tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18887906318065627822024-03-05T06:03:04.978-05:00Acorn Lane Vintage LivingLifestyle and wedding blog inspired by all things vintage.Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-63221771572835198542014-10-01T11:40:00.000-04:002014-10-01T11:40:31.104-04:00Tuffets and boxes...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Trying to finish last minute gift items this week....but struggling with lasting flu aftermath...</div>
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I have a thing with boxes...cache pots, anything that will be the receptacle for my finds and trinkets I deem important....</div>
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...made this box to give to my cousin Mary...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZamVR0UTF-F5jCiLe4tEEGHalz3TVP09EMWkaA8IOP4RDxEaJ2UmDN6QEMGO7mmxY1RPUzbOoDGaVtfbNOPAnWPcM_tTlwkjTVoaajBwt_2m_EWJmjPK3PInTk3gxRUkg9Q8X09Tho1M/s1600/IMG_1833.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZamVR0UTF-F5jCiLe4tEEGHalz3TVP09EMWkaA8IOP4RDxEaJ2UmDN6QEMGO7mmxY1RPUzbOoDGaVtfbNOPAnWPcM_tTlwkjTVoaajBwt_2m_EWJmjPK3PInTk3gxRUkg9Q8X09Tho1M/s400/IMG_1833.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a> </div>
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...love old scrim and muslin, just torn and tattered instead of ribbon for the closure...</div>
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...... a little acorn stamp for the symbol of rebirth and renewal, seems to be necessary for what I need to leave behind at the moment....</div>
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Found this appropriate passage to recall the meaning of the season.....</div>
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....a beautiful photo I downloaded from the Graphic Fairy and inserted into a tiny gold leafed frame from my stash....everything was then antiqued with gesso wash.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2sfAu47BmOUE9ihp_7xw5eFr5C-_XRYhhhpjGuUEI_hHvk3VoMfj1YIgs4L2l7tK1fu23oU-1CFYkhb_15IO4_CKUqmmiGTqnriRI9vySEwJHERFtIMTni42gTtYIxSehmSSSBMEjNU/s1600/IMG_1524.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2sfAu47BmOUE9ihp_7xw5eFr5C-_XRYhhhpjGuUEI_hHvk3VoMfj1YIgs4L2l7tK1fu23oU-1CFYkhb_15IO4_CKUqmmiGTqnriRI9vySEwJHERFtIMTni42gTtYIxSehmSSSBMEjNU/s640/IMG_1524.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Several years ago when I had Acorn Lane, the shop, jewellery tuffets were one of the most popular items which we sold.....</div>
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They were a unique alternative for holding special treasures or jewellery....</div>
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It was also a great way for me to use up all the left over scraps of material and trims remaining from larger soft goods, such as pillows or upholstered pieces that we sold.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz5o-cRIb9GQeYqBZdyp6ZTEDi9YrME6CwOKIB2XEIl_H5ncYhLq5_tJKWYLW4O2NwQ-Mbsasobs57cx-0Ob76bKoeLJXog8YYqMoSR1VUUlx4CbHczRqSxLT5D1FZQ9SYZ33RpmhCI0/s1600/IMG_1845.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz5o-cRIb9GQeYqBZdyp6ZTEDi9YrME6CwOKIB2XEIl_H5ncYhLq5_tJKWYLW4O2NwQ-Mbsasobs57cx-0Ob76bKoeLJXog8YYqMoSR1VUUlx4CbHczRqSxLT5D1FZQ9SYZ33RpmhCI0/s400/IMG_1845.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a> </div>
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....some vintage bling looks lovely with the softness of the ecru fabric.....vintage swiss dot curtains which I collected in earnest then and now.... love the look for projects.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHXOhyfmyv3KlVHMNvQ59mnLqMVXYf0TXF7VRdrk4j9Zyk_FacZlzB08E8_zRiFFm3v-NMM9b0tgogyizzl8XOw8x1TOc8cGi0WEzrZxYxPIbzSDZtVJxOFoPwpDcykHDoI9lsasyfQI/s1600/IMG_1844.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHXOhyfmyv3KlVHMNvQ59mnLqMVXYf0TXF7VRdrk4j9Zyk_FacZlzB08E8_zRiFFm3v-NMM9b0tgogyizzl8XOw8x1TOc8cGi0WEzrZxYxPIbzSDZtVJxOFoPwpDcykHDoI9lsasyfQI/s640/IMG_1844.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a> </div>
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Vintage buttons, and lace and crochet scraps to embellish the top of the tuffet.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQlHkG6H7d-nrow7FvA3H0NkFPMhqOVYqSFXncwfFIbniMfNIilHua1lEcN_ML3f7fEvsYUeF6u3EENTFzJ_KJt2jLQevptuNV0IdUVMhGtLFwNq_tN6_yjvBuNKKsjX63wSSHqa-SLU/s1600/IMG_1842.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQlHkG6H7d-nrow7FvA3H0NkFPMhqOVYqSFXncwfFIbniMfNIilHua1lEcN_ML3f7fEvsYUeF6u3EENTFzJ_KJt2jLQevptuNV0IdUVMhGtLFwNq_tN6_yjvBuNKKsjX63wSSHqa-SLU/s640/IMG_1842.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a> </div>
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....more vintage bling.......</div>
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These sweet tuffets can also be made in a rectangular shape as well as in the round. They are interesting little frivolous necessities to give as gifts.......<br />
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......well, after laying in bed for most of the week, must attend to more pressing matters....<br />
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.....treats to bake, tree to trim and tuffets to finish.....</div>
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Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-15592527092736057962014-05-05T20:16:00.001-04:002014-05-05T20:16:37.352-04:00Changes.... <br/><br/><a href="http://www.fomola.com/blog/delete-a-blog-from-blogsy/"></a><a href="http://www.fomola.com/blog/delete-a-blog-from-blogsy/"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fomola.com/blog/delete-a-blog-from-blogsy/"></a><a href="http://www.fomola.com/blog/delete-a-blog-from-blogsy/"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RxoV8tSIPWw/U2gp4oPAALI/AAAAAAAAFlE/SxwaACCiB4I/s640/Photo%25252020140505201630.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.nellamiller.com" target="_blank" title="Changes"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RxoV8tSIPWw/U2gp4oPAALI/AAAAAAAAFlE/SxwaACCiB4I/s500/Photo%25252020140505201630.jpg" id="blogsy-1399335398184.0857" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="487" alt=""></a></div> <br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-9495114458795739352014-05-02T20:27:00.001-04:002014-05-02T20:27:59.648-04:00Derby DuressTomorrow, once again, the running of the 140th Kentucky Derby will take place at Churchill Downs.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8WwukBQl_v4/U2Q4BtW0xzI/AAAAAAAAFkc/yduYTCpKZMM/s640/Photo%25252020140502202744.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8WwukBQl_v4/U2Q4BtW0xzI/AAAAAAAAFkc/yduYTCpKZMM/s500/Photo%25252020140502202744.jpg" id="blogsy-1399076877956.3203" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="531" height="800"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cfFDnPf4PD4/U2Q4DEb1AeI/AAAAAAAAFkk/KZxggVVU6uw/s600/Photo%25252020140502202745.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cfFDnPf4PD4/U2Q4DEb1AeI/AAAAAAAAFkk/KZxggVVU6uw/s500/Photo%25252020140502202745.jpg" id="blogsy-1399076878004.2375" class="aligncenter" width="599" height="437" alt=""></a></div>Perhaps one of God's most glorious creatures will quicken our heartbeat, and elevate our blood pressure for little less than a few minutes. Who will win the Run for the Roses this time? Every year we celebrate with a Derby party, and all of us racing aficionados take turns hosting. A menu with Southern favourites is a requisite...I am bringing Bourbon Barbequed Ribs, as well as some version of a mint julep...best hat gets a mention, whether fashionable or just fun...<br/><br/>My picks are Hoppertunity, because my favourite jockey, Mike Smith will be riding, followed by Wicked Strong, Vinceremos, General A Rod, Danza and last but not least California Chrome, in no particular order..<br/><br/>After all it is a horse race! My husband and son, have been handicapping for days ! I just pick a winner, put together a superfecta and enjoy my mint julep! I hope you will tune in to watch the race and experience the excitement of race day! <br/><br/><p style="text-align: center;">N.xo</p> <br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-87378006746188563912014-04-25T18:05:00.001-04:002014-04-25T18:05:12.727-04:00Taking a seat....Finding the right chair for the right spot can drive one silly! I know when I was looking for stools for our kitchen island it took me months to find the right ones....they had to fit my decor, but above all else be comfortable. What type of occasional chairs would work in our open concept kitchen/great room? I knew that I wanted to have seating for as many guests as possible, but I didn't want it to look like an assembly! Plus, I was working on the idea, that I wanted to reuse as much of my existing furniture as possible after the renovation...that was the operative word...reuse!<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_6AhRiRQXgQ/U1rbXUEp5vI/AAAAAAAAFh4/cVXCMcsIIRs/s1024/Photo%25252020140425180150.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_6AhRiRQXgQ/U1rbXUEp5vI/AAAAAAAAFh4/cVXCMcsIIRs/s500/Photo%25252020140425180150.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463510909.942" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> I have owned this Henry Link wicker armchair for over twenty five years, here, in it's lovely nineteen eighty something, pink glory...in the background you can see the then dining room with the lovely floral Allison wallpaper....by RL... I loved that wallpaper..a little garish when it came to serving spaghetti in there ! All the ladies loved it, just like me...and here they are flanking either side of my fireplace at Christmas, prior renovation...I think wing back chairs are so versatile, and can be used in traditional to contemporary settings..<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UbuBhc27ol0/U1rbZQ2UrrI/AAAAAAAAFiA/Gcwrj71MdEI/s640/Photo%25252020140425180150.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UbuBhc27ol0/U1rbZQ2UrrI/AAAAAAAAFiA/Gcwrj71MdEI/s500/Photo%25252020140425180150.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463510979.8704" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SLdFX3-AHBc/U1rbdCYmvlI/AAAAAAAAFiI/yblwJJD1qJU/s1024/Photo%25252020140425180150.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SLdFX3-AHBc/U1rbdCYmvlI/AAAAAAAAFiI/yblwJJD1qJU/s500/Photo%25252020140425180150.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463510922.4548" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8VZWfPLJ03k/U1rbekmTmAI/AAAAAAAAFiQ/VeARf2xRdsw/s500/Photo%25252020140425180150.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8VZWfPLJ03k/U1rbekmTmAI/AAAAAAAAFiQ/VeARf2xRdsw/s500/Photo%25252020140425180150.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463510982.5652" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="621" height="829"></a></div> Here, they are repurposed for the garden room in natural cotton linen and a toss cushion in vintage fifties curtain fabric...I think good design is timeless, and I try to keep that in mind when I purchase anything .<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HFNfvxmAktA/U1rbhvmZaHI/AAAAAAAAFiY/mgbuVKP4ARk/s1024/Photo%25252020140425180150.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HFNfvxmAktA/U1rbhvmZaHI/AAAAAAAAFiY/mgbuVKP4ARk/s500/Photo%25252020140425180150.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463510916.1018" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div>Here, prior to the addition of accent cushions....They are perfect for just sitting and enjoying the garden views, and serve equally well as side chairs for dining...and they are very comfortable...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UWHQtKJCBbQ/U1rbkvhRGtI/AAAAAAAAFig/Tr5J8xt8Hz4/s1024/Photo%25252020140425180150.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UWHQtKJCBbQ/U1rbkvhRGtI/AAAAAAAAFig/Tr5J8xt8Hz4/s500/Photo%25252020140425180150.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463510957.6685" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> These bedroom chairs were in the master bedroom for years...with the original yellow damask from when I purchased them at an estate sale in West Palm Beach... The French provincial bedroom set also came from the same sale...I remember the daughters of the lady who had owned the furniture, the day of the sale, hushed, and saddened watching their Mom's precious belongings being taken away by strangers...I was to experience the same, many years later....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TBdaUiRmTJo/U1rbnTRlevI/AAAAAAAAFio/0OAxXCJlZoE/s1024/Photo%25252020140425180150.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TBdaUiRmTJo/U1rbnTRlevI/AAAAAAAAFio/0OAxXCJlZoE/s500/Photo%25252020140425180150.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463510941.6973" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div> Here is the beautiful, lemon yellow damask in perfect condition...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sB2on6NkjZk/U1rbpcLJIBI/AAAAAAAAFiw/uLEFw9o0E2M/s800/Photo%25252020140425180151.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sB2on6NkjZk/U1rbpcLJIBI/AAAAAAAAFiw/uLEFw9o0E2M/s500/Photo%25252020140425180151.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463510950.1418" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> I have had this green toile for a long time, squirreled away for just the right chair...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L7Mp6xFsMmE/U1rbsu062AI/AAAAAAAAFi4/A870kPUfdO8/s1024/Photo%25252020140425180151.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L7Mp6xFsMmE/U1rbsu062AI/AAAAAAAAFi4/A870kPUfdO8/s500/Photo%25252020140425180151.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463510986.2424" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> Here they are repurposed for the great room... <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NSIQ2wfA6EY/U1rbwO3Y2VI/AAAAAAAAFjA/2S7Vjn7jdDM/s1024/Photo%25252020140425180151.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NSIQ2wfA6EY/U1rbwO3Y2VI/AAAAAAAAFjA/2S7Vjn7jdDM/s500/Photo%25252020140425180151.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463510974.818" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div> I decided not to tuft them as they had been before...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HRlPndO-qu4/U1rbzv-AQhI/AAAAAAAAFjI/469dA7L2qNM/s1024/Photo%25252020140425180151.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HRlPndO-qu4/U1rbzv-AQhI/AAAAAAAAFjI/469dA7L2qNM/s500/Photo%25252020140425180151.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463510991.9568" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="454"></a></div> These slipper chairs, as they are known, are one of my favourites as well...I had the height adjusted for sitting in this room..<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5-sVfADpkRE/U1rb2memEiI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/GUuMvPCabkc/s1024/Photo%25252020140425180151.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5-sVfADpkRE/U1rb2memEiI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/GUuMvPCabkc/s500/Photo%25252020140425180151.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463510934.0298" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div>I also removed the skirts to maintain a simple, clean look. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aZZhjp93Sc8/U1rb5QVTaGI/AAAAAAAAFjY/ixCdXyJLpWg/s1024/Photo%25252020140425180151.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aZZhjp93Sc8/U1rb5QVTaGI/AAAAAAAAFjY/ixCdXyJLpWg/s500/Photo%25252020140425180151.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463511010.8547" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>This is a look at the master bedroom today...the little vanity stool came with the dressing table from the estate sale...still with the original fabric..I debated painting the the entire set, but decided to leave it as is...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UL5kTNBDeqs/U1rb8RaYX4I/AAAAAAAAFjg/RkU5Qw4IHjk/s1024/Photo%25252020140425180151.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UL5kTNBDeqs/U1rb8RaYX4I/AAAAAAAAFjg/RkU5Qw4IHjk/s500/Photo%25252020140425180151.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463510943.2363" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> Currently this petit point French armchair is replacing the yellow damask...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tyr5wT3Mwt0hM4tDbLg86NvpV6o_z4kaz-TG3mIbUDX1VdlUVNcEJ0FOzCmow1wqLz5f_ck6y7nGLmLk1JOisB2mE9rYwOjtQUmAnrFFSiDFcWxpI95IvH19_9_g1yYYkmAjm9LRmzU/s1024/Photo%25252020140425180152.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tyr5wT3Mwt0hM4tDbLg86NvpV6o_z4kaz-TG3mIbUDX1VdlUVNcEJ0FOzCmow1wqLz5f_ck6y7nGLmLk1JOisB2mE9rYwOjtQUmAnrFFSiDFcWxpI95IvH19_9_g1yYYkmAjm9LRmzU/s500/Photo%25252020140425180152.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463510981.2761" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> I hope to add some soft brown ticking and toile to this room to pull the chair together?? Thoughts? <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k_zMQmfi004/U1rcBREtFkI/AAAAAAAAFjw/awcAvv5e008/s669/Photo%25252020140425180152.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k_zMQmfi004/U1rcBREtFkI/AAAAAAAAFjw/awcAvv5e008/s500/Photo%25252020140425180152.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463511019.7175" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div>The etched French door leads to my closet....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-INPLBLR_Oss/U1rcCTQGZ7I/AAAAAAAAFj4/sncLk-f7F4c/s270/Photo%25252020140425180152.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-INPLBLR_Oss/U1rcCTQGZ7I/AAAAAAAAFj4/sncLk-f7F4c/s270/Photo%25252020140425180152.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463510978.424" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="393" height="555"></a></div>I am drawn to vintage chairs, they are generally better constructed, and have more generous proportions than newer ones, and the price point is better as well, because usually they need to be recovered...the photo above is unsourced, from my Pinterest boards...mixing fabrics with different textures is so appealing...<br/><br/> The lovely, Chloe from One Kings Lane has asked me to do a post on my favourite chair...thank you Chloe for your patience! <br/><br/>I was not compensated for this post. <br/><br/><p style="text-align: center;"> N.xo</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gruyZbQEmYg/U1rcFVKO9oI/AAAAAAAAFkA/6HQtkJ5RR0Q/s1024/Photo%25252020140425180152.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gruyZbQEmYg/U1rcFVKO9oI/AAAAAAAAFkA/6HQtkJ5RR0Q/s500/Photo%25252020140425180152.jpg" id="blogsy-1398463510955.2246" class="aligncenter" width="630" height="840" alt=""></a></div> <br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-43096043985742297872014-04-21T11:27:00.001-04:002014-04-21T11:27:08.320-04:00Details... I am hoping everyone had a beautiful Easter weekend...for the first time in my married life we ate out for Easter brunch! The jury is still out on that...I am still recovering from an upper respiratory infection and just felt it was the right decision for this time...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zU_jVmoYe9Y/U1U38xDW2xI/AAAAAAAAFfg/TAdfzJ1v1w4/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112317.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zU_jVmoYe9Y/U1U38xDW2xI/AAAAAAAAFfg/TAdfzJ1v1w4/s500/Photo%25252020140421112317.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028195.0679" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div> Due to my lower than usual energy level, finishing up with the small details I think are so important in home decor, things have been going slowly around here....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5vmp0JWrvyWeqTL2ZQ6iCzzm1y2jev_95Em2Qs0z9eqGw4FDasSwsZ0I4QCHdQ7QeGo2BzmDq3sgKc-Fao3y9im5yn1_4911D7hgnblDaJAg-6AToP0UsDNG6BjjHqGFGRUgenXkDPo/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112317.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5vmp0JWrvyWeqTL2ZQ6iCzzm1y2jev_95Em2Qs0z9eqGw4FDasSwsZ0I4QCHdQ7QeGo2BzmDq3sgKc-Fao3y9im5yn1_4911D7hgnblDaJAg-6AToP0UsDNG6BjjHqGFGRUgenXkDPo/s500/Photo%25252020140421112317.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028201.5798" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> I felt a sisal area rug would add texture to the mainly cream coloured decor of the walls and soft furnishings, throw cushions and such....and the hunt for a coffee table is still on...I would like to add green ticking fabric in these rooms, but green with a blue undertone is almost impossible to find...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kM1kkiSdjpc/U1U4DdAMVDI/AAAAAAAAFfw/3ZNmmZdBsOc/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112318.