Happy Weekend!

Have a GREAT weekend!! Enjoy the last of the fall colors!...

Act of Kindness...

This morning I was struck by a wonderful act of kindness. Too many, it may seem like nothing, but for some reason I feel most compelled to write about it.

Today, I have an appointment to have a mammogram done, which I have been dreading for 3 weeks now.. I was told to order my films from my previous test (done toooo long ago) and the report and bring them with me to my appointment. In my rush to get the X-Rays, I forgot to order the report. I did not realize this until late last night.

First thing this morning, I called the X-RAY library and got "Greg" on the phone. I explained my plight that I forgot to order the report etc... he was so kind and sweet and gently told me he could not fax the report to the technician at my appt. today as it was too late in the day. He said he was "not supposed" to fax reports... I thought to myself... "oh know... i will have to wait another 3 weeks or more for an appointment.."..after all..it was my fault entirely... Then, out of the blue, he said... "Do you have a fax machine at home?"..I answered "yes"... he again reminded me that he was "not supposed to do this.." but said this once he would.....( I have the distinct feeling this kind, compassionate man does this "just once" for many women in the same predicament...)

He asked that I call him immediately upon receipt of the report... It was faxed to me within minutes! I did as he asked, and called him to thank him profusely for saving me 3 + more weeks of anguish.... He, in the sweetest, softess voice said..... "Good luck today"....

I don't know why, it just completely choked me up... Thanks Greg, you are my Angel today.

Paint or Polish?

My mother gave me this fab slatted table a long while back. I have mostly traditional furnishings in my home, but would like to incorporate this table in somewhere. My dilemma is...

Should I paint it? or re-stain and polish it up?

What do all you fabulous design aficionados think?

Wouldn't it look great with a stack of shelter mags, the new Domino decor book and a fab lamp?

I Love...

This Coat!

"Where has she been?" Eddie Ross

Photo by Brandon Barre

Okay, I admit it, I am hooked on Top Design! I never, ever watched reality shows until Top Chef came along! Last week's episode really got me! When India Hicks came out with the comment that she had not seen a sofa used as seating around a dining room table while judging Eddie Ross.. He was shocked as was I !

Photo by Timothy Street Porter

Really, does anyone believe that?? Daughter of famed designer David Hicks has not seen a sofa used as seating in a dining room?! Well, my dear India here's a few examples of this concept.

I rather like the use of a sofa or banquette in dining room. I feel it changes things up a bit and adds dimension to the room. In most cases, it is unexpected...well of course it is! India Hicks has never seen this before!

Photo by Erik Johnson

If the room is not very large, using a sofa against one wall gives the room a little extra breathing room.

Photo by Colleen Duffley

The sofa in this dining room sort of wraps around the table. I think it is very elegant! The blue seat covers add a subtle pop of color and what appears to be a Murano glass chandelier adds the "Oh, La, La" effect perfectly. Many may thing this room is too dark. I really like the contrast between the dark and light/white.

Photo by Antoine Bootz

Now, India my dear, this of course is not a sofa, but a banquette. Great way to tuck in some seating when space is at a minimum. I feel that banquette seating is very cozy and comfortable. Your guests are sure to sit a spell and enjoy!

So there you have it, the concept of a sofa as seating in a dining room. Do any of you readers really believe that India has not seen this before? I sure don't!

If you haven't see Top Design, check it out. It is nearing the end of the season where they pick the winner. It is amazing how inconsistent the judging is! Margaret Russell, Jonathan Adler, India and Kelly Wearstler are the usual judges...they all seem to want the contestants to be just like them...they make up the "rules" as they go... so when Ms. India was so shocked to see a sofa by a dining room table..I just had to comment!

If anyone currently has a sofa in your dining room and would like to send me a picture, I will feature in an upcoming post. Wouldn't that be fun? The holidays are fast approaching, and entertaining and parties and dressing up our dining rooms will soon be in the fore front of our minds !

Soapbox...

I live in what I feel is a very nice suburb. We have nice amenities, the parkway, a state of the art rec. center and what I believe to be good city services. For instance, the city provides trash recepticles throughout the area so if someone is driving or walking by, they can discard their trash without polluting the community......

On my daily walk/run through the park, I am constantly reminded of the disrespect many people have for our city, parks and other people's property! Sorry, but it JUST slays me to see trash just strewn about all because certain individuals feel it is their right to just throw the trash out of their car windows! Why can't people just wait until they get to the office or home to discard their coffee cup or water bottle???

This is an example... makes me ill that someone would just throw their garbage out on someone else's tree lawn... would they throw their garbage out on their own lawn as they pull in their drive way after a long day's work??!! JUST sickens me!

Here's a sewer grate that is literally 20 feet away from the trash can in the first picture!

