Autumn flora in the home

19 Wednesday Oct 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Autumn, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Flowers, Halloween, House and Home, Thanksgiving

Good morning, my friends! So much for getting back to regular posting, right?!

I am an avid fan of fresh flowers and plants in my house year round. I’ve used branches from shrubs and trees in the yard, and flowers from the market for our home most of my married life. I also have several living plants in my home. Ivy topiary, Peace Lily ‘spathiphyllum’ and a large pothos live in various rooms of the house. When Christmas rolls around I’m happy to use faux garland, embellished with live cedar and pine.

So it was with some hesitancy that I returned the kind email I received from Silk Plants Direct. They were offering me a shopping visit of their site, where they would ship a product of my choice (with a generous pricing limit) for my honest review. Still doubtful, I visited the link and found many of their plants to look very believable. The item I selected reminds me of bittersweet, something that is sold live per stem by florists this time of year in our area. I’ve always loved the look of bittersweet in autumn arrangements and wreaths, but couldn’t always find fresh stems.

I emailed my contact with Silk Plants Direct and was thrilled with the speedy delivery and the quality of the stems. The flowers filled the large porcelain blue and white vases and finished the mantle decor for the season for me. Thank you Silk Plants Direct!

Silk Plants Direct, a Silk flowers and plants retailer, has a user-friendly site and provides a column on their home page that allows shoppers to narrow their search by topics such as category, size, price, color, variety and season.

If you’re a die hard fan of real live plants and flowers, as I consider myself to be, you may be in for a surprise. I urge you to take a look at Silk Plants Direct.

Disclosure: I received a free product sample in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The honest opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.

Nailed it!

28 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Accessories; details

≈ 27 Comments

As I mentioned earlier, I recently had our very tired, very sad red and white buffalo check sofa reupholstered. I’ve been using a more neutral palate wherever possible. I have read it will calm me, so far, not so much. 🙂 You can take the Type A personality out of the chaos, but you can’t take the chaos out of the Type A.

We decided to add oil rubbed bronze nail heads to the arms this time (in the picture they look brass, but in person they are definitely oil rubbed bronze in color). I like the extra detailing on the sofa and began to notice how many pieces of furniture in my ‘saved’ furniture file have nailheads. {Sorry about the dog dishes in the kitchen, missed that in my viewfinder while taking this picture}

The New Jersey Star Ledger explained that this is an enduring element of furniture design…

The decorative use of nailheads on furniture is believed to have begun in 17th century France with the ornately carved wooden seating of the Louis XIII period. During this time when the most luxurious furnishings were coveted, craftsmen would use decorative nails to secure fine upholstery such as velvet, brocade, tapestries or leather.

I want to share some of my recent, and not so recent, furniture with nailheads finds…

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I love the nailheads on these chairs, as well as the ikat fabric.

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Aren’t these beds wonderful? Perfect for a room for adolescent teens or visiting guests. {also, isn’t this wallpaper great?}

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This pretty chair is covered in Sebastian Tattersall in Sky, a part of the new SMW Home textile collection.

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What are your thoughts? Do you like nailheads or could you skip them?

♥ Karen

Matching paint – trim and walls

21 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Paint Color

≈ 22 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday.

There is a relatively recent trend to paint walls and trim the same color. I’ve seen some rooms done this way that are very appealing. I confess, I’m old school and appreciate a distinction, no matter how subtle, between the two.

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Houzz gave the trend press in early 2013, with a quote from architect Treff LaFleche who states that matching trim and walls “emphasize the functional purpose of architectural trim and creates a more understated and contemporary composition.” I agree, but my traditional leanings probably balk at the “contemporary” reference.

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There is something modern and soothing about trim painted the exact same color as the walls. It creates a seamless look and works well if you plan to leave your walls bare or cover them with a thousand pieces of art. -Houzz

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{source unknown}

This butler’s pantry is striking—slate walls, cupboard fronts and trim.

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The wood beadboard, crown moulding, window trim, and casing, match but the toile breaks up what could be too much of any one color. A lively example of contrast between wall and trim.

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All white kitchens are always beautiful to me. Maybe the variance found in the counter, the stainless steel appliances, and the tile backsplash over the range give it the added pop of contrast.

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What do you think? Would you paint the trim and walls the same color?

♥ Karen

Books, the subtle accessory in a room

14 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by Karen B. in House and Home

≈ 26 Comments

Tags

accessories, library

hello my friends, happy wednesday!

