This Is What Coming Home Should Feel Like...Don't You Think?

There are houses that make you say, Ahhhhh.., that look so inviting on the outside that you know it just has to be wonderful on the inside too.  This month, www.housebeautiful.com featured the country house of New York designer Shawn Henderson.

A New Way To Go GREEN

I love this wallpaper!  Recycled 100% real newsprint strips are hand woven on a loom then backed with paper. weitznerlimited Spring 2010 Collection-"Newsworthy" is a great unexpected alternative to grasscloth. What do you think?

No, I Haven't Had Writers Block....Just Got Away To Think About My Daughter, Lauren and How Much I Miss Her.

another goodie from worldwidefred

HAVE A HAPPY HAPPY WEEKEND AND STAY WARM...WINTER IS BACK

Light a fire, put in a movie and whip yourself up one of these puppies!

Cosmopolitan Recipe

2 shots vodka

1 shot Triple Sec

1 shot fresh lime juice

2 shots cranberry juice.

1 shot=1 ounce

Collections.......

It seems most people collect something which still makes many of us hunters and gatherers.  We collect for different reasons- we may be recreating childhood memories, because it is fun and relaxing, because one day it may be worth something, it creates a sense of achievement in finding the treasures.  We use our collections in many ways but the main use is usually a way to accessorize our home.  Our collections are a way to inject some personality!

Photo-BBC tv

Photo- by Haley/F is for Favorites Blog

"A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience." - Sydney Smith

Do You Know The Movie That Goes With These Rooms?

When I go to the movie, the set design usually becomes one of the main characters to me.

 I loved these rooms right away. 

So..What Do YOU Think About "Matchy-Matchy"?

DISCLAIMER:

I did not design this room I am merely using this photo as an illustration :)

I'll tell you what I think in one word....BORING!

Please don't think buying the whole collection is a good idea.  That includes when every piece is leather.

When you do this, there is no show stopper, no element of surprise that makes you say, Wow!
If you have sets of furniture you don't have to put all the furniture in the same room....split it up. Then you are free to bring in those unique, interesting pieces.

Remember- No Matchy Matchy 

I Love Charming and This Bedroom is So Charming

It just makes you want to say.....night night...so "night night"

"Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's Party"!" Robin Williams

O K A Y!!

Now that spring is F I N A L L Y here on the outside, let's bring some spring time inside with some 

wonderful new wallpapers introduced by Thibaut.

I haven't been a huge fan of wallpaper for awhile but in the last few of years it has gone from hideous and sad to totally chic.  Wallpaper companies have gotten more gutsy and have introduced all types of textures, finishes, exaggerated patterns and modern motifs.  Here are just a few new introductions from Thibaut.  Enjoy.....

www.thibautdesign.com

Took the weekend to go to my parents house on the river.

"A river is more than an amenity, it is a treasure."  Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes

How peaceful is this

?

There is something special about pretty handwriting...and nothing nicer than a handwritten note.

When I receive a handwritten note I so appreciate the time, thought and energy that it took.  I believe it is a perfect example of "gracious living" and good manners.  Nothing creates the kind of connection or makes a
better impression than when someone takes the time to write a kind word.


Pretty handwriting is a plus!

Take a look at the Neither Snow website and be inspired to practice up on your handwriting.
www.neithersnow.com





"For the largest part ill handwriting in the world is caused by hurry." Lewis Carroll



.....for looking today......

Look At What Is New At World Wide Fred??

A great idea for a different kind of cake. Just bake, cut cake in half and put any type of frosting in the middle
for your special cake. Well....YUM



Speaking of cake...I love the presentation of these little cupcakes.



This stacked cup gives new meaning to second and third cup....or does this just count for one cup of coffee?




Good- bye yellow post-its....Hello, my next little master piece idea!

All of these little goodies are courtesy of - www.worldwidefred.com

What makes a house a home??

I love this Fairy Tale House in Carmel, California. It is just too cute.
The charm that it exudes is magical.

Isn't this what coming home should feel like?

"There is a magic in that little world, home; it is a mystic circle that surrounds comforts and virtues never known beond its hallowed limits." Robert Southey

OH SO MANY COLOR CHOICES.....How do I Choose a Color to Paint the Babies Nursery?

You use to hear that babies are attracted to bright primary colors. Initially, babies eyes are not strong enough to perceive color.
Instead they are able to notice contrasting patterns like black and white. After two months, babies eyes are strong enough to see
as much as an adult. "Science Daily"-July 27,2004
states that- "Color perception is not innate but acquired after birth through experience." It is then up to you to let them experience ALL the "crayon colors" in the box, just not necessarily on the walls. Take advantage of color research-and use the evidence showing how color affects adults.



RED
A bold color that attracts attention. It increases your pulse, breathing and blood pressure. It is the food color because it makes you hungry by increasing metabolism. That is why you notice the color a lot in restaurants. I would only use as an accent and avoid using it on the walls.

ORANGE
A comfortable color that exudes confidence, creativity and adventure. It is a friendly, fun-loving and welcoming color that can create a cozy room or make a modern statement.

YELLOW
A color that is bright so it would be best not to use too much of it. It can cause negative effects, making babies cry more often and longer. You don't want to agitate the baby. As you get older you may start to dislike the color yellow because it can make you feel anxious.

GREEN
A good color to use in a learning environment because it promotes calmness and concentration. Because you see
so much of this color in nature- it is mother nature's color- you can't go wrong.

BLUE
Most people will say that blue is their favorite color. It is another color that is calming and promotes productivity BUT the shade of blue makes a difference. Blue-gray can be a bit sad.
In a nursery, try to stay with warm or bright blues and don't overuse navy or dark shades.

PURPLE
Purple has always been associated with royalty. The pastels are more calming. It is a fantasy color. Most men dislike purple.

PINK
It is no secret that little girls love pink. Pink is known as the color for all things girly and sweet. It is also a calming color that makes you feel prosperous and pampered. The only bad effect for going overboard with the color pink is that it may promote a bit of a princess attitude!

WHITE
White is clean, pure and innocent and can promote a sense of secretiveness. Use with splashes of color to arouse emotion and openness. One color + white = an almost foolproof color scheme.

GRAY
This color inspires contemplation, much they same as a cloudy day affects you. So be careful with the color because sadness and loneliness are a part of this contemplative feeling. If you use this color, use a warm tone with bright colors.

BROWN
This is the color of the earth and is not the best choice for a baby's room. It can be a sad and melancholy color. Remember that it is also the color of "other things" so be careful. Go either dark chocolate or a light beige or tan.

BLACK
This is another color to use sparingly. It is best to use in rooms with lots of light and windows. It is best used as an accent color.

Once you have chosen a color, you need to look for paints that are Zero- VOC (volatile organic compounds) or paints established by Green Seal. These paints don't emit chemicals into the air that can cause many bad side effects.

Saturday (Flea Market Day)...A Good Day to Piddle and Look for Treasures

NO, I didn't get these lamps but they made me smile.
I spotted a treasure- this small Bluebird platter to add to my collection

Thought For The Day......

I saw this quote in Lonny Magazine this month in the article, "Elements of Glamour" page 45. "Design is all about an open mind and recognizing the beauty in opportunities beyond what you'd normally think to incorporate." Lizzy Bailey.

I will add my 2 cents and say- Instead of ...."STEP AWAY FROM
THE BOX" ....."Step OUT of the box"!
www.lonnymag.com

Aren't These Tables GREAT Fun?