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kM1kkiSdjpc/U1U4DdAMVDI/AAAAAAAAFfw/3ZNmmZdBsOc/s500/Photo%25252020140421112318.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028221.8616" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div> In the meantime, out of necessity, I decided to cut down the base of an existing dining table stored in the carriage house and make it work for now...it is large, has an interesting shape and can accommodate a buffet of appetizers or any other food served on it...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtK_F1rCahsn4M82zClwJcF7KU4RpxFsIeqpr5OsDkWMwj1otcFpzOhoVbqg_ROb2v1t5hvPX5F85D1roHc8YvIvORalW3KK9hl5SW63eCxxqPP_buNLBzcF2YBox8p1iadomLqHa7EW8/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112318.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtK_F1rCahsn4M82zClwJcF7KU4RpxFsIeqpr5OsDkWMwj1otcFpzOhoVbqg_ROb2v1t5hvPX5F85D1roHc8YvIvORalW3KK9hl5SW63eCxxqPP_buNLBzcF2YBox8p1iadomLqHa7EW8/s500/Photo%25252020140421112318.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028214.0063" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div> It has a pretty base, I am liking it here for the time being...the rug is from World Market, soft, perfect colour tone and the right price! <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--gdxMlPyw8E/U1U4JUeR-eI/AAAAAAAAFgA/uyKefM28fEs/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112318.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--gdxMlPyw8E/U1U4JUeR-eI/AAAAAAAAFgA/uyKefM28fEs/s500/Photo%25252020140421112318.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028262.3484" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Dtk-CGHvvmI/U1U4NblZkEI/AAAAAAAAFgI/j_OFMl7gXeQ/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112318.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Dtk-CGHvvmI/U1U4NblZkEI/AAAAAAAAFgI/j_OFMl7gXeQ/s500/Photo%25252020140421112318.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028249.2312" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C8EqH2G7jFI/U1U4QYqZD1I/AAAAAAAAFgQ/kjHeYZbTBw8/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112318.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C8EqH2G7jFI/U1U4QYqZD1I/AAAAAAAAFgQ/kjHeYZbTBw8/s500/Photo%25252020140421112318.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028286.7268" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> I did very little in the way of Easter decorations, but added a few little details to existing groupings..<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-esRn9xjDGQs/U1U4TbFQS7I/AAAAAAAAFgY/9QZnYPS-dbs/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112318.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-esRn9xjDGQs/U1U4TbFQS7I/AAAAAAAAFgY/9QZnYPS-dbs/s500/Photo%25252020140421112318.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028275.5254" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> I am liking the addition of more blue, with Spring and Summer around the corner...reminds me of robin's eggs...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ61z3bA2FvHP68wjJ-Aviw-JKc3dGoTuAr9hjiZGd0NLQ4Vf9y3yeHIAcua4gdN9FdybyAzN8GleriMtx8NlVXhXx7JAUqiMN3WEOjYMK2nOkqyuPm7a7d8yy4H6JSIOiniKHD4LZK7o/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112318.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ61z3bA2FvHP68wjJ-Aviw-JKc3dGoTuAr9hjiZGd0NLQ4Vf9y3yeHIAcua4gdN9FdybyAzN8GleriMtx8NlVXhXx7JAUqiMN3WEOjYMK2nOkqyuPm7a7d8yy4H6JSIOiniKHD4LZK7o/s500/Photo%25252020140421112318.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028291.8044" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> The bird's nest in this little grouping was found at my Mother's grave, the very first Morher's Day after she died..it had two perfect blue robin's eggs in it...my Mother only had the two of us, my sister Micki and me...I have used it in all my holiday decorations since I found it there...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l3FHMdBuur8/U1U4aBAlU6I/AAAAAAAAFgo/t2YF_7uQtxw/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112318.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l3FHMdBuur8/U1U4aBAlU6I/AAAAAAAAFgo/t2YF_7uQtxw/s500/Photo%25252020140421112318.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028205.4211" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div> The lovely, and delicious shortbread chicks and eggs were an Easter gift from Micki...they are enrobed in white chocolate and are as delicious as they are beautiful....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hmm_LtlB3pY/U1U4dSAtGDI/AAAAAAAAFgw/jMgYiigop50/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112319.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hmm_LtlB3pY/U1U4dSAtGDI/AAAAAAAAFgw/jMgYiigop50/s500/Photo%25252020140421112319.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028273.9446" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7jhq4oly6Tw/U1U4gcFq5xI/AAAAAAAAFg4/tz3vH-JonN0/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112319.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7jhq4oly6Tw/U1U4gcFq5xI/AAAAAAAAFg4/tz3vH-JonN0/s500/Photo%25252020140421112319.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028264.4343" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> These bird candle sconces have been in my home for a long time...I decorate them according to the seasons...here some club moss and small ivies....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nDuLwTgamLA/U1U4jGaqiUI/AAAAAAAAFhA/OH0Sn4Ma5as/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112319.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nDuLwTgamLA/U1U4jGaqiUI/AAAAAAAAFhA/OH0Sn4Ma5as/s500/Photo%25252020140421112319.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028206.8662" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div> ...,a view from the garden/ breakfast room into the great room/kitchen.......<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BABCvZuUPpw/U1U4mGpESfI/AAAAAAAAFhI/Zg8I0zWQqiw/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112319.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BABCvZuUPpw/U1U4mGpESfI/AAAAAAAAFhI/Zg8I0zWQqiw/s500/Photo%25252020140421112319.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028286.6904" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> I like to combine rough, simple objects with more luxe ones....like this Chinese export china tureen, with my rusty, painted, tin sap buckets....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wVRKuvTtvNc/U1U4o6GSNkI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/UgYrtxGsZ5I/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112319.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wVRKuvTtvNc/U1U4o6GSNkI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/UgYrtxGsZ5I/s500/Photo%25252020140421112319.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028265.2434" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6f3eC-tuW8s/U1U4sRTMfLI/AAAAAAAAFhY/S1ZfEPkFDAM/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112319.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6f3eC-tuW8s/U1U4sRTMfLI/AAAAAAAAFhY/S1ZfEPkFDAM/s500/Photo%25252020140421112319.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028249.6018" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> I have to find a home for this large, turkey transferware platter...in the meantime, it is just out on the breakfast room table, where I can look at it every day.....enjoying it's beauty.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z3hqGyaZsow/U1U4vBrFE1I/AAAAAAAAFhg/E5gJ13RLWYI/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112319.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z3hqGyaZsow/U1U4vBrFE1I/AAAAAAAAFhg/E5gJ13RLWYI/s500/Photo%25252020140421112319.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028234.162" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div> Small details are important for adding interest and personality to my home...perhaps being a Virgo and my penchant for symmetry and order are part of it...I just know I can spend hours on small details, others find insignificant and possibly, not even notice ! I hope to plant the jasmine vine in the garden, as soon as the weather warms up....In the meantime, new things are happening here at Acorn Lane....my business is growing in a new direction, which I will share as soon as it is completed....<br/><br/><p style="text-align: center;">N.xo</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cmdk8dqQ6mU/U1U4yXXj_KI/AAAAAAAAFho/366_kAo_-uc/s1024/Photo%25252020140421112319.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cmdk8dqQ6mU/U1U4yXXj_KI/AAAAAAAAFho/366_kAo_-uc/s500/Photo%25252020140421112319.jpg" id="blogsy-1398094028241.0469" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div> <br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-27847580731114451872014-04-18T09:18:00.001-04:002014-04-18T09:18:06.600-04:00Easter Joy.... Wishing all my dear readers a Happy Easter.....May this holy, joyous week, find you happy, healthy and anticipating the joys of Spring....N.xo<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Sj9zdvOptI/U1EmCilP_qI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/LuxSLhqSm_c/s329/Photo%25252020140418091800.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Sj9zdvOptI/U1EmCilP_qI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/LuxSLhqSm_c/s329/Photo%25252020140418091800.jpg" id="blogsy-1397827085648.7312" class="aligncenter" width="417" height="549" alt=""></a></div> <br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-61783947361490478102014-04-10T14:54:00.001-04:002014-04-10T14:54:59.702-04:00Fashion forward...or not? I have never really, expressed or exercised my opinion here on the blog about fashion....it seems such a personal, individual thing for most women, but it seems so many if us are judged by how we look or what we wear....Annie Liebovitz, a preeminent photographer of our time is taking a different approach to her portrayal of women....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-suFlYS66y94/U0bowdP5A4I/AAAAAAAAFcs/Sj7L61bGR1c/s447/Photo%25252020140410145349.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-suFlYS66y94/U0bowdP5A4I/AAAAAAAAFcs/Sj7L61bGR1c/s447/Photo%25252020140410145349.jpg" id="blogsy-1397156098328.2312" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="384" height="581"></a></div> " I didn't want to let women down...One of the stereotypes I see breaking down is the idea of aging and older women not being beautiful..." <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1ZzBqZToy5I/U0boxUjK-LI/AAAAAAAAFc0/piNCKZCwjS8/s480/Photo%25252020140410145349.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1ZzBqZToy5I/U0boxUjK-LI/AAAAAAAAFc0/piNCKZCwjS8/s480/Photo%25252020140410145349.jpg" id="blogsy-1397156098353.342" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="561" height="406"></a></div> It's ironic, how as time marches on and we see inevitable changes in our faces and bodies, in my mind, I still think like I did in my thirties! My list of to do things hasn't shortened, and I still have so many dreams to fulfill, both personally and professionally....but do younger women view us as the great contributors that we see ourselves as....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SRtuB3jV-tc/U0boyfLv5zI/AAAAAAAAFc8/C3nrTGv7xgs/s322/Photo%25252020140410145349.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SRtuB3jV-tc/U0boyfLv5zI/AAAAAAAAFc8/C3nrTGv7xgs/s322/Photo%25252020140410145349.jpg" id="blogsy-1397156098307.8853" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="543" height="501"></a></div> I find that in my particular field of wedding design, the majority of my clients are much younger than I am, so it is very important to me to stay current, and engaged in all aspects, so that these young women can view us as peers, or perhaps even better as mentors! <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fsVhYxsRuNc/U0bozWQFS3I/AAAAAAAAFdE/87apxJ4frqU/s236/Photo%25252020140410145349.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fsVhYxsRuNc/U0bozWQFS3I/AAAAAAAAFdE/87apxJ4frqU/s236/Photo%25252020140410145349.jpg" id="blogsy-1397156098328.5522" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="323" height="397"></a></div> So of course, the best way to do this is keep current in how we look....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuLXr7k9xG1XijCuiLoidPwgXFN4Qn8hrE9kPTtHonHIAzMh4peE8wjMAXDknY5HvHtEfjjve7PvP-8ES61FnYmQXMBYuYTCOcDgF0srDzCQDfamIec3rDAmmbBvE72KRHcEg7wp28HQ/s700/Photo%25252020140410145349.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuLXr7k9xG1XijCuiLoidPwgXFN4Qn8hrE9kPTtHonHIAzMh4peE8wjMAXDknY5HvHtEfjjve7PvP-8ES61FnYmQXMBYuYTCOcDgF0srDzCQDfamIec3rDAmmbBvE72KRHcEg7wp28HQ/s500/Photo%25252020140410145349.jpg" id="blogsy-1397156098310.103" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="614" height="903"></a></div> My fashion philosophy is the same as my approach to design, simple, classic and timeless...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q5-0pXS74cc/U0bo10CJS8I/AAAAAAAAFdU/Ht4ZbGUAWRg/s1024/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q5-0pXS74cc/U0bo10CJS8I/AAAAAAAAFdU/Ht4ZbGUAWRg/s500/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" id="blogsy-1397156098393.3237" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="1224"></a></div> What you will find me in during cool weather, during the day....I live in tights, wool sweaters and boots...<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CJ4mBpJjmRs/U0bo23opFfI/AAAAAAAAFdc/kMsu6dU2Fwk/s480/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CJ4mBpJjmRs/U0bo23opFfI/AAAAAAAAFdc/kMsu6dU2Fwk/s480/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" id="blogsy-1397156098398.7698" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="416" height="624"></a></div> If I have a meeting or dinner in the evening, this is my outfit of choice...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OqgFCIJJwFs/U0bo30GoC7I/AAAAAAAAFdk/UA45SxIBm_Q/s600/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OqgFCIJJwFs/U0bo30GoC7I/AAAAAAAAFdk/UA45SxIBm_Q/s500/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" id="blogsy-1397156098325.4507" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="518" height="780"></a></div> Adding a beautiful blouse, or dressy jacket for more formal occasions...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-peiSKesyuJc/U0bo5dBqsuI/AAAAAAAAFds/4aMK_yAL7F4/s750/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-peiSKesyuJc/U0bo5dBqsuI/AAAAAAAAFds/4aMK_yAL7F4/s500/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" id="blogsy-1397156098330.9475" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="974"></a></div> ....as dressy as it gets for me...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-G19iG8jON6M/U0bo6VqEUgI/AAAAAAAAFd0/JPG7UEoJUjc/s400/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-G19iG8jON6M/U0bo6VqEUgI/AAAAAAAAFd0/JPG7UEoJUjc/s400/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" id="blogsy-1397156098352.225" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="390" height="520"></a></div> My hair cut...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6_odKu-7CLA/U0bo7WAT_UI/AAAAAAAAFd8/dwRaSYVxOtE/s236/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6_odKu-7CLA/U0bo7WAT_UI/AAAAAAAAFd8/dwRaSYVxOtE/s236/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" id="blogsy-1397156098370.9263" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="306" height="202"></a></div> Shoes with a sensible heel...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZcV3PYuJ3_c/U0bo9k5xk_I/AAAAAAAAFeE/uabl4x9syQs/s700/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZcV3PYuJ3_c/U0bo9k5xk_I/AAAAAAAAFeE/uabl4x9syQs/s500/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" id="blogsy-1397156098400.586" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="757"></a></div> And some bling...for fun! <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-S1LD0P-Qop8/U0bo-s_VwbI/AAAAAAAAFeM/mWJb2BUlolA/s236/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-S1LD0P-Qop8/U0bo-s_VwbI/AAAAAAAAFeM/mWJb2BUlolA/s236/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" id="blogsy-1397156098330.0625" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="306" height="306"></a></div> ....and a bag to set everything off! There you have it......how I try to stay on top of things in this crazy fashion world!! <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kLVTV6lJAqE/U0bo_lxlfKI/AAAAAAAAFeU/Gwyh5wIaqjo/s250/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kLVTV6lJAqE/U0bo_lxlfKI/AAAAAAAAFeU/Gwyh5wIaqjo/s250/Photo%25252020140410145350.jpg" id="blogsy-1397156098338.861" class="aligncenter" width="416" height="339" alt=""></a></div> I just had to include this photo from my Pinterest board...I love it! The freedom that comes with age...devil may care, je ne sais quoi, thumbing your nose to fashion, convention and stereo types...I bet it feels good!<br/><br/><p style="text-align: center;">N.xo</p> <br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-52415984798052792412014-04-08T15:22:00.001-04:002014-04-08T15:22:46.920-04:00Terrace pots for the shade... With Spring shuffling it's feet, and the weather still far from Spring like, I have been giving quite a bit of thought to the garden...right now, it looks pretty desolate, brown and dingy and still covered in winter debris...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AoI8w3LEL9s/U0RLZlH1u8I/AAAAAAAAFaU/13r2OWZ4JEc/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151739.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AoI8w3LEL9s/U0RLZlH1u8I/AAAAAAAAFaU/13r2OWZ4JEc/s500/Photo%25252020140408151739.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964013.3071" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="631" height="842"></a></div> This is a corner of our front porch several years ago, prior to the renovation...you can see the ivy growing up the grey pillar...and a wisp of wisteria vine hanging in the forefront of the photo, from the other pillar...<br/><br/>Those pillars were replaced with white, square ones, and of course, the vines were ripped down as well...I was not happy!<br/><br/>My Mom always said.." In order to gain something, something must be forfeited! ". So the beauty of a new front porch necessitated the loss of the vines...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jszK8kVIgXg/U0RLdj_2i0I/AAAAAAAAFac/wLxNWk-YEo8/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151739.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jszK8kVIgXg/U0RLdj_2i0I/AAAAAAAAFac/wLxNWk-YEo8/s500/Photo%25252020140408151739.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964036.1504" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="643" height="858"></a></div> The ivy growing up the brick wall in the background, took years to establish..it too met it's demise, when new, larger windows were added to the front bedrooms...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AX6ZENTAQac/U0RLhne7j8I/AAAAAAAAFak/Uy2S1GmnJVM/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151739.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AX6ZENTAQac/U0RLhne7j8I/AAAAAAAAFak/Uy2S1GmnJVM/s500/Photo%25252020140408151739.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964067.9353" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="611" height="816"></a></div> The front of the house, faces north, and receives very little, if no sun, so my plant options here for pots and urns is very limited....ferns, mosses, ivy...the limitations of gardening in the shade. But it has it's rewards...beautiful texture and depth can be achieved with the same results as sun loving plants...so, on this rainy, cool Spring day, I thought I would share some of my terrace pots...grown in the shade..<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A2x1OBQRozM/U0RLl0Vo-mI/AAAAAAAAFas/qPtObtOA1-k/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151740.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A2x1OBQRozM/U0RLl0Vo-mI/AAAAAAAAFas/qPtObtOA1-k/s500/Photo%25252020140408151740.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964065.623" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="602" height="804"></a></div> Maidenhair ferns with white morning glory vine on a crown trellis...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PdYaGt1wiUg/U0RLpxFbpHI/AAAAAAAAFa0/zF10s_BoPMM/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151740.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PdYaGt1wiUg/U0RLpxFbpHI/AAAAAAAAFa0/zF10s_BoPMM/s500/Photo%25252020140408151740.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964086.6938" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="616" height="822"></a></div> Maidenhair ferns, caladiums and white baucopa, a flowering filler which tolerates the shade well...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qFOzLoMyGc4/U0RLua09t7I/AAAAAAAAFa8/wyMnN6AiWWI/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151740.