If you’ve visited me throughout the years you may have picked up on the fact that I love libraries. Weather public, university or home libraries, they all hold equal interest for me. [HERE, HERE, and HERE] I love books and the warmth they give to a room.

This post was inspired by a post in late spring by my friend, Vanessa, of Reviving Charm. She shared information of a London based company known as Ultimate Library. They will curate and assemble an entire library for you, whether it be a residential or commercial project. To read more about how this works and some of the locations where they have done this service visit HERE.

Today I’d like to talk about the role of books as an accessory. I realize that anytime a book is placed in a stack on a coffee table it could be considered an adornment, as well as something to read, but it seems to me books have advanced to a more prominent place in a room today.

Beribboned antique books are used alongside an assortment of other tabletop antiques.

These beauties make such a statement in this bookcase. Wouldn’t you love to open one {carefully} and read it, look for the date?

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This desk vignette is beautiful and the books definitely play a role.

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I’ve always loved a library table. Wish I had room for one. This book display hits all of my hot buttons. Art work, a vintage pocket watch, the tray and a scented candle, and the still life effect of it all by adding the bowl of apples, perfection.

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I’m certain you’ve seen this trend in displaying books. I guess you either hate it or love it. I confess it appeals to me and I’ve done a version of it in my own bookcase with my design books. Where do you stand on the color coordinated books topic?

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…and what about removing the jackets. Again, I’m sure there are those that feel it is sacrilege and others, like me, that actually like the look of the books better without their jackets than with!

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I really like the way we all use books to elevate items such as this orchid and the smaller accessory on the chest when decorating.

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Blue and white beauty with books and other wonderful items of interest.

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I also like color coordinated books in a vignette. Intentionally placing a stack of green books with the blue, white and green set-up just makes it all the prettier in my view.

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The collection of magnifying glasses, along with the leather books is divine!

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This space has a library feel to it. The vintage prints, marble bust and books!

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I love this narrow opening in such a formal setting, filled to the top with vintage books!

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Tell me, do you decorate with books?

♥ Karen

Walls with a “Wow” Factor

07 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Architectural elements, House and Home

≈ 30 Comments

Tags

walls

Hi friends, happy Wednesday!

Today I’d like to talk about walls. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, you have walls. Painted walls can be wonderful, and comparatively economical, a benefit I always appreciate.

They can also add drama to a room.

I’ve had walls on my mind lately since I’m seeing lots more wallpaper ideas online providing options for texture and color. You know how tempting a concept, like wallpaper, can become when you see a gorgeous room!

Wallpaper today is manufactured in so many patterns, including some with great texture. I’m happy wallpaper is back in the design spotlight.

This textured wallpaper [below] (grasscloth?) gives depth to the wall while providing a similar contrast to the trim, as paint would.

Custom paneling, whether more formal or informal, can be the wow factor for any room.

The knotty pine tongue in groove in the bedroom below is ideal for the room’s decor and the pitch of the ceiling.

Reclaimed wood, whether man made or actually aged, adds character.

Then there’s the unexpected. The walls in this room [below] convince me it could be a lodge in England as easily as America. Love this room!

The talented Amy Meier brought warmth to this kitchen with the addition of brick on the wall.

Stone walls are a favorite of mine, maybe because they are not often seen unless the home is custom. A custom home isn’t in my immediate future, but I love the look.

This stone wall with the farm apron sink set in an antique cupboard gives the room a historic feel.

The materials available to those building a custom home can create authenticity in any room.

Using aged, or distressed beams, stone on the wall and floor gives me the feel of an old farmhouse kitchen even though this may be a newer home.

Actual age is hard to fake. That’s a good thing for some of us—but we’re talking about homes. Oh to live in an old house in Europe!

If these walls could talk. My imagination runs away with me when I’m in a room such as this.

Living in a tract house, our walls in most rooms are painted and we have beadboard in a couple of the rooms. No stone walls in our little cottage. I’ll have to get my stone wall fix from the beautiful homes I find online. 🙂

♥ Karen

End of summer

31 Wednesday Aug 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Family, Gardening, House and Home, Outdoor living, Personal Information, Summer

≈ 22 Comments

I’m back and ready to pick up where we left off—where was that, exactly? Happy Wednesday! Summer is not quite finished yet. The summer weather here in SoCal has been manageable overall. We typically get really hot in September, just when I start to think about cool weather, fires in the fireplace and turtleneck sweaters!

