Have a Lovely Labor Day!

<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/AVvXsEivCA0iKLeMDXq0-jDuPlM92z_GuuQHJbeQzddlGVR_K2HEhtxODoPlcJgUQ1n9a6eTS-y6P-DcoDx9J_teSVmdvvktL3mhSPK5i44fLbcHxf_h2xoFxkAhG1Fvks9PnKsa1Cv3nBex1-8/s1600/Pool+House+Scalloped+Umbrella+.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCA0iKLeMDXq0-jDuPlM92z_GuuQHJbeQzddlGVR_K2HEhtxODoPlcJgUQ1n9a6eTS-y6P-DcoDx9J_teSVmdvvktL3mhSPK5i44fLbcHxf_h2xoFxkAhG1Fvks9PnKsa1Cv3nBex1-8/s1600/Pool+House+Scalloped+Umbrella+.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fergusonshamamian.com/houses">Ferguson Shamamian</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So many great links this week! I'm feeling inspired again.  We're going to have a laid-back Labor Day weekend.  We've been traveling so much that it will be nice to just spend some time in our house that we'll soon be leaving.  I hope everyone takes some time to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor! </div><br />A <a href="http://www.southshoredecoratingblog.com/2012/08/my-favorite-white-rooms-living-rooms.html">great collection of white rooms</a> to send you off on your Labor Day weekend<br /><br />Another <a href="http://kimberlyschlegelwhitman.blogspot.com/2012/08/tablescape-tuesday-baby-shower-in-blue.html">fabulous table setting</a> from Kimberly Schlegel Whitman -  pure pink, blue and white bliss!<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">P.S. KSW - I'm now inspired to needlepoint a stocking for Edward.  I'm sure I won't finish until he's 10!</span><br /><br />I loved <a href="http://dixiedelights.blogspot.com/2012/08/guest-bathroom-before-and-after.html">this guest bathroom makeover</a>!<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">It has some of my favorite elements - ruffles, monograms & scallops </span><br /><br />Y'all seriously have to read the reviews for the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004F9QBE6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004F9QBE6&linkCode=as2&tag=thegift03-20">BIC Cristal For Her Ball Pen</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thegift03-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004F9QBE6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yes, it's a real product & you will laugh </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>I love <a href="http://www.cococozy.com/2012/08/cheap-to-chic-pastoral-murals.html">this post on pastoral murals</a><br /><br />I'm so excited for <a href="http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/08/28/mindy-kaling-project-premiere-hulu/">The Mindy Project</a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm a HUGE Mindy Kaling fan</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>A <a href="http://thefoodogatemyhomework.tumblr.com/post/30314970224/gorgeous-vignette-from-a-little-boys-bathroom-by#">perfect bathroom vignette</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/secrets-to-inexpensive-but-good-drapery.html">Secrets to inexpensive but good drapery</a> from the always inspiring Emily Henderson<br /><br />A supercute (and simple) <a href="http://www.isuwannee.com/2012/08/diy-it-already.html">DIY art idea</a> from Jamie Meares<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm thinking of making one with my favorite lyrics: </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">"here comes the sun, it's all right" </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">or</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">"you're my blue sky, you're my sunny day"</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><a href="http://markdsikes.com/2012/08/29/redford-a-few-reasons/">Robert Redford</a> is a handsome, handsome man<br /><br />Robin Williams, not as handsome, but his <a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2012/08/31/villa-sorriso-robin-williams-napa-valley-vineyard-estate/">house in Napa</a> is<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bakadesuyo.com/what-are-the-best-books-about-happiness">Best books on happiness</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.sailtosable.com/">Pillows, Tunics and Linens</a> - Oh My!<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thanks for the heads up <a href="http://www.kellymarket.com/2012/08/sail-to-sable.html">Kelly Market</a></span><br /><br />Congratulations to Giuliana & Bill on their very own <a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20625714,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines">Baby Edward</a>!<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">He's even an EDR so G, call me if you want to trade monogrammed items</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Ok, I can't resist sharing my Baby Edward.  I'm just so in 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/AVvXsEjCewmfIqIbdtlAexlrGLUk8MPN37AhNSVSfxZxBV-gn5YaNW-xTDhfrYFVBqZkEBsF_7aEdZMWiGFkfFVjX00UOsMck6DAqwC-HOTchsafWQg7x7Vzr4fHqwv_Hxb-3OOv-mB415ZCCLE/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCewmfIqIbdtlAexlrGLUk8MPN37AhNSVSfxZxBV-gn5YaNW-xTDhfrYFVBqZkEBsF_7aEdZMWiGFkfFVjX00UOsMck6DAqwC-HOTchsafWQg7x7Vzr4fHqwv_Hxb-3OOv-mB415ZCCLE/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very concerned about Shrek</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/AVvXsEin8uZTzRJ2jfMEY3J_aIczBP72llrVWvEdlXsc98huIx_QAoegySyYufD3W4pyl0eFF0QUmCcgVu_urzT8kGaozHqoovUBnjLpF3YQ3ZN9PqgVYYJRMXHHhykg5Lq2woeqKIX5RElNON8/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8uZTzRJ2jfMEY3J_aIczBP72llrVWvEdlXsc98huIx_QAoegySyYufD3W4pyl0eFF0QUmCcgVu_urzT8kGaozHqoovUBnjLpF3YQ3ZN9PqgVYYJRMXHHhykg5Lq2woeqKIX5RElNON8/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to see his favorite cat, Puss in Boots </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Have a lovely weekend y'all!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>

