Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Mood Board Monday With MckLinky
So... Here's what I'm thinking. At least at this point, Mood Board Monday still may not be every Monday, and there will be some Mondays where I'll do it, but it won't include MckLinky. However, on Monday, October 12th, I'll host the first Mood Board Monday with MckLinky. I'll post more "rules", if needed, on that day but here are some general guidelines for this first MBMWM (guidelines may or may not vary each time).
- This is NOT a mood board competition for designers (although designers are certainly welcome to participate). THIS IS a fun way to share all of the creativity out there, and showcase how we can all start from one inspiration point and end up with a variety of ideas.
- To be a participant, you need to create a complete mood board for a room of your choice using at least one of the two inspiration items shown below. Either the Delilah Window Panel from Pier 1 or the Garden Trellis Lime fabric from fabric.com OR both.
- On MBMWM you will need to include sources in your post and give a brief description of the room. I know some of you out there are great writers (envious! :-)), but for those of us that aren't, please don't be intimidated by that. As long as you can create a mood board and generally describe it, we're good.
That's it! Whether you're looking forward to creating a mood board or just love the idea of seeing all of the different ideas, I'm interested in hearing your thoughts!
Hope you're having an awesome day!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
SW Colormix 2010
Collection #2 - Rooted. Sherwin Williams says "It's human instinct to seek the safety of the tribe. In today's complicated world, there's something deeply satisfying about re-exploring the world's oldest, most enduring cultures. African, Aboriginal and Native American influences are converging to create a new tribal style with a drumbeat all its own. The colors are rich and earthy, with a hint of mystery. The appeal is as natural as the elements"
Collection #3 - Simplified. In Sherwin Williams' words "Less is clearly the new more. But the aesthetic is artful rather than austere, with well-tailored lines and sheer, translucent materials that reveal shape and structure. Clarity and integrity are critical. We need to know and trust what we're bringing into our environments. The hues are calm, subtle and nuanced, with undertones that shift according to their surroundings, for easy versatility."
And last, but not least. Treasured. Once again, here's Sherwin Williams - "A throwaway society? That's so yesterday. We're now making savvy, resourceful use of what we have, discovering untold stories in exposed, painted layers. From flea-market finds to artisan-made pieces, imperfections can lend rich character to our environments. The palette reflects the beauty of natural aging, mellowing and weathering, evoking quality materials that have stood the test of time and become heirlooms."
What do you think? Do any of these palettes "speak" to you?
Your feedback on Mood Board Monday was really helpful and it's helping me come to some conclusions. I'll post more about it tomorrow.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Mood Board Monday?
Hi! I'm back. Computer seems to be fine after it's little nap. It's done this before and I'm just not sure what the deal is. Maybe I'm on it too much? Very possible.
You may remember that I mentioned in passing last week that I was thinking of starting "Mood Board Monday". I still haven't completely decided how the whole thing will function, and if it will be every Monday or if it will always be done the same way. It just sounds like an idea that could be fun... Your feedback is welcome. I decided at least today's would be more interactive.
I found the trellis fabric above at fabric.com for $8.98 a yard. I really wanted to use it for a mood board for something and the lime was the only color that they had. Then I ran across these window panels at Pier 1 for $34.95 each and, even though I'm going strictly by how they look on the screen, they seem like they would work pretty well with the fabric. But for what? My first thought was a girl's bedroom. I thought the trellis fabric could be used to upholster an inexpensive headboard or make a bedskirt, or both. Or just used to make shams... The trellis fabric could be used on it's own as an accent in any room really if you liked the lime hue.
What room would you like to see it used for, if anything? Would you use the fabric and the window tx together (the pillow is from Target btw) or just the fabric as a starting point for something completely different? Or are you just not liking it at all?
Thanks to Love the Decor for reminding me that The Nester is having her huge 24 hour giveaway. It ends tomorrow night (Tuesday, Sept 29th) so be sure to hop over and register for all of the great prizes!
Shopping Gift Card Giveaway WINNER!
I apologize for the late post on this. I intended to get it done right away this morning, but I've had a very frustrating computer day today for no reason that I can put my finger on. Everything I ask my computer to do seems to be almost more than it can bear, and it decides to hang up or shut down at will. It was starting to make me very crabby until I remembered that considering all of the problems I COULD be having today, this is a pretty minor detail. Right? While I've been waiting for my computer to do it's thing I've reminded myself to count my blessings, which are many. Amazing how it puts things into perspective and lowers the blood pressure! :-)The winner was determined via the randomizer, and the lucky winner is KATIE! (see comment entry below). Congratulations Katie! Hopefully you're reading this, because there is not a link to a blog or e-mail from your comment so I don't have any way of contacting you. Please e-mail me your mailing address and confirm which gift card you want and I'll get it out to you!
