tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26971930707328003102024-02-20T13:13:09.189-05:00The Art of Living Beautifullyhome & garden adventures, creative pursuits, books & musings on beautyEileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.comBlogger839125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-10391619301496129572024-01-01T00:30:00.066-05:002024-01-01T00:30:00.136-05:00Before & After: The Powder Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNs_Ponk3IPhDBiDWl-PE5dpjL9dma3g09teqiG7dbTT4ZYXPUgBMjwLQR9Wurrn2KWrU-FH6sqB038145Ofx9TqJzADfl9koqqMLmubsGMp3bIXKNMwO03daKPs-gSnVbE7RUIVC5rEoXRVofZ_9XcQDYGLYxDg6iyzqENzvsc4UyqzgczoSrWCd0pGM/w480-h640/IMG_1615.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;" width="480" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2n4iuAB1EnEEeqg60HSX9zOceZ4BxoWwLAfb_xoZ9U9Ho5D2gU2dHgsiTnXt-eJbGjrRdCDnHnXJeVqu1pWXekO8jqFn2b8fY-aL2EMoJhr7QAbP2FvfvuBJd8o3H9nin7Z0R3xq-2Wg8NwlogCkGZvz59y9UY1FdlFbd5T25fXz3UTj9AXdYKrXScS0/s2000/IMG_1594.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2n4iuAB1EnEEeqg60HSX9zOceZ4BxoWwLAfb_xoZ9U9Ho5D2gU2dHgsiTnXt-eJbGjrRdCDnHnXJeVqu1pWXekO8jqFn2b8fY-aL2EMoJhr7QAbP2FvfvuBJd8o3H9nin7Z0R3xq-2Wg8NwlogCkGZvz59y9UY1FdlFbd5T25fXz3UTj9AXdYKrXScS0/w640-h480/IMG_1594.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br style="text-align: left;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What better way to start a new year than with a fabulous Before & After? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided I wanted a new look in our downstairs powder room (that’s what my grandma always called these little half-bathrooms) so I set about trying to figure out what that might be. I really, really wanted pattern ~ wallpaper ~ on the walls, but my husband wasn’t so sure. And then the more I thought about it, the more I thought wallpapering this little space around all the fixtures might be beyond me. So I decided I would stencil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have stenciled a couple times, once in our old house and once in our new house. (Click <a href="https://thepinkhome.blogspot.com/2020/10/meet-abstract-garden-now-starring-in-my.html" target="_blank">here</a> to see how the stenciling turned out in our dining room.) The trick is always finding the right pattern. I wasn’t sure what I was looking for but knew I would know it when I saw it. I came across this fan pattern and instantly knew this was it. It just felt right with the art I wanted to hang in here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first thing I did was get the holes in the walls filled in, then I had the room re-painted from a cool gray to a warmer beige/gray. You can see the before pictures below:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWuuJo8tGMT3QbSzfK6Mv9xI7S2_n7LKMPg6Ks0FfaOI40o5MskN1nS-JKruGN3A-zz-9rnJJZVkWCKctA4cXkqSx1pLzhzFnZ370pLyzFQRiUXPj_MWADHzddgAeMlGC467tg_yUK1F1tA_NZjkYciwewp88Qn7BKr1jEjLBa2In3GpOez67nZo2lJQ/s1800/AB3B336E-5543-4DBC-9D23-111FEA1D7815.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWuuJo8tGMT3QbSzfK6Mv9xI7S2_n7LKMPg6Ks0FfaOI40o5MskN1nS-JKruGN3A-zz-9rnJJZVkWCKctA4cXkqSx1pLzhzFnZ370pLyzFQRiUXPj_MWADHzddgAeMlGC467tg_yUK1F1tA_NZjkYciwewp88Qn7BKr1jEjLBa2In3GpOez67nZo2lJQ/w512-h640/AB3B336E-5543-4DBC-9D23-111FEA1D7815.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZQPiJKnLuQKs1gl8SInfB1NKzHaVhyphenhyphen3vIRN9c22hUw4yHrlbXo8HLdoyiI1GHErCqzkhP2q_7-Azgw611M6DVEnkKlEnT_B28qAo7bqLWXHd1WCioxi9biIxkK5F9UYgvP-bc7yLWVtnhYgA_vjcZc8BW7I2L9jKaez2hwI99C40wWxV4Myz0TTQZfE/s1800/E5CF51AB-1E4D-4E1B-9F83-8325C0ED3135.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZQPiJKnLuQKs1gl8SInfB1NKzHaVhyphenhyphen3vIRN9c22hUw4yHrlbXo8HLdoyiI1GHErCqzkhP2q_7-Azgw611M6DVEnkKlEnT_B28qAo7bqLWXHd1WCioxi9biIxkK5F9UYgvP-bc7yLWVtnhYgA_vjcZc8BW7I2L9jKaez2hwI99C40wWxV4Myz0TTQZfE/w512-h640/E5CF51AB-1E4D-4E1B-9F83-8325C0ED3135.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I then spent 21 hours over several days stenciling all the walls. Halfway through, I did wonder what on Earth had possessed me to think this was a good idea. But I kept going and the results were fantastic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I pulled together several prints from Janet Hill, a wonderful Canadian artist, and hung them. I then decided it was time for me to finally frame a calendar of Janet Hill’s that I had been holding onto ~ Twelve Days at the Penny Fontaine Hotel. I found these fab green frames on Amazon, used one of my wallpapers from The Pink Home as a backdrop to provide some texture, and went to work. The result is below:</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBGW4ywIIZof3yhQTeHVhY372CcSv_c3ggZK5yINasCi0kXNFkGcdciiWj7y5vSzfQlxBRbpmhs7w_lPEOOSt1jXOfBmBzNFrol_LViAohEtsv6tB7D-SEkhBbfcyjKZGLxfUru0A-cpGI7IZ6p_Y8cNcVv69fR6oRsBlpHleSjtzqnQ4d5rErQrrD9s/s1800/C15544A4-3033-4C09-8027-E4F709DFC904.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBGW4ywIIZof3yhQTeHVhY372CcSv_c3ggZK5yINasCi0kXNFkGcdciiWj7y5vSzfQlxBRbpmhs7w_lPEOOSt1jXOfBmBzNFrol_LViAohEtsv6tB7D-SEkhBbfcyjKZGLxfUru0A-cpGI7IZ6p_Y8cNcVv69fR6oRsBlpHleSjtzqnQ4d5rErQrrD9s/w512-h640/C15544A4-3033-4C09-8027-E4F709DFC904.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfG9qeoKJlr6NfVM5ciMvJVHmjRLBTBTb8cPczmMtfeJG1f1UziKQ9l5Uu1gkAmZ-5E_ofsPwuDoe9jIXjHL3lWJnac_6m6k_dSraQiAqAfGl-gpUonvYw3RUCnZ-otWFuqIp5wqLWxZtWSY59OkZLCIDSegu9nhyphenhyphenFh7A-u1V36MJOcptSWSZsQVNc9U/s1280/IMG_1630.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfG9qeoKJlr6NfVM5ciMvJVHmjRLBTBTb8cPczmMtfeJG1f1UziKQ9l5Uu1gkAmZ-5E_ofsPwuDoe9jIXjHL3lWJnac_6m6k_dSraQiAqAfGl-gpUonvYw3RUCnZ-otWFuqIp5wqLWxZtWSY59OkZLCIDSegu9nhyphenhyphenFh7A-u1V36MJOcptSWSZsQVNc9U/w480-h640/IMG_1630.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I found a few more accessories ~ a little greenery, the right towels, a small lamp, etc., and viola, it was done. I am absolutely in love with this little bathroom now. <div>What do you think?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHgpyAygvTCf-IdGsvTXVtJkpbgMDDwA5kNt4jMf49YyQUI81qIYE56CsZzmtafyo8Gj4qhVqsKcEBEplpD1xwYjtqlCNWfZlWLKo6lvgysmlqVwHc2KFM55VUe5PAdxof1BSRFxGlgWOmo74W0lRhtHS_EmfzNjtAgkTNxErHScRInUl0cspAXLdB_U/s2667/IMG_1611.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHgpyAygvTCf-IdGsvTXVtJkpbgMDDwA5kNt4jMf49YyQUI81qIYE56CsZzmtafyo8Gj4qhVqsKcEBEplpD1xwYjtqlCNWfZlWLKo6lvgysmlqVwHc2KFM55VUe5PAdxof1BSRFxGlgWOmo74W0lRhtHS_EmfzNjtAgkTNxErHScRInUl0cspAXLdB_U/w480-h640/IMG_1611.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></div></div>Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-23568066530212650302023-12-21T00:30:00.002-05:002023-12-21T00:30:00.139-05:00The magic of Christmas lights...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqH87qFsfU4Qc6cCrAvKOrhsYMJ846yDDHsXTG2hs4g3YC95OW82VnLgv23eLhq1aBzVy0okRTnMSDRMpaKO4hpjxykTFYwTP11fARHzgWFdgvzX5WWbQfqWy_ma57Us0Euj1iZP675oxR-ZJYv1ojdiHHvvrbZ9neucVkDNpNHnOVingKznDsBRFo-9w/s1280/IMG_3560.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqH87qFsfU4Qc6cCrAvKOrhsYMJ846yDDHsXTG2hs4g3YC95OW82VnLgv23eLhq1aBzVy0okRTnMSDRMpaKO4hpjxykTFYwTP11fARHzgWFdgvzX5WWbQfqWy_ma57Us0Euj1iZP675oxR-ZJYv1ojdiHHvvrbZ9neucVkDNpNHnOVingKznDsBRFo-9w/s16000/IMG_3560.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcu57bTDxE20FO6TvXSAC2BGrlUm0RIXMOYuQwQDv67rgIwUSrxIqfvnJjvkIc1bZDyb6xUwoTGFYjgleh5MnRGnxPHEFr8PX6HLos65TLFT6e9ANKRLX2Qi5vcvNrHhA_gbgY80zfxegEJWNZs6FYVdzlbYrdmCQl326pNMjC78LYAxgNCoSz29baFx4/s1280/IMG_3558.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcu57bTDxE20FO6TvXSAC2BGrlUm0RIXMOYuQwQDv67rgIwUSrxIqfvnJjvkIc1bZDyb6xUwoTGFYjgleh5MnRGnxPHEFr8PX6HLos65TLFT6e9ANKRLX2Qi5vcvNrHhA_gbgY80zfxegEJWNZs6FYVdzlbYrdmCQl326pNMjC78LYAxgNCoSz29baFx4/s16000/IMG_3558.jpeg" /></a></div><p>Is there anything more magical than Christmas lights? I absolutely love them, whether they are classic and pretty or crazy and colorful. All holiday lights show a happy, giving spirit and I am a fan of anyone who takes the time to brighten things up around Christmas.</p><p>It has taken a few years of being in our new house for us to finally land our Christmas light plan. We’ve tried a few different configurations but this year’s display finally feels just right to me. I also added little wreaths and bows to the windows this year and I am so glad I did. They are so pretty and make the house look festive even during the daylight hours.</p><p>We also have a brand new addition this year: Antonio, the adorable hedgehog below. He was given to me a few weeks ago by a friend. We have decided he is Tilly’s holiday boyfriend. She needed a little company on the porch. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KROaS9jyD4aL8jYtEmfCv4u9xz9MVo7zwDO49u9mJyNrK9vISddTwyjnMDw5jqaL4GL-45eKrczlQqZvrNoEVsyemsfJHZqXmtLGIiPaHmGDUX_APB5-IYO0Dlvqa2ZWccQ8OzkGrmepwHMsP5OGDvUSQVhA7meGf1JdcXhg_ur2rTolNcn7gg3WKYI/s1280/IMG_3631.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="752" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KROaS9jyD4aL8jYtEmfCv4u9xz9MVo7zwDO49u9mJyNrK9vISddTwyjnMDw5jqaL4GL-45eKrczlQqZvrNoEVsyemsfJHZqXmtLGIiPaHmGDUX_APB5-IYO0Dlvqa2ZWccQ8OzkGrmepwHMsP5OGDvUSQVhA7meGf1JdcXhg_ur2rTolNcn7gg3WKYI/w376-h640/IMG_3631.jpeg" width="376" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRE6mBuqpg-ya0huT3lZ0f9C8aeqAgHSzfKIZn1qQDvIHAgLpOOU6Zlbbq9JkiDCnpn8N9iI8867_llnpMJUpXWYAJL1UxH26CkR7WcejXRrVFZGXJjwCJW-tBWiFMLPyEJSa4KQbCnesQj-pKbtG-poGXST2emajTDQv9v6rMfjvu74047Ll0Th0U64U/s1280/IMG_3632.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="609" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRE6mBuqpg-ya0huT3lZ0f9C8aeqAgHSzfKIZn1qQDvIHAgLpOOU6Zlbbq9JkiDCnpn8N9iI8867_llnpMJUpXWYAJL1UxH26CkR7WcejXRrVFZGXJjwCJW-tBWiFMLPyEJSa4KQbCnesQj-pKbtG-poGXST2emajTDQv9v6rMfjvu74047Ll0Th0U64U/w304-h640/IMG_3632.jpeg" width="304" /></a></div><br /> Merry Christmas, everyone!<p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></p>Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-85524046075929269952023-12-17T15:26:00.000-05:002023-12-17T15:26:49.972-05:00Getting in the Christmas spirit...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizND4GHUZ9MRnuO-eu2mGaSAZDLvD7_xQhgjIPRZ4fYStQRROUhb9B0md5IvN4FcHRhtdFoElu-soJTMLAN82-iC_sF_uC_P-8Sw3CTYzs9uwsp3Tm5ImzlQQNc2AXbRG5mO_OK3q9fYN-Bd7YCHReD4fv8tWn7txw1y9hKWtOgRGb4l_J_alhqo_5Mkk/s1280/IMG_3545.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizND4GHUZ9MRnuO-eu2mGaSAZDLvD7_xQhgjIPRZ4fYStQRROUhb9B0md5IvN4FcHRhtdFoElu-soJTMLAN82-iC_sF_uC_P-8Sw3CTYzs9uwsp3Tm5ImzlQQNc2AXbRG5mO_OK3q9fYN-Bd7YCHReD4fv8tWn7txw1y9hKWtOgRGb4l_J_alhqo_5Mkk/s16000/IMG_3545.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzw604TAt_Favp5GI06sdLXhI5-5r_AY4egYl2RKE75b6mYtWtlBKRDSo7soaR1sbbGOXJ1VNJirJjwSxA5ieyNm8W4WFzfrIEsN9kofqtnmfTJ5GHqKrTYeBHTs1B1lS9owrgTeHFKh9kGmfUZxQBReYyUrXg7F-1d-If8_If5u2I-6wJkKcZELpPd_8/s1280/IMG_3551.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzw604TAt_Favp5GI06sdLXhI5-5r_AY4egYl2RKE75b6mYtWtlBKRDSo7soaR1sbbGOXJ1VNJirJjwSxA5ieyNm8W4WFzfrIEsN9kofqtnmfTJ5GHqKrTYeBHTs1B1lS9owrgTeHFKh9kGmfUZxQBReYyUrXg7F-1d-If8_If5u2I-6wJkKcZELpPd_8/w640-h480/IMG_3551.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I have had the best time this year getting into the Christmas spirit and actually doing all the things I enjoy during the season. One of the things I enjoy the most is decorating the house. We have trees, lights, snowmen, and all sorts of other little decorations. I always enjoy seeing other people’s decorations, so I thought I would share ours. </p><p>Our great room has our main tree ~ a lovely giant one. Underneath is a train my Gram handmade many years ago. I get it out every year and enjoy seeing it under the tree. My family has always had trains displayed beneath the Christmas tree, and this year it was especially poignant when I put it out because it made me think of my Dad, a great train lover, who I lost suddenly a few months ago. I even bought a new train ornament in his honor to hang this year. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CnCOu-PQYQLl8687mdL-bsWES-mHm-RvmLqZbygEIFPlQGAakGWbCICYcUSuRUd2wzy1PsCy2o0QNrF0naQuwBbzcRusVoDXlor4jys3h4APEMndMgOPiB8eMXc6FsnUV99SU3rtKQTl7rSAzjbvPBshlz5s2PVl9j1fPfb7NmW5y0nuOzQIRe-812o/s1280/IMG_3483.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CnCOu-PQYQLl8687mdL-bsWES-mHm-RvmLqZbygEIFPlQGAakGWbCICYcUSuRUd2wzy1PsCy2o0QNrF0naQuwBbzcRusVoDXlor4jys3h4APEMndMgOPiB8eMXc6FsnUV99SU3rtKQTl7rSAzjbvPBshlz5s2PVl9j1fPfb7NmW5y0nuOzQIRe-812o/s16000/IMG_3483.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFije_Y5LKdA1kuX0_rBBLhFOMCNsH-k9mKFkau41KvBDHhQsf8olN4TVDgO7VB71WFxxsutT68r9-Z6zFoiLkoQ-2rQ9NpiwJgZb1p8muQBo3G7Wnm3FtxLUA-umqPAjA8uNQlO3L-BhQ8B8cBylOZx9faT6yfM9sPERWoDThSLJ1hyphenhyphenYwRbwYz6vtjk/s1280/IMG_3480.