tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68718787188243310172024-03-13T12:32:37.306-05:00Odi et AmoA blog about what I hate, love and love to hate in the world of interior design, fashion and style.Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.comBlogger461125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-70700591717694175112011-08-26T20:39:00.001-05:002011-08-26T20:40:21.760-05:00The Long Goodbye.<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7-MYewSejOpc3HVqYwmNeEBV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q_RgCJ1AJls/Tge06XL3qdI/AAAAAAAAX78/jecl1MsfuRA/s640/IMG_2318.JPG" width="404" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{Baby G., about 6 weeks ago}</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I suppose in some ways this post was inevitably, but I wanted to delay it until I was absolutely sure. I didn't want to lead you on or risk saying something I didn't mean.<br />
<br />
I've decided I'm going to pack it in here at <i>Odi et Amo</i>. While I thoroughly enjoyed the 2+ years of blogging (and reading blogs), between juggling more responsibilities at work and a new baby, I just don't have time anymore. Beyond that, I'll confess that I've lost a lot of interest. Sure, the first few weeks of not blogging were a bit tough (something akin I'd imagine to going withdrawal), but as the weeks flew by, I've found myself missing this less and less. What time I have free I simply no longer wish to spend blogging. Perhaps even more importantly, my design mojo is all but gone. I'm just kind of...over it. (Sorry!) Might I change my mind? Of course, but I suspect that will require a serious change in my circumstances (like not working).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">All that being said, I do miss my blogging buddies -- and I think of you often. You were wonderfully supportive during my various and sundry home renovation and home decor projects and so understanding during my pregnancy and Graham's first few weeks when I went all but AWOL. I wish you all the very best and hope sincerely to keep in touch (and get back in touch) very soon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Much love,</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Averill</i><br />
<br />
PS - For the time being, I'll be leaving my blog up and publicly available. As far as I'm concerned, I spent way too much time on this blog to simply let it go into oblivion. It was a labor of love and, like all loves, even when over still stays with you.</div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-10764080364853676052011-06-01T20:39:00.001-05:002011-06-01T21:55:15.667-05:00Back to Work/Back to Reality....<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1kLZljY2avgd7THne0qwo0BV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zii5pzl4z_Y/TebnMwRafXI/AAAAAAAAXpk/ofAslljz69k/s640/IMG_2220.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
{Baby G. loves his play mat!}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today was my first day back at work following a 12-week maternity leave. It was both easier and harder than I had expected. On the one hand, I felt as though I'd simply picked up right where I'd left off; my time away felt more like days rather than weeks. And yet…everything felt different as Baby G. continued to dominate my thoughts as I struggled to make it through a sleepy afternoon without the benefit of a nap.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The idea of leaving him with our nanny (whom I like very much) does not distress me nor do I feel overcome by guilt, convinced I am betraying him by not spending every waking moment taking care of him. And yet...I do feel some regret, some sadness in the knowledge of how much I’ll be missing in the coming weeks and months. I’ve spent the past 12 weeks witnessing every milestone, no matter how trivial and I’ve loved seeing Baby G. develop into a much more alert and interactive being than he was just weeks ago. But I also know that prior to Baby G.’s arrival, I loved my job and a large part of me is excited at the prospect of returning to my professional life, ready to conquer new challenges. I know many of you out there are also working mothers (and fathers) and share these mixed feelings with me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aRV0bUSoICUnyfkRl4dYH0BV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1FnMMTzZRbE/Tebnyjv_NkI/AAAAAAAAXrg/iXSMDMinm_U/s640/IMG_2233.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{...And his mobile!}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am sure you've also noticed the drop off in my posting (and commenting!) over the past few weeks -- and my absence is simply the byproduct of my cherishing what was left of my time at home with my son. Unfortunately, as I adjust to my new role as a working mom, I expect my blogging to remain sporadic, as my priorities have by necessity shifted to accommodate this new addition to our family. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the coming weeks and months, I hope to find my way back here to the design blogosphere, but in the meantime recognize that my reality currently does not allow for the level of involvement that I'd had the luxury of having up until 3 months ago. I ask that you bear with me during this transition and I hope we are able to reconnect soon once I’ve figured out how to fit my passions for design and blogging around my new duties as mother.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Know though that I do miss reading many of your blogs on a daily basis, living vicariously through your renovations and DIY projects and sharing your day dreams and fantasies of beautiful design. I firmly believe that blogging has revolutionized and democratized the interior design world and I’ve loved being a (small) part of that shift. I hope to see you all back here soon for more of what I love, hate and hate to love in the worlds of design, fashion and style.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Until then,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Averill</span></b></span></i></span></div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-28313114632652982072011-05-17T11:35:00.000-05:002011-05-17T11:35:46.526-05:00There's Something About Orange<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IfI8izQOgGjOlREWTzOyIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="523" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TdKfbehO_PI/AAAAAAAAXlM/mccy-ZRRPI4/s640/Desktop58.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">While just about any technicolor shade is right on trend this summer, there's something about orange that I'm loving right now. Perhaps it's because orange seems just right for the increasingly warm weather. Or maybe it's just the punch of bold, bright, cheerfulness that my wardrobe needs right now. Or maybe it's got something to do with how well it pairs with other colors I love like navy blue, turquoise and white. Regardless, orange is a "must have" for me this summer.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The key to pulling off head-to-toe orange? Keep the silhouette simple and streamlined; the color is the standout here, so keep the details unfussy and accessories (try just some simple gold jewelry) to a minimum. Also, stay monochromatic if you want to keep the look feeling sophisticated and edgy as too many bold colors easily read as too young. Nude shoes are a great (and leg-lengthening) choice.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fewL_Flp80FgGoKG9UaGKg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TdKfkmY8JCI/AAAAAAAAXkw/MygelTKe2oo/s800/Desktop57.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Despite my love of statement-making color, I'll confess I don't always have the hutzpah to wear head-to-toe brights myself. I all too often tend to retreat behind black, navy or gray. If you're anything like me (and I expect many of you are), then the easiest way to play with the bolds and brights found on the Spring 2011 runways is to incorporate these shades into your existing wardrobe in smaller doses, via shoes, jewelry, and handbags.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Source List</i></b><i>:</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">St John Double Face Crepe <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/st-john-collection-double-face-crepe-jacket/3144505?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=2818">Jacket</a> and <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/st-john-collection-double-face-crepe-pencil-skirt/3144508?origin=coordinating-3144508-0-1-1">Pencil Skirt</a> (Nordstrom; $795 and $395)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Diane Von Furstenberg Bateau <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/diane-von-furstenberg-bateau-neck-knit-dress/3189059?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=0">Neck Dress</a> (Nordstrom; $285)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.toryburch.com/VERBENA-DRESS/12111449,default,pd.html?dwvar_12111449_size=2&dwvar_12111449_color=615&start=17&cgid=clothing-dresses-skirts">Verbena Dress</a> (Tory Burch; $350)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kate Spade New York <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kate-spade-new-york-daycation-small-pouch/3182118?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=503">"Daycation" pouch</a> (Nordstrom; $50)<br />
Lanvin <a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/97146">Grosgrain espadrilles</a> (Net-a-porter; $595)<br />
<a href="http://www.katespade.com/elephant-belt/PSRU0475,default,pd.html?dwvar_PSRU0475_color=850&start=1&cgid=accessories">Elephant Belt</a> (Kate Spade; $95)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cara Accessories <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/cara-accessories-bead-metal-bangles/3194267?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=532">Bead & Metal Bangles</a> (Nordstrom; $48)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.lpcollection.com/handbags/dylan-large-shoulder-bag.html">Dylan Large Shoulder Ba</a>g (Linea Pelle; $415)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tory Burch <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tory-burch-synthetic-straw-shoulder-bag/3153340?origin=related-3153340-0-0-2">Synthetic Straw Shoulder Bag</a> (Nordstrom; $350)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.toryburch.com/Horton-Sandal/12118694,default,pd.html">Horton Sandal</a> (Tory Burch; $295)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=31203&vid=1&pid=832433&scid=832433002">Shabby-Chic Linen Ballet Flat</a> (Banana Republic; $79)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Juicy Couture <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/juicy-couture-endless-summer-stackable-rings-set-of-3/3178332?origin=shoppingbag">Endless Summer Stackable Rings</a> (Nordstrom; $88/set of 3)</div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-82111480146639028512011-05-16T09:45:00.004-05:002011-07-04T20:26:19.371-05:00Car Query<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qLU0Bpz6iEtZrPvMgEN8cUBV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TdE3poMt-NI/AAAAAAAAXkE/1urA0f5ioMQ/s800/photo-6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Locked, loaded and ready to roll!</i></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, I know I've been a very bad blogger, but y'all may be unsurprised to hear that being a new mom and blogging regularly aren't exactly simpatico. In any case, while I promise better, design-oriented posts later this week, I wanted to pop in this morning and get folks' thoughts on cars.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/A0M7GMyR0pLkjfgIL5eAic8W-Y2JW4vdbTWbqP5XHZU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="307" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TdE1X3EPdVI/AAAAAAAAXjs/3rXWesZZ1Uk/s800/2011-acura-rdx.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>2011 Acura RDX</b></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">While this isn't exactly a car blog, I thought you, my lovely and smart readers, might have some valuable opinions and insights on purchasing a "mom" car. After swearing up and down I wasn't going to succumb and trade in one of our small sedans for a SUV just because I happened to have a 15-lb. bundle of joy...well, just 10 weeks in, and I'm succumbing and we're going to start looking for a smaller, crossover SUV later this year.