Labor Day marks the ceremonial end of summer, but there are still a good few weeks to enjoy the season, even after the three-day weekend ends and schools begin their calendar year. This year, the last day of summer is officially on Sept. 22.

As I mentioned on National Ice Cream Day (third Sunday in July), I’ve worked hard on relaxing during my off hours. I know it’s weird to say I have to work hard to relax, but it’s the truth. As my mother used to say, “Karen, sit still!”

This is what I’ve been up to…

I did a lot of gardening, made plenty of time for entertaining friends and family and actually relaxed a little more than usual.

I shared the patio garden reveal back in March. I wanted to update you with it’s progress.

March 30, 2016: Newly planted patio garden

June 22, 2016: My, how you’ve grown!

The heliotrope and Polygala ‘petite butterfly’ have filled in nicely. Yes, I share the garden with a variety of caterpillars who have been munching on the leaves of the heliotrope as you can see on the leaves in this picture. The delphinium are getting ready to bloom for the second time and the iceberg roses are photo bombing this image (in the background). They’re such show offs. 😉

About the time I feel as if maybe I’m pretty good at gardening I try my hand at planting a few tomato plants and this happens. Gardening can keep you humble with the ~~frequent~~ occasional failure.

I don’t usually plant edibles, except for a few herbs. I have only one spot in the yard that gets “full sun”. So this year I planted 3 small tomato plants in the large clay pot (above-right), in the sunniest location we have. Did I over water? Possibly. The leaves started turning yellow and then shriveling up. Experts on growing tomatoes [in blogland] weigh in, please. I’d love to be able to grow a tomato in this planter.

Here are the other tomato plants, they seem to be surviving. They are in the ground. Wish me luck. We’ve already seen evidence of a critter taking the green tomatoes off the vine and sampling them! {Note to self: This is why I buy my produce at the market} 🙂

One of our close friend’s had a milestone birthday and we hosted a small dinner party for him. It was very fun and since he’s the first to hit this “milestone” birthday, we teased him unmercifully about age!

I used the Portmerion Botanic Garden dishes, my wooden handled flatware, and my green and white plaid napkins for the summer party.

The handsome guy with the apron is our guest of honor. We found the apron HERE. It’s a fun gift for a guy that enjoys grilling!

Recipe and table settings for summer entertaining.

We logged in some wonderful family time, complete with our Austin son and family. Seeing the cousins enjoy themselves while the “adult kids” caught up warmed my heart beyond measure. Icing on the cake! Olivia, our 5 years old granddaughter marching and singing, which tickled Fae our 1 1/2 year old! {bottom picture: Fae at our local park—playing at the “cafe”}

We celebrated with long time friends (almost family) at the wedding of their oldest daughter in a spot that is so swoon worthy—add a romantic wedding and I’m a puddle of warmth and emotions.

Congratulations to the wonderful couple and best wishes to our dear friends, Gretchen and Stu!

I read a few books and by far, my favorite was Eligible: A Modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfeld. It was a fun read that stayed mostly true to Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

This pretty much sums up summer. My day job is great and I enjoy the challenges and the camaraderie it provides. What have you been up to?

Karen♥

National Ice Cream Day

17 Sunday Jul 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Dessert

≈ 30 Comments

Hi Friends, Happy Summer!

{When Olivia comes for a visit in August, we’ll be headed to the beach at least once}

I’ve been enjoying a relaxing summer so far, how about you? When I’m not working at my day job I’m spending time in the garden (I’ll have to provide a post on some of my successes, and failures, on that score), entertaining via backyard BBQ’s, and reading a few good books.

Today is National Ice Cream Day and I couldn’t let it pass without sharing a few images of summer fun and ice cream. They truly go hand in hand, don’t they?

For obvious reasons I try not to eat ice cream everyday, but when I have an excuse [it’s hot and only ice cream will cool me down; we need a dessert for our back yard BBQ; I’m on vacation so calories don’t count, or it’s the weekend] I like to enjoy a scoop of ice cream in a bowl or prepare an ice cream cake for dessert for a summer dinner party. I make it a health food by throwing on a few berries! 🙂

Summer activities for Mr. B and me might include a Duffy boat excursion. There is a group of us that chip in, not only for rental fees, but to provide easy appetizers and a bottle or two of wine. This is one of my favorite summertime activities. Unfortunately, no ice cream can be included since there’s no way to keep it frozen.

This recipe from Southern Living looked too delicious to pass up. Find the printable recipe HERE This recipe is one I plan on trying for our upcoming backyard BBQ.

