Love these!

Most of the time I love living in a small town. Sometimes, though, it takes quite an effort to get things accomplished. I drive an hour and a half some days to meet with a young genius at the apple store to learn how to use my lap top more efficiently.

While I love the lesson and always feel just a wee bit smarter when I leave, the fun part is that anthropologie is right across the mall. I always have to make a pass through to check out the displays and new merchandise before making my drive home.

These porcelain bottle stoppers caught my eye and I knew I had to have them. There are several kinds of flowers and I think they are such fun! I brought them home and immediately found a spot for them in some of my wicker covered bottles! Click on the second photo to get a closer look. Aren't they sweet?

Texas Artist Carol Marine

Artist, Carol Marine, is a young, refreshing artist who has recently become one of my favorites to watch. She does workshops, participates in the daily painting website and has a blog where you can read more about her and her art.
Most recently she has been focusing on still lifes, but her repertoire is broader, as you will see on her website.
Carol is as friendly and humble as she is talented. She loves to share her skills and knowledge and I hope to take part in one of her workshops one day.



Her use of color and her choice of backdrops for her vignettes fascinate me. She uses her brush to reflect light and shadows beautifully. Take a look at her website for further pleasure.


Carol shows at several galleries here in the hill country. If you are in Austin you can see her work at Wally Workman, and if you find yourself in Marble Falls, at Riverbend Gallery.


Enjoy!!

White Magic

I am still thinking about the holiday windows at Bergdorf Goodman, even after six weeks and lots of Christmas craziness. I so wish it had not been so cold and crowded - I could have stood for hours taking in all the fabulous detail.



I was reminded again today how pretty an all white room can be. As much as I love color, I am the first to admit that lots of white on white, with great texture and form, can be stunning. So, at the risk of being redundant, and I know the official holiday season is over.............I just had to share some of these photos. If you want to really see amazing detail, click on the photos to enlarge. Enjoy!





This is one amazing coat, and a stunning bird modeling it!


I love birds, birds in glasses, nests, birds in nests, birds in nests on heads............



The theme was seasons and this window was especially beautiful with all of the "under the sea" objects..........


This one says "Holiday" - oh my, what a holiday! I just wish I could have spent more time there.........what a magical place!

Slips and Style

Upon first glance, while driving through our town, one might think it is a typical small town with lots of ordinary houses along big, wide tree lined streets. After fourteen years, I am still in awe of the charm and talent that resides in some of those "ordinary" houses. Many times they are charming bed and breakfast houses, or the homes of incredibly creative artists or designers.

One of the first people I met when we moved to Fredericksburg was Debbie Phillips, also known as the talent behind "Simple Slips". She has continued to amaze me over the years with her flair for decorating and her ability to make a slip cover , a window treatment or a pillow in just about any style one needs. She has a great eye for scale and design and whenever I take her a design proposal, I am always quick to say "I'd love your input - what do you think?" She has the experience and the eye!


Debbie has lived in a number of different houses since I have known her. She leaves her mark where ever she lives and believe me, it is a compliment if someone walks in a house and asks "Did Debbie used to live here?" Her knack for cottage decorating has gotten her homes published in Country Living and Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion, to name just a few.


Her latest home is a stone cottage at the end of a quiet street. She has her studio in the back of the house and has a wonderful bed and breakfast across the courtyard to the side of her house.



She has always used color in her homes, but has been known to create beautiful white on white rooms, too. This time she has used really rich color and of course, I love it! Her kitchen/dining area is a turquoise shade of blue that really shows off her collection of ironstone and old breadboards.


I love the mix of blue and yellow on this wall.



So, so clever - why didn't I think of putting my daughter's little tea sets in a big glass jar!

Debbie found the folky pot rack at our local Trade Days market and painted the animals to custom match her kitchen!

The yellow transitions into the living room and is the perfect backdrop for her collection of new and vintage paintings.



I asked Debbie quite impromtly if I could photograph her house, so we didn't do any real styling ahead of time. Neither of us noticed the crooked lampshade or the curtains tied in a knot. I'll bet that is to keep them out of the way of her new puppy! Everything you see, from bed linens to shades to shower curtain, is a custom piece made by Debbie.



The walk over to the guest house is through the newly painted patio and courtyard. I wish it were spring rather than a dismal winter day, but the color is vibrant and fun regardless!


I love the diamond design across the middle of the periwinkle wall!


Here we are at the entrance to La Vie Est Belle! If you are interested in more information on this quaint b&b, click on the name and it will take you to the local lodging service, Gastehaus Schmidt. Then do a search for La Vie Est Belle!

The cottage has two bedrooms and one bath with a great kitchen and sitting area. Of course, charm is oozing around every corner.

Classic blue and yellow - sweet with a French feel. Notice the diamond details in the corner.

More great paintings..............

Blue and white platters greet guests as they walk through the front door...............

My favorite spot - the cozy sitting area and precious painting above the sofa.

More special detail in the second bedroom ................................

........and to top things off, a collection of old black cloches adorn the bathroom walls and the vintage dress form who lives there.

To see more of Debbie's work, see my post called "Beauty in the Details". Debbie made all of the fabulous window treatments for my friend Leslie's house.

For information on Simple Slips, call 1-830-990-0616. Debbie does not have a website and is independent , but she would be glad to help you if she can!

Anthropologie Cool

On a quick trip to NYC in December I was smitten with these vintage portraits and chairs at the Anthropologie in Rockefeller Plaza. Today I received an email update from "anthro" and learned the origin of these treasures. Leslie Oschmann is a talented artist who was the visual director at Anthropolgie at one time. Today she has her own company called "Swarm Home" in Amsterdam.


Leslie is a wonderful artist who recreates objects and flea market finds. Visit her here.

What a treat I stumbled upon. I love the visuals at Anthropologie and took lots of photos of particular holiday displays , but I knew these were very special. Hope you enjoy!