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9-Y57pn7vTjP9ZEfbsRcM88W-Y2JW4vdbTWbqP5XHZU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TdE1YG2fP6I/AAAAAAAAXjw/2ZsQ7krepKs/s800/Grey-2011-Volvo-XC-60-Image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>2011 Volvo XC60</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So here are my criteria: (1) comfortably fits rear-facing car seat while allowing ample room in the front for 6'-plus parents (something our current cars do not allow); (2) reasonable amount of cargo space for carting gear, groceries and the occasional flea-market score; (3) not so big that I'll detest driving it (I had a 4-runner for exactly a year in law school before trading down to a Matrix -- it was way too big for me then, and still is now); and (4) under $35k. Oh and yeah, I'd like leather seats, too.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3hioY6JVuwDlx150g1zD-88W-Y2JW4vdbTWbqP5XHZU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="339" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TdE1YcKGZaI/AAAAAAAAXj0/T4s2FxCDxEs/s800/2011-Volkswagen-Tiguan-Facelift-Picture.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>2011 Volkswagen Tiguan</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Tall order? I certainly hope not! Right now, I'm thinking about the Acura RDX, the Volvo XC60 and the Volkswagen Tiguan. I currently own an Acura TSX (and love it; we'll be trading in Dave's older Pontiac Grand Prix), but I have very little experience with Volvos or Volkswagens personally. There are things that I like and dislike about each of these models, but I'd prefer to hear your opinions uncolored by my own so I won't go into details here. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Have you owned any of these cars or know of someone who does? If so, would you recommend one (or all of them)? Do you have any other suggestions? Regardless, would very much appreciate your thoughts!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Update (7/4/11): We bought the Tiguan and couldn't be happier! (Though we did test drive the Volvo xc60 and it is a very, very nice car; we just found a deal on the VW we couldn't refuse!)</i></b></div></div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-83058826123852713012011-05-06T17:56:00.000-05:002011-05-06T17:56:46.923-05:00Wave on Wave<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SeNUIFaJDkjBrCIL5anxa9hUPrku_mijpKuhyRMDWUU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="673" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/Ta383qkhZxI/AAAAAAAAXbo/rxhMDeG4vOM/s800/101617299_ss.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://tobifairley.com/">Tobi Fairley</a>'s Arkansas home is featured in this month's <i><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/howwelive/suburban-house-great-color_ss1.html">Traditional Home</a></i>. While I'd seen many of the rooms before via her online portfolio, I was still excited to see one of my favorite designers featured -- and to see a few "new to me" rooms. Her entryway, with its bold black and white wallpaper is certainly a stunner, but it's actually the Vitruvian scroll molding on the stairs that really caught my attention. What's more, I knew I'd seen it recently in <i><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/beach-house-cottage-style-decorating-0610">House Beautiful</a></i>....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NaBILQw08ukwqONP9Ju4Y_Y13N3WPlaG0rTQ0ZWmfgo?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TcR3lRqdhSI/AAAAAAAAXeI/kmfWVx7lXVM/s640/Desktop56.jpg" width="597" /></a></div><br />
With its softer, cooler color palette, this dining room by John Howard (<a href="http://www.phoebehoward.net/">Phoebe Howard</a>'s husband) is just about a complete 180 from Fairley's bold entryway, and yet the pattern works just as beautifully here as a subtle nod to the North Carolina home's beach locale.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/H4SFuUqHjlOG9AFv2VUBSEnbVohM8XBBbEOFxETbNTQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="500" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TcR6MrOCn7I/AAAAAAAAXd4/g-WcLgQrC3U/s800/home-decor-ideas-08.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><br />
While the motif has traditionally appeared on architectural friezes, there's no need to restrict the pattern to hard surfaces. In this living room, <a href="http://www.katieridder.com/">Katie Ridder</a> creates architecture and movement with draperies edged in Vitruvian srcoll trim.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Cfl8CB1C0Kx3ekvXHRvcws8W-Y2JW4vdbTWbqP5XHZU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TcR1KezW9UI/AAAAAAAAXcA/QA3-SbCa3W0/s640/vitruvian_scroll.jpg" width="576" /></a><br />
<br />
</div>Want to know more? The pattern is a classic -- literally -- and you'll find it featured prominently on Greco-Roman buildings and mosaics dating back thousands of years. The name Vitruvian Scroll is for Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, a first century B.C.E. Roman architect whose book <i>De Architectura </i>was immensely popular during the Renaissance. And yet, despite its antiquity, the pattern (like greek key, the angular variant of the same scroll motif, which I waxed poetic about <a href="http://odietamoblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/its-greek-to-me.html">HERE</a>) still feels modern and fresh to me. The soft curves of the Vitruvian scroll, however, reads as more feminine, more sensuous. And, since it's not experiencing quite the same level of popularity right now as greek key, it also reads as a bit more unusual.</div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-34813661415472176222011-05-03T17:44:00.003-05:002011-05-03T17:47:16.803-05:00Baby G. Update: Two Months<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6Bg40usm7s28wSqOriZvuUBV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TcB-fjM1hAI/AAAAAAAAXW8/dUb7WR4v0lU/s640/IMG_2216.JPG" width="541" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tomorrow Baby G. will be two months old -- man, does time fly! In many ways it feels like he's only been with us for a few days and, yet, I can't really imagine my life without him now. With each passing week he's getting bigger, more alert, more expressive and definitely more fun. This weekend we discovered how much he liked sitting up against one of us, looking out at the world (surveying his domain, as we like to joke). His serious demeanor continues, and he still spends much of his awake time quietly watching everything and everyone.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8jovK41DIg-8bH-VauMes0BV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TcB-jSyU0-I/AAAAAAAAXXI/HGp61Ulqmh4/s640/IMG_2217.JPG" width="555" /></a></div><br />
This week Baby G. managed to find his hand...and he's currently obsessed! In fact, I've been having trouble getting it out of his mouth so I can feed him.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uRfJeFZRzGLUtmp7vY3utUBV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TcB-8RqIJAI/AAAAAAAAXXs/qahmJ3LygKM/s640/IMG_2205.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Another change over the past few weeks is how interested he is now in mobiles, toys, etc. He's getting pretty good at batting them and even grabbing the ring on that bird hanging in the foreground. Today I set up a mobile over his crib that plays Bach and Chopin and he was absolutely mesmerized...well, for 15 minutes or so until he got tired of it. But, hey, I figure 15 minutes is about the max attention span you could possible expect at his age!<br />
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Of course, the big milestone at two months is the first round of immunizations. I'm actually excited at the prospect of Baby G. getting his first round of shots tomorrow, as it means I'll be taking him out more without worrying so much over every passing sneeze or sniffle. At the end of the month, we're headed to Florida to visit Dave's family and while I don't relish the thought of loading all of Baby G.'s gear onto a plane, I am very much looking forward to seeing everyone (and getting out of the house!).<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DX2RA-h3Kz524eJGfv3B_0BV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="540" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TbCi7Bm7JzI/AAAAAAAAXMo/dgyeyTmbAP0/s640/IMG_2182.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Tilda has adjusted well to having Baby G. around. Indeed, she's incredibly protective of him and treats him like a member of our pack.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dhVnwHJrODKNqeszQP9qv0BV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="552" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TbCivcbEEQI/AAAAAAAAXLw/xj61u5yrhyE/s640/IMG_2176.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Of course, she's still a puppy herself, which means she can sometimes be a bit overly enthusiastic. I figure once Baby G. is mobile, he'll more than get her back though.</div></div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-83824454119519446142011-04-28T17:53:00.001-05:002011-04-28T17:55:34.097-05:00Jane's House: The Master Bedroom<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/byam11UpJqJwuaZj4F0Uvm1DHVYR2rA44VRpp7bI7NU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TbnvZECueAI/AAAAAAAAXTg/go-G1VbFbPs/s640/IMG00070-20110420-1320.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Jane's House as of April 20, 2011</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Editor's Note: This post is the second in a series detailing the design of my sister's new house. If you missed last week's installment for Jane's study, go </i><b><a href="http://odietamoblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/janes-house-study.html">HERE</a></b><i>. </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, the construction of Jane and P.W.'s house continues at a quick pace -- indeed, the exterior is all but finished, the drywall is up and the flooring is going down. As they've set a closing date for the end of the month, I'm going to redouble my efforts to finish the decorating plans for a few key rooms. This week, we'll be focusing on their master bedroom.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ewqsQAIJ3X7HUK0fOjsR8G1DHVYR2rA44VRpp7bI7NU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="456" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TbnsBqp8_bI/AAAAAAAAXTE/ARvuIfpK1qI/s640/Desktop52-3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The master bedroom is generously sized at 14' x 16', with a nice bay window overlooking the backyard, which will make for a lovely seating area for reading and relaxing. Like many couples, Jane and P.W. are looking for a balance of masculine and feminine, warm and cool tones and all on a strict budget! Moreover, they already have a nice bedroom set and are hoping to get a new look without investing in new furniture. Fortunately, this means I'll be working with some great basics that can act as the foundation for our new design.</div><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hCp-NBIJf_qcUP_CdXO-Zm1DHVYR2rA44VRpp7bI7NU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TbXw1gDAORI/AAAAAAAAXPw/3v_dYXNz5t0/s800/Desktop54.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Jane and P.W.'s existing bedroom furniture are from Pottery Barn's Valencia bedroom furniture line, whose classic yet clean lined pieces are stained a dark mahogany, as well as an existing white armchair and ottoman. These pieces are the perfect transitional building blocks and will add weight and balance to the lighter, more eclectic accessories and small furniture items that we'll be layering in to create depth, interest and personality.