Monday, February 6, 2012

One word with Brooke of Velvet and Linen






Good morning, an exciting Superbowl, don't you think? I am not even a football fan but it was thrilling to see the Giants claim victory! Both amazing teams though. I am really happy and excited to be here with a brand new series, entitled One Word to take the place of my Behind the blogger. Its another fun, interactive and interesting way to get to know your favorite bloggers. Today I am thrilled to present Brooke from Velvet and Linen, it is only appropriate I "christen"  this series with Brooke as my first guest because incidentally Brooke's fabulous blog was the first blog I ever read, and trust me that is way before I even knew I was reading "a blog". It wasn't until many months later, that I even realized what a blog was. All I knew was I would visit her site and all of these magical pictures would appear, and there was seemingly a never ending supply, then when I would click on other little pictures...voila! I would be transported to even more special sites where more magical pictures awaited me. Boy I have come a long way since then!


And that my friends...... is how I started off in blogland, so thanks Brooke for making Velvet and Linen such a beautiful place to visit that I kept wanting to go back (and still do)! Brooke has been at this for awhile now and in addition to her beautiful blog, she and her architect husband Steve run a very successful design firm out of California though their work takes them all over. In addition you would have to be living under a rock to not have seen or heard about their beautiful new book, Patina Style that she and Steve recently wrote. Its a favorite of mine and I have since given a few out as gifts. Highly recommend! So without further adieu here is Brooke in one word......


Brooke from Velvet and Linen

One quality I love in people is loyalty.

If my house could only be furnished in one color it would definitely have to be white.
ZsaZsabellagio

One luxury I cannot live without pets.

If I had to have one designer decorate my entire house with zero input from me it would have to be greet lefevre.

If I had to choose coffee or tea it would be: tea (i don't drink coffee).
Sunday in bed

One place I have been that I would love to go back to belgium.

One place I am longing to visit is _provence.

One talent I wish I had was to draw.

I think most people would agree I am very funny.

If I could change one quality about myself it would be: impatience. 

One career I could see myself having would be gardener.


If food is therapy, when stressed I indulge in chocolate psychotherapy.
(This blog for dessert)


One of my favorite brands for clothing is james perse.

If my life were a book, the title would be Patina Style.


My favorite flower is English rose.
(Flickr)

I would love to have coffee and a chat session with this famous person: steve jobs.

A favorite TV  the middle (it's my life. my kids tell my that i'm patricia heaton).


Hollywood is a fairy tale.

Tuscany or Provence? Provence.


The next presidential election will be what it will be.

The one best thing about blogging is the friendships.

A guilty pleasure for me is acupuncture.
(AMCA)

A clothing designer I think that has great style Jil Sander.

My strongest quality would have to be hard worker.

The best restaurant I have ever been to was the ivy.

Most overrated actor/actress is Nicholas Cage.

If my life were a documentary, I could see this actress playing me: sandra bullock (i'd like a romantic comedy, please. and can ryan reynolds play steve?).

One thing I like about my appearance is: my rear. I don't view it very often, but i'm told it's still pretty good.

One thing I can honestly say I love about myself is my honesty.

Town or country: country.


One person I admire steve.


Pick a decade to live in, any decade now.

My favorite room of my house is my office.

If I were an animal I would be a....malti-poo like bebe. she has it made.

A book I would recommend to everyone would be Atlas Shrugged.

If I were planning a huge family reunion, this is where I would want to have it Patina Farm.

One thing I wish everyone could be more of empathetic.

                        


                                                       In one word life is a gift.





Photobucket
Love it Brooke! Thank you so much for helping me to launch this new series. Loved getting to know you better and found myself agreeing with so much of what you have said. And, hey we subscribe to the same "therapist", good ol' chocolate psychotherapy (works like a charm)!
Hope you all enjoyed this and click here to visit the beautiful Velvet and Linen. If you aren't already familiar with her blog, trust me its one you want to know about! Wishing you all a wonderful day.

84 comments:

  1. I just found your blog! What stunning pictures... the header totally hooked me. xx your newest follower.

    ps I head over to Belgium every month, where do you like to go in Belgium and what stores do you stalk?

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    1. I absolutely love Belgium! I documented my trip, including all of the places we went shopping, on my blog Velvet and Linen. Just search "Belgium" on my blog or click on the "Belgium" category on the right side column. Have a great trip! xo

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  2. Love the new series, Tina! Off to check out Brooke. She sounds like my kinda girl :) xoxo

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  3. Unwittingly I posted Brooke's office, just the other day,(so beautiful) and Millie from the laurel hedge filled me in and over I went to visit Brooke and I am now a follower!