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFije_Y5LKdA1kuX0_rBBLhFOMCNsH-k9mKFkau41KvBDHhQsf8olN4TVDgO7VB71WFxxsutT68r9-Z6zFoiLkoQ-2rQ9NpiwJgZb1p8muQBo3G7Wnm3FtxLUA-umqPAjA8uNQlO3L-BhQ8B8cBylOZx9faT6yfM9sPERWoDThSLJ1hyphenhyphenYwRbwYz6vtjk/s16000/IMG_3480.jpeg" /></a></div><p></p><p>I also have a couple smaller trees in the house, including this slim tree in the dining room. I love red and blue-green in this room, so the decorations reflect that. I even decided to go ahead and set the dining room table so I could enjoy seeing my pretty Christmas dishes before the big holiday dinners. I mean, they spend most of the year in the cupboard ~ I suddenly thought, why not get them out now and enjoy seeing them?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzzYBbREmbtCbmlK6GVILwy1eRiKIVbwTOusxfwU3mDHHIPfrzQTYaheDhnNQWfq99VFANQhtP9bWtn8s6xqMbxlKggy4jSXZYqRDiY1MT1J8GYO1Mqqnb9AtMEWNIZhUS4EMHeJM_HjDuOS_sOA7J07aUn2L5bS-dR4OgGZcn3gsvzv8NzL_5MQ32MQ/s1280/IMG_3535.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzzYBbREmbtCbmlK6GVILwy1eRiKIVbwTOusxfwU3mDHHIPfrzQTYaheDhnNQWfq99VFANQhtP9bWtn8s6xqMbxlKggy4jSXZYqRDiY1MT1J8GYO1Mqqnb9AtMEWNIZhUS4EMHeJM_HjDuOS_sOA7J07aUn2L5bS-dR4OgGZcn3gsvzv8NzL_5MQ32MQ/s16000/IMG_3535.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8vVqf9cZPUmdek1_lJccHzPVu2LFYivh6X2HvAsdb7gT7TeDfJ4Aqe-RKaYlkqwaYy6aOVQISZ12uqHmdnAbV9KpABFG1LaEavVHFDX67-NTX7FTO1Yk_qsV4ymwLRpaq-LjXXGeEvQSGcN2SepIAX37DNXoJGkpHoYUe4lJAECgxFDfQq0WEJmTWNU/s1280/IMG_3538.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8vVqf9cZPUmdek1_lJccHzPVu2LFYivh6X2HvAsdb7gT7TeDfJ4Aqe-RKaYlkqwaYy6aOVQISZ12uqHmdnAbV9KpABFG1LaEavVHFDX67-NTX7FTO1Yk_qsV4ymwLRpaq-LjXXGeEvQSGcN2SepIAX37DNXoJGkpHoYUe4lJAECgxFDfQq0WEJmTWNU/s16000/IMG_3538.jpeg" /></a></div><p>I decided to do the same thing at my breakfast table and got out my new plaid Christmas dishes (I’ve always been a dish lover). I topped the place settings with these adorable holiday Kate Spade dishes in different colors. They are just so cheery and happy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVh4C6uM2R4Lyyf_pfLDQ8J6N8-il-TNzxoHTKNzHKcqkC4qTL2a3JKll8nyADaqJr5Y6eKeHLDtcppXtharOLIFU_FbC1b6uf9-0KpFoEpa7CRmO53WGTfWhg9wPgZft7RNWclZVARzCrmEZ22l_81iN8oO6o3wshFcj7vFncg5xmOUQZZ-RJy6W8-Os/s1280/IMG_3499.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVh4C6uM2R4Lyyf_pfLDQ8J6N8-il-TNzxoHTKNzHKcqkC4qTL2a3JKll8nyADaqJr5Y6eKeHLDtcppXtharOLIFU_FbC1b6uf9-0KpFoEpa7CRmO53WGTfWhg9wPgZft7RNWclZVARzCrmEZ22l_81iN8oO6o3wshFcj7vFncg5xmOUQZZ-RJy6W8-Os/s16000/IMG_3499.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And of course, there is my flamingo tree, which moved this year to the fireplace. I do love all the flamingo ornaments given to me over the years by one of my best friends.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLbXEIAEWlCa5qhg_lfD5QzOj3dQk_UQtBs-iHtjnHSfzfCZyqAEAJimDoKdyie3Qxao6FMQFwQi5D0MjKiip6v3U2Hy61MOBmgyBoOjPjslhuLKggTlGkYXT-LMWCCU-dqpW-BhTetR318D3mOYlyrqUQLtZ-tNnc3K5FgyYjsPHNUvSocNrpn6xS0A/s1280/IMG_3646.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="836" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLbXEIAEWlCa5qhg_lfD5QzOj3dQk_UQtBs-iHtjnHSfzfCZyqAEAJimDoKdyie3Qxao6FMQFwQi5D0MjKiip6v3U2Hy61MOBmgyBoOjPjslhuLKggTlGkYXT-LMWCCU-dqpW-BhTetR318D3mOYlyrqUQLtZ-tNnc3K5FgyYjsPHNUvSocNrpn6xS0A/s16000/IMG_3646.jpeg" /></a></div><p>Hope you enjoyed this little holiday glimpse. Wishing all of you a wonderful Christmas season!</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></p>Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-57753421003753003442022-05-09T00:30:00.134-04:002022-05-09T00:30:00.295-04:00Little bouquets and a peek at my new office...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BnxKd5yrYvLceuoe3l_7-V5tM0TLR1PT7TaIRQmQEZyeZIsWQyZ3av7_d9HXvmqTd2GSvQY6g4xW1oPu1C-BU6ks5BXzaYvGOIDISZ9Q58gMR2vomMTLCMC_pK68d6oT4M8DbJY4A3ajeEhKW09LUoezOT55YKZK1i29cJdmjg1zh9xiITA8QhnQ/s2667/IMG_0007.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BnxKd5yrYvLceuoe3l_7-V5tM0TLR1PT7TaIRQmQEZyeZIsWQyZ3av7_d9HXvmqTd2GSvQY6g4xW1oPu1C-BU6ks5BXzaYvGOIDISZ9Q58gMR2vomMTLCMC_pK68d6oT4M8DbJY4A3ajeEhKW09LUoezOT55YKZK1i29cJdmjg1zh9xiITA8QhnQ/w480-h640/IMG_0007.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is nothing like a beautiful little bouquet of flowers to make you smile. I am a carnation lover ~ the colors are beautiful, the flowers lovely and they last forever in a vase ~ and was lucky enough to find a pretty bunch with spring colors. I made two bouquets from the bunch, including this one for the entryway. It makes me happy every time I see it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The flowers below are a bunch of brightly colored mums and gerbera daisies given to me by my hubby. They are bright and cheerful, so I decided to put them upstairs in my office since that’s where I spend my weekdays (I work from home permanently now thanks to the pandemic). My office is painted in brighter colors and these go perfectly. I love having flowers wherever I work ~ such a cheerful sight for those especially stressful days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsU39IfCQYKArd8cy1RqLvxWrLp79nE8XscxQgZWjT74VQzLfWXLhrI2PSa_OGSWM-e9s4o9atd9u6jbyTOCrfWfqRa1Bpzx7-x5HxEceWN0aM66RB_sbl5k5dbtk1BemvDLnVTnYuiFgYcQ4IZXFMOwqkCet_aZ05M1aZJhjV8VDbN-oLqOTgbbE5/s2667/IMG_9900.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsU39IfCQYKArd8cy1RqLvxWrLp79nE8XscxQgZWjT74VQzLfWXLhrI2PSa_OGSWM-e9s4o9atd9u6jbyTOCrfWfqRa1Bpzx7-x5HxEceWN0aM66RB_sbl5k5dbtk1BemvDLnVTnYuiFgYcQ4IZXFMOwqkCet_aZ05M1aZJhjV8VDbN-oLqOTgbbE5/w480-h640/IMG_9900.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have nearly finished redoing my home office space (I only have to replace the ceiling lights), and I thought you might like a peek. My office is the room over the garage, so it is large, with lots of fun angles. I have divided it up into my work office space, my home office space and my fabric design space. There’s a comfortable chair for me to sit in during long work meetings, and since there is so much space, a bed in the nook area. That’s nice because it gives us an extra bed for company (in addition to the guest room) and it also serves as my little hideaway when I feel the need to get away from the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here’s what you see when you enter ~ what I think of as my design/sewing desk. You can see some of my fabric design samples hanging in the corner on the rack.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZyZnd0BylmZT3UA64Cj4DvsoFLIgk3HQtZn9-qGjU5RoKFLZs00gymNjvmn4PICLZ2YXUGiibQdJCpieTD7G2QSPtb7-SJ1LOSKFeTevoGoYdtq6LRWw2KVfQqtlT6v1_6YAWsrLAf7jK7aWTceD-DDBBwJWJCjCjQbnBcEccv5TLB8rNtfgjOHX/s2000/IMG_9698.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZyZnd0BylmZT3UA64Cj4DvsoFLIgk3HQtZn9-qGjU5RoKFLZs00gymNjvmn4PICLZ2YXUGiibQdJCpieTD7G2QSPtb7-SJ1LOSKFeTevoGoYdtq6LRWw2KVfQqtlT6v1_6YAWsrLAf7jK7aWTceD-DDBBwJWJCjCjQbnBcEccv5TLB8rNtfgjOHX/w640-h480/IMG_9698.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is my office space. The antique secretary on the left is my work desk, the desk on the right is my personal desk. I simply roll my fab and comfy office chair between the two as needed. You can also see mini Miss Em’s dollhouse sitting in the window on top a little table I inherited from my grandmother, and the chair and little table I sometimes use when I get tired of sitting at my desk. That little table (which I painted pink) is perfect for my laptop or whatever else I need.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcHxBA_w3c6ZzrP-NaiDO09B3im3X25bOwiLcE8rmbc7lU4C3HYH-Gocm_inODM7VJPjTNdqXLFw01pP4jA44zKmMiFdGiBcxiNAcu693JAFTsf2UhNJl_JPI4CqyNWgZSu3QV2Iod9fqIRSHvaXttOWK420DMYmkZXMGjitgAfzqS7VchlgjdCRe/s2000/IMG_9700.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcHxBA_w3c6ZzrP-NaiDO09B3im3X25bOwiLcE8rmbc7lU4C3HYH-Gocm_inODM7VJPjTNdqXLFw01pP4jA44zKmMiFdGiBcxiNAcu693JAFTsf2UhNJl_JPI4CqyNWgZSu3QV2Iod9fqIRSHvaXttOWK420DMYmkZXMGjitgAfzqS7VchlgjdCRe/w640-h480/IMG_9700.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A broader view of my work area. The old dresser (which I painted blue to go with the chair and bench) serves as storage. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8zrTKBCWeyguXFeSQJZ43Bgra5_78H3WlsjPexx6nbt466y4hmMDmapRy7CM3YUhhdQ3SPII79RHtG665haxNx8uPzMahoNSCcl-o0M6qfZRICCYaLpQW4zGtnmgrfn0uHTVfWBRtp0AObkNDSi7Y_7sQ3rC4vACDGMxsvfx9Vdo3yuev2nlZkdZ/s2000/IMG_9704.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8zrTKBCWeyguXFeSQJZ43Bgra5_78H3WlsjPexx6nbt466y4hmMDmapRy7CM3YUhhdQ3SPII79RHtG665haxNx8uPzMahoNSCcl-o0M6qfZRICCYaLpQW4zGtnmgrfn0uHTVfWBRtp0AObkNDSi7Y_7sQ3rC4vACDGMxsvfx9Vdo3yuev2nlZkdZ/w640-h480/IMG_9704.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The beautiful circle rug I found on Amazon really helps separate the spaces. It also provides a sort of neutral area where I do yoga and meditation sometimes.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbP3eTuIgjtCcgTN5_jfmEKilwnU26zyw6rMKkyIGWTNyZHuIfHDk5MKpr7gpHREtYjy_7HjFiqE-qARNq7-ycZFGlMzIQQMycEsrZOAFDbNdbt4kHWnGvH-k3u7Zv0WqXg1zf2RI7D5dYBjfCzSa3TJpCsEpmoU0mGR5WK1in0qY-ZNI6gttRofM/s2000/IMG_9705.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbP3eTuIgjtCcgTN5_jfmEKilwnU26zyw6rMKkyIGWTNyZHuIfHDk5MKpr7gpHREtYjy_7HjFiqE-qARNq7-ycZFGlMzIQQMycEsrZOAFDbNdbt4kHWnGvH-k3u7Zv0WqXg1zf2RI7D5dYBjfCzSa3TJpCsEpmoU0mGR5WK1in0qY-ZNI6gttRofM/w640-h480/IMG_9705.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJ1r_Bhprjyju3XYGKpVDC7F608_WTAO0V2THR7wc11NiOWP5wPhsbQbRjlvYKMhZvun9b1Plc6YLVyJRJj5Qyx-e8x7n7_ktFK3RoeOE2DYDfnnGHaAn6YR7objEdCX-eRCshCHEo6doSftbDdDNiPjUmfu4K0Ozvll55GylFYh6jd2-1tBnmMQo/s2667/IMG_9720.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJ1r_Bhprjyju3XYGKpVDC7F608_WTAO0V2THR7wc11NiOWP5wPhsbQbRjlvYKMhZvun9b1Plc6YLVyJRJj5Qyx-e8x7n7_ktFK3RoeOE2DYDfnnGHaAn6YR7objEdCX-eRCshCHEo6doSftbDdDNiPjUmfu4K0Ozvll55GylFYh6jd2-1tBnmMQo/w480-h640/IMG_9720.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found this fab lamp at Target, and painted the bedside table and mirror pink to go with the other little table. A full-size bed fits perfectly in this little nook to complete the room.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOg5cR6_kvpvJ480SPemkC7PJ-mfBclSsa7SxKEwSSZvxmYiiTxmlCUwsSt2ClkuoctmWbEk70rQMfqINIptfz6gcHMFrIS4jmB2n4fZLT9lQbetn9F4uMWIVAvb29_nmk6CA2wLlIFWSjAU0PFSZZEmiq-e4I-OnbulUUj7J7JwsMVp4LkH-JVI5/s2000/IMG_9702.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOg5cR6_kvpvJ480SPemkC7PJ-mfBclSsa7SxKEwSSZvxmYiiTxmlCUwsSt2ClkuoctmWbEk70rQMfqINIptfz6gcHMFrIS4jmB2n4fZLT9lQbetn9F4uMWIVAvb29_nmk6CA2wLlIFWSjAU0PFSZZEmiq-e4I-OnbulUUj7J7JwsMVp4LkH-JVI5/w640-h480/IMG_9702.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see, my office is totally my own space. It’s cheerful, full of bright colors, and completely relaxed. Though my home isn’t what I’d call formal, it is more “put together” than this room. This is where I keep my silly things and bits of inspiration. I spend a lot of time up here between my day job and my pattern design hobby. Fun fact: I created the pattern for the curtains and sheets in this room, along with the striped throw pillows and throw.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What do you think?</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></div></div>Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-85672886981537768282022-05-07T13:40:00.000-04:002022-05-07T13:40:14.983-04:00The beauty of peonies...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8sBjhgDcTiwkv0zpz6VajiFxoLAyM3Rdss8dTGXbb2Cj6l7thqyiDZcPwGLiMHq4LCKJE2wuHEYWJ-xaAyg9ISg9BNQGKENvKYLrKcFJ0Zr2a2diYU-JmFnIEzXd5SYNTMd6WFs0XvIKS_rY89gbZ-HDD1Cw5Uhs1lCNtzceFiJTJpcpoDWUI0Dz/s2899/1EC8965D-7860-450C-87FB-CA2DF49C4B03.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2899" data-original-width="2899" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8sBjhgDcTiwkv0zpz6VajiFxoLAyM3Rdss8dTGXbb2Cj6l7thqyiDZcPwGLiMHq4LCKJE2wuHEYWJ-xaAyg9ISg9BNQGKENvKYLrKcFJ0Zr2a2diYU-JmFnIEzXd5SYNTMd6WFs0XvIKS_rY89gbZ-HDD1Cw5Uhs1lCNtzceFiJTJpcpoDWUI0Dz/w640-h640/1EC8965D-7860-450C-87FB-CA2DF49C4B03.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju6iarKmAPjhiB0h3Swv9rcJW9zO-RZS8igsV1EplwXWZiQqbNqAlSSdHs4OJIf4e1RDWj7iCHuIwjVkjTynt3Fobtok5v1l1RUjOBgn-N_OKGZtnG9i4r7NkyvyJrd6Lh3XltPPN3dHGhdX3ye-gfniQmegyabSAUL9JPw0lQUB6ggAma5zmDChr/s3020/DCEE8221-2BE8-4A9D-AF81-A55BE17C6C97.