Scavenger Hunt for Chairs....

Lately, I have been helping my friend, a very picky one hunt down the perfect dining room chairs. I know in time the right ones will come and fall into our lap. But, in the process of waiting for them to land, I have been checking some out on the internet. Below are a few I liked.....tell me what you think....... and, if you have ran into some catchy ones lately.

One....Two..... Buckle my shoe



Three.... Four..... Shut the door




Five....Six.....Pick up sticks




Seven.....Eight.... Don't be late






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Do you know about the honor system? Did you know here in 2011 it is still around. It made my heart all fuzzy and warm when a couple of weeks ago heading south to the gulf coast for a wedding. As my appetite was craving a brown paper bag of boiled peanuts I searched the roadsides for a handmade " hot boiled peanuts" sign ( I really like mine cold, but one can't be to picky, right?). Then, we ran across this sweet little place. As I jumped out of the car wondering if they take checks, because of the lack of cash in my wallet I was pleasantly surprised.......


Freshly made cane syrup......


3 different kinds of cookies all with hand-written cursive tags....


And, of course, the honor of this system...... Spiral bound notebook and a tin can. A. To write down your purchase and B. to deposit your money.


Did you know places like this were still around? Maybe we need more of them. Thinking about it today still makes me smile!


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Location:It's the simple things

LOVE....LOSS....AND WHAT I WORE

Christmas two years ago my aunt, the one who always gives the most thoughtful and personable gifts gave me this........

It is the book titled "Love, Loss, and What I Wore." A small book with not many pages....what I consider my kind of book, and it has visuals, even better. You know I believe the best books are pretty on the outside and reside my cocktail table. I also believe anything associated with the words "wore" and has a dress on the front is right up my alley. But, behind the dress and the pretty pictorials of vintage pieces and stylish assembles is a concept I find so realistic and true. Can you remember what you wore last week on Monday???? Can you even remember what you wore yesterday or over the weekend? I can't. But, do you remember what you wore when you lost someone? Or when you had your first date with someone special? I can. It's the concept of relating what we wore with special moments in our lives.....moments which stand out so vividly in our minds. If you are curious, this book is available on Amazon. And, it is even a play off of broadway. Enjoy!

1...2....3....things of goodness

I have had my eye on recently a couple of things I have ran across in person and thumbing through a home catalog. I will start with the first...

These FANTASTIC wine glasses. It maybe hard to tell but the stem is super long.......LOVE! You can find these guys at Antrhopologie. And, even better they come in three different colors.


If you are going to have a great steak why not have great steak knives. How fun are these for Spring and Summer????? Again, Anthropologie is their owner.
And, last........this lamp. Do you like it? It's a little different. But, I saw it a month ago and am still thinking about it. To find this guy go to Wisteria's website or get your hands on one of their catalogs.

Is 2 better than 1?????

Someone once told me a pair of dogs is better than just one. In this case, they were right. What do you think? I wouldn't mind having this pretty pair in my fireplace. Would you?????


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QUOTATION TIME

"He is a timeless designer who knows about true American glamour."
-Carolina Herrera

"His furniture always reflects what is going on in his clothing collections. It's like the perfect double-breasted suit, only it's a table or a chair."
-Milly de Cabrol

"He has changed the way we think about American luxury."
-Victoria Hagan


Do you know who these famous designers are speaking of? It is one of their admired colleagues and to me an American icon. I think the key word in all of these statements in American. Who do you think of when you hear American designer?

Ralph Lauren. I ran across an old 2007 Elle Decor (i save every issue) and in this particular one Mr. Ralph Lauren was featured for his amazing work and years of achievement. You know, as I looked at his work from 2007 ( 4 years ago) not one piece was dated. I must say it was fresh and clean and American.

Affordable yet stylish....

If you don't have one, you need one. Everyone needs a good stylish tray table in some corner of their house holding some tastey beverage in a stunning carafe. Maybe, a miniture round tray housing a beautiful ice bucket. Or, whatever you may chose to reside on this piece of INEXPENSIVE furniture. Guess what????? CB2 folks....that's where it came from. www.cb2.com SO, if you don't have one...go buy this one. If you have one, you could always use 2!

Going...Going...Gone

I'm going to be completely honest here....I have been absent lately. I do apologize. I have been wrapped up in this thing called a job in this position called a traveling rep for dance wear. In case, you are new and didn't know..... I was a dancer for 18 years of my life. So, I only find it appropriate to work in my 2nd passion if I can't work in well... my first. "You can't always get what you want." As the recent Grammy performer once said. I suppose it is fitting for the time. You see in my down time/ spare time/ in between appointments I scour the roads for antique shops....flee markets....whatever I can find basically. And, to be completely honest, the dumpier the better. It's like a constant treasure hunt. What can I find ???? and where????? and of course.....how much???? I will confess I haven't had my head stuck in an antique store lately, but rather in a rental car headed towards and away from New Orleans. And, in my down time, on my vintage blue Cadillac watching Season 1, 2 and oh 3 of Dexter. Have you seen an episode? I have to admit Dexter is addicting. I signed up for Netflix to get the 1st and 2nd season immediately streaming on to my television through the internet. Only to find a couple days later season 3 is by mail only. Today I took it to Best Buy and made a small purchase. :)

So, there is where my hours have disappeared to lately....productive, I know. But, I do have some blog ideas waiting on special items and interiors I find inspiring. Oh and not to mention it is drawing closer to spring so FANTASTICALLY, FABULOUS outfits. I said it...outfits. ;) So, please even after my disappearance act. Stay tuned!

I CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF...

There are 2 things I absolutely can not get enough of......new or old. I am always interested in buying one.

1. CHAIRS
2. LAMPS

LIVING ROOM MAKE BELIEVE.....

If I had an imaginary LIVING ROOM, above is what I would want mine to hold. Two matching sofas....a pair of french round-back beregeres.....biedermeier chest....a REAL antique subway scroll...and a touch of modern flair. ENJOY!!! What would yours be?????

I have been absent again. It's been hard getting back in the swing of things, but I am here now. Here are a couple of pieces that get me excited about March....April......and May. Hope you enjoy and it gets you a little excited about the upcoming months. More to come later.......

SIMPLE PILLOW SHAMS......

Hello my fellow readers! I hope all of you had a FANTASTIC NYE. I spent my NYE time relaxing very near to the coast, in the quaint little towns residing on road 30A. While down in the very southeast, I ventured with friends in and out of shops where I ran across these simple yet unique pillow shams. First of all, they were linen [check], secondly, somewhat of a different look I haven't seen [check], but the $$$ tag [no check]. Yep, I loved everything about them except the price tag. As looked at the package, sold individually instead of in pairs, with envy. I heard a whisper....."don't buy those...you can make them yourself." Genius!!!! Now, that's what a good friend is for. Thanks CTG!!! So, glad she thought of that for me. So, today I ventured to the fabric store and well ran across just what I was looking for [mark it down because rarely does it happen] With this being said.....I have a couple of photos to share with you. It's been a while since I dusted off my sewing machine and put it to work. I had my mind set on these shams and this is the final product. I bought the fabric for $12.99 a yard...and bought 2 yards. It's a gray slate linen and I was going for the "long draped off the bed" look.

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.