Feelin Blue Never Felt This Good!

 I've always had a soft spot for blue especially baby blue so when I came across these gorgeous examples of how magnificent the color can be in a space, of course I just had to share.  I am so inspired, hope they inspire you too.

Cherio!

Tapestry In Fashion

Hola, Compadres!  I feel like a bad mama. I've been so busy, my poor sweet little blog is not getting all the love it deserves.  Sometimes it is so hard trying to balance it all but like a true soldier I keep at it.

I had a few hours of R&R this today so I decided to spend some time searching for one of the things I am madly infatuated with at the moment.  Tapestry! 

Now I know this may not sound exciting but after this post you will see why I am so hyped. Trust me, a good piece of tapestry is like comfort food.  It is soooooooo good!

Tapestry has always captivated me because of it's texture, depth and personality.  It is so much more than just a piece of fabric. Tapestry has heart. Soul. Love. And history.   Many of them are hand woven and can take months even years to complete. The hard work and attention to detail is what makes these pieces so endearing and special.  I particularly love the fact that tapestry allows for boundless artistic expression. From fashion to decor and beyond, there are no limits, only fabulous-ness.   

Enjoy.

I am still looking for a vest similar to the one pictured here but anyone of these pieces would be very welcome in my closet.  

I absolutely adore this framed piece.  So romantic and dramatic at the same time.  Pieces like these are hard to find but perfect to express one's personality and well worth the time spent searching for them.  

Cherio!

Weekend Warrior Project - Guest post by Shanda Neighbors

I tend to be an all or nothing kinda gal. I'm either doing everything, or nothing at all. This weekend due to the weather and the time change, I was in do everything mode. 

We bought a house a just over a year ago. It was a foreclosure and the task of making it home on a tiny budget was frankly, overwhelming. For the longest time I did nothing... but complain. In the last few months though, the idea of starting small has gained momentum. I decided I'd tackle my "projects" one at a time. This weekend's project was to make a french mid century modern chest in the master bedroom reflective of the people that share that room. Sounds simple, but my husband taste is more like this:

Now doesn't that just scream MAN!!!! The problem is my taste is more like this:

 

I'll admit it, this is feminine. So how do I make us both happy? How do I take this:

and make it reflect us both? This is what I came up with:

It was a lot of work, but I like the results. This dresser has a mate, any guesses what (God willing) this weekend's project will be?

Cherio!

Check out Shanda's blog at www.aboutloveandtruth.blogspot.com

Christmas Tree Inspiration

If there is one season that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, that would be Christmas time.  Every year during the yule tide season, I become a kid again.  I love the food, the fragrant smell of pine everywhere, the Christmas carols...well most of them, and the way everyone seems to be in a better mood.  I especially love the many different ways people decorate their Christmas trees.

 Every year the trees seem to be more creative and even more fabulous than before.  Check out these trees from trendytree and I dare you to not be inspired!

Cherio!

Everything's Coming Up Roses

www.wallmuralsart.com

77-ideas.

I love romance and though it may be a little cliche, to me, nothing says romance better than red roses.  I am getting ready to redecorate my bedroom and I fell in love with red rose pieces all over again. It is amazing how a rose here or there can change the feeling of a room. But what makes the red rose so sexy......why are they so intoxicating to the senses?  Well, as I have an inquiring mind, I did a little digging.  This is what I found.

http://www.etsy.com

The Red Rose not only carries more meaning than many other color roses, it is also one of the most universal of all symbols. The long history of the red rose makes it very significant. From being represented in countless works of Art to classical paintings, poetry, music and media the rose has endured. Not only throughout history but across many cultures and religions as well. The mystique of the red rose has been a source of immeasurable inspiration for many throughout the ages. However, it is as the symbol for love that the red rose is most commonly recognized.

The modern red rose we are now familiar with was introduced to Europe from China in the 1800's. The meanings associated with them however, can be traced back many centuries, even to some of the earliest societies.  In Greek and Roman mythology the red rose was closely tied to the goddess of love. Many early cultures used red roses to decorate marriage ceremonies and they were often a part of traditional wedding attire. Through this practice, the red rose became known as a symbol for love and fidelity. As the tradition of exchanging roses and other flowers as gifts of affection came into prevalence, the red rose naturally became the flower of choice for sending the strongest message of love. This is a tradition that has endured to the present day.

Now, who am I to mess with that.......I just can't wait to add some of these beautiful flowers to my decor.  Long live the rose!

unknown pic origin

unknown pic origin

Cherio!

Get Your Shine On With Chandeliers

Hall of mirrors (palace of Versailles)

There is nothing more glamorous or opulent than a beautiful chandelier.  And if there was any doubt about that, I refer you to pictures one and two in this post. And I rest my case.  If a chandelier is in a room, guess what everyone will be admiring?  The chandelier. They are bold, unapologetically amazing and drop dead gorgeous!

Call me crazy but I want a chandelier in my bathroom or in my kitchen.  Am still undecided as to which I will go with but I really like the look.  I used to want one over my bed until I pictured it falling on me as I slept.  Let's just say I got over it after that. Real fast.  In the bathroom though, it does not have to be directly over the tub (in case you're nervous about it falling).  Just place it where it can have great visual impact and get ready to be wowed!

Chandeliers usually are quite expensive so while many of us want one, due to the hefty price tag, it will most probably remain on our wish list.  It's a whole new day as far as options are concerned though.  From reproductions to purchasing used pieces, you now have many choices.  It is finally possible to have the chandelier of your dreams without sacrificing your budget.  And here are a few places where you may find chandeliers at a fraction of the price.  It requires a little tenacity and patience but it is so worth the time.

1.  Check out your local thrift store/s 

2. Garage Sales 

3. Etsy

4. Craigs List

5. lampsplus.

And there you have it lovelies, another one of my decor infatuations.  Hope this inspires you to consider chandeliers in your decorating........you won't be disappointed. Ever.

Old Door.....New Tricks!

contentinacottage

In my post decorating on a dime with salvage and garage sale finds I couldn't get enough of how these sometimes discarded pieces could be transformed and integrated into a space.......and look so amazing!

Old doors are my personal favorite though.  Why?  Well, because doors are important in every home. It is the way we welcome someone or something,......and, the way we say goodbye. Either way, we choose. This symbolism makes it all the more special to me.  Also, the aging process/patina on these pieces are just incredible!!!  And some of them are pretty amazing "as is".  No work required.  Gotta love that.  I. So. Do.

deviantart

Lately my crush on these battered and bruised doors has really gotten out of hand intensified. I am always on the prowl looking for the perfect old door.  I stalk craigslist, my local thrift shops and I always, always, pay attention whenever there is construction going on in/to an old building.  Old doors are that special to me.  They have so much personality, texture, interest, history and of course they can be fully functional.

I personally like the look of adding glass on top of the door which modernizes and enhances the textures underneath.  A perfect combo of old and new.  Luv! Luv!

aroundapplegate

Of course old doors can be used for headboards, coffee tables, wall pieces and much more but since the desk and head board is perhaps the easiest to do, I chose the desk.  When I feel more confident, who knows, I might build me a coffee table.  Come what may though, one thing I do know for sure.  Am gonna have a lot of fun in the process!  You betcha.

brandywineview.com

Cherio!