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  4. Good morning, Tina and Brooke!

    I adore Brooke and I so admire her talent and her drive for life. She's someone I really look up to in this business. There's so much to be learned from her.

    Have a great day!

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  5. LOVELY. And I have her book on my coffee table in my "parlor", and I refer to it when I want to change something in my home. Oh Tina, you are so generous. Your time is so limited these days, getting the castle in order, but you are so kind to always deliver the best to us. I adore all the things Brooke describes here, and PROVENCE is my second home. I lived there for a while and wow, what a place. Greet from Belgian Pearls is a pearl of great price, CHOCOLATE is a must for therapy (teeheee) and honesty is the best policy.

    Wishing you again a healed knee from your fall; I had seen on Elizabeth's blog your comment about falling. BE WELL my beautiful blogger friend! Anita

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  6. love the series - love the blogger - and love the host!

    michele

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  7. What a great way to start my Monday! Learning more about Brooke - whose style and approach I so admire. And, I love that Velvet and Linen was the first blog you ever read. Great connection - things do come full circle!

    xoxo Elizabeth

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  8. Love James Perse, a house in white, am a tea drinker and my daughter has me watching The Middle which is such a fun show. Happy to meet you Brooke, and will be visiting you at your blog. Tina thanks once again for introducing me to another great blogger. These are a lot of fun. And I adore all those images. Have a great day. Glad your Giants won!

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  9. I have loved Brooke since she started blogging, the same sweet person, has not changed at all even with all her and Steve's well deserved fame! Loved seeing your post and getting to know her better, thank Tina

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  10. Enjoyed this. Not familiar with Velvet and Linen but then again don't know of a lot of blogs. I am intrigued, she sounds like my kind of person and that book looks like one I will need to add to my collection. Thank you Tina and Brooke.

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  11. Love the "one word" approach Tina! And, what a tribute to Brooke!

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  12. Fabulous post with one of my very favorite people in the whole world. In the midst of beginning a book on Inspiration I was blessed with being able to interview her in person at her wonderful shop Giannetti Home. She is as kind and generous as she can possibly be. If this wasn't just the best, she also took me to her home where we completed our interview and I met her darling children. Reading your wonderful post ( with your carefully chosen questions) brought it all back. Funny, her blog was the first blog I ever read as well! She inspired me to launch my blog too. GEEZ how in the world am I ever going to be able to do this! Well, one year later, along with my interior design business I am going strong and have met great bloggers who have become on-line friends like yourself! So dear of you to share Brooke in such a busy time of your life! GREAT JOB!

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  13. Thanks for that interview...I love meeting new people and you always seem to feature the most amazing people! xo
    Sharon

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  14. She is just fabulous. I think the thing I like the best is that she would choose to live in THIS decade... she must live in the moment and that's a fantastic quality. xo

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  15. Dear Tina,
    What a surprise to read this interview with my friend Brooke!! And oh my goodness I feel so honored Brooke mentionned me as the designer she would ask for designing her home!! Dear Brooke, I don't know what to say!! Thank you for mentionning me Brooke!
    Tina, Velvet & Linen was also the first blog I ever read! And it was Brook who introduced me to the blogging community. She is a fantastic and sweet person and I am so glad to call her my friend!
    xx
    Greet

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  16. *** I too A*D*O*R*E Brooke... annnnd Steve... annnnd their two homes annnnd their new book annnd, well, just everything ABOUT them personally and as a couple. They've undoubtedly worked hard to get where they are, yes, but they've ALSO joyfully made it a beautiful journey so far~~~ interesting, fun, educational, and filled with countless, uber-wonderful experiences for their children... (and their sweet dogs n' chickens too, I suspect!!!)...

    You couldn't have CHOSEN a better rep for this... altho many of us feel a kinship with Brooke n' Steve, even if we haven't met them PERSONALLY, this gave us an even BETTER insight as to what they're made of... and it's wonderful!!!

    We'll be LA next week on Valentines Day, and for several days after, for the PGA tournament (my hubby's actually playing in the PRO-AM then!), & I'm SO looking forward to meeting/enjoying a cuppa with her, and seeing their "store/firm/shop" (?)!!!