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3020" data-original-width="3020" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju6iarKmAPjhiB0h3Swv9rcJW9zO-RZS8igsV1EplwXWZiQqbNqAlSSdHs4OJIf4e1RDWj7iCHuIwjVkjTynt3Fobtok5v1l1RUjOBgn-N_OKGZtnG9i4r7NkyvyJrd6Lh3XltPPN3dHGhdX3ye-gfniQmegyabSAUL9JPw0lQUB6ggAma5zmDChr/w640-h640/DCEE8221-2BE8-4A9D-AF81-A55BE17C6C97.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Like many of you, I am a peony lover. It wasn’t until this year, however, that I had any success at growing them, for various reasons. They are relatively easy to grow but for some reason mine just never seemed to do much. Last year, I planted some more and luckily, these plants seemed to want to grow for me. I have three of them now, and two have already bloomed. Not only that, but the plants themselves seem to be thriving, so I am looking forward to many blooms in the coming years.</p><p>The pink peony up top is a beauty, isn’t she? Even her underside is beautiful. The peony below I actually rescued from a bad storm ~ the wind just took part of the plant and halfway broke it off. I decided to clip the bud off and put it in water and see if I could get it to open. And amazingly to me, it did. She is a beauty, too. The same plant bloomed again, too, which thrilled me. I am happy to have finally cracked the code on growing these beauties and if I can find the space, I’ll be planting more.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_v00TDrb9ZaVRJTmiWzSCBSXjF5WGrhBksoUV7Pg3iH8UuQoP1gGp1YnYdjJ0Fu23bgQbet0JXOufRjIY3uoRftfZslreMcYDEbgX-LP4txOdKzWJ8Baz7qJSqWqGc4OF1yUhdRI3jX3_539eT2C4Mh_dTE3MT8uSf-3NCCS-ghRTiurH0vyRJdt/s1800/0F519970-7009-4964-AEA1-7FC2C2B8D6D7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_v00TDrb9ZaVRJTmiWzSCBSXjF5WGrhBksoUV7Pg3iH8UuQoP1gGp1YnYdjJ0Fu23bgQbet0JXOufRjIY3uoRftfZslreMcYDEbgX-LP4txOdKzWJ8Baz7qJSqWqGc4OF1yUhdRI3jX3_539eT2C4Mh_dTE3MT8uSf-3NCCS-ghRTiurH0vyRJdt/w512-h640/0F519970-7009-4964-AEA1-7FC2C2B8D6D7.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApu1p3DD-2Y3kbPE9O24Ar1-CjgyMRV63jn9xuxabvv22PDboZT97klH_af2w740MKgJou9nde32TyN-J6VUaQEDhiIKz3uM5XhtVPWiE_VpCXhkYl0iua8CSafSa_LzNDTp0BKiuH6rq4T6OGn9hmZBEgpSe26RTDWXdbsTvnm0ZwOkwqxpju9cM/s2734/IMG_9906.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2628" data-original-width="2734" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApu1p3DD-2Y3kbPE9O24Ar1-CjgyMRV63jn9xuxabvv22PDboZT97klH_af2w740MKgJou9nde32TyN-J6VUaQEDhiIKz3uM5XhtVPWiE_VpCXhkYl0iua8CSafSa_LzNDTp0BKiuH6rq4T6OGn9hmZBEgpSe26RTDWXdbsTvnm0ZwOkwqxpju9cM/w640-h616/IMG_9906.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NqbG3lDBDdVJO8nQjEdzZkBXExDITGOeTzX2U-veY2Gmr_ao9UO6ODdsPz72XOatYYuPOly2tH304Jq5yGJQfnA_e1NmfyDBZ4hqQaLFGkXQ8jneIiiXMREnOghQEpBDAdTipR_qh56RjaUrifX1bcTKLXZbBZEjI4-OFJOuXVYzRkIYyUKa_gOy/s2692/42568774-394D-44FF-918E-5B3E3A88A140.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2692" data-original-width="2583" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NqbG3lDBDdVJO8nQjEdzZkBXExDITGOeTzX2U-veY2Gmr_ao9UO6ODdsPz72XOatYYuPOly2tH304Jq5yGJQfnA_e1NmfyDBZ4hqQaLFGkXQ8jneIiiXMREnOghQEpBDAdTipR_qh56RjaUrifX1bcTKLXZbBZEjI4-OFJOuXVYzRkIYyUKa_gOy/w614-h640/42568774-394D-44FF-918E-5B3E3A88A140.jpeg" width="614" /></a></div><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</div></span><p><br /></p>Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-19824528323473520852021-04-17T09:34:00.005-04:002021-04-17T09:34:57.054-04:00Feeling in the pink...<div class="separator"><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAa-aJb1yKQTtxhvxXJD2F_Do6f0Ytbm6qc0lbv9UcDACNd7x_DF4jbSfbMWkDfFA0Afiy9i5Nop_Mc0DbM_bNEWxcSiVTDHqk9f0CmGWnEeUhVjAO5M7QraJ7cGdQRrfFpRfMTZ9hQY/s2048/683DBC48-24B0-433C-B8B2-49AB886ACA6E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1686" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAa-aJb1yKQTtxhvxXJD2F_Do6f0Ytbm6qc0lbv9UcDACNd7x_DF4jbSfbMWkDfFA0Afiy9i5Nop_Mc0DbM_bNEWxcSiVTDHqk9f0CmGWnEeUhVjAO5M7QraJ7cGdQRrfFpRfMTZ9hQY/s16000/683DBC48-24B0-433C-B8B2-49AB886ACA6E.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I’ve been indulging my love of pink the last couple of weeks. It’s funny how that works ~ sometimes I just can’t resist its pull. These tulips, for example. (Gorgeous, aren’t they?) I bought three little bunches from Publix and put them together. I have been enjoying them for a little over a week now and they make me smile every time I see them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then there is this gorgeous Kate Spade bag and wallet. I found it on sale and absolutely couldn’t resist. The inside of both are a pale pink, too, so they’re just a fabulous little bundle of beautiful pink. This may be my favorite bag of all time ~ it’s definitely in the top 2. I absolutely love it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am off to work on my new garden now. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OhDsvQ9s4NlwvUY79PLsmYnhjzOOi88By_1QvQ6xrsy2ZdEeQoRkNF9AHwpyAEKMW90g6CCp9YLTinb-fkTgrAWyYT8bMg9QKZQFThpvC_6qjdy6DFH1Vvq9-5LahayHp-dbgB-WUkY/s2048/A0840AD5-36D3-40D3-910C-C476BB7B7163.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OhDsvQ9s4NlwvUY79PLsmYnhjzOOi88By_1QvQ6xrsy2ZdEeQoRkNF9AHwpyAEKMW90g6CCp9YLTinb-fkTgrAWyYT8bMg9QKZQFThpvC_6qjdy6DFH1Vvq9-5LahayHp-dbgB-WUkY/s16000/A0840AD5-36D3-40D3-910C-C476BB7B7163.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekCFY8UEZsCFFkGWk6IavwsJIS3RAOkdeIxaDilDJgx5DQ3RQrOXU8nqeqvT3r_1a96SIUgAEXJNCeWjQJIIIWopw5byKV5xlpfH49qsewUUvnZGEdet2vIXvQbLYspw0JTG9L6aMFZ0/s16000/IMG_7453.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" /><p></p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;"> Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></div>Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-69860196813410793792021-02-14T16:58:00.000-05:002021-02-14T16:58:08.122-05:00Happy Valentine's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIFcu3DxHLcQfhgezdHB8NhQEFTr2e9wmP5khrX5eW9-aq0UC6vjYMnT_1pn8AiHygypx0KyRHVbTmj42oVfFWeFU8-fFvWCWKrffBQ7qsZCLICCc08Dd50sIDRNZZLIeUvmfvyzKVcM/s1800/097B7861-B270-428E-8498-DF99AAF35812.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIFcu3DxHLcQfhgezdHB8NhQEFTr2e9wmP5khrX5eW9-aq0UC6vjYMnT_1pn8AiHygypx0KyRHVbTmj42oVfFWeFU8-fFvWCWKrffBQ7qsZCLICCc08Dd50sIDRNZZLIeUvmfvyzKVcM/s16000/097B7861-B270-428E-8498-DF99AAF35812.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXGgfNVQpIfyq04-3_NTk0YcKUSQTWZtW2P3RTda62Zr-kB81052xHxVyxmP9B3KbDDTwYOGdDMDM41pw9aVH9vITXj22Pj8pHH13Dbuy1yrSADUiEsxWLHwJIuO5vVQs1OFpQRFbxP0/s1800/E1507AD0-92EE-4EA2-AD20-9EC6CDAB381F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXGgfNVQpIfyq04-3_NTk0YcKUSQTWZtW2P3RTda62Zr-kB81052xHxVyxmP9B3KbDDTwYOGdDMDM41pw9aVH9vITXj22Pj8pHH13Dbuy1yrSADUiEsxWLHwJIuO5vVQs1OFpQRFbxP0/s16000/E1507AD0-92EE-4EA2-AD20-9EC6CDAB381F.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! Tilly has dressed for the occasion in a rather fetching pink turtleneck sweater and sparkly pink tulle skirt. Have you ever seen a more fashionable goose? Her wardrobe, a particularly enjoyable bit of ridiculousness and fun, continues to grow. She got a new winter coat this year ~ a lovely white number with pink buttons and a pink and black plaid scarf. It’s adorable, isn’t it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuI-38qofMT8iOvIWq_DU1Ca7wu7ILrOcljc8BIIunhg_0D_1SexINVypV-x1OAERP2hrV1ursZbSjqB2ETELLcuBoa7v6wCmk1Ayrf1TIWrt5cZy-3g2020aKiVK1QZYtRHQlfl0E-Ps/s1794/A2266CB2-531B-406D-BEF7-47C46DCD5E1C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1794" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuI-38qofMT8iOvIWq_DU1Ca7wu7ILrOcljc8BIIunhg_0D_1SexINVypV-x1OAERP2hrV1ursZbSjqB2ETELLcuBoa7v6wCmk1Ayrf1TIWrt5cZy-3g2020aKiVK1QZYtRHQlfl0E-Ps/s16000/A2266CB2-531B-406D-BEF7-47C46DCD5E1C.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For those of you who don’t know, I inherited Tilly (and her wardrobe) when my beloved grandmother died a few years ago. My Gram, who had a wonderful sense of humor, loved dressing her up. I get a kick out of adding to her wardrobe and keeping her up on the latest trends, partly for fun and partly as a little tribute to my Gram. I feel like she’s smiling down every time I change her outfit up.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wishing all of you a wonderful week!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></div>Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-7803712906687295292021-02-09T00:30:00.002-05:002021-02-09T00:30:06.950-05:00Decorating the Great Room...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sa11I3v8CLW6Vmg04oxkjXk6FJ6J2-hPIyCf0meXLGZxBqXHiShjZdEbDlA3hrs1xj7iDcl_Bx-UI7xfjIS0wI9ZDRu_58tRSqE24IgbXli3tJnrRcWHIT4PSAJlrHWPCRIon5vMAsc/s2000/IMG_5552+copy.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sa11I3v8CLW6Vmg04oxkjXk6FJ6J2-hPIyCf0meXLGZxBqXHiShjZdEbDlA3hrs1xj7iDcl_Bx-UI7xfjIS0wI9ZDRu_58tRSqE24IgbXli3tJnrRcWHIT4PSAJlrHWPCRIon5vMAsc/w640-h480/IMG_5552+copy.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The house tour continues ~ finally! I know it’s been a while. Between the holidays and not having my computer for a month, it put a crimp in my blogging. And then it took me a bit to pick out photographs. But enough of that. So far, you’ve seen the <a href="https://beautydoesmatter.blogspot.com/2020/08/welcome-to-my-new-home.html" target="_blank">entry</a> and the <a href="https://beautydoesmatter.blogspot.com/2020/10/decorating-dining-room.html" target="_blank">dining room</a>. Now it’s time to move into the heart of our new home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a rule, I am not really an open floor plan sort of person. I love rooms with walls and doors ~ private spaces that can feel cozy. So our new house is quite a departure for me. I was won over by the fact that despite the openness, there were clear definitions for the spaces. And it wasn’t as though there was no privacy to be had in the house ~ it has plenty of private spaces. But having a great room, as I think of it, has been a new experience. And, I have to say, a pleasant one so far.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, on with the decorating. Here is the room just as the house was finished ~ a gorgeous 11-foot high ceiling in the living room, beautiful hardwood floors, lovely tall windows and a welcoming fireplace:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6i21inE0KiQGziy2jW3EcJr_IGoC8PjPPoF-QWoBpwLWAxBGBBJ9PVmvK2aFtI_VtW_Od1IY_slx6jLRRfAQdWRlA_6bOTC9796wDKW-nDLLDkjjezAxc_Bc9poHL2HD-h3zgxviHRg/s2000/IMG_4295.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6i21inE0KiQGziy2jW3EcJr_IGoC8PjPPoF-QWoBpwLWAxBGBBJ9PVmvK2aFtI_VtW_Od1IY_slx6jLRRfAQdWRlA_6bOTC9796wDKW-nDLLDkjjezAxc_Bc9poHL2HD-h3zgxviHRg/w640-h480/IMG_4295.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here is the room now, after I finished decorating ~ full of color and pattern and life:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwSaCGSMBUBvUUI2BqelCkJfTUtBgBZBpzD4RbHLgAB6lA04JRwYlR4R6x2lryT0Qwjsx88ImCgw280S6OBTpXtrzQPBpbcJuiFAL5kIjN1HEFIr68lgWzuJz8Y8Bv_xjWUaIgvCbvgQ/s2000/IMG_5744.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwSaCGSMBUBvUUI2BqelCkJfTUtBgBZBpzD4RbHLgAB6lA04JRwYlR4R6x2lryT0Qwjsx88ImCgw280S6OBTpXtrzQPBpbcJuiFAL5kIjN1HEFIr68lgWzuJz8Y8Bv_xjWUaIgvCbvgQ/w640-h480/IMG_5744.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While I added brighter colors to the walls in the entry, stairway and some other spaces, I really liked the gray for the great room, which includes not only the living room, but a little reading space by the stairs, another gathering/eating area, and of course, the kitchen (which you’ll get a tour of in my next post). The color ~ Repose Gray from Sherwin Williams ~ really suited the whole area and tied it together, and I decided to keep it because I was looking to use a lot of pattern in my decorating. A nice neutral background works perfectly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With that coffered ceiling and tall windows, the living room is naturally dramatic. And since I love a bit of drama in my interiors, I decided to hang drapes on those incredibly tall windows. I designed the pattern myself, just like the dining room curtains. The pattern, <a href="https://www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/9924591-charcoal-rose-by-thepinkhome" target="_blank">available here</a>, is called Charcoal Rose. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I ordered the curtains from Spoonflower <a href="https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/thepinkhome" target="_blank">(all of my designs for The Pink Home are available there</a>), in the longest length offered ~ which of course, still wasn’t long enough. So I added some black velvet fabric to the bottom to lengthen them, trimming it with a nice geometric pattern that matches the pattern in one of my living room chairs. They turned out beautifully, if I do say so myself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39roPtxOeapK544BRN-tT0WQ-iQudIYll78r0S7LCJEgdb2BN344NtOwLxyq9ogaCzIVk_C_lqrO6IcdnEPerWXYIbnCSuSB5bipcIY8D6suwlajRj1MIgOxkDJS4adhm3hM_SVakpTs/s2000/IMG_5147.