How about a Boat Ride?

Little thing to note about me: I get motion sickness very very easily (car, plane or boat).  To my husband's frustration, I can't even read a map in a car.  

No one knows this better than my friend, Harriett, who sat next to me on our way out to Colorado a few years ago on a very bumpy flight!  But I digress . . .  

This little known fact usually does not bother me.  Like many things in life, I have learned to deal with it.  But, recently, I was looking at Darren Henault Interiors website and noticed this in his portfolio  - "Palm Beach Yacht."

After seeing these pictures, I just might risk it for a ride on this beauty! 

This looks like a choice spot to ride with a panoramic view.

This is my favorite shot.  I love the grasscloth cabinets and the desk area that can be tucked away when not in use.  This would be cool in any space. 

Website Highlight - Crossfit.com

After all the food I ate this past weekend, I thought this website highlight was very appropriate.  

http://www.crossfit.com/

Crossfit.com is a free fitness website that posts a new "Workout of the Day" every day of the week.  So, you can get fit without doing the same boring routine everyday!  In addition to a new daily workout, the site contains an index of all the exercises used in each workout complete with video and slideshow demonstrations.  So you have the tools at your fingertips to get in shape. 

What a neat way to start your day, especially since more holiday treats will be coming our way during the next few weeks!

If you live in the Birmingham area, you can always let the bootcamp goddesses, Paula and Leigh, give you a work out with Every Girl Fitness.  It will not disappoint.

Sure beats the alternative . . . 

Happy Monday! M.

Double Take - Powder Room Makeover

This past Spring I decided that it was time to make some changes to our powder room.  I wanted a real change, but did not want to break the bank making it.  So, I had to make some decisions about what I wanted to splurge on and where I needed to find some affordable options.

As you can see from this before shot, the room has no  real character.  There are no windows and it is very small, even for a powder room.  The only real thing it has going for it are the high ceilings.  

Here is the before.

The door to the powder room is to the left in this photograph, and the toilet (or "potty" as we like to say here at the Smith T house) is opposite the vanity.  In fact, I struggled to take this picture without sitting down on it! 

And yes, this space is just this tiny in person.  

So, you get the layout right?

Well, I  thought about what I wanted to splurge on (even with a small budget).  I first did some research into the perfect antique chest to convert into a vanity and the perfect thick slab of limestone to put on top of the vanity, but the price was not perfect.  It was prohibitive.  

So, I decided to invest a little money into wallpaper instead.  It was still a splurge, but not as expensive as a new vanity.  

Here is the after. 

(Please remember I am no photographer!  And because the lighting it so bad, the wallpaper is coming off very yellow in these pictures.  It is really more of a creamy white with a coppery gold metallic pattern.  I tried to use the flash but the mirror did not like it.)

 I decided to skirt the pedestal sink in this woven linen fabric. I still need to iron out the wrinkles, but you at least get the idea. 

This is a shot as you walk into the bathroom (vanity to your left and potty to your right).  I plan to hang a series of framed intaglios (I picked these up on Ebay for a real deal, if you recall from a recent post I did) above the small table.  This will break up the large wall and add some interest as you walk into the space.   

Here's a closer look at the trim detail on the skirted pedestal.  Note to self: never ever try to sew on self stick velcro.  It will ruin a sewing machine needle in about three seconds.  Instead, use sew on velcro on the fabric piece and stick on for the porcelain side.  

I will have to wait a while to have my intaglios framed (the budget is gone!), but once I do this and hang them, I will repost the final look of the space.  

This will be my last post this week.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  

We all have much to be thankful for in our lives.  I hope you take some time this holiday season to count your blessings too!  I will be back next week.  See you then  M.

Piggy for your Thoughts?

With all the holiday parties coming up, are you in the stock market for a new cocktail bag?!

$3,600.00 for the piggy purse

http://www.judithleiber.com/product.cfm?id=498

Link Parties!!

I am participating in a couple of link parties this weekend.  If you have some time, check them out! 

It is a great way to discover new blogs.  

[For those of you who keep telling me you are not computer savy, this is what you do].  Click on the links I have provided below, then you will need to scroll down to the bottom of each of their posts to find all the links to other blogs.  Good Luck! 

http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/2010/11/feature-yourself-friday_18.html

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2010/11/show-and-tell-friday_18.html

Find of the Week (and Giveaway Winner)

OK, first things first.  We have a winner of the pillow giveaway.  I went to random.org, and they selected the number 10 who happens to be Kim Davidson.  As she mentioned in her comment, the pillows will live in her bedroom!  I am so glad they are going to a happy home!

Thank you to everyone who commented on the pillows and post.  You have definitely made my week! AND I promise to do another giveaway soon!

  Now, on to my "Find of the Week."

Find of the Week

I was looking through a stack of catalogs we receive and noticed this very small West Elm "Festive Edition" catalog [pamphlet really].  I was amazed at all the incredibly wonderful accessories and gift ideas in this little catalog! The prices simply can not be beat for such chic items.  Also, the large majority of these have free shipping!  So, note to West Elm, "I would love a check for all this free advertising!" 