    So happy you're thrilled with the "new digs", Tina!!! Am sure now, that you're getting more settled, it was "well worth the wait"!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda in AZ *
    bellesmom1234@comcast.net

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  17. The new approach with One Word is brilliant, I love it. All of the words and images Brooke shared, from 'Loyalty' to 'Town or Country,' were outstanding, everything was so refreshing and thoughtful, it made for a nice start to the day and the week.

    Sending both you and Brooke wishes for a wonderful week ahead!
    tp

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  18. Love this series and great responses. Love that her best favorite luxury is her puppy I feel the same way. Funny but it was Greet's blog that I found very first and didn't know what it was but loved it.

    Enjoy your day!
    XX
    Debra~

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  19. I so love Brooke. She is so talented yet very warm and real. I'm thrilled for her success and can't wait to see Patina Farm unfold. Great interview. Mona

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  20. What a wonderful multi-faceted personality. Love her and I don't know her blog (although I know her book) so I am headed over there now. Hope you have great week, Tina. I am headed to FL tomorrow! xo Diana

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  21. Isn't it funny to think about how we learned about blogging...and where it has taken us?

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  22. Brooke seems to be a very grounded, down-to-earth person. Very refreshing! I've been following and enjoying her blog now, for a while. My favorite post she's written has been about the Paris Flea Market! My mouth was watering!

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  23. Already following Brooke and have her book! Wonderful series ;)

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  24. Thanks for creating this new series. What a great idea. I am a huge fan of Brooke's and as I told her I felt like a child on Christmas morning when Patina Style arrived in the mail. Can't wait for the next post in this series! Keep up the GREAT work!

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  25. What a fabulous blog! I love Brook, she is an amazing designer. And her blog is amazing!! Love this "new" series!!

    www.viningdesign.blogspot.com

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  26. Love Velvet & Linen with Brook!! She is amazing, she always puts photos on her posts that I just have to Pin! So do you Tina!!! Thanks for helping me get to know a great designer and fellow blogger a little better!!!

    www.lifeofamodernhousewife.com

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  27. I just adore Brooke! She is so lovely, genuine and kind - not to mention unbelievably talented! And what a fun new series, too, Tina. Great idea!!!

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  28. Enjoyed Brooke's interview! I am with you.. I found her blog when I first was discovering blogs! It was a great find!!
    Thanks,
    xo,
    Gail
    casualloveselegance

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  29. i agree tina, brooke is a treasure and a perennial favorite.
    great new series, excellent idea, can't wait for more!
    debra

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  30. Brooke is every talent out there wrapped into one person. She is so talented in so many areas, and SO sweet and adorable too! I also followed her blog the first week I was blogging, and her posts are always perfection. i am in love with her chickens and garden, and when i have enough land, I will have some of those little babies.
    Great interview, Tina. Wonderful to learn more about Brooke.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  31. Thank you so much Tina! I had such fun answering your questions in one (or almost one!) word.
    I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about your home building journey here. You went through the entire process with such grace and style. You have given me something to aspire to as we begin building Patina Farm.

    A special Thank You to all of my blog friends, new and old, who left comments here. As I mentioned in one of my answers, the thing I love most about blogging is the connections I continue to make with incredible people from around the world!

    xo
    Brooke

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  32. I absolutely love Brooke! She is a great, supportive and loyal friend (what you see is what you get) and she is soooo talented! I am not quitting blog land before I have met Brooke, Greet and you Tina - in real life!

    (And I am not surprised that Brooke has a great looking butt too! (:

    Hugs to you both!

    Mon

    P.S I want both Brooke and Greet to help me decorate one of my future homes.

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  33. This was great fun. I so enjoyed getting to know Brooke,I have visited her beautiful blog and am excited to see this book, the cover is so beautiful. It must be wonderful.
    I love these kinds of interviews that gives an inside peek into what makes people tick. Always fun, love especially how dear her pets are to her (as mine are to me) and that she chose her husband as someone she greatly respects. Thats a beautiful thing. Well done.

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  34. Beautiful post. Brooke sounds like a grounded well adjusted and content person. I just ordered that book and didn't even know about the blog. So you bet I am going to go visit. Love her ideas on life especially "the chocolate therapy".

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  35. Love your new series and love Brooke - a wonderful way to start the week!
    xxoo

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  36. Oh this was awesome~I think Brooke is the perfect one to start this series! With only one word, its still revealing. I love her book too~her style~her common sense and genuineness...is that a word? Anyway, she is great.

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  37. Isn't Brooke great? She was the first blog I started reading, too. I am smiling about Nicholas Cage as I remember my son saying during one of his movies, when he was about seven years old, "that guy is acting too hard!" I love Brooke's comfortable, genuine style and most importantly her commitment to her family.

