Monday's Loose End

Well, see I went and made a statement about Monday having a theme and now I don't have anything that goes with that theme. Shoot.

Except that I had a loose end I needed to tie up, so maybe that counts?

I had a "Rewards Certificate" that I had to use at Pottery Barn before tomorrow. Of course when the pressure is on like this I am usually struck immobile. Suddenly nothing is what I want, or can use, or have room for or is a price I can afford (even with the lovely certif the Belgian Sofa was a smidgen out of range....)

So in a moment of Buyers Desperation I grabbed this striped duvet cover because of it's Old Linen Ticking/French General air about it and thought maybe I could make it work in my bedroom.

I love many things in our bedroom; I love my new curtains, my new bed, several pieces of vintage furniture, but I have felt for a while that something was missing, that the room and bed, needed some extra umph to ground it. Make it a little more something.

I love to throw a bold piece into a room when I am at a loss as to what to do next. A zebra print rug, a huge old map, a black piece of furniture in an almost all white room... And I thought, just maybe a bold red striped duvet cover would be just the trick for my bedding blahs....

I also want to change the wall color, but I just haven't been able to find a direction I wanted to go in with my previous bedding combo... But with this new addition I am feeling a little more inspired... Maybe Peony by French General? Maybe something Carmel-y? Any other ideas or suggestions?

PS- These pictures were taken very "on the fly" and no real fluffing was done... If you look closely you can see how we really live with our side tables piled high...

A Good Afternoon

Yesterday the boys all left for a family gathering in Oklahoma, where I hear Wylie and Miles are in Second-Cousin-Heaven. I had already schedule to host a sleep over with some of my best girls, so it worked out well that they had somewhere fun to go when I kicked them out for the night. We girls had fun. We ate too much, stayed up way too late, and slept in like teenagers. This morning we woke, ate a lovely brunch (thank you B!) visited a bit and everyone took their time returning home to their own sweet families. Mine however won't be back till late tonight and that is just fine with me. A little alone time never hurt a busy Momma...at least not this one.

After doing a few errands for work I hit the grocery store and came home with my favorite summer meal: Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Grapes, a French Baguette and a bottle of wine. Sometimes, I even love to throw in a roasted chicken, but today I stuck with the basics. I also treated myself to a movie that fit the menu: A Good Year.

While not adored by critics, I found it to be sweet and colorful and the perfect Saturday afternoon movie for a girl with some wine and cheese. Not too fluffy, but not too deep either. Just enough thought and feeling to resonate and inspire... Of course any movie set in Provence is going to run the risk of inspiring, not matter the story line...

Now I have left a good size dent on the cheese and bread, and I am tempted to walk our sweet Chloe dog around the block... After that it will be time to spread some glitter love on some custom orders and watch for my boys to come home.

Tussie Mussie Fun

I joined my very first swaps this past month as I mentioned here. They are both swaps where I have to make something I have never made before! What was I thinking? The first one was the Tussie Mussie Swap. I had never heard of a Tussie Mussie, but once I saw a picture I figured it out. I think I thought something brilliant like "Oh that is what those cone things are called..." According to Maria at Junk Drawer Tussie Mussie's " are so pretty and versatile, parents would give them to there children on the first day of school. Brides use them as bouquet holders. The uses for the tussie are endless."

Last night I was in desperate need of some crafting therapy, and in need of marking something tangible off my "to do list." So I went to making my first Tussie... This is how she turned out.... I hope she passes inspection and is a good tussie. She is my first after all...

I threw in the "C" as my "personal signature" touch, as it is inspired by my banners.

Soon this little tussie will be off to see Caleen, filled with some vintage goodies... pages from an old crumbling Jane Eyre book, vintage sewing notions, reproduction cards, and a vintage matchbox from Italy, along with a few other yummies.

I have already figured out the hard thing about the swaps is sending your new creations away... Luckily something lovely will come in the mail for me as well, so that should ease the pain a little...