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qFOzLoMyGc4/U0RLua09t7I/AAAAAAAAFa8/wyMnN6AiWWI/s500/Photo%25252020140408151740.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964044.1848" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> A grouping of shade loving companion planters... <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5R4yjSbtqZYSXJFVM8h_iOtK_YhyViG1Lf8X3c4ir7kWkWScTkCqiXmfuCsJiZVTu97wMD49POcOvYzoNpTo5NJHB41lCroTLT2c-KH9GNkZAVsz13QaBtuDerzCTvsEFEfZGmOXvrw/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151740.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5R4yjSbtqZYSXJFVM8h_iOtK_YhyViG1Lf8X3c4ir7kWkWScTkCqiXmfuCsJiZVTu97wMD49POcOvYzoNpTo5NJHB41lCroTLT2c-KH9GNkZAVsz13QaBtuDerzCTvsEFEfZGmOXvrw/s500/Photo%25252020140408151740.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964048.3472" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="627" height="836"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Rp0hwqJ0d28/U0RL11ndQ1I/AAAAAAAAFbM/pK37GOf5vPE/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151740.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Rp0hwqJ0d28/U0RL11ndQ1I/AAAAAAAAFbM/pK37GOf5vPE/s500/Photo%25252020140408151740.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964050.0698" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div> Reindeer moss, one of my favourites...with moss growing on the planter..<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TgJLpaVxwp4/U0RL6fyMy5I/AAAAAAAAFbU/_osx5uLX2uQ/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151740.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TgJLpaVxwp4/U0RL6fyMy5I/AAAAAAAAFbU/_osx5uLX2uQ/s500/Photo%25252020140408151740.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964054.5632" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="602" height="804"></a></div> Early Spring last year...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7nqJJteIf8U/U0RL-x1ndCI/AAAAAAAAFbc/z82dntIBR_8/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151740.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7nqJJteIf8U/U0RL-x1ndCI/AAAAAAAAFbc/z82dntIBR_8/s500/Photo%25252020140408151740.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964012.5337" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="646" height="863"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C1NRJoyI4AY/U0RMDNeE7vI/AAAAAAAAFbk/0EQ_9yGPqCI/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151741.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C1NRJoyI4AY/U0RMDNeE7vI/AAAAAAAAFbk/0EQ_9yGPqCI/s500/Photo%25252020140408151741.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964036.6511" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="618" height="824"></a></div> I prefer cast concrete or cast iron urns in my garden, the texture works well for the rustic woodland setting..this front door pedestal urn was planted with green calla lily, maidenhair ferns, moss and ivy.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0qaSU4bRnZ4qHNN04aSHaoU6gM9yctZl9joV5xGS0rGK1QCUl7-976SHjcMscFGJZbpMuMLcSLLK3dMGhqp62tZc8ZN3cPQfKrBRtC85FKT1Rm8aclmXTSU16wCQEDlk-y_7sEpeq1M/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151741.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0qaSU4bRnZ4qHNN04aSHaoU6gM9yctZl9joV5xGS0rGK1QCUl7-976SHjcMscFGJZbpMuMLcSLLK3dMGhqp62tZc8ZN3cPQfKrBRtC85FKT1Rm8aclmXTSU16wCQEDlk-y_7sEpeq1M/s500/Photo%25252020140408151741.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964051.948" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="636" height="848"></a></div> Early Spring, last year..the pot in the foreground was originally terracotta, but I added a grey paint and wash to it....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NJei6f__5Gk/U0RMLv23y7I/AAAAAAAAFb0/xFzezW-9d3Q/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151741.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NJei6f__5Gk/U0RMLv23y7I/AAAAAAAAFb0/xFzezW-9d3Q/s500/Photo%25252020140408151741.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964028.335" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6Ul1kcaLOXw/U0RMPvMiGkI/AAAAAAAAFb8/VZB5tF8kBu0/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151741.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6Ul1kcaLOXw/U0RMPvMiGkI/AAAAAAAAFb8/VZB5tF8kBu0/s500/Photo%25252020140408151741.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964103.7258" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EssDUyIlw80/U0RMT_KwkOI/AAAAAAAAFcE/uadsaX4u3oI/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151741.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EssDUyIlw80/U0RMT_KwkOI/AAAAAAAAFcE/uadsaX4u3oI/s500/Photo%25252020140408151741.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964072.6545" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div> The only southern exposure in the garden...filtered sun and dappled shade...taken in early afternoon..<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CGH07DkF-RA/U0RMYFUGEgI/AAAAAAAAFcM/WzcgEd6v_L8/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151741.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CGH07DkF-RA/U0RMYFUGEgI/AAAAAAAAFcM/WzcgEd6v_L8/s500/Photo%25252020140408151741.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964080.7175" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A planter potted with jasmine topiary and variegated ivy, rounding a corner by the garage...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><a href="http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1hd_J5fg6AVr9XN2tcOpRIt_GlmA9L2rJ5rErYYDaphoH8tjA4ynmHJEhBTUWMJrJVTnL9g7e_SKTZwjkXsDtaNqSiUQnYX7amPsL-fTjR1dbY2Wd0pZ7b5L7JUnGL1uJ8tmH9MTtgQ/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151741.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1hd_J5fg6AVr9XN2tcOpRIt_GlmA9L2rJ5rErYYDaphoH8tjA4ynmHJEhBTUWMJrJVTnL9g7e_SKTZwjkXsDtaNqSiUQnYX7amPsL-fTjR1dbY2Wd0pZ7b5L7JUnGL1uJ8tmH9MTtgQ/s500/Photo%25252020140408151741.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964035.792" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="642" height="856"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_gBvXuskEQY/U0RMg3FPsxI/AAAAAAAAFcc/cDklyxek04I/s1024/Photo%25252020140408151742.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_gBvXuskEQY/U0RMg3FPsxI/AAAAAAAAFcc/cDklyxek04I/s500/Photo%25252020140408151742.jpg" id="blogsy-1396984964072.43" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="867" alt=""></a></div> Ferns are a mainstay in the shade garden, and in this photo, late afternoon sun on the upper terrace, gives new dimension to the garden...<br/><br/>If you have shade to garden with, the possibilities for combining interesting elements in pots and beds is really not as limiting as you might think...<br/><br/>A great reference book for gardening in the shade, which has been a wonderful source of inspiration and information for me is..The Natural Shade Garden by Ken Druse...still available on Amazon...<br/><br/><p style="text-align: center;">N.xo</p> <br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-20812286182436336702014-03-10T19:56:00.001-04:002014-03-10T19:56:29.085-04:00The Birding Life One of the sure signs of Spring, is the return of the beautiful birds that inhabit our woods...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fEpB9SCretc/Ux5Q4qjB96I/AAAAAAAAFYA/HXPsRt936PM/s749/Photo%252520Mar%2525208%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525209%25253A38%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fEpB9SCretc/Ux5Q4qjB96I/AAAAAAAAFYA/HXPsRt936PM/s500/Photo%252520Mar%2525208%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525209%25253A38%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789108.7625" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="596" height="893"></a></div>
....although we have numerous Morning doves, I have never seen the likes of the beauties above...the photo, an uncredited source from Pinterest....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lN6Jd0MGtPM/Ux5Q525JvFI/AAAAAAAAFYI/qpnWdwhV-7M/s640/Photo%252520Mar%2525207%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A59%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lN6Jd0MGtPM/Ux5Q525JvFI/AAAAAAAAFYI/qpnWdwhV-7M/s500/Photo%252520Mar%2525207%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A59%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789096.2932" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="547" height="972"></a></div>
Birds, cages, aviaries...they all intrigue me, and I use these motifs from Nature in my home decor if I can, as well as outdoors in the garden...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BAUlNaZtiNc/Ux5Q686ylHI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/72qS6ySWOo0/s550/Photo%252520Aug%25252018%25252C%2525202008%25252C%2525203%25253A57%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BAUlNaZtiNc/Ux5Q686ylHI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/72qS6ySWOo0/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252018%25252C%2525202008%25252C%2525203%25253A57%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789090.4524" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="360"></a></div>
....this is a plan I have for building a dovecote...sometime in the future...I think I can adapt it to work with a house we built for our last pup, Tukk...although he is gone his doggie abode is still in the garden...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dD4J27NUrcI/Ux5Q8NynunI/AAAAAAAAFYY/gDtZtuIOy34/s1024/Photo%252520May%25252024%25252C%2525202011%25252C%25252012%25253A52%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dD4J27NUrcI/Ux5Q8NynunI/AAAAAAAAFYY/gDtZtuIOy34/s500/Photo%252520May%25252024%25252C%2525202011%25252C%25252012%25253A52%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789116.2634" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="593" height="791"></a></div>
It has weathered nicely, and the vintage tin roof tiles have acquired a very nice patina....Tukk, loved his house, and took to it as soon as we placed it in the garden...<br/><br/>...I think I can make this little "garden folly " work in my birding dreams !! My husband may have a different idea...he just isn't as interested as I am on this one!! <br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mdAmj5rsvIg/Ux5Q9Soh7iI/AAAAAAAAFYg/GdAPbfANJ_M/s1024/Photo%252520Jul%25252012%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525206%25253A55%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mdAmj5rsvIg/Ux5Q9Soh7iI/AAAAAAAAFYg/GdAPbfANJ_M/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252012%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525206%25253A55%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789059.871" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="642" height="856"></a></div>
A few years ago, I was lucky to find this vintage aviary....and it has served another purpose...a white clematis, Huldine is winding it's way happily over it....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Qh5JeaAzMSg/Ux5Q-QMu8PI/AAAAAAAAFYo/Tv11CTgNzPY/s1024/Photo%252520Jul%25252018%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525207%25253A17%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Qh5JeaAzMSg/Ux5Q-QMu8PI/AAAAAAAAFYo/Tv11CTgNzPY/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252018%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525207%25253A17%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789155.0818" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="608" height="811"></a></div>
<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jusSGMsVxXI/Ux5Q_vWrypI/AAAAAAAAFYw/iSRDCbNyGno/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%2525205%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525209%25253A12%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jusSGMsVxXI/Ux5Q_vWrypI/AAAAAAAAFYw/iSRDCbNyGno/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525205%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525209%25253A12%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789153.6428" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="685" height="514"></a></div>
Birds, whether real, or otherwise, find their way to the garden....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPemL7ihcnrAiFSzhTwj-lCZYmsx6l1J6rHlY1bjGW5rXMmyJWoVrrQ7PrSFfdSvEJXzqmOp5g9z_k5Rn9M8vkFyBf3Hd42Sr8qJyFnOcQqx3rC-x7-gKIV4ZPQaym6oM-MPTKX2vqzkM/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%2525205%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525209%25253A24%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPemL7ihcnrAiFSzhTwj-lCZYmsx6l1J6rHlY1bjGW5rXMmyJWoVrrQ7PrSFfdSvEJXzqmOp5g9z_k5Rn9M8vkFyBf3Hd42Sr8qJyFnOcQqx3rC-x7-gKIV4ZPQaym6oM-MPTKX2vqzkM/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525205%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525209%25253A24%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789103.844" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="578" height="771"></a></div>
<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyrK_6BgMT7AEWFv55JTFt0fLamj92UzVA86V3EW6CmLLen01C9pcdsRLEybVfRA_6jM2BbdmuFHSQBt1Qysxa5O_nBZKMcWG4AZRrA13gf3uRq7gf_yJ7c794hZlkVqDvQDOAp4Lx6w/s1024/Photo%252520May%25252030%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A54%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyrK_6BgMT7AEWFv55JTFt0fLamj92UzVA86V3EW6CmLLen01C9pcdsRLEybVfRA_6jM2BbdmuFHSQBt1Qysxa5O_nBZKMcWG4AZRrA13gf3uRq7gf_yJ7c794hZlkVqDvQDOAp4Lx6w/s500/Photo%252520May%25252030%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A54%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789158.1548" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
Peonies, from last summer, sharing space with a rusted bird bath on my potting bench...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W2cwWmqiEuU/Ux5RDIWkctI/AAAAAAAAFZI/mwOhsf5GuyA/s1024/Photo%252520Jun%25252029%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525206%25253A13%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W2cwWmqiEuU/Ux5RDIWkctI/AAAAAAAAFZI/mwOhsf5GuyA/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252029%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525206%25253A13%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789126.8845" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div>
<br/><br/> .....rusty birds.... patina in my garden....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AJShNl5YUjo/Ux5RESBod7I/AAAAAAAAFZQ/PH0kSmWviwE/s1024/Photo%252520Jun%25252025%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525209%25253A33%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AJShNl5YUjo/Ux5RESBod7I/AAAAAAAAFZQ/PH0kSmWviwE/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252025%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525209%25253A33%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789140.0261" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
....a weathered goose, standing watch over the lower terrace...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gJfU_TXgdQI/Ux5RFZj1IHI/AAAAAAAAFZY/Ow1eFhRQZkQ/s1024/Photo%252520Jul%2525203%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525205%25253A12%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gJfU_TXgdQI/Ux5RFZj1IHI/AAAAAAAAFZY/Ow1eFhRQZkQ/s500/Photo%252520Jul%2525203%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525205%25253A12%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789128.9885" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
....a bird inspired vignette on the potting bench....<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2cphd0t5ScI/Ux5RGjJFJoI/AAAAAAAAFZg/070WfFOqx5w/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2cphd0t5ScI/Ux5RGjJFJoI/AAAAAAAAFZg/070WfFOqx5w/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789159.2595" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="622" height="829"></a></div>
.....inspiring me indoors, as well...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wwkVpbAN9XA/Ux5RHnv44_I/AAAAAAAAFZo/B8Vbm3YePZM/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wwkVpbAN9XA/Ux5RHnv44_I/AAAAAAAAFZo/B8Vbm3YePZM/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789159.9065" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y1dTJJRejXA/Ux5RIgkkUZI/AAAAAAAAFZw/ZbMbx8lbB_0/s1024/Photo%252520Sep%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A34%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y1dTJJRejXA/Ux5RIgkkUZI/AAAAAAAAFZw/ZbMbx8lbB_0/s500/Photo%252520Sep%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A34%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789110.8945" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9K0_p3HNW5Y/Ux5RJgLgXJI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/b-zssPc80BY/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525207%25253A49%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9K0_p3HNW5Y/Ux5RJgLgXJI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/b-zssPc80BY/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525207%25253A49%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789137.3267" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="608" height="456"></a></div>
.....a verdigris bird sconce on a small wall in the breakfast room....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JOklUOtG2xI/Ux5RKlIZJJI/AAAAAAAAFaA/-iy4q9dqnjI/s334/Photo%252520Feb%2525201%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525206%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JOklUOtG2xI/Ux5RKlIZJJI/AAAAAAAAFaA/-iy4q9dqnjI/s334/Photo%252520Feb%2525201%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525206%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394495789124.0728" class="aligncenter" width="395" height="527" alt=""></a></div>
These winged creatures of our world, are very inspirational to me...their birdsong I hear every morning during the spring and summer months, and can't help but make me feel happy and alive...<br/><br/>I just lugged a rather large, old birdcage in from the garden, and am planning on using it indoors to bring a touch of Spring to the house...it will fill the need to feather my nest whithin the next few weeks...<br/><br/>I hope that Spring will quicken it's pace, where ever you may be.....N.xo<br/><br/>For some fascinating reading, or just to soak up the beautiful photos, A Birding Life..A Passion for Birds..at Home and Afield authored by Larry and Carol Sheehan is available on Amazon..<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-70344191525231890202014-02-26T16:54:00.001-05:002014-02-26T16:54:37.371-05:00Collections and obsessions, and a recurring theme.. <br/><br/>Yes, you're stuck with me! Bed bound with a nasty upper respiratory, the only thing I can do is blog!! <br/><br/>I can't recall publishing more posts at one time in the entire history of the blog! I'm usually up and about, and into something either indoors or outside....and too busy to sit and post...but, with this downtime I've been cleaning up photo files and other computer issues...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EufzuRDU9o0/Uw5iBZPzCDI/AAAAAAAAFWQ/ADrmn8kqYBk/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A51%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EufzuRDU9o0/Uw5iBZPzCDI/AAAAAAAAFWQ/ADrmn8kqYBk/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A51%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393451676678.7385" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="564" height="753"></a></div>
I have noticed a recurring theme in my home decor and things that I love...the colours of the garden...predominantly the colour green.<br/><br/>Starting with my collection of green majolica...pieces I have acquired over time, and when it was still affordable...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fxzjf6u597c/Uw5iFCxdXcI/AAAAAAAAFWY/4KLY7IRyyHk/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A52%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fxzjf6u597c/Uw5iFCxdXcI/AAAAAAAAFWY/4KLY7IRyyHk/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A52%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393451676708.8684" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="588" height="784"></a></div>
Green and white are the predominant colours in my garden....it is a shade, woodland garden.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BqBEeTy8Y6M/Uw5iIWJZtRI/AAAAAAAAFWg/jS0x_tMkf_Q/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A56%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BqBEeTy8Y6M/Uw5iIWJZtRI/AAAAAAAAFWg/jS0x_tMkf_Q/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A56%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393451676639.1135" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="591" height="789"></a></div>
