Can we talk design books?

Hello and happy Thursday to you! I hope you got to see my post over at Chic Coastal Living about my beach house, if not click here. Its worth seeing, moving on....... I love design books. I seem to have adopted the notion that you can never have enough. I have them in stacks all over my home. They are in my bedroom, living room, family room, kitchen and heck even in some bathrooms! I just love them and when I come across a really good one it becomes a "go to" reference.  Let's say I need new inspiration for how to style a table or console, or want to get window treatment ideas, whatever the case may be there are certainly those books that deliver over and over. I had to think about choosing my favorites because there are just so many good ones, but when I thought about the books I tend to revisit often, there were definite standouts. How about you? Do you too collect them? I would love to know your favorites!! Here are some of mine.....  

There are more...but these are wonderful standbys. Most I have had for years but with their timeless elegance that they have in common, they are never outdated and always feel like I am visitng "an old friend" when I open them up again. Filled with so many exquisite details, its like I am looking at them with a fresh set of eyes every time I open them! Now its your turn...tell me some of your favorite design books. There is always space for just one more book on my shelves so I am dying to know your faves.......enjoy your day!    Don't forget about my Mothers Day extravaganza giveaway, one of four fabulous prizes!! Click here for details and to be eligible...winners to be announced on Saturday!  

Late week random musings....

This is one of those long posts...consider this a forewarning. Grab another cup of coffee and "take five" (or ten) and enjoy.....

First things first, time to announce two lucky winners!!

Congratulations first to the winner of the  anchor raffia bag....

Result: 18

Nonna's loves.........April 17, 2013 at 8:48 PM

Tina
I think I have your shop memorized! And of course I have an extra long wish list. Give me anything in blue ad white, monogrammed or silver!
Absolutely love your aluminum alloy serve ware! They really put entertaining over the top.
Won your soaps at Christmas which are just beautiful and have the entire guest baths smelling great!
Could I possibly win again? Hate to be greedy but I hope so.
Exciting giveaway!
linda miller
south carolina

And for the monogrammed soaps.....

Result: 52

Castles Crowns and CottagesApril 18, 2013 at 6:47 AM

Good morning sweet Tina! I don't know how I am missing all the new posts that come up, but this is a divine one, and filled with such generosity. Bless you dear and beautiful Tina! Anita

ReplyDelete

Please contact me here to provide your shipping details!

Hello! How is your week going? Mine busy, busy busy. I haven't done a random musings post in a while so this is all over the place and filled with so many different topics, this will be it for the weekend so hope you enjoy it.  Can I just give you a all a huge thank you for your tremendous response to my "Can we talk about diets" post the other day? WOW.....I feel like I got so much great information/advice, I could almost launch an "Enchanted diet book"! I suspected that subject would get a lot of people talking but the response was like a crash course in how to lose weigh the right way. I cam away with so much good information and new tips which I took note of!  Thank you, I am inspired to keep on truckin' and really appreciate your amazing advice and insight!

Spring is in the air.......at long last and it has indeed put a little pep in my step. I have a lot of different things going on this week so each and every day has been chock full. I am hosting a small pre prom get together this weekend for my son and his group of friends and parents so am busy planning it out. Went to a few functions this week, a friend from out of town stopped in and in addition finally trying to get back to some of my design projects here in my home. Dining room, my bedroom, living room....there is PLENTY left to do!  Haven't done much so far but my wheels are starting to turn again. So here's my recap of whats been happening over in my corner of the world....

  MOST EXPENSIVE AND BEAUTIFUL HOME IN AMERICA! Want to see? It has long been one of my all time favorites and in fact inspired some of the details in my own home. It is nothing less than perfect. Here is the video but to me the pictures do it even more justice. Since they are copyrighted, I am not posting them here, but trust me they are soooo worth taking a look at. Here is the video in the meanwhile.....if you have an extra $125 million to spare, this can be yours! Can I be your first house guest (will consider it my finder fee and call it even lol) If you want to see all 328 of the magnificent pictures click here to visit Douglas Newby Associates website. It is worth taking a "coffee break" for...TRUST ME! Your coffee break just might turn into a wine break if you are like me and spent hours pouring over every little detail!  (As per Douglas' request, no copying of photographs though, they are just there to be enjoyed)! 

   DESIGN BOOKS. You know, by now that I am a design book junkie. I cannot get enough, pure and simple. One of my newest favorites is exceptional! I cannot stand when a gorgeous cover beckons you in only to find page after page of boring pictures...well that is not the case here, its a visual stunner of a book. Though some  images that I have seen before have been circulated,  seeing them in a big glossy way gives them a whole new spin. Sure to become a new "go to" book, Greenwich Style by Cindy Rinfret delivers.  Click here to buy on Amazon. 

 

 

   LOVE when I hear from my readers and speaking of gorgeous homes,  one of my readers was kind enough to show me her absolutely stunning home that she has just listed for sale. It is so beautiful. I asked her if I could share and hey, you never know you might be looking! Take a peek at her incredible home.... 