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39roPtxOeapK544BRN-tT0WQ-iQudIYll78r0S7LCJEgdb2BN344NtOwLxyq9ogaCzIVk_C_lqrO6IcdnEPerWXYIbnCSuSB5bipcIY8D6suwlajRj1MIgOxkDJS4adhm3hM_SVakpTs/s16000/IMG_5147.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaOM0coEriSV_yADIQ75QWVKnj7xxd2mu8sU4HVu4S8qoc082mig89iOhbawPDYIAq4Ur10YhnO-CFoVXfOHgCIGmpTsLFwG082aSkkV86KB_iM47z0zj6cMQohXTqNReFjj7ou6fudQ/s2000/IMG_5570+copy.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaOM0coEriSV_yADIQ75QWVKnj7xxd2mu8sU4HVu4S8qoc082mig89iOhbawPDYIAq4Ur10YhnO-CFoVXfOHgCIGmpTsLFwG082aSkkV86KB_iM47z0zj6cMQohXTqNReFjj7ou6fudQ/w640-h480/IMG_5570+copy.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The pops of yellow in the pattern inspired me to embrace more yellow in the great room ~ gray and yellow go wonderfully together. And for a change of pace, I kept to bright pops of pink as an accent, rather than using a soft pink.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNyjRJrJrAJCogm1OEjfrT_0Q_m8YtJTHj6K5CERsFKW8Dx-m8RHIZ8oEf9k1OHJeN1eYpcnLVjurT3pt7uAfuwZwd114oM_1AR4O34rLx5wDut8JmC7pMG_KH0As2RVKtLD1bIPQQBg/w640-h480/IMG_5597+copy.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found this fabulous yellow rug for the living room, along with a bright patterned settee and a bright pink ottoman. I also managed to squeeze in a bookcase in a corner of the room, creating a little cozy spot by one of the great windows. It’s one of three new bookcases I purchased for the room. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_9Erva4N-mxtR23VTydYI0qgP75YxTZ4OEKQMQz6ugIdBn8JR1kPwndpwb1lXSsQ81r8Y3DgB6DUhYUX0HbEZnBfFxK1iDFvKcGcmXbZAsB0PyvWUoLV5acBc1-xQdooPM5h19oLtWw/w480-h640/IMG_5677.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;" width="480" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have actually switched the throw pillows out and around since I took these photos ~ I’ll have to share the new arrangement, which I actually like much better, another time. The sofa, chairs, side tables and buffet were all pieces we’ve had for awhile, along with most of the art and lamps you see. It was fun to mix new pieces with much-loved ones to create a new look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpPQDXoDs2GrK9v6rh7SedIMHJouZx5ILsJ4Y7aM5LknY0oG4CQSezFDpVs3xh1qMgYVKS02U60LDiOunXPsBKCVhiBNjoUw4JHH14BcQEe1CwlsGyBEjWADJIMaL9yLw8D6Z-_PSjz8/w640-h480/IMG_5562+copy.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Moving out of the living room and into the center of the great room, I decided to use our old dining room table, which is still one of my favorite pieces, and our old dining room rug. The colors just went perfectly in the space. My husband wanted new chairs for the table ~ something not as heavy as our wrought iron ones ~ so I found these beautiful upholstered yellow chairs. I really wanted upholstered chairs so the space didn’t feel like an “eating area,” and instead felt more like it was an all-purpose entertaining space. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used a bookcase along the back of the sofa as a room divider, and placed an extra chair in a different pattern under the narrow window. It’s a perfect place to pour through my cookbooks when I’m looking for something, and it provides an extra chair for the table if one is needed for a game or something.</div></div><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCL5craeRuakxWdoKrmbwyJAK4tghvbuwYDeaV-i4MKVV9PZjz_jRiCFKejkRG4oysK-aQgEJxfRt9ZXjuXeTMpdEzfFHiOkrqVpVgazKQUiH0AzEoRvM1-7p5LJx-VBKYxBUdSTdYsSY/s16000/IMG_5619+copy.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;" /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpr4x9j2i6J925jyrmje1u4cxWE8eDk9p2qAgDvz9G2Wvm4Erasp3j3AXDw2MVyZXwPH-d56G-GnhStfuxxUdnfgz1EU1chjgfBv-ZLKxZ1JMdVme1-X-7jU0ohchD2v7aP_CR8t7oQ30/s2000/IMG_5626+copy.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpr4x9j2i6J925jyrmje1u4cxWE8eDk9p2qAgDvz9G2Wvm4Erasp3j3AXDw2MVyZXwPH-d56G-GnhStfuxxUdnfgz1EU1chjgfBv-ZLKxZ1JMdVme1-X-7jU0ohchD2v7aP_CR8t7oQ30/w640-h480/IMG_5626+copy.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided to use the same pattern for drapes in front of the sliding door, treating it as a big picture window. One day there will be a beautiful garden to see out back, but that will take me a couple years. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My old china cabinet fit perfectly on this wall, and allows me to display my grandmother’s old Haviland china, which I love. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSY-fS-LyktCSqhTXpILOroeqh62_6mG3csjCEYxnc2J_HvhI_Eppl0PKNTGkTEELWwi0ikfV3_jYBAfFxdLH7SVQ_BbXJ_WPQSHSwbVmfiL3Lr4AQ0Qom5y-JSJ3GnFx1O0D7bdJ-QI/s2000/IMG_5645+copy.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSY-fS-LyktCSqhTXpILOroeqh62_6mG3csjCEYxnc2J_HvhI_Eppl0PKNTGkTEELWwi0ikfV3_jYBAfFxdLH7SVQ_BbXJ_WPQSHSwbVmfiL3Lr4AQ0Qom5y-JSJ3GnFx1O0D7bdJ-QI/w640-h480/IMG_5645+copy.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a before picture of the space around the stairway:</div><div><br /></div><div><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BVZaY13s3KHGrt9hmjZTv_QWdafJVrrezDaGCVI4IvahtRvRgEiApMyKUORs3rKJ52-dBOg23jPKs7QynLvYsWOcgdPJW33OxFtHXpBICBJ_UXQA_2dWkb5xYEMa5V9MYK4GuVVTPF0/w640-h480/IMG_4372.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;" width="640" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I decided to use this little wall between the stair case and the coat closet/powder room as a little reading nook. I placed my round cream flower rug here and added the fab carved teak desk from my mom that I use for storage and to display books. A yellow Suzani chair from my previous house ~ purposefully turned away from the television ~ is comfortable and inviting. I added a new teal ottoman to use as a side table or foot stool, and my grandmother’s antique floor lamp ~ with a new shade ~ completes the space. </div><div><br /></div><div><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclWv-bPw71kTRt_mQ3uO5KWA6eD7L8C46j515iN3nFt7kb2oQnXPXFiK7zzFtE2Z212Za_YUPzPpseIaLSLBcoojYBdEtrMd-JV6ztZuPFxmlS7zDot7kZhkA9YZDhkNWOR7zwcP13Fw/s16000/IMG_5556.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84CPQh_G53NM5R91n3sS1ovL70fuSw05AGDTrUFUC9X6QjfRx_I06hz-ANUB-mGbktaTekMN17ucGBYkXN0R2OYUjv54AtKAZM3c5B3Txf2m2x7gGY9eFNcZ_vwgHOYiXLhirL9joCZE/s16000/IMG_5737+copy.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;" /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dXQ49oRhSfEVVWqn4G__mlG9eVjAfI0fr9E4bh28yVFbApy7UOeIXJ-jFnn4vVSKSgP_EfCUaISvJjmYEEvuhp-Jh0Rftt57-M2G3Bomu7T4ZVlYam66KFLTck3esCGWOo6dtSGcRs4/s2048/IMG_5648.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dXQ49oRhSfEVVWqn4G__mlG9eVjAfI0fr9E4bh28yVFbApy7UOeIXJ-jFnn4vVSKSgP_EfCUaISvJjmYEEvuhp-Jh0Rftt57-M2G3Bomu7T4ZVlYam66KFLTck3esCGWOo6dtSGcRs4/s16000/IMG_5648.jpeg" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All in all, I absolutely love our great room. Even though it is rather large, it still feels warm and welcoming, with a couple nooks to add some coziness. What do you think?</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8q5KHv7h-36mKYq98As1UKe1LzpcNz_KPwScuPWIMdraOCyzzHv4NaiUA2yS97ctgLtkXjvD8TR7Et3QZ4xAbGVyQTO6IsK8A-91rEXi-Cdxwyqq7UYMKfXR92F2mapo_LI7adeNT6wg/s1500/IMG_5623.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8q5KHv7h-36mKYq98As1UKe1LzpcNz_KPwScuPWIMdraOCyzzHv4NaiUA2yS97ctgLtkXjvD8TR7Et3QZ4xAbGVyQTO6IsK8A-91rEXi-Cdxwyqq7UYMKfXR92F2mapo_LI7adeNT6wg/s16000/IMG_5623.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;">Photos by The Art of Beautifully</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-37100124631618088622021-02-07T00:30:00.049-05:002021-02-07T00:30:05.488-05:00Exchanging inspiration...<p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1390" data-original-width="1953" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNLydk5w0mmcIP_IaX4f4WIRAdeXbCUPpaV-_8eF2G3MFemHhE_Q1PX5FCt9x-51Npwg_S_uuOTEliZ7jphJZIyM4gCZD9VbIHwf3h5ggeKLLqQTxkr0zWdH5R6YFADh1TWNrJCCIvSgh/s16000/Screen+Shot+2021-02-05+at+3.57.04+PM.png" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpV4rPUPHXncG5dbFpRS6smchjpnUQEDW3sDTDEEdpraKSnRJDEso1YKtWwoyg3kru8R9KRqlW9TipjPQ6B-5hslmfqE0A9zYvPOlF3YJITejGIXErL9BWtkJKSU-KEc-O5yveJapi5pm4/s1631/Screen+Shot+2021-02-05+at+3.57.18+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1631" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpV4rPUPHXncG5dbFpRS6smchjpnUQEDW3sDTDEEdpraKSnRJDEso1YKtWwoyg3kru8R9KRqlW9TipjPQ6B-5hslmfqE0A9zYvPOlF3YJITejGIXErL9BWtkJKSU-KEc-O5yveJapi5pm4/s16000/Screen+Shot+2021-02-05+at+3.57.18+PM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Finding and sharing inspiration is one of the greatest things about the Internet. <div>My two favorites are <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/thepinkhome/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and <a href="https://thepinkhome.tumblr.com" target="_blank">Tumblr</a>, though the two have very different purposes. Or at least, they do the way I use them. Pinterest is great for organizing projects, dream vacations, recipes, home decor ideas and my latest obsessions. <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/thepinkhome/" target="_blank">You can find me on Pinterest under ThePinkHome, or just click here.</a><br /><div>On Tumblr, I have another blog. This one is called “<a href="https://thepinkhome.tumblr.com" target="_blank">Living Beautifully</a>” and it’s different in that it’s just images. That’s all I share ~ beautiful images that inspire me and may offer you a bit of inspiration, too ~ all through my particular creative lens, of course. Here’s the description:</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fafafa; caret-color: rgb(136, 136, 136); color: #888888; font-family: Calluna, serif, georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">Seeker/creator of beauty. Lover of stylish homes & gardens, indulgent food & vintage glamour. Fabric & wallpaper designer at The Pink Home. Think of this blog as an inspiration exchange...</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Above and below are some images I have shared so far this year, along with some from earlier last year. If you wander through the <a href="https://thepinkhome.tumblr.com/archive" target="_blank">archive</a>, you can see the change of seasons and themes to things I share.<br /><a href="https://thepinkhome.tumblr.com" target="_blank">Click here </a>to stop by and take a look, or better yet, follow me there for a bit of beauty.<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MnmGQL-OxjyuVYMkvzR8njMY_RGDfuP3siNK4Lw42-DkLNNYRqjmfZQf8FzRddyoBKMjKQyqtqWVVHoG9pKJjRKpaanyG_4j2UqoiqPwACfSW9AzzBe9CwAv4zOIPPlajz2JI8oh57HP/s1601/Screen+Shot+2021-02-05+at+3.57.47+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MnmGQL-OxjyuVYMkvzR8njMY_RGDfuP3siNK4Lw42-DkLNNYRqjmfZQf8FzRddyoBKMjKQyqtqWVVHoG9pKJjRKpaanyG_4j2UqoiqPwACfSW9AzzBe9CwAv4zOIPPlajz2JI8oh57HP/s16000/Screen+Shot+2021-02-05+at+3.57.47+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xPzRqkhYXX336guWRuy1sQ1r40B4PdbcnvacjXrFGJgsCSz3c4DbiWPVhlsu7stxcs2DCPu0sCWqRDWm291S2ZAuxrz_xdv5C2CoK6cefj9rw6fOLC-UoxPiMNnfZTeG3OeyKJ5lUnUz/s1612/Screen+Shot+2021-02-05+at+3.58.10+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1290" data-original-width="1612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xPzRqkhYXX336guWRuy1sQ1r40B4PdbcnvacjXrFGJgsCSz3c4DbiWPVhlsu7stxcs2DCPu0sCWqRDWm291S2ZAuxrz_xdv5C2CoK6cefj9rw6fOLC-UoxPiMNnfZTeG3OeyKJ5lUnUz/s16000/Screen+Shot+2021-02-05+at+3.58.10+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;">Images from Tumblr</span></div></div></div>Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-86087416628957112762021-02-05T16:36:00.000-05:002021-02-05T16:36:31.062-05:00Tulips and beeswax...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMSf2kl_wFh2SZPsHgg2fnH3ntN2ProbVRijdT_5ISY-Qfa3X-3SIJnkzcRGLeyNXycugtWCSicdLekS2CrRfLkwmpWp61k2OQg6kIWGnbgimxa5a_0IZZMLOlVM7OAHtIkqtOAQtJDQ/s1440/55A97D2E-7475-401D-B699-5482893E6960.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMSf2kl_wFh2SZPsHgg2fnH3ntN2ProbVRijdT_5ISY-Qfa3X-3SIJnkzcRGLeyNXycugtWCSicdLekS2CrRfLkwmpWp61k2OQg6kIWGnbgimxa5a_0IZZMLOlVM7OAHtIkqtOAQtJDQ/s16000/55A97D2E-7475-401D-B699-5482893E6960.