Weekend Bling

I have a favorite new jewelry source for handmade, artisan earrings and necklaces...Sheyna.

 Not only do they have well priced, beautiful baubles for sale, you can "design your own" jewelry on their site and they will have it made for you. Say you like the shape of a pair of earrings you've seen, but want a different colored stone. No problem. Or you want to create a one-of-a-kind piece for a special friend, mother or sister. Easily done.

So, take a look and see what you think and what others are saying. If you like what you see, Sheyna is making it all that much more fun with 20% off any purchase with the code: PPT20.

Treat yourself....and add a little bling to your weekend!

A little note

A recieved a fun email a while back from Eddie & Jaithan....they were styling an article for Woman's Day magazine and had used a note I had written them in the shoot.

A small thrill, I know, but still very fun. So today's take away is....use the good stationery (this was my  black "over sized" monogrammed card by Mrs. John L. Strong) as you never know where it will end up. 

And....though I have embraced technology, a handwritten note is always treasured. Don't you agree?

A Traditional Twist

Have you seen the home that graces the cover of this month's Traditional Home? If so, I wonder if you love it as much as I do. 

Let me tell you why I love it:

~ The color scheme of grays, creams and lavenders is carried out throughout the home, creating a seamless and calming palette.

~ The home was built upon the site of the owner's grandmother's home in Houston

~ The homeowner uses Leontine Linens in the master bedroom (I think we all know how much I love those!)

~ The nod to the past by updating family heirlooms, such as the chair with hand painted names of all who had sat there.

~ The barn-like doors that can open up the kitchen/family room or can close it off when needed.

~ The ballet tied, monogrammed seat cushions on the DWR kitchen chairs

~ The fact that the owner borrowed ideas from the many magazines, blogs and show houses she has seen, like many of us do.

But, the primary reason I love this house is that it was created by someone I knew in college. Virginia Mary Thompson (as I knew her) Brown was an elegant, intelligent, warm and highly respected young woman at our school. She was in the class a year ahead of me....and I admired her a great deal.

Seeing her grace the pages of Traditional Home in a house that she created with the help of her architect, Dillon Kyle, is so exciting!!!

Here's to Virginia Mary's take and twist on tradition! Have you or someone you know been published in a shelter mag?

Summer Whites

Here's a simple, yet totally beautiful concept for a summer party. Decorate with and have all your guests wear solely....WHITE!

Most of us have white dishes, white candles and can get our hands on white flowers - even a simple bunch of daisies would make a perfect centerpiece.

The look was striking as everyone began to arrive...in variations of white. And, then as the sun began to set and the candlelight took over, a glow came over everyone and everything.

Even my husband's brand spanking new bucks looked just right.

Do you embrace summer whites?

Monday Musing

Today, we are dropping our oldest son at sleepaway camp. And, showing it to little brother in hopes he might want to go next year, too!

Perhaps with only 1 child at home for a couple of weeks I can purge some things, get organized and have some lazy summer days.

What's on your agenda this week? Relaxing, recharging or rushing?

Cool Cow Hides

Cowhides are showing up in all types of design...contemporary, traditional...they just add a certain texture and pizazz to a room, don't they?

Yet, nothing I have seen compares to the electric colors and original designs by Texan, Kyle Bunting. These are the rock stars of cowhides. Bright. Bold. Patterned.

Kyle is literally redefining how hides are used in design.

I first saw Kyle's work in Jan Shower's book Glamorous Rooms. Then, a friend bought one of Kyle's rugs for her entryway. SO COOL.

I know cowhides in any design may not be every one's cup of tea, but if they are....these are definitely worth perusing.

Move 'em on, head 'em up, head' em up, move 'em on.....Rawhide! Have a great weekend, everyone!!

Haute Dog

Our sweet puppy, Molly, has better accessories than I do! And, I'm pretty sure, she could care less!

Love these haute dog toys from Haute Diggity Dog! She is, after all, my only girl!!

Do you spoil the furry friends in your life?