</div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tBDfZPXxsXaYro251TicxG1DHVYR2rA44VRpp7bI7NU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="496" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TbXz9uJtn4I/AAAAAAAAXQM/hNKziDEEiRM/s640/Guest%20Posts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Jane has her heart set on this soft modern Ikat print duvet set from DwellStudio. It's palette of grey-blue, greige and sand will be the jumping off point for the room. We'll pull out the cool grey-blue with the sheets a throw pillow for the white chair and the warmer greige for the walls, painting the room in Farrow & Ball's Elephant Breath, a color with interest and depth that goes way above simple beige.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/188DkqZUkJbK1LK7qPgwn21DHVYR2rA44VRpp7bI7NU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TbX0-GV35pI/AAAAAAAAXQc/ckWe3k2sU4Q/s800/Desktop55.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The next layer will come in with accessories. The first task will be to swap out the simple oil-rubbed bronze knobs on the dresser and side tables with some gorgeous mercury glass knobs from Anthropologie. Yes, they're a splurge when buying in bulk, but they'll completely transform the pieces, bringing in the more ornate, traditional elements that Jane is so drawn to. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Next, because this is a bedroom, I didn't want to get too crazy with color and pattern, opting instead to create interest by varying textures and materials. As the main furniture pieces are dark wood (as the floors will be), I wanted to create some balance with lighter accessories. A pair of alabaster table lamps bring in a classic material, while the modern silhouette echoes the simple lines of the furniture. A bone mirror over the long dresser will add interest and a feminine touch. A bone side table repeats the material over in the seating area, where we'll also add a leggy chair with a feminine print (in a not-so-feminine grey) to balance out the larger, skirted armchair. A small garden stool next to it will bring in a touch of metallic.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So here's the look all put together:--</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NkaNl063I59OxF_yAVh8Um1DHVYR2rA44VRpp7bI7NU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TbXy0JQZ05I/AAAAAAAAXP8/ENi54aNLD1U/s800/Desktop53.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Source list</b>:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Elephant's Breath Paint (<a href="http://us.farrow-ball.com/elephant's-breath/colours//fcp-product/100229">Farrow & Ball</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Valencia Sleigh Bed (<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/valencia-sleigh-bed/?pkey=e%7Cvalencia%7C10%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C6&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-">Pottery Barn</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Emile Lamp (<a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/decorating-and-accessories/table-desk-lamps/emile-table-lamp/s686771">Crate & Barrel</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mercury Glass Melon Knob (<a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=873168&catId=HOME-HARDWARE-KNOBS&pushId=HOME-HARDWARE-KNOBS&popId=HOME-HARDWARE&navAction=middle&navCount=84&color=sil&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=D">Anthropologie</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Valencia Side Table (<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/valencia-rectangular-bedside-table/?pkey=e%7Cvalencia%7C10%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C4&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-">Pottery Barn</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Round Bone Mirror (<a href="http://www.wisteria.com/Round-Bone-Mirror/productinfo/W4752/">Wisteria</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Valencia Dresser (<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/valencia-extra-wide-dresser/?pkey=e%7Cvalencia%7C10%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C2&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-">Pottery Barn</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Carly Chair (<a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/furniture/chairs/carly-chair-with-dove-frame/s169075">Crate & Barrel</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">PB Basic Armchair (<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/pb-basic-armchair/?pkey=e%7Cpb%2Bbasic%7C24%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C18&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Sku_Top_Marketing_Rule-_-">Pottery Barn</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dotted Trellis Azure Pillow (<a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/new-dotted-trellis-azure-pillow.html">DwellStudio</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Chinese Garden Stool (<a href="http://www.wisteria.com/Chinese-Garden-Stool-Silver/productinfo/W2832/">Wisteria</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Chenille Jute Basketweave Rug (<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/chenille-jute-basketweave-rug-porcelain-blue/?pkey=crugs-blue-green">Pottery Barn</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pintuck Azure Sheets (<a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/bedding/designer-sheet-sets/pintuck-azure-sheet-set.html">DwellStudio</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Batavia Dove Duvet Set (<a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/modern-home-decor/new-arrivals/batavia-dove-duvet-set.html">DwellStudio</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bone Side Table (<a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/bone-side-table-g088/?pkey=ccoffee-side-tables">West Elm</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-1036006886405259542011-04-24T21:46:00.000-05:002011-04-24T21:46:04.945-05:00Happy Easter!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NGZC7_tqg0TVDf5Kcys1kkBV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TbTdqB91YwI/AAAAAAAAXN4/PAIqBnZXkXs/s640/IMG_2196.JPG" width="440" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ikDqPzUHFfMd9k9Tfe1ZF0BV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TbTdxY8asNI/AAAAAAAAXOU/pKykzjzXmm0/s640/IMG_2197.JPG" width="569" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZXT1R2ADGEjn4Y6zXeC_EEBV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="610" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TbTd253BRpI/AAAAAAAAXOg/yKJ7Z0c7zwA/s640/IMG_2201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-76272347686597955122011-04-21T16:24:00.002-05:002011-04-21T21:28:14.911-05:00My Dining Room Gets a Face Lift<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7yKgfRD087gMxYiRAjdmf2Bsys0Fdk4kE_JWoEJZAis?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="623" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TbBxQ3ZJdjI/AAAAAAAAXKQ/qHsTN9G0zuA/s640/Recently%20Updated8.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Last weekend while my in-laws were in from Florida for a visit, I finally found the opportunity to recover my dining room chairs. In our old house, I had covered our dining room chairs in a pretty (if a little bit dark) print from Marimekko, but the purple-grey and black print was all wrong for my navy and white dining room. Since moving into our new house in July of 2009, I had put off recovering the set, assuming I would be upgrading my dining room furniture in short order.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, flash forward nearly two years later and that dining room set is still there...and not going anywhere anytime soon thanks to a baby and a very expensive backyard renovation. And so, having resigned myself to keeping my furniture for another few years, I decided I should finally get around to recovering the seats. I scored two yards of a pretty blue and white print from <a href="http://modgreenpod.com/">Mod Green Pod</a> at 50% off a few weeks ago that's much more in keeping with the room. I won't go into the process of recovering seat cushions as there are a plethora of how-to's online right now (and frankly it's super-easy...if you can wrap a present, you can recover a seat cushion).</div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nEp5VoLCgv3PGpFXrd5IjWBsys0Fdk4kE_JWoEJZAis?feat=embedwebsite" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TbBxVZMFeSI/AAAAAAAAXKk/3jTElQdgM44/s640/IMG_2168.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I love how the print manages to brighten up the whole set -- sorely needed given the dark tones of the wood, especially against my dark wood floors. I've attempted to bring even more light to the center of the room by adding a white and silver runner from John Robshaw that I scored on One King's Lane a few years ago and a pair of silver peafowl from Joss & Main (yes, I love sample sale sites!). The lovely ginger jar print on the wall is by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/annechovie">Anne Harwell</a> and the frame is from ZGallerie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UwqJSFeXm2yBMxb3R8gTGWBsys0Fdk4kE_JWoEJZAis?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TbBxS9L_RxI/AAAAAAAAXKc/i1DvASzr1V0/s640/IMG_2166.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I'd like to perk this room up a bit further with two other additions: either some great wall art or a mirror for the lone wall (which is visible from the entryway) and some fabulous drapes for the two windows on the left wall. While I continue to hunt for the perfect piece for the wall, I'm working on the drapes right now. I'm in love with Iman's new fabric line <a href="http://www.calicocorners.com/category/designer+fabrics+for+the+home/newest+collections/iman+home.do?sortby=priceAscend">IMAN Home</a> available at Calico Corners and have decided to use one of her fabrics for the drapes...the question is, which print?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9l90Uy-owv1lVJFYEE0AG2Bsys0Fdk4kE_JWoEJZAis?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TbBzs7vTJpI/AAAAAAAAXLY/Voj_lwLUeIs/s640/Recently%20Updated9.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">While I'm leaving heavily towards Option A with its two shades of blue that coordinate with the seat fabric and its larger scale print, I wanted to take a quick poll and see what my readers thought. Besides, who doesn't love a poll?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So you tell me, what do you think?</div></div><br />
<div class="TWIIGSPOLL"><div class="TWIIGSPOLLpollcontainer" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: block; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;"><div class="TWIIGSPOLLpoll" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: block; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;"><div class="TWIIGSPOLLquestion" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: block; float: none; font-weight: bold; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;"><a class="TWIIGSPOLLquestionlink" href="http://www.twiigs.com/poll/Home_&_Garden/74989" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: inline; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;">Which fabric would you use for the drapes?</a> </div><div class="TWIIGSPOLLresponse" id="TWIIGSPOLL74989" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: block; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;"><form action="http://www.twiigs.com/vote" method="POST" name="twiigsformpollvote74989" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: block; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;"><input name="pview" type="hidden" value="" /> <input name="pid" type="hidden" value="74989" /> <input name="ptype" type="hidden" value="1" /> <input name="pmultiple" type="hidden" value="" /> <input name="results" type="hidden" value="1" /> <br />
<div class="TWIIGSPOLLanswers" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: block; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;"><ul class="TWIIGSPOLLanswerselection" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: block; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;"><li class="TWIIGSPOLLanswerselectionitem" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: list-item; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;"> <input class="TWIIGSPOLLanswerradio" name="paid" style="clear: none; clip: auto; display: inline; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;" type="radio" value="1" /> Option A </li>
