Having Fun with Holiday Decorating...

It's so easy to get caught up in all of the craziness that comes with the holidays but I'm one of those people that refuses to let it stress me out.  After all, this is supposed to be a time of celebrating and coming together right?  I always put my Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving and this year, I decided to buy a flocked tree.   I remember having a flocked tree when I was younger and we used to decorate it with colorful kitschy ornaments and multicolor lights.  That's the mood I'm in this year.  I wanted something that was fun, colorful and cheery.  I wanted to do something that was NOT traditional and not serious but more festive.  It all started on a trip to the Salvation Army last month.  I came across a beautiful black velvet skirt that had this gorgeous and colorful beading and detailing on it.  It was a full skirt that had this Mayan theme all around it.  It included the Mayan calendar, Mayan ruins, Mayan Indians, and an Eagle with a snake in it's mouth.  The pictures were a combination of hand painting and hand sewn sequins of every color.  It was beautiful and truly a piece of art.  I tried it on thinking this would be fun for a Christmas party but it was a little small.  I couldn't leave this so I decided to make it my Christmas Tree skirt.  This was the inspiration for my colorful tree.  I used this along with a few boxes of very colorful vintage decorations I got from my Grandmother who used to throw awesome parties back in the day.  These decorations I've had for a long time and most of them were never opened.  I'm so glad that I finally got to use these and although this tree is unlike any other tree I've ever done, it's colorful and festive and that's just the way I want it this year.  My girls love it and HH says it's a nice change. I wound up buying a few of those large shatterproof ornaments to fill in a few spots but that's it. However you decide to decorate for the Holidays, I hope it makes you feel festive and puts a smile on your face.  If you're tired of doing the same thing every year, consider changing it up by adding some over sized decorations or incorporate some non traditional items like old necklaces or scarves and tie them on the tree...  It's time to celebrate.  Have fun with it. 

 

 

 

Thrifting......Texas Style

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July.  I spent one day going to some out of the way places that I haven't been to in a while and I came across some booths that had great Texas Style. Where else can you find a HUGE assortment of vintage cowboy boots?   I loved this place. 

The detail work on this hand embroidered pillow is stunning.  Whoever did this was very passionate about it.

 

Let's see.... I'll take the tiger (kidding), the fringe jacket and the vintage brown Frye boots (not kidding).

Mickey looks right at home with all of these boots doesn't he?

 

How cute would this vintage radio flyer be in a little boys room or in a playroom?

 

Have a Happy Day!



Inspiration Space.......

There are so many beautiful homes out there but every once in a while, I come across a place that just feels right.   The home of Marie-Olsson Nylander is one of those homes. Taking a home from the 70's and filling it with unique pieces, she creates a home for her an her family that is warm and full of style.  With the white floors and light walls, every piece stands out and can be appreciated for what it is.  Who wouldn't love to live here? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chic Sheds.......

I decided last weekend not to work on any projects around the house but instead take myself to several home and garden tours.  I love these for the simlpe fact of seeing where other people live.  Even if it's not my particular aesthetic, I can appreciate all of the hard work and passion that goes into it.  The first tour was close and included homes in my area.  This tour was gardens only and did not include the inside of the homes. One of the homes on the tour was modest in nature but the backyard was particularly unique.  The man that lived there had built a tree house (respecting the tree of course) and also built this great greenhouse that really surprised me.  There was a lot of detail and charm put into this space and although the couple that lives here uses it primarily for plants, I thought it would make a perfect little quiet space for reading or relaxing.  It's the smallness of this little house that I like.  With the glass roof panels, I can imagine myself in there on a rainy day listening to the rain on the glass ceiling and catching up on my reading.  I guess it would be my grown up version of a playhouse.  Here are some pictures of the greenhouse that inspired me. 

 

The entrance.  Welcome to the greenhouse.

 

 

Love this chandelier in here.  I'll bet this looks so pretty at night.

 

Even though this is space is small, the height of the ceiling and the glass panels makes this space feel larger.  The light in here is so wonderful.

 

 

Here's a side view of the greenhouse.  The treehouse is just above it.  Two totally different architectural styles but it works.  It's a his and hers playhouse. 

 

Here's a look at the inside of the treehouse.  The door leads out to a little balcony.

 

The view from the treehouse balcony.  The bottle tree was made by the homeowners too. 

Below is another beautiful greenhouse turned glam getaway.  This is actually from my personal inspiration files.  This came out of Country Living Magazine from 2009.

 

It is very modest looking and blends in nicely with the garden.  Wait until you see the inside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, are you inspired? These little houses are so charming and intimate. I'm definitely keeping this on my want list.  Here are some books worth checking out if you want to see more. 

 

Available from Amazon.

 

Available from Amazon.

NOLA Style....

I love the mixings of architecture that are scattered throughout the south and Louisiana in particular has a vast array of styles that include French, Spanish, West Indies and Antebellum to name just a few. These influences come together and is reflected in the food, architecture, music and history that is uniquely New Orleans. It's Mardi Gras now and in honour of things french, southern and creole I thought I would share some new and vintage items that are sure to add some NOLA style to your space.

 

Old Mardis Gras Ticket.  It is for sale for $50 here. 

 

 

 

Reproduction French style wood turned chandelier. $450 at perch. 

 

 

Loving these silk satin cut velvet drapes.  These can be found at Perch in New Orleans.



 

Map of New Orleans Tray by Laurel Wilder.  Available exclusively from Hazelnut New Orleans.



 

"Cluster" by Christine Sauer

 

100 year old roofing tiles stamped with a fleur de lis.  $3 a piece from Craigslist.

Plantation Living Room from Vestiges of Grandeur: Plantations of Louisiana's River Road



Interesting look at this blend of French, Spanish and West Indies Architecture.  Through Amazon.