{GHP} My Best Find Ever

09 Tuesday Apr 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, House and Home

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When Victoria, over at Restoring our 1890 Victorian, invited me to play lead guitar for her Linky party, I was thrilled. Victoria will be Lead Singer and Danielle of Storypiece will be on drums. 😀 Playing with blog friends is so much fun. Then reality set in, what was my favorite find?! I’ve always loved scouring flea markets, antique stores, and thrift stores for treasures. Since I’m now more mature (read: older) I have amassed a lot of good stuff from these excursions. So what would win the beauty contest as the best thing I’ve ever found?

I thought and debated with myself…I had recently done a post on homes becoming the scrapbook of your life and figured I could use that post to link my finds. Then I decided to work on my creativity, “let’s not become lazy where your blog is concerned, Karen!” and I came up with a recurring theme with my inventory of “treasures”…TRAYS, specifically silver trays, but pretty much any tray that strikes my fancy. Trays have always been a draw for me, as evidenced in my two previous posts on the topic HERE & HERE.

I have been given a couple of trays by family members and a particular favorite tray came from a friend (she found it for me on one of her excursions)…but most of my stash comes from bumping into the odd tray at consignment, antique or thrift stores, the prices have one thing in common, they have been rock bottom for all of the useful benefits they can provide the willing owner (moi).

Both the tray above and below belonged to my mother-in-law. I was honored when she gave them to me a few years before she passed away.

This tray (below) is hammered silver and coincidentally has a B monogram, our last name starts with a B. Our friends know us well…we love this tray!

I bought the larger tray at a flea market last year, but the tray in front is a trophy tray I purchased in 1999 in Oxford, England. Such a find, and a great reminder of the fun we had as a family while visiting England during Christmas.

This Sheffield tray came from a favorite antique store in San Clemente, Stanford Court. It was cheap because it was missing a foot {I love footed trays} but a visit to Normandy Metal Finishers remedied that for me for only about the price I paid for the tray. It remained a bargain…

I’m now using the tray in the reading room. It holds a couple of antique books, one of the little nests I’ve found in our yard, and an orchid.

This silver plate was found at a consignment store for $25. I love the detailing

Recently I stumbled upon this little, and I do mean tiny, tray. I couldn’t resist. Look at the detailing on this cutie…

Another recent find…wait, am I overboard on this collection? No, can’t be, one can never have too many trays, right?

There’s always a holy grail of trays I’m in search of, the impossible find, and this is it…

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If you know where I can pick up one of these beauties for, oh say, $25 let me know!

Join me over at Victoria’s place…it should be fun finding out what surprise “find” Victoria recently acquired and some of the treasures other collectors have discovered.

Wait until you see what Victoria has to share! Visit Restoring our 1890 Victorian.

Wait there’s more…I’ve visiting Art@Home for her “My Happy List” party, and Savvy Southern Style for Wow us Wednesdays, Stop by.

{GHP} A few of my favorite sites [friends] in blogland

27 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by Karen B. in House and Home, Misc

≈ 18 Comments

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Blogs to love

If you’re anything like me you’ve got more blog sites to read and follow than you ever imagined. Like the back-up on our DVR recorder (of TV programs), I start feeling like the homework assignments are piling up and I’m behind. I’m a huge fan of an article on time management written by William Oncken Jr. and Donald L. Wass, “Management Time: Who’s Got the Monkey?” published in Harvard Business Review in 1974*. I can’t stand to have the monkey on my back…if I have an assignment, even one I love, i.e. gardening, reading blog sites, etc., (self-imposed or otherwise) I’m happiest once I’ve caught up with all of it. Does that happen to you?

Lately I have too many pulls on my time. I’ve informed Mr. B that my television viewing will include fewer programs and he can start watching some of the recorded TV shows on his own. I’ve become more discerning where my blog reading is concerned as well, but I confess, it has been more challenging than paring down my television viewing. The reason is the producers and actors on TV aren’t my friends! Silly? Maybe, but when I’ve received comments from fellow bloggers, I’m so appreciative, and I immediately feel a sense of loyalty to read their posts and comment, as time permits. If you manage a blog, you’ll understand.