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPhotOemlwhRODA1ZqMNfY8W8Pchq1vzsRYApYl5lqMQCCpXeLBY2KmJYw2AIHPHIadn3HxdCAXeN7vMMddZVDl5vEVXgYdbFYHtfrYRVgv3-Yvs6_pKZhPNAL2uaBAw3Ltl4a4GsK5Y/s2000/9E0EAB6F-714D-404D-AC0F-DFA40C0E9A34.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPhotOemlwhRODA1ZqMNfY8W8Pchq1vzsRYApYl5lqMQCCpXeLBY2KmJYw2AIHPHIadn3HxdCAXeN7vMMddZVDl5vEVXgYdbFYHtfrYRVgv3-Yvs6_pKZhPNAL2uaBAw3Ltl4a4GsK5Y/s16000/9E0EAB6F-714D-404D-AC0F-DFA40C0E9A34.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As I mentioned in my last post, I picked up several bouquets of tulips at the market. I decided to put the peachy orange and yellow tulips together to make one bouquet, and I put the pink ones in a smaller vase by themselves. I absolutely loved having these beauties downstairs in the great room and upstairs in my home office. Since my company has had us working from home since March, keeping my work space inviting is more important than ever.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitphUzbCzI8fBcRYOB0u09i57N7ti_b726OxnTgzFXVfgKgH0LVedjICfrODCI6LieC0Dm4KfkyoeMe-Gyq2G26_yriZ52LPBJnmB4ZGHVXeG15v5f798C7SkeAptZ84qDCvelC_O9Z-g/s1945/A921A5FC-8EB0-4E8D-9133-2EFF6A66E93D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1945" data-original-width="1945" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitphUzbCzI8fBcRYOB0u09i57N7ti_b726OxnTgzFXVfgKgH0LVedjICfrODCI6LieC0Dm4KfkyoeMe-Gyq2G26_yriZ52LPBJnmB4ZGHVXeG15v5f798C7SkeAptZ84qDCvelC_O9Z-g/s16000/A921A5FC-8EB0-4E8D-9133-2EFF6A66E93D.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMydRXFC4q0f1NaOnpb-aXXcCVaG5pjjCrs401jr5VHbd2qWOXfbVPE3to0OmhjXeV9oBJi3El0RpiZevQ9DXBQTWWgBVEPvDIrldyNLKTMJEcvm9DtMblz_EiiJ4u9QzLtgTEpmPBEfs/s2048/IMG_6907.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMydRXFC4q0f1NaOnpb-aXXcCVaG5pjjCrs401jr5VHbd2qWOXfbVPE3to0OmhjXeV9oBJi3El0RpiZevQ9DXBQTWWgBVEPvDIrldyNLKTMJEcvm9DtMblz_EiiJ4u9QzLtgTEpmPBEfs/s16000/IMG_6907.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I also wanted to share one other thing I just bought ~ beeswax wraps. I purchased a grouping with several different sizes. The beeswax will mold to whatever you’re wrapping, and you use the warmth of your hands to shape it. You have to wash them with cool to lukewarm water ~ hot water will destroy them. But they supposedly will last at least a year, depending on use. So far, I think they’re pretty cool. And, well, pretty. So much nicer than plastic wrap.<div>Has anyone else tried these? I love the idea of using something like these to cut down on having to use plastic. They easily cover bowls, wrap sandwiches and cover fruit and vegetables. I wrapped a half of a lemon in one and couldn’t tell any difference in freshness, etc. </div><div>Anyway, I would be curious if anyone else has any experience with these. Aren’t they cute?<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyLu_DaysT22GmT8UZXRNryyscmEShqwEnhXWsgo3jBJ-wMqzrtxsXXYij73-JvJ9yE8deSWGmANOq0ASZuB5f5lwpXLvryyEZeqVQYzQowtyXu57GttegRDHdm5G7bga1zA2V7DN3ts/s2000/IMG_6918.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyLu_DaysT22GmT8UZXRNryyscmEShqwEnhXWsgo3jBJ-wMqzrtxsXXYij73-JvJ9yE8deSWGmANOq0ASZuB5f5lwpXLvryyEZeqVQYzQowtyXu57GttegRDHdm5G7bga1zA2V7DN3ts/s16000/IMG_6918.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhJ6TRjiEdOHBLayNSKM4w1Eiw-E_WzOuFct_Q6UWLUfPLHJPnuS4QwFi6RBX5srAY5bUH-JcR67YGN7lQ2sOSNPLd8oxI-qtBajJN3ZU72KbAG3GOaCd5kdJ4eDIeCKFDJKUTuXmLzw/s2000/IMG_6914.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhJ6TRjiEdOHBLayNSKM4w1Eiw-E_WzOuFct_Q6UWLUfPLHJPnuS4QwFi6RBX5srAY5bUH-JcR67YGN7lQ2sOSNPLd8oxI-qtBajJN3ZU72KbAG3GOaCd5kdJ4eDIeCKFDJKUTuXmLzw/s16000/IMG_6914.jpeg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></p></div></div>Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-41705199859610544552021-01-18T15:25:00.002-05:002021-01-18T15:25:50.112-05:00The beauty of lavender roses...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09qLVU5M8qCG3POhbuvGhHrl8xRzp33Oos-Ji-ohHiLHw6izu_jeK3ryq9-VaUqgDuc84cBsOdyoAhyphenhyphenHgZU00xDGQ3YD4Y7qFDAudQ-1yfifoChh_Nm3nt_F9MYBPl7F6YVIf96PdhuQ/s1440/40B8EFE3-DAD2-4238-9A2C-FFA308B7CBC8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09qLVU5M8qCG3POhbuvGhHrl8xRzp33Oos-Ji-ohHiLHw6izu_jeK3ryq9-VaUqgDuc84cBsOdyoAhyphenhyphenHgZU00xDGQ3YD4Y7qFDAudQ-1yfifoChh_Nm3nt_F9MYBPl7F6YVIf96PdhuQ/s16000/40B8EFE3-DAD2-4238-9A2C-FFA308B7CBC8.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYdSYdPsDP4u59gGX9dX4ILSYuG7Hoyvvla6yuNSV70tq8bB-v-2KkwjU9HqSo2KK01bKHxIj0JrD3KFBH8k0Fk1FGUeDM4duoeLjGFZj1SPz1_gxcYPdC0hh-oNabDHqTUPQSt583iw/s1440/F8D7212C-78DF-4B06-BFC7-AE777A23657D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYdSYdPsDP4u59gGX9dX4ILSYuG7Hoyvvla6yuNSV70tq8bB-v-2KkwjU9HqSo2KK01bKHxIj0JrD3KFBH8k0Fk1FGUeDM4duoeLjGFZj1SPz1_gxcYPdC0hh-oNabDHqTUPQSt583iw/s16000/F8D7212C-78DF-4B06-BFC7-AE777A23657D.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Hello, everyone! I am so glad to see the new year and to get my computer back. My iMac went decidedly off the rails right around Thanksgiving, and it took quite awhile to get to the root of the problem and get it fixed. For awhile I was a bit worried they would never figure it out, but they did, and I am incredibly grateful. I can now get back to my some of my design projects and to blogging. I still have to finish showing you my new house ~ I can’t wait for you to see the rest of it because it has been such fun to do.<div>In the meantime, I have still been working on a few projects, figuring out which pillows work in which room, adding a few finishing touches here and there ~ you know, the fun stuff.</div><div>Today I had to make a quick run to Publix and wouldn’t you know it, I brought home more flowers than groceries. These lavender roses are perfect in my dining room ~ I absolutely love them. In the last photograph, you can see I added a few more plates to the wall in my dining room, on either side of my drapes. I know I already showed you that room (I really thought I was finished with it), but it turns out it just needed this last little finishing touch.<br /><div>In addition to the roses, I also bought three bunches of tulips ~ pink, yellow and pale orange. As soon as they open, I’ll share them as well. </div></div><div>Hope you enjoy this bit of Monday beauty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXi-QoJqwJb3AAQgiw3l1Iv2sE7cIrT2ayQlZeiFazo5HdImpViWvSL2Xqj907TOWPt1XpL61Sp9wTNQxU7k65RmRs8wWvaRwQROlhiTVZJj6bj-4EvrA3ZNCgNIsOtf1Vm4ekJ-Dxok/s1440/1788DD6D-4B34-4FB1-8461-677D639580F1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXi-QoJqwJb3AAQgiw3l1Iv2sE7cIrT2ayQlZeiFazo5HdImpViWvSL2Xqj907TOWPt1XpL61Sp9wTNQxU7k65RmRs8wWvaRwQROlhiTVZJj6bj-4EvrA3ZNCgNIsOtf1Vm4ekJ-Dxok/s16000/1788DD6D-4B34-4FB1-8461-677D639580F1.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></div>Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-87755352516596126252020-10-25T13:00:00.003-04:002020-10-25T13:00:04.820-04:00Tilly is back & celebrating fall...<p><img border="0" data-original-height="1858" data-original-width="1279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeavcTEQgIG_rvKKphVPQ8Ow7uXFbKAwelJf6YdQNYL3YjnQC2DY3yEiR676mcj-rmxzo7_Cvs3xajfTd-PxUSQTc74UrM4sUdnvFFqhdfzI8IADZo2tswBuqAifmJ4c_pK85dnnMk8s/s16000/IMG_6098.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It has been awhile since all of you have seen Tilly, I realize. With all the packing and moving this year, I wasn’t able to keep up with her. But now she’s back. I have given her a fresh coat of paint (her 5-year makeover I call it, since that’s how often she seems to need freshening up) and she has landed in her new home on the front porch, greeting everyone in our new neighborhood.<br />To celebrate her new home, she has gotten some new outfits, including this adorable little plaid number ~ perfectct for fall, don’t you think? And I can’t wait to show you her new winter coat and scarf. It’s too too cute.<br />To join Tilly in her fall finery, I have decorated the porch with mums and pumpkins and a wreath ~ it looks so pretty. I just love autumn! <p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPwXsbO5UHHHkNpiFclgmR-3lYr99_0U-jRSxmU89gG7OtF6q2HO7hwOvg0yk5kCjtxVLuwiMfCekCtr9r4CwhZ4OPdsHgJqp_4Q6EbHWWV3lY4Osf1lm53bz5VHbRGnn4182hHfEPuc/s2048/IMG_6345.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPwXsbO5UHHHkNpiFclgmR-3lYr99_0U-jRSxmU89gG7OtF6q2HO7hwOvg0yk5kCjtxVLuwiMfCekCtr9r4CwhZ4OPdsHgJqp_4Q6EbHWWV3lY4Osf1lm53bz5VHbRGnn4182hHfEPuc/s16000/IMG_6345.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5q8mf8jk5BlLkY5tYDN1WRA6TBTftae71i4B04dAXrFevXPfriAjTOKrL67abseokbWxjgTWKBZadLJ5SFbvz_GPV7je7rzb-OWcwoqbP5PvPkBHF7ML3otBe62uKnGzMNszAInTf-lo/s2048/IMG_6341.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5q8mf8jk5BlLkY5tYDN1WRA6TBTftae71i4B04dAXrFevXPfriAjTOKrL67abseokbWxjgTWKBZadLJ5SFbvz_GPV7je7rzb-OWcwoqbP5PvPkBHF7ML3otBe62uKnGzMNszAInTf-lo/s16000/IMG_6341.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2lV0DM_5Mm0lvfgJLlANqR6CC-rMHNSmWbte7rv1ph5wBE5FXn2yg_RP1g7tX8oN1_DDOK6T8cxii-yxSFoOwC1iPLACsT-OC9XM-0w3hL7RyT_gbl8vtvHE_C_bzBm-YVJoPG-a6hg/s2048/IMG_6097.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2lV0DM_5Mm0lvfgJLlANqR6CC-rMHNSmWbte7rv1ph5wBE5FXn2yg_RP1g7tX8oN1_DDOK6T8cxii-yxSFoOwC1iPLACsT-OC9XM-0w3hL7RyT_gbl8vtvHE_C_bzBm-YVJoPG-a6hg/s16000/IMG_6097.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></div><p></p>Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-17904393380262738482020-10-23T17:15:00.002-04:002020-10-24T14:26:36.178-04:00Decorating the dining room...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5T2ioT6d-NLKNZpxtiS4PxRy0TNV05HtbDYw5Hny75cV5HER3jL8rTdCpIxAGFpHo2ufSu1bhCmN_a2oYSfkaeMekiezsfLD6HN7Fqt0ajWSOsv-er0Q8kT96lita59-aKKVNuisM0A/s2048/IMG_5659.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5T2ioT6d-NLKNZpxtiS4PxRy0TNV05HtbDYw5Hny75cV5HER3jL8rTdCpIxAGFpHo2ufSu1bhCmN_a2oYSfkaeMekiezsfLD6HN7Fqt0ajWSOsv-er0Q8kT96lita59-aKKVNuisM0A/s16000/IMG_5659.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, back to decorating our new house. I showed you <a href="https://beautydoesmatter.blogspot.com/2020/08/welcome-to-my-new-home.html" target="_blank">what I did in the entryway here</a> ~ and I just went back in and added a “before” photo, if you want to check that out ~ so now we’re on to the dining room, which is in the middle of the house, just off the entryway. It also has a second doorway that connects to a small hall and what I think of as the great room.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here’s the before photo:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRbAA8jxztTLEhfWashzp0ohOL1vFr0yTB8BO3dWEc8dM1zOAGIBkyBfs5V-DXBf_zVRnYE3Y22w2pGFKzKIaJt0LudmZ2TXyRSX9CMxokKfc13DbTICR737rv8iD8LxkymDK8TRQoOE/s2000/IMG_4369.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRbAA8jxztTLEhfWashzp0ohOL1vFr0yTB8BO3dWEc8dM1zOAGIBkyBfs5V-DXBf_zVRnYE3Y22w2pGFKzKIaJt0LudmZ2TXyRSX9CMxokKfc13DbTICR737rv8iD8LxkymDK8TRQoOE/s16000/IMG_4369.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Beautiful hardwoods and moldings, as you can see. But also pretty boring. And I’m not really into boring.<div>Here is the after:</div><div><br /></div><div><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVi2VIo_fAH8spmLMJYOfHQAhnjtpSflvFtLkM-ULEteGu8sZk5jooRceD6_hf1Gv0N743tkcrLr8trHbE1pMFEmDdla7voIk0tpQgl2W-W0Y3dDGnfXtm7jdJzvglHFtBWjBm_7UP7E/s16000/IMG_6164.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I knew a few things before I started. First, I knew I wanted to display my antique purple transferware collection. I also wanted to use my little black lacquer cabinet. And I wanted to use the color green somehow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The dining room was the last room I worked on, largely because we were using it as a catch-all room. So that gave me time to mull over different ideas and hope inspiration would strike. Luckily for me, it did, in the form of a pair of fabulous lamps with gold hardware and velvet green shades. Once I found them, I knew where I was going. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HACbhuOm2BxBQ6AWt_jGYq8Mrk2s4r1dpNSYVhP95fxxmZjsd5MxQaFH74yrdbQiq2_WARDKAWVr0tjYSoTvkKTdtAxDZYcTtKZ_TZsDj3K01MkkHQL2wuVgUdQBlTEnt6CxPfZ6PL0/s16000/IMG_5117.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><u><br /></u></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Above are the transferware dishes, one of the lamps, my paint swatch for the room ~ Heart of Palm by Sherwin Williams ~ and the swatch for my curtains (designed by me). I decided to use a leaf pattern stencil in the room rather than wallpaper, as you can see below. I repainted all the walls in Timeless White by Sherwin Williams first ~ it’s a lovely, creamy off-white. I wanted a white that could handle the warmth of the green but didn’t match all the wainscoting and molding, which is a bright white.