<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xUo8RRUhmFM/Uw5iLWl_JCI/AAAAAAAAFWo/Wv1RxM8lBo4/s1024/Photo%252520Sep%2525204%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A01%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xUo8RRUhmFM/Uw5iLWl_JCI/AAAAAAAAFWo/Wv1RxM8lBo4/s500/Photo%252520Sep%2525204%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A01%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393451676716.305" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="615" height="820"></a></div>
I'm not looking for perfection, just pieces that speak to me...most have imperfections, like small chips or grazing in the finish which make them more affordable. In the green majolica pitcher, below, the handle was broken and has been completely repaired...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rcgIJRAs_8Y/Uw5iOuE6zSI/AAAAAAAAFWw/IOmIiZeMTmE/s1024/Photo%252520Sep%2525204%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A01%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rcgIJRAs_8Y/Uw5iOuE6zSI/AAAAAAAAFWw/IOmIiZeMTmE/s500/Photo%252520Sep%2525204%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A01%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393451676739.884" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="649" height="486"></a></div>
I believe in displaying your treasures, and now with the new kitchen island, I am able to keep them in full view...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XKYcg1QRQ5E/Uw5iSWMhsnI/AAAAAAAAFW4/pB66nJQ3KS8/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A52%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XKYcg1QRQ5E/Uw5iSWMhsnI/AAAAAAAAFW4/pB66nJQ3KS8/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A52%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393451676679.2593" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="618" height="825"></a></div>
Mixing old and new pieces is something I always do...not a purist at heart...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSMoXwmrX1dF2UAqiGJ8iZT_fNBqj3B8UfelAPt06-gjUSVY3zkFlkxwjW_L-dwx3Dr-NTXP9uevkPUSBjcomnZ45zsZDpLSCwIwaR6gJWnh57t58d4oTUHcfsdEXqlAgdDoBqvB7JAw/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252010%25253A51%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSMoXwmrX1dF2UAqiGJ8iZT_fNBqj3B8UfelAPt06-gjUSVY3zkFlkxwjW_L-dwx3Dr-NTXP9uevkPUSBjcomnZ45zsZDpLSCwIwaR6gJWnh57t58d4oTUHcfsdEXqlAgdDoBqvB7JAw/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252010%25253A51%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393451676739.887" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="593" height="791"></a></div>
I love the patterns of McKenzie Child's, their botanical motifs, I am drawn to, but I also like their pattern Harlequin, it works so well with most china pieces, with it's black and white checks it is a favourite design...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Az1g7KyDjAQ/Uw5iYJp-32I/AAAAAAAAFXI/VHVBDFS983c/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525205%25253A12%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Az1g7KyDjAQ/Uw5iYJp-32I/AAAAAAAAFXI/VHVBDFS983c/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525205%25253A12%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393451676697.3115" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="596" height="796"></a></div>
These dimunitive demi tasse cups, which I have collected, remind me of the peonies in my garden...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2RZ2bTidJhY/Uw5ibG_Jm2I/AAAAAAAAFXQ/tNtbnom39aA/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A53%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2RZ2bTidJhY/Uw5ibG_Jm2I/AAAAAAAAFXQ/tNtbnom39aA/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A53%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393451676693.9463" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="586" height="782"></a></div>
I believe, the example above, was hand painted....ladies, in the early part of the nineteenth century passed the time in such activities...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ibe3O9raAHk/Uw5ieR_GQzI/AAAAAAAAFXY/BoSUcM7yfkk/s1024/Photo%252520Jun%25252013%25252C%2525202011%25252C%25252012%25253A08%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ibe3O9raAHk/Uw5ieR_GQzI/AAAAAAAAFXY/BoSUcM7yfkk/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252013%25252C%2525202011%25252C%25252012%25253A08%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393451676722.3386" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="598" height="798"></a></div>
A photo, taken in my old kitchen, before the renovation...I miss it's coziness somewhat....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EScMlwksB6hKu50Cvau4VwpxZW65GL0_vzTT9BciB7x2Fll_p158-riRm_m0LJVz_utnxQ1SmP-mYTT7Jgz8i92J_ba4V7hgejRrbwXoIhiqGmT3a6FRxtowQrFQujYe6-kDT5M6ap4/s1024/Photo%252520Jun%25252013%25252C%2525202011%25252C%25252012%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EScMlwksB6hKu50Cvau4VwpxZW65GL0_vzTT9BciB7x2Fll_p158-riRm_m0LJVz_utnxQ1SmP-mYTT7Jgz8i92J_ba4V7hgejRrbwXoIhiqGmT3a6FRxtowQrFQujYe6-kDT5M6ap4/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252013%25252C%2525202011%25252C%25252012%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393451676695.7803" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="605" height="807"></a></div>
....again, colours from the garden are very evident...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VKkLgCO8rDk/Uw5ilg6SncI/AAAAAAAAFXo/nqpMv5x0a-g/s1024/Photo%252520May%25252027%25252C%2525202010%25252C%2525207%25253A52%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VKkLgCO8rDk/Uw5ilg6SncI/AAAAAAAAFXo/nqpMv5x0a-g/s500/Photo%252520May%25252027%25252C%2525202010%25252C%2525207%25253A52%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393451676672.5208" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="596" height="796"></a></div>
This is the lower terrace of our garden in late Spring.....I take most, if not all my inspiration from my garden and the outdoors...<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ObbDa3W7k0s/Uw5ims8Y_nI/AAAAAAAAFXw/lqTnbW4l41E/s288/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525206%25253A33%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ObbDa3W7k0s/Uw5ims8Y_nI/AAAAAAAAFXw/lqTnbW4l41E/s288/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525206%25253A33%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393451676695.0144" class="aligncenter" width="249" height="374" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> It is difficult not to think of warmer days spent gardening. Especially house bound this week, it is heartening to look at photos of the garden and be warmed by Mother Nature's perfect beauty both indoors and out....</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">N.xo</p>
All photos are my own, except the quote is from Pinterest...<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-48043014710886946492014-02-25T16:33:00.001-05:002014-02-25T16:33:47.036-05:00Weddings...from the Lane. A groom's boutonnière, below....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E6ik4VGK43A/Uw0KyAx87bI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/PWhos5emOzw/s1024/Photo%252520Sep%2525202%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525208%25253A08%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E6ik4VGK43A/Uw0KyAx87bI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/PWhos5emOzw/s500/Photo%252520Sep%2525202%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525208%25253A08%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024884.951" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="610" height="814"></a></div>
I have never really shared my floral designs in one post, and unless you go back through my archived entries you may miss my real passion, flowers! From growing them in my garden to arranging them for a prospective client, it is something I never tire of...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iMTsuoQchvk/Uw0K1S_jQTI/AAAAAAAAFQY/zoWqg1OBjeU/s1024/Photo%252520Sep%2525202%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525208%25253A12%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iMTsuoQchvk/Uw0K1S_jQTI/AAAAAAAAFQY/zoWqg1OBjeU/s500/Photo%252520Sep%2525202%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525208%25253A12%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024891.5923" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="589" height="442"></a></div>
I can spend hours on the tiniest detail, that probably only a handful of people would notice...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JhI28hvkoQ8/Uw0K4juY0PI/AAAAAAAAFQg/TOffpe7KRvM/s1024/Photo%252520Sep%2525203%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525204%25253A23%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JhI28hvkoQ8/Uw0K4juY0PI/AAAAAAAAFQg/TOffpe7KRvM/s500/Photo%252520Sep%2525203%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525204%25253A23%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024923.7034" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="610" height="814"></a></div>
From the vintage containers, to the natural elements collected in our woods, like fallen branches and moss..<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Nk34eGMXI-c/Uw0K8auS7qI/AAAAAAAAFQo/PZtaEK7PjFo/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%25252016%25252C%2525202011%25252C%25252011%25253A13%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Nk34eGMXI-c/Uw0K8auS7qI/AAAAAAAAFQo/PZtaEK7PjFo/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252016%25252C%2525202011%25252C%25252011%25253A13%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024886.781" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<br/><br/> Here, vintage silver bride's baskets waiting to be filled, in the carriage house...where I do all the work....<br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uscrsSVaPOQ/Uw0K_GJhSeI/AAAAAAAAFQw/OMCCekD1R2w/s1024/Photo%252520Sep%2525203%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525204%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uscrsSVaPOQ/Uw0K_GJhSeI/AAAAAAAAFQw/OMCCekD1R2w/s500/Photo%252520Sep%2525203%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525204%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024919.779" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="559" height="746"></a></div>
I never tire of the possibilities....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ocrwfHRxUag/Uw0LCNPG_8I/AAAAAAAAFQ4/4gFFzXFBqQw/s1024/Photo%252520Sep%2525203%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525204%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ocrwfHRxUag/Uw0LCNPG_8I/AAAAAAAAFQ4/4gFFzXFBqQw/s500/Photo%252520Sep%2525203%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525204%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024908.9602" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="622" height="829"></a></div>
I strive to bring every clients vision to a reality...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jYKEBpBt1TM/Uw0LFFMK1iI/AAAAAAAAFRA/m7kJTKntn8A/s1024/Photo%252520Sep%2525203%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525204%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jYKEBpBt1TM/Uw0LFFMK1iI/AAAAAAAAFRA/m7kJTKntn8A/s500/Photo%252520Sep%2525203%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525204%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024871.6433" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="608" height="811"></a></div>
Whether formal, or not so much...<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-10DC_BLBsbs/Uw0LHjp2rvI/AAAAAAAAFRI/zBNTCLTbhHo/s1024/Photo%252520Jul%25252017%25252C%2525202010%25252C%2525207%25253A22%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-10DC_BLBsbs/Uw0LHjp2rvI/AAAAAAAAFRI/zBNTCLTbhHo/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252017%25252C%2525202010%25252C%2525207%25253A22%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024855.9155" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div>
A very casual vineyard wedding...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Pbi6aO_QNec6BSVev2TWSxojjPDN6MGQRsqk2YkHDc0T_7QkNdFbuFjdbTadHCNwSGEUlTLYKsa8xRx_tIo5zGHoFn8sNiCVbDqSRAyEv8lPYQIqmWsnXOsvRsVu5_wkQdPiBBVeSBo/s1024/Photo%252520Jul%25252017%25252C%2525202010%25252C%2525204%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Pbi6aO_QNec6BSVev2TWSxojjPDN6MGQRsqk2YkHDc0T_7QkNdFbuFjdbTadHCNwSGEUlTLYKsa8xRx_tIo5zGHoFn8sNiCVbDqSRAyEv8lPYQIqmWsnXOsvRsVu5_wkQdPiBBVeSBo/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252017%25252C%2525202010%25252C%2525204%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024858.5928" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="583" height="874"></a></div>
...utilizing Mason jars and collected vintage glass....and rusty, garden ornaments...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JKaFlFNOFLM/Uw0LM2PJxUI/AAAAAAAAFRY/fqtLBjTt2hc/s1024/Photo%252520Jul%25252017%25252C%2525202010%25252C%2525204%25253A06%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JKaFlFNOFLM/Uw0LM2PJxUI/AAAAAAAAFRY/fqtLBjTt2hc/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252017%25252C%2525202010%25252C%2525204%25253A06%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024884.2983" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="579" height="386"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yNEctsbfyr4/Uw0LQT014fI/AAAAAAAAFRg/hL_opfBjJOY/s1024/Photo%252520Nov%25252014%25252C%2525202009%25252C%2525207%25253A03%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yNEctsbfyr4/Uw0LQT014fI/AAAAAAAAFRg/hL_opfBjJOY/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252014%25252C%2525202009%25252C%2525207%25253A03%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024873.2266" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="623" height="415"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uFGEkHbyuKI/Uw0LSa8UYdI/AAAAAAAAFRo/XmWuMBHXeTY/s1024/Photo%252520Nov%25252014%25252C%2525202009%25252C%2525205%25253A34%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uFGEkHbyuKI/Uw0LSa8UYdI/AAAAAAAAFRo/XmWuMBHXeTY/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252014%25252C%2525202009%25252C%2525205%25253A34%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024929.742" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="245"></a></div>
...to shiny gold chiavari chairs and chocolate brocade...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QvHkS-fQewU/Uw0LV0CTTDI/AAAAAAAAFRw/1T6hGCbDOqs/s1024/Photo%252520Nov%25252014%25252C%2525202009%25252C%2525206%25253A57%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QvHkS-fQewU/Uw0LV0CTTDI/AAAAAAAAFRw/1T6hGCbDOqs/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252014%25252C%2525202009%25252C%2525206%25253A57%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024947.284" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="611" height="407"></a></div>
I like to create tabletop vignettes, rather than just one solitary arrangement...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuG-cdOgn0skGNSPvLiG6iVCt57IjzzUN7i33ua4QSsjwL_kayGpk8w-6ZOK0gLyk2RT7NtH7USt4ASL551GtfdM29BO75OwWKztIi1WFa9Wa0D_GoSqJ4gRq_LxOSsSaxfeHfGYudcHU/s1024/Photo%252520Nov%25252014%25252C%2525202009%25252C%2525206%25253A49%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuG-cdOgn0skGNSPvLiG6iVCt57IjzzUN7i33ua4QSsjwL_kayGpk8w-6ZOK0gLyk2RT7NtH7USt4ASL551GtfdM29BO75OwWKztIi1WFa9Wa0D_GoSqJ4gRq_LxOSsSaxfeHfGYudcHU/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252014%25252C%2525202009%25252C%2525206%25253A49%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024893.755" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="751"></a></div>
Ferraro Roche chocolates and chocolate dipped biscotti under bell jars, with deep red roses, made for a beautiful wedding colour board just prior to the holidays....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XNWYxLpqEtc/Uw0LcYCO5pI/AAAAAAAAFSA/pliGp99yeOs/s1024/Photo%252520Nov%25252014%25252C%2525202009%25252C%2525206%25253A47%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XNWYxLpqEtc/Uw0LcYCO5pI/AAAAAAAAFSA/pliGp99yeOs/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252014%25252C%2525202009%25252C%2525206%25253A47%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024906.9072" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div>
I also had custom, chocolate brown tablecloths made for this wedding...<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HgT7CpBVWG0/Uw0LfWhrSpI/AAAAAAAAFSI/sZVXQSm5bEU/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525205%25253A30%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HgT7CpBVWG0/Uw0LfWhrSpI/AAAAAAAAFSI/sZVXQSm5bEU/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525205%25253A30%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024940.542" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="628" height="838"></a></div>
I must never lose sight of my clients wishes, at the forefront of every project...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w0yCa5fQGIc/Uw0LiNLgx1I/AAAAAAAAFSQ/lpSgOwMOZbw/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525202%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w0yCa5fQGIc/Uw0LiNLgx1I/AAAAAAAAFSQ/lpSgOwMOZbw/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252020%25252C%2525202011%25252C%2525202%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024963.2205" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MWuwcK95_uY/Uw0Llhbf9-I/AAAAAAAAFSY/wASG8hwe72o/s1024/Photo%252520Jul%25252017%25252C%2525202010%25252C%2525205%25253A28%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MWuwcK95_uY/Uw0Llhbf9-I/AAAAAAAAFSY/wASG8hwe72o/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252017%25252C%2525202010%25252C%2525205%25253A28%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024876.1943" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="611" height="523"></a></div>
<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1fuCO_oe7PA/Uw0Lphz78HI/AAAAAAAAFSg/Zq06cO7RQ8Y/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%25252031%25252C%2525202008%25252C%25252012%25253A50%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1fuCO_oe7PA/Uw0Lphz78HI/AAAAAAAAFSg/Zq06cO7RQ8Y/s500/Photo%252520Aug%25252031%25252C%2525202008%25252C%25252012%25253A50%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024906.9377" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="620" height="827"></a></div>
A mock up, presented to a bride, in my garden...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lzTDKcxyOfA/Uw0Lr5GmmHI/AAAAAAAAFSo/UVRTWfblny0/s718/Photo%252520Nov%25252014%25252C%2525202009%25252C%2525208%25253A26%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lzTDKcxyOfA/Uw0Lr5GmmHI/AAAAAAAAFSo/UVRTWfblny0/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252014%25252C%2525202009%25252C%2525208%25253A26%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024876.274" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="595" height="690"></a></div>
A bride's bouquet...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EVJWir_iopg/Uw0LvbkBnTI/AAAAAAAAFSw/ford2ztmda4/s1024/Photo%252520Oct%25252010%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525205%25253A59%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EVJWir_iopg/Uw0LvbkBnTI/AAAAAAAAFSw/ford2ztmda4/s500/Photo%252520Oct%25252010%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525205%25253A59%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024963.1113" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="588" height="787"></a></div>
Working on a seasonal urn, this past fall...<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tEDDc85KJrM/Uw0LwYMddMI/AAAAAAAAFS4/3joxkcBqkAc/s256/Photo%252520May%2525203%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A07%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tEDDc85KJrM/Uw0LwYMddMI/AAAAAAAAFS4/3joxkcBqkAc/s256/Photo%252520May%2525203%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A07%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024952.945" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="323" height="431"></a></div>
...a birthday luncheon....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2gHltxFHnyM/Uw0Lzp3SxWI/AAAAAAAAFTA/uH2e5V4UzX0/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A14%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2gHltxFHnyM/Uw0Lzp3SxWI/AAAAAAAAFTA/uH2e5V4UzX0/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A14%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024946.8335" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
I loved making these nest centrepieces for my friend Susan, for the baby shower celebrating her first grandchild... <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6-r_VW7-zJ8/Uw0L2-iyACI/AAAAAAAAFTI/uzrtQsbykzg/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A18%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6-r_VW7-zJ8/Uw0L2-iyACI/AAAAAAAAFTI/uzrtQsbykzg/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A18%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024951.55" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="627" height="836"></a></div>