I guess I will have to resort to taking a trash bag with me on my walks..maybe passers by will get the hint! I hope to rally my city government to start a clean up campaign! or better yet propose a city tax for city clean up.... maybe that will get the public to take pride in their city and help keep it clean to avoid a tax penalty!

Top Design...Design on Top!

I don't know why I am so disturbed by K.W.'s ensemble las week on "Top Design:... (see post below)

Last evening I was flipping through the channels and happened upon "Breakfast at Tiffany's"! Love that movie! and the beautiful Ms. Hepburn in all her style glory. Then, I found some fabulous pics of her in the most beautiful hats! I don't know of ANYONE who could pull off the yellow hat on the cover of the Harper's Bazaar Magazine circa 1956! now THAT look is a show stopper..in a good way!

It got me thinking...mmmm... maybe K.W. should check out how a real style icon wears a hat/head dress before she dons another vintage head wrap on national t.v. I wonder what she'll wear on the finale ....

Yes, I know..K.W. is a style setter in her own right...and many adore her....she IS a beauty after all.... but sometimes even the most stylish people miss the mark..

Thought you would enjoy a few photos of A.H. in some fabulous designs on top!!

Do You Wanna Be Judged?

Mmmmmm....I was feeling so tense for the candidates on tonight's Top Design...Then..when the judges came out... I felt really confused for KW....Judge for yourself and tell me what you think!Check out the judge's fashions HERE

Slim Pickens!

What a PERFECT day it was to go to the apple orchard in search of a winter's worth of apples for pies, apple butter, apple sauce etc!

Look carefully, do you see any apples on those trees? Ah haaaa!! we didn't either! There were hardly any apples left much to the dismay of all the little children there! We heard some kids yelling " pumpkins! there's a pumpkin patch!" !!! So we made our way to the pumpkin patch!

What? !! THIS is a pumpkin patch??! again.. slim pickens!

Note: the beautiful basket handmade by my Great Grandfather to carry the apples we did find!

This is it!

Despite the initial disappointment, A good time was had by all! Gorgeous day, family time, what more could one ask for! Left to right: Dad, nephew Patrick, sis Joanne, sis Liz, Mom and front and center nephew Dylan......

Have a Great Weekend!

Have a great weekend everyone! I will be heading out to the apple orchards with a few of my nephews, sister and Mom! Hope to have some fun pics for next post!

Family Jewel...

My Mother just gave me this beautiful jardiniere that was believed to be my Great Grandmother's. I had always admired it growing up but never knew how old it was or where it came from. Mom was going through old family pictures and found the picture below. After careful study, she noticed the jardiniere in the picture and realized it was the very same one that she had ... in storage in her basement no less!! It almost fell victim to a competitive game of ping pong between my niece and her friend..so Mom decided to give it a new home! MINE! YEAH!

Look very carefully, ( click on the picture ) and you will find it just to the right of Great Grandmother's head. My Grandmother is one of the young girls on the bench to the right. The house appears to be quite grand for the period as the picture is over 100 years old. Note the detail on the stairs, the solid wood ( I belive they are walnut or mahogany) pillars and trim on stairs and railing top.. Great Grandmother had beautiful wallpapers in the entry and parlor.

As for my new "family jewel", I plan to put a beautiful poinsettia in it for the holidays and in spring, I am thinking a white orchid would be gorgeous. In the picture, it looks to be a small palm plant. I do know one thing, I will certainly treasure it and keep it in view for others to enjoy as well.

Thanks Mom!

Toasty Toes...

Wellllll, some of you have suggested it's time to start thinking about holiday shopping! I found these darling little cable knit ballet slippers HERE for only $14.50! They come in a variety of colors and would make a perfect stocking stuffer, or a great gift along with some luxurious foot creme for your secretary or boss, or perhaps a little treat for yourself! I would hurry though ... I was told that they won't keep replenishing these.... once their sold out, their sold out!

Happy Weekend!

Photo by John Granen

It's finally Friday! and what a whirl wind of a week it was! Topsy turvy market, V.P debate, Economic crisis... I leave you with this stunning picture.... remember, stop and look around, and take time to appreciate nature's gifts!

A Prayer to St. Joseph....

I listed this darling little house many moons ago and am asking anyone who visits today to pray to St. Joseph that a buyer will come along soon! The woman that lived here has passed away, and her family needs to be able to move on.....

THANKS!!!!

Think Pink Today...

Everyone knows someone that has been touched by breast cancer. Today, I am bringing you a little touch of pink as a reminder of breast cancer awareness.

Some of the design blogstars as I like to call them are posting pink in honor of this worthy cause.

Check them out ... Mrs. Blandings Maison 21 The Peak of Chic

Photos 1 & 2 from House Beautiful
Photo 3 is from Elle Decor

Photo 4 is from Martha Stewart