We interrupt this Program . . .

OK, yes, I'm still on break.  But I just had to interrupt this program to give you a bit of news.  

It seems that as of July 1st those of you who follow me through Google Reader will no longer be receive my updates! 

Now, if you get my post updates through an email, you are totally fine will continue to get my posts.  But if you read all your blogs on Google Reader, you will no longer get them.  I did attempt to import my Google Reader subscriptions into Bloglovin' but I seriously have no clue if that worked at all!  

So, for all Google Reader subscribers, if you still want to receive my posts, you have two options!  You can click on this link - Follow my blog with Bloglovin and sign up to receive them through Bloglovin' or you can simply click on the word Subscribe (which is just below my logo at the top of this page) and receive my posts as an email!  

Now, I can't just leave you with this as a blog post! right?!  Since one of my all time favorite holidays is upon us, here are some inspiring images to help you get excited wherever you're celebrating this year! 

via

via

via

Just look at this drop dead gorgeous bedroom!

via

As well as this one . . . 

via

via

via

via

You can even make your own bunting from a grocery bag or two! Creative Home gives yo a step by step tutorial. 

via

Check out this sophisticated version of red, white and blue. 

via

via

Loving the sound of this refresher - the Firecracker Cocktail!

via

Talk about a yummy lunch!

via

And please be still my heart - Coconut, Raspberry, Blueberry ice cream! (it is no accident this picture is tons bigger than the rest!)

via

via

I hope you enjoy your 4th.  M.

A Break

It's time for a summer break.  I am going to be spending some quality time with my family for the next few weeks.  I hope you are enjoying your summer as well.    

It's funny - I never seem to have writer's block for the blog.  There are always tons of things I want to share with you.  There just never seems to be enough time for me to get my thoughts on paper.  Guessing that says a lot about my personality - never at a loss of words, but that darn clock is running.  At any rate, I will be back soon. Happy Summer. M.

Find of the Day - Paper Placemats

I have this friend who always finds the most interesting gift ideas.  She is a master at it.  This year, my birthday present was no exception.  She knows how much I love entertaining outside, so she gave me these!  They are from this wonderful shop in Mountain Brook village called Marguerite's Conceits.  Marguerite seems to find the most fabulous items.  She also carries completely divine linens of all kinds.  So, if you have time, her shop is definitely worth a look see.

If you don't live anywhere near Birmingham and can't make it to Margarite's Conceits (I'm very sad for you, her shop is something special), but you can still access these cute placemats by clicking here.

They come in lots of patterns and colors.

click here to order these

I also love this one with a beach theme - very fun.  What I love about these is the convenience of creating a fun table setting instantly.  

click here to order these

Hope you have a wonderful Monday.

PS: Many of you have asked about my Mom, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  (I posted about her here).  She had surgery on Monday of last week and is slowing recovering.  Your thoughts, prayers, calls, emails and texts have been very uplifting.  The good news is her caner has not spread to the lymph nodes, so her treatment following recovery from the surgery will be much much easier.  But, her surgery was long and involved complications, so I would much appreciate your continued prayers for strength for her.

Project in Progress - Family Room Part II

For those who missed my first post on this project, click here.  Now for some progress - the demolition has begun!  Here are a few pictures of the destruction.  This is the back of the house where the new screened porch will eventually be included.  If you look to the left, at the overhang, that open space will all be enclosed as part of the new larger family room.  There will also be french doors to the left of the chimney for accessing the porch.

I think it's important to see images like this because most people do not appreciate the inconvenience which comes with a renovation.

Don't get me wrong - it is definitely be worth it in the end.  But simply seeing before and afters on a 30 minute TV show does not give you the true experience of patience endurance it takes to complete a full blown remodel.

Also, things you may not think about come into play.  These homeowners actually had to move their septic tank to make room for the addition.  Not a fun place to spend your money, but certainly necessary. 

So, now the fun part begins - putting it all back together in a fabulous way!  Stay tuned and have a great day! M.

Antique Lesson - The Confidante

This chair goes by many names - confidante, conversation chair and tete'-a-tete' - it's purpose?  To allow people to have a private one on one conversation in a public area.  Think about that for a minute - someone designed a piece of furniture for the pure sake of a private chat (aka gossip, or sweet nothings)!  I really can't think of a piece of furniture with a more specific use!   

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2005/jun/30/oddshaped_chairs_proved_perfect_good_conversation/

While these are not suited for every home, they are very interesting . . . 

via

via

If you have a grand foyer, it could be a unique option. 

via

Also, if you recall, Windsor Smith brought back the interest in this unique piece with House Beautiful photographed her home for an feature article.  

via

The more modern take on this piece is in the form of a chaise like this . . . 

via

Also, this version (a two seater, if you will) could be used in lots of rooms for a statement piece.  Imagine floating it in the center of a room with two seating areas.

via

via

I loved this one!  What a fun place to hang out and chat (cocktails are assumed here).

Celery Kemble (of course)

Of course, you don't have to have a special piece of furniture for a tete' a tete' . . . 

via

Lacquered Goodness

While chalk paint is still all the rage, sometimes a space is begging for a more modern pop.  Enter the high gloss look of lacquered furniture.  Well, until last week, I thought the only way to get this fabulous look was to stalk Overstock and Target for the rare occasions they have it.  Or put up the big bucks and get something from J. Adler (now at JC Penney) or Bungalow 5.

But, Lisa Mende of Mende Design, recently enlightened me.  You can now get this same hardshell lacquered finish with spray paint!!!  That's right - Amy Howard has just created a line of lacquer you can get in a spray can!  If you know anything about lacquer, this is not an easy DIY look to pull off.  But with this spray, Just look what you could do with that table sitting in your garage. Fun, right?!

via

Now, I can just hear those of you now who have a more traditional sense of style.  Don't be afraid.  You can incorporate hints of lacquer into your room too for a fabulous fresh look.  For example . . .

via
Notice how the lacquer piece is in white - I think if you keep the color neutral, the finish will do the work for you!


Honestly, I can hardly believe you can get this look in a can.  Needless to say, I'm dying to try it on something.  If any of you dare to try it, please please send me pictures!  And to entice you, here are a few other inspiration images to consider.

via

via

via

I love this idea - lacquered stump stools. These would be easy and fun for a porch area for summer.

via

via

via

  Now, go get your lacquer on.  And send me pictures!!  M.