Each Spring, I look forward to the Wakefield High School Plant Sale with great anticipation! The flowers, herbs, and vegetable plants are just about the healthiest plants I have ever seen. I almost "itch" with excitement to get my garden and pots established for the warm weather. The sale is at the high school from April 7-11, 10-6.
The horticulture department is run and taught by Jodi Riedel. Jodi is one of those teachers who becomes the students' favorite and most influential teachers. She inspires a love for horticulture in her students and many go on to study this in college. Jodi says, "The plant sale is the perfect opportunity to support youth and the local agricultural push." Also, all the money raised goes directly back to the education of the students and the program... it is sustainable.
About a year ago, my friend Blaire, told me about her passion for reading decorating and art blogs. One, in particular, that inspires me is Postcard from Provence. The artist, Julian Merrow- Smith paints a landscape or still life nearly everyday and emails it out to his followers. These paintings are oil on board and approximately 16 cm x 14 cm. They are also up for auction each day. It is a nice present in my email and one I look forward to.
This painting of strawberries in a handmade clay bowl is just so beautiful and inviting! He captures the light on the strawberries. Looks yummy to me!
There is a very cool antique store in a warehouse area in Raleigh. The owners "pick" furniture and architectural pieces from all over and repair, restore and sometimes repaint. There is a separate warehouse that is full of furniture that you can go in and choose from. There are 2 prices on each piece. The first is less and yours to take out of the store. The second price allows you to choose the paint color and their craftspeople will paint it for you.
Cleanliness is not top priority when it comes to my teenage son's room! The dust bunnies and dirty clothes aside... this room was in great need of a makeover. I took down his dust collecting blinds (allergies) and repainted the builder grade beige in a "suedey" gray called Summit Gray. I found some drapes with black out lining at Lowes that work beautifully. I also painted the bed in a black satin and removed the bed skirt. I then covered the box spring with a fitted sheet... this discourages shoes, clothes, and junk from hiding under the bed. He loves the results and hopefully he will keep it clean and tidy!
Fall is finally creeping in to my neck of the woods. Thank goodness because we have had one of the hottest Summers on record. Every Spring and Fall, I change much of my decor in and outside of my home. I especially love creating a seasonal room on my front porch.
Yesterday, I went to stage a house and was surprised to find that the front door handle was completely encapsulated in spider webs! Now this is not a good thing to find if you are a potential buyer and want to view your new home! I think, that often, people enter their homes through the garage and only see the front door when they open it for the package that UPS just delivered.
I think these Mariposa Collection canisters are fun and funky for a mantle or table. They also come in canary yellow and you can find them at Z Gallery.
I have a new foyer table! I am so excited to have found a table that so perfectly fits this space. The space is limited by the depth of the molding on the doorway leading into the hall. The table is only 9" deep so it is less obtrusive to those passing into the hall. It anchors the wall and allows for vignettes. From time to time, I will post photos of these vignettes!
I love lamps. Lamps add a warmth and style to a room that overhead lighting often lacks. Of course there are beautiful chandeliers and other ceiling mounted fixtures. However, lamps can be very versatile in any space. I like to put them on timer so that walking into any room can be warm and inviting. I even have a lamp on timer on my front porch. The lamp pictured above is from The Virginia Gale Collection, by The Natural Light. I love the bamboo look.. elegant and casual.
I want my blog to be about the things that inspire me and things that I love. My little dog, Lulu, is one of the most precious things in my life. We got Lulu when we were traveling in Western North Carolina. We had left our older dog at home and wanted to pick up a little toy for him.... We came across this little place called "Fish and Pets" on the side of the highway in Hendersonville. In this little country pet store was a litter of tiny Jack Russell mix pups. I picked up Lulu and it was all over. She was about the size of a baby guinea pig! This is by far the best spontaneous action that I have ever taken. We proceeded home to Atlanta with our tiny prize and named her after one of my beloved Aunts. They are, both, very spunky and cool! Lulu will be 7 on August 28th, and, of course, we will be celebrating.
