Granny Smith Green

Total Respect

2009-11-11T07:00:00.002-06:00

image from the amazingly creative and talented Cathy Holden of
Just Something I Made

Only One Word?

2009-11-10T08:20:00.002-06:00

Can you get to know someone with just one word? Well, maybe. I've been given an assignment. I'm to answer the following questions with just one word. This is going to be tough.

This started when I was tagged by the kindest of bloggers- Pearls and Grace. Many of you have heard me mention her before. If you aren't familiar with her story and her blog, please click on the link above or on the "I am His Pearl" button to the left. She's lived an amazing life and is an absolute treasure to me.

1. Where is your cell phone?

vanity

2. Your hair?

natural

3. Your mother?

elegant

4. Your father?

solid

5. Your favorite food?

comfort

6. Your dream last night?

wish I could remember

7. Your favorite drink?

hot coffee

8. Your dream/goal?

in one word, are you kidding me?

9. What room are you in?

bedroom

(Don't we love the work of John Bobbitt and Pieter Estersohn?)

10. Your hobby?

antiquing

11. Your fear?

like Indiana Jones, snakes

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?

enjoying my family

13. Where were you last night?

home

14. Something that you aren’t?

confrontational

15. Muffins?

yes, please

16. Wish list item?

a Sargent would be nice

17. Where did you grow up?

Deep South

18. Last thing you did?

brushed my teeth

19. What are you wearing?

pajamas

20. Your TV?

Off

21. Your pets?

See post about my dear late labrador

22. Friends?

Top quality

23. Your life?

Full

24. Your mood?

Grateful

25. Missing someone?

26. Vehicle?

sedan

27. Something you’re not wearing?

make up

28. Your favorite store?

eBay

29. Your favorite color?

green

30. When was the last time you laughed?

seconds ago

31. Last time you cried?

night before last

32. Your best friend?

Mr. Green

33. One place that you go to over and over?

the kitchen

34. One person who emails you regularly?

my non-blogging BF, you know who you are!

35. Favorite place to eat?

my grandmother's

Fall has Fallen

2009-11-05T07:39:00.004-06:00

Autumnal Glory

2009-10-30T16:45:00.000-05:00

Yall have a great weekend!

Tell the Truth

2009-10-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

Remember, Don/Dick, Betty knows how to use it.

How I adore this show!

So, what do think will happen next?

Understated & Fabulous

2009-10-21T17:25:00.000-05:00

Subtle muted tones and classic timeless furnishings--this is my kind of house.

I wish I had the time to blog and dissect a photo like Joni,

but alas, time does not allow.

Just admire the quite details in this house.

The stairs are absolutely beautiful.

The mirror, the chandelier...

A peek of the kitchen.

Functional and simple, and quite elegant. I think it is truly the lack of "fluff" that makes this kitchen so relaxing. What do you think? Any other kitchen minimalist out there?

Just the right amount of pattern and texture to keep our interest.

This room would be the fall and winter retreat. I wonder if I would be as drawn to it in the spring? Do you search for the sunlight and brighter interiors?

Clean and not fussy. The mirrors give us all that we need.

A little goes a long way.

The marble countertops are an added lovely.

The ogee edge detail makes it for me.

My one hang-up here is the finish on the cabinetry. I think I would have preferred something more simple--like the kitchen cabinets.

Does anyone "faux" anything anymore?

A beautiful sunset to end the day.

(As a side note, this picture is from the front of the house, looking away from the main entry.)

Since all of our favorite interior design magazines are leaving us,

we may now be searching the real estate listings like never before.

The images above are from just that.

I welcome your comments.

Planning to Bloom!

2009-10-20T08:38:00.006-05:00

I know it's hard to think about spring when fall has just arrived.

Did you know that fall is the best time to plant?

I'm dreaming big. I keep thinking about what may pop out of the ground in the spring.

Wouldn't you enjoy wandering around in a garden full of color and fragrance right now?

Have you planted anything in anticipation of the months ahead?

(photos BHG website)

On a deeper note, I was thinking about how we are all kind of like flower bulbs.

What, you ask? Well, think about it.

God has an amazing plan for all of us to grow, bloom and flourish.

We sometimes are dry, covered in dirt, feeling like the rain may never end--and look what happens with proper nourishing, good roots and time:

Congratulation are in Order

2009-10-05T08:10:00.001-05:00

My super talented friend, Scot Meacham Wood has been selected as a winner in

All the Best blog Bedroom contest.