...little white chocolate enrobed shortbread bird cookies were the favours....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ourwGbJJG04/Uw0L6GhirnI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/cPMy0Lod5YQ/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A18%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ourwGbJJG04/Uw0L6GhirnI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/cPMy0Lod5YQ/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A18%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024896.9207" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="601" height="802"></a></div>
It was a little boy....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HR4oNrImoeg/Uw0L9USKWoI/AAAAAAAAFTY/crUvwz6tmFU/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525208%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525205%25253A18%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HR4oNrImoeg/Uw0L9USKWoI/AAAAAAAAFTY/crUvwz6tmFU/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525208%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525205%25253A18%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024963.3113" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="611" height="458"></a></div>
...above, a Marie Antoinette inspired mock up for a fund raiser luncheon...<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-beO8eAbyqMI/Uw0MAmMN_KI/AAAAAAAAFTg/NX2kPbaFI5g/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525208%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525205%25253A31%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-beO8eAbyqMI/Uw0MAmMN_KI/AAAAAAAAFTg/NX2kPbaFI5g/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525208%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525205%25253A31%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024881.2178" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="625" height="469"></a></div>
I loved making these, but they proved too cost prohibitive...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_cBnE1LmjTs/Uw0MD7gVumI/AAAAAAAAFTo/bz_v1zTIkBA/s1024/Photo%252520May%25252029%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525201%25253A35%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_cBnE1LmjTs/Uw0MD7gVumI/AAAAAAAAFTo/bz_v1zTIkBA/s500/Photo%252520May%25252029%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525201%25253A35%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024971.6443" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="596" height="796"></a></div>
....but, my most favourite thing to do, is arranging flowers from the garden, like peonies...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gG7MUtmjkQE/Uw0MGmgL3JI/AAAAAAAAFTw/15L14H75gI4/s1024/Photo%252520Jun%25252026%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525201%25253A06%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gG7MUtmjkQE/Uw0MGmgL3JI/AAAAAAAAFTw/15L14H75gI4/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252026%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525201%25253A06%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024888.2256" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
...and roses...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Fg9g7H4DPYU/Uw0MJmumf2I/AAAAAAAAFT4/qa7eCAsG7xY/s1024/Photo%252520Jun%25252026%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Fg9g7H4DPYU/Uw0MJmumf2I/AAAAAAAAFT4/qa7eCAsG7xY/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252026%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024917.8398" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="578" height="771"></a></div>
...and hydrangeas...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mPdhkz-RddM/Uw0MM174gFI/AAAAAAAAFUA/ySbqv7cjXKo/s1024/Photo%252520Jun%25252026%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A27%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mPdhkz-RddM/Uw0MM174gFI/AAAAAAAAFUA/ySbqv7cjXKo/s500/Photo%252520Jun%25252026%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A27%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024927.6152" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mw3PuTH4Ig4/Uw0MN4WZCWI/AAAAAAAAFUI/JWs_0XxNNlY/s499/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A30%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mw3PuTH4Ig4/Uw0MN4WZCWI/AAAAAAAAFUI/JWs_0XxNNlY/s499/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A30%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393364024931.1345" class="aligncenter" width="499" height="415" alt=""></a></div>
Upper most in my mind, always to bring beauty to the weddings and events I create....I strive to surpass my client's expectations with every commission...this summer our wedding assignments will be in full swing beginning in June...wedding month... I hope you enjoyed these photos of a few of my floral projects...<br/><br/><p style="text-align: center;">N.xo</p>
<br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-43935538271873421992014-02-24T15:31:00.001-05:002014-02-24T15:31:56.831-05:00Waterlogue...the app. I just discovered Waterlogue...it is the most amazing thing! It will turn anyone of your photos into a water colour...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rQ7D_3iA3kE/UwusH1TC9MI/AAAAAAAAFPw/GLjWMoaj6P0/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A07%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rQ7D_3iA3kE/UwusH1TC9MI/AAAAAAAAFPw/GLjWMoaj6P0/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A07%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393273916572.4268" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;">One of my garden photos...</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-waoBPcsXU2o/UwusLKtCxVI/AAAAAAAAFP4/NLHCZ74yKFE/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A57%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-waoBPcsXU2o/UwusLKtCxVI/AAAAAAAAFP4/NLHCZ74yKFE/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A57%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393273916567.1453" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="444"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> A bridal bouquet from a summer wedding I did...</p>
<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pDCx99TpJOE/UwusOZTP-xI/AAAAAAAAFQA/50NJJUjlE-Y/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A23%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pDCx99TpJOE/UwusOZTP-xI/AAAAAAAAFQA/50NJJUjlE-Y/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A23%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393273916643.357" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="867" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> ...and my table centrepiece for Valentine's Day earlier this month...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I am down with a wretched cold today and feeling a little better...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Well enough to play a bit, while I can!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">N.xo</p>
<br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-17452089075204209972014-02-22T16:42:00.000-05:002014-02-22T16:42:40.924-05:00Every collectible has a story.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRPewXN1mMPJbG7CVCuF2BeewuMqBjWXCHg7yqtUldvI7JCmfg0m8PWqI9dczdAedixq4JNLel1BiRu_3eccg_mJZ72qMO7hk9rQtZvzePl5wA_ueKN4V4HNd1FhDzYiJ53rhQJUxY1c/s1600/IMG_2664.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRPewXN1mMPJbG7CVCuF2BeewuMqBjWXCHg7yqtUldvI7JCmfg0m8PWqI9dczdAedixq4JNLel1BiRu_3eccg_mJZ72qMO7hk9rQtZvzePl5wA_ueKN4V4HNd1FhDzYiJ53rhQJUxY1c/s640/IMG_2664.JPG" height="640px" width="480px" /></a><br />
Keri, from the lovely blog, Ivy Clad has inquired about the dishes stored in my laundry room drawers, and suggested I do a post on it...I posted this quite a while back, and you can read the story behind it's acquisition... I have reposted it here....</div>
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This past week has kept me very occupied...I have not posted for a about a week, and felt I could share a special story....<br />
I have begun packing up my china and dinnerware and not enjoying a minute of it, other than recalling the story behind every purchase, and remembering the acquisition.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCC_c9qKokalr2GJyzuz2eQw6wdLjKUArWF31MQV2_-jjqaUOBE84XQA-RBx8RDbKyPUI1Z8SVX8UnSEzrWna5sjFFVD6w0iL8RT7PRoKHGEnn79BMCwuLNrEZCkIccb_9XpD38QWcv8/s1600/IMG_2669.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCC_c9qKokalr2GJyzuz2eQw6wdLjKUArWF31MQV2_-jjqaUOBE84XQA-RBx8RDbKyPUI1Z8SVX8UnSEzrWna5sjFFVD6w0iL8RT7PRoKHGEnn79BMCwuLNrEZCkIccb_9XpD38QWcv8/s640/IMG_2669.JPG" height="480px" width="640px" /></a><br />
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Like so many of us, I was always drawn to blue and white pottery, blue transferware, flow blue and the like...what I especially admired was Blue Mikado made in England, by Royal Crown Derby.<br />
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I knew that when I began my interest in it, that it would be unattainable, because of the price and also because I could not explain my attraction to it, therefore I would in all probability never put myself in a position to buy it. I am not particularily drawn to Oriental motifs, preferring more of the traditional English patterns.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcpK-cWP7CM_rroPW33yjx1qSGEEoeNiG9V4JmluBSQ-j45nEwu7a3tKcPxwqfkFIqB4aQH83rR1CPYBh0o14PqYCfN1mdlj8Um9bpzEWUS7MMt8_Vig3Yg6ZUpb7K3jCZWtug8kJJOY/s1600/IMG_2662.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcpK-cWP7CM_rroPW33yjx1qSGEEoeNiG9V4JmluBSQ-j45nEwu7a3tKcPxwqfkFIqB4aQH83rR1CPYBh0o14PqYCfN1mdlj8Um9bpzEWUS7MMt8_Vig3Yg6ZUpb7K3jCZWtug8kJJOY/s640/IMG_2662.JPG" height="640px" width="480px" /></a><br />
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However, as luck would have it, an estate sale near my home yielded some fine treasures a few years ago. The estate was that of an elderly woman, who had always lived in the same home, previously her maternal home, and she had never married.<br />
Therefore everything in the sale was that of two generations of inhabitants. Sales such as this one were rare and "must attend'' for any serious antique collector.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWGgOmwuAH8RVPCETgv1fuYCzYzLQ7CX61NYMilGN0Ni7JW93lNWnBpDJT4pQzxMsDsw2qAVDvDsEQk55kSUhFBsJGkaoLnZdyzr565vlLT1QYoULtrRX2ng7YvLxqrw1F8KNIntnAOc/s1600/IMG_2665.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWGgOmwuAH8RVPCETgv1fuYCzYzLQ7CX61NYMilGN0Ni7JW93lNWnBpDJT4pQzxMsDsw2qAVDvDsEQk55kSUhFBsJGkaoLnZdyzr565vlLT1QYoULtrRX2ng7YvLxqrw1F8KNIntnAOc/s640/IMG_2665.JPG" height="640px" width="480px" /></a><br />
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When I arrived, the sale was beyond exquisite in its offerings! The first thing I noticed was the immaculate, never before used set of Blue Mikado. I have never trembled before at an auction, but I could feel myself getting very weak in the knees....<br />
The bidding was about to begin and I noticed, a gentleman standing next to me, watching me very curiously....he knew I was so intent on the dishes, I hadn't even heard my sister, who was with me talking to me!<br />
He began to tell me that the estate was that of his aunt, a school teacher who had never married. On the first Sunday of every month, a suitor of many years, would pick her up, drive her to Niagara on the Lake for lunch and then purchase one piece of Blue Mikado for her! One piece, every month!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsa0rZOwPUEQzmKiywWmZTx6nbPpR5won1KD-S4osLMg_ngtoPywKBsZwk3awzUZQejtwawMXOLQ2WgmbwjcUztgsvyoSVAmzAAjNjJDKca6dMgqu7M9_f5-2BByPKoFAFLxKe6m9eI5Q/s1600/IMG_2666.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsa0rZOwPUEQzmKiywWmZTx6nbPpR5won1KD-S4osLMg_ngtoPywKBsZwk3awzUZQejtwawMXOLQ2WgmbwjcUztgsvyoSVAmzAAjNjJDKca6dMgqu7M9_f5-2BByPKoFAFLxKe6m9eI5Q/s640/IMG_2666.JPG" height="640px" width="480px" /></a><br />
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Each piece is so perfect in its execution, the lovely indigo blue, sharp and clear, and often the images of the characters appear almost life like!<br />
Her nephew told me, that if I took careful note, there was only one egg cup in the collection....She never did marry him, after all!<br />
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I was so intrigued with the story he told during the bidding, that I didn't realize my bid had been the last, and it was sold to me! I was thrilled and terrified at the same time, and it became my Christmas, birthday and anniversary present for that year as well as the next!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDB8N3Gm6wzc-hvgS0A8MMgyptswAibRng1U1SvaqQNiJq8_3Yf-j2klIglp36Rg-BLO_f1VZjzZGiDDZBKYrhayMo7ydeWCUbFijXPic4EhnhwC4LMu85NR-8ZyXUB9wRZ5HB0i2yDR4/s1600/IMG_2674.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDB8N3Gm6wzc-hvgS0A8MMgyptswAibRng1U1SvaqQNiJq8_3Yf-j2klIglp36Rg-BLO_f1VZjzZGiDDZBKYrhayMo7ydeWCUbFijXPic4EhnhwC4LMu85NR-8ZyXUB9wRZ5HB0i2yDR4/s640/IMG_2674.JPG" height="480px" width="640px" /></a><br />
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This china, in particular this pattern, Mikado reminds me of the immortal opera, Turandot...which tells of the cold,beautiful princess in Puccini's timeless classic.<br />
She basically put her suitor through hoops, before she professed her love for him.<br />
But he won her hand, as witnessed in the hauntingly, beautiful aria, Nessun Dorma, from the same opera. My Dad used to sing it to me when I was a little girl. He always made me feel like a princess....<br />
Perhaps my affinity to this particular pattern of Royal Crown Derby.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6VX2d8WmjqqajTQD26XjWhyphenhyphenQpH_4Mb3YZ3LnrHczruT_hkGngmoVqpVj-9Iqio6qpsYgsMArLk2jezXHKDEcP_-Gife-E-B53xt6YyPv_fwqgYQava965RSHAAo-kDma9q0Dfpy6X84/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6VX2d8WmjqqajTQD26XjWhyphenhyphenQpH_4Mb3YZ3LnrHczruT_hkGngmoVqpVj-9Iqio6qpsYgsMArLk2jezXHKDEcP_-Gife-E-B53xt6YyPv_fwqgYQava965RSHAAo-kDma9q0Dfpy6X84/s640/IMG_0074.JPG" height="460px" width="640px" /></a><br />
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However, our suitor, did not fare as well!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7R0IU12U3_lW1pAwLnnQQ9dEvIUS4Iq_-B4h8eZ-1raEkyJ0RRajm68P2rT7rgahpwAvkwUkE5bPIRWSQPxZvFiWGNM-5xZSzOXyVLDPKhY50ejIXN0UJJBnWaKM52VXcAvprErXXBvk/s1600/IMG_2668.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7R0IU12U3_lW1pAwLnnQQ9dEvIUS4Iq_-B4h8eZ-1raEkyJ0RRajm68P2rT7rgahpwAvkwUkE5bPIRWSQPxZvFiWGNM-5xZSzOXyVLDPKhY50ejIXN0UJJBnWaKM52VXcAvprErXXBvk/s640/IMG_2668.JPG" height="480px" width="640px" /></a><br />
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Blue Mikado is still available, although the pattern has changed slightly over the years.<br />
I wash it by hand when I use it, usually in conjuction with a white china charger, and layered with lowly milk glass...it is still lovely.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cZAUY00DnCG9qO_Ixh1p1eMGOu86IFXTGMnaP2-hENdUSJzOGpuLVeeDmNXCNRmw4oYZe_bY2_JteTaOil14i6Lk63UIhyphenhyphen0gIbt5uXO9NulFFNNjFkcHoQgDOyyXoaHl0d9iqsKmskU/s1600/IMG_2671.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cZAUY00DnCG9qO_Ixh1p1eMGOu86IFXTGMnaP2-hENdUSJzOGpuLVeeDmNXCNRmw4oYZe_bY2_JteTaOil14i6Lk63UIhyphenhyphen0gIbt5uXO9NulFFNNjFkcHoQgDOyyXoaHl0d9iqsKmskU/s640/IMG_2671.JPG" height="640px" width="480px" /></a><br />
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The solitary egg cup! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0qVJdA7MkOiFzc_9uwFMfKC_sXH_0ejWDI2lFy7FtYxlSFmF_1vjaszfiNrWX1zL-I69zv3yEFiGLHSz2HSWAxOiw87lES5Gh7CTN0s4WonVWlgIOQYSNjUVwVARyg-YQD30doDRIYE/s1600/IMG_2676.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0qVJdA7MkOiFzc_9uwFMfKC_sXH_0ejWDI2lFy7FtYxlSFmF_1vjaszfiNrWX1zL-I69zv3yEFiGLHSz2HSWAxOiw87lES5Gh7CTN0s4WonVWlgIOQYSNjUVwVARyg-YQD30doDRIYE/s640/IMG_2676.JPG" height="640px" width="480px" /></a><br />
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Some of the pieces in my collection are quite unusual and not what you would normally acquire....like this dimunitive pitcher...and there is also a piece with a covered dome, perhaps for cheese or a solitary breakfast....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EjLKoRcXpHd8ojCWpmdWJs30sV6T5FH21NqumhgIjAJ_XFtIiRqnLHvgypqWZUP3zgM2TPrLNvbnlh3BDRXvosuwsSA6jtUj-F1_JVRorGhrAu4AjskVlfr8_hXHHiy1_DDTl7iP5Gk/s1600/IMG_2678.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EjLKoRcXpHd8ojCWpmdWJs30sV6T5FH21NqumhgIjAJ_XFtIiRqnLHvgypqWZUP3zgM2TPrLNvbnlh3BDRXvosuwsSA6jtUj-F1_JVRorGhrAu4AjskVlfr8_hXHHiy1_DDTl7iP5Gk/s400/IMG_2678.JPG" /></a><br />
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You can see the beautiful depiction of birds, trees and flowers as well as romantic images of characters through out all the pieces.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6b7IRR_Pw6JlwzIGFSV8nDlDdgWJyRJ-L3ZGGbW9oPSeonAv0z8_4J50FprrvfX-vtzr2iQLT0zE41RrSiWMa1sLAcVgJOz_E8tjv0Z3hZ-qXv-qQLKq2a7Ls_Qfw8GIdw2_AU1YtRHc/s1600/IMG_2673.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6b7IRR_Pw6JlwzIGFSV8nDlDdgWJyRJ-L3ZGGbW9oPSeonAv0z8_4J50FprrvfX-vtzr2iQLT0zE41RrSiWMa1sLAcVgJOz_E8tjv0Z3hZ-qXv-qQLKq2a7Ls_Qfw8GIdw2_AU1YtRHc/s640/IMG_2673.JPG" height="480px" width="640px" /></a><br />
<br />
....the small domed plate I mentioned above......</div>
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I have implemented and enjoyed my collection for many years now. I try to use it everyday, not just special occasions. A cup of tea in an Mikado cup...a pat of butter on a sideplate.... I love that it has such a bittersweet story attached to it. I often wonder about her suitor, how generous and earnest he was in winning her favour and affection. Its connection to me, my favourite opera, my favourite aria from my childhood instilled in me by my father....<br />
Newly purchased objects can never impart the same emotions and recollections that cherished collectibles and antiques offer us. I hope you have enjoyed my little respite from the mundane packing and sorting I am going through at the moment!<br />
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N.xo</div>
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Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-11072435063463957592014-02-19T16:25:00.001-05:002015-03-07T13:11:47.148-05:00Summer kitchen..pantry..laundry and such...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have vivid memories from my childhood of accompanying my mother to visit her friends for afternoon coffee or tea...my Mom always worked, so to spend time with her at home was a treat...I rembember an "annex" at the back of the house where she came to gather, exchange stories and spend precious time with her friends. This space was always entered through the back of the house and usually had a table, covered in a bright vinyl tablecloth and a farm house sink, which depending on the time of year, held garden produce and local fruit...as a young child I loved the atmosphere that was created!<br />
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I wanted to duplicate that atmosphere somewhere in my house....the laundry room was a possibility. The true definition of a summer kitchen is a place away from the main house, where cooking took place to keep the house cool. Large farms in the South had summer kitchens for extra activities, such as canning or even washing up, extra food was stored here as well.<br />
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My Mom always cooked in her basement kitchen in the summer, it was cooler and more conducive to handling larger amounts of food preparation...making strawberry jam in the early summer and then putting up produce from her bountiful garden, and then tomatoes in early fall.<br />
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My laundry room, in the above photos, is my variation of the summer kitchen of my childhood...a place where the laundry is done, my extra dishes are stored, and messy pots and pans can be stowed away, till they are ready to wash up, when entertaining in my open concept kitchen upstairs...<br />
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The chicken wire inserts were the alternative to closed cabinet fronts...and the porcelain clock face knobs, a nod to time ticking away! <br />
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....and a floor to ceiling open plate rack for extra platters and trays...<br />
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I love the look of bead board, and added it here, and as a backsplash behind the counters...<br />
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A large stainless sink was a must.....<br />
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....as well as large, deep drawers for extra dishes.<br />