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  38. Dear Tina,
    First of all, hope your knee is doing better! Second, congrats on Super Bowl:)
    I love seeing your rooms coming together in the chateau...those floors..swoon!
    And I saw Brooke's book at dear Anita's!! I did not have time to peek at it, but I shall head over to the book store.
    Thank you for featuring this talented designer...
    xoxo,
    - Irina

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  39. I have loved reading all of these wonderful comments alllmoost as much as I did reading Brooke's responses. What a great series and methinks that those that will follow have big shoes to fill. I have said it on her blog but Brooke is one of the most supportive and giving women on the blogsphere, despite her crazy schedule. She is the real deal.

    Now I can't help but wonder, how many blogs has she helped launch?! Looks like there are quite a few of us here...

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  40. I adore Brooke too. She is so warm and gracious. Loved reading her one word answers. Great new series!!

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    1. Tina,
      The questions you asked were wonderful. It gave us a side of Brook that we didn't know. Your very good at this, ya know! Her blog and cote De Texas were the two blogs that encouraged us to start a blog.

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  41. What can I possibly add? Tina, love the WORD idea! It provides great insight and great comradery! Yes, Brooke, you were my first, too...urged on by a friend into the addicting and most wonderful adventure called blogging! Everyday is like having tea with dear friends, getting caught up and sharing new discoveries! Such fun to discover such commonality, the world around...it warms my heart! Thank you, Tina and Brooke, Greet, Heather and so, so many more!
    Can't wait for more "WORDS!"

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  42. This was so much fun! I love meeting new bloggers. I haven't checked out Velvet and Linen yst - so thank you so much for the introduction! I will head over there now. Hope you are having a wonderful day.

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  43. How fabulous! I really enjoyed reading that! Thanks Tina

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  44. I love what Brooke said about empathy -- it is so true. It was great to get to know her a little better. I'm also excited to know about Greet Lefevre -- never heard of this designer, but if Brooke is a fan then I'm sure I will be too :)
    Stacy

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  45. I admire Brooke tremendously. Seeing her style, beautiful family, amazing talent, it's no wonder many fall in love (love to stalk) her and her life. Reading her responses just confirm how real and wonderful she is. Loved this! Laughed at knowing many think as her as funny, huge admiration for Steve being the person she admires most. Love getting to know her personal preferences. Thank you for putting it together in a wonderful blog post!

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  46. I like the One Word series. I've been following Brooke's blog for quite some time and fondly remember the time she emailed me about a humorous comment I left on one of her posts. It was an unexpected surprise because I’m not a blogger, and I thought that bloggers only talk to other bloggers - so in my book she's a genuinely nice person. It’s no surprise she has a “loyal” following of reader’s.

    Besides that, I think we all look forward to her move in day at Patina Farm - a Fait Accompli!

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  47. Great new series, Tina, and I'm glad you chose Brooke to kick it off. Her blog was the first one I discovered too, and I still love reading every post. She has great style, and I enjoyed learning more about her. Now... I think she should write a series on how she keeps her rear in good shape. Those of us with "bloggers butt" could definitely benefit :)

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  48. What fun, can't wait for the next installment.

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  49. Two really exceptional bloggers come together. Love it, you are both amazingly talented and seem like the "real deal". Thanks for this terrific post.

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  50. Love the new feature, and I'm so happy to have found your blog! I'll be stoping back regularly :) Thanks!

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  51. Beautiful series Tina. I agree with Brooke with the world needing more emphaty. That's what we all need.

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  52. Loving this series, Tina, and what a wonderful way to start. Patina Style is a favorite of mine, and Brooke's blog is definitely a daily read for me!!

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  53. Oh what a great series! Brooke is such a sweet person and this was such a fun interview to read.

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  54. I love this post. I have followed along with Brooke for as long as I knew what a blog was. She is one lady I would truly love to spend time talking with over a cup of tea. I love the one word post, so fun!! kathysue

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  55. Great post! I subscribe to Brooke's beautiful blog. Also, I'm enjoying Steve's and her new book.

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  56. Love this new series...so fun and such a fabulous post!
    ~Des

    PS. I am now following you on Google...hope you will follow me back :o)

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  57. Tina,

    Lovely way to enter into the Heart felt Month of February...with a new series...no doubt it will be a favorite among many.

    I follow Brooke, my husband and I met Brook and Steve during their book