{Garden} Gates

26 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Gardening, Gardens, Outdoor living

Tags

I’m on a roll with having posted about doors recently, I figure since spring is here I might as well share a few garden gates to go with the doors.

Gates can be inviting i.e. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, there is promise of beauty and serenity. The wonder of what lies beyond. This time of year is especially filled with wonder at what Mother Nature has to offer. Even mundane (simple shrubbery) landscape seems to shine beyond what you might expect this time of year. It seems all leaves are fresh and green beyond imagination.

Wouldn’t it be fun to construct a fence specifically to fit an antique or vintage gate? Debra at Acquired Objects is doing just that. Read her post HERE.

Acquired Objects

This iron gate (below) looks like it was made at the same time the fencing was installed…wouldn’t it be pretty on just about any fencing?

source unknown

tumblr

This is probably my favorite gate, but I’d want the ivy covered stone wall and the probable castle (just beyond)!

tumblr

Isn’t the gate above amazing? It’s gray color makes me think it could be some kind of metal. It reminds me of a Celtic knot.

tumblr

The detailing on the blue fence (above) is the same found on a picket fence designer Amy Meier shared with her readers a few weeks ago.

Amy Meier Design

I love hydrangea. Maybe this gate would be the one I’d most like, provided I could enjoy healthy, beautiful hydrangea.

tumblr

via Pinterest

The Garden Nymph ~ tumblr

Do you have a garden gate? Is there a beautiful garden waiting on the other side?

{GHP} The business of blogging

24 Tuesday Apr 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Misc, Traditions, Trends

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Blog business

***Just a word of caution regarding random following on Pinterest***

Before I launch into the pretty minor topic below, I had an unsettling happening with Pinterest. I am not the most tech-savvy computer user (due in small part to my generation) but I’m learning. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Pinterest. I was receiving increased notices of new “followers” on my Pinterest account and for some time I just trashed the notices, but then thinking it might be like discovering new blog sites, I began to check the boards of each “new follower” to determine if I would want to follow them. After briefly checking a person’s boards, I clicked to follow some that seemed to have similar interests as my own. The next time I logged into my Pinterest account I was surprised to see the page filled with soft porn images of nearly nude men. I’m not sure how this happened but I really do not have interest in creating a board on that topic! I guess you aren’t supposed to “follow” random people…my bad.

I’ll now return you to your regularly scheduled post by Garden, Home and Party…

Here are some office/study spaces that I wouldn’t mind using as my office when I type my posts…

via Griege

I realize the title of this post must make me sound like I’m a blogging professional! Excuse me while I laugh myself to tears…I fly by the seat of my pants even after blogging for 3+ years. I confess, I do learn a new trick skill ever so often, but all in all I’m still worried I’ll push the wrong button, say the wrong thing or just generally mess things up. Insecure? No, why do you ask?

via Brabourne Farm

Casey Sills

That said I need to provide just a little bit of history about my blog. My two adult sons talked me into this, I wouldn’t have attempted blogging if it hadn’t been for them. I do believe in keeping as current with technology as my age will permit so I agreed to jump into this pond [pond=blogging]. And I confess the water is fine. Before I totally mix up any more metaphors, let me just say, as a creative outlet, (I work full time in the corporate setting as an Executive Assistant) it (blogging) satisfies beyond my wildest expectations. Readers have been slow to come by but I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every sweet and supportive reader I’ve met (figuratively speaking).

David Easton

French Country Style at Home ~ Sebastian Siraudeau

House and Garden

Unknown

My question to you, readers and fellow bloggers…

Elle Decor

Unknown

Ward Denton Design ~ Photo: Pieter Estersohn

…when I first started blogging, anytime someone would leave a comment I would answer it with a comment in the “comments” area on my blog. Then a friend of mine, who is also a loyal reader and commenter mentioned that she doesn’t receive my answers via email, she goes to the post and reads them. I was under the misconception that when I replied in the “comments” section that it would automatically send an email to the person who left the comment.

So I began answering all comments via email AND via the post itself. All the while I noticed when posting comments on the many blogs I follow daily, I rarely heard back. Which was okay since I know it takes time and some of these bloggers had twenty or more comments. Now I’ve begun to think that answering via email (which appears in the notice section of my email from WordPress) is easiest…what do you think, what do you do (if you are a blogger) or prefer (if you’re a visitor)? I just figure that if folks take the time to comment, maybe it would be nice to answer them, but is that being silly? I’d really love to hear your thoughts. There is no right or wrong answer. I honestly don’t mind if folks don’t comment, I still enjoy blogging and I mostly do it to fulfill a creative need.

{GHP} I have a Crush on Jack

19 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Decorating

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Union Jack

I consider myself an anglophile. It could be because my first European vacation was a trip to London with hubby. We had so much fun and I had an immediate crush on all things British. In fact I’ve missed seeing other vacation-worthy European destinations due to my wanting to further tour England.

