CANDY AND AN EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT.....

Well, I know I have shared this area of my "loft" before, but I have added a new addition. An object I have needed there all along..but, sometimes it just takes a little time, you know? Do you know what it is? Don't look up....look down! It's my "early" Christmas present I picked out, but figured it was sensesless to carry all the way to Enterprise home and pretend it was the first time I had ever seen this, well....cow hide. Do you likey likey?


Next, I have a recipe that is oh SO SO SIMPLE and yet delicious too. I must get the rest of this out of my house. It's not even Christmas yet and I already feel like I have eaten to much. Some of you have probably heard or made this before but if not here you go. If you need something quick, easy and transportable to take to a Christmas party this year, try it.

[recipe below]

1 package of Chex Mix
16 to 24 oz. white chocolate

Melt white chocolate in microwave. Pour over mixture and mix very well. Pour onto waxed paper. Let set until chocolate is set. Eat like trail mix.

City of Blues

I know my posts have been scattered and not about "interiors" this past week. But, I must say, I find where I stayed and what I ate while I was there "post worthy." So, after I had my EXTREME night in Natchez, MS I headed southeast toward one of my favorite cities New Orleans, LA. Every time I have gone recently, I have fallen more and more in love with this city. Maybe, it's because I visit on the weekday and stay further away from Bourbon St than I used too. This city is one-of-a-kind....city and food wise. Below is where I stayed and its FANTASTIC!!!!!!! The name is Hotel Provencial. I have stayed here before, and no one leaves for the night! ;) Totally a positive in my book. It's an old boutique hotel that overflows with charm. It's all in the details and this hotel is evident to that. As always, I have posted pictures for a visual.

SCAREDY CAT.....YES, I AM

I have a confession everyone. So, a couple of nights ago when I was so happy, content, and full bellied up in the magnificant Dunleith Bed & Breakfast at Natchez, MS, my "ahhhhing and ohhhhing" of the stellar antiques and fabulous up-keep of the old plantation home turned into fright and a little panic. I sitting on my "canopy" bed (you know, the one I was so so so excited about) became some what curious of my surroundings. As I pondered around the 3rd floor of the home and out onto the wrap around porch contingent with all 26 columns, I began to wonder of the other guest, or lack-there-of lodging in this 1856 establishment. After snooping around, scouting out for movement over the roped off stairs leading to the 1st and 2nd floor,tip-toeing on the balcony, freezing to listen for noise, peering out the windows for a guest car count, and finally calling the CLOSED check-in / front desk (it's located behind the property). I made a pretty dead on assumption everyone had vacated. And, I was yet the only individual holding down this GIGANTIC fort. You know what????? I have never been more right in my life. I...me...all alone....was the only person on the property. And, if you know me, this was NOT ok. I will admit... I had panic run through my body. If your asking why I reacted the way I did.....all the exterior doors on the property are left unlocked, granted it does sit a ways off the road. (even worse if you ask me) After calming myself down, I knew I had to do one of two things, dash to my car parked about 60 yards away (literally) or continue to keep my door locked and stick it out through the night. Boots and a sweater never looked so good with pajama pants, and I had no problem carrying all four bags at once as I made a MAD DASH out the door, down the exterior steps, past the guest house, then the deserted courtyard, through the trees, and across the gravel parking. The only thing slowing me down in my sprint was the look over my shoulder every two steps. I made it to my rental car and sped to the driveway and down to the street in search for a populated hotel. I had the best sleep ever at the Hampton Inn that night. I hope you got a kick out of my Monday night and go to a B&B either...... A.) with a friend or B.) on the weekends.

NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

Have any of you ever been to Natchez, MS?????? If you haven't, well get your suitcase out and plan a trip. Because, as I sit here on my CANOPY BED (that's right I said canopy) in NATCHEZ, MS, I am asking myself how this is my FIRST time here. I have visuals so you can see exactly what I am talking about. Traveling for work does have it's perks!

This is where I am staying....

And, this is my room.....

And, this is what I ate...... YUMMY!!!!!! It was the restaurant behind the Bed & Breakfast! (i didn't eat it all though)

I really think it is a hidden treasure over here in MS. I don't have long here in Natchez, as I am leaving tomorrow before lunch, but then heading to good ole' New Orleans.

15 THINGS TO GET YOUR GIRL.....

Ok. So with Christmas right around the corner....22 days away to be exact, I only found it appropriate to dedicate a post to PRESENTS!!!!! This is part 1 (for girls) and part2 (for guys) will come next week. I composed a list with pictures, for you visual readers out there, of what I think would be FANTASTIC gifts to give. You might not agree with everything, but maybe you will find some of this useful. Guys, if you are reading, maybe this will help your Christmas shopping. I must admit, when I was putting this list together, 15 gift ideas came easier than expected. I could have kept going and going and going. So, here's the list........