Now They Are 3

Around this time 3 years ago about 10 of my friends and I had either just given birth or where about to give birth. Amy (one of my very, very nearest and dearest friends) and I delivered our boys only 2 days apart. In the same hospital. I went first, on a Tuesday. On Thursday, I padded down the hall, in my slippers and nightgown, to see her and her new arrival, The Bean (as he had been referred to in utero.) It was one of the neatest experiences I have had, and will make for a great story all their lives.
While going through pregnancy with a good friend can be fun, going through postpartum / sleep-deprived/newborn stage was not so much, at least for us. But we all survived - husbands, babies and Momma's, and we are all much better, and closer, for the wear and tear.

Now the boys are 3 - as are all those other babies from that spring and summer -and it has been one big party city around our social set lately. To simplify things Amy and I decided to throw our boys their birthday party together since most of our friends overlap and because it is just easier then trying to cram both their parties into 2 separate events over one weekend. Who needs that much extra craziness in their lives? Not me, that is for sure.



Our theme was "Camping" and we "decorated" by pitching tents all over the yard, spreading out sleeping bags to sit on, and giving away flashlights as party favors. Our menu featured grilled hot dogs, S'mores and cake topped with "Dirt." A fun time was had by all - even including the adults. I am a recent convert to the "keep it real and simple" philosophy of party planning. I love the way elaborate parties look in magazines, but I am doing good to get the house cleaned and the favor bags labeled.
I used to get stressed about it, feeling that I "The Crafty Person," I "The Professional Party Planner" should be able to pull of Martha Stewart-esque parties. But then I realized that I didn't have the money or the staff that Martha has, nor that of my clients. So from here on out I am going to keep it real and simple and fun. Because that is what my kids will remember, and that is what I will remember, and that after all is what really counts.




















For more pics of our very fun party go view here.

Next week it's Wylie's turn....

Monday's Loose Ends

Seems like Mondays are becoming the days when I post all those little things I have been meaning to mention... I would say that this new habit will continue, but the moment I say that is the moment that it will cease to be true...

So here are today's links/thoughts/whatever's:

For all your Somethings Gotta Give lovers:

An interview over at Architectural Digest with Writer/Director Nancy Myers regarding her design concept and motivation for SGG... A must read for all those obsessed with movie set design and this house in particular.

Follow-Up to That Princess and a Pea post...

Wylie made this stack of pillows the other day while playing in the living room. I am not sure what they were supposed to be, but I am sure it was not a princess bed... Nathan dubbed it "The Leaning Tower of Pillows."

Movie Time

Has anyone seen this movie? How is it? How are the sets? I thought the trailers looked good, but you know how misleading those can be....

Going Swap Silly...

And finally I have done it, I have joined not one but TWO swaps!! What was I thinking? This is the busiest time of the summer for me with my boys birthdays and other goings-on's...

But I did it anyway...

I joined the Tussie Mussie Swap

And the Art Doll Hat Swap

Hopefully my partners will have mercy on me, as I am sure to be late delivering their goodies... But I will keep you posted on my progress. Just don't hold your breathe or anything dangerous like that.

So that is the Monday Round-Up for this week. Tomorrow is Miles' 3rd Birthday Party Bash and hopefully our unseasonably nice weather will hold out one more day... Cross your fingers and say a little prayer for me will ya? I could sure use it this week...

Sheesh, I love these things...

I love a good personality test. Especially when they get it right... Lol. Here is a fun one... Which Muppet Are You?
They so nailed me... Except for the gender part of course...








I am Scooter:
Brainy and knowledgeable, you are the perfect sidekick.You're always willing to lend a helping hand.In any big event or party, you're the one who keeps things going."15 seconds to showtime!"

If you take the test leave a comment and let me know who you are!

Images from a Day

Here are a few images from today...

The kitchen window at my mother's house... I love the deconstructed "fringe" on the curtains...

My Paw, who proclaimed that he didn't know "what the hell a blog is" and that he didn't care to know either. Good for you Paw!

My Maw who always frets that her hair is too long for "an old person." As if 82 is old.

A few of my recent flea market finds. I am excited the most about the dress form (just my color!) and some "new" old Victoria's...

Now I am full on good food from Reno's and some wine and sprite (I am so high class...) and now I am so sleepy... Can't wait to curl in my bed and read my new goodies...

A Banner Day

This week has been so busy I feel like it has been 3 weeks, instead of 3 days... I am in the middle of a big job -helping a client move into a new house - and have been burning the candle on both ends...But all is going well and I am having fun, it just means that everything else is currently on hold...