As time continues to evaporate, I’m attempting to be more selective with my blog-reading. I’ve noticed there are several sites that seem like a present waiting to be opened. When I receive an email in my inbox that they have a new post waiting for me, I’m actually excited. I can hardly wait to click over and read what’s new in their world. So, not to minimize any of my other must-read blog sites, here is a list of some of my favorites, they are always entertaining. I won’t give them their due with my summary of each, but I can tell you this, you won’t be disappointed if you take the time to click over to their site.

Tone on Tone, Loi :: I clicked a link to Tone on Tone via Velvet Linen several months ago. Loi’s site never ceases to wow me with the beauty of his home, and the furnishings sold at their (his and Thomas’) antiques store. He features incredible photographs of some of the homes of friends and always shares entertaining ideas and inspires his readers. I should also add, he is generous with his time and almost always leaves thoughtful and fun comments on my blog site.

tone on tone 5th and State, Debra :: I can’t remember where I found the link to 5th and State, but I know it was sometime around the holidays the year I discovered the talented Debra. She has three stores in the Chicago area, is a landscape designer and leads tours through England, and still manages to post incredible pictures of her trips and ideas for landscape and outdoor space as well as some beautiful interior designs. When I get a comment from Debra I feel like I’m hearing from a dear friend!

christmas showhouse 5th and state For the Love of a House, Joan :: I cannot remember where I found this site either (it should actually be considered a ticket to an ongoing class on how to transform a historic, run down house into a beautiful, warm and inviting home. Dan and Joan are a husband and wife team that have created a fabulous home. They both approach each project with such thoughtful creative spirit, and offer inspiring ideas. Be sure to visit each room she has links for. Oh, and she’s had lunch with Bunny Williams, how cool is that? Joan often provides lists of her “must haves”. I would have to rate the items I’ve tried as 5 star tips!

Other must-read sites I’ve mentioned before: Victoria Elizabeth Barnes, French Kissed, Adventures of Tartanscot, Design Chic, Slim Paley…I love them all! A new blog I’m enjoying is written by my friend Whitney, her blog, Sandpaper and Silly Putty, is fresh, filled with creative ideas, and always inspires me.

You can see how this time-crunch problem developed. So many lovely and talented bloggers, so little time!

I don’t think Mary had these time related issues, do you?

This doesn’t mean I won’t discover new blog sites to love…its like window shopping, you sometimes find something you aren’t sure you can live without. You can subscribe, it’s free, and you can always unsubscribe if you don’t find yourself in sync with what they’re all about.

Blogging is such a pleasurable adventure, don’t you agree?

I’m off to Austin to spend Easter with my granddaughter, oh, and her parents! See you when I return. Have a glorious Easter and may spring provide plenty of sunshine for your celebration. Karen ♥

{Home, Garden} Flower arranging, in a vase or in the garden

20 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Flowers, Gardening, Gardens, House and Home

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

Spring flowers

{1}

Those of us that enjoy our gardens, especially in the U.S., are still anticipating the full glory of spring. I thought I’d provide you with a little inspiration by sharing some pretty flower arrangements for you to enjoy. Some are simple and some are elaborate, all are beautiful [i.m.h.o].

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…come along, through the magical gate that will place us squarely in spring on the other side…

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Where can I find fuchsia’s this color?

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wouldn’t I love a hedge of hydrangea like this…

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and ranunculus this color?

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Oh, how I wish I lived where lilacs would grow.

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This color (below) is one of Ina Garten’s favorites…

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I’m not sure what kind of bulb this is but it’s pretty even before it blooms.

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Spring’s bounty, flowering branches, pussy willow and some kind of seed pod.

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And for my final floral contestant…possibly a wedding prop, dancing in one direction, dining in the other. Either way, I love the rusty old bicycle used for the flowers.