Have a Lovely Labor Day!

Ferguson Shamamian So many great links this week! I'm feeling inspired again.  We're going to have a laid-back Labor Day weekend.  W...

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What I did yesterday

I judged.  <div><br /></div><div>I'm talking to you Restoration Hardware.  </div><div><br /></div><div>We're considering two of the <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1679281&cm_ps=modal_add_to_cart-_-none-_-other_items_you_may_like&categoryId=search">Lyon Chairs</a> to go on either side of our fireplace in the kitchen/hearth room.  My in-laws have them and they're very cozy and pretty so we might just be big ole' copycats and go get some for ourselves.  </div><div><br /></div><div>This, but in grayish tones. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67xn0bJ0l_WVeNyta5iI-jImuwewNsltW9IlNjjlxtPysEGU9_BD8jd6X9XKv9Y71IvfDWgtOsbD3UurTidFByDxTFlwCJ0iQIhvbYEn56CZnUA5VqauuhsVIx_dRgmwc2UbDCk_SCZg/s1600/Lyon+Chair+Restoration+Hardware+.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67xn0bJ0l_WVeNyta5iI-jImuwewNsltW9IlNjjlxtPysEGU9_BD8jd6X9XKv9Y71IvfDWgtOsbD3UurTidFByDxTFlwCJ0iQIhvbYEn56CZnUA5VqauuhsVIx_dRgmwc2UbDCk_SCZg/s1600/Lyon+Chair+Restoration+Hardware+.jpeg" /></a></div><div> </div><div>We need something simple because our kitchen is wall to wall toile.  We have a gorgeous long pine table that seats ten.  I don't know if these will clash with the pine.  I don't like matchy furniture, but I definitely want to keep the space simple since it will be a high traffic area.</div><div><br /></div><div>So Edward and I ventured down to the Plaza to have lunch with a friend and do some shopping. We popped into RH to check out this chair and to see if there are any other pieces we might like.  Well, the minute I stepped into the dark and gloomy, deconstructed, happiness-free space that is the new Restoration Hardware, I just wanted to cry.  It's gone completely off the rails.  Where's my silver sage? I know, I know, the business has experienced a remarkable turn-around with their new "'do," but I don't like it.  It's too much or rather too little.  Basically, they had four things in the store that they highlighted with dramatic overhead lighting.  Edward didn't like it either.  He told me.  He said, "no mama, I'm scared, me no like the new Restoration Hardware." What? He did! </div><div><br /></div><div>I just had to get that out there.  And now because I've sufficiently depressed myself with this whole post, I'm going to end with a nice little dose of Mario Buatta.  The opposite of RH.  </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGO8eMRa-h79hQl-NwKPAq56TpodnJlhRutmVxJfwx1jAFNwReQkxyS72P18SjoMZs9EuDJOoylE8IG38nRJGeuunEbHyoMRY4ovPmxSjxTVNs0RC-GPzXJljAgC9obFbNpmmyPLPitbI/s1600/Mario+Buatta+.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGO8eMRa-h79hQl-NwKPAq56TpodnJlhRutmVxJfwx1jAFNwReQkxyS72P18SjoMZs9EuDJOoylE8IG38nRJGeuunEbHyoMRY4ovPmxSjxTVNs0RC-GPzXJljAgC9obFbNpmmyPLPitbI/s640/Mario+Buatta+.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm thinking our new house will be somewhere in between the two styles.  Ha!</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going to spend some time today catching up on my blog comments because I've been the worst.  I love all of your comments and appreciate y'all so much! I hope you have a lovely day! </div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. I wonder how <a href="http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/08/16/restoration-hardware-co-chief-steps-down-after-an-inquiry/">this news</a> will affect the new RH?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>* <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Photos of Mario Buatta's design from </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">House and Garden's Best in Decoration</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">, by The Editors of House and Garden, Conde Nast,  1987 via <a href="http://thebluerememberedhills.blogspot.com/2010/09/digging-in-dirt-and-kindness-of.html">The Blue Remembered Hills</a></span></div>

