDXB-HyyR8fQpBhMUFVCz0GIg8VqCz1hkMQDKvDl9Q7nikqn47V1qErT3IBl8Y__/s1600/bird-vase-poppy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="mid century modern birds poppy white vase" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQe9Z1A9LxRkoscRnBToCnw9CcTwUB_wmUI_CWdsXF-RAm_Vs7JaBi-7qZ6rexlNY2WK2iTz5hejzvDXB-HyyR8fQpBhMUFVCz0GIg8VqCz1hkMQDKvDl9Q7nikqn47V1qErT3IBl8Y__/s1600/bird-vase-poppy.JPG" title="Birds in decor " width="290" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birds,  poppy and circles- perfection in my book</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br />Now my sister is a good one to talk!<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><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQWg26CYG_4jdUq_0GN3fGcBYRb7r0K4Z6krVRDkAE7Lj5Sap3HiF6vqZQh-ToIvLLEnsV7bwHWd59dbcKqeUVBaBoMbwHOTKHDLTTxIehApiXy1XMEYZwN1oyy2pBwNdH0kWcO6dQG9i/s1600/Vera-+Bonavista-Social-club.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQWg26CYG_4jdUq_0GN3fGcBYRb7r0K4Z6krVRDkAE7Lj5Sap3HiF6vqZQh-ToIvLLEnsV7bwHWd59dbcKqeUVBaBoMbwHOTKHDLTTxIehApiXy1XMEYZwN1oyy2pBwNdH0kWcO6dQG9i/s1600/Vera-+Bonavista-Social-club.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Outdoor dining at Bonavista Social Club and listening to birds</td></tr></tbody></table><h4>A family thing</h4>Vera has a bit of the same affliction and doesn't even recognize it; her focus is birds in art work. She can't pass one up without a comment. There was also a liberal smattering of birds when I featured her house at Christmas in this<a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2013/12/a-nature-inspired-christmas.html"> post.</a>  Must be the result of growing up next to a forest.<br /><br />This obsession is causing me other problems in addition to having just too many of the same thing and not enough surfaces to place them.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">My granddaughter, age 2,  is suddenly sizing up her environment and putting things in the " I likka" or the  "I no likka" category.  Birds are in the "I no likka " camp!   What do I do about that?   If exposure is going to make her more comfortable with our fine feathered friends she's in the right house. Since most of my birds are highly stylized it took her awhile to notice they were birds, but she's on to me now.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Bird sightings </h4></div>I like to  think that I place the products of my  obsession artistically by  weaving  them into vignettes and moving them from room to room so they aren't in one space too long. <br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51-TQ72UWulb71UmId2yW2Q1B_J6XHMULq6UAkFSK5Grq2jvTd_GJZ2iOCyqSEa7WipuK2fS5fzvDuwlCGe_0ZdwgnPWmqesW6oPzslF3nFdMAg1XUAdJc8nbwCtknh4JcWOJlSiMwLUN/s1600/DSCN8265_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="mercury bird vignette living room books coffee table" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51-TQ72UWulb71UmId2yW2Q1B_J6XHMULq6UAkFSK5Grq2jvTd_GJZ2iOCyqSEa7WipuK2fS5fzvDuwlCGe_0ZdwgnPWmqesW6oPzslF3nFdMAg1XUAdJc8nbwCtknh4JcWOJlSiMwLUN/s1600/DSCN8265_01.JPG" title="Birds in decor " width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Sitting proudly in the knowledge he