<li class="TWIIGSPOLLanswerselectionitem" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: list-item; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;"> <input class="TWIIGSPOLLanswerradio" name="paid" style="clear: none; clip: auto; display: inline; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;" type="radio" value="2" /> Option B </li>
<li class="TWIIGSPOLLanswerselectionitem" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: list-item; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;"> <input class="TWIIGSPOLLanswerradio" name="paid" style="clear: none; clip: auto; display: inline; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;" type="radio" value="3" /> Option C </li>
<li class="TWIIGSPOLLanswerselectionitem" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: list-item; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;"> <input class="TWIIGSPOLLanswerradio" name="paid" style="clear: none; clip: auto; display: inline; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;" type="radio" value="4" /> Option D </li>
<li class="TWIIGSPOLLanswerselectionitem" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: list-item; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;"> <input class="TWIIGSPOLLanswerradio" name="paid" style="clear: none; clip: auto; display: inline; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;" type="radio" value="5" /> None of the above. I have a better idea! </li>
</ul></div><div class="TWIIGSPOLLpostinfo" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: none; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;">Created on Apr 21, 2011 </div><div class="TWIIGSPOLLvote" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: block; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;"><div class="TWIIGSPOLLbutton" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: block; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 2px; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;"><input class="TWIIGSPOLLsubmit" name="vsubmit" style="clear: none; clip: auto; display: inline; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;" type="submit" value="Vote" /> </div><div class="TWIIGSPOLLdisplayresults" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: block; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 2px; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;"><a class="TWIIGSPOLLlink" href="http://www.twiigs.com/poll/Home_&_Garden/74989?results=1" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: inline; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;">View Results</a> </div></div></form></div></div></div><img height="1" src="http://www.twiigs.com/pixel.png?pid=74989" style="border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: inline; float: none; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;" width="1" /> <br />
<div class="TWIIGSPOLLpolllink" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: block; float: none; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;"><a class="TWIIGSPOLLmorelink" href="http://www.twiigs.com/" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-style: none; clear: none; clip: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-weight: bold; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; outline-style: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; position: static; text-align: left; text-indent: 0; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: normal; z-index: auto;">poll by twiigs.com</a> </div></div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-71030365109052145402011-04-19T16:16:00.001-05:002011-04-19T16:17:53.436-05:00TradHome<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sr65u0qSJ4bq9DirKk6b-ozDqpPidCSml5OVOMFOvII?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/Ta3zRrOhK5I/AAAAAAAAXEY/w6l2uW2p7Ww/s640/1.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Have you checked out <i><a href="http://www.lonnymag.com/issues/19-trad-home/pages/1#p1">TradHome</a></i>, the new online decor magazine? It's a collaboration between <i><a href="http://www.lonnymag.com/home">Lonny Magazine</a></i> and <i><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/">Traditional Home</a> </i>and I'm loving the fresh, updated take on traditional design. In some ways, the magazine reads much like Traditional Home as it features the work of the magazine's 20 New Traditional Designers, which in itself is great as the short article they usually run in the magazine always leaves me wanting more. Even better though, <i>TradHome </i>takes advantage of its digital medium by incorporating videos (love the short video featuring Jonathan Adler and Charlotte Moss!) and of course tons of visual eye candy in its over 300 pages.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The main feature of this inaugural issue (please say this won't be a one-off!) is the work of the 20 New Traditional Designers, some of whom I was familiar with and love while others were knew to me. Of the 20, my top 5 (old and new) favorites:<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4L3o-uc6WhCrqoySb4u5HIzDqpPidCSml5OVOMFOvII?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/Ta3zX0KFMZI/AAAAAAAAXFg/CM8FoowNNu4/s640/79.jpg" width="486" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.bonesteeltrouthall.com/index.html">Bonesteel Trout Hall</a></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Bonesteel Trout Hall consists of a dynamite trio of interior designers that nails classic Californian style with ease. I love the Moroccan-meets-Western influences of this master bedroom. While there isn't a lot of color, there's a ton of gorgeous textures and intricate details to keep the eye interested. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BmsjrZFfdd2Vd_j3CbDUuozDqpPidCSml5OVOMFOvII?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/Ta3zROjOqRI/AAAAAAAAXEU/nh6fvnSD6Hw/s640/158.jpg" width="528" /></a><br />
<b><a href="http://urbangraceinteriorsinc.com/">Erika Powell</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Erika's blog (<a href="http://blog.urbangrace.com/">Urban Grace</a>) was one of the first design blogs I started following back in 2008, when my design obsession first took off. I've followed her career closely ever since and I was so thrilled to see her work featured here. Erika's style is decidedly traditional, but with a casual, beachy vibe that suits her Gulf Coast roots. And need I mention how much I love the vaulted ceiling in this master bedroom? <i>I burn, I pine, I perish...</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JkI4Xt6awIP4s92VAqW1tIzDqpPidCSml5OVOMFOvII?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/Ta3zTdHbzsI/AAAAAAAAXEs/4d20Sm9VHCc/s640/111.jpg" width="491" /></a><br />
<b><a href="http://www.jamieherzlinger.com/">Jamie Herzlinger</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The blue grasscloth wallpaper stopped me in my tracks while the intricate chinoiserie styling of the white chairs left me in a swoon. A rich cranberry velvet seat is a great balance to the blue walls and adds warmth that's nicely played up by the rich dark wood of the table. A modern chandelier is hung high enough not to obstruct the view of the gorgeous feature wall.</div><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kIzXC9K_rcCTQzOS984w3IzDqpPidCSml5OVOMFOvII?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="409" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/Ta3zVbtoGgI/AAAAAAAAXFE/33fIK9F2_h4/s640/98.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b><a href="http://www.saragilbaneinteriors.com/">Sara Gilbane</a></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Sara Gilbane's portfolio has been in my favorites' folder for some time now, but I love some of the more modern, updated work showcased in <i>TradHome</i>. This living room, which its classic Chesterfield done up in a peacock blue velvet juxtaposed with C. Jere's raindrops sculptures is a great blend of traditional and midcentury modern. Tonal horizontal stripes add subtle pattern and accentuate the high ceilings.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Rbf8T_tXs5hVjufKe1lGd4zDqpPidCSml5OVOMFOvII?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="414" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/Ta3zXR_4G3I/AAAAAAAAXFY/s5OTGKi2a98/s640/85.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b><a href="http://tiltonfenwick.com/">Tilton Fenwick</a></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Another dining room with bold blue walls and white chairs, but this one has an entirely different feel with its luxe beach house look. I absolutely love the strong turquoise wall color, especially against the slick white furniture. Baker's tulip chair is a favorite of mine -- it's got a great classic shape streamlined and updated in a crisp modern lacquer. A white lacquer parsons table has a strong architectural presence that holds its own against (but does not compete with) the chairs' shape. It's "new traditional" at its best.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Have you checked out <i>TradHome</i> yet? If so, what did you think? Who were your favorite New Traditional designers?</div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-59097996681997560892011-04-18T07:13:00.003-05:002011-04-18T07:13:00.726-05:00Jane's House: The Study<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GS06PS6OIpuPHok42NYSvm1DHVYR2rA44VRpp7bI7NU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="456" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/Taco3pF4ELI/AAAAAAAAW7U/MtSYmJvOqOI/s640/Desktop52-2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Today we're kicking off the design of Jane's house with her study, which will be in a 12' x 11' bedroom on the second floor of their new home. The room itself is fairly standard, though there is a lovely large West-facing window that we'll be playing up with some wonderful draperies. As this room will be primarily Jane's, we decided to go for a slightly more feminine look and play up the traditional-meets-bohemian look that feels just a bit English: think prep meets paisley. It's warm and comfortable, but still a little bit dressed up. Jane also requested a warmer color palette, professing a love for golds, oranges and reds. Of course, P.W. has declared an affinity for blues and grays, meaning that (as is so often the case), the decorator must put on her mediator cap and find a way to make both parties happy.</div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cYbsVhLrv1r9wqQj7xX2XW1DHVYR2rA44VRpp7bI7NU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="421" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/Tacg4CnXypI/AAAAAAAAW6w/nHZdYjB4VJo/s800/Screen%20shot%202011-04-12%20at%206.00.37%20PM.jpg" width="337" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">So where to begin? Well, I always like to find a rug or a fabric that really ties a room together; something that combines all the colors of the room into one fantastic print. From there, you can simply pull out wall colors and accent colors with ease. While I found this rug actually midway through the design process, I immediately knew it was the perfect piece to pull what had been disparate pieces together into a coherent design. Aside from the great color palette of sage green, orange, red-orange and slate blue, the large-scale floral pattern with its slightly raised pile reminds me of crewel work, lending it the sort of traditional-meets-bohemian vibe that I was going for. What makes this even better: at $329 (less a 25% discount we scored thanks to Horchow's frequent sales) for a 5' x 8', the rug is a good buy.</div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k81kf-ng-5pQcA-re9zR421DHVYR2rA44VRpp7bI7NU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TacjlBGrlPI/AAAAAAAAW68/PqGS47EXAQI/s800/Desktop51.jpg" width="409" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Next up are the fabric selections. Since Jane is a fan of warmer, earthier tones, I decided to pull out the rich orange in the rug as the primary accent color, with warm shades of chocolate brown and sand to keep the room grounded. The Moroccan-style tile print of the draperies is open, airy and fairly neutral, but still interesting. We'll pick up on the more exotic prints with an ikat print in two colorways of coral and sand. The bolder coral will go on the desk chair, while both colors will be made into throw pillows for the daybed (the one existing piece that's going into the room). Finally, a simple sand and chocolate ticking stripe will add a masculine, geometric touch to the space as another print for the pillows. Besides, I'm of the opinion that a room is never truly finished without some sort of stripe.