{17}

Source: 1-13, Tumblr Fresh as a Daisy; 14, Tumblr A Gift Wrapped Life; 15, Tumblr Love French Bulldogs; 16-17, Tumblr Looking for Rainbows in the Moonlight

Spring will be here (in the U.S.) any time now, in fact we’ve been teased with some warm days. Wait for it, it will give us all a lift of spirits and a new level of energy. ♥ Karen

I’m joining Savvy Southern Style for her Wow Us Wednesday and on Thursday, Stone Gable, Tutorials Tips and Tidbits

{Home} The scrapbook of your life

13 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Decorating, House and Home

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

accessories

For a home to hold great appeal and interest for me it has to have a personality. In fact, my friend Linda recently read a quote from a designer, “I like to surround myself with things I love because I feel that my home is like a scrapbook of my life”. This sums it up nicely. That is where the personality of a home comes in. When done well, a home reads like a scrapbook of where someone has been, their interests, their history and their pursuits.

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I’ve ~~lectured~~ posted on this topic before {HERE and HERE}, but I think we’re currently in the midst of a design trend that embraces the use of reclaimed, recycled and antique (previously owned) pieces and I couldn’t be happier for it. For me personally, it’s the ideal way to go ‘green’.

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Some of the treasures we love to accessorize with have gotten pricey, even when you can find it on eBay, but if you’re lucky, you have a few items handed down through family. Those are my favorites, although I’m not opposed to adding to the collection by a decade long search of each antique shop or thrift store I encounter on vacations.

Notice the wallpaper (below)…it looks to be antique newsprint, and that mirror, I can only imagine those that stole a glance at themselves as they passed it in a hallway or bedroom!

{source}

My father-in-law left us his binoculars in their original black leather case, the smaller pair were from a friend of my mother’s. All rest on the antique French coat rack in our hallway…at the ready for bird watching {joke}.

I believe furniture made from reclaimed woods can be found for reasonable prices, but I’ve seen some that out pace an antique, pricing wise.

{I think the above image is Restoration Hardware, but the antique prints make the wall sconces, mirrors, hanging light and vanity all look vintage or antique}

{Amy Howard via Cote de Texas}

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A closing post of a much loved blog site, Henhurst Interiors, 2.7.13 featured this quote “People who collect out of love are exempt from the dictates that govern traditional design, for there are no rules for true lovers.” – Rose Tarlow in The Private House ♥ Phyllis, we’ll miss you, I hope you will return to your blog sometime in the not too distant future.

{Party} Meatloaf, recipe variations

06 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Food, House and Home, Recipes

≈ 23 Comments

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Meatloaf

As I mentioned in my Valentine’s Dinner post, meatloaf, especially in the winter months, is a comfort food…for some, not for me. It is one of Mr. B’s favorite meals and it used to be a favorite of my father’s. I can remember mom making a huge meatloaf and then we would eat meatloaf sandwiches for a couple of days after she served the beast.

{1770 House Meatloaf ~ Ina Garten, Foolproof}

Years ago, when my mom fixed meatloaf for Mr. B (shortly after we were married) on our drive home he said, “why don’t you ever fix meatloaf?” To which I stated, “because I don’t really care for it”…yep, I can be selfish that way. After giving it some thought I decided maybe it was my mom’s meatloaf that I really didn’t like (bless you, mom) so I began trying meatloaf recipes from a wide array of sources.

{source}

{Charlotte Moss}

I hit upon a recipe that I was certain couldn’t be rivaled in a 2001 Bon Appetit. The March issue featured a meatloaf called “Red-Onion Meat Loaf“. Since Mr. B loved red onion and I didn’t mind it I figured I’d give it a go. It’s a delicious recipe and I’ve given you the link so that you can easily print it and try it yourself.