During the summer months, ice cream seems to be the ideal treat no matter what form you prefer. I love the idea of individual desserts and this sundae in a pastry shell with freshly made blueberry sauce looks scrumptious.

Ice cream sandwiches from Williams Sonoma sound like they would be easy to make and oh, so delicious!

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These little ice cream cups look delicious and healthy topped with blueberries.

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Pioneer Woman’s Ice Cream Pie with Easy Caramel Sauce looks like something I’d make year round.

Now I’m hungry for ice cream!

I hope your summer has been filled with more than your usual share of fun and ice cream! I’m planning to be back to blogging weekly in early September, I hope you’ll stop by!

Fathers and Father’s Day

15 Wednesday Jun 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Family

≈ 34 Comments

Tags

Father's Day

Hi there, happy Wednesday!

My own father passed some time ago, but I’ve been blessed with a sweet husband that is a wonderful father to our two sons. In addition, both sons are happily married and each a father to a little girl. It’s been fun buying for girls! 🙂

Mr. B with the boys at various ages and various events.

Now we delight in observing our kids with their kids…

Kyle (firstborn) with our granddaughter Olivia.

Kevin (younger son) with granddaughter Fae…(below is Fae now 1 1/2 years old)

They shine at participating in these girl’s lives and at their ability to make them smile!

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL! ENJOY THE DAY!

I HOPE TO BE BACK TO BLOGGING BY SUMMER’S END, I NEED TO RECHARGE THE CREATIVE BATTERY PACK. ♥ KAREN

Library week

11 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by Karen B. in House and Home

≈ 34 Comments

Tags

library

Okay, so library week was actually April 10 – 16th but I have been about a month behind since this year began. Anyway, I love libraries and look for any excuse to share my favorite images of libraries, both great and small.

Home libraries, or bookcases to many, bring such warmth and interest to any room.

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{St. John’s College, Cambridge England}

A terrestrial globe in the Study at Bateman’s, East Sussex. Made by Philips. Ebony and Metal. Bateman’s was the home of the writer Rudyard Kipling from 1902 to 1936.

A staircase library seems like such a great use of wall space.

{Harvard University Library}

The Hoose Library of Philosophy, USC (University of Southern California) is one of the prettiest libraries I’ve ever seen in person. [below]

{University of Oxford Library, England}

Do you have a favorite library? ♥ Karen

Mother’s Day delights

04 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Family

≈ 30 Comments

Tags

Mother's Day

In memory of my mom and my grandmother, and the joy that our two respective daughter in laws bring us as they mother their daughter’s (our granddaughters) with love and skill…here are some images that conjure up Mother’s Day memories, new and old.

Grandparenting is the best. You’ve heard the reasons why and it’s all true!

~Olivia, age 5~ ~Fae, age 1 1/2~

…a sweet guest room for granddaughters (not mine, but it’s sure pretty).

…hydrangea the size of small cars. My grandmother grew them and I’ve seen them in the south, but never mastered this size in my own yard.

…I believe this is a Charles Faudree image. I love the way he could successfully create beauty in a room with both feminine and masculine touches.

…my mom would have loved these hydrangea cupcakes. If you know someone that would enjoy these, visit HERE

…gardens always remind me of my mother, who loved to work in her garden and taught me the love that past time as well.

…picnics, what a beautiful way to spend a Mother’s Day. We simply don’t picnic enough anymore.

…roses are a standard for mom’s, aren’t they?

I wish you a Mother’s Day starting with breakfast in bed…

…and a long soak at the end of this special holiday.

Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes by dozens and hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers, and sisters, aunts and cousins, but only one mother in the whole world.”
— Kate Douglas Wiggin

Garden, Home & Party

~ My love of gardening, making home comfortable and entertaining friends and family.

Autumn flora in the home

Nailed it!

Matching paint – trim and walls

Hi there! Happy Wednesday.

Books, the subtle accessory in a room

hello my friends, happy wednesday!

Walls with a “Wow” Factor

Hi friends, happy Wednesday!

End of summer

This pretty much sums up summer. My day job is great and I enjoy the challenges and the camaraderie it provides. What have you been up to?

National Ice Cream Day

Hi Friends, Happy Summer!

Fathers and Father’s Day

Hi there, happy Wednesday!

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL! ENJOY THE DAY!

Library week

Do you have a favorite library? ♥ Karen

Mother’s Day delights