Thank you so much to all of you who participated in the giveaway and all who have signed up to be both followers and subscribers! The response was surprising, and somewhat amazing, to me and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. The more people who follow, of course, the more important your feedback is to help me make the blog most helpful to you, so keep the comments and e-mails coming!I'm hoping to get another post out today, but I can't make any promises. I'm shutting my computer down for a while hoping that if it gets a little nap it will feel better. :-) Thanks for your patience!
Some Details Of Mariah Carey and Her Wallpapers
Mariah Carey is commonly dubbed as the "Queen of Pop".
Birth Name: Mariah Carey
Birth Date: March 27, 1970
Birth Place: Huntington, Long Island, New York, United States
Profession: Singer, songwriter, model, record producer, actress
Genre(s): Pop, R&B
Years active: 1989–present
mariah carey wallpaper
picture of pop queen mariah carey
singer and actress mariah carey in a bikini
hollywood celebrity mariah carey posing for photos
hollywood actress and singer mariah cary photo
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Exciting Happenings At Maison Cote de Texas and Round Top!
We had some excitement at the house this past week which I thought I’d share with you. First, there was a photo shoot for a local publication about….holiday decorating! Of all things! Because as readers know I’m not a big holiday decorator OR a big hostess, but I do have my annual Hanukkah party for my family – so that counts. For the photo shoot, though, I set the table religious neutral. I’d love to share the pictures with you, but these will have do until next month. As with all photo shoots, there was much hustle and bustle around the house. First my sweet dog Georgie decided to get deathly sick that afternoon with infected paws! Poor thing. I had to rush her out to the vet at 5:30 that evening when I realized she couldn’t even walk. She’s all healed up now, but still – not exactly what you want to happen during a photo shoot!
And even MORE excitement was when the candlestick melted all over my skirted table with its J. Robert Scott SILK table cloth. OK. Breath slowly. My cardinal rule for any clients with skirted tables is when actually using the table for a party, ALWAYS first put down a layer of waterproof cloth over the skirted tablecloth, then top it with a decorative linen tablecloth. That way, when grandpa spills his red wine – you will only stain the topper and NOT the expensive silk tablecloth underneath the waterproof lining. Of course for the photo shoot, I didn’t want to put a topper on for the pictures – I mean, no one was going to eat or drink, so why bother? Famous last words. I didn’t even think about melted candle wax getting all over the J. Robert Scott SILK (I’ll say it again) skirted tablecloth. Don’t bother sending me instructions on how to get it out. I’ve done it all, about ten times: ironed out the wax through paper bags, then cleaned it with dry cleaner solution. It actually works pretty good. At this point I don’t think I will need to replace the J. Robert Scott SILK (one more time!) tablecloth, at least. There is just a little bitty tell tale sign of the wax left at this point and I may be able to get that out too. We’ll see. I mean, how many times can you go through the process before the dry cleaning solution eats a hole through the silk? I’ll let you know. So, before you hope you get your own photo shoot – take it from me, it’s not always smooth sailing. Especially when the photographer wants to take your picture in front of all the bright lights and the only thing going through your mind is: How bad do my wrinkles look? Is my hair straight or frizzy at this point? Do I need more under eye cover up? But, all in all, despite a deathly sick dog, melted candle wax, and major wrinkles, it was great fun!!!!! Truthfully, it was, and the crew were two of the nicest people out there, thanks guys! Can’t wait to see it!
![[Snap2291.jpg]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBPZeIaAFDTnybliDBabYNISZ66U_AgJrBxDyW54cjjQGEqusTeBRnozv26tgaLkmVI80IF_QBx9yMroVSJBATk6Dw_kzb_W7L9UbohA8OYt83bLHdBJUDNTsHT6Sg-WNeu1HkJcRkJ1S/s1600/Snap2291.jpg)
Which leads me to remind you – if you haven’t listened to this week’s Skirted Roundtable, it’s on that timely subject, Holiday Decorating. We playfully called it: Two Grinches and a Jew discuss holiday decorating. If ever there were three girls who shouldn’t have discussed holiday decorating it would have to be Linda, Megan and me. But somehow, we pulled it off, I think. Be sure to listen HERE.
