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It seems there are at least a couple times a year when my creative juices dry up. I have no original ideas for a blog post and the more I try, the harder it becomes. These blocks have always been temporary, fortunately, but it can be frustrating. I’m a creature of habit and my habit (and joy) is to post a new blog once a week. {Compulsive much, Karen? No, why do you ask?} That’s when I decide to do a “favorites” post. In my files I am forever finding favorite rooms, favorite pieces of furniture, a kitchen or bathroom that makes me dream of one day having it, even ‘unbelievably cute pictures of animals‘ have their own file.
There’s always blue and white favorites. As you probably know, there are entire posts dedicated to Blue and White, something I always enjoy. There are link-up parties dedicated to blue and white beauty in all forms and fashion. I’ll throw in a couple of my b+w favorites.
Food, don’t get me started, gardens, oh my! If this kind of post seems like I’m calling it in, its because I am, sort of. While I search for my creativity this will have to suffice. If you’re bored by Garden, Home and Party’s idea of great images, I’ll understand. Hopefully, by next week I’ll have an idea for a new post. Thank you for your patience.
So, join me and my dog as we walk through this grouping of favorites.
For me, England could be home, I love the city and the country life in England. If I lived in the country I would want my house to be split timber, covered with flowering vines and of course, a cottage garden.
I’d like a fountain in the yard of my English split timber home, surrounded with ferns and flowering plants (but if these are oleanders {they look like oleanders} I’d have to replace them with hydrangea).
This garden might seem a little more French or Italian, than English, but I really like the stone path with the lavender and other plants bordering it.
Any file marked ‘favorites’ will usually include at least a few animal images. My small dog, Madison, is a mix Border Terrier/Jack Russel Terrier, she has this same look of enthusiasm on her face, especially if she thinks we’re headed out on a walk.
When there’s a picnic in a peaceful field with a dog nearby, that’s an image that makes the favorites list.
Who can resist this?!
Mostly, my favorites files include rooms…with lovely furnishings and maybe some old world feel to them.
Isn’t this a great bathroom. I love the use of the furniture piece, I suspect the paint is new but the wall mounted faucets give the piece such an antique look of authenticity, along with the mirror and sconces.
Well done wall galleries always draw interest. I realize you can’t really see the gallery on the right, but I can imagine it. The bell jar lighting, the painting on the left with the art light, all things that make this space a favorite for me.
Buffalo check, a favorite in a room that has so many more formal features create a juxtaposition that I can’t resist.
…and then there’s blue and white. Anything done well and then the added attraction of blue and white, I’m sold.
Um, Carolyne Roehm, where can I pick up a couple of these blue and white planters?
That’s right, it doesn’t have to be fancy to make the cut.
Even these blue and white cupcakes not only look great but are undoubtedly scrumptious, who could resist?
{all images, other than magazine marked pictures, are from tumblr}
Do you keep a favorites file? What kinds of goodies might I find in it if you were to share?
judy said:
I absolutely love all of the beautiful moments in time you have captured in your pictures or the pictures you found lovely enough to save. I wonder if we are drawn to these vignettes for the pretty serenity they suggest-free of the wrangle of daily living and just a moment to rest, pause and just be
Karen B. said:
Judy,
I agree with your observation. For me, while our lives seem more hectic than ever, viewing an image that is calming and allows the imagination to wander is a peaceful repast. Thank you for stopping by and leaving such a thoughtful comment. Enjoy your day.
xo,
Karen
msshe said:
Karen we are like minds….I love each of your favorites and cannot pick one favorite from the bunch. Thanks for the visual treat. Sheila
she… apologies for typos from autocorrect …Sent from my iPad
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Karen B. said:
Sheila, Thank you, I always knew we liked many of the same things! 🙂 Karen
On Wed, May 28, 2014 at 7:01 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Around The Table said:
Hi Karen, I like your favorites;) and that stone pathway at the top is perfect for a french garden .. so pretty and of course I’m in heaven with the blue and whites! I too feel lacking in creative juices at times and it can be very frustrating. Having a favorites post during these momentary dry spells is a great idea. Enjoy your day! xxleslie
Karen B. said:
Leslie, I have discovered a pattern within myself on this topic and have decided that its Spring Fever…unfortunately it often lasts through summer! Have a wonderful* last week of May.* xo, Karen
On Wed, May 28, 2014 at 7:56 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Victoria • Restoring our Victorian said:
That first photo? Of the impeccably dressed woman in her country estate’s garden? That is what I look like at all times (in my head).