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To balance the warm tones of all the fabrics, I decided to pull out the slate blue in the rug for the wall color (Benjamin Moore's Santorini Blue). Not only does the contrast of cooler walls with warmer fabrics and furniture create a more interesting room, but it also serves another key purpose: it brings in P.W.'s beloved blue-gray, ensuring his tastes are reflected in the room as well. Now that we've selected the color palette and fabrics, it's time to pull everything together:</div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IWJUbfS59iymB2d4LcXL9m1DHVYR2rA44VRpp7bI7NU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TaZnmQr-GyI/AAAAAAAAW6g/YwvLbdwVhFQ/s800/Desktop50.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">As I noted, the only existing furniture we're working with is the West Elm daybed. We'll keep with the chocolate brown finish for the other major furniture pieces as well, selecting clean, modern furniture with simple lines and smaller foot prints to suit the dimensions of the room. Jane originally was attracted to a sawhorse-style desk she saw in a Ballard Designs catalogue; however, P.W. requested a glass-top desk, so we found this one on sale at Pottery Barn for under $300 that combines the glass-top with the open, sawhorse-style that Jane was so attracted to in the other piece. I opted for a simple Parsons-style chair (with slightly flared front legs, which lends it a bit more grace and femininity) upholstered in a vivid orange ikat -- just as comfortable, and infinitely more attractive than an ugly office chair. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To make up for the lack of storage, I selected a small filing cabinet from West Elm (that can also pull double duty as a side table) and some West Elm woven storage boxes in creams and slate blues add texture and are pretty enough to leave out. On the other side of the daybed, a vibrant orange table adds interest and color and breaks up all the dark brown furniture. A vintage-style task lamp from Pottery Barn adds a bit of antique flavor and interest.</div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Source List:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Firenze Embroidered Panel in Chocolate (<a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/firenze-embroidered-panel/panels-draperies/window-treatments/13960">Ballard Designs</a>)<br />
Malabar Fabric in Sand and Coral (<a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/malabar-sand-fabric-by-the-yard/fabric-by-the-yard/patterns/172173">Ballard Designs</a>)<br />
Ticking Stripe in Chocolate/Cream (<a href="https://modgreenpod.com/item/88/">Mod Green Pod</a>)<br />
Woven Storage Boxes (<a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/home-office-storage-a260/?pkey=chome-office-accessories">West Elm</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Modular File Cabinet (<a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/modular-file-cabinet-f987/?pkey=cbookcases-storage-shelves">West Elm</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Upholstered Couture Chair in Malabar Coral (<a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/upholstered-couture-chair/chairs/desk-chairs/12379">Ballard Designs</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Photographer's Task Table Lamp (<a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/upholstered-couture-chair/chairs/desk-chairs/12379">Pottery Barn</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ava Desk (<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/ava-desk/?pkey=e%7Cdesk%7C43%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C21&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Sku_Top_Marketing_Rule-_-">Pottery Barn</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Martini Side Table in Persimmon (<a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/martini-side-table-g057/?pkey=ccoffee-side-tables">West Elm</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Vanessa Rug (<a href="http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=cprod79260006&parentId=cat10180733&masterId=cat10080731&index=0&cmCat=cat000000cat000046cat10080731cat10180733">Horchow</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Santorini Blue by <a href="http://www.myperfectcolor.com/en/color/5075_Benjamin-Moore-1634-Santorini-Blue">Benjamin Moore</a><br />
<br />
Of course, I'll post pictures once the room is finished (should be sometime in June), but in the meantime we'll continue to search for a few fun accessories and art to really make the space sing.</div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-30931578883393444582011-04-15T12:22:00.000-05:002011-04-15T12:22:43.806-05:00Jane's House<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nRJY03rxI9dpVmmsyyuDtm1DHVYR2rA44VRpp7bI7NU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TahyKxypZ2I/AAAAAAAAW8Q/-ZcFrz1cO4U/s640/IMG_2150.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Jane's House</b> (as of April 15, 2011)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I know it may feel like I have abandoned you, but I promise I have not. Indeed, I've been hard at work on a new project (and a series here on <i>Odi et Amo</i>) -- Jane's House! My sister and her husband P.W. are designing and building a new home in the greater Houston area (right near me, in fact!) and I'm both honored and excited that they've asked for my help in decorating a few of the rooms.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">While the house is still under construction, we're already starting to plan how to decorate it -- after all, that's the fun part, right? Jane and P.W. are almost doubling the square footage of their last home, so they'll be needing quite a bit of new stuff to fill the house. So, while several rooms will remain largely empty for the time being, they'd still like a few rooms to be "done" enough to feel like home. And, of course, since this is reality, they're also on a budget.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EItm5lypWOvrecCX-frPQG1DHVYR2rA44VRpp7bI7NU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="456" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/Taco4uSSUEI/AAAAAAAAW7c/E2TruB08k6k/s640/Desktop52-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Floor Plan</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over the course of the next few weeks, I'll be laying out some ideas for my sister on a few key rooms: her study, the master bedroom, P.W.'s media room (i.e., his pride and joy) and the open concept living room/kitchen. Throughout this process, my goals remain three-fold: to keep my "clients" happy, to stay within their budget and to demonstrate that great design can indeed come at an affordable price and from accessible sources (i.e., everything will come from "big box" stores -- no trade-only here!).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stay tuned for the first installment next week: Jane's study! In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend! </div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-30411124547885893622011-04-07T14:05:00.000-05:002011-04-07T14:05:47.117-05:00Baby G. Update: Week 5<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kmd1JrxqLDb__ARCQh94CEBV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TZyqKrSj5kI/AAAAAAAAWxg/bRVrhr-nBxA/s640/IMG_2069.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Monday Baby G. turned one month old and I have to say it both feels like he's been around forever and that he was just born yesterday. What makes me happiest is that I feel like I'm starting to get more back every day: he's more alert, more active, and even starting to coo and verbalize some! Even better, we're starting to get more sleep as he's been sleeping 5-7 hours straight at night for the past 10 days or so. I know, I know...I shouldn't brag and it's likely to come back to bite me in the behind in a few weeks or months (or with the next child), but for now I'm eternally grateful for the rest.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wAdY0PrhBxHUhsfwEuHpVUBV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TZyqQJ_pfkI/AAAAAAAAWx4/oBBeNd6W5Ms/s640/IMG_2078.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">So far, his favorite activity (apart from eating, of course!) seems to be laying on my bed, staring at the ceiling fan, but he also loves car rides and walks in his stroller. He's a pretty serious baby, perhaps due to Dave's habit of discussing news and politics with him every night, and is already showing signs of being very independent. He tends to prefer sleeping in his bassinet to in someone's arms and is already good at falling asleep on his own (provided he doesn't get himself too worked up first!).</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LsVScIMroPOYMEyErDaY1UBV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TZyqaRdB3dI/AAAAAAAAWyo/MmQnsF0se4I/s640/IMG_2090.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">As you can tell from those chubby cheeks, he's also putting on weight like a champ. At his one month check-up last week, he weighed in at 10 pounds, 8 ounces and based on our inexact weigh-in at home, he's now over 11! I certainly hope he's an early walker because at this rate, I won't be able to carry him for long!</div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8rZ9k0NmOSDuFWKAq_EUX0BV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TZyqUkg5wiI/AAAAAAAAWyM/LfrAtp5P2yI/s640/IMG_2084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-61756570596521614972011-04-05T17:45:00.001-05:002011-04-05T17:45:35.868-05:00The Elephant in the Room<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YXKwrQpQRvWjXEtxDT6-KKc2Z_FCOVUWXm6_I8GrL3o?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="365" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TQaW9Hj1h6I/AAAAAAAAUk4/RdGL7ZVjvIY/s800/OctoberNovember%20%20Lonnymag.com%20-%20Windows%20Internet%20Explorer%2012132010%2035623%20PM.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.palmerweiss.com/">Palmer Weiss</a></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">It's no secret that elephants are an incredibly popular motif in interior design right now. From paperweights to side tables, they're popping up just about everywhere. My favorite iteration so far though has to be this chic console table, shown above in classic white and below in cherry red. It's safari-chic but all glammed up in slick lacquer. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kGgO4MDhFNt-Pg86b6OfadKjNdLM0C6-NflNfmnX5WI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="575" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TZuSnpwTnBI/AAAAAAAAWvs/PCz43qpOllA/s800/porch-blue-ceiling-chairs-0311-sommers06-xl.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1262173502">Ruthie </a><a href="http://www.ruthiesommers.com/">Sommers</a></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You can snag one for yourself from <a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=491487">Circa Who</a> on 1stDibs. If you're looking for a less expensive way to bring an elephant home with you, here are a few other great options:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lNarxfdq510EM4us7ElJZc8W-Y2JW4vdbTWbqP5XHZU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TZuZZnr9XRI/AAAAAAAAWwM/t5-lUyxpWng/s800/turquoise.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