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYT3wt2tf9x8csVTSJm4CI2R0kiXC4AAT1z3UafrSi5D_cwrnc0UNMQ9VBlP_4WTxwsZCMC3KYwU1NVcEN5qyXUKwb4lZv_r6UbtpDEmGyZA25Px0ainJdA98Qn3_SicviF9VLsBH6ws/s1800/AF63A4B0-BF86-4DB7-A5BC-8478DA2D5298.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYT3wt2tf9x8csVTSJm4CI2R0kiXC4AAT1z3UafrSi5D_cwrnc0UNMQ9VBlP_4WTxwsZCMC3KYwU1NVcEN5qyXUKwb4lZv_r6UbtpDEmGyZA25Px0ainJdA98Qn3_SicviF9VLsBH6ws/s16000/AF63A4B0-BF86-4DB7-A5BC-8478DA2D5298.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The leaf stencil, from Cutting Edge Stencils, turned out beautifully, despite my flubs here and there. I had originally planned to do the leaf stencil around the entire room, but my husband really liked it just on the one wall ~ he said he didn’t want to feel like he was in the jungle. Since the stencil was time consuming, and I was tired, I saw the wisdom in his advice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMi3NMdq1XONbm4ruLcAt27XO7MtsZeIV2aHVA8NVSFafe1F6x0F-TRArclU1VaeQLXguwtkBlXSeH8FnNOswT4mPySl9Cz64Q-KTUn43w-4LZIW8TplbzNe-MBItMtsE33GonlDfhrE/s1800/57B6CCF5-E446-4098-BD4E-60BE5AC415A0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMi3NMdq1XONbm4ruLcAt27XO7MtsZeIV2aHVA8NVSFafe1F6x0F-TRArclU1VaeQLXguwtkBlXSeH8FnNOswT4mPySl9Cz64Q-KTUn43w-4LZIW8TplbzNe-MBItMtsE33GonlDfhrE/s16000/57B6CCF5-E446-4098-BD4E-60BE5AC415A0.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUarijxWiOiaZAYqf4SjDd1cdRAuDWynHo-a_B9WwqXC9GxOwhzTPi5wUMy-kFFbQ8r_s_a-rr3nkQj953anxgyZThmNVUseTXMxIiWMJ-zMIUHo-uBpDnJPTH-y7g6hO3hNCi-uQCayg/s2000/IMG_5832.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUarijxWiOiaZAYqf4SjDd1cdRAuDWynHo-a_B9WwqXC9GxOwhzTPi5wUMy-kFFbQ8r_s_a-rr3nkQj953anxgyZThmNVUseTXMxIiWMJ-zMIUHo-uBpDnJPTH-y7g6hO3hNCi-uQCayg/s16000/IMG_5832.jpeg" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided on a narrow console table to serve as a buffet in the room, a place to finish displaying my transferware and tea cups. And then there were the curtains.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I went back and forth on what sort of pattern I wanted, but then I decided on this one that I created for The Pink Home. It’s called <a href="https://www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/9924548-abstract-garden-by-thepinkhome" target="_blank">Abstract Garden</a> and the green in it was just the green I wanted. And I just loved the teal blue ~ a perfect color foil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwSNet-pCeT4WVg4yEgVhAOn9O7bBvW2AOuRfLJvgP00SNV_z077u0CWL0tfPdr-uI6Y5s2t56KsIlxK6ynRQ6N2SyK9dRnhxVXt1c3QjsAZ5lLfzk4ZzJHz1Yp3T_4T-fyRM4LlcTjU/s2048/IMG_6082.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwSNet-pCeT4WVg4yEgVhAOn9O7bBvW2AOuRfLJvgP00SNV_z077u0CWL0tfPdr-uI6Y5s2t56KsIlxK6ynRQ6N2SyK9dRnhxVXt1c3QjsAZ5lLfzk4ZzJHz1Yp3T_4T-fyRM4LlcTjU/s16000/IMG_6082.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhP3Q2o0Rr3zSYduV6WX5tyD5LXj6q2CgXrr6H0oGPxET_I28-Ur8T3GOPb-XH9KD4xqffJ9ai8TKtgX68rMKiGEZhr_oGIgJvTbMbSpGq5T5bX5S5Bsor5spzVdn86DEXR5jottfJfYE/s2048/IMG_6080.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhP3Q2o0Rr3zSYduV6WX5tyD5LXj6q2CgXrr6H0oGPxET_I28-Ur8T3GOPb-XH9KD4xqffJ9ai8TKtgX68rMKiGEZhr_oGIgJvTbMbSpGq5T5bX5S5Bsor5spzVdn86DEXR5jottfJfYE/s16000/IMG_6080.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used plate hangers to hang some of my transferware collection over my black lacquer chest. I love this little corner ~ it feels cozy and provides another focal point in the room. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Below, you can see how great the dining room curtains look when you look through the house since the areas outside the dining room are painted a blue green. It’s just nice on the eye.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg_9tcCrN6u7Mo_EE4OV3R-PQv0uXw9cGsNw2nYrZ0NTgfb-bk1Q0ugZXXuTGdwz-BknAwmO2lZri776G_mg5HqDepwVhkUT9XCe0AibMuLs1YQjppTJJGSjVhgIEhoxoN6a3ZXnNpAY/s2000/IMG_5719+%25281%2529.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg_9tcCrN6u7Mo_EE4OV3R-PQv0uXw9cGsNw2nYrZ0NTgfb-bk1Q0ugZXXuTGdwz-BknAwmO2lZri776G_mg5HqDepwVhkUT9XCe0AibMuLs1YQjppTJJGSjVhgIEhoxoN6a3ZXnNpAY/s16000/IMG_5719+%25281%2529.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And last, but not least, is the dining room table, which my husband picked out. It’s great to be able to easily seat 8 people, even if the table is a tad large for the room. I got my husband to turn the chandelier to run in the same direction as the table, which made a huge difference. And then I topped off the table with a runner in a pattern I designed to pull together the green leafy wall and the curtains ~ it’s called <a href="https://www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/10364577-more-green-than-blue-by-thepinkhome" target="_blank">More Green Than Blue</a>. </div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkjqT_NpNuSZT6woKU34cXAhixuIHDn-lJnyStbRZ8OjG5LisMr4lE6DRZ4Kxc4-nRP3yvvM7fLin0As4ItmslMoLgrqStHFmNXubqEGgLR0ATWKxC8e2oszImpQ8xTTfWHa9wxb3518/s16000/IMG_6159.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;" /></div><div><br /></div>All in all, I am thrilled with how the dining room turned out. I love the colors, how warm and welcoming it is, and how comfortable it feels.</div><div>What do you think?</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></div>Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-39803615630579154402020-10-21T00:30:00.002-04:002020-10-21T00:30:03.531-04:00A bit of beauty...<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJCDYjPAzaIl2Sf-D4Kubgixg8MIMoq93Itkp1fPS-ro2iRlRpLLxKUc7-aSjApsy6cueWlh8SOKwhUKtEqG1oMB1-1tP0Y-LvJtqOwznLkQ4ZZs5-AEIP2Ouf4KaiL1phO_HiaYwl-8C/s1440/6D207E3E-C321-4AF6-9216-9C128E2CC330.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJCDYjPAzaIl2Sf-D4Kubgixg8MIMoq93Itkp1fPS-ro2iRlRpLLxKUc7-aSjApsy6cueWlh8SOKwhUKtEqG1oMB1-1tP0Y-LvJtqOwznLkQ4ZZs5-AEIP2Ouf4KaiL1phO_HiaYwl-8C/w640-h640/6D207E3E-C321-4AF6-9216-9C128E2CC330.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><div>Just thought I would share a few beautiful flowers to brighten your day. My outdoor flowers are loving this cooler October weather, and I have had the good fortune to find a few wonderful bouquets in the grocery store ~ everything from gladiolus to tulips. Flowers are one of my absolute favorite things in life, so I am soaking up every bit of beauty while they last and starting to plan my new back yard garden. It will take a few years to finish, of course, but it is delightful to dream of plants and consider new ideas. I can hardly wait to get started.</div><div>Hope all of you are having a lovely week!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAAoKTFADS50WurXXm88Hgnli6dRnYpyZYADZc_lRXejiZtvIlEC8ndO1MfWEyasvEnJdhJ4BjxZFzl2hOl4T3eHAAMMOKxn-n0XcKZPRKgRSrr-xZLiJq914qYEXIQyU-2151nx7l7aL/s2048/IMG_6354.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAAoKTFADS50WurXXm88Hgnli6dRnYpyZYADZc_lRXejiZtvIlEC8ndO1MfWEyasvEnJdhJ4BjxZFzl2hOl4T3eHAAMMOKxn-n0XcKZPRKgRSrr-xZLiJq914qYEXIQyU-2151nx7l7aL/s16000/IMG_6354.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCVgRKeg-CGiCYo3UF0bxdvqKKNisBl_8QFGV9B8ySgZ19uJoGU61u0y2UkyjIO1gjSsX0by8NmsycDgVynPEFutO2BeigEJx2VJN17E02juakgPwUxrNfk_Tre0cmnyCltvnZ1QumJzR/s2048/IMG_6347.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCVgRKeg-CGiCYo3UF0bxdvqKKNisBl_8QFGV9B8ySgZ19uJoGU61u0y2UkyjIO1gjSsX0by8NmsycDgVynPEFutO2BeigEJx2VJN17E02juakgPwUxrNfk_Tre0cmnyCltvnZ1QumJzR/s16000/IMG_6347.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrompjd9L0L2TCWMeb6MAaCgA_9_9ms9Cp99Oz2wPKnx9H5TX2W8SwxZfUMDf3K6sHXL2KvfPnx_-DynpkyiQEqY_Keu68XRHcyMfSKegUEOupZ_CJ6004SRcowe3IQukIPdVRUn0TfbE-/s2048/IMG_6334.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrompjd9L0L2TCWMeb6MAaCgA_9_9ms9Cp99Oz2wPKnx9H5TX2W8SwxZfUMDf3K6sHXL2KvfPnx_-DynpkyiQEqY_Keu68XRHcyMfSKegUEOupZ_CJ6004SRcowe3IQukIPdVRUn0TfbE-/s16000/IMG_6334.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V48QtdWX1-YeZzH7hlr1t18IyeVPdY5uQSrLL7U75wvAuUXPfPige-dZa_NmWNck2yaByz4GRMQo4d1wSX-GOruhPMpWNH95neGNJsCKKo16punb5KmjLmw7XIRqZ6pA9D5i5BWM4UrR/s2048/IMG_6166.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V48QtdWX1-YeZzH7hlr1t18IyeVPdY5uQSrLL7U75wvAuUXPfPige-dZa_NmWNck2yaByz4GRMQo4d1wSX-GOruhPMpWNH95neGNJsCKKo16punb5KmjLmw7XIRqZ6pA9D5i5BWM4UrR/w480-h640/IMG_6166.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></p>Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-39571968574812828582020-08-30T17:57:00.001-04:002020-10-23T14:41:01.160-04:00Welcome to my new home...<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxn9v3Nka9Z-4xuncmTj-yGU4odwxFD5fMo5iWPtakUqtv4xmSB3JDYbXsWzJcz3zoztfgPNyuCU2FPIprjmSODJCwT7beD7A5K5XrKPfbWb6brZLCGne5rTvo9jhhx8A8WdbBg0vk4sp/s2048/IMG_4781.jpeg"><img border="0" height="1250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxn9v3Nka9Z-4xuncmTj-yGU4odwxFD5fMo5iWPtakUqtv4xmSB3JDYbXsWzJcz3zoztfgPNyuCU2FPIprjmSODJCwT7beD7A5K5XrKPfbWb6brZLCGne5rTvo9jhhx8A8WdbBg0vk4sp/w1004-h1250/IMG_4781.jpeg" width="1004" /></a></p>Over the last few months, I have been teasing you with little tidbits here and there of our moving adventure and our new home. Now that things have settled down, it’s time to let you in on the whole shebang.<div>In January, I decided to sell my fab old house and buy a new one. My husband and I had been trying to make my wonderful little house (which I had owned for a number of years before we became “us”) work for both of us, but after nearly 8 years, even I was willing to finally admit that it was time to move on. We needed more space, he wanted a garage, etc. After debating with myself for a couple of YEARS ~ my husband was adamant the decision to sell be mine alone, bless him ~ I realized in January I was OK with letting my house go. It felt right. I had no idea at the time how much the Universe would guide us on this journey ~ looking back now over the craziness that has been 2020 thus far, I can see this is exactly how things were meant to happen. And I am forever grateful. I was able to sell my old house to people who absolutely adore her for more than I ever imagined. It felt like a parting gift from the house, a thank you for fixing her up and loving her with all my heart for 16 years. </div><div>My husband and I were able to find and buy our “someday” house ~ the house which has all the little things you dream of but never quite believe will actually all come together in one dwelling. And even though it is brand new (finished in April), and I am a lover of old homes, it had character built into it and I can feel this beautiful lady coming to life as we infuse personality into her. </div><div>Let’s start outside.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3EabjSnVqFChEKIumzdaJ2B84wBz_YHLxj0ZJqJ6OSdWKCMtTNHuPULLagSSiEsgP8J5T6OdZNp8_1A_x-1OgL-iR1oqU0HLcara-f296-yDNVzsYhW45IhzvutWbkEoqhTpLrYqnYlW/s2000/IMG_4162.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3EabjSnVqFChEKIumzdaJ2B84wBz_YHLxj0ZJqJ6OSdWKCMtTNHuPULLagSSiEsgP8J5T6OdZNp8_1A_x-1OgL-iR1oqU0HLcara-f296-yDNVzsYhW45IhzvutWbkEoqhTpLrYqnYlW/w1000-h750/IMG_4162.jpeg" /></a><br /><br />The photo above shows the house as it was finished. We still had to put in grass and flower beds, etc. Here is what it looks like now, several months later:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzve_gY1nnoAf5RrZU8uQvM3VpdcUe88quLxom9BPRoi66AxkY1qpXWCT0L8YjWawlKYNo5vTtiZdPK4bU2bG40V0N-XyP2poedoKhvv8XRxVAy_wOlVqeYC3MaU1cejlpb0bAkEFlrp_m/s2000/IMG_5796.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzve_gY1nnoAf5RrZU8uQvM3VpdcUe88quLxom9BPRoi66AxkY1qpXWCT0L8YjWawlKYNo5vTtiZdPK4bU2bG40V0N-XyP2poedoKhvv8XRxVAy_wOlVqeYC3MaU1cejlpb0bAkEFlrp_m/w1000-h750/IMG_5796.jpeg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNA3Rd-HK-ApjwxN5VaDX97f11Sswx67I8x-Sy-xslvT181CGOm-01PQLk7L0cHiN6lUTQnxcUMT6Wd50DmXlJgSXPQLXUU6zU36XMwt-zkmMvfBJPoB7qGV3PPOHfW_AHDe6RdImd6Wuf/s2048/IMG_5803.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNA3Rd-HK-ApjwxN5VaDX97f11Sswx67I8x-Sy-xslvT181CGOm-01PQLk7L0cHiN6lUTQnxcUMT6Wd50DmXlJgSXPQLXUU6zU36XMwt-zkmMvfBJPoB7qGV3PPOHfW_AHDe6RdImd6Wuf/w750-h1000/IMG_5803.jpeg" /></a><br /><br />I am especially in love with the front door. Because our house is a custom home, we were able to work with the builder and select a lot of finishes, etc., including our front door color. The builder was originally going to paint it the same charcoal gray as the shutters, but I wanted a pop of color ~ something that felt happy. I chose this sort of mustard gold and absolutely love it (several people have asked me what color it is ~ it’s Anjou Pear by Sherwin Williams). We also added white rockers, some planters and, of course, Tilly. She has a perfect spot of her own right on the front porch ~ she is sporting her new pink polka dot bikini for summer. </div><div>The porch gets sun in the morning so by the afternoon, it is in the shade. We sit out there many evenings, until the mosquitos run us off.