Image via 5th & State

I admire Charles Faudree’s perfect blend of English and French furniture and his clever way with accessories. Where travel marries home decor influences in our home I’m about a 60/40 split between French and English, with English winning the floor. That said, I don’t have a single Union Jack in the house!

This is what I visualize when I think of the Union Jack…

Bishopton Cottage

Who doesn’t love a thatched cottage?

Pinterest

These trunks from Amazon are pretty cute, although the colors seem a little washed out. The large one could make a nice coffee table for a family room, what do you think?

Amazon

Jan Constantine

Love the Keep Calm message (above) with the Union Jack background.

The image above is a nice combination of the French burlap shade and the Union Jack apron via Luciane at Home Bunch

Tommy Smythe

Best of both worlds! via Etsy

Inspiring Interiors ~ Australia

Pinterest

Slim Paley ~ ABC Carpets, New York

I have long admired the work of Marian of Miss Mustard Seed but when I saw this chest she refinished I knew she was not only talented but a fan of the Union Jack as well!

Mustard Seed Interiors

So, what do you think? Is the stove a bit much? 🙂

I love the U.S.A. but I certainly enjoy the U.K. as well!

Happy Thursday!

I’m visiting French Country Cottage for the Friday Feathered Nest

{GHP} May I introduce you to…new blogland friends

17 Tuesday Apr 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Uncategorized

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

blog favorites

I am constantly impressed by the number of creative bloggers there are in blog-land. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised since there are so many millions of bloggers, the odds are favorable that there would be huge number of talented people in the pool.

Over the 3 years I’ve been blogging I have found that some of the earlier sites I used to follow have either dropped from the face of blog land, Under Spanish Moss, Atmosphere, or, as in the case of some of the DIY sites, I have been honest with myself and recognized that I will not do certain projects, even if I have the time. Therefore I’ve dropped some of the do-it-yourself/craft sites from my “must read daily” list. (there are only so many hours in a day) I still visit them, but with minimal free time (I work full time), I’ll scan the posts from time to time instead of daily.

That said, there have been some new additions to my “favorites and/or must read” list and I thought I might introduce you, just in case you haven’t discovered them on your own! I’ve added a couple to the “Recommended” column on my home page, as well as one that has been on the list for some time but is worth special mention.

I’ll begin with the newest blog (at least for me), Inspiring Interiors. A friend of mine, Carol, recommended this site. Carol is a designer with fabulous taste and I happen to love her work, so when she suggested I have a look at Inspiring Interiors, I immediately put my mouse to work and knocked on the proverbial blog site door.

Kifus has been blogging since 2007, but her archives suggests that she may have started in earnest in 2009. This is my story where blogging is concerned, so I can relate. Her site has taken me to more countries than I could ever hope to visit, and the best part…we get to visit homes in these countries and cities. I’ve visited Australia, Brittany, Aix en Provence, Sardinia, Italy, and Vermont (in the U.S.), to name a few.

Kifus shared a bit of her story with me…”I was born in Argentina and lived there until 7 years ago when we moved to Brazil. We lived for six years in Brazil and now we have moved to Peru. We have been in Peru for exactly one year now. This is all because of my hubby’s job that takes us around”. What a great way to see the world and clearly, her readers benefit from her research because she not only shows us the exterior of so many wonderful homes, she gives us a personal tour of each room. It’s been fun for me to see how similar the decor can be in homes half way around the globe from the West Coast of U.S.A (California) where I live. Here is a small sampling of what you can expect to see daily at Inspiring Interiors…

Lake front house in Vermont ~ Inspiring Interiors

Dining room of Vermont house ~ Inspiring Interiors

Kifus shows pictures of the details we all enjoy seeing from a house we’ve never actually visited, like the formal garden below.

Oh yes, I would take this house (below) in Aix en Provence any day.

Aix en Provence ~ Inspiring Interiors

Sardinia, Italy ~ Inspiring Interiors

See what I mean about great details. This is such a pretty room.

Brittany ~ Inspiring Interiors

If you’ve never visited Inspiring Interiors and you love houses, large and small, take a few minutes to stop by, I know you’ll have fun.

Next on my roster of introductions is Providence Ltd. Design. A talented sister team…Mona and Talena have a design business and a store. The pair infuse their site with so many great ideas and inspiration I have to write some of them down or I’d forget. The “sisters” are business partners and best friends and lean towards traditional design but they keep the rooms fresh, using modern fabrics alongside timeless classics.

I believe the antique French documents are sold from their store ~ Providence Ltd. Design

I can always count on a great topic and wonderful images to accompany the posts at Providence Ltd. Design. This garden, below, served as a boost to my determination to work on my knot garden this year.