Yet somehow today I remembered that I was supposed to announce the winner of my Banner give away. So drum roll please... The winner is Kim from ScrapToMyLu!! My dear thanks to everyone who reads my little blog and who shops at Storia HOME - both online and locally! I really, really appreciate it and I am hoping to have some new goodies in for both stores in August- I will keep you posted!

Give Me a Pea!

For as long as I can remember I have loved the Princess and the Pea story. I think it is what drives my love affair with tall-pillow- adorned-double -blanket- covered beds. I am always tearing pictures out of magazines that show blankets or pillows piled high and I buy every vintage pillowcase worth it's salt that I can get my hands on.

Lately it seems that I am not the only one a case of Princess inspiration. Look at what Jeanetta over at Splendid Designs and Manda over at Tree Fall Designs have come up with!

Aren't they precious?? I am absolutely in-love with both... Jeanetta's painting was a special order she did for a customer, but I am hounding her to do some more in various colors for the shoppes.

Want to know something ironic though? I can't stand peas. Unless they are of the Black-Eyed variety of course (and yes, I mean the kind that go with cornbread, not the kind that go to the Grammy's.)

Oh the time you could waste...

Look what I found by way of Liquid Sky - A Palette Generator. This is a fun little game to play when you need some inspiration or distraction.

Simply load a picture and they will create a palette of colors that coordinates. Even though the colors listed are general colors used for publishing, you could print them out and have them scanned and matched at your favorite paint place. Now how much fun would that be?? As you can imagine I have already wasted way too much time playing this game...These are a few pallet's I created from magazine pictures and the last one is from my own house...

Inspiration Friday - Across the Pond

Have I ever mentioned that I am addicted to magazines? I am sure I have... It was a happy day when I discovered European shelter mags as well... Oh la la is all I have to say!

My current favorites are Marie Claire Idees (semi-translated online by Google,) and Country Living UK. I also like Country Homes and Interiors but that they don't have a good website.

For this weeks Inspiration we are going continental (again!) with some of my favorites, starting with the suitcase picture from Marie Claire Idees. The great thing about this magazine is that it is a "how to" magazine and has tons of projects, complete with instructions and patterns.

Lovely Kitchen - Country Living UK - I love the blue dis rack, the flowers in the pitcher and the painted wood slat walls... So very cottage!

Child's Room - Marie Claire Idee's - This room is precious for the colors and patterns. Also the child size Armoire made out of a trunk is just too sweet and lovely!

Soft Bedroom - Country Living UK - I love the covered headboard, the layered bed skirt and the little details like the fabric hanger under the small mirror...

Chair - Country Living UK. This is just a beautiful and serene close-up of many patterns that all work well together. I love the fabric on the chair and the coat. I imagine them to be the perfect antidote to a rainy English day.

Ahem...

Some people must have a lot of time on their hands. Some people must get paid very well.
All I can say is, what will they think of next? Really?

Consider this a warning. But if you can handle it click here.

Quite Continental

Today I got a surprise package from Jemimah! It was full of lovely things from her jaunts around Europe. Included in the package were magazines and papers from France and Germany, a mini Eiffel tower, wine corks (which I suspect were part of this find) and a glass with the letter "P" on it. For those who don't know I collect linens and glassware that have random monograms on them...never my own...Sometimes I come across a "G," but I have never found a "J"... Weird huh?

Anyway, I am loving it all, especially the shelter mag she sent. I can't understand a word of it, but the pictures do not get lost in translation at all. I just get lost in all the beautiful colors and ideas... It's just all further proof to me that maybe I live on the wrong side of the pond!

Also adding the continental feel around the house these days, are these goodies my pal Amy got me on her recent trip to France... I should be jealous of all these trips to Grand Paris, but mostly I am just super happy to have some lovely French things around the house...

A girl is truly blessed to have a sister and friend like these to remember me on their special trips!

150 is a Lovely Number

I said I wasn't going to post much, and now look at me. Just goes to show that never can tell...