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Then, a few years ago we were watching Bobby Flay’s Throw Down, on Food TV. He threw down for a meatloaf cook-off with the Collucci brothers of Hyannis, Mass. They have been serving their meatloaf recipe for generations at the Collucci’s 4 Brothers Bistro & Last Resort. I seem to remember that Bobby lost the throw down, but it was his recipe that sounded best to Mr. B. and I. I’ve been making the recipe ever since…until Ian Garten’s new Foolproof cookbook had a recipe for 1770 House meatloaf. I had to try it. It’s delicious but Mr. B, and fortunately, I agree that Bobby Flay’s recipe still wins our cravings, hands down.

{source}

Click on the link for each recipe and give them a try if you and yours love meat loaf. I’ve included table settings to jazz things up a bit. Hey, if you’re going to eat you have to set the table, right?

{Martha Stewart ~ photo by Maura McEvoy}

Do you like meatloaf? If you have a wonderful recipe, I’d love to borrow it. I’m always searching for the next “best” meatloaf ever for my honey!

{Happy 40th Anniversary, Mr. B}

{Home} Take a load off

01 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Decorating, House and Home

≈ 27 Comments

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furniture

Chairs…we all have at least a few of them where we live, right? A couple of my best friends make a hobby of collecting them. I confess, I’ve become more fascinated with chairs and their overall design of late and if it weren’t for the fact that there isn’t one square inch of space left in our home, I could see myself buying a few of the beauties I’ve posted here.

{Possibly my favorite chair…the ottoman makes this a ideal spot for me to relax and read. The room is a south-facing room so it’s usually light and warm in the winter months}

{I have more than one version of the chair above, I love the wood wings on the chair and the slope of the back}

{The chairs on either side of the fireplace are inviting and appear to be comfortable}

{The leather and nail head wing back chair above is something I think could fit in almost anywhere—it’s got a wing-back look but doesn’t have the bulk of a wing back chair}

It was a great coincidence for me that I had started a folder of pictures of chairs in anticipation of writing a post about the topic. Alison of The Polohouse invited her readers to join her “Favorites on the First” with talk of chairs.
{I love it when the planets align!}

{Circa designs via heirloom philosophy}

{This club chair came from a consignment store years ago, it’s been recovered more than once, this Ralph Lauren fabric is the latest. The chair is very comfortable, just ask Madison (our dog) who spends most of her day in it!}

{I love this chair (above) with the flannel plaid on the front and the leather on the back}

{Wicker is always a classic and while the back on this one could use a cushion, in my opinion, its a very pretty chair}

{Belgian Pearls}

This version of a wing back chair was an instant favorite with the overstuffed seat and nail heads…

{Lydia Chair via Henhurst Interiors}

{sigh}

I love a chair with details, like above and below.

{Gregorius Pineo via T&G Interiors}

{Jane Moore via Cote de Texas}

I like the added beauty of wood and linen or leather on a chair.

{John Saladino}

{Traditional Home}

Do you have a favorite chair? Do you like down-filled cushions? I’m always happy to hear from you!

March's Linky Party 3/1,2,3

I’m linking to Alison’s [The Polohouse] Favorites on the First…have a look.

{Home} Keeping things neutral

27 Wednesday Feb 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, House and Home, Paint Color, Trends

≈ 20 Comments

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neutral color palate

Since many are still experiencing winter at her snowy best (or worst) I thought I would stay indoors and ponder the beauty of a neutral color palate for a room…

This is Wikipedia’s definition of neutral color:

Grey or gray is an intermediate color between black and white, a neutral or achromatic color, meaning literally a color “without color.” ^[2] It is the color of a cloud-covered sky, of ash and of lead.^[3]

In Europe and America, grey is the color most frequently associated with the elderly, humility, reflection, boredom, dullness, uncertainty, and indifference.^[4]

Pretty funny. Grey isn’t the first or only color that pops into my head when I think of a room reflecting a neutral palate. I usually think of white or a soft beige and maybe a little grey. And what’s up with the second paragraph…who entered this opinion?

I am attracted to neutral rooms, and yet I know I am not one to want to live in a home that is primarily decorated in shades of neutral.