<b>Source list</b> (clockwise, from top left): (1) Hook, <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=073768&parentid=SEARCH_RESULTS">Anthropologie</a>; (2) Cast-Metal Elephant, <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/cast-metal-animals-a721/?pkey=e%7Celephant%7C4%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C3&group=1&sku=324681&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Common%20Rule%20Top%20Wide%20Kitchen-_-">West Elm</a>; (3) Bottle Stopper, <a href="http://www.zgallerie.com/p-6017-pink-elephant-bottle-stopper.aspx">ZGallerie</a>; (4) Bookshelf, <a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/gio87.html">DwellStudio</a>; (5) Blue Elephant, <a href="http://piecesinc.com/blue-elephant">Pieces</a>; (6) Stationery, <a href="http://iomoi.stores.yahoo.net/ms-mr-barkley-purple.html">Iomoi</a>; (7) Tape Dispenser, <a href="http://iomoi.stores.yahoo.net/section-deskaccessories.html">Iomoi</a>; (8) Side Table, <a href="https://www.revivalhomeandgarden.com/productdetail.aspx?id=130&cat=102">Revival Home & Garden</a>; (9) Silk-Screen Print, <a href="http://www.serenaandlily.com/Baby/Baby-Gifts-Indian-Animal-Art-Elephant">Serena & Lily</a>; (10) Salt & Pepper Shakers, <a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/elephants-salt-and-pepper/?cat=0&initial=">Jonathan Adler</a>; and (11) Pillow, <a href="http://www.johnrobshaw.com/detail.htm?Pillows=Indian_Elephant_&params=2,1,2,Handpainted">John Robshaw</a>.</div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-50008423846436109362011-04-01T17:00:00.000-05:002011-04-01T17:00:19.729-05:00HUGE Sale at Mod Green Pod!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sKhr-r4fXQKLpFHnfQZK8c8W-Y2JW4vdbTWbqP5XHZU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="336" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TZZKG3zFYcI/AAAAAAAAWt0/SfFVF_H4tgg/s640/home-page-image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Just wanted to alert everyone to a huge sale going on now at <a href="https://modgreenpod.com/">Mod Green Pod</a>, an eco-friendly fabric and wallpaper company based in Austin, Texas. Everything, yes, <i>everything</i> is currently 50% off. Fabrics are now $15/yard for solids and $20/yard for prints. Wallpaper is currently $55 a roll. Hurry while supplies last! I'm thinking of picking up some fabric to recover a small bench I bought on One King's Lane a few months ago.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LED7huui2eHtN87-lNrBzM8W-Y2JW4vdbTWbqP5XHZU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TZZKkxc0O3I/AAAAAAAAWuE/zqK_Sz_e-QU/s800/DSCN0841_edited.JPG" width="299" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And no, I'm not a paid promoter, just a big fan. <a href="http://odietamoblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/house-tour-master-bedroom_23.html">A few years ago</a>, I used their Grand Jubliee fabric in cream to recover a wingback chair. It's now one of my favorite pieces of furniture -- and where I nurse Baby G. every night!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Happy weekend!</div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-47787134782672387552011-03-28T22:02:00.002-05:002011-03-28T23:20:44.623-05:00Spring/Summer Essentials<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y8WPOaLw0PomfKI8nT-k0piozXQ2UCcTq4rC0gpfKSI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TZFJHyRB46I/AAAAAAAAWrw/ClPWDdLzs_g/s800/baby%20gray.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Although Houston enjoys moderate winters, there's just something about Spring that puts a little bounce in my step. Perhaps it's the promise of summer (though my summer vacations have long since passed) or the newly budding flowers, but a gorgeous spring day never fails to put me in a good mood. And, of course, I love spring and summer fashions: the bright colors, the perky prints, fabulous sandals and wedges...it's just so refreshing after months of grays on black.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This Spring, I'm looking to update my wardrobe with some fresh new staples that are easy wearing...and easy washing (both Baby G. and I seem to go through several wardrobe changes a day now)! The type of clothes that will transition from mommy-hood to my pretty casual office. Navy and white (especially white jeans!) are my go-to's for warmer weather, but I'll be updating the classic nautical pairing with bright accessories like those gorgeous Tory Burch Sandals (orange and hot pink are both amazing with navy) and fun prints like Kate Spade's Daycation shopper. An on-trend maxi dress in a bold print is an easy weekend staple that will keep me cool and casual without feeling schleppy. Finally, I'm longing to swap out my everyday watch for something fun, light and a little bit different, like Michael Kors' resin and rose gold watch.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Clockwise</i> (from top left): Coral Dress (<a href="http://www.toryburch.com/CORAL-DRESS/13112418,default,pd.html">Tory Burch</a>), Jersey Blazer (<a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Coats-Jackets/Jackets/WL596/Womens-Jersey-Blazer.html?NavGroupID=2">Boden</a>), Daycation Bon Shopper (<a href="http://www.katespade.com/designer-handbags/leather-handbags/daycation-bon-shopper/PXRU2406,default,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU2406_color=470&start=12&cgid=handbags-totes">Kate Spade</a>), Denim Pleated Trouser Short (<a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=13642&vid=1&pid=804176">Gap</a>), Gold Coast Lacey wallet (<a href="http://www.katespade.com/womens-wallets/continental-wallets/gold-coast-lacey-2/PWRU1822,default,pd.html?dwvar_PWRU1822_color=687&start=6&cgid=wallets-continental">Kate Spade</a>), Stripe Sunburst Tank (<a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/teesandknits/PRDOVR~39485/39485.jsp">J.Crew</a>), Horton Sandals (<a href="http://www.toryburch.com/Horton-Sandal/12118694,default,pd.html?dwvar_12118694_color=803&start=23&cgid=shoes-sandals">Tory Burch</a>), Michael Kors Show Stopper Resin Watch (<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/michael-kors-show-stopper-resin-watch/3150139?origin=category&resultback=1449">Nordstrom</a>), Sexy Boot Surplus Jeans in White (<a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=48607&vid=1&pid=804186">Gap</a>), and Dorrie Skirt (<a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/skirts/PRDOVR~37781/37781.jsp">J.Crew</a>).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
What pieces are you craving this Spring? Any new trends you're dying to try out?</div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-84630376509974558772011-03-24T18:06:00.002-05:002011-03-28T21:35:19.370-05:00Baby G. gets his portrait taken<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5PFik6K4H7uLhUQHB3l25kBV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="433" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYvMj47USDI/AAAAAAAAWms/PYVYS5QYVJA/s640/Desktop49.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last weekend my college roommate (who married my cousin!) came over to take pictures of Baby G. for his birth announcement. I went with an announcement from <a href="http://www.peartreegreetings.com/">Pear Tree Greetings</a>, which has a great selection of modern stationery that's highly customizable. Of course, I had to do an aqua and orange color theme to go with <a href="http://odietamoblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/nursery-reveal.html">his nursery</a>. Here are a few of the gorgeous pictures Lisa took:</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xl_08gu6QSkcsKAoRSPg90BV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="406" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYjfPL98JzI/AAAAAAAAWg8/H9EEV7CW1_E/s640/GKC%2003191103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/W_et2OMQENpMbSc8jNBVikBV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="461" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYjfUXw3GKI/AAAAAAAAWhM/vBlxQicka7A/s640/GKC%2003191104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UMXppf5LFbzrGKEfHO4tMkBV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYjfbLUVRlI/AAAAAAAAWhY/JZf8wcvE0AQ/s640/GKC%2003191105.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2GV3pqMSD0Dk9NsdW1Ogb0BV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="471" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYjgQLIv8DI/AAAAAAAAWjE/0FFcbD4y4hw/s640/GKC%2003191113.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RYWZBgPlj6is-dOIQZS6PkBV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYjfiNd8eWI/AAAAAAAAWhg/1xq7kDYIivc/s640/GKC%2003191109.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-78551006178623751242011-03-23T21:28:00.001-05:002011-03-28T21:35:32.788-05:00Elizabeth Taylor<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d6R13XU-kV-o0EQQUFIMX88W-Y2JW4vdbTWbqP5XHZU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="532" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYqoohFn32I/AAAAAAAAWmQ/3VstRKJo07k/s800/elizabeth_taylor_as_cleopatra_8x10.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I wanted to acknowledge Elizabeth Taylor's passing today. I was a huge admirer of her work, especially her title role in the 1963 version of <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056937/">Cleopatra</a></i>, which ranks in my top 10 for all-time favorite movies. After all, with Elizabeth Taylor, Rex Harrison, Richard Burton how can you go wrong (especially when you put them into a 1960s epic with some seriously fantastic costumes and sets)? Besides, for Hollywood, it's fairly accurate insofar as it closely follows Plutarch and other ancient (albeit Roman and heavily biased) sources on the Queen.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tXpJIGOk3caRLWSeCxq6_88W-Y2JW4vdbTWbqP5XHZU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="357" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYqonKGg4cI/AAAAAAAAWmA/Uo0Vo8LS7RM/s800/cleopatra-elizabeth-taylor-caesar.jpg" width="468" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Burton and Taylor set the screen on fire as Antony and Cleopatra. Fun fact: this is the film in which they first met and began their romance (though they were both already married!). If you haven't seen <i>Cleopatra</i>, I strongly encourage you to go rent it and watch it this weekend in tribute. In any case, as far as I'm concerned, few stars today possess Elizabeth's beauty, poise, style talent and star power. She will be both remembered and missed.</div></div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-62063915639503037362011-03-22T19:37:00.002-05:002011-03-22T21:46:59.871-05:00Miles Redd loves velvet sofas...and so do I<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7UTvKI3CA_pCBg01mUy8Gg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="388" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYk7uk74wII/AAAAAAAAWkw/X_q-SEjmPoM/s640/Screen%20shot%202011-03-22%20at%207.15.30%20PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Most designers tend to have a few favorite things (be it a particular color, pattern or even piece of furniture) that they use over and over again in their work. And sometimes that repetition can become a designer's trademark, their personal signature on a space. For <a href="http://milesredd.com/">Miles Redd</a>, there are a number of elements that the New York based designer returns to again and again: bold color on the walls (often in high gloss), animal print and Chinoiserie all immediately leap to mind. But one thing I hadn't noticed until today was Redd's penchant for rich velvet sofas, often in bold jewel-tone hues. And like Miles, I can't seem to get enough.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Why velvet? Well you'd have to ask Miles himself; however, in my opinion, velvet has the perhaps unique ability to feel at once incredibly luxurious, but also incredibly comfortable and inviting. I can never keep my hands off of it -- and it's this gorgeous textural experience that I suspect keeps Redd coming back. Besides that, velvet works anywhere, from a TV room or study to a more formal salon or living room. It's unquestionably the star that plays so beautifully with Redd's maximalist style.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BMGi7x2yfE1vxgVL_13xcQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="510" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYk6J_0SnbI/AAAAAAAAWkE/y9gIxbj0Ci0/s640/5-xl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Is there anything sexier than red velvet? Maybe just red velvet set against pink walls. I love how Redd sets these feminine colors off against the serious artwork and otherwise more masculine feel of the room.