On Sunday their site features “Sunday Supper” complete with a delicious recipe and a beautiful table setting to inspire you. Some of their meals are very simple (I love simple) and sometimes they are more involved (it’s nice to have a few of those menus up your sleeve, as well).

Simple, delicious pizza ~ Providence Ltd. Design

…need somewhere to enjoy this delicious pizza on a Sunday evening?…

There is something so appealing about outdoor dining or just a great place to relax. The fireplace and lantern make this space swoon-worthy, don’t you agree?

Sometimes just a few images on styling a collection or creating an eye catching vignette can be what you need to update a shelf or cupboard, you can count on this site to show you all that and more.

Providence Ltd. Design

I think you’ll have fun at Providence Ltd. Design and I know you’d feel welcome while perusing the lovely rooms and interests.

Providence Ltd. Design

Last but not least, I can’t even remember how I discovered Content in a Cottage but I have probably gotten more enjoyment from Rosemary’s brief but constant inspiring and entertaining posts. Her unique eye for images always amazes me and she usually only posts one picture and a brief paragraph but both tend to stay with me all day. She usually posts about 3 of these one picture/one paragraph musings each day.

Content in a Cottage

As her blog name suggests, Rosemary lives in a charming cottage in Chatham, New Jersey. From what I gather she is in Real Estate and sometimes that provides her with sources for a lovely home, garden, field or horse or doggie for us to meet. Rosemary’s own doggie is a favorite blogland pet that I always enjoy hearing about…he is very sweet and his pictures always have me smiling! Meet Webster, King of Content in a Cottage…

I can count on finding some unique room design when I visit Content in a Cottage…wouldn’t this be the best bathroom? You couldn’t help but smile when you walk in to brush your teeth each morning!

Content in a Cottage

As a fan of cottages, I can always count on Rosemary to come through…

Content in a Cottage

You’ll also see plenty of spacious abodes…

Content in a Cottage

So, rally the horses and hounds and stop by for a visit to Content in a Cottage if you have a moment.

Content in a Cottage

I hope you’ve enjoyed meeting my new blog friends and wish you happy touring!

{Garden, Home and Party} New House

12 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Gardens

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Note to readers

Hi Dear Readers,

If you follow me, thank you, and you may have noticed I have a new header and font. My oldest son moved me from WordPress to WordPress.com. Being technically challenged, as I am {still} I don’t know the difference other than I will have more control over my site now. Is that a good thing? Really?

I will try to iron out any kinks, Kyle assures me the changes should be minimal. I hope you will continue to visit and leave comments if you want. I’m in Austin and Kyle is walking me through this.

I’m in Austin visiting Kyle, his lovely wife and my darling granddaughter. I’ll be home this weekend. Let me know what you think and if there are any improvements needed, don’t tell me, I won’t know how to fix them…not really.

xo,

Karen B.

{GHP} Trays, Deux

12 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

trays

There are only so many topics where gardens, homes and entertaining (party) are concerned…and I try to be original (or as original as I can be for my blog). But sometimes topics are worth revisiting. Trays, at least for me, is just such a subject. I first posted my love of the versatility of trays HERE.

Since that time I have found more images showing the use of trays and they are inspiring…at least to me, I hope they will provide you with ideas as well.

With a padded ottoman for a coffee table a tray becomes a necessity.

Better Homes and Garden

I may have zeroed in on the peonies in this image, but when I realized the arrangement on the white lacquer tray I was sold.

Color Outside the Lines

I really like this brass tray on the ottoman…the room is filled with touches of brass/gold tones — it really is beautiful.

Madeline Stewart Designs

Maybe it’s my California roots but Barclay Butera designs such an inviting and relaxed room…I can imagine the cool breezes off the ocean and the sound of the blender in the kitchen, preparing margaritas for the party.

Barclay Butera

Another amazing California designer, Mary Ann of classic.casual.home has used this brass tray in her family room…the classic combination is more appealing on a tray—a plant and/or fresh cut flowers, candle and photograph.

Classic. Casual. Home

Doesn’t this try look great on the blue and white checked table cloth…such a pretty ensemble of blue and white, what’s not to love?

Dan Carithers

Silver and wood trays are a favorite of mine. This one looks masculine with the leather appointments but I can imagine it topped with silver and crystal for a party.

David Jiminez ~ Haus Design

Lilacs and coffee on a vintage wooden tray…yes, please.

unknown

It’s hard for me to determine what the tray in the picture below is made of but I love the rustic appeal of the old, cloth bound books, a candle and some kind of small receptacle.

Haus Design

Isn’t this a wonderful montage of interesting accessories. The red tray ties to the pillows and red coral and the blue and white candle container ties it all in a pretty bow.

unknown

Another nice woven tray filled with orchids, moss and a footed silver bowl.