And there was even more excitement at Maison Cote de Texas. Mr. Slipper Socks Man is getting a little wary of all the flower arrangements that mysteriously appear at the house while he is hard at work earning a living. He is starting not to believe me anymore when I tell him they are from a “reader” – and is wondering if I might be having an love affair! Well, I am – with the readers of Cote de Texas, who happen to be the nicest, most thoughtful and generous people in the world! One reader whom I gave some decorating advice to (not worth the price of the flowers either, I’m sure) sent me this most beautiful arrangement of roses and strawberries!!!! Isn't’ it beautiful! A very public Thank You to Linda! And, Maryanne from Beadboard Upcountry in Brenham sent me this wonderful package with some French hand lotion attached to the ribbon. Maryanne is getting reading for the onslaught of shoppers from the Round Top Antiques Fair this week. It’s already in high gear – check out her blog HERE where she is giving Round Top updates on very important matters like Port O Potties! OK.
So what was in the package? Maryanne sent me the loveliest of books - all about Flamant – the famous French store (HERE.) Thank you to Maryanne and her famous husband, Robespierre! See you in two! And if you are going to Round Top – stop by Beadboard Upcountry in Brenham across from the Courthouse to meet Maryanne and see all the things she just bought in Paris.
And speaking of Round Top – one of the largest, if not the largest, antique fairs in the United States is happening this week. If you are into Swedish and Belgian, Mark Sage, aka Bobo’s Intriguing Objects, will be at the Big Red Barn Wednesday through Sunday! This is some of the actual merchandise he will have with him – all wholesale priced! For a more in depth look at Bobo’s Round Top merchandise, go to Velvet and Linen HERE to read all about it! I can’t wait to see his booth – he has rented out 20 spaces for it all.
The neatest thing about Round Top is all the friends you see out there. Brooke from Velvet and Linen is coming along with Angela from Washington! I can’t wait to meet them both. My Tanglewood House client Angela (another one) will be out there too, along with my sister-in-law who’s KW Ranch I’ve featured before. I’ll actually be staying with her – that lucky thing. I hear famous American turned French blogger Corey Amato is out there SOMEWHERE in Marburger setting up a booth right now! The two original Cote de Texas STALKERS will be there of course. And probably Rachel Ashwell and Mary Steenburgen will be there too (not with us though – but you never know!) (I know they won’t be, but a girl can dream!) Who else? Probably half of Houston, Dallas, and Austin and all of Washington County. Is Hill Country House coming???? ANN?? Sally Wheat’s already been out there for days traipsing through the fields looking for new things for her booth and house. Who else? YOU??
And if you happen to see me Wednesday afternoon somewhere in Warrenton sitting around having a Diet Coke or coffee, if I’m lucky, be sure to say hi and sit down to join me!
And don’t forget to listen to this week’s Skirted Roundtable HERE as Two Grinches and a Jew discuss Holiday Decorating!
Picture Gallery Mariah Carey
bikini mariah carey and her husband in some isolated beach
hot photo of young and sexy mariah carey
full height picture of mariah carey
mariah carey performing in a live singing
mariah carey posing for a pic in a photoshoot
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Mariah Carey Photos Gallery
hot mariah carey in a sexy outfit exposing
mariah carey in a sexy bikini with her husband
kissing photo of mariah carey and her boyfriend
sexy walk of mariah carey on the beach in small green bikini
image of mariah carey with her hubby kissing
A Reader’s House
Many times in the emails I receive, there will be pictures of readers houses – usually fresh from moving in, or a recent remodeling. Rather than keep the pictures all to myself, I have decided to share them with you in an ongoing series called Readers Houses. Some of the houses are small and full of wonderful DIY projects and others are larger and look more professionally decorated – both are wonderful in their own way. Today – the reader’s house comes from Deerfield, Illinois – just north of Chicago. The owners are a builder and his wife who is an interior designer. The couple sometimes collaborate on projects and their own house is the result of one such partnership. Their house was a true labor of love that they both enjoyed creating from the very first blueprint. The result of all their hard work is truly amazing. The photography itself is gorgeous which makes the house sing! I think you will thoroughly enjoy this newest Readers Houses installment! To see the pictures in their entirety – be sure to open your browser on maximum view – they are B-I-G!