Gorgeous don't you think? So elegant and old world yet still very inviting. I can't imagine that someone isn't going to scoop this up and fast! If you are in the market for a spectacular home in the Lynchburg, VA area.....click here to visit the real estate site and see video/more pictures.  MOVIES. You know I get excited when there is one I cannot wait to see. Renoir looks AMAZING! I am so excited that I am seeing it on Sunday. Here's the trailer for anyone who might be interested, soooo beautiful, the scenery, the music, the costumes, I was so born in the wrong era!

     GET TOGETHERS.Having a small get together here on Saturday. I have spent the last day stressing because frankly I really was behind in putting the details together due to an insanely busy week. But at last I am determined to get it together today.  Doing appetizers,wine and champagne. Its for a short time and this is more for the adults than kids, who will be busy picture taking and checking out each others clothes (well the girls at least). Here's a peek at the start of my  "creative brainstorming" about what to set up, how to set up,etc..... 

 How pretty are these plates? They come assorted in 4's and I bought a huge lot of them, great for parties!

 And how about this beauty? Theres a story behind these......will fill you in later, but these are the plates I am using for my little get together on Saturday, also four patterns are part of the Newport Collection, they feel right "at home" in my house :)

 Getting some "ideas"....might set up the food/small bar in library as its an empty room with nothing but space

 And on Sunday had my husbands darling nephew wife and two precious little girls over for a casual Sunday dinner, it was somewhat last minute but such fun. I put some of my new "wares" to the test...and they meet my seal of approval!

 Recognize my new glassware and the beautiful new blue/white container?

 Love the newest container.....soon to be added to the online store!

 And no one could believe that the glasses were plastic! Love this line......

 I experimented with  my newest charger and I have yet to see a plate they do not look spectacular with!

 Can you say L O V E!!!!!!!

 Put lemon slices and fresh mint for  a spring-y pitcher of water, its the little touches that count:)

 Made some yummy brushetta and put them on my mini bavarian bread board, great piece for tapas

 Yes, that is a glass of wine to the left........it was well earned and one of my "special treats" of the week

 Breakfast room....favorite time of day and I love the lighting of my sconces

 You know me and my white flowers....just can't get enough, here they are on my center island

 Bought some plants for the front door and yep...you guessed it, white flowers!

  SHOP NEWS.....   The bell jars are one of my best selling items, perhaps also because I offer a deep discount. There is going to be a price increase effective April 30th so for anyone who has been thinking of purchasing them, its a great time to buy. The increase will be  nominal about 12% but is reflective of my vendors increase, I will still be a good 30% off retail. As always any questions...just ask!  

 And for those who didnt' know who have inquired yes the new melamine dinnerware is up and for sale..and its GORGEOUS!  I cannot wait to use mine:) Click here to visit online shop

  For anyone who had been interested in the trophy's I got in another 4 of each style...here they are. Email me here if interested. Once I confirm I can get regular stock they will eventually go in my online store.

Trophy A.  15" tall  $155

Trophy B.  13"5" X 15" $160.00 I am sure I could go on and on and on, but that's a wrap for now. I am going to be unveiling a little makeover for The Enchanted home early next week! It's so pretty and while not vastly different, its a fresh take on my style and I am loving it. I have Debby of Inspired Design to thank (not to mention for her kindness and extreme patience with my OCD tendencies). I want to say thanks for stopping in and seeing whats new in my little part of the world world. Secondly want to wish you a wonderful Friday and  finally hope you have one heck of a fabulous weekend.     

Late week musings and a giveaway!

Grab another cup of coffee...this is one of those long posts that is somewhat all over the place!!

Hi there and happy Friday..boy this week has flown. Woke up to another 5+ inches of snow with this latest system and its still coming down. School is closed and this is getting old. Very old.  I have tried to make it a productive week and have gotten some things on my very very long list of to do's checked off. Here is what I woke up to.....(took with my iPhone)

Despite the snow, I do feel excited knowing spring is on our doorstep, though to look outside, it is hard to imagine! I generally love the notion of spring cleaning, getting organized, really making a concerted effort to make a practical list of to do's and getting them done. Winter, I consider hibernation period (after the holidays that is). I cannot believe my online stores one year anniversary is on Sunday!! I am offering a giveaway today and another one on the actual one year anniversary on Sunday. All details on the bottom. Hope you have had a good week....so here's whats new here this week.......

A new blog I am just obsessed with. I think the pictures say it all. To me they represent heaven....this couple lives in the French countryside and seem to spend their time making the most beautiful meals, visiting local specialty markets, picking form their garden, playing with their kids and pups...sounds like a dream life! Baked chicken never looked so elegant...he is a photographer so every single picture is award winning. This blog makes me feel like I away in the country with them...just marvelous in every way!! Did I mention that every family member also looks like a model? Here's a quote that is commonplace on her blog...sends my senses in overdrive!  "Since I have been living in Médoc, it has become a habit of mine to cycle around. I enjoy buying my daily baguette and groceries, taking the scenic route through the forest. It is so rewarding to look at all the peaceful surroundings, saying bonjour to the local sheep, donkeys, horses and cows. It is often during these bicycle trips that I get inspired for a dish. Last Friday, I came back home with a big pack of sausages from my local charcuterie."   Heres a sampling of what is on the blog...click here to visit!