Anyway, today I hit 150 people who "Heart Me" over at Storia HOME and I am totally amazed! The success of my little shoppe has been a happy accident of sorts. One of those things that I just thought I would give a shot at, and had very little confidence in. But it is doing so well (at least by my standards) and each purchase brings a a huge grin to my face! Each one seems unbelievable and again, I feel like Sally Field.

So to celebrate the 150 mark (thanks to Miss Lillypad Lounge btw) I am going to do my very first giveaway!

Just leave a comment on this post between now and July 17 and I will draw a name from the hat to see who is going to be the lucky winner of a Custom Banner (or crown) made by Yours Truly...

These are some pics of some recent custom banners to inspire...

Good luck to all!

Little Book

Lately I been buying a lot of old books -like the ones seen in this blurry picture. Mostly for decoration, some for clients, some for me, some for the shoppe. I confess that mostly I buy books for their colors and their titles, and not for it is really in them. Often I don't even give the insides a second glance. I feel very bad about this, I really do.

But recently I bought this little book somewhere - I can't remember where. I loved it's color, and I loved it's title- Fairies and Chimneys. And recently I have actually read some of it's words and I have come to love them too. The copyright is 1940 (the year my house was built) but I think it was written in the 1920's. It is a children's book of poetry (which is the only poetry I really get) and was written by Rose Fyleman and is perfectly lovely!

I am going to share a couple of my favorite bits because they just made me smile, and I thought maybe you needed that too...

Grown-Ups
Aunties know all about fairies,
Uncles know all about guns,
Mothers and fathers think all the day long
Of making their children happy and strong,
Even the littlest ones.

from A Fairy Went A-Marketing
A fairy went a-marketing-
She bought a winter gown
All stitched about with gossamer
And lined with thistledown.
She wore it all the afternoon
With prancing delight,
Then gave it to a little frog
To keep him warm at night.

Everthing but the kitchen sink...

This post is going to be a hodgepodge of lots of things I have been meaning to share or report on, but life keeps getting in the way. Funny how that happens... Lately it seems as my life is a type of roller coaster. Just when I have gotten over one hump, suddenly another one appears!! I feel myself saying "if I can just get through ____, everything will settle down." But I know that it isn't true. At least not until school starts again... I have at least 3 more mountains to climb between now and then (maybe more!) But they are all good mountains, so I am not complaining.



OK, so here are some scribbles from my mental notebook:

Marie Antoinette -
I loved this movie for it's eye candy. The colors, the pastries, the shoes... It was the essence of decadence. Of course I wasn't able to totally enjoy it because of the very unhappy ending. Unhappy endings like that always have a way of tainting a movie for me. I don't have enough emotional energy leftover in my life for movies that end poorly. I need my movies to be tied up at the end with a bow. Or at least the hope of a bow. Obviously, Marie Antoinette can not provide that for me, seeing as how we all know what happened to her... But rent it for the pure delight of all the pink. It's truly amazing. ..


Next is my new favorite movie and heroine: Miss Potter. There are too many good things about this movie to capture them all here. Beatrix Potter was a modern women in a Victorian time, and what she did with her life was remarkable and very inspiring.
(Of course I had to pause the movie halfway through and go see how it was going to end on Wikipedia before I could truly let myself enjoy it...)

The whole bit was magical and personal and made for a wonderful movie that I intend to watch at least 1 (maybe 2?) more times today while I finish my banner orders... Pay special attention to her room where she paints... Isn't it yummy?








Another thing I have found recently is Country House Antique Textiles. A wonderful treasure trove of vintage fabrics that I could just lust over all day long...
I am currently coveting this one and this one. Oh, and this one too...













And lastly, about things for sale online from my local shoppe...

From time to time I will post pictures here on the blog from my local shop. If there is something you see that you are interested in, please leave a comment or send me an email and I will get you a price (including shipping.) If you decide you want to buy said item I will list it at the Etsy site for you to pick up there. Eventually I may have a full blown online shoppe but for now I am doing good at keeping the Etsy shoppe and the local shoppe going! Maybe in January when business is soooo sloooow I will get a bee in my bonnet and try it!

So there you have it, all the thoughts whirling and swirling in my brain that I have been meaning to share...

This next 2 weeks are going to be super busy ones so I will post when I can! Keep your fingers crossed that the new shoppe does well, I gotta pay that higher rent!