was the first </td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjpcno7p1t9QW7K9rC_f2z_ydqKqoWDYZd4UqazemaFzXVo0oQ4-qi5rAbTSBzoTeU_59ENIg5F0HQMMIwRPCJ0cmzonT7HTobgitISLuy3saYe9k07Nfs4NX9gNZxYav1ZGVv4oPilHxtn/s1600/bird-kubus4-lamp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="kubus 4  mercury bird living room table " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcno7p1t9QW7K9rC_f2z_ydqKqoWDYZd4UqazemaFzXVo0oQ4-qi5rAbTSBzoTeU_59ENIg5F0HQMMIwRPCJ0cmzonT7HTobgitISLuy3saYe9k07Nfs4NX9gNZxYav1ZGVv4oPilHxtn/s1600/bird-kubus4-lamp.JPG" title="Birds in decor " width="323" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not so happy with the " I no likka birds" title</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Look closely.  There are two birds. Oh my!</div><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/AVvXsEiXHETQ1qKC-Hx-_8pQKs9PYqBezLvIPj5o8gX26_hM1LWpVIU4854ekyBNeuBXIqvI_0Bz3Wy7LO0rq89YWCdHM-77bUPkGDUpsUiRCRzGR0K7ne87OZSMHvIgT0v4VxQI3NU_zuIL80iQ/s1600/fall+vignette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="autumn vignette tray mercury bird fall flowers" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHETQ1qKC-Hx-_8pQKs9PYqBezLvIPj5o8gX26_hM1LWpVIU4854ekyBNeuBXIqvI_0Bz3Wy7LO0rq89YWCdHM-77bUPkGDUpsUiRCRzGR0K7ne87OZSMHvIgT0v4VxQI3NU_zuIL80iQ/s1600/fall+vignette.JPG" title="Birds in decor " width="295" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> At home in autumn finery </td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEg21nFsmGsGXGqWlxxE5dqrp0V2gijqsKGuzu4MN9xLGLOwnvTjHUPvQ3Wil1E3fKRJDju76mPpFFjIXwgZw4EPp0ATsjkKN3MNlJHqYdAC-4GgQMX-kvjvRbDym02yHGkpAXRh0dsR65J3/s1600/DSCN0068_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="mercury bird vignette dining room" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21nFsmGsGXGqWlxxE5dqrp0V2gijqsKGuzu4MN9xLGLOwnvTjHUPvQ3Wil1E3fKRJDju76mPpFFjIXwgZw4EPp0ATsjkKN3MNlJHqYdAC-4GgQMX-kvjvRbDym02yHGkpAXRh0dsR65J3/s1600/DSCN0068_01.JPG" title="Birds in decor" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His latest home on the dining room table</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEiDAb-4xMYv4fg8mnvM3YtZVfX0wpGksTbRYw8lYONHoLAs3x2geSoEJFle7hcbDxjCFzkJUIvlm0kBMlpEjvcUSzbgGG0Xi7JznCf-9YCjiUFEp82Ovfmvg1-bqaiy62RVX31qGjATaruj/s1600/DSCN8271_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="white stylized bird on shelf" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAb-4xMYv4fg8mnvM3YtZVfX0wpGksTbRYw8lYONHoLAs3x2geSoEJFle7hcbDxjCFzkJUIvlm0kBMlpEjvcUSzbgGG0Xi7JznCf-9YCjiUFEp82Ovfmvg1-bqaiy62RVX31qGjATaruj/s1600/DSCN8271_01.JPG" title="Birds in decor " width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird sighting in the family room</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, they get around. But some are stationary. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBqfJyr3oqsFdEBW5GvzNiDlYG8SsXmkY6-tuHpNkTN1qDeROUzo5R4sCnOlBxpfxHLmm2XYJkVAeREfhtORK45XedNYYW3KUsfv2PXsScbCAewtO-14DJfieU0r0iZl8_YicpkrDISVk/s1600/DSCN0059_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hummingbird key hook" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBqfJyr3oqsFdEBW5GvzNiDlYG8SsXmkY6-tuHpNkTN1qDeROUzo5R4sCnOlBxpfxHLmm2XYJkVAeREfhtORK45XedNYYW3KUsfv2PXsScbCAewtO-14DJfieU0r0iZl8_YicpkrDISVk/s1600/DSCN0059_01.JPG" title="Birds in decor " width="260" /></a><br /><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: start;">There's the  hummingbird key hook, </span><br /><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPCsS7kUj6xAWIdNifb8pEQdP1uh80iMKU7-L6F8ZgJbll-WRze24Qv8xfySC27CFbmt6kDKs05p-BErFJHFj4yHvydS2LRYm9lDc1NxS-QU1sEpTxc4etPun2DVwgPxM74ziyTIDBTH7/s1600/DSCN0058_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="filigree bird with wreath " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPCsS7kUj6xAWIdNifb8pEQdP1uh80iMKU7-L6F8ZgJbll-WRze24Qv8xfySC27CFbmt6kDKs05p-BErFJHFj4yHvydS2LRYm9lDc1NxS-QU1sEpTxc4etPun2DVwgPxM74ziyTIDBTH7/s1600/DSCN0058_01.JPG" title="Birds in decor" width="328" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: start;">and the filigree bird hanging in my wreath thanks to my friend who also likes birds.  Yes, it all adds up.</span><br /><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/AVvXsEj-IUzPFyDFUi-YhW5obj-4JL8-wwNRBFgCYTbc_ONDJ8xIIo6VFXMTYIYkuE3RAyIKqk38-M-DZlg9lev677K9cTsNxKHa4vyndmWuvIPmTml_3nN7ztik6MRt_kfWWVVsDtTrs9VH9sMd/s1600/DSCN0052_01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kubus4 blackbird red pot vignette" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IUzPFyDFUi-YhW5obj-4JL8-wwNRBFgCYTbc_ONDJ8xIIo6VFXMTYIYkuE3RAyIKqk38-M-DZlg9lev677K9cTsNxKHa4vyndmWuvIPmTml_3nN7ztik6MRt_kfWWVVsDtTrs9VH9sMd/s1600/DSCN0052_01.JPG" title="Birds in decor" width="326" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black bird</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <span style="text-align: left;">My latest acquisition and hopefully my last. Thanks Target. But will it be my last?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">You can always dream</h4></div><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEiemQFu1gcjASDxP8Cr_sSnWtp8RBtaXHcDZvkSQsS1v9Eg-8Rfmdo_EKAsGQ4pmLR2lRkGTDfCFFcuUfs_14-bGBJpXfAnJbtGDlpOEMNLAtgJ_XL9jnNL4M-C65SJ5ePUJbYusxzJUDaB/s1600/eames_house_bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Eames house bird shelf " border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemQFu1gcjASDxP8Cr_sSnWtp8RBtaXHcDZvkSQsS1v9Eg-8Rfmdo_EKAsGQ4pmLR2lRkGTDfCFFcuUfs_14-bGBJpXfAnJbtGDlpOEMNLAtgJ_XL9jnNL4M-C65SJ5ePUJbYusxzJUDaB/s1600/eames_house_bird.jpg" title="Birds in decor " width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.stardustmoderndesign.com/2012/10/eames-house-bird.html">Source </a></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But...... this is the one I dream about and will probably never have (unless the lotto comes my way or my relatives decide on a group gift). I'd pitch that Target bird in a heartbeat.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please tell me that you too have an object obsession~!  Time to own up. </div>

Too much of a good thing

NO MORE!The big questionHave you ever had to call a halt to buying yet another object that you love? When does just enough become too much? I had to confront both questions this week while I was shopping for accessories with my sister. Telling it like it is " Oh, I love that. " was answered with…

13Mar2014

Have a Lovely Weekend!

