In the DC area next Wednesday? Then you must come to this chic, fun event (and say hi to me and Manvi from Mochatini!)

Manvi of the FABULOUS Mochatini blog is putting on a great event. Manvi's passion for tablescape decor has inspired her to share all her know-how by way of an awesome party and tabletop styling evening.

The tablescape design camp and champagne party will be held at the Mitchell Gold Bob Willams showroom in DC on June 29 (6 - 8: 30pm). Registration is $30.

I would love to see some of you there - so if you can make it be sure to find me and say hi!

It's easy to register - just click Event Registration

There will also be lovely goodies from Hello Cupcake! and MacaronCafe.com (from NYC and available online) to sweeten your camp experience. A portion of proceeds will go towards providing meals to the homeless via Miriam’s Kitchen.
I hope to see you there!

Read more →

For the love of old houses...

I LOVE old houses - so much charm, history, character, and individuality.  A lot of maintenance too - but the pay off is worth it.  I grew up in an almost 200 year-old colonial on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.  Hardwood floors with as many ups and downs as an old country lane, old glass windows that gave you "wavy" vision when you looked out of them...I have a special place in my heart for old houses.

Here are some great examples of how savvy homeowners have turned their oldies but goodies into even better...ies...from the master of old houses, This Old House..


The 3 images below are from the home of their Reader Remodel Contest, a 1920s Colonial Revival in Orlando, Florida.

 The kitchen was my favorite part of the renovation.  I love white cabinetry...and the space is so bright and airy..

The family worked hard to keep the soul of the house in tact...

LOVE the board and baten door...


They also featured lots of great 1 room makeovers.  Here were some of my fav's

Before:

contractor grade cabinets make me cringe...

After:
Gorgeous - love the floors...

The kitchen below isn't too far from what my parents are dealing with now in their 70s rancher...

pretty amazing transition huh?  Check out the sconces above the stove hood...

This living room is possibly my favorite redo - I think the fireplace is simply fabulous.  Love the built-in's too.  Only thing I might rethink is the rug.


Do you like old houses?  Have you ever lived in one and undertaken a renovation?

If you want to read more about these makeovers go to This Old House or pick up the July 2011 issue...

*disclosure: I received a copy of This Old House July 2011 to review as a sample

Read more →

Tons and tons of gorgeous bedroom inspiration!

I want that chair...

delightfully feminine

modern spin on Marie Antoinette...?

super chic "country" bedroom

stunning and simple

super glam

I had a pale green bedroom once and loved it - walking into it was instantly soothing

I really like this one for some reason

What do you think of the net of lights?

via iVillage

Read more →

Glamorous and Green

Once I own a home I hope to make it as green as I possible can. Luckily, "greenifying" your home no longer means uglifying it, and technology is coming down in price everyday. I've noticed many progressive cities are getting more and more green restorations in historic homes, like this one in Toronto. Enjoy!

The owner didn't want to rip out the authentic stained glass windows, so she added extra glazing on the exterior to improve energy efficiency... so beautiful.

Furnishings are mostly vintage and/or antique and refurbished/reupholstered when necessary.

oh I do love that rug

Here are 5 green things the owners did to improve the space:

1. Complete Geothermal Retrofit
2. Replaced windows and doors for high efficiency versions
3. Added Insulation
4. Used Zero VOC paints
5. Furnished with antique and vintage furniture

Not too shabby huh?
via Pure Green Magazine

Read more →

Really cute boho-chic summer entertaining and serving ware sale!

Must check this out - going on at Daily Candy's online shop - Swirl

 

Love these soda trays and glasses!!

Told you the stuff was super cute!  But it's also going to sell out super fast, so if you see something you like go to the Swirl site, sign up to be a member ( it's free, and fast), and click the tab at the top that says "Pop-up Shop: Summer Entertaining."  I think you also get 10% off your order by entering SUMMER10 at checkout. 

Have fun!

Read more →