Refining the Entry Way

Thank you to everyone who commented on my "Stealing from Jamie Meares" post.  After spending a few days with my new entry wall, I'm even happier with it than I thought I'd be.  I've made a few small changes: lowered the art work by about 4 inches and added some foliage for a little color.  So here are some quick photos of the changes.  Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts - I so appreciate that you read and weigh-in.  Happy Sunday everyone!

Apothecary, Thy Drugs Are Quick

I do remember an apothecary,--

And hereabouts he dwells,--which late I noted

In tatter'd weeds, with overwhelming brows,

Culling of simples; meagre were his looks,

Sharp misery had worn him to the bones:

And in his needy shop a tortoise hung,

An alligator stuff'd, and other skins

Of ill-shaped fishes; and about his shelves

A beggarly account of empty boxes,

Green earthen pots, bladders and musty seeds,

Remnants of packthread and old cakes of roses,

Were thinly scatter'd, to make up a show.

Noting this penury, to myself I said

An if a man did need a poison now,

Whose sale is present death in Mantua,

Here lives a caitiff wretch would sell it him.'

- Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare

The images above were found via Indigenous Dialogues, 

a Tumblr treasure trove of apothecary ephemera and more.

Utensils

My husband picked up some gorgeous silverware for me this past Christmas and since then, I've taken such pleasure in setting my table. I had never before thought of silverware and eating utensils as beautiful.  Silly me.  Do you collect old serving ware?  Do you have a newish set or family hand-me-downs?  

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souce

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Nest: A blogger on the town

Last night I attended a soiree for bloggers at Nest, a home decor shop in Uptown Dallas.  The party was hosted by two lovely Texas bloggers, Fabulous K and Hello Splendor.  It was great to see so many beautiful people networking and getting the dish on all that Nest has to offer.  Me?  I wasn't networking.  Or dishing for that matter.  I was circumnavigating the beautiful people, complimentary champagne and cupcake in hand, gawking at all the beautiful upscale swag on hand.  There was some seriously pretty stuff to be seen, admired and coveted. 

Some of my favorite things included this Goddess Bust Candle.  

She's crying wax, people!  How cool is that?

I also loved these gray earthenware bowls.

...and these skull covered dining chairs.

...oh, and these cute little elephant salt and pepper shakers by Jonathan Adler.

...and this salt and pepper duo.

Alright, alright, alright... I liked all the salt and pepper shakers!

My mom took care of my boys so that I could attend the event.  I took advantage of this and after the party, treated myself to a dirty Greygoose Martini with extra olives at a nearby bar.  Thanks to Fabulous K, Hello Splendor and Nest for a lovely night out!

P.S.  Don't forget about our current giveaways from Formosa Designs, which ends tonight, and Burlap and Blue! Make sure you've entered for your chance to win!

Vintage Glass and Such

I'm a sucker for collections of vintage glass bottles, hurricanes, jars, vases and such.  I especially love the idea of using them as displays for photos as seen in these first two photos.  Such a sweet idea.  This would be a lovely way to decorate your holiday mantle.  Imagine garlands, shiny ornaments and pillar candles laced in and out of glass bottles containing family photos.  I think it would be beautiful!

Apartment Therapy

Shima Studios

Hans Blomquist

via One Day I Saw

via One Day I Saw

via Design Sprout

via Remodelista

P.S.  Don't forget about this week's giveaway from Formosa Designs! 

The contest ends on Friday, Nov. 5th 9pm EST!

Painted Screen

Portable folding screens have been used in the home for centuries.  They are used to cordon off space for dressing, to divide a room or to shield the sun coming from a window or heat from a fireplace.  I am particularly fond of the two painted screens below.  I know its ambitious, but I think I could construct and paint something similar.  Mine certainly won't be as detailed or beautiful, but I think I could achieve a similar affect. What do you think - possible DIY?

via Angelo: Home

via Nan Whitney

P.S.  Charlie is back from his MRI and feeling his normal self again. We won't have any results for a few days, so I'll keep you posted.  Thanks to everyone of you for your positive thoughts and kind words of support.  We feel it!

Hans Blomquist

I know I've showcased photos by Hans Blomquist here and there, but I wanted to draw attention to his work specifically.  I love the shadowy, rustic quality of his art direction and styling.  He uses fantastic props and I always feel that the photo has a story to tell. 

Repeat Repeat

One of my favorite ways to showcase just about anything and lift its presence in my home is to create a repeated pattern.  It is a sure-fire way to elevate the presence of your artwork or collections.  I love the examples below.

via With Two Cats

via Style at Home

via One Day I Saw

via Chutzpah Rummage

via Home Life

James Braund Photography

The fun part about using a repeated pattern is that your object can be anything - I mean anything - and it takes on a life of its own.  Postcards, clocks, found objects and even as you see below: Pez dispensers. 

via Keltainen Talo Rannalla

Here is my son's artwork in our entryway.  

Its not a great photo, but you get the idea.

Flickr