In my last post, I showed you the eating area of my kitchen and mentioned that I would talk about the picture that is in the background. La Belle Chocolatière. La Belle Chocolatière Here is a closeup of the picture and the story to go with it. While living in Germany I regularly attended the indoor flea market held in our little village of Meisenbach. On a Saturday, a gentleman was outside and had the doors of his van flung open and propped up against the door was this picture. She ... View the Post
Come With Me To The Sea
Yesterday I hosted a luncheon. The theme was "Come With Me to the Sea". It has been 110+ here in Phoenix so I thought that we could be transported to a cooler climate if only for an afternoon. Come With Me To The Sea. Here is my living room decked out in summer white slipcovers. (They will change to a Tuscan red in the fall.) Come With Me To The Sea To the left of the room, there is normally a small antique chest that my husband bought while living in England. It is currently being ... View the Post
Mary Carol Garrity
Do you know this charmingly happy woman? It is Mary Carol Garrity, the founder of Nell Hill's, a legendary home decor shop in Atchison, Kansas. Mary Carol Garrity Mrs. Garrity is also the author of several wonderful books. Here are a few of my favorites: Inside the pages you'll find delicious images like these: She is a big believer on making the most with what you have. I adore her tablescapes. She weaves in layers of texture, color and often unexpected ... View the Post
Sew, How Are You?
I am feeling the pressure to get a few items crossed off of my "to do" list. Sew, How Are You? Soon I will be returning to school and my free time will then be minimal. I have wanted to make some curtains to hide an open shelf in my laundry room. There is some extra fabric left over from my bedroom project. (Which I will be showing you soon.) I think this solution works for now. I can pull the curtains all the way closed but left them open a smidge so that you could get an idea of the ... View the Post
Favorite Things
Cindy from My Romantic Home is hosting Our Favorite Things. Favorite Things Cindy thought it would be fun to see favorite collections, vignettes, or one big item. It has to be a material thing, not a person. (I smiled at that.) This was a challenge for me. I am very blessed to have many, many favorite things. My favorite things also change from day to day. But hands down the item that I have loved for several years now, and it continues to be a favorite, is our antique Belgian China ... View the Post
Curbside Creativity Inspired By Spray Paint
Curbside Creativity Inspired By Spray Paint. Once a month we have a bulk curbside pickup in our neighborhood. I'll admit that I stalk other peoples piles of trash. If I see something I like I usually knock on the door and ask if it is ok if I take it. I have never had anyone tell me "No". The up side is that my neighbors will now often ask, "Do you want this?" before they toss it. This is probably because they don't want to hear me talk about the benefits of Freecycle again. Hey, it's not easy ... View the Post