If you missed my super-fun interview, Inside the Designer's Studio with Tartansot,

PLEASE CLICK HERE to see more of his fabulous designs.

I'm so impressed by his work and you will be too!

Fall Desire

2009-10-01T13:30:00.001-05:00

photo: Lotos Club Library

"The Ex Libris candle is part of the Modern Alchemy collection by D. L. & Co. In this candle, antiquated leather-bond volumes of handmade papers and parchment permeate and seduce the senses."

I'm sold. I want one of these candles.

I think it must be the weather changing. It's officially fall.

What about this one:

"D.L. & Co's Modern Alchemy Salem candle is infused with scents of New England maple, hickory and walnut and are set ablaze in a ravenous bonfire consuming the imagination."

(Call me warped, but the name just cracks me up!)

Have you discovered any new "wants" for the season?

Pour yourself another cup of coffee, wrap up in your favorite throw and tell me all about it.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Everyone, check yourself today.

(Men can get breast cancer too!

Statistically, 440 men will die this year as a result of breast cancer.

Imagine that.)

20-something gals can get it too. Yall be aware!

Bathroom Fabulosity

2009-09-29T12:33:00.003-05:00

I'm having a fit over this bath. Don't you just love how one has a view showering or at the lavatory? This is wonderful.

Anyone have the source information for this design or photograph? I'd really like to to give credit to the amazing designer.

What Were They Thinking?

2009-09-28T08:00:00.002-05:00

Betty, Peggy, and Don. We need to talk.

What were you thinking?

How about embracing who you really are?

I am so sucked into this show--and I adore it!

Betty is always a vision. Duck and Peggy's hotel bedroom was a great and how does Don's hair still look good?

Any other fans out there?

West Coast Response

2009-09-27T20:15:00.001-05:00

Cracking Up

2009-09-24T07:30:00.003-05:00

It may be an advertisement, but it sure is funny. This is for all the prepsters.

Pea Green

2009-09-22T22:55:00.006-05:00

Pea green with envy of this sunny dry garden. We are about to build an ark over here.

What about you? Has the rain kept you from your garden playtime?

I donned my Wellies and got out and played on Saturday. I was a child again.

(A special thanks to my two pals that joined me in the puddles. Didn't we have a ball?)

The rain isn't all bad, you know. If we didn't have the rain, how would we have the green?

Swayze

2009-09-19T22:40:00.005-05:00

Did you know Patrick Swayze's mother was a dance instructor and he was quite skilled in ballet? Also, the native Texan has family with a plantation house in Alabama?

I always like to have a bit of humor when I hear of sad news. Just something to lighten the mood--a little racy skit with gobs of humor. Enjoy.

Gary Busey who co-starred in "Point Break" Twittered, “Patrick Swayze was a kindred spirit and a spiritual brother of mine. His focus was center target and his purpose was with faith, kindness, grace, understanding, and love. Patrick Swayze’s book of life will never be over because he’s moved on to the spiritual plateau where life is forever.”

In Swayze's own words, "I have a great deal of faith in faith; if you believe something strongly enough, it becomes true for you. I would like to believe that my father is right here with me in this room and that he's my guardian angel, that there's life after death -- because if there isn't, why are we here? I don't believe that just flesh and bones can contain from the point of view of physics this very real recorded energy inside of us. Whether it's true or not, we need to believe it."

"I believe in a higher power...We've devalued everything worth believing in. Now we're tearing into religion. A line should be drawn. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) and The Da Vinci Code (2006) borders on that. I was glued to the book, but afterwards I thought, "My Lord, now we're tearing into God and our faith". Are we going to be turning into a reality show, too? I certainly hope not.

-Patrick Wayne Swayze

Breathing Room

2009-09-08T08:37:00.004-05:00

How would you like to have breathing room like this?

This is the Charleston garden of the late Emily Whaley. Isn't it perfect?

If you haven't had the pleasure of reading Mrs. Whaley's two books, go get them now. She reminds me so much of my grandmother.

Also, thank you all for your well wishes. I am feeling much, much better. A late summer flu is just no fun. Fortunately, I was able to get away to the country for the holiday--and the breathing room was just what I needed.

Where do you go to breathe? Do you have a favorite garden that inspires? I'd love to hear about it.

Watch out for it!

2009-09-03T18:00:00.001-05:00

This is how I've felt for the past 12 hours.

I'm better now and can actually type on the computer.

The FLU!