NUMBER 1 - Box set of Sex and the City. I know it's been over for years, but we still LOVE to watch them
http://www.amazon.com/Sex-City-Complete-Collectors-Giftset/dp/B0011UBDTK



NUMBER 2 - Bobbi Brown MINI set. Every girl needs one for their purse!
http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/products/mpp/index.tmpl?ngextredir=1&CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY22811




NUMBER 3 - Pepper Mill from South of Market. I have one and I love it!http://southofmarket.biz/product/large-peppermill


NUMBER 4 - This cute hooded sweater from J. Crew for the winter.

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/sweaters/PRDOVR~34007/34007.jsp


NUMBER 5 - Stylish phone cover from Kate Spade
http://www.katespade.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=10817517&cp=10817513



NUMBER 6 - Clever, little stylish recipe book to start a collection of yummy dishes.http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-KITCHEN-COOKBOOKS&id=973513&catId=HOME-KITCHEN&pushId=HOME-KITCHEN&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=100&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=095&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=




NUMBER 7 - Cooking Classes - If you live in a bigger city, try the Viking Store. They offer great classes with MANY selections of classes to choose from.
http://www.vikingrange.com/consumer/cookingschool/cookingschool.jsp?id=cat13100027



NUMBER 8 - LuLu De Kwaitkwoski's trendy cocktail book.
http://www.amazon.com/Lulu-Kwiatkowski/dp/0978607678


NUMBER 9 - One year subscription to Netflix
http://www.netflix.com/


NUMBER 10 - Marc Jacobs sleek watch
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446376916&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492707727&bmUID=iOLMi02&ev19=2:50


NUMBER 11 - Marc Jacobs new wallet. It comes in many great colors!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3052589?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=small_leather_goods:women:wallets&cm_ite=marc_by_marc_jacobs_%27classic_q_-_new%27_flap_wallet:268183&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:trackingCode=BA5B74FE-D981-DE11-B712-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA


NUMBER 12 - I LOVE IT and I own one! From Madewell, this peasant blouse.
http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SHIRTSTOPS/PRDOVR~34313/34313.jsp


NUMBER 13- Pottery Barn's Sophie Jewlery Box (it's covered in pebble leather)

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/sophie-jewelry-box/?pkey=cgifts-for-her

NUMBER 14 - Hunter Boots...this is on my list too! They come in SOOO many colors. Go with black, grey, blue or hunter green for classic colors. You can wear them rain or shine!http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/WorldOfDesigner.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306434781&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446376916&bmUID=iON3dER

NUMBER 15 - One year subscription to US Weekly. We just love it!

http://www.usmagazine.com/


I hope you have found something worth wild to give as a gift. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. Happy shopping!!!!!

Tree Notch

What a nice use of a tree, right? This one didn't get chopped down for nothing! I'm in love. It's just exquisite.....with wood like this who needs a complex designed cocktail table? It's on my Christmas list....well, not this exact one. But, I have a handy father!!! If it ends up under the Christmas tree this year, I'll definitely share a photo or two. If your wondering where you can get this piece....Hudson Furniture.

A BASKET FOR YOU?

How do you use your baskets????? What warmth a basket can add to a room! And, not only do they look good, but they are functional, as well. And, even better they come in all shapes, sizes, and forms! Oh...the many ways you can use a basket.

A PILLOW OR 2

Not long ago, I blogged about John Robshaw. This FANTASTIC creative mind that spits out festive, young textiles. I ran across this picture and had to share. Pillows! Along with chairs and luggage, it is another one of my obsessions. Like paint on a wall a couple pillows can change the entire look of a room. Enjoy!

DRIVING AROUND TOWN....

And, not with the boy I love....but, alone. I sped fast but not far past this little place before my spedometer went from 65 to 15mph. And, my car no longer headed west but in a more familar direction...east. As I pulled up and wondered how I was going to park without A. getting taken out by passing traffic or B. parking without getting a nail in my tire. I think it's really places like this that hold the best....FIND ME AND MAKE ME PRETTY TREASURES. And, of course ones braveness to dig in the black, jumbled corners. I took as many pictures as I could...but, couldn't waste all my time snapping and not digging.

HALLOWEEN EVE

OK....So, It's HALLOWEEN EVE folks! And, I only find it appropriate to post a couple HALLOWEEN themed treats about 10-31-2010. If your having a party tonight, then maybe you can find a little inspiration and ideas. ENJOY!