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....and let's not forget the laundry....a gentle out of sight, out of mind reminder!!<br />
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There is ample counter space for folding laundry, which was created by hiding the washer and dryer behind bi-fold doors...<br />
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This is far from the summer kitchen of my childhood...but the similarities are still there...it is located down the stairs from my back door, it will be used for extra food prep and cleaning up, preserving our bountiful Niagara fruit into jams, and holding surplus kitchen tools and dishes...and of course doing the laundry....while I recall the memories from my Mother's summer kitchen....N.xo<br />
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Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-7062262620205935572014-02-14T10:33:00.001-05:002014-02-14T13:08:20.619-05:00You asked...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is a first, here on the blog....two posts in two days...the weather outside is frightful (couldn't resist) and I am in a total hibernation state of mind!! Attached to my iPad with copious amounts of tea are whiling away my winter mornings.... A few questions have been raised about the TV...where is it ?? Do we watch TV? <br />
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When I was designing the fireplace and mantle, I knew I didn't want a TV over the fireplace....I have always felt a beautiful fireplace would be compromised with an unsightly flat screen hanging over it...but, necessity dictated that it was the only place it could be installed and be viewed from the sitting area and kitchen island..<br />
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When we renovated, we took down all the walls to make one, large open concept, kitchen/gathering room...<br />
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Here, you can see the layout of both rooms fairly well...<br />
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I decided on a stacked stone fireplace with bead board accents, and since we live in the country, I wanted to keep it simple and natural..I searched Pinterest and other sources for hours looking for just the right solution to the problem of the disappearing TV flat screen! Sources ran the gamut from a roll up art canvas to hinged doors to mirrors that camouflage the screen, mirrors that are the TV screen...the possibilities seemed endless, but nothing was really working for me....<br />
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.<a href="http://https//lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mWyU5wueRAs/Uv43CVEvCcI/AAAAAAAAFM8/z7TYeVEQjX8/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525209%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="610" id="blogsy-1392392037532.5715" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mWyU5wueRAs/Uv43CVEvCcI/AAAAAAAAFM8/z7TYeVEQjX8/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525209%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" width="407" /></a></div>
....until I saw this, on Houzz.com. The shrine to home building and renovating!! I loved the concept, but felt the hinges were too bold and large for the decor I had in mind for my home...so, I adapted it...instead of bolting the hardware to the front of the sliding doors, I had them installed behind the doors...this still provided the look and functionality without the " horse shoe" look...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK56VCz_kjlamec2RCowBI_Ai4I3gFF-4vXFB_ChEz05LuwZJqcmg_VNlRDruWEOIJY2tvkffSi5uq00D9pHqjhmFk5w3D133nmxztLslcoYVFrTBbxjewOHxuRzmwu8vZKjAFk_dy5QU/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525208%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A42%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1392392037466.4412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK56VCz_kjlamec2RCowBI_Ai4I3gFF-4vXFB_ChEz05LuwZJqcmg_VNlRDruWEOIJY2tvkffSi5uq00D9pHqjhmFk5w3D133nmxztLslcoYVFrTBbxjewOHxuRzmwu8vZKjAFk_dy5QU/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525208%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A42%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
My husband loved the "horseshoes" , but I won that battle!! <br />
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The only downside to this application is that the mantle cannot be decorated !! I can still add framed prints to the doors....a possibility?<br />
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The iron screen is an antique from England, which I had purchased from an estate sale several years ago...<br />
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The other question is about the counter material...it is honed, Carrera marble....which everyone dissuaded me from using...another battle I won....I have absolutely no regrets..I would encourage it's use...born Italian and having travelled to Italy several times, I have seen first hand the beautiful patina that worn marble acquires over time...it was the look I was striving for here in my kitchen...with sensible use and care it will not disappoint . Honed marble has had the shine taken off, sanded and it is sealed...I chose pieces with a soft green running through it....<br />
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The serving island, taken this Christmas, as well as all the counters are in honed marble....so there you have it! Thank you for your interest and kind and encouraging comments, always....they mean so much to me... still so much to do, but it is coming together, as the budget allows...<br />
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A visitor this morning, munching on my oak leaf hydrangeas !! Stay warm, N.xo<br />
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Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-56964953943777919482014-02-13T13:19:00.001-05:002014-02-13T13:19:57.341-05:00A nod to romance.... The question of love has been an eternal one....my thought is, it should permeate our lives every day, every second.....filling our homes and living our lives with it at the forefront,<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> is unquestionable...</span><br/><br/><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Little tokens of love every day....a warm cup of tea, a comforting, simple meal, a hug, a smile, expecting less and giving more and remembering, for me, to take joy in everything I do, no matter how humble... </span><br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMmCSDnZTT0YA6NcTOLZlopBvxvgBnFion0WIbqvpGNx82FvS9n6df-mvK6DSSwrhWGuG6_zSxQeVEAZ1kmt8v21Dn8dt5iRXAe3BSo4LeMLTExp_BwpQxPIEdhj7PiyCNRm3uEqeeOw/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMmCSDnZTT0YA6NcTOLZlopBvxvgBnFion0WIbqvpGNx82FvS9n6df-mvK6DSSwrhWGuG6_zSxQeVEAZ1kmt8v21Dn8dt5iRXAe3BSo4LeMLTExp_BwpQxPIEdhj7PiyCNRm3uEqeeOw/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392315594935.0164" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
I know I am an incurable romantic...and am always drawn to those images and objects...flowers, putti or cherubs...and the colours of romance....red and pink! <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMmCSDnZTT0YA6NcTOLZlopBvxvgBnFion0WIbqvpGNx82FvS9n6df-mvK6DSSwrhWGuG6_zSxQeVEAZ1kmt8v21Dn8dt5iRXAe3BSo4LeMLTExp_BwpQxPIEdhj7PiyCNRm3uEqeeOw/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMmCSDnZTT0YA6NcTOLZlopBvxvgBnFion0WIbqvpGNx82FvS9n6df-mvK6DSSwrhWGuG6_zSxQeVEAZ1kmt8v21Dn8dt5iRXAe3BSo4LeMLTExp_BwpQxPIEdhj7PiyCNRm3uEqeeOw/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392315594924.3418" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
Scenes of faraway castles on my tea cups and tea pot, hold promises of romantic escapes...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sGIEOblcf04/Uv0MmB-SJmI/AAAAAAAAFLs/Wa7VJsqdlp0/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A15%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sGIEOblcf04/Uv0MmB-SJmI/AAAAAAAAFLs/Wa7VJsqdlp0/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A15%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392315594913.9727" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
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Repurposing furnishings from another time, like this dining table, I cut down to coffee table height...was it set for a romantic dinner at one time? I think I am loving here in our kitchen/gathering room....it's beautiful oval shape makes a statement...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XcqgsSXxDqw/Uv0MsHhtPtI/AAAAAAAAFL8/vG5TLkdifcU/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A10%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XcqgsSXxDqw/Uv0MsHhtPtI/AAAAAAAAFL8/vG5TLkdifcU/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A10%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392315594958.9978" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
It is filling this large, open space at the moment...I have been on the hunt for a coffee table since our move in, and decided to use what I already had....just giving it new life...I think a sisal rug will look just perfect underneath....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CWFsA9u-p2U/Uv0MvdAzu9I/AAAAAAAAFME/-0We_BoIx4c/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A14%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CWFsA9u-p2U/Uv0MvdAzu9I/AAAAAAAAFME/-0We_BoIx4c/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A14%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392315594957.4504" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
The porcelain, putti figurine is a vintage find....and I move it around every season....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z8bpu8tcVgY/Uv0MySgjblI/AAAAAAAAFMM/q8oq2nuCtvc/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252012%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A21%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z8bpu8tcVgY/Uv0MySgjblI/AAAAAAAAFMM/q8oq2nuCtvc/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252012%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A21%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392315594918.4875" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="867" alt=""></a></div>
The sunshine streaming through my windows today, prompted this short, quick post....my nod to romance...<br/><br/>Wishing everyone a Happy St. Valentine's Day....N.xo<br/><br/> FYI.....The rose sap bucket is an Acorn Lane design and the grapevine basket is from our local Niagara vineyards and is handmade by local artisans....<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-16678565158023566512014-02-05T13:02:00.001-05:002014-02-05T13:02:50.528-05:00The Collected Home.... One of my favourite designers is Charlotte Moss....her interiors are collected, not decorated...infused with character and charm and that haphazard look of uncontrived elegance...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Iz55q5Vx8g/UvJ8FL3U8JI/AAAAAAAAFJA/I5pJQSKf8cQ/s732/Photo%252520Jan%25252012%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A32%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Iz55q5Vx8g/UvJ8FL3U8JI/AAAAAAAAFJA/I5pJQSKf8cQ/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252012%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A32%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391623369577.527" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="864"></a></div>
....layers of the stuff of life....meaningful momentos acquired over time...<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEoLIrQAp9GgWE81P3T_DPTtEsF3bOs_HkSJoXXd_vJnYocTYQDBXdjEXQrmw-dvClKOuWlx7DHFy2muVajQYdbV5W7wHLMxS_NFaqSa-OP9fHY_MPsHwXTUnzQeCRbzAOHKk7a1x9Rk/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525203%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525209%25253A44%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEoLIrQAp9GgWE81P3T_DPTtEsF3bOs_HkSJoXXd_vJnYocTYQDBXdjEXQrmw-dvClKOuWlx7DHFy2muVajQYdbV5W7wHLMxS_NFaqSa-OP9fHY_MPsHwXTUnzQeCRbzAOHKk7a1x9Rk/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525203%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525209%25253A44%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391623369650.362" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div>
...interiors that shun clutter in favour of symmetry and balance, but still offer comfort and personality...<br/><br/>With my decorating challenges here at Acorn Lane, I strive to employ some of these design principles in my own home...<br/><br/> What seems to work for me....is decorating in layers....like below in our kitchen/sitting area...<br/><br/>I begin with fabrics and colours I love to live with...the colour green taking top billing...the blue export china I have collected for years...consistent throughout with Cake Batter paint on the walls and Cloud White trim by BM...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eay9kf1C3u-CPGylGYik6sT8jRsVY9Vep9BPC4kZjPy6GBMzw6PTuc4fhP8wmLijbNgHmyFhHYS_HvVLwAfsLTvFAdSUGto3TXLWjYicXttuMhjCAGtP6XpQsRGLV6orG3Ne8FSOiOM/s1024/Photo%252520Jul%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525202%25253A09%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eay9kf1C3u-CPGylGYik6sT8jRsVY9Vep9BPC4kZjPy6GBMzw6PTuc4fhP8wmLijbNgHmyFhHYS_HvVLwAfsLTvFAdSUGto3TXLWjYicXttuMhjCAGtP6XpQsRGLV6orG3Ne8FSOiOM/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525202%25253A09%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391623369581.9077" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Layering with collections and different textures like silver, glass, baskets and of course, flowers from the garden, helps me to achieve the look I want, without the clutter...</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the design principles I learned in retail....group and seperate....it has been working for me! Below..looking from the kitchen into the sitting area...<br>
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In the master bedroom below...the colours of alabaster and blush are working well with the painted French provincial furniture acquired at an estate sale over twenty years ago...there is a wonderful story associated with it's purchase...for another time...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g8eotrcTtrU/UvJ8VJNWDeI/AAAAAAAAFJo/zOQIFWf0Glg/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%2525201%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525204%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g8eotrcTtrU/UvJ8VJNWDeI/AAAAAAAAFJo/zOQIFWf0Glg/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525201%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525204%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391623369656.9048" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
Many more layers required here!! I am thinking Mole (a mousy brown) velvet pillows and linen bedding....a small slipper chair..bedside lamps...personal touches....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zx3GWwtNdVs/UvJ8X1zlXBI/AAAAAAAAFJw/4Mbo5b_i-8I/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525203%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zx3GWwtNdVs/UvJ8X1zlXBI/AAAAAAAAFJw/4Mbo5b_i-8I/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525203%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391623369626.1716" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
The downstairs guest bedroom is acquiring the collected look...here looking in from the ensuite bath..<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lizmMFsiqhs/UvJ8bOJQajI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/mUXqO5BWIxE/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525203%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lizmMFsiqhs/UvJ8bOJQajI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/mUXqO5BWIxE/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525203%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391623369576.2534" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div>
...because this room gets limited light, I decided for a happy, yellow colour scheme...I think I have about six different patterns going on here...but I like it...they are colours of the garden! Petit print quilts have found their way into my heart..<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DZW8j2XFAgU/UvJ8eGWDHyI/AAAAAAAAFKA/w0X65rDQFnI/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525205%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A47%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DZW8j2XFAgU/UvJ8eGWDHyI/AAAAAAAAFKA/w0X65rDQFnI/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525205%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A47%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391623369607.088" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="627" height="836"></a></div>
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....a romantic at heart... I added this small plaster relief over the iron bed....which was in an upstairs bedroom for several years...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qQUIvX0R4iY/UvJ8jwb-oiI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/HKIXYZNjU6U/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525205%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A48%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qQUIvX0R4iY/UvJ8jwb-oiI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/HKIXYZNjU6U/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525205%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A48%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391623369621.0193" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="627" height="836"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The small chest, below, belonged to my Mom...handpainted through Acorn Lane...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6fL0tfUe0Wo/UvJ8mxnPxSI/AAAAAAAAFKY/yqCs4fjF9jg/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525203%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6fL0tfUe0Wo/UvJ8mxnPxSI/AAAAAAAAFKY/yqCs4fjF9jg/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525203%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391623369588.6912" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
Layering with vintage pillow slips, lamps and hand painted furniture and china...the lamp shade is made from vintage fabric...I sold them in my shop at one time...I love the English term for anything handmade...bespoke!<br/><br/>It just sounds so lovely and proper...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y6iMigbfdNc/UvJ8p0MLshI/AAAAAAAAFKg/EvzHHDGlMpM/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525205%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A48%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y6iMigbfdNc/UvJ8p0MLshI/AAAAAAAAFKg/EvzHHDGlMpM/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525205%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A48%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391623369623.4849" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="622" height="829"></a></div>
A vintage bark cloth toss cushion, with bottle brush fringe....bottle brush fringe...my sewing obsession at the moment! It looks soft and pretty on cushions and works just as well with upholstery...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VQtMsPPbeig/UvJ8tKdyQII/AAAAAAAAFKo/8SEmxgeZhxg/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525205%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A45%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VQtMsPPbeig/UvJ8tKdyQII/AAAAAAAAFKo/8SEmxgeZhxg/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525205%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A45%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391623369634.9834" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="600" height="800"></a></div>
Decorating in layers, for me, helps me to visualize more clearly in achieving the look I want, and ultimately avoid costly mistakes...especially when you are on a budget! I can wait...for just the right thing!! <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QdO2F30XhCQ/UvJ8uHXHPqI/AAAAAAAAFKw/Nf9WbkgRGpI/s306/Photo%252520Jan%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525206%25253A42%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QdO2F30XhCQ/UvJ8uHXHPqI/AAAAAAAAFKw/Nf9WbkgRGpI/s306/Photo%252520Jan%25252030%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525206%25253A42%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391623369587.1157" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="397" height="516"></a></div>
