boys room

Cote de Texas is a blog I've been reading for ages. And with the arrival of another nephew this week, I have been admiring the recent Houston real estate listing that had just so many adorable, simple boys rooms. And the last one is from another home but I thought they incorporated such a unique bunk bed so well without looking saccharine. So glad she shared!

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unpainted inspiration

This space by Victoria Hagan is so crisp and simple yet entirely inspiring.

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koi pond

I've always loved koi. Even as a child I remember feeding the fish in my grandfather's garden. They're just so charming and relaxing. I'm loving these little pools and ponds, today.

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And one of my favorite koi ponds is at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis with a standing fish sculpture by Frank Gehry

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cleaning supplies

As we are starting to pack I'm finding I have purchased a lot of cleaning products that never get used. Since we can't ship these I'm wondering - what do I really need next time around? What can I go without? How can I be more organized so I don't lose track of an entire can of Bon Ami that's never been opened? What do you use?

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Nursing a sunburn today but it was worth it. We live near the beach. Normally my SPF works just fine but yesterday - well not so much! At least I saw a pod of dolphins playing and swimming right next to us. Worth the burn!

colored cabinets

Ever since my mother in law's decorator painted her cabinets a soft moss green I've been obsessed with colored cabinets. They're so unique and cheery! And a perfect example is in Southern Living’s 2011 Idea house.

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Loi Thai's blue kitchen, the perfect blue.

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Sunny beauty via Canadian House and Home

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Via House Beautiful, a lovely colonial blue

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And more, the whole spectrum!

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A more mod look, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick’s Bridgehampton, New York, house via Elle Decor or a splash of green via Belle Maison 23.

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concours d'elegance

We just attended the concours at Amelia Island. We've gone for a few years now and I love it every time. The weather is always perfect! Some photos to share - enjoy!


Horsehair stuffing, original

Steve McQueen and Jerry Seinfeld Porsche 917

Photos by me! Please credit if you borrow :)

it's a duesy

I have a lot of fun stuff to share tomorrow. For now, a preview.

architecture of a different kind

Recently we learned that we are about to become expats. I'm not the first (or even second or third) generation of expats in my family so I am, luckily, not terribly upset about moving overseas. I'm also not terribly excited, although perhaps I should be. Overall, I have a feeling of trepidation. I think my biggest fear is just that I will forget to do something on my list, lose a form or the movers will break something I treasure.


The funny thing about being an expatriate is that you almost forget who you are and the things you love. A large part of this is leaving behind hobbies that were your entire life, a perfect example for us would be horses. Instead of replacing old interests, you're just putting them on hold until you can return to your old self.

A friend of mine just returned to the States after being an expat in Italy for two years. She said that something that I thought very poignant. Even though your time overseas is a relatively short period, it leaves an indelible mark on your character and perspective. We've been living in the South in various places for six years now and honestly I've felt like an expat here. I didn't understand some of the idioms or some of the customs, I tried fried chicken for the first time (I can hear my mother lecturing me on fried foods), I ate grits (I still don't get these) and I even caught my husband saying, "y'all" once.

I've met a lot of really interesting people. For every person who was terribly mean because I'm not a local, there were two that were funny, kind and wonderful to get to know. I hope that I'll be able to keep some of the friends I've made. I know for people who don't move a lot, their experience comprises of their daily interactions, so not being local means not existing for many. But when your whole life is on the move, you treasure relationships.

When I started blogging, a blogger friend said something about how a blog is a highly personal account, sharing yourself and your experience with the world. I can't help but think that my tastes are probably going to change. The nature of my blog may change as I explore regional architecture. I've spent some time over there before. And luckily, in college I spent a couple semesters studying Japanese art history and architecture with a professor who does a lot of work with Met. So as a result, I'm really good at faking the accent. Hopefully I'll pick up the language quickly so I don't seem like this SNL skit for these next several years.

rental done right

I was looking through the Apartment Therapy archives and found this inspiring New Jersey apartment submitted by a reader called Christopher.

images from Apartment Therapy

unpainted inspiration

I really admire this chic bathroom redo by Cottage Farm. If you aren't familiar with her blog, you are missing out! Also, note how rental friendly this decor is, love it.

Image by Cottage Farm

doggy paddle

I've been obsessed with these photos by Seth Casteel all week - good for a giggle. A friend said he actually did some photos for her rescue a year ago, how great is that? I'm so enjoying his work. Have a great weekend!

tea lights

So loving this DIY inspiration from Martha Stewart and Jamali Gardens. Everyone has simple tea lights and any stationer has vellum, so pretty. Considering evening dinner party plans, what kind of party would these suit? A birthday, a shower, a wedding reception?

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unpainted inspiration

I am so enjoying the London apartment of Sofia and Niccolo Barattieri di San Pietro from Elle Decor. It doesn't look at all plain; the wall color is perfect for the space.

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a good read - libraries

On the heels of yesterdays look at some inspiring spaces, I found this book a while ago and it has been a coffee table favorite. The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World by Jacques Guillame includes the Library of the Institut de France in Paris, the Vatican Library in Rome, the Royal Library in El Escorial, Spain, and the New York Public Library.

libraries

I really find these cavernous libraries comforting. When we finally stop moving, our poor future realtor is going to have to find a house for my books. In the spirit, some inspiring reading rooms.

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Many images via Nantucket Youth, which always has great libraries!