What I did yesterday

I judged.   I'm talking to you Restoration Hardware.   We're considering two of the Lyon Chairs  to go on either side of our firepla...

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I Need a Hobby

... like I need a hole in my head, but I happened to pick up my mother-in-law's <a href="http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/default.aspx">Ehrman Tapestry</a> needlepoint catalog and saw this <a href="http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Willow-Pattern--Blue__WILBL.aspx">Blue Willow pattern pillow</a> and momentarily considered taking up needlepoint.  <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIClRTQs9vFdhvH70egroSVQ6IYYn7E0EHJy9M8md7jM17IKtYE23JVxyPLeRrlRDETsdufIrGy9dmSu6SN6WtQgTfoDPQGM24mGDj_U1eTQGlORe4D7HQ-QgBrFARhDrVsWVK6xQNqTw/s1600/Ehrman+Willow-Pattern-Blue-600.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIClRTQs9vFdhvH70egroSVQ6IYYn7E0EHJy9M8md7jM17IKtYE23JVxyPLeRrlRDETsdufIrGy9dmSu6SN6WtQgTfoDPQGM24mGDj_U1eTQGlORe4D7HQ-QgBrFARhDrVsWVK6xQNqTw/s1600/Ehrman+Willow-Pattern-Blue-600.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then I realized that a hobby of the <i>needle</i> variety is basically a death-trap for Edward.*  </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">*It's amazing the awful scenarios you can dream up in your head when you become a mother.  It must be some biological defense mechanism, but I can literally imagine the worst and obsess over it for days.  This is why I don't watch the news and made the switch to <i>GMA</i> - <i>Today</i> likes to get all graphic on me without warning.  But really, is that normal or should I be medicated? </span></div><div><br /></div><div>So for now I'm content to pick out some patterns and pretend it's something I'll eventually do.  </div><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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ubuy5MQF4RUP_5izuU5VICusMBdIdxs9JcKumSF62TOVwLLSWZ3b_sXJmVVolLogu87LLuBVg2xpsGm5zwq8vDhDaC2PpDbCoXSkj5HsyqPCcrK6MFDYKpjRA-lcr55rIC81ZibfXOg/s1600/Ehrman+Cat-in-a-Ruff-600.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ubuy5MQF4RUP_5izuU5VICusMBdIdxs9JcKumSF62TOVwLLSWZ3b_sXJmVVolLogu87LLuBVg2xpsGm5zwq8vDhDaC2PpDbCoXSkj5HsyqPCcrK6MFDYKpjRA-lcr55rIC81ZibfXOg/s1600/Ehrman+Cat-in-a-Ruff-600.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Cat-in-a-Ruff__RUFF.aspx">Cat in a Ruff</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Heyy cat! Edward loves cats so I would make this for him.  He would love it until his friends came over and made fun of it, then he would hate me.  See what I just did?  Anyway, I like the cat/needlepoint combo and think it would be fun in the right kind of space (i.e. one that does not include doilies or Precious Moments figurines).<div><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/AVvXsEjkUvalJcSfZJHzFA8EtpSLeuA3l13-xdSagaqvBeuhWl7YrQDQ5j3c52yRPnjVblYHo_JUnq5I0FVE9iNbW4feLSbCBKKgDyQulhn1_qHbRzN3i_qOK332UBBCnEAQMzTOtt3GkMkASrA/s1600/Ehrman+Charleston-Summer-600.