Do you use trays in places besides your kitchen? What do you typically display on them? I’d love to hear your ideas.

I’ve linking to French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

{Home} Shabby chic, rustic white…by any name, charming

10 Tuesday Apr 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Designer

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

shabby chic

Alert: I got a little chatty today…if you’re pressed for time you may want to read this when you have a few minutes. I apologize for an inconvenience this may cause. 🙂

According to Wikipedia the term Shabby Chic was coined by The World of Interiors magazine in the 1980s and became extremely popular in the US in the ’90s. But when I hear the term I immediately think of Rachel Ashwell.

When Rachel Ashwell first hit the market with her popular Shabby Chic look I was intrigued. I didn’t visit one of her stores until the late ‘90s but she opened her first store in 1989 and wrote her first book in 1996. It was a trend I didn’t embrace for my own home, but I truly admired and liked some of her fabrics, and saw more than a few beautifully furnished homes using that style of design. I viewed some of her recent work online and on her blog and I believe she’s stayed true to her original style but I noticed some upgrades on some of her furnishings, including some lovely antiques. As a huge fan of antique furniture, I really like that detail. (Source of images below: Rachel Ashwell ~ Shabby Chic)

For a few years when I would hear the term shabby chic and I thought tired and trendy. But I confess I’ve come full circle in my thinking about the look. While I still am not ready to convert, I certainly have an admiration for the style when I see it done well in blog land or in a shelter magazine.

I recently read a post on the topic by Kifus of Inspired Interiors. She featured images from a Swedish magazine by the name of Skonahem that was titled shabby chic. While I can’t read Swedish, the images were mostly wonderful and the rooms seemed inviting and country-cozy. (source of images below: Skonahem via Inspired Interiors)

Once I started looking online (which can devour hours of time in the blink of an eye) I found HGTV had done some extensive posts on the shabby chic look. There are some very pretty rooms when you follow the various links to English country/shabby chic and Beach/shabby chic. (Images below via: HGTV blog)

Another favorite blog site is Glenda of The Paper Mulberry. Her recent post titled, “Rustic White”, contained images of rustic textures, mostly white, “breezy” and relaxed rooms. I love the idea of a simple cottage with my favorite things and little else. It holds the appeal of less is more and an uncluttered life. (Source of images below: The Paper Mulberry)

I’m personally not ready for the dramatic change but its fun to view these beautiful rooms and dream a little dream about a cottage in the Cottswold’s with hubby, my dogs and bare essentials designed in this style. What do you think, too stark, too spare? Let’s talk.

By the way…I stumbled upon a new site that is so much fun to visit each new post Heather Bullard Lifestyle Blog Besides being a contributing Editor to County Living Magazine she has started her own on-line magazine called Souvenir Magazine. You will get some great ideas for decor, dining, and DIY projects, and much more!

Below are a few images from the most recent issue:

{GHP} Happy Easter

05 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Family, Food, Holiday/Seasonal cooking

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Easter

Happy 2 Days before Easter! ♥ Happy Spring!

Good Housekeeping

When our kids were young we were always the house where Easter dinner was held. We’d plan an Easter-egg hunt in the morning followed by a game of Bocci Ball for the group and a feast that included Honey Baked Ham, scalloped potatoes or potato salad, fresh fruit bowl, chocolate dipped strawberries, coconut cupcakes and a hollow bunny for each and every guest.

Miss Mustard Seed

Stone Gable

Now that half of our family lives in Austin we celebrate with soon-to-be in-laws and our youngest son and his lovely fiance.

Fotobank

Veggie Belly

Belclaire House

Jane Packer ~ Party Resources

What are your plans this Sunday? I wish you a day willed with spring sunshine, good food and the love of your family and friends.

{Home} Doors

03 Tuesday Apr 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Uncategorized

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

doors

Curb appeal is important to me. When driving around a neighborhood I am often tempted to stop in the middle of a street to view a wonderful house. (I know, its unsafe to stop dead without warning—but it can be tempting). Sometimes it’s the landscape design or a beautiful flowering shrub or vine, or it can be the front door. A front door can definitely stop me in my tracks.

When you think about the impact a front door can have on the overall curb appeal, and with very little investment, you wonder why more folks don’t paint their doors. Some of the brightly painted doors below are definitely show-worthy.

We replaced our front door with a Dutch door some years ago. We had it converted from a double-door with one side panel to a single door with two side panels. Best investment we’ve made in our house. Our west-facing house now captures the wonderful westerly ocean breezes that manage to waft over the range of low hills between our home and the Pacific. We thought about painting the door and side panels red, but the door came painted and so we stuck with white. When the time comes for a fresh coat of paint I’m painting them red, or some other tempting color.

Haus Design

Coastal Living