Today, I’m sharing today, rooms that are primarily neutral. I love each and every image I’m sharing but I’ve soul-searched and I can’t make the leap. Maybe when I move to that cottage in the Cottswolds?

{queen of white ~ Tricia Foley}

{Nancy Fishelson ~ Litchfield, CT}

{El’lefebien via Belgian Pearls}

{Brabourne Farm}

{Architectural Digest}

{Cote de Texas}

{Segreto Finishes}

{Home Bunch}

{Photo by Antoine Bootz ~ Southern Accents}

{Belgian Pearls}

{Providence Ltd. Design}

The promise of spring is just around the corner. I hope you are warm and dry and may spring shine on your home soon.

{Home} Live in rooms full of light. ~ Cornelius Celus

06 Wednesday Feb 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Architectural elements, Collections & Accessories, Decorating, House and Home

≈ 22 Comments

Tags

friend's house, lighting

Before I begin your tour of my freind’s beautiful home…I wanted to thank my best blog buddy, Victoria, for nominating me the the 2013 Homies over at Apartment Therapy. I’m nominated to the Best Home Design & Inspiration Blog. I’m touched and flattered. If you have a moment to vote visit HERE…I would love your vote and would reciprocate if you are a fellow blogger. You can vote for as many blog sites as you like, I’d love it if you vote for Victoria’s site [Restoring our 1890 Victorian] too. You might have to sign up to vote, so if you choose not to do that (although they do make it simple), I understand. In any event, I enjoy this hobby and it’s always fun to receive a nod from a talented, fellow blogger.

{This antique gate, when entered, leads to one side of the property}

Glenys, a dear friend of mine, recently moved into their new, custom made home. It has taken more time than you might expect for selection of the lot, planning the home’s design with the architect, building the home and finally, moving in.

By the way, you can tell by the sky that the day I visited was a Chamber of Commerce day for the area. The blue skies and sunshine were amazing.

{The exterior front door was designed by the architect and built by a craftsman in the region. The door marks the entry to a hallway that takes you to another door that allows you to enter the courtyard that their home surrounds}

I was thrilled to be given a tour and had hoped my images would turn out better than they have, I may be able to edit some of the photographs but I don’t have them ready for a post yet. (Note to self, until you actually buy a better camera your photos will never turn out great).

{(above) One of two or three, I can’t remember, antique lantern lights that light the covered, exterior hallway to the courtyard}

{A spectacular oak tree takes center stage in the courtyard, while a fountain in the yard immediately relaxes each visitor, there was an audible sigh between me and my friend, Jean, who took the tour with me when we crossed the threshold into the courtyard}

{Ready? This post will be all about about the lighting, but it’s okay to notice the incredible doors and the view just beyond} [the designer informs me these doors were very old doors they discovered and that a talented craftsman on the project worked very hard to get them to operate properly]

One of the things that struck me with this home was the obvious thought and care that went into selecting lighting. Glenys didn’t want a ton of canned lights (who can blame her) and what she ended up with was a home with wall sconces and light sources that are reminiscent of a historic villa in the south of France.

The floors are either reclaimed wood or stone, depending on which room you’re in, and some of the walls are stone. The chandelier (above) looks antique but in fact isn’t. Glenys and her designer spent a great deal of time tracking down the right pieces for the home and as a result everything seems as though it was meant for the space and imparts a history and comfort that you don’t often find in “new” homes. Many of the lighting fixtures were custom made for the home.

The chandelier above came from a favorite nursery here in Newport Beach, Rogers Gardens. This was used in one of the nursery’s displays during the month of October. Rogers always hosts a fabulous Halloween room with seasonal decor items, as well as pieces such as this. I love it! The size suits the stairwell perfectly.

I cannot remember which room this chandelier is in, but by it’s simplicity it is wonderful. All of the beams in the home are authentic old beams with so much character.