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUvalJcSfZJHzFA8EtpSLeuA3l13-xdSagaqvBeuhWl7YrQDQ5j3c52yRPnjVblYHo_JUnq5I0FVE9iNbW4feLSbCBKKgDyQulhn1_qHbRzN3i_qOK332UBBCnEAQMzTOtt3GkMkASrA/s1600/Ehrman+Charleston-Summer-600.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Charleston-Summer__CHARS.aspx">Charleston Summer</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Love the florals.  I'm picturing it on a chintzy floral chair to enhance the flowery experience. </div><div><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/AVvXsEiWY_C9tuxgdIJDtL2EQ3CBp_1AxnWwoEAwiyFwod7YkD61uLCmCxbx0Z_vwvkHGOlw-ix8gM8FfzEfOOn_fxTlNv38bDqZFv5D2hxBLg8MR39aGKtEFs3gHsqa4cI57xdXleX0QbJvKz8/s1600/Ehrman+Enchanted-Forest-600.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWY_C9tuxgdIJDtL2EQ3CBp_1AxnWwoEAwiyFwod7YkD61uLCmCxbx0Z_vwvkHGOlw-ix8gM8FfzEfOOn_fxTlNv38bDqZFv5D2hxBLg8MR39aGKtEFs3gHsqa4cI57xdXleX0QbJvKz8/s1600/Ehrman+Enchanted-Forest-600.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Enchanted-Forest__EF.aspx">Enchanted Forest</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Whimsical and Christmas sweater-y.  Again, would be cute in the right kind of space.<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/AVvXsEjy61a0hyphenhyphen7oTfiWjO4Wr8n18BMuG2Bx_CngNqLUpQabaC26Yex5FmmhwlfLFMLeX71CZThBy2pG3Cl9CZTnGdPH_zFObmBwwoctDUrobffqvUs7YEcM42-BJcQlHjtR7-K7_Y_E667JSIU/s1600/Ehrman+Indian-Elephant-Blue-600.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy61a0hyphenhyphen7oTfiWjO4Wr8n18BMuG2Bx_CngNqLUpQabaC26Yex5FmmhwlfLFMLeX71CZThBy2pG3Cl9CZTnGdPH_zFObmBwwoctDUrobffqvUs7YEcM42-BJcQlHjtR7-K7_Y_E667JSIU/s1600/Ehrman+Indian-Elephant-Blue-600.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Indian-Elephant-Blue__EB.aspx">Indian Elephant Blue</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Love me some elephants. <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/AVvXsEiDkUSVCagvHq26wyOR5EfgLVXOlpPwEqtjtYYZs93qSFds3raraF1xli1hMZyg2s-_vhp9Dxxk05rYpMBHoMtZ5TS154RoyUjoqtcDehonZlju00pswJtfQuZAtrwSSI8JsSxf7StjpSk/s1600/Ehrman+New-England-Gentleman-600.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkUSVCagvHq26wyOR5EfgLVXOlpPwEqtjtYYZs93qSFds3raraF1xli1hMZyg2s-_vhp9Dxxk05rYpMBHoMtZ5TS154RoyUjoqtcDehonZlju00pswJtfQuZAtrwSSI8JsSxf7StjpSk/s1600/Ehrman+New-England-Gentleman-600.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/New-England-Gentleman__NEG.aspx">New England Gentleman</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />This guy is judging you, which is why I like him.  </div><div><br /></div><div>That's all.  </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div>

I Need a Hobby

... like I need a hole in my head, but I happened to pick up my mother-in-law's Ehrman Tapestry needlepoint catalog and saw this Blue W...

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