<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/AVvXsEgYMbkGwc67dinxFx0r4h3vPZmz6dEu82uhtTYuXeiC3MDsBrFWz0Uhl-KR19aUAlmQSWhHJ2zR6toXRUZTM6_sRMiUVmAqheYKtY8piZVPyx3RWORuttyCL5dem0P9C7kHtiD6KTiAGCQ/s1600/Big+Easy+Style+shop-toile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMbkGwc67dinxFx0r4h3vPZmz6dEu82uhtTYuXeiC3MDsBrFWz0Uhl-KR19aUAlmQSWhHJ2zR6toXRUZTM6_sRMiUVmAqheYKtY8piZVPyx3RWORuttyCL5dem0P9C7kHtiD6KTiAGCQ/s1600/Big+Easy+Style+shop-toile.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bigeasystyle.com/">Big Easy Style</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Only in New Orleans could one make a hot pink velvet sofa with zebra striped pillows look elegant.  I have a strange urge to take a bite out of that sofa.  Don't know what that's about.  Anyway, I hope y'all have a lovely, fantastic weekend! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">An <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/16747829839477209/">awesome pink sofa</a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">ICYMI: <a href="http://blog.thepinkpagoda.us/2014/03/the-march-blue-and-white-bash.html">The March Blue and White Bash </a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/index.jsp?link=global_logo">Restoration Hardware is having a furniture sale</a> %25 off</div><div style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://instagram.com/p/lDFIOEoxYK/">Our new sofa</a> from <a href="http://www.nfm.com/DetailsPage.aspx?productid=35508266">here</a> looks exactly like the <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod530008&categoryId=cat1701063#">Kensington sofa</a>, but half the price)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.littlebeanshop.com/Sophie-Catalou-Batik-Sun-Dress-p/sop-006.htm">The perfect sundress</a> for a little lady </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/model-karlie-kloss-home-new-york-city/#">21, long legs and an NYC apartment design by Nate Berkus</a> - some girls have all the luck </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm on a huge salad kick - I'm trying <a href="http://designerbagsanddirtydiapers.blogspot.com/2014/03/shredded-kale-salad-cayenne-balsamic.html">this kale salad</a> next</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2014/03/lindsay-lohan-reality-show-sneak-peek-i-feel-like-a-prisoner/">If Oprah tells you to cut the BS</a>, well, yikes</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">An <a href="http://theeverygirl.com/cat-cantrells-houston-garage-apartment-tour">adorable garage apartment </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dallas peeps or Mom: head over to <a href="http://uptowncountryhome.blogspot.com/2014/03/whats-new-in-shop-march-5-2014.html">Uptown Country Home in Snider Plaza</a> and buy me the blue dresser, the blue and white Easter wreaths, the little campaign dresser, the cool mid mod chairs and the Happy Hour sign (but seriously with that blue dresser)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I always enjoy a <a href="http://www.savvyhomeblog.com/2014/03/gab-loves-040314.html">good roundup of pretty things </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kelleymoorecreativemedia.blogspot.com/2014/03/45-years.html">Really great lessons to keep in mind as we get older</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For t<a href="http://blueprintstore.com/blog/design-tip-tuesday-a-balancing-act/">hose who love symmetry </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blueprintstore.com/blog/a-refreshing-master-retreat/">Yet another serene bedroom</a> you might find me sleeping in if my kids drive me to lose my marbles (that would be my "Amanda Bynes starting a fire in a driveway" move - sleeping in other people's pretty bedrooms - consider yourself warned)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com/2014/03/bliss-in-kitchen-architectural-details.html">Kitchen Love</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I want this <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/shirtstops/PRDOVR~A3241/A3241.jsp">pretty pink blouse </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Have a Lovely Weekend!