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

I sure do love this interior space! Old....new.....black.....white.....shiny....matte. Who says you need a rug in a room? It work's just fine without one in this space. Don't you think? Oh....PS....check out the black mouldings, my fav!

LOOK WHAT I FOUND....

OK....So, with my new job driving in 4 of the southern states. I can't help myself but to pull off the roads I travel to stop at the MANY antique stores I pass. Trust me.... there is no way I can stop at all of them. So, I tell myself next time for some...but, I lucked out at this little store next to a 2 lane paved road. What do you think? Well... I bought it anyway. Not sure where I am going to put it...uhhhh. It's from the Art Deco period. Are yall starting to see a pattern here? I tend to favor pieces from that period. At least I am consistent, right? So, back to the chandelier, should I paint it? Or leave it gold/brass? Give me your opinions, please.

TRUE AMERICAN STYLE

He always seems to get it right....and never even comes close to getting it wrong. In his modern Manhattan apartment, Mr. Ralph Lauren has created a true American atmosphere. His style speaks for itself and his selections of texture and scale are flawless. I am madly in love with those industrial vintage light fixtures. So tell me, what's your favorite element of the space?

[photo by Elle Decor]

MIA....with out an excuse.

OK OK OK! I know I have been gone lately. Is it to late to apologize? Well, I am sorry! So, with my life changing in a million different ways. I haven't forgotten about my loyal blog readers and enthusiasts. I have been adjusting to the recent change in my life. And, now I feel somewhat familiar with the adjust. SSOOOOOOO....it brings me to right here right now....back with an hour in the design world. Taking a new job, in a completely different field, I have left the design world in "money making profession" but not in heart. It is still an EXTREME passion of mine and I dabble in it through the blog and on the weekends. WHHHHICH leads me to this. I have a picture to show. It's just a small space, so don't get to excited. ;) I will definitely post more later with my "for real" camera not just an iphone.



TAAAA DAAAAAA.

It's the entry of my new loft. Does the french arm chair look familiar? That's right, I used it in my last apartment. The lamp is new. Thanks Pier1! The chest is new, as well... I bought it at a consignment store in Tuscaloosa. It's circa 1950...the Art Deco / Moderne period. I love the brass hardware! Remember what I said a couple of months ago? GOLD IS BACK! It didn't come without a little elbow grease though. With an hour and the help of Brasso they are good as new. The 2 pieces hanging on the wall was 1 coffee bean bag I found at an antique store for $3.00. I simply cut it on the seam and wrapped it around plywood. And, since it is officially FALL, it's only right to have some mini white pumpkins. Publix folks for only 99 cents!

I must say it does feel good to be back blogging about something so dear to me. And, sharing my design thoughts with friends!

CRUSH.....WHO ME????

First, I must apologize for my recent absence from the blog world. I know... I know.... NO EXCUSES, a blog is a commitment, but I have been in the process of moving lately. I will blog a little later about my moving experience and my new challenge of creating my rental home. (It's a loft) HEE HEE...shhhhhh. This of course means new pieces and new ideas to create my exposed brick space. I am already taking before and after pictures so I will share them with you shortly.

However, in the meantime, I have developed a little crush! It has to do with this creatively genius man textile designer John Robshaw. Ever heard of him? If not, I am sure you will soon. He is popping up in every magazine here lately! Through his exquisite eye, he has created textile masterpieces. He does have a website you can buy off of!!! Nice advantage. I must warn you I am saving my money right now to purchase a couple pieces. I think you will love his style and creations. Please take a look! http://www.johnrobshaw.com/

photo: elledecor.com

DINNER WITH FRIENDS

How nice would it be to dinner with friends at this little pinic table? I want to. Do you?

INSPIRATION

in·spi·ra·tion : an inspiring or animating action or influence

I blogged not to long ago about this fabric I had run across and had completely fallen in love with. Remember? Love at first sight really does exsist. I said, I would use that fabric for pillows and put it on a white lounge chair or sofa....correct? Well, I had a litte inspiration [see above] It's even a picture of St. Tropez [the name of the fabric] Sounds to me like someone else had a little inspiration too. So, keep your eyes wide open. It's all around us. All you have to do is take a little time and notice.

PITTER-PATTER GOES A HEART FOR THESE SIX

1. UPHOLSTERED LEATHER DOORS

2. SHARPIE PENS (NON-RETRACTABLE)

3. DIET COKE W/ A WEDGE OF LEMON

4. PAINTED FLOORS

5. DARK MOULDINGS

6. ANICHINI SHEETS