It hit me like a ton of bricks. You don't want it.

I don't know if it's the dreaded H1N1 or not, I just know you don't want the flu.

Like Mama always said, "Wash your hands, Doll".

Only in The South

2009-09-02T08:09:00.004-05:00

I saw this over the weekend.

I've lived in The South all of my life and never touched a piece of bologna.

Tell me, who eats this stuff?

Only in The South

Swoon

2009-09-01T07:25:00.002-05:00

Isn't this one of the most amazing headboards you have ever seen?

Atlanta Advice

2009-08-28T08:20:00.000-05:00

O.K., friends, if you only had 24 hours in Atlanta, where would you go shopping?

Now I know Mrs. Howard is on the list, it's a must do, but where else would you go?

Budget friendly would be great too. Any favorite consignment shops?

Quick, quick. Let me know your thoughts!

Rest & Rejuvenation

2009-08-27T07:33:00.011-05:00

thank you Cindy Rinfret

Have you ever noticed your bed seems to feel it's best in the morning,

when you have to get up?

That was certainly the case with me this morning.

I have had contractors in the house for two weeks now. I am so tired of it, but

I keep reminding myself that the more they are here, the more progress is made.

We have had electricians, plumbers, and landscapers this week. Sounds like a new house, doesn't it? It's not. It's old, just needing a little sprucing up.

The antiqued marble in the kitchen is wonderful. I adore the way it looks and feels. Unlike honed, "antiqued" has a bit of texture. I think I have finally found a countertop with warmth--even though it's rather light in shade. Once I can clear the tops of all the boxes and clutter, I'll have to show you a picture.

Until I can show you a picture of my kitchen, let me leave you with one amazing designer, Tammy Connor. She's definitely got calm, cool style.

Do you have big design plans for the weekend? Are you going to do any sprucing?

Have a restful and rejuvenating weekend everyone!

Marble and Mad Men-a good combo

2009-08-17T15:51:00.006-05:00

We are getting closer!

Just a sneak peak.

Wear and tear update too: I left coffee and catsup on the stone for a week. Not a problem.

I'm so impressed. Now, I wonder what red wine and blueberries would do?

More later...

Oh, and what did you think of Mad Men last night? Dick Whitman, when will you learn?!

Isn't Joan the best.

No, no, Southern Accents!

2009-08-06T21:27:00.002-05:00

I'm just sick over this!

Southern Accents is no longer going to be published.

The announcement was made yesterday that the September/October issue would be the last.

Scarry to think that I have copies that are almost this old. The magazine began in 1977.

Honestly, where will we turn now for great Southern interiors?

Really, I want to know.

Ideas, anyone?

Ugh. This just makes me sick.

____________________________________________________________________

On a brighter note, the Consummate Hostess has given me a kind award:

She thinks I'm a "Great Read" and I'm flattered.

Thank you, Consummate Hostess, you a great read too!

The Lincoln Kitchen?

2009-08-05T08:02:00.000-05:00

Well, not exactly the Lincoln kitchen, but I'm using the same marble.

Alabama White.

Isn't it lovely? After much debate, I decided that if I used anything else, I'd not be satisfied.

In a way, it's a "greener" kitchen because of the stone selection. By choosing a regional stone, not only am I supporting a local industry, but also reducing the consumption of fuels used in transportation. Don't you think we should all try buy local?

Here's the exact slab that we will have cut. It has an antiqued finish. It has a bit more tooth than honed and no shine at all.

We've had honed granite in another kitchen for almost 10 years. We've loved it. It shows nothing and truly seems indestructible. I say all of this because I've gotten used to basically not caring for it, other than routine cleaning. So, I was a bit concerned about selecting marble.

I did my research and decided to do an experiment on a honed sample slab. I sealed half of it with a stone impregnator. I put coffee, water, cooking oil, cranberry juice, and lemon juice on it.

On the unsealed side, the oil, cranberry and lemon were the worst.
The oil soaked in and appears deep. The cranberry and lemon etched
the surface, causing it to appear more matte than before.

On the sealed side, the lemon and cranberry were still problems. The lemon was the worst. Anything with acid will cause etching. It certainly appears that stains can be avoided by using a good impregnating sealer. Etching on the other hand, will happen with acids even on a honed marble--therefore, I chose the antiqued finish.

Any of you have experience with marble in a kitchen or bath? I'd like to hear about it. Even better, send me pictures!

Absolute Fantasy

2009-07-29T17:15:00.002-05:00