Big Easy StyleOnly in New Orleans could one make a hot pink velvet sofa with zebra striped pillows look elegant. I have a strange urge to take a bite out of that sofa. Don't know what that's about. Anyway, I hope y'all have a lovely, fantastic weekend! An awesome pink sofaICYMI: The March Blue an…

07Mar2014

A Few Random Things

Hello y'all! Just popping in to share a few things happening 'round here.  I don't know what I'm so busy doing (clearly not laundry, if you could see the back-up, oy vey), but I swear, yesterday I did not sit down once, aside from my morning mom's group meeting.  I'm really considering bringing on a sister-wife.  <br /><br /><u><b>Random Thing 1</b></u><br />Let's start with a pretty, shall we?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7TPtGj_WZuEv49TKcDo-IVx4I1bJx8vIO80hG9phe6StV17jfhOQC00f8naNuSRA18YXOXodBAfrdJ3VtcgIW4vDeitTtBiE7iBvCCThSXKJE6kDxjbhKehgfXwFMvWfG0FnH37NqlM/s1600/Big+Easy+Style+700890c8b70bcc5a406c277efea7b202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7TPtGj_WZuEv49TKcDo-IVx4I1bJx8vIO80hG9phe6StV17jfhOQC00f8naNuSRA18YXOXodBAfrdJ3VtcgIW4vDeitTtBiE7iBvCCThSXKJE6kDxjbhKehgfXwFMvWfG0FnH37NqlM/s1600/Big+Easy+Style+700890c8b70bcc5a406c277efea7b202.jpg" /></a></div><br />I can't stop referring to the book <a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2012/01/speaking-of-color-book-you-need-now.html">Big Easy Style</a> when I'm caught in a decorating rut, which I have been a lot lately.  It's just full of such wonderful unique spaces and it's reminding me to have fun with my house and fill it with pretty things that make me happy.  I want that chair in that picture.  Maybe I could do a fabric like that on my dining room chairs to really take it up a notch. <br /><br />Speaking of our dining room. <br /><br /><u><b>Random Thing 2</b></u><br />We painted our ceiling! <br /><br />We went with Sherwin Williams Sea Salt.  It's hard to get a good picture of how it really looks on the ceiling, but I love it.  It's very subtle. In the morning light, it's a pretty, almost unnoticeable pale greenish blue and at night it's a pale blue.  It's never bright though.  <br /><br />I promise this is the last picture of my dining room for awhile.  There's still a lot more I want to do (see above), but this is good for now.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><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/AVvXsEiAk9htxRWr_SZ_Smq1To7ITF7rgfK087oibj1__eLWQ4eUbJk21gGmWIFnU3fCUmXqOfcqczQ4VdTYvARKRVnM0KFOTafgUOpMuMeJ8tz2Ho0Yg0r-Tx-BYGajZl7SHJ4eGIt-1LGuphw/s640/blogger-image--164477624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAk9htxRWr_SZ_Smq1To7ITF7rgfK087oibj1__eLWQ4eUbJk21gGmWIFnU3fCUmXqOfcqczQ4VdTYvARKRVnM0KFOTafgUOpMuMeJ8tz2Ho0Yg0r-Tx-BYGajZl7SHJ4eGIt-1LGuphw/s640/blogger-image--164477624.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u><b>Random Thing 3</b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Shout Out to my super adorable sister-in-law, Bianca, for name-checking me in the latest issue of <a href="http://www.dmagazine.com/">D Magazine</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><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/AVvXsEhVc5XRSvoumO2x3PkUc9WBHpNeGTxZQYp0zLJuJuHeQGJcmH_JA4LeykkkxyUDCshYuWS0ei3wQ6tDmAisEkzLiegkPKsArHobi6qa4ySpIDlLjfRnt2rz8z8fDHIPIey4iBam8hpXuEE/s640/blogger-image-1931203085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVc5XRSvoumO2x3PkUc9WBHpNeGTxZQYp0zLJuJuHeQGJcmH_JA4LeykkkxyUDCshYuWS0ei3wQ6tDmAisEkzLiegkPKsArHobi6qa4ySpIDlLjfRnt2rz8z8fDHIPIey4iBam8hpXuEE/s640/blogger-image-1931203085.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's infectiously awesome</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><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/AVvXsEjRLT3kcbxDwJydLlN4IHfolD_cGA1t9x4EsuzHcOLUZn88FuWJeT4iaJ4Uvo94tbY4WJLoVDhIOn4hPJrjrw9R9vzI6Gj_STDEvhYFo2NUrcggupOENiQTfnufWv5o8w0QFV7DWCJe4go/s640/blogger-image--567095121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLT3kcbxDwJydLlN4IHfolD_cGA1t9x4EsuzHcOLUZn88FuWJeT4iaJ4Uvo94tbY4WJLoVDhIOn4hPJrjrw9R9vzI6Gj_STDEvhYFo2NUrcggupOENiQTfnufWv5o8w0QFV7DWCJe4go/s640/blogger-image--567095121.