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qq_T2wpL64AJVPeHpEzNCg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="455" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYk6IT0iJkI/AAAAAAAAWj4/-4Os_CLLyW8/s640/6-Graev-xl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The rich olive green is a nice visual rest from the bold patterns of the rug and pillows. By repeating the wall color in the center of the large room, it also helps ground the floating seating group and keeps the space from feeling too expansive.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hyFpAPTe71-i8uy8DmBCcw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="510" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYk6I5Pp7EI/AAAAAAAAWj8/YcJs7L1MMUY/s640/4-xl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A rich chocolate brown velvet feels positively decadent, especially when played off against bold stripes and cheetah print chairs. The ruffled taffeta curtains in the icy blue bring in some coolness to the otherwise very warm space.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2799SqDdEsQkA-n4Hl8G7g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="639" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYk6JutFcrI/AAAAAAAAWkA/Mi4TXyBPEjU/s640/36-xl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The shape of this sofa (enhanced all the more with the nailhead detailing) is absolutely to die for. The green is a nice counterpoint to the rich reds in elsewhere in the room. And those Elkins chairs? Love!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/krhiK7VvKbmkKV5-LboBmQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYk6Kpc01ZI/AAAAAAAAWkI/bb0JkURNSSU/s640/35-xl.jpg" width="639" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">More red velvet, this time with a fringe skirt. The black and white fabrics and art are such a great balance, lending this room a decidedly modern edge despite the traditional furniture and layout.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oAZqeyDftAd3-xLTMdaS9Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYk6K0sxqdI/AAAAAAAAWkM/GaHUPfD_V5g/s640/29-xl.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I think of orange velvet, I think of this hideous orange chair from the '70s that Dave had when I first met him in Austin. And yet somehow, this orange velvet seems to work. If I were that little girl though, I'd be napping on it rather than on the floor.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yYeSSqSFHwEZIvNdkZulqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="460" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/S5kmteb2W5I/AAAAAAAALQs/lGxABVKo3l0/s800/Hague%20Blue.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">More olive green velvet! Such a rich pairing with the deep teals and oranges in the room. This has to be one of my all-time favorite rooms of Redd's.<br />
<br />
So what do you think of velvet sofas? Love 'em, too, or hate 'em?</div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-24372455494620675032011-03-19T17:49:00.003-05:002011-04-07T14:06:16.694-05:00Baby G. Update: Week 2<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XRVECYgAvYt-41LXLjtW6EBV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TXz7mqVpvtI/AAAAAAAAWVU/ZZHYiVB_2qw/s640/IMG_2043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">In some ways, it feels like an eternity since we brought Graham home from the hospital; in others, it feels like the blink of an eye. So far, we have been blessed with a healthy, generally happy baby who's been growing like a weed (an inch and 1 lb, 6 oz. in a mere 13 days!) and even giving us some (relative) rest. This week, we've seen a decrease in the quantity and increase in the quality of his naps; he's even been sleeping for 4 or 5 hour stretches at night! I chalk this up to the benefit of having a larger, full-term baby as well as our continued efforts to put him down at the first signs of sleepiness rather than waiting for him to get overtired and fussy.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1P2yYoDsjj3u16vwcSRMCkBV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TXz8ChQweaI/AAAAAAAAWXA/Ml4-t0Zdqck/s640/IMG_2024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">On Monday Dave returned to work and I've been adjusting to playing a stay-at-home-mom. I'm off work through May and starting to get into the rhythms of my new life. The first few days I felt very panicky and my anxiety translated to some difficulties breast feeding (largely now resolved thanks to the invaluable help of a wonderful lactation consultant). Physically, I'm feeling better and more like myself every day and am thrilled to be back down to my pre-pregnancy weight already (which, admittedly, is about 10 to 15 lbs heavier than my preferred weight, but we'll worry about that later...).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uID0fzHXWZhNXQIHCn8NmkBV_hjtyTVfTyqOxBHf62s?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TXz7wIRESfI/AAAAAAAAWVw/JWrgcyRRY4A/s640/IMG_2035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
All this notwithstanding, I'm not going to say it's been all roses. The idea of someone being so utterly dependent on me still scares me to death and the thought of not getting an uninterrupted night's sleep for at least another few months is utterly depressing. I also long for the time when he's able to interact more (though he is becoming more and more alert every day). But...I have to remind myself that babies are newborns for such a short period of time and that I need to savor what he can offer now; namely, being utterly adorable. And yes, I'm a bit biased...but shouldn't I be?</div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-82908525981638477922011-03-18T12:18:00.000-05:002011-03-18T12:18:48.474-05:00Vintage, yet modern kitchen<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d55CDTmPl0X-Xi3GgdjCZIzDqpPidCSml5OVOMFOvII?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="628" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYOJrKdtWFI/AAAAAAAAWcY/Ro1WhTZduRA/s800/101676388_ss.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When you look at shelter magazines and design blogs as much as I do, it can sometimes feel like you've seen absolutely everything before. Been there, done that. Sometimes it feels like the more I dive into design, the harder it is for designers to truly knock my socks off and show me something I haven't seen before. Kitchens and baths seem particularly vulnerable to my growing design ennui as designers and builders continue to cling to the same predictable styles and materials.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But of course, every so often a room comes along that reinforces why I fell in love with interior design in the first place. This updated vintage kitchen belongs to Bob Williams (of <a href="http://www.mgandbw.com/">Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams</a>) and it, along with the rest of the home, is featured in this month's <i><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/howwelive/renovation-classic-house_ss1.html">Traditional Home</a></i>. And I love it. The mix of materials, from Carrara marble (an exception to my grip about tiring of seeing the same materials over and over again) to honed granite (a finish I'm loving so much more than polished right now!) and butcher block is superb, especially alongside those dark teal cabinets (brilliant!) and the mix of new and old appliances and lighting. It's the best of vintage and modern and perfectly suits an older, remodeled home. The overall effect is elegant, but also warm, inviting and intensely personal.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/D0K4cr9SZLIOKavf4eBox4zDqpPidCSml5OVOMFOvII?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="638" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYOJr5je96I/AAAAAAAAWcg/RaUFmYBC7uE/s800/101676379_ss.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The modern red drum shades are a bold touch of color that matches the intensity of the deep teal cabinetry and beautifully sets off the black and white tile floor. The few upper cabinets along the back wall are painted off-white to blend in with the walls and help keep the room feeling open and bright.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j0jQ0msCfOnlDMxTadu0OIzDqpPidCSml5OVOMFOvII?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="501" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYOJsI96gDI/AAAAAAAAWck/z1gy-8bFW-c/s800/101676375_ss.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">While there's a lot to be said for ultra-modern, high tech appliances, they never have quite the same charm as a vintage piece. The concealed vent hood ensures that the focus stays put on the 1930s range.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_mh6tPeYMS7PmP58kJYlgYzDqpPidCSml5OVOMFOvII?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TYOJrWcbnTI/AAAAAAAAWcc/oEUNjqZ9Xzc/s800/101676385_ss.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In yet another nod to the home's period, Williams converted a vintage 1940s walk-in cooler into a pantry. Now how clever is that? I also adore the marble baseboards and wall-to-wall subway tiles. Talk about easy cleanup!</div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-82487847369709703382011-03-14T07:46:00.000-05:002011-03-14T07:46:00.471-05:00Master Bedroom Design: Almost There...<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IiGfcvX77sBOghJEnQKd3mBsys0Fdk4kE_JWoEJZAis?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TX0B467n2wI/AAAAAAAAWYE/4WzDi77BJrc/s640/IMG_1977.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Back in December, <a href="http://odietamoblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/master-bedroom-design-progress-report.html">I updated y'all</a> on my master bedroom (re)design as we swapped out our queen bed for a king and our tiny end tables and dresser for more ample (and more glamorous) storage. At the time, I was dubious as to whether or not I'd be able to get anymore done on the room before Baby G's arrival, as the nursery had become my top priority decorating-wise.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Well, I suppose that nesting instinct really kicked in my last few months of pregnancy and I was able to add a few more decorative touches that really make the room feel more complete. While I'd still like to add some curtain panels around the three-windows and some artwork (or something!) on the wall opposite the bed, I feel like the room is really starting to take shape.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sa_GeEzPJEQc7yyY7MHEbWBsys0Fdk4kE_JWoEJZAis?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TX0B_yYFctI/AAAAAAAAWYg/GCAAH8RSX10/s640/IMG_1985.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I added <a href="http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=cprod9720019&parentId=cat11570732&masterId=cat000092&index=48&cmCat=cat000000cat000089cat000092cat11570732">this sunburst mirror</a> that I picked up from Horchow on sale over the the long dresser. The finish is a goldish-silver (or gliver) that I think adds some warmth to the room. I didn't want to stick with just silver -- it seemed too matchy-matchy (and a bit cold with all the grey in the room!). The other big change on this end of the room was swapping out my old (and a bit dull) Pottery Barn rug for this graphic <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_45742777">cream and blue </a><a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/modern-home-decor/rugs/gate-azure-cream-rug-5x8.html">flatweave</a> from DwellStudio.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GsSG-kx2XOABiJrqg72bAGBsys0Fdk4kE_JWoEJZAis?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TX0B9YWa4FI/AAAAAAAAWYY/XUPQ6H8krt0/s640/IMG_1983.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My big splurge was <a href="http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=cprod73390006&eItemId=cprod73390006&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Djonathan%252Badler%2526_requestid%253D8154">this Jonathan Adler screen</a> (also scored at Horchow on sale). I really wanted something substantial in this corner, not only to fill the space, but to help balance out the height of the four-poster bed on the opposite wall. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hlEWqGQNKUkn983AxAMrsmBsys0Fdk4kE_JWoEJZAis?