Finding your own personal style can be a harrowing, daunting experience....but like anything else, I have found, that decorating from the heart makes it a little less difficult, and ultimately more pleasurable..employing basic design principles and layering with objects of affection, loved and collected over the years, creates an inviting and interesting home reflecting the people who live there......<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-unuQerLErho/UvJ8xupAQXI/AAAAAAAAFK4/PKOHHWEgMr8/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525205%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A57%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-unuQerLErho/UvJ8xupAQXI/AAAAAAAAFK4/PKOHHWEgMr8/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525205%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A57%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391623369661.2324" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="487" alt=""></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> This is a view from my window today...grey skies, chilly and snowing....I hope this small post helped brighten up your day!!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">N.xo</p>
<br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-89919192257787831312014-01-28T18:39:00.001-05:002014-01-28T18:39:22.643-05:00First impressions...the entry.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AGzJRUf-zGA/Uug_C8PESAI/AAAAAAAAFGw/RupQd5fk_eU/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A35%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AGzJRUf-zGA/Uug_C8PESAI/AAAAAAAAFGw/RupQd5fk_eU/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A35%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363504.047" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
The weekend after New Year's Day, the painter left....he was the last of the workers to finish up with the renovation. It felt wonderful to be able to wake up in the morning and not have anyone coming into the house...finally!<br/><br/>I thought I would share some glimpses of our front entrance...foyer..it is very small, and my grand vision of what I would do here, from a decorating standpoint, quickly vanished...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7Yyb-1m59BM/Uug_F4pB2KI/AAAAAAAAFG4/oYmPiIex7Ww/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7Yyb-1m59BM/Uug_F4pB2KI/AAAAAAAAFG4/oYmPiIex7Ww/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363547.3726" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
It is actually no bigger than a landing, and you are immediately forced to go either up into the open kitchen/sitting area, or downstairs to the family room...below.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0nbh9PEbpSM/Uug_IZNmIxI/AAAAAAAAFHA/BRuTJ6tcvXs/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%2525207%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A48%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0nbh9PEbpSM/Uug_IZNmIxI/AAAAAAAAFHA/BRuTJ6tcvXs/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525207%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A48%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363541.03" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
I decided to reuse a vintage mirror which I had saved from my shop...it is a bit like a trumeau, but not really.<br/><br/>It is from Belgium and we painted and antiqued it, like I did all of the pieces I sold...I like the lines and scale and thought it would make a statement in my small foyer..<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-A8H5FO3L4GQ/Uug_LHtdAgI/AAAAAAAAFHI/3PdXce4m6gI/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-A8H5FO3L4GQ/Uug_LHtdAgI/AAAAAAAAFHI/3PdXce4m6gI/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363542.4617" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
The bench was fashioned from a coffee table....my upholsterer resized it to fit, and added the small back from the piece that was cut out of the middle. I only had approximately 14 inches of width to play with and it was the perfect length to sit under the mirror...40 inches...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_dmtRcYsG2YlK5TOfMLEmt1rGjiRKe7r37om9Pac9SAU71MmzPmKbemim5BhCCjib5kavMVw0EbUSnkvhXDNmzQaIni8Dku3XPHfu23LY6ubp8N4E97-YtRTaDOnKoQyGRsIRw9VvnM/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A40%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_dmtRcYsG2YlK5TOfMLEmt1rGjiRKe7r37om9Pac9SAU71MmzPmKbemim5BhCCjib5kavMVw0EbUSnkvhXDNmzQaIni8Dku3XPHfu23LY6ubp8N4E97-YtRTaDOnKoQyGRsIRw9VvnM/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A40%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363550.0576" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5KZJcU8-e4Z9e-v9slAnUrbpEzjMfnNxtNFlMlYLqE7jTv2qXJwMeYU5IRhuLLDKhyphenhyphenbgbPnM1RUX_LjRsPIGBa57WRnodZ9t39ch_atWelgRY7Rj0T_V7ToYTYBhgFhl3zfNWtrM6oQ/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5KZJcU8-e4Z9e-v9slAnUrbpEzjMfnNxtNFlMlYLqE7jTv2qXJwMeYU5IRhuLLDKhyphenhyphenbgbPnM1RUX_LjRsPIGBa57WRnodZ9t39ch_atWelgRY7Rj0T_V7ToYTYBhgFhl3zfNWtrM6oQ/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363535.1597" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
The pretty Louis XV legs on the bench add a bit of softness to the angular lines of the mirror...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zxV2VnYqykA/Uug_TFnlcYI/AAAAAAAAFHg/dPgk9OLUlxs/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A40%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zxV2VnYqykA/Uug_TFnlcYI/AAAAAAAAFHg/dPgk9OLUlxs/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A40%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363545.571" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div>
The cream coloured damask fabric came from a local thrift shop...I had been saving it for just the right project..and it works well with the tone on tone colours of the stone floor tiles...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUv4yRAuSpmqbdolEqFyB4yJSemu5LqzXOcDPxHQFW2k1AjuAAz_6dfdvU0Q8erfAOK77pxqaMHp98QQVo4mZ0IoQNg86u2mRmNfooBTefb_4RYkZT125dd0LndNYidAxFOXS1W2mlX_w/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUv4yRAuSpmqbdolEqFyB4yJSemu5LqzXOcDPxHQFW2k1AjuAAz_6dfdvU0Q8erfAOK77pxqaMHp98QQVo4mZ0IoQNg86u2mRmNfooBTefb_4RYkZT125dd0LndNYidAxFOXS1W2mlX_w/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363519.1523" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div>
The cushion is attached to the upholstered base so it won't slip and slide when you sit on it...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D3OE23RX1Zg/Uug_YmN2iaI/AAAAAAAAFHw/_1K6cdp5rPw/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D3OE23RX1Zg/Uug_YmN2iaI/AAAAAAAAFHw/_1K6cdp5rPw/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363524.633" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
This mirror probably sat on a console table and went straight up to the ceiling in a former life... <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aUqQvCDJwPY/Uug_bR67QVI/AAAAAAAAFH4/m35zWbRW4PE/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aUqQvCDJwPY/Uug_bR67QVI/AAAAAAAAFH4/m35zWbRW4PE/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363592.0947" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div>
It fits the small space, yet gives it a sense of grandeur as well, and because of the 12 foot ceiling it reflects the light from the hall fixture...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aXl5ECsAq7o/Uug_d2J9RCI/AAAAAAAAFIA/dHgh_hkzhJA/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aXl5ECsAq7o/Uug_d2J9RCI/AAAAAAAAFIA/dHgh_hkzhJA/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363609.7476" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
I can't really do much more with this space...I plan to add a few more framed prints on this wall, a rug and a some homey touches....I love the English country look...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-524hLeiZr9g/Uug_g4ng9iI/AAAAAAAAFII/ooI5R-deAYU/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A36%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-524hLeiZr9g/Uug_g4ng9iI/AAAAAAAAFII/ooI5R-deAYU/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A36%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363538.5896" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-E_pIP53nGkI/Uug_iD6ofPI/AAAAAAAAFIQ/CUFSND6Mto0/s483/Photo%252520Sep%2525207%25252C%2525202010%25252C%2525206%25253A32%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-E_pIP53nGkI/Uug_iD6ofPI/AAAAAAAAFIQ/CUFSND6Mto0/s483/Photo%252520Sep%2525207%25252C%2525202010%25252C%2525206%25253A32%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363571.5571" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="324" height="483"></a></div>
Perhaps a vintage suitcase under the bench to hold gloves and scarves....<br/><br/> ....or a basket and top hat on top of the bench....just for fun....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QAgcnSEfRRg/Uug_jkRQfzI/AAAAAAAAFIY/WuiaoSiGDrM/s570/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525205%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QAgcnSEfRRg/Uug_jkRQfzI/AAAAAAAAFIY/WuiaoSiGDrM/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525205%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363555.0623" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="428"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6xsCx_fFbrw/Uug_kkom6qI/AAAAAAAAFIg/G8cTGAeSY3Q/s400/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525205%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6xsCx_fFbrw/Uug_kkom6qI/AAAAAAAAFIg/G8cTGAeSY3Q/s400/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525205%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363553.1462" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="400" height="520"></a></div>
A la W.C. Fields....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u7IEntTX1r8/Uug_nDeHvlI/AAAAAAAAFIo/CDTFQkaOnAE/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u7IEntTX1r8/Uug_nDeHvlI/AAAAAAAAFIo/CDTFQkaOnAE/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363553.8723" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
Here you can see how very small the space really is....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-y_brhBHgA9g/Uug_p42EJEI/AAAAAAAAFIw/L2SyKSiBbyo/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A37%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-y_brhBHgA9g/Uug_p42EJEI/AAAAAAAAFIw/L2SyKSiBbyo/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A37%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390952363532.4844" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="867" alt=""></a></div>
I have so much yet to do...thinking ahead, but thinking back, the best decision I made was painting the entire house in one colour, both upstairs and down...Cake Batter by BM....it looks like the colour of an old alabaster lamp here in my home, with our diffused light...this decision has enabled me to reuse most, if not all, of my old furniture and collections...with a little bit of tweeking...making for a very happy husband! <br/><br/> Till next time, N.xo<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-37825420047005394052014-01-06T23:03:00.001-05:002014-01-06T23:03:10.953-05:00Choosing life..... Yesterday, I was asked, if I had to choose one word to define the past year, what would it be ? <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ryyGPS2CkS8/Ust8MqrwMhI/AAAAAAAAFEk/FvsabZA7lAk/s640/Photo%2525202013-12-29%25252011%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ryyGPS2CkS8/Ust8MqrwMhI/AAAAAAAAFEk/FvsabZA7lAk/s500/Photo%2525202013-12-29%25252011%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1389067388953.8118" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="552" height="832"></a></div>
......a feeling of gratitude is what comes to mind.....<br/><br/>Last night, I watched, like so many of you, the opening episode of season four of Downton Abbey...it was wonderful....but the scene that resonated the most with me was when Lady Violet, in a poignant and endearing moment, told Mary to choose life, over death, after the loss of her husband Matthew. It touched me, as only a great actress like Maggie Smith, can touch us. She is a master at bringing her character to life, in all it's fabulous glory. Her wit, but best of all her intelligence and wisdom that only comes from age and maturity.<br/><br/>As I age, this time of year brings about a fair amount of contemplation. Where I have been and where I want to go...never one to make resolutions, I just charge ahead with all the " to do " things on my list...<br/><br/>....the things of life...living. What we as women do every day...looking after our families, friends, and if there is any time left, ourselves. I have tried over the last several years, to rid myself of negativity, and instead focus on a more simplistic approach to living...listening to my inner voice...as well.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lv5o56fuGHg/Ust8OeGmuLI/AAAAAAAAFEs/2H8VVwhRJ4Q/s720/Photo%2525202013-12-07%2525209%25253A37%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lv5o56fuGHg/Ust8OeGmuLI/AAAAAAAAFEs/2H8VVwhRJ4Q/s500/Photo%2525202013-12-07%2525209%25253A37%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1389067388964.792" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="624" height="935"></a> Karen Tran </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So....the prospect of new projects which life has brought my way, are exciting and inspiring....I look forward to creating the most beautiful weddings this summer....living up to my own expectations and more importantly, my clients...</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">" live the life you imagine"</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How many times have you heard the phrase? I imagine a life full of challenges...that is inevitable...but also a life full of the rewards of honest hard work...of aspirations to create a beautiful and inspiring home..to give a small part of who we are to the world and those in it..</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...whether growing a garden.... </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> ...creating whimsy.....</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or...just living in a simple, happy moment... </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Like Mary, choosing to live our lives with purpose and meaning, and in the moment, is the best reward...</div>
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I really believe that! N.xo <br/><br/> <br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-25081207552983117212014-01-02T00:23:00.001-05:002014-01-02T00:23:45.297-05:00The Holiday Kitchen This was the first Christmas celebrated in our newly renovated home...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m8mKN0tvPp0/UsT3MdssnmI/AAAAAAAAFCk/9hFLT6bkoTo/s1024/Photo%2525202013-12-30%25252010%25253A32%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m8mKN0tvPp0/UsT3MdssnmI/AAAAAAAAFCk/9hFLT6bkoTo/s500/Photo%2525202013-12-30%25252010%25253A32%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1388640218313.8853" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div>
The kitchen has now become the hub of activity and center of entertaining....this past week it proved it's worth, and then some! I still have one more little gathering scheduled this Friday.... <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VMc5tpdHB2o/UsT3PpRGfCI/AAAAAAAAFCs/aGOZ-s9ZURs/s1024/Photo%2525202013-12-30%25252010%25253A37%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VMc5tpdHB2o/UsT3PpRGfCI/AAAAAAAAFCs/aGOZ-s9ZURs/s500/Photo%2525202013-12-30%25252010%25253A37%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1388640218337.7896" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
I love to host a gathering at my house...growing up our home was always open to family and friends, and my Mom could feed 4 or 20 at a moments notice...fresh pasta, sauce and other homemade specialties were at the ready...our home hummed with activity..that is what I want to happen here...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tV7uOQRe8e4/UsT3S8q2MTI/AAAAAAAAFC0/iIaynVEq6Gk/s1024/Photo%2525202013-12-30%25252010%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tV7uOQRe8e4/UsT3S8q2MTI/AAAAAAAAFC0/iIaynVEq6Gk/s500/Photo%2525202013-12-30%25252010%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1388640218343.3867" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
With the two islands, it has become so convenient to prep and then serve a variety of dishes...casual or more fancy....<br/><br/>The adjoining dining/garden room can take an overflow of guests from the kitchen...but it seems, everyone loves the kitchen best... <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0npzVKwlHOE/UsT3UvM7DyI/AAAAAAAAFC8/g8W9qNHW3W0/s640/Photo%2525202013-12-16%25252011%25253A12%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0npzVKwlHOE/UsT3UvM7DyI/AAAAAAAAFC8/g8W9qNHW3W0/s500/Photo%2525202013-12-16%25252011%25253A12%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1388640218323.9536" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="434"></a></div>
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Ricotta cakes, iced with cream cheese frosting with edible gold leaf, a raspberry lemon mascarpone torte and other Christmas favourites stood waiting to be sampled.... <br/><br/>Small reindeer moss in cups, embellished with moss stars were my gifts for the ladies this year....<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CmbSQgSuzQI/UsT3ZC11XII/AAAAAAAAFDM/-du02j-60dc/s1024/Photo%2525202013-12-30%25252010%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CmbSQgSuzQI/UsT3ZC11XII/AAAAAAAAFDM/-du02j-60dc/s500/Photo%2525202013-12-30%25252010%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1388640218377.9915" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
This new take on a dining room has fulfilled all of my expectations....<br/><br/> ......sipping my morning coffee in the wicker chairs in this room....watching the snow fall.....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i5Qp2PxWOfA/UsT3cDSeW0I/AAAAAAAAFDU/5B8dPiitu8M/s1024/Photo%2525202013-12-24%25252012%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i5Qp2PxWOfA/UsT3cDSeW0I/AAAAAAAAFDU/5B8dPiitu8M/s500/Photo%2525202013-12-24%25252012%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1388640218359.5706" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
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....and some mornings, the view is magical! <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-b4vAmrskErw/UsT3inZql6I/AAAAAAAAFDk/MZzjRwCkQtc/s1024/Photo%2525202013-12-28%25252010%25253A02%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-b4vAmrskErw/UsT3inZql6I/AAAAAAAAFDk/MZzjRwCkQtc/s500/Photo%2525202013-12-28%25252010%25253A02%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1388640218422.632" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
Because I love Nature, and am inspired by my surroundings, I kept our decorations to a minimum, and very simple.....but mostly due to the fact that they are still stacked up somewhere in the garage :/ <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfN3Qu3f8jlMOe5BqN7AGagYgtRHdtBmZotCpj0ZrePxWh5j4JDYhraoRazpzs6UzpI6WvRcoLzhKinNiWg_3j9gPIXiPgKbYqeMnG0y_2tCJ0UdynV1i8xg0EtG20PWG03LOscoXy97E/s1024/Photo%2525202013-12-30%25252010%25253A50%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfN3Qu3f8jlMOe5BqN7AGagYgtRHdtBmZotCpj0ZrePxWh5j4JDYhraoRazpzs6UzpI6WvRcoLzhKinNiWg_3j9gPIXiPgKbYqeMnG0y_2tCJ0UdynV1i8xg0EtG20PWG03LOscoXy97E/s500/Photo%2525202013-12-30%25252010%25253A50%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1388640218360.3516" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
I added a few of my doll ornaments to the kitchen....still a child at heart! <br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YwSMaHfzs6E/UsT3pMrLk-I/AAAAAAAAFD0/u3FrpBUnywM/s1024/Photo%2525202013-12-16%2525209%25253A46%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YwSMaHfzs6E/UsT3pMrLk-I/AAAAAAAAFD0/u3FrpBUnywM/s500/Photo%2525202013-12-16%2525209%25253A46%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1388640218351.398" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
I crafted them from tissue paper and bits of vintage lace and other findings....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RyMMX_wOIQg/UsT3smE1sqI/AAAAAAAAFD8/sO6aYPNjUJ0/s1024/Photo%2525202013-12-16%2525209%25253A47%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RyMMX_wOIQg/UsT3smE1sqI/AAAAAAAAFD8/sO6aYPNjUJ0/s500/Photo%2525202013-12-16%2525209%25253A47%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1388640218406.614" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
A vintage tea cart, paired with the extra dining chairs, warms up a window nook.....and the coffee center holds all the necessities for a cappuccino on your way to the wicker chairs!! <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RsVeo8EM5eM/UsT3v6OLO9I/AAAAAAAAFEE/NwPOEqc58Vw/s1024/Photo%2525202013-12-30%25252010%25253A36%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RsVeo8EM5eM/UsT3v6OLO9I/AAAAAAAAFEE/NwPOEqc58Vw/s500/Photo%2525202013-12-30%25252010%25253A36%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1388640218401.1948" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