    Spring. I am soooooo longing for spring. More this year than ever before. Maybe because another snow storm has descended upon us. It feels like forever away. But in the meantime I am dreaming of beautiful clothes, light springy colors, soft fabrics....ahh I can feel it already. Here are some spring lovlies that I have my eye on.....loving this cutout/lace trend that I am seeing a lot of, and you?   Big fan of Delman shoes, own lots of their flats..these are just darling!

 

Adorable in pink too....

And really like this tote from Antropologie.....such a great neutral......

 Do these  have my name all over them or what? If I didn't have such a aversion to wearing heels (except when I m must) I would indulge.  Both styles from LK Bennet of London! Love them!!

 A new book. You know I love my books. I believe you can never ever have too many great design books and one which I preordered I know is going to be fabulous if her first book is any indication. I love Cindy Rinfrets style, her shop and design aesthetic. Her new book cover was calling me.  And finally, just finished Rules of Civility and I  have to say I really really enjoyed it. Enough to talk about it and recommend it! Click here to order Cindy's new book on Amazon. 

 

  Do you like products? I do and love discovering something new, even better when its new and awesome. I was at a store the other day and struck up a conversation with a fellow shopper who really looked like she knew her stuff and as it turns out she is a freelance makeup artist who has done a lot of work on some pretty major movie sets! If I wasn't hurried for time I would have stood there trying to get the lowdown on some of my favorite stars:) But one thing she did tell me about is a great line of makeup that apparently many "pros" and those in the know use...so you just know I came home and googled it and actually took the plunge and ordered some of the products. In case you are like me and a serial product junkie..heres the scoop! Judith August is known as the queen of covering up everything from everyday blemishes to rosacea. Click here to visit her site.  

 Any product called killer cover is a product I want to know about!   Also went trim/fabric shopping, I am such a kid in candy shop when I go textile shopping. Two of my favorite stops are Clarence House and Samuel and Son. The trims are sooo scrumptious! I am unstoppable when it comes to selecting beautiful trims.......its better than choosing hand dipped chocolates at a candy shop. Well, on second thought, almost as good:) Look how gorgeous these were at Clarence House...... 

 I am sure you can see why I was practically hallucinating!! Everything was sooo stunning! And here is what I came home with for my "living room table project".......

  Here is one of current projects (the table) and this  is what I am going for....

 And on the home front, hung these beautiful Trowbridge prints in my bathroom.....

Just added this beautiful green tole lamp on a small table...love it!

And added this stunning tole lamp to another table in my sitting room of my bedroom, also hung these pretty prints....

 And put my beautiful white cherry blossoms on this console.......

This is random and again I am sure I am especially drawn to this because I am really craving spring but isn't this a beauty.....the light blue isn't seen often and is so fresh looking

   And last but certainly not least...can you believe my online shop is going to be celebrating its one year anniversary on Sunday!!! I am amazed, excited and quite stunned that its been a year already! I am so incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement my readers have given. And to celebrate I am going to be offering a big giveaway on Sunday!! I am also very excited to be adding an entire new batch of gorgeous lamps to my lamps section, some beautiful new porcelains and some stunning new silver items! Have a look at some of what is to come....... 

   And all these beautiful lamps are now on my site, visit here.

     And some of the stunning new silver additions.....All the new scalloped pieces are all ovenproof and are the ultimate oven to table serving pieces!  I have owned serving dishes from this company for years and they go from the refrigerator to the oven straight to the dishwasher and add elegance to even the simplest of meals! (These will be added to my online shop by the weekend if not later today)

 Love this large scalloped serving tray

And this beautiful coordinating scalloped casserole dish

How about this absolutely gorgeous horsebit tray?

 And this very large scalloped casserole dish.......

   And finally the giveaway!  I will be offering up a giveaway today and another one on the actual one year mark, Sunday, in celebration. Today's giveaway is for this absolutely darling pair of mini blue and white Staffordshire dogs.......they measure about 6" and are sooo sweet!!  Who couldn't find a special place for this cuties! To enter just leave a comment here after visiting my online shop (click here) and telling me one item you would love to buy for your home (or yourself). Want a second chance....leave me a message on The Enchanted Home's facebook page, click here.  IMPORTANT- To my dear subscribers who often comment directly via email, this does not make you eligible for the giveaway. Instead when you get my post in your email box, CLICK ON THE TITLE OF THE POST, this will take you directly to my actual webpage. On bottom you will see "Kindly leave your comments here", you can sign in with google, just put your first name and last name initial or even sign in anonymously. Remember if you just use your first name please also include a last name initial. Thanks and good luck....... 

  So that is what is happening over here!! Hope you have a wonderful Friday, a great end to your week and thanks as always for stopping in to say hello:)