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TX0CE1sO9CI/AAAAAAAAWY4/IP0WSq0t9Ng/s640/IMG_1992.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I love, <i>love </i>this vintage Chinoiserie lamp. I scored it off <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/highstreetmarket">High Street Market</a> on Etsy some months ago (alas, it had been languishing in my hall closet for months before I got around to finding a black paper shade for it). I also added a greek key finial for that extra little touch.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jkMR9Gf0J4rgGP0eyfJ2ymBsys0Fdk4kE_JWoEJZAis?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TX0CHw9iWuI/AAAAAAAAWZM/0jfGtSc9qhQ/s640/IMG_1998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A few more shots of the room in its almost finished state. I'll be honest, since the arrival of Baby G. the room isn't looking quite as pristine, what with G.'s bassinet next to the screen and my dresser now cleared off to make way for the changing pad and associated accoutrement. We'll be moving Baby G. upstairs to the nursery in a month or two when his sleeping schedule stabilizes, but for now I'd like to remember my bedroom as the sanctuary it was, rather than the mess it's rapidly become!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xd8e4n95fJJ1T6QOgTnlEmBsys0Fdk4kE_JWoEJZAis?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TX0CM_G6IqI/AAAAAAAAWZk/QH5qh_DAxPw/s640/IMG_1978.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/u-RZNYFjHhEkBxtjhNUblWBsys0Fdk4kE_JWoEJZAis?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TX0B2jnUMCI/AAAAAAAAWX8/c0vRDumhqzc/s640/IMG_1973.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ah well, I know in time we'll get there again!</div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-53406740543637026012011-03-06T15:45:00.001-06:002011-03-23T21:30:42.045-05:00Graham Kirk<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QhCuOezpZHvzwLOkPBWDO5nNGxTqFkFJzWDys-g_NYI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TXP-sx67IPI/AAAAAAAAWOI/DYIAlIjvfB8/s640/IMG_2002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Graham Kirk arrived on Friday morning at 11:08 am at a hearty 8 pounds and 10 ounces, 20.5 inches. After checking into the hospital Thursday evening with regular contractions, we ended up having to kick-start my labor with Pitocin around 3 am (don't worry, I caught some solid sleep from 10 pm on). Once my doctor broke my water at 8 am, things quickly accelerated (as did the pain!) and we were pushing by 10. Dave was fantastic throughout, as were the nurses -- all in all, much less scary than I expected.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/h5qcgsMEPQeGIFawncyuL5nNGxTqFkFJzWDys-g_NYI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TXP-quL9VjI/AAAAAAAAWN8/Ws1g-eHsTvk/s640/IMG_2010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LS25EYmyo0WpWxk3JhxW4JnNGxTqFkFJzWDys-g_NYI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TXP-oqCQ5aI/AAAAAAAAWN0/zaIUOlPsdY0/s640/IMG_2018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We got back home last night and it's definitely been an adjustment to our schedules and our lives. Family and friends have been fantastic though, cooking and cleaning and changing diapers while I work on nursing and healing (unfortunately, I lost a significant amount of blood so I'm working on getting my strength back as well). I'll be taking a few weeks off from blogging while we adjust to this new addition to the family.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Many thanks for all the well wishes late last week! Y'all definitely gave me the extra encouragement I needed to get through the last few days.</div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-82408814201391094822011-03-01T13:08:00.006-06:002011-03-23T21:30:42.048-05:00Plannin' and Dreamin'...<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Ovulation Calculator"><img alt=" IAmPregnant Ticker" border="0" src="http://global.thebump.com/tickers/ttdf19a.aspx" /></a><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin'</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Plannin' and dreamin' each night of his charms</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>That won't get him into my arms</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Okay, so I may be taking some liberties with the old Dionne Warwick song, but the essential message is the same: if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. I'm 39 weeks pregnant today, 4 cm dilated and waiting for everything to start. I went to see my OB/GYN yesterday and she expressed surprise that I was still pregnant. Trust me, after several false starts over the past 3 weeks, I'm surprised, too. Even my Gmail seems surprised, as these past two weeks I've ceased receiving my weekly prenatal updates from various and sundry websites that I've been perusing during pregnancy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yes, I know, I'm not even technically at my due date yet, but with everyone in my family delivering early (even with the first one), I half expected to be in a similar boat. After weeks of co-workers marveling "you're still here?!" and daily texts from family and friends alike "just checking in," I can't help but feel a bit of pressure to get on with things -- as if I had any control of it!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, I suppose I have some control of it. These days an induction after 39 weeks is offered up as an option without any required medical need whatsoever. And that makes me a bit nervous. Shouldn't we wait until the baby is good and ready? Isn't it also true that the average pregnancy actually runs longer than the 40 weeks allocated to women by their doctors? The answer to both is "yes"...and yet....</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Pregnancy"><img alt=" Pregnancy Ticker" border="0" src="http://global.thebump.com/tickers/ttdf1a2.aspx" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now that I find myself at this late stage of pregnancy, I'm suddenly very sympathetic with women who elect to make this decision. Indeed, there's some comfort in having a firm deadline, in being able to wrap up things at the office in a definitive manner without the vague (and often unhelpful) "I'll be here 'til the baby comes...whenever that is" response. A response, by the way, that my clients have not been particularly receptive of. Everybody likes a due date, a deadline, a goal. Letting nature take its course is so antithetical to modern life, where we attempt to control everything. Patience and flexibility just don't seem to jive with our schedules.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So what have I decided to do? Well, I've currently got an induction scheduled for Friday, which would require Dave and I to show up at the hospital at the unholy hour of 4 am in the hopes of having a baby sometime before COB (close of business) on Friday. Very convenient for my doctor, yes? I'm justifying this decision on account of my (normally very low) blood pressure having creeped up in the past few weeks. While not at dangerous levels, this upward trend is somewhat worrisome. In the interim, I'm working from home, walking twice a day and praying to God that he'll come of his own volition. If not? Then I suppose I'll let Science take his course and pray that I'm not making the wrong decision.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871878718824331017.post-31663036834445425782011-02-27T22:04:00.000-06:002011-02-27T22:04:05.220-06:00Baffling Pregnancy Products<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/INR8Y8ch4bPsquLSXq-yhM8W-Y2JW4vdbTWbqP5XHZU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="363" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TWsTzgMv_LI/AAAAAAAAWK8/1tcOpTe0RiA/s800/Screen%20shot%202011-02-27%20at%209.16.23%20PM.jpg" width="372" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">There are some truly ridiculous pregnancy products out on the market today. While I understand that expectant mothers may want to create some keepsakes and mementos of such a big event, I daresay that there are a few memories that may <i>not </i>really be worth memorializing and reliving.<br />
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Recently I joined <a href="http://www.zulily.com/">zulily</a>, a Gilt Group-style sample sale site dedicated to products for children and maternity. While zulily has great sales on lots of wonderful products (email me if you want an invite!), from time to time they do hawk some rather ridiculous products. This week, the belly casts on offer from <a href="http://www.proudbody.com/Pregnancy_Belly_Cast_Kits_s/41.htm">Proud Body</a> take first prize in my (very unofficial) "Baffling Pregnancy Products" contest.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">A belly cast. Really?! For starters, the process for making a belly cast would be not only a bit ridiculous, but potentially uncomfortable. The last thing I really want to do right now is get naked and drape wet plaster across my giant belly and then let it dry (itchy!). And once it dries...what exactly am I supposed to do with it? Well, I suppose you could always perk up that plain plaster cast with some paint:</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1h0rHSKiDilUjDt1NIKF9c8W-Y2JW4vdbTWbqP5XHZU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TWsTzb_POJI/AAAAAAAAWK4/3b8hVBTF8BA/s800/Screen%20shot%202011-02-27%20at%209.02.47%20PM.jpg" width="607" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>These look like baby shower games gone very, very wrong.</i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">And again....<i>then what</i>?! Am I going to hang this up in my house with pride? Not a chance. Not to put too fine a point on it, but I'll go ahead and say it: they're all kind of, well, hideous (though I'll admit the frog is a rather clever use of the shape). Beyond that though, what an incredibly awkward (and personal) thing to show off to friends and neighbors. "<i>Oh that? That's just my naked torso when I was 39 weeks pregnant with Junior -- weren't my breasts magnificent?" </i>Talk about embarrassing Junior.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5u5-nBT_WIn_a6E6xRlIOM8W-Y2JW4vdbTWbqP5XHZU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="237" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TWsTz2Oe6yI/AAAAAAAAWLM/CEQ0mZsB6ps/s800/Screen%20shot%202011-02-27%20at%209.17.08%20PM.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I mean, I've heard of bronzing baby shoes, but this is just ridiculous....</i></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And no, I'm not ashamed of my pregnancy body. In fact, I'm rather proud of it given that I've managed to keep my weight gain to about 20 lbs., the bulk of which is in my bump, as it should be. That said though, I don't really feel the need to immortalize it in plaster.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Yt5E8vkdgL9pQaHzHiSks88W-Y2JW4vdbTWbqP5XHZU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_tKUwC7TQWt0/TWsXgNPrTgI/AAAAAAAAWLY/FQVrF46Oje0/s800/Screen%20shot%202011-02-27%20at%209.29.13%20PM.jpg" width="572" /></a></div><br />
Second prize goes to the <a href="http://www.mommymeasure.com/">Mommy Measure Pregnancy Tape</a>. I spied this one in a parenting magazine I was flipping through at my OB/GYN's office last week. Now, you can track your growing belly's progress, marking off those inches with little hearts. Seriously. This can't be a big seller. Most women I know don't even want to know their weight at the doctor's office!<br />
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Frankly, I found it upsetting enough to realize that not only did I no longer fit into my own jeans, but I didn't fit into my husband's either (and, at this point, I'm not even close to that). I just can't picture myself pulling this sucker out in a few years time and marveling at how at one point my waistline passed 38" (and then 40"...) inches!<br />
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What about you? Spied any baffling pregnancy products out on the market? If so, please share!</div>Averillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758556623588696377noreply@blogger.com9