And I JUST saw those planters (love the feet!!!) I couldn’t find a source either!! (No doubt they’re antique and unaffordable anyway.)
Karen B. said:
Maybe, [the blue and white footed pots] but I put in message to Carolye Roehm, I asked if they might be available at her Etsy shop! 🙂
On Wed, May 28, 2014 at 9:28 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Vicki said:
I think you found the best way to recharge creativity- just by stopping to enjoy and daydream about those beautiful things. No surprise, many of your favorites would be in my favorites file- buffalo check, cottage gardens, Carolyne Roehm’s planters,– you always find the prettiest inspiration.
I’ll have to show my daughter those sweet dogs and that kitten picture- it looks just like hers.
Karen B. said:
Vicki, Thanks! I think this void happens to me every spring/summer. I’m ready to sit under an umbrella and sip iced tea. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, May 28, 2014 at 9:51 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Linda Coble said:
Karen,
I loved the pics of your favorites and many of them are favorites of mine too. I keep a favorites file myself and if you looked through it you’d see many photos of gardens, lovely rooms, fountains, and clothing. I update the file every few years and I don’t typically throw out very much. Thanks for providing a restful break in a very hectic day.
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Linda. I knew some of the images would be things you would enjoy as much as me. xo, Karen
On Wed, May 28, 2014 at 1:54 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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beggingforattention said:
you had me with the first image, like you i have a british dog, a corgi!
i get those creative lapses, but lucky us karen, this is a winner
xx
debra
Karen B. said:
Debra, I love Corgis. One of my best friends has Corgis…such sweet pups. If they’re good enough for the queen, right? It’s nice to know we all have creative lapses occasionally. 🙂 Karen
Sent from my iPad
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Sophia said:
I love your favorites! The pictures looks amazing!!!!
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Sophia.
Karen
Design Chic said:
I feel relaxed and ready to start my weekend with all of this beautiful inspiration…hope yours is wonderful!!
Karen B. said:
Thank you, this time of year it seems all weekends are filled with outdoor tasks or fun. It’s all good. 🙂 Karen
On Fri, May 30, 2014 at 6:19 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Teresa @ Splendid Sass said:
Karen-
Such a beautiful and thoughtful post!
I am dying to have a garden like these. The desk had me swooning, and I have to find the blue cupcake papers! I’m with you on the bath. Love the black distressed piece.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Teresa
xoxo
Karen B. said:
Hi Teresa, I know, right? Those cupcake papers took simple blueberry cupcakes to a whole new level! We might as well make our food look as pretty as some of our rooms. 🙂 Enjoy your weekend, thanks so much for stopping by. xo, Karen
On Fri, May 30, 2014 at 9:38 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Sharon said:
Beautiful pictures! Your favorites are my favorites! Xx Sharon
Karen B. said:
Sharon, Great minds think alike! 🙂 xo, Karen
On Mon, Jun 2, 2014 at 8:22 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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laney said:
…have just discovered your beautiful blog…what a wonderful place to visit…i will be back!…blessings laney
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Laney. I’ll look forward to your visits. xo, Karen
On Tue, Jun 3, 2014 at 9:09 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Gretchen said:
Who could ever grow tired of looking at these beautiful images? Even your self described “bloggers block” is full of memorable and inspiring photos!
Karen B. said:
You are so sweet to always be so supportive. Thank you! Karen
Sent from my iPad
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