Remembering

photo by Mario Testino

Twelve years ago today, the world was stunned to learn that Princess Diana had been killed in an horrific car crash in Paris. I count myself as one of the multitudes who was mesmerized by her seemingly perfect life marred by human frailty and flaw.
I've visited the tunnel at the Place D'Alma where Diana died - and like all shrines, it is eerie and tragic. All I could think was: Her poor children. She would be alive if this tunnel were in the U.S. (and she'd been treated under American emergency protocol), and Why wasn't she wearing her seatbelt?
Choices.
Rest in Peace, Diana.

Little Happies: Personalized Pillows

Found THE CUTEST personalized pillowcases on Etsy, that I just had to order for Avery. You can customize the colors, so I asked the designer to use the hot pink/navy combo I'm working for Avery's Big Girl room...

Couldn't resist one in the travel size - perfect for the long haul we'll be undertaking in a couple of weeks (pillow insert included for this size)

Top recommendations to this Etsy seller - her work and service were perfect!

Knock, Knock?

It goes without saying that first impressions are everything. I believe this is equally true of a home. When approaching a house with a ho-hum entry, all I can ever think is what a missed opportunity to wow visitors.
Grand doors may be expensive, and beautifully-staged landscape takes time to cultivate, but it takes little more than one's imagination and a fabulous paint color to create a memorable welcome via your front door.
In both of my previous neighborhoods, there were any number of homes with doors painted in colors that certainly reflected the owner's personality. Whenever I'd stalk walk by, I'd always wonder what the home's interior had to offer. Was it as interesting as the entry?

Don't you know the residents of this home are cheery and warm, perhaps willing to offer a stranger a cup of tea?

Or here, with this glossy black number, and the careful selection of hardware and potted plants. Surely this must be someone who dabbles in the creative world.

Shocking chartruese? Paired with indigo walls and kilim runner - they've definitely got me at Hello!

In case you doubt the power of a Red Door...

A painted door doesn't have to contrast to impress. This mossy-sage dutch door does a lovely job of becoming one with its surroundings.

Clearly, this owner understands the statement made by complementary colors. Deep violet against red brick, with lime green door decor. May I come in?

If you're in the market, it never hurts to have unbelievably gorgeous hardware, like Miles Redd.

I'm a pawn for all things hardware, and door knockers, kickplates, and house numbers are certainly no exception.

What does your front door say about you and your home? If it's an image you'd like to improve, I hope I've given you some food for thought - get thee to your paint store, and send before and after pics!

*pics courtesy of: sage going on green, kim vallee, UK house to home, Apartment Therapy, Young House Love, Erin's Awesome Blog, source unknown, We Love Domino, TripAdvisor

Cheeky

I would really love to have a bright and cheery brit-made SMEG refrigerator. The endless array of colors, and high-gloss retro look would keep my heart a flutter for many moments...even if it DOES have a rather unfortunate name ;)

All pics found on flickr - just search smeg fridge, you'll find 'em. Yes, feeling a little cheeky today!

Living well

Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin recently purchased the home adjacent to their current London abode, and are now in the process of connecting the two properties to make one, large manse. After renovations, the property will have a total of 33 rooms for their family of four. I imagine several of the shelter glossies will be lined up, waiting to feature the sure-to-be-fabulous interiors.
Wait a minute! Doesn't Gwynnie proclaim we all need to lower our carbon footprint, drive around in Prius' and such? Oh, I get it. That's for us, the hoi polloi... Sorry Goopers, I just call it as a I see it...

Last, but hopefully not least...

So, yes, many esteemed design-junkie blogstresses have posted their results to House Beautiful's Color Personality Quiz. Since I just received my September issue last FRIDAY, I'll cordially provide my quiz results as a last sigh to another lovely HB issue...

1. What's the first color you see in the morning? White Walls - think art gallery, matte white (but without a lot of cool art :(

2. What color are your eyes? Light brown (I like to think of them as the color of Tigereye)

3. What color do you wear the most? I wear all colors, but my "go to" is black.

4. What color do you never wear? Maroon! (Something inherent about being a UT alum, I suppose...)

5. What color do you wear when you want to feel sexy? Black (hey, it's slimming), or white - as in white shirt, great jeans à la Cameron

6. What color gets you the most compliments? Orange and Turquoise.

7. What color is your lipstick? I wear Chanel Glossimers in Blizzard - a rosy nude gloss - it's a bit pricey, but oh-so-worth it!.

8. What color was your living room when you were growing up? Cream and navy.

9. What color was your bedroom when you were growing up? White with a rainbow motif.

10. What color are your sheets? Beige paisley.

11. What color was your favorite crayon as a child? Seafoam green.

12. What color is your car? Silver.

13. What color was your prom dress? Red (with sequins!) - No photo to torture with - Too bad it was a lot more The Price is Right than Valentino...

14. What's your favorite gemstone? If we're talking colored stones, then Rubies (mine and Avery's birthstone) - But nothing beats out a diamond!

(Bit of Trivia: Natural, "pigeon-blood" rubies are increasingly difficult to come by due to legal restrictions placed on export by ruby-rich countries such as Burma (now known as Myanmar.) This is one of the world's largest Burmese rubies - generally considered the finest. Did you know Victoria "Posh" Beckam owns one similar? Damn thing likely outweighs her - just sayin'...)

15. What is your favorite flower? Pale blue, green or white Hydrangeas.

via CountryLiving

16. What color makes you happiest? Yellow.

source unknown

via littlegreennotebook

17. What color depresses you? Maroon.
Despite being an otherwise lovely room - this wall color is my idea of design hell.

18. What color calms you? Soft Celadon green.

HB via Decorpad

19. What color makes you grind your teeth? Maroon (again!)

20. What color would you like to try, but are scared to? None!
However, despite thinking all these hot pink numbers are fabulous, I'd definitely have a lot of convincing to do to pull something similar off!

from here

image from here

HB via inmyhouse

Hmmm...I'm not really seeing a consensus? I think my color personality, like my actual personality, is a bit mercurial...

Julia who?

Remember the little, retro kitchen I ordered for Avery? She has had a blast playing la petite gourmet - making us "taste" all the little morsels.

Check out that Buddha belly! You know what they say....Never trust a skinny chef! ;)

I haven't had a ton of success with the other baby or toddler cookbooks, but this one looks especially promising - might have to check it out for my budding foodie!

The Gastrokid Cookbook - Find it here

For Mr. Jana

After I posted the DD for Jana, suggesting she paint her walls kelly green, I received what I perceived to be a few askance glances...("Did she REALLY just tell her reader to paint her walls grass green?")
I thought maybe Jana could use a few more real-life visuals to share with hubster Ray to convince him just how fabulous this look can be!

via simply lovely

via Design*Sponge

Not part of the Skinny Bitch plan...

...But, ooooh so yummy! Homemade Brazilian pastels - savory, carne-filled pastries.