I love books about making a house into a home. When Ali came to take pictures of Harleigh, she walked through the front door and said, "When I walk in your home, I feel like I'm on vacation." I consider that one of the nicest compliments I've ever gotten about Chateau Gahan. These are a few of the books that I pour through often to stir up some homey inspiration.
After dropping Gideon off at the groomer this morning, I noticed a sign for a newly-opened thrift store. Detour! Detour! Wound up getting these two shells (from the FREE box), two satin-lined boxes covered in a neat quilted vintage fabric, two small bowls for $1 each. One, with the daisies, is made by Haviland & Co., the other is made by The Butchart Gardens out of Victoria, Canada. The March "sweet dish" from the Gardens is on their online store for $8.99 so I got a good deal on that. It will be a little extra gift in my sister's birthday package come March (her birthday month).
My sister's daughter, Melanie, has just graduated from high school and will be starting college this fall working towards a degree in library science. I've been holding off on sending her a graduation gift check, trying to find a first edition book to send her, with the check tucked 'tween the pages ala bookmark. Seemed a little warmer than sending just a check. Snagged this edition for $24. I don't think it is first edition (first edition would have been 1886 and this one is 1895), but just couldn't pass it up. Just look at how beautiful the spine is.
Although her taste is a little different than mine, the Tracy Porter books are scrumptious eye candy and have given me so many ideas, especially for entertaining. And of course the Rachel Ashwell books; can't say enough about all that I love of her style. I think that Jemima Mills From a House to a Home is one of my top 5 favorites. It is picture after picture of comfortable, family-worn English interiors and a delightful read as well. So here's to piquing your interest!
Having finished Twilight last week, I sorta had the wind knocked out of my sails about jumping headfirst into New Moon, the second in the series, knowing that in the group of girls at Harleigh's school, I'm probably not queued to get it for awhile. But lo and behold, I walk in this morning and dear Laura, a coworker whom I had told about the series last week, handed over a hardcover of . . . New Moon. She had purchased all of the series printed to date and read the first and second over the weekend. You go girl — talk about a reading marathon. We oohed and aaahed over how good Twilight was and went to the website to watch the movie trailer. Oh . . . . . . . my . . . . . . . . gosh, does it look good. I can't imagine any more perfect in those roles than whom they've chosen. Since when did bloodsucking get so doggone sexy? December 12 can't come soon enough.
This is sorta like the big question of the day when you're on vacation on the coast . . . "beach or pool?" It's not a weighty decision but a fun one, and either way you win.
Today was the shower for Georganne who will be welcoming twin girls! Julie was sweet enough to host the shower at her home, and the setting couldn't have been lovelier . . . an urban townhome in a quaint city community where she can borrow sugar from neighbor Vern Yip.
I alluded to these decoupaged plates in an earlier post. I created them using children's books (Snow White, Peter Rabbit, Mother Goose, Pokey Little Puppy, Goldilocks) and clear plastic plates. They're really easy to make and while we did trash them after eating (they're not made to be washable), they were enjoyed by all. And Georganne took home the plates we didn't use. It's the kind of project you can do while watching television. Easy peasy.
Got Harleigh all packed and off to Florida this morning with her family-for-the-week. Came into the bathroom and found this note scrawled on the mirror in lipstick. I think I'll keep it up all week 'cause it makes me happy.
I have three slipcovered pieces in my living room that I've owned for over 10 years. The slipcovers are a godsend, especially now with a Sheepie, whose throne is the ottoman, lounge is the sofa and snuggle-spot the chair. The sofa is in decent shape, but the chair and ottoman are on their last leg. You can see in the picture that the floral pattern is hardly visible any more, and the doily on the arm is masking a huge hole, worn through from years of a little girl leaning and watching TV.
Categories 3 and 7 (combined): Gideon and Me
Helping to give a shower for Georganne at work who is having twin girls. It is this coming Saturday and I plan on doing a lot of crafting this week in preparation. Stopped at Goodwill to pick up some children's books for one of the projects (can't say what it is just yet). While I was there I found this metal woven basket and tole cachepot. I actually had on this week's list to find a basket to use as a planter on my fence gate. Was thinking of wicker, but this will work just fine. I'll paint it and line it with coco moss. Picture to come of the finished project.
Anyway, there's no chance of meeting Truman Capote, but this little book of three of his short stories is also on my list of read-agains. I savor these little gems of stories. They're so simple and honest. And with so few words, Mr. Capote can paint such a vivid picture of his characters. And this book is all about the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays . . . making them that much more endearing. A must for your study shelves!
On past Spring Breaks, Harleigh and I have headed to the Florida Gulf Coast and stayed in various rental bungalows and houses. On the last few trips, I've indulged myself with the purchase of British home and decorating magazines (rather pricey here in the States, but worth every penny). But this year Mommy will be staying at Chateau Gahan for the Spring Break while Harleigh heads to Florida with a girlfriend and her family. I plan on doing lots of nesting, but figured that my one splurge should not be solely saved for sitting on the sand under a beach umbrella, so I bought two today . . . along with Artful Blogging, a book unto itself.
I could not resist these little temptations . . . three Joan Walsh Anglund books. I remember loving these as a little girl, and drawing the children, easy to duplicate with their simple features. They were always in such sweet surroundings with kittens and puppies and tea sets and fishing rods.