Here are my favorites.

Lacquered Boxes 

(I know this one surprises you.)

I have never seen lacquered boxes at this price point and such variety (there are still more on their website).  I have put one on my wish list!

Mercury Glass Birds

These are so sweet and would add a much needed touch of sparkle to any room.  Also, 50% of the purchase price of each bird will to to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital! ($12 small & $16 large).

White Chic Nutcracker

This, too, is a St. Jude's gift with 50% of the price going to the hospital. ($24 for the small and $59 for the large)

Music Balloons

What a fabulous stocking stuffer!  My kids would love this one. ($45 each)

Cast Animal Bookends

These are being marketed as bookends, but they are sold separately ($24 each) and one would make a really cool sculpture for a bookshelf.  In our staging company, we try to always include dark colored accessories on light or white bookshelves.  So, if you  have white painted bookshelves, this would be a great addition. 

Porcelain Perfume Bottles

The opposite is true for dark furnishings, like an English Country secretary or chest.  It really looks great to place white accessories on these items to allow them to show up.  The contrast trick really does work! These are only $19 each.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!  See you Monday. M.

Time for the Flannels & Other Randomness

Last Chance Reminder: Don't forget to enter my pillow giveaway.  All you have to do is sign up as a follower and comment on the post  http://interiordesignmusings.blogspot.com/2010/11/pillow-giveaway.html.  The giveaway ends at 5:00 pm today! 


Time for the Flannels

It's that time of year.  I got in bed one night last week, and the sheets felt so cold.  So, the next morning I got up and changed them out to our flannels.  With flannel sheets, you have no cold spots regardless of where you move!  They're warm and cozy all over especially if you prefer to sleep in a cool/cold room.  

 If you have never experienced flannel sheets, I would encourage you to give them a try!  Here are some affordable ones for you to consider.

I like the simple cream ones - they don't compete with all the fabrics I have going on in our Master Bedroom.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013TQ1S2?ie=UTF8&tag=interiordes0e-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0013TQ1S2"><img border="0" src="41fsHq7sBRL._SL160_.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=interiordes0e-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0013TQ1S2

But, if you would like something a little more festive consider these.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047Q03XW?ie=UTF8&tag=interiordes0e-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0047Q03XW"><img border="0" src="41NMmxU1Z-L._SL160_.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=interiordes0e-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0047Q03XW

Other Randomness

I also picked up a couple of bottles of the Mrs. Meyer's limited edition "Seasonal Orange and Clove" Hand soap at the grocery the other day.  I use it at my kitchen sink and in our powder room.  It smells exactly like the Spiced Tea my Mom used to make when I was a kid.  Talk about holiday in a bottle.  I have washed my hands so much they're getting chapped, but they smell divine! 

http://www.mrsmeyers.com/Products/Hand_And_Body/Orange_Clove_Liquid_Hand_Soap

Christmas Gift Idea

I've been working on our family Christmas gift this year.  I always try to come up with something interesting and unexpected as a small treat/thank you to all the people who have touched our lives throughout the year.  I spend the fall brainstorming on creative ideas.  Then, once I decide on the gift, I begin gathering all the items needed to put it together in December.  I like to make the gift, but I can't spend tons of time baking, so I have to think outside the box. 

While I can't share this year's gift [since some of you who are reading this will receive one], I can share ideas from my last couple of years.  Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of the presents; but hopefully, I can explain them in detail for you.

Two years ago,  I gave "Cava with Violet Syrup" as our gift.  I ordered violet syrup [which you can get on line and it comes in a large bottle]. 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000T8VYQC?ie=UTF8&tag=interiordes0e-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000T8VYQC">Monin Natural Violet Syrup,750 ml</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=interiordes0e-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000T8VYQC

I poured the syrup into small bottles [vials really] and attached a pretty label entitled "violet syrup" to each vial.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0048U8ZBE?ie=UTF8&tag=interiordes0e-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0048U8ZBE"><img border="0" src="51V1bB5p5zL._SL160_.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=interiordes0e-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0048U8ZBE

  Then I picked up bottles of Cava [but you could use Prosecco or Champagne].  

I tied the syrup vials to the neck of each Cava bottle with beautiful ribbon and a card explaining to pour a few drops of the syrup into the bottom of each champagne flute and add the chilled Cava for a fun cocktail.  

Last year, I continued the cocktail theme and made "Bloody Mary Mix with Seasoned Salt."  I made my recipe for Bloody Mary mix sans the liquor and poured these into large bottles I ordered on line. 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017Y63D6?ie=UTF8&tag=interiordes0e-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0017Y63D6"><img border="0" src="41iJmYIflNL._SL160_.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=interiordes0e-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0017Y63D6

 Then I picked up these wonderful seafood salts from one of my favorite local restaurants, Hot and Hot Fish Club and attached the salt to each bottle by placing it in a cellophane bag and tying it to the neck of the Bloody Mary mix bottle with a satin ribbon.  

Here is an example of a Bloody Mary with a salted rim of the glass.