This little wall sconce in the guest room is a favorite of mine, the antique iron bed and wall sconce (made to look antique) take me to a little guest house in the South of France…well, in my imagination

I love the restoration glass in this lantern, which I believe was one of two in the kitchen. The lantern isn’t old but the glass and rustic frame create the look.

I’m going to have to revisit and get back to you on some locations…isn’t this a great lantern?

Throughout the house there are wall sconces…they are especially attractive when mounted on a stone wall.

I hope you enjoyed the tour. Below is the view from one part of the yard…

It feels like you could be on a hillside in France, doesn’t it?

{Garden, Home and Party} Contain yourself, and your stuff

01 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Decorating, House and Home

≈ 36 Comments

Tags

containers

If you’ve followed me for awhile you will remember that I’ve participated in Favorites on the First over at The Polohouse, several times [HERE] and [HERE]. I love Alison’s style and her “favorites” series often gives me ideas for my own blog posts.

The little pewter container below was given to me by my good friend Gretchen, the detailing (which you can’t really see in this picture) is really nice. (Thank you, Gretchen!)

This month Alison is featuring containers. It’s pretty much opened to any container, vase, jars, urns, pitchers, you name it. I really loved the idea of finding images that gave me ideas for using containers of all kind. So, here goes. I hope you’ll stop by The Polohouse and see what others came up with too!

The kitchen below is one of Charles Faudree’s homes. I’m not sure which one but I remember the story of antique piece above the island. What a great container, I’d be curious what it’s real purpose was. As I recall, Mr. Faudree didn’t know it’s use either, but liked it and made it work for more than one of his kitchens.

Since this post is about containers, with no specifics, I’ve pretty much pulled images from my home, as well as those I’ve admired, and have any and all kinds of containers.

Below is my reading room…that is my “reading” chair. I ~~waste~~ spend hours sitting here reading magazines and books, sipping tea, making notes as I think of something I need to do.

{greige}

Our antique china cupboard is a great container…a basket (contains my chargers) and a footbath (filled with nature’s air filter) on top. Is this a stretch on the whole container post?

Dan Marty is king of great containers! (above)

{An Urban Cottage} —thanks, Joan for giving me the source.

Don’t you love the vibrant color of granny smith apples? Nature really does offer decorator accessories of all colors, found at your local market.

Such a great cabinet. I especially like the white painted shelves in contrast to the black finish on the cupboard, married with fabulous pewter, so pretty.

This little footed bowl from PB has a sweet saying around the band at the top, something about family. The boxwood is fake and needs to be replaced with a preserved version (true confession #1).

Again, nature’s prettiest flower (behind peonies and hydrangea) make the vessel shine on the shelf.

{via}

I bought a couple of these to serve water from when we enjoy a meal in the dining room. The aqua colored glass pieces are particularly pretty. Mine are clear glass but they work really well to keep my guests hydrated during a meal.

{tumblr – This Ivy House}

Be still my heart…I’d love the painting and the fabulous blue and white “containers” with an array of flowers.

{tumblr – The Fuller View}

So I hope you’ve enjoyed my interpretation of the best containers. stop by the Polohouse to see what others came up with.

Join me at…The Polohouse

{Garden, Home and Party} They say it’s your birthday

27 Sunday Jan 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Gardening, House and Home, Misc, Outdoor living

≈ 33 Comments

Tags

birthdays

Since today is my birthday (me and Mozart) I’m going to share a few of my favorite images. I apologize in advance if you’ve seen these a million times before but they continue to be favorites and I can’t bring myself to delete them. They all bring an immediate smile to my face, hope you will enjoy one or two of them as well.

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~I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend~

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The image below is on my wish list…I would like this breakfast nook to be built for my birthday, please.

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Thank you for taking time out of your busy week to read my posts, and many times, you comment, I love that! I count you all as blog friends and appreciate your interest in my ramblings. Many of you are bloggers yourselves and your sites bring me joy and oftentimes provide inspiration and valuable information/education on topics I know little about, thank you!