<br />Now let’s go inside.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>We have a lovely entryway in our home, with a high ceiling and lots of light thanks to the glass surrounding our beautiful front door. Here is the before photo to give you an idea of what I started with:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTezkh7qajWv10Aioqju4CSftQosHSy6WG2bNn2ai11U0k6rqf0Bp3X46aNRebnUwRUdK5EWu5eYpd2r1dgDEQhEIRP8xstvjE9GZou70VlZPZ8bJdVMMYNUP0w8ChdVSztiX_SLabOhk/s2000/IMG_4371.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTezkh7qajWv10Aioqju4CSftQosHSy6WG2bNn2ai11U0k6rqf0Bp3X46aNRebnUwRUdK5EWu5eYpd2r1dgDEQhEIRP8xstvjE9GZou70VlZPZ8bJdVMMYNUP0w8ChdVSztiX_SLabOhk/s16000/IMG_4371.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And here is the after:</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8V26DWCsjKE4TJI5kg1zQm2enb0aOWqG9LytusoIk8OBLFxe6zjU270A-gDi4TkVpdLYUzWAwAb0dwwGTXHAiTkMohh203rqx1mMP9aqG1-slJbuRLnwZOweWP1m-HzSnGljVKRpqA-M/s2000/IMG_5747.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8V26DWCsjKE4TJI5kg1zQm2enb0aOWqG9LytusoIk8OBLFxe6zjU270A-gDi4TkVpdLYUzWAwAb0dwwGTXHAiTkMohh203rqx1mMP9aqG1-slJbuRLnwZOweWP1m-HzSnGljVKRpqA-M/w1000-h750/IMG_5747.jpeg" /></a><br /><br />I decided to hang an updated version of my “Wall of Women” in the entry, similar to our last house. I mixed in a few different pieces of art and a mirror, as well as a cute little entry table. I may still add an umbrella holder and a standing floor vase on either side of the console table, if I can find something I like. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5AabjZ7pe0KqqUrUQ4c5w1lJ7zhORRxXwDknzKdsPfsbm04oVPKcX2vP4dYaxz-GxiE4vqpXbOorVJNLcSfYJekEi0SQIdHgBo85N__6SoepLIapmGN3YdoAeooQy8d60AmXoIQSfwRo/s2000/IMG_5733.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5AabjZ7pe0KqqUrUQ4c5w1lJ7zhORRxXwDknzKdsPfsbm04oVPKcX2vP4dYaxz-GxiE4vqpXbOorVJNLcSfYJekEi0SQIdHgBo85N__6SoepLIapmGN3YdoAeooQy8d60AmXoIQSfwRo/w1000-h750/IMG_5733.jpeg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>You may have noticed the drapes on either side of the front door. A bit of an unusual choice, I know. I was trying to solve for privacy while maintaining the right look and feel of the home. I thought about blinds or shutters, but they didn’t feel right. I considered individual curtains, but that felt too fussy. My husband asked why I couldn’t just hang a curtain there we could pull closed when we wanted, which put me on this path. I did a lot of internet and Pinterest searching and found this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzbTqfB_Whmrf_nBRuftsFVxBxyFUoL8GJcelQwGi8NuQSrnVjJsVJqBDtvFZSMdAiLvTgF13auUeSR2Lo-KO9mR6NHZ-lNSx_TPxMqnJXqVUpWwIXaz24l8ieITt4VUG-s1YKgHPEpo9/s2048/inspo.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzbTqfB_Whmrf_nBRuftsFVxBxyFUoL8GJcelQwGi8NuQSrnVjJsVJqBDtvFZSMdAiLvTgF13auUeSR2Lo-KO9mR6NHZ-lNSx_TPxMqnJXqVUpWwIXaz24l8ieITt4VUG-s1YKgHPEpo9/w631-h800/inspo.jpeg" /></a></div><br />I knew instantly that had the right feel to it. So using that photo as my inspiration (if you know the source, please let me know and I will happily credit), I decided to do natural looking drapes. But our entryway has a high ceiling and I wanted to take advantage of that, so I chose to do extra long drapes, hung quite high. It feels just a tad British to me (which I love) and I quite like how the drapes frame the entryway and also make it feel cosy. All in all, it turned out to be a decorating risk worth taking.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVlCe8PJCATK0vU7RAl_MEvk8gklG032Z6oV_AmwH7aa5WkziQFCVyXWHJXb10zKj6YuO319GqJtfvKqD4JcweJxPjF7FdIWXuEqM0yW_XLZuWCGBMcBvJ44WJIHYdcSIjvyJ4Zifbh8w/s2048/IMG_5652.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVlCe8PJCATK0vU7RAl_MEvk8gklG032Z6oV_AmwH7aa5WkziQFCVyXWHJXb10zKj6YuO319GqJtfvKqD4JcweJxPjF7FdIWXuEqM0yW_XLZuWCGBMcBvJ44WJIHYdcSIjvyJ4Zifbh8w/w750-h1000/IMG_5652.jpeg" /></a><br /><br />I decided to go with a color called Memorable Rose from Sherwin Williams for the main entryway wall. It is actually much more pink than it looks here ~ I can’t seem to get a good photo of it. The rest of the entryway and stairway I painted a light teal blue called Watery (also from Sherwin Williams). Depending on the light, the color can look a bit more blue or more green. The rose pink color is a lovely contrast to it, and a wonderful backdrop for my metallic frames.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZz_DrdRUpEadsnShtnZt2SVz_gxHzdD1MGkFd4dhPlubv4dV5tx916IKlWnCu5t1noP7-Qi6mfOW-ksNS1gJrQeekG-pBJL6gMUa1JzxODHXg90WxcAYLi41xUF0lRJYfk0QWLWyfdtT/s2000/IMG_5654.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZz_DrdRUpEadsnShtnZt2SVz_gxHzdD1MGkFd4dhPlubv4dV5tx916IKlWnCu5t1noP7-Qi6mfOW-ksNS1gJrQeekG-pBJL6gMUa1JzxODHXg90WxcAYLi41xUF0lRJYfk0QWLWyfdtT/w1000-h750/IMG_5654.jpeg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGI_7jSERC3QKMQHwcm5Ft6-hd5HPjjrQLQTh0Pi71ZdmHAGTLs8nqCT8PB3UxYIuhfFa-UEIjuTHmEFPnceNpc5bILb7NVx8Je4D7AOMhHbrYYuQg80ENmQQJYMt5_KVwVGnXNwG6wMOS/s2000/IMG_5656.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGI_7jSERC3QKMQHwcm5Ft6-hd5HPjjrQLQTh0Pi71ZdmHAGTLs8nqCT8PB3UxYIuhfFa-UEIjuTHmEFPnceNpc5bILb7NVx8Je4D7AOMhHbrYYuQg80ENmQQJYMt5_KVwVGnXNwG6wMOS/w1000-h750/IMG_5656.jpeg" /></a><br /><br />I used this old black rug I have had for nearly 20 years in the entryway ~ it is practically indestructible, which seemed like a good idea for this area. It also grounds the space quite well and was a perfect fit. <br />Below you can see how all the pieces work together. I was even able to hang my beautiful pink magnolia photograph that used to hang over my fireplace here, over the dining room entryway. That pink metallic print and frame just look so nice against that light teal blue, and it brings the pink over to the other side of this little space. </div><div>What do you think? <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWb-lMg_Wqv6as50XHkMd33IVZVGdkrrcZZgagfs92IeGfYuRqg8CGKthfHzwndLIRMCBpTi4svFkL_9rhq3mST8GFnoxtX_nByaIgIY4PXBpCJWceWVjoDzJIzWxojonMuZh_MUBrE5a/s2048/IMG_5750.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWb-lMg_Wqv6as50XHkMd33IVZVGdkrrcZZgagfs92IeGfYuRqg8CGKthfHzwndLIRMCBpTi4svFkL_9rhq3mST8GFnoxtX_nByaIgIY4PXBpCJWceWVjoDzJIzWxojonMuZh_MUBrE5a/w750-h1000/IMG_5750.jpeg" /></a><br /><br />Next time, we’ll take a look at the dining room, which you can see just a glimpse of above, and was the last room finished. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></div></div>Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-47085724382252552952020-08-02T19:26:00.000-04:002020-08-02T19:26:12.411-04:00Pretty tulips and a quick catch-up...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiq8WjMNDI1Ivc_FXsnxHojQMyUxf7VRZLKgH-EfQlIUGf_tFxVJFkXSUeeEDTrvUA2nkUgZxtB6iwA6a-B52o-M2Wlpq4PC7Ttlje1eruEdZiHYUHaFDd4PRhpzDEwF2sygO-gIBW30/s1800/C07C2E45-098D-47A0-BB5F-9847223A82E6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiq8WjMNDI1Ivc_FXsnxHojQMyUxf7VRZLKgH-EfQlIUGf_tFxVJFkXSUeeEDTrvUA2nkUgZxtB6iwA6a-B52o-M2Wlpq4PC7Ttlje1eruEdZiHYUHaFDd4PRhpzDEwF2sygO-gIBW30/d/C07C2E45-098D-47A0-BB5F-9847223A82E6.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Tulips are one of my favorite flowers, so I was happy to find some a couple weeks ago. I put them in a vase in the middle of the great room in our new house and they delighted me every time I saw them. We could all use more of what makes us smile these days.</div><div>I realize I am woefully behind in my blogging and I’m sorry about that. I have been busy working on our new house ~ you can get a small glimpse here ~ and I do have lots and lots to show you. I am hoping to head off to a somewhat secluded beach for a week, huddled in a house with a couple close friends, just for the change of scenery and the smell of the ocean. The break will be nice, even if things can’t be as they were before.</div><div>So far I have finished the kitchen and the eating nook and most of the living room (I am still waiting on a couple small pieces of furniture). The guest room is nearly done, as is my studio/playroom/hideaway upstairs. The master bedroom is done, too, though we will likely buy some new furniture at some point. I have not even started on the dining room ~ that will be my project after I return from my break ~ though I do have my plans in place, aside from finding the perfect table, which has proved elusive. And the bathrooms are finished, too, though my flamingo powder room might still get a couple more touches. </div><div>Other little things are done ~ I have planted the flower beds in the front of our house, and the mudroom area and laundry room are put together. Oh, and the entryway is nearly done ~ it’s pretty fab, too, if I do say so myself. </div><div>I will do better on the blogging, I promise, and share lots of before & after photos in the coming weeks. I hope all of you are staying safe and healthy. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKavt8RgLlTMn2I4cbRp1jyX06btYvkwuMvVywYMf_TwRJ1k4b6Z9JX982D8wkh6JXqKs-0xpbQRdTUYOHJDzutpGF4Y_v2e7noHd3zga7L26wd-EUSrmHM5Fzxf4AnlvD_-rNCkfgWw/s2000/IMG_5035.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKavt8RgLlTMn2I4cbRp1jyX06btYvkwuMvVywYMf_TwRJ1k4b6Z9JX982D8wkh6JXqKs-0xpbQRdTUYOHJDzutpGF4Y_v2e7noHd3zga7L26wd-EUSrmHM5Fzxf4AnlvD_-rNCkfgWw/d/IMG_5035.jpeg" /></a></div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgytErqMYyo0WknyWvi3TcjbZeWD7pmXA4b9SR3eN7BKs2cns_462BO-5yLT8mibqvXJn7dkMo6jSjkIeVVUR4AaI_JSzwxbLuxTkY0pUQSCmSOXlGQPvm_CMfqDKBOTpD57SGQWdCpuE/s1800/E61EF21C-7D4F-4816-AF82-07475A500286.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgytErqMYyo0WknyWvi3TcjbZeWD7pmXA4b9SR3eN7BKs2cns_462BO-5yLT8mibqvXJn7dkMo6jSjkIeVVUR4AaI_JSzwxbLuxTkY0pUQSCmSOXlGQPvm_CMfqDKBOTpD57SGQWdCpuE/d/E61EF21C-7D4F-4816-AF82-07475A500286.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmO9XqEg9QHP-eIRgQL56XgvJ40CmW3PLz3KAh-RBu-UyISotluhIwbhn2fL9YPsK_IlZ0u2BqALy5zfYzhnsNIRA4LHRYkCpNIb_sbNirqPP8b9mYkzclqtN7uBz0G6A2EPErMAnWsmw/s1800/EF4BFD74-E5AF-4961-BE36-23F29278FC8B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmO9XqEg9QHP-eIRgQL56XgvJ40CmW3PLz3KAh-RBu-UyISotluhIwbhn2fL9YPsK_IlZ0u2BqALy5zfYzhnsNIRA4LHRYkCpNIb_sbNirqPP8b9mYkzclqtN7uBz0G6A2EPErMAnWsmw/d/EF4BFD74-E5AF-4961-BE36-23F29278FC8B.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font color="#ea9999">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</font></div>Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-19484735141622212412020-05-18T15:25:00.000-04:002020-05-18T15:25:19.301-04:00A last look at the garden...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The last three or four weeks have been a whirlwind. We sold our fab old house and moved into a fab new house. Most of the boxes have been unpacked, but we’re still in the process of completely settling in and getting everything just the way we want it. I have ordered some new pieces ~ some have arrived, some are still in transit ~ and still have to pick out and order several more things, including new dining room and outdoor furniture. (I fear the new chairs I ordered to go with my table in the kitchen are lost in the never-never land that is the COVID-19 shipping trials, as no one seems to know where they are at present.) And I can’t wait to get my new drapes all chosen and bought and hung ~ the house still feels echo-y without them.<br />
So there’s still plenty to do, but it isn’t a race, so it will all come. One thing I am hoping to get started on next year ~ it will have to wait until then ~ is a new garden. I miss my garden, along with my little old house. I am so grateful to have left it at its most beautiful, when so many things were in bloom. Even the jasmine had started the bloom and smelled divine. I took these photos on last couple of strolls before we left, one after a rain storm. I hope you enjoy.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: xx-small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></div>
Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-59871669126326525062020-04-25T13:59:00.000-04:002020-04-25T14:04:59.072-04:00The beauty of pink roses...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The glorious pink rose bush I wrote about last time did indeed burst into bloom. It has been blooming for two weeks now and shows little sign of slowing down, with new buds continuing to form. Not only are these beauties gorgeous and fat, they smell wonderful, too. There are so many blooms, the bush was starting to groan under the weight of its own beauty. I have given it extra support so it can keep on blooming without feeling a strain.<br />
Getting to see this bush put on such a show before I move has been wonderful. Every day, I have gone out and walked the yard, checking out my garden. I have more photos to share of all the other things in bloom, but I thought this bush deserved its own post.<br />
Wishing you all a lovely weekend.<br />
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I am linking to <a href="https://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/" target="_blank">Pink Saturday</a> at <a href="https://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/" target="_blank">How Sweet the Sound</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;">Photos and video by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></div>
Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-85239901451105779682020-04-10T12:00:00.000-04:002020-04-10T12:00:07.490-04:00Ready to burst into bloom...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The climbing rose in front of my porch is going to put on quite a show this year, I can tell. And I can’t wait. It is absolutely bursting with buds, some further along than others. The roses this bush produces are a lovely pink and they also have that heady, perfect rose scent.<br />
One of the roses on the bush has already come into bloom, which you can see below. It is still unfurling a bit, and its scent is strong and wonderful. I have been going out to wander my yard and see what’s blooming every day since this whole virus quarantine started and I am amazed at the changes I see from day to day. Mother Nature really is incredibly busy this time of year.<br />
I’ll share more photos when the bush is in full bloom ~ I can hardly wait as I’m sure it will be a beautiful sight.<br />
Have a lovely weekend...<br />
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I am linking to “Anything Goes” Pink Saturday at <a href="https://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/" target="_blank">How Sweet the Sound</a>. Come join the fun.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: xx-small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></div>
Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-44881644983146868792020-04-02T12:10:00.001-04:002020-04-02T12:10:29.019-04:00The reminders of spring...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hope this post finds you safe and well. The world is full of grief and sickness and uncertainty right now, so I thought we could all use a distraction. It is spring, after all, the time of year when Mother Nature brings everything back to life ~ and we could all use a reminder that life will go on and be beautiful, if not exactly the same.<br />
Working from home, I have been spending more time outside in my yard, taking little breaks each day to stroll through and see what Mother Nature has brought me today. Even a few minutes of fresh air and sunshine is incredibly restorative ~ I can’t believe I had forgotten how much so. After this is over, I want to keep up my daily enjoyment of the outdoors instead of racing from house to car to office and back without stopping to look around for a minute.<br />
These photos are from my adorable front yard, which I am going to miss dearly when we move later this month. I am so happy to enjoy one last spring here after all the work we did re-landscaping the yard over the years.<br />
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I came across the before photo on my side yard the other day, so I thought I’d share ~ I love a good before & after:<br />
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And we already have some roses in bloom.<br />
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Hope you are finding a few minutes to enjoy Mother Nature. Stay safe and well.<br />
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Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-78340084038334772732020-03-25T17:15:00.000-04:002020-03-25T17:15:02.017-04:00Enjoying the beauty of working from home...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been working at home for a little over a week and a half now, and today was the first day I picked up my laptop from my desk and decided to work in the living room. And now I am thinking I need to spend every afternoon doing that. I have always loved the light in that room and it feels so calming and reassuring to soak it all in, even if the room is feeling a bit bare with the impending move.<br />
As you can see, I picked up some tulips earlier this week during a grocery run, so I had a lovely view from the sofa. Then, after working for a bit, I decided I wanted to burn a candle in my favorite scent. After all, you might as well take advantage of not being in the office.<br />
Wishing all of you a bit of calming reassurance and beauty in these uncertain times...<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></div>
Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-43686986656402809562020-03-21T12:06:00.002-04:002020-03-24T10:54:06.367-04:00The beauty of spring & saying goodbye...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring has arrived in the Carolinas. It’s been wet enough without being too wet, and warm enough without being too warm, to have everything coming back to life. I spent the morning enjoying the beauty of my own front yard, taking stock of how far along different plants were. Everything seems to be on schedule ~ the daffodils are done and the azaleas are in bloom. The yellow jessamine tumbling over my fence has more blooms on it than ever before, which means it has finally started to come into its own. And all the hydrangeas are beginning to bud back to life while the day lilies and hostas have started to come up. We had sod laid in the front yard a couple months ago and the grass is incredibly green and luxurious.<br />
I am glad to be able to enjoy one last beautiful spring in my home. After many years, I decided to sell my fab old house and buy something else, something that suits our life a bit better. The house has always been mine, really, and though my husband was a good sport about living here the last few years, it feels like it’s time to do our thing, together. We don’t move until the end of April, so there’s still a little time. I am saying goodbye to my beloved home by enjoying every last thing I love about the old girl, including her beautiful yard. The forced isolation we’re all facing doesn’t feel like a terrible burden to me because I means I get to spend more time here, before I have to say goodbye for good. I feel quite fortunate to get one last spring.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: xx-small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></div>
Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-35090294884032223022019-12-23T19:05:00.004-05:002019-12-23T19:05:56.526-05:00Wishing you a merry Christmas...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy holidays, everyone! My husband and I are ready for Christmas and I am quite looking forward to a couple days off to enjoy the holiday. I had a wonderful time decorating this year. I changed things up a bit, adding some poinsettias and a wreath to the fireplace, and deciding to forgo putting up another tree. I settled on 4 this year ~ a normal-sized one, a medium-sized one and two small tabletop ones (one lit, one not). I usually decorate until it feels right, and this year I didn’t feel I needed a second large tree.<br />
Outside, I decided to wrap cedar garland around the porch railings in addition to a beautiful wreath with a large bow for the front door, which made for a nice change. And Tilly the Goose also got a new Santa outfit. (Sorry ~ I just realized I didn’t take any photos outside.)<br />
All in all, the house feels pretty festive inside and out and I am going to kick back and enjoy it. I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas as well.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: xx-small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></div>
Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-66232150641893433462019-12-18T00:30:00.000-05:002019-12-18T00:30:11.144-05:00Christmas designs by The Pink Home...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love Christmas. And over the last few years, I have created quite a number of holiday patterns for The Pink Home. (For those that don’t know, The Pink Home is my own little lifestyle brand. I design patterns for fabric, home decor and wallpaper, all of which you can purchase through <a href="https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/thepinkhome" target="_blank">Spoonflower</a> and <a href="https://www.roostery.com/e?user=thepinkhome" target="_blank">Roostery</a>.)<br />
Anyway, this year I decided to cull down my Christmas designs, so I looked at them with a harsher eye. I kept only my favorites, the ones I thought were my best work and that translated well to decor items. That left six Christmas patterns in my collection, which you can see below.<br />
All of them are available in a variety of home decor and wallpaper (life hack: a roll of wallpaper can double as wrapping paper). Home decor items include bedding ~ as shown above in my Silver Trees pattern, along with sheets; table linens such as napkins, placemats and tablecloths; a variety of pillows; and throw blankets. You can also purchase fabric in these designs ~ swatches, fat quarters or by the yard.<br />
To shop my Christmas collection, click <a href="https://www.spoonflower.com/collections/300017-christmas-by-thepinkhome" target="_blank">here</a>. Enjoy!<br />
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Table linens in Peppermint Plum...<br />
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A pillow in Winter Trees...<br />
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A throw blanket in Snowflakes...<br />
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Another throw blanket in Pink Christmas...<br />
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A lumbar pillow in Peppermint Plum...</div>
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Winter Buddies fabric...<br />
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A close-up of Silver Trees bedding...<br />
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<span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: xx-small;">Designs by The Pink Home</span></div>
Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697193070732800310.post-1168821438406790572019-12-14T15:39:00.003-05:002019-12-14T15:39:26.274-05:00Mini Miss Em celebrates Christmas...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mini Miss Em is all ready for Christmas. She has trees upstairs and down, and the stockings are hung on the fireplace. There’s garland decorating the house, and holiday goodies in the kitchen. She even still gets Christmas cards, which are all collected in a cute little basket on the kitchen table.<br />
Most importantly, Santa and Mrs. Claus have stopped by for a visit. She is going to be busy on Christmas morning opening all those gifts.<br />
If you would like to see how the house of Mini Miss Em ~ named for our beloved Shih Tzu who passed away earlier this year ~ came to be, click <a href="https://beautydoesmatter.blogspot.com/2019/10/introducing-home-of-mini-miss-em.html" target="_blank">here</a>. (And if you’re wondering where I got the Christmas decorations for the dollhouse, they all came from Etsy.)<br />
I hope your holiday decorating and preparations are going as well as Miss Em’s. From her home to yours, Merry Christmas...<br />
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P.S. Here’s how the real Miss Em did Christmas over the years...<br />
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Full-on Santa to a simple jingle bow...<br />
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Lounging in cute Christmas tees...<br />
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And more holiday bows...<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: xx-small;">Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully</span></div>
Eileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10273095879606906106noreply@blogger.com0