The entry hall: from this paneled space – with its beautiful herringbone wood floors – you can see straight into the living area and on the right, into the dining room. The house is transitional – slightly contemporary and slightly traditional with a muted, quiet color scheme throughout (except for the children's rooms!) In the mirror on the right – you can see the banister of the staircase with its glass topped newel post leading upstairs. Unfortunately, there is no other picture of the stairs. Let’s take a right first – into the dining room.
The dining room has beautiful wallpaper – all in soft taupe's and whites. A large mirrored cabinet between the two windows reflects the crystal chandelier. Remember – mirrors should always reflect something beautiful! Notice the ceiling, a soft metallic taupe, the same color as the wallpaper. The owner used a combination of chairs - tufted velvet mixed with host Chippendale styled painted wood chairs. The curtains are a loose weaved fabric that continue the shimmering quality of the room. What a beautiful dining room – so soothing!
Straight off the foyer is the living room. The mood from the dining room continues here with the soft taupes and accents of black. Here there is more velvet tufting, with the only pattern found in the silky pillows. The large seagrass area rug helps to tone the room down from being too dressy – but the overall atmosphere is one of tastefulness and sophistication. To the right of this room, through the black double doors is the computer room (see pictures below.) The wall next to the doors is mirrored which makes the entire living area appear larger.
The view of the living room that faces the left side of the house – here you can see the built in painted black cabinets and the pretty chaise lounge. The kitchen is through the opening here.
The kitchen is a large area with an adjoining breakfast area, dominated by a gorgeous built-in cabinet, painted black. Again, the same soothing feel is found here, but the taupe color is now replaced with white. Isn’t that built-in gorgeous? I love the mirrored doors with the faux arches. The contemporary styled chairs are on one side of the long wood table and a banquette is on the other. And I love the series of light fixtures over the island – so effective!!!!
In the kitchen, the right side has no overhead cabinets – instead there is one long series of windows overlooking the back yard. The sink is incredible – so large it has two faucets! Amazing! And I love the open shelving filled with white dishes. The dark wood flooring helps to warm up the space which could have been too cold looking without it.
The range is another incredible part of the kitchen. Whoa. Pure lust – it’s like a piece of jewelry in the kitchen!! The countertops are white marble. This kitchen is truly beautiful!!!
To the right of the living room, there’s a wonderful computer room for the couple and their two daughters. Beautiful chairs! Notice how the children's art work has been framed and is placed around the countertop. Must make the girls so proud! All the boxes stored with crafts and paperwork are neatly labeled. Someone who lives here is seriously organized!!! And extremely neat - the house is spotless. This room is painted in the same soft taupe of the living room.
The computer room has a beautiful bay window, overlooking the back yard, which is fitted out with a cushion and pillows. Very pretty fabric shades at the windows. Such a nice tranquil space for homework and computer surfing. Wall to wall carpet helps cut down the noise level.
In the library, the color scheme changes and gets deeper with a dark blue velvet sofa and dark wood paneling. But the show stopper here is the fireplace! What a screen! It looks like a piece of art itself!!!
In the library two chairs face the velvet sofa. You may think the blanket is H for Hermes, but it is really H for Hunter, the adorable dog! Of course there would be an adorable dog in this house, everything else is!
Upstairs, the oldest daughter’s room has a large scaled blue and green wall paper. I love the chaise in here – perfect for when friends spend the night. All the upstairs bedrooms have vaulted ceilings.
Daughter #1’s adjoining bathroom has seafoam colored tiles and a charming little make up chair.
Daughter #2’s room is more traditional – pink and green with a beautiful French caned headboard and side tables. She gets a window seat in her room for friends.
The master bedroom also has a large scaled wallpaper, but it is, of course, much more sophisticated than the daughters paper. A sitting area fills up the space in the large taupe and seafoam colored suite. Notice the scale of the upholstered headboard – brought up higher than usual so that it can be seen over the euro sized shams. A beautiful crystal chandelier lights the room, along with sconces instead of lamps.
The master bathroom is filled with white marble - and, as in the kitchen, there is beautiful cabinetry and very gorgeous hardware.
And finally – a view of the dormer window on the second floor. What an interesting vignette and what a beautiful house! It’s so interesting to see what readers houses look like - they are all so different, yet share one quality – the owners all have a deep love of interior design.
Thank you so much to the homeowner who shared her beautiful house with us today! If you live in the Deerfield area and are interested in hiring her for interior design work, email me and I’ll pass on your information to her. And remember – if you have a house you want to share with us online, send me the pictures!
