We Interrupt this Program . . .

I've had a very unusual week -  I had jury duty.  Although I took this seriously and wanted to do my part in the process.  I knew all along that no lawyer would think about letting me on their jury!  Since I practiced law for almost 10 years the chances of me being selected to sit on a jury are about the same as spending Spring Break on the moon!  

No matter - it was still interesting.  I met a lot of people with very different life experiences.  It always amazes me to hear what the human spirit can endure.  I also realized during the process I truly don't miss practicing law.  At all!  

So, today, I'm playing a bit of catch up on several design projects.  In the meantime, two of my favorite online magazines went live with new issues for the Fall.  Both are so decadent - sheer eye candy.  I continue to think, there's no way they'll top this one and they do.  If you have time today, both are worth it.

House of Fifty

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Lonny

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See you on Friday!  M.

Trad-licious

I took a peek at the new TradHome Spring 2012 issue over the weekend and was totally blown away.  With so much eye candy, it went from sheer delight to I dare say overload (in a good way)!   I actually had to take a break midway through for fear that I had reach maximum capacity and was missing things I needed to see (I'm not even kidding).  This is not normal for me.  Usually, I can breeze through a magazine, antique market, or website and find only a few interesting things to think about.  But every single page of this issue had at least one (and usually more than one) scrumptious morsel.  

Just a few of my favorites - Oh, one major caveat before I begin . . . 

If you are trying to refrain from changing your interiors or (following April 15th) your pocket book is not very user friendly, you will want to skip my post today. :)   

For starters, I loved the "Designer's Picks" section with lots of finds I had never seen before.  Especially this bench from Anthro.  Very good.  

Then on to this fabulous DIY artwork of framed fabric - More love.

The possibilities are endless here, and I will be incorporating this idea into some of my design projects.

Then, this article - Two fabulous girls who have organized a group of interior designers to create some wonderful rooms at the Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women and Children in L.A.  If this article doesn't make you realize how important it is to create a wonderful space to come home to, then nothing will.

 And, I'm only scratching the surface!  There were so many wonderful articles with stunning images.  No skimping here.  A large section of the issue was devoted to "Trads 10" up and coming interior designers to watch.  I loved that each designer had a very unique take on design, and all were stunningly beautiful. 

Pops of emerald green - genius.

And Birmingham Designer - Tammy Connor!  And let me say Tammy's personality is just as wonderful as her design sense.  She truly is one of the most unassuming designers I've ever met.  And her style is timeless.

Lacquered ceilings - holy smoke.

Nick Olson - This room made me think about my up and coming living room!  The black and red are so wonderful in this space.  It feels very eclectic and high end.

More pops of color in a neutral space.  Also, I thought all her rooms felt so fresh - perfect for the season.

Dreamy grey kitchen.  You have to see all the other images they feature on her.  Every last one was amazing.

The midcentury modern vibe here almost did me in!  Just look at that sectional, artwork and my goodness, those curly brass sconces.  Swoon. 

This is not even all of them!  There are more to be seen if you click over.  Oh, and in case you're wondering, no, I am not being paid to say all this!  This issue is just that good.  

When you have more than a minute, you NEED to go check it out! Happy Day. M.

TradHome Spring 2012 issue 

Adore Magazine - New Issue!

Look what was delivered to my inbox yesterday!!
The October/November issue has just been released - lots of eye candy for you.  And the best part . . . all this interior design inspiration is FREE!

source

If you have a little time on your lunch break today, you need to check it out.  It is chock full of some really fantastic sources for furniture, accessories, artwork.  There's even an affordable brass bar cart included!  

PS: If you have not already, please enter the giveaway I'm hosting.  The entries are low which means you have a greater chance of winning it.

Click Here for the Details on the Giveaway

I hope you day goes smoothly! M.

TradHome This Week!

OK, I have lots of fun pictures from Scott's to show you, but I am too busy today to get the post up and running.  So, please stay tuned for these sometime this week.  

For now, I wanted to let you know TradHome (which I posted about here) is launching a sneak peek of its magazine this week!!!  This is a new online magazine for Traditional Home.  If you want to get a sneak peek of the magazine, click here and subscribe! 

One random thought: we have a commercial grade mirror in my daughter's bathroom and I really want to make it feel more special.  I was thinking about putting a mirror on top of the mirror.  Here's an example, but I was thinking of a more traditional frame.  Also, in this picture it looks as though it's only the frame and not an actual second mirror.  Would love your thoughts on the idea.  

Image Via
I am almost thinking that it's the wall sconces that make me love this and not just the mirror.  The wall sconces would be cost prohibitive and make me think I should just wait and get what I really want, rather than a cheap fix on this?  What do you think? M.

Pssst . . . You're In!!

When did club shopping become so big?  

No, I'm not talking about Sam's Club.  I'm talking about the high end interiors/fashion online sources that you first must be invited to "join" before you can shop?  

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Don't misunderstand, I adore my daily dose of One Kings Lane (especially the Tastemaker sales) and Rue La La.  But why the club part?  Within hours of a request to join, you're in?  

Is it our societies need to be a part of something bigger? [No, I'm not going to go into some deep intellectual discussion of the positive psychological benefits of perusing 1st Dibs].  These are just my random thoughts! 

 Sort of like my husband's question of why do we call it a "pair of pants" isn't it a "pair of legs" and if a pair of pants works why not "a pair of sleeves" rather than "a shirt."  Again, who knows!! Sometimes, you just have to laugh at what we have become.

So, if you're feeling a little left out and want to be part of something, even if it is just an online store (smile here), these are my favorites.  

Sometimes the deals are fine, and sometimes they are down right amazing.  With any shopping, you really need to know the general value of what you are looking for before you can truly determine if you are getting a great deal.  

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If you do apply to join any of these, not to worry . . . you'll get an invitation to join.  

You're just that special!  

Something to Look Forward to . . .

It seems that online magazines are popping up as fast as blogs these days! OK, maybe not that fast.   But, this particular one is most interesting because it is being launched by Traditional Home.  I love that they are staying current and getting in there for a piece of the pie.  

  Meredith's Traditional Home has enlisted Lonny Magazine co-founders Michelle Adams and Patrick Cline to create the new online mag to compliment the Traditional Home magazine and expand it's readership to the younger tech savvy crowd.  The big reveal is scheduled for May - just in time for my birthday!  M.

Perfect Piece of Pied-a-terre

A pied-à-terre (French, "foot on the ground") is a small living unit usually located in a large city some distance away from an individual's primary residence. It may be an apartment or condominium.  The term pied-à-terre implies usage as a temporary second residence, either for part of the year or part of the work week, by a person of some means.^[1]

A brand new online magazine of the same name just launched (gotta love more free online sources)!  Pied A Terre is a new monthly online magazine founded by interior designer Urban Karlsson and photographer Ron Reeves.  The premier issue has come out of the gates on fire with feature articles on Interior Designer/Artist Deborah Buck (owner of Buck House in Manhattan)  and Swedish sculptor Eva Hild.

I would love your thoughts on it!  Check it out and tell me what you think. 

http://www.thepiedaterre.com/