Since the mix was red, I used a green satin ribbon with a cute tag about making these when you have to deal with the stresses of the holidays "add vodka (or not) perfect for tree trimming and in-law mingling or for a Christmas morning pick me up."

This year, I am not doing a cocktail, but that is all I am willing to share at the moment.  You will have to wait and see! 

Reminder: if you have not signed up for my pillow giveaway, get busy!  All you have to do is become a follower and comment on this post http://interiordesignmusings.blogspot.com/2010/11/pillow-giveaway.html.  It ends tomorrow! 

Mad Men?

I just read last week that one of the seven key trends from the October Highpoint Market was "Mad Men."  Although I don't really watch the show, I have two very close girlfriends who religiously watch it.  

When I say religiously I mean it.  We were on a girl's weekend this past summer, and they talked about it for hours!  At any rate, it is now the trend.  

As is often the case, interiors follow fashion and this nostalgic style was all the rage on the runways, and now interiors are stepping back to the same era.

So, I would love your thoughts.  Will you follow this trend in your home? Do a total makeover, or just add some retro accents?   

PS: Don't forgot to enter my pillow giveaway!  You have until Thursday to sign up.  Here's the link http://interiordesignmusings.blogspot.com/2010/11/pillow-giveaway.html.

Pillow Giveaway!

It's here!  My very first giveaway.  I decided it was time to give all those who follow my blog and little thank you.  Also, for all those of you who visit me each day, but have not signed up as a follower, now is the time!  I'm hoping to draw you out with this giveaway!  

I am giving away a pair of custom 8"x15" lumbar pillows in a woven [not printed] chocolate and cream fretwork with a silk inner lining and natural leather tie details along with the feather down inserts.  

These are the perfect little accent for any upholstered piece.

Here's a close up of the fabric.

And a close up of the silk lining and leather tie.

  If you recall awhile back, I was smitten with a similar pillow I saw in New Orleans.  I loved this pillow so much that I decided to try my hand at making a pair of them.  

So, to win the pillows you need to:

1. Sign up as a Follower on my blog (if you have not already)  and
2. Post a comment telling me which room in your house is your current favorite (be sure to include info that will allow me to contact you should you win).
3. Extra Entries:

• If you blog about this giveaway and link to my blog in the post, you get one extra entry.  
• If you include my blog on your blogroll, you get two extra entries.  
• If you share this post on Facebook, you get one extra entry.
• If you Tweet this post, you get one extra entry.  

Remember to post a comment for each extra entry.  All entries must be received by this Thursday, November 18th 5:00 P.M. Central time [which is when this giveaway ends].  The winner will be selected by www.random.org.  This giveaway is open to all U.S. and Canadian residents.  Good Luck and thank you again for following my blog! M.

Project in Progress

I promised a sneak peek at one of the jobs we are working on at the moment.  We are still in progress, but I thought a few pictures were in order.  Also, please stay tuned next week.  I'm going to be doing my first giveaway!  Very exciting.

The Sunroom

  

Here is a glimpse of the Sunroom fabrics we are working into the space.  I absolutely love the large floral fabric (by Lee Jofa).  It pulls everything together - love that it has that avocado green and the teal blue in one fabric. 

Here's a closer look at the cut velvet fabric that we used on a couple of small lumbar pillows.

Here's a shot of the pillows on my sofa.  Sorry, Anne, I couldn't resist!  After making them, I just had to try them out somewhere to make sure they were going to work;)  

Here's a tip for you if you are considering making your own pillows.  I always cut the fabric the same size as the pillow form (not an inch larger which most sewing books and guides will tell you to do).  This ensures a nice full pillow once it is in the case.  Also, always splurge for down in your pillows.  The quickest way to ruin a custom pillow is by using a poly insert!

Notice on the small lumbar pillow that I did not use a trim; rather I wrapped the fabric over the top for a sleek look.

Here are the pillows in the actual Sunroom [where they will live].  It's still a work in progress.  The rug will change (she is going to use this rug in her den).  Maybe an Oushak in cream and brown for the rug.   Window treatments will be added (we have picked out the hardware and the panels, but are still trying to decide on the perfect trim for those) as well as styling the bookshelves, and end tables.  But we are getting closer to the finish line!  

 Here's a close up of the pillows (Remember, I am not a photographer.  So, the lighting is crummy in these shots).  It is hard to see here, but the floral pillows have this amazing metallic linen flange on them.  It almost has a leather/snake skin sheen to it in person.  Really great looking. 

Formal Living Room

We went with warm colors in the Living room and punched up the style with another cut velvet in a modern geometric.

Here's a closer look.

Again, we are close to the finish line, but still need to hang the mirror [propped on the wall] and do a bit of styling for the final photographs.  These chairs were in the homeowner's master bedroom and we move them to this room for a neutral update.  We added the oval coffee table to open up the space.

This sofa is new (she had a pinky red sofa in the space before and we toned it down with a neutral linen).  The chairs in the above picture are opposite this sofa. 

So, there's your sneak peek!  Have a great weekend.  M.