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I highly recommend you check out her online kids boutique, <a href="http://www.littlebeanshop.com/">Little Bean</a>.  Also check out her other obsessions including <a href="http://breckinridgetaylor.com/">Breckenridge Taylor</a>, really cool designers that I need to feature on here, artist <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SamanthaFrench">Samantha French</a>, and the online <a href="http://bungalowmag.com/"><i>Bungalow Magazine</i></a>.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u><b>Random Thing 4</b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This issue of Veranda.  Get it.  It's good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><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/AVvXsEideVQJvmwJrkK3vCZEr8cRysdH0Z2P9-cQA1lYdW5jJw_TaiXKPP1txSEQ_vAIsXtHbbgCyCW1hCmaakS9lw1VAFBXIH_jEJHAbiIe4-TNUqCtCZBFes5lzQlueQ4moAer3IcLdomFJps/s640/blogger-image--1345069126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideVQJvmwJrkK3vCZEr8cRysdH0Z2P9-cQA1lYdW5jJw_TaiXKPP1txSEQ_vAIsXtHbbgCyCW1hCmaakS9lw1VAFBXIH_jEJHAbiIe4-TNUqCtCZBFes5lzQlueQ4moAer3IcLdomFJps/s640/blogger-image--1345069126.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">doesn't match my rug </td></tr></tbody></table><u><b>Random Thing 5</b></u><br />Lip balm obsessions.  My lips has been insanely chapped this winter.  No amount of anything is working.  A few things have made it a little better though. <br /><b><br /></b><b>Splurge</b>:<br /> <a href="http://www.clarins.co.uk/moisture-replenishing-lip-balm/C010302006.html"><b>Clarins HydraQuench Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm</b></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbiKKhXoUCDi1L1gO57l8SMWv5cke4iachBcealSPiK7ZgUJbTiBKy12cFYbDlz5GVtigAMHzDcjqrRShfpf9pCk_R34rLgNcFjKtmbXP44gDXypIGmh2DLxxt1Q5HABe2CXGykUdG9M/s1600/Lip+Balm+1442900_fpx.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbiKKhXoUCDi1L1gO57l8SMWv5cke4iachBcealSPiK7ZgUJbTiBKy12cFYbDlz5GVtigAMHzDcjqrRShfpf9pCk_R34rLgNcFjKtmbXP44gDXypIGmh2DLxxt1Q5HABe2CXGykUdG9M/s1600/Lip+Balm+1442900_fpx.tif" width="261" /></a></div><br />I bought it in an act of desperation and despite the price tag, I would by it again*.  Not only did it bring be relief, but it also gives your lips a nice little gloss** that lasts longer than most lip glosses. <br /><br />* <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/oscars-2014-lupita-nyong-lip-balm-viral-article-1.1710752">It may be sold out everywhere in the world right now</a> because this happens to be the lip balm that Lupita Nyong'o tossed in Ellen's hat at the Oscar's during the neverending "pizza bit"  <br /><br />** This is random, but remember <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/166/255/Products/Lips/Lipglass/Clear-Lipglass/index.tmpl">Mac Lip Glass</a>? My roommate and I wore it all of the time in college (she introduced me to it) and we would joke that it was so sticky that at any given moment we'd be walking around with a napkin and a red solo cup stuck to our lips. <br /><br /><u><b>Steal:</b></u><br /><a href="http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/vaseline-lip-therapy-lip-balm-rosy-lips/ID=prod6144156-product"><b>Vaseline Rosy Lips </b></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWr_S3YAU-bftf-k0sWh1Os9CZo7CxyJgz9RGw5lMGF9MBTdzEcLqdzcEJMdAPqRvkUunENDkdnwOmHb7Ks6SweRJG6BWVR1J826WRMFIoV4AbIA1pm5wm4xOqcR-551yCg0xy2opzUQ/s1600/lips+448x475_rosy901-718677.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWr_S3YAU-bftf-k0sWh1Os9CZo7CxyJgz9RGw5lMGF9MBTdzEcLqdzcEJMdAPqRvkUunENDkdnwOmHb7Ks6SweRJG6BWVR1J826WRMFIoV4AbIA1pm5wm4xOqcR-551yCg0xy2opzUQ/s1600/lips+448x475_rosy901-718677.png" width="301" /></a></div>I just bought this stuff today, but I already like it.  It seems a little thicker than regular Vaseline, but maybe I'm just making that up.  I also love the subtle pink tint and the cute tiny jar it comes in. <br /><br /><br />Ok y'all, have a lovely day!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

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