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I hope you enjoyed the tour of my kitchen this New Year's Day, 2014... It has been a year full of twists and turns, unexpected setbacks with the flooding this summer, and unexpected developments because of it....we installed a gas generator...our quirky, capricious climate almost dictated it....it has been an unsettling, disorganized year....but I am full of hope and promise...surrounded by our beautiful woodland, family and friends, and the newest addition, Bella. <br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HD9QwL9rYJA/UsT32MAC3II/AAAAAAAAFEU/9w6FvRdLsgk/s1024/Photo%2525202013-12-25%2525206%25253A53%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HD9QwL9rYJA/UsT32MAC3II/AAAAAAAAFEU/9w6FvRdLsgk/s500/Photo%2525202013-12-25%2525206%25253A53%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1388640218355.5437" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="867" alt=""></a></div>
....nestled in an evergreen wreath, on the front porch....what a little beauty.....!! <br/><br/>I wish all of my readers the very best the New Year holds, love, health and happiness, and a quiet and gentle heart to embrace all that life holds in store.....Happy, happy New Year.....N..xo<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-71072367327552674412013-12-26T00:04:00.001-05:002013-12-26T00:04:05.466-05:00Christmas Night.. Just a few more minutes, and it will be all over...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NP_fwQsn21Y/Uru4ts1pHhI/AAAAAAAAFB4/aTjOtD35Uow/s1024/Photo%2525202013-12-19%2525209%25253A36%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NP_fwQsn21Y/Uru4ts1pHhI/AAAAAAAAFB4/aTjOtD35Uow/s500/Photo%2525202013-12-19%2525209%25253A36%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1388034244686.9856" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="952"></a></div>
...the wonderful feelings, sights and sounds that accompany this most beautiful of all holidays....holy days...<br/><br/>I have been busy hosting my family for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day......at last with five minutes to midnight...all alone in the serenity of a quiet, candlelit kitchen, I am finally posting my wishes to all of you...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HZUJJ_tQq_A/Uru4wqscPrI/AAAAAAAAFCA/mMmYiUl_EYU/s1024/Photo%2525202013-12-17%2525208%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HZUJJ_tQq_A/Uru4wqscPrI/AAAAAAAAFCA/mMmYiUl_EYU/s500/Photo%2525202013-12-17%2525208%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1388034244677.046" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="430" alt=""></a></div>
May you be filled with love, gratitude and everything that makes your heart happy....<br/><br/>My son Marty, with his new puppy, Bella...a pure bred malamute. She has taken over our home and our hearts, as you can see! The best Christmas present....<br/><br/>Merry, merry Christmas ! N.xo<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-64003014864194245682013-11-19T12:05:00.001-05:002013-11-19T12:05:03.809-05:00Playing with PaperMany of you may be familiar with Coty Farquhar, the beautiful mind behind the Styling, on line magazine and beautiful blog of the same name which originates in Australia. A few years ago, Coty shared some Christmas dolls which she had created from paper and assorted collected vintage finds....she inspired me to fashion some of my own...here is what I have been playing with! Please excuse the poor quality images...I quickly snapped them with my iPad this morning.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jgBv3BFsiQM/UouZ9UxMrGI/AAAAAAAAFAw/Ypvb1PPr-tE/s960/Photo%2525202013-11-11%2525209%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jgBv3BFsiQM/UouZ9UxMrGI/AAAAAAAAFAw/Ypvb1PPr-tE/s500/Photo%2525202013-11-11%2525209%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1384880704472.2393" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
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Felted Christmas balls, torn vintage tulle and recycled tissue paper and foil embellish them....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wj0CrpzgAwc/UouaFEm4msI/AAAAAAAAFBI/qRaME7gadz8/s960/Photo%2525202013-11-11%25252011%25253A48%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wj0CrpzgAwc/UouaFEm4msI/AAAAAAAAFBI/qRaME7gadz8/s500/Photo%2525202013-11-11%25252011%25253A48%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1384880704455.643" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
Bits of vintage lace are finding their way into the mix...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-X8AssRsYNnY/UouaHkp_irI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/nmfYVN__Q1U/s960/Photo%2525202013-11-11%25252011%25253A48%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-X8AssRsYNnY/UouaHkp_irI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/nmfYVN__Q1U/s500/Photo%2525202013-11-11%25252011%25253A48%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1384880704491.8726" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
They are keeping my mind off the drilling, pounding and hammering going on downstairs...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zBMMib_ogVg/UouaKTGA1uI/AAAAAAAAFBY/LL0Avo6XA3k/s960/Photo%2525202013-11-11%2525209%25253A18%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zBMMib_ogVg/UouaKTGA1uI/AAAAAAAAFBY/LL0Avo6XA3k/s500/Photo%2525202013-11-11%2525209%25253A18%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1384880704440.2893" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
I think they would look lovely as a tree topper, or sitting on a vintage hatbox or fresh green wreath as a holiday decoration....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X3eIQI54_1M/UouaMJSHsEI/AAAAAAAAFBg/hQVMlymwojY/s640/Photo%2525202013-11-05%2525208%25253A54%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X3eIQI54_1M/UouaMJSHsEI/AAAAAAAAFBg/hQVMlymwojY/s500/Photo%2525202013-11-05%2525208%25253A54%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1384880704439.607" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="639" height="832"></a></div>
I thinking I would like to make a more primitive looking one....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XHWB5CCKRNE/UouaPDIu8AI/AAAAAAAAFBo/oyC_WOO0DKk/s1024/Photo%2525202013-08-20%25252011%25253A46%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XHWB5CCKRNE/UouaPDIu8AI/AAAAAAAAFBo/oyC_WOO0DKk/s500/Photo%2525202013-08-20%25252011%25253A46%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1384880704418.4597" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="867" alt=""></a></div>
The house is a clean palette for fresh greens and a more simple Christmas this year...My mantra for the holidays...less is more...who would have thought....coming from the Queen of Embellishment!! N.xo<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-66563579734738218662013-10-11T18:08:00.001-04:002013-10-12T00:35:09.301-04:00Week Two.....One Room Challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been a full and busy week....still waiting for the men in my life to move out the damaged bed and move in possible furniture choices from the carriage house....the colour board below is what I have in mind for possible fabric choices and colours...<br />
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I replaced the damaged shelves in the bookcase and painted them.... <br />
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More colour inspiration for this room, my refuge, escape, creative outlet....<br />
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...a softened palette, with shabby Chanel.....( I know what you're thinking!! ) Really? <br />
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QVHZI2wdyxw/Ulh25CVsHlI/AAAAAAAAFAI/MqmPcyiZ8lU/s960/Photo%2525202013-10-11%2525205%25253A39%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1381529318880.632" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QVHZI2wdyxw/Ulh25CVsHlI/AAAAAAAAFAI/MqmPcyiZ8lU/s500/Photo%2525202013-10-11%2525205%25253A39%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
...carpet is creamy wool, sisal look....staying...possibly will add another area rug to layer...looking for roses on leopard background...very muted though....<br />
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Well, all I have for now.....this Saturday after my baking for our Thanksgiving dinner is done....I will begin to gently nudge the men into getting into the action....after I feed them some pumpkin pie!! <br />
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I hope I have peaked your interest a little to follow along....be sure to visit Calling it Home blog for updates on the other bloggers who have joined in...<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian readers....it promises to be a beautiful weekend..N.xo<br />
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Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-13107453738049668392013-10-07T10:34:00.001-04:002013-10-07T11:15:04.707-04:00One Room Challenge...studio/guest room I might be a bit late for this...I seem to have a severe mental block when it comes to linking and copy and paste.....I am going to give it a go, and see what happens....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nxaQRKo8jiU/UlLF7iQFx7I/AAAAAAAAE9o/isEvr1IJ2U0/s1024/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A40%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nxaQRKo8jiU/UlLF7iQFx7I/AAAAAAAAE9o/isEvr1IJ2U0/s500/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A40%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1381156475254.1504" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
....small upstairs bedroom.... <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ngPu4HNfXa4/UlLF-T4CQsI/AAAAAAAAE9w/eLs5uGkgj2o/s1024/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ngPu4HNfXa4/UlLF-T4CQsI/AAAAAAAAE9w/eLs5uGkgj2o/s500/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1381156475274.391" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div>
This is a spare, main floor bedroom, where my youngest son slept...during the renovation, we enlarged it...slightly, borrowing about two feet from the adjacent bedroom..<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bta4qkjhe8c/UlLGBH5AeUI/AAAAAAAAE94/HjMH4QYJH6s/s1024/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bta4qkjhe8c/UlLGBH5AeUI/AAAAAAAAE94/HjMH4QYJH6s/s500/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A41%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1381156475244.0054" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div>
Since a guest room with a full ensuite bath is on the lower level, I felt two guest rooms might be a wasted space, but you never now, when a bit too much wine on a Friday night might necessitate unexpected lodging for one or more !! Seriously, I think the space should be used, and it would make a great studio.<br/><br/>My goal is to shop from the carriage house, our outbuilding, which has become the repository for furniture and accessories I couldn't part with from my now closed shop and vintage finds....this challenge has prompted, and inspired me to get the room decorated and functioning...thank you, Linda, from Calling it Home blog for nudging me on this.....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4HS-6aOuR2_Z1mdxVwvZIORjxDolyDXtiokKBMufErzumOs2OJbk9STqw1jxHZJRpBNqvSaE9Vp8aWejnvl7OqlD-2TPKLohlfu39PuV6Orj_UtMUKVbIfCgB3-NC_Is0X7YtIQgcBc/s1024/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4HS-6aOuR2_Z1mdxVwvZIORjxDolyDXtiokKBMufErzumOs2OJbk9STqw1jxHZJRpBNqvSaE9Vp8aWejnvl7OqlD-2TPKLohlfu39PuV6Orj_UtMUKVbIfCgB3-NC_Is0X7YtIQgcBc/s500/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1381156475264.9683" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div>
The painted French bed was from the shop, but if you look closely, you will see a large crack in the headboard developed in storage...so I can either upholster the headboard, or replace it.... <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ho7YrAP7W0U/UlLGGQ5BQlI/AAAAAAAAE-I/T9Fce4LwKOA/s1024/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ho7YrAP7W0U/UlLGGQ5BQlI/AAAAAAAAE-I/T9Fce4LwKOA/s500/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1381156475258.227" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div>
The carved flower basket relief is so lovely, I have decided to remove it, salvage it and reuse it over the window frame, serving as a valance....currently, a linen roller shade covers the window...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lvc_xa51p9U/UlLGJGnraBI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/iwwbGRByULY/s1024/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A45%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lvc_xa51p9U/UlLGJGnraBI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/iwwbGRByULY/s500/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A45%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1381156475252.3835" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
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The open storage to the right, houses extra quilts and linens, which I just have stacked there currently to hide the wires for a flat screen TV...if it is ever installed here....the closet to the right has an overhead light in it...I think this will be where my sewing machine will reside, as well as storage for my stash of vintage linens and fabric...<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BiveV-GwjKM/UlLGOzlgNeI/AAAAAAAAE-g/60M5eZ491fA/s1024/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BiveV-GwjKM/UlLGOzlgNeI/AAAAAAAAE-g/60M5eZ491fA/s500/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1381156475243.051" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
I hope to fit a vintage piece, desk, table or small buffet in the space, and extra shelving, using the existing clothes rod for hanging fabric...the light is concealed in the ceiling of the closet...<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YD0xwO0HLCs/UlLGRrM9nfI/AAAAAAAAE-o/8cqBVtZ4xio/s1024/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A46%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YD0xwO0HLCs/UlLGRrM9nfI/AAAAAAAAE-o/8cqBVtZ4xio/s500/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A46%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1381156475314.897" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
The chandelier is vintage, and will remain....as well as the wall colour, just painted BM Cake Batter in the renovation....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RiF9ONVqHkw/UlLGUcqRh9I/AAAAAAAAE-w/dd--YwIh1iM/s1024/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A43%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RiF9ONVqHkw/UlLGUcqRh9I/AAAAAAAAE-w/dd--YwIh1iM/s500/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A43%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1381156475256.9778" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
A vintage bookcase from my shop.....waiting to be used to organize my collection of home decor books, magazines and pretty collectibles....I really want this room to be for me...pretty, but functional..my refuge..a place to create...and feel inspired....I really want to get rid of the bed, but my hubby thinks we need an extra bedroom....??<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ge6_-lXIk2o/UlLGXDEI47I/AAAAAAAAE-4/ui2uIGLNR7I/s1024/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ge6_-lXIk2o/UlLGXDEI47I/AAAAAAAAE-4/ui2uIGLNR7I/s500/Photo%2525202013-10-06%25252010%25253A42%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1381156475310.0354" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="867"></a></div>
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I am thinking of a blush, cream, white colour palette....with a touch of black and leopard...<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BaDu4Wtn5LU/UlLGbfS_C-I/AAAAAAAAE_I/D_J7jOnoNoI/s580/Photo%2525202013-10-07%2525208%25253A35%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BaDu4Wtn5LU/UlLGbfS_C-I/AAAAAAAAE_I/D_J7jOnoNoI/s500/Photo%2525202013-10-07%2525208%25253A35%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1381156475284.706" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="646"></a></div>
Inspiration from uncredited Pinterest source....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dbeXV9ZXinI/UlLGc8WP_ZI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/YGvf97qYDp0/s639/Photo%2525202010-08-13%25252012%25253A53%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dbeXV9ZXinI/UlLGc8WP_ZI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/YGvf97qYDp0/s500/Photo%2525202010-08-13%25252012%25253A53%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1381156475256.3271" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="830"></a></div>
I will need a table to serve as a desk/work table which will be placed under the chandelier, at the foot of the bed...currently in the room...maybe to be removed!! <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZU-HdsTBkZE/UlLGd2gTz6I/AAAAAAAAE_Y/mvF0S3xHojU/s387/Photo%2525202013-09-26%2525208%25253A58%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZU-HdsTBkZE/UlLGd2gTz6I/AAAAAAAAE_Y/mvF0S3xHojU/s387/Photo%2525202013-09-26%2525208%25253A58%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1381156475285.2898" class="aligncenter" width="325" height="503" alt=""></a></div>
So many ideas.....Challenging...Fun.....I hope you will follow along....so many bloggers have accepted the challenge...six weeks of inspiration and ideas.....now, off to link up....wish me luck...N.xo<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888790631806562782.post-24745525872791814052013-09-23T12:29:00.001-04:002013-09-23T22:20:23.159-04:00Rustled pears...revisited.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHEXisPcb3iweD1W7jFnZYR076CgcILsprBEjauSzrKbnMgDa1SqEbN-GzIdc6X8MRgryMMJU7T4iLbBZOvNVb8cbi9rtmweBLi6OVk1KkFnu2hO6oOSgIr260FZnwYD9EP-4liNtItU/s1024/Photo%2525202013-09-18%2525204%25253A54%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1379953742971.2485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHEXisPcb3iweD1W7jFnZYR076CgcILsprBEjauSzrKbnMgDa1SqEbN-GzIdc6X8MRgryMMJU7T4iLbBZOvNVb8cbi9rtmweBLi6OVk1KkFnu2hO6oOSgIr260FZnwYD9EP-4liNtItU/s500/Photo%2525202013-09-18%2525204%25253A54%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
This was the work in progress, last week, at attempting to bring a bit of the outdoors in....I was having guests for brunch and wanted a little decor to accompany the food...twigs and a few green branches from our woods...<br />
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....I had envisioned some tiny pears, still on the branch, to finish off the arrangement......luckily I found just the abandoned pear tree on one of the country roads near my home...<br />
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.....the treasured, vintage French cookbook, below, under glass, was purchased at Refuge, my favourite home decor store, owned by Liz Hawley in Niagara on the Lake...<br />
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It was pouring rain, when I saw the Bosc pear tree by the side of the road....but my garden clippers are always in the trunk.....I was totally drenched, but not deterred....<br />
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.....our country roads yield an abundance of material for anyone looking for some natural beauty to decorate with, especially this time of year....wild grapevines, gorgeous rose hips, wild sumac (beware of poison sumac!) and colourful twigs and gnarled branches....<br />
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....I rarely buy seasonal decorations, but rely on what I have at hand, or in the garden....<br />
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This vintage, Mason soup tureen, the pattern Friarswood, I filled with moss from the garden, kale, and some small gourds recycled from a prior fall scheme....<br />
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I love beautiful, floral fall bouquets, of any kind.....but my material of choice is simple, natural elements found in Nature.......enjoy this glorious time of year.....N.xo<br />
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I have recently, grudgingly switched to Google+....my follower list has disappeared...if you wish to receive new posts just register by email, at the top of my sidebar :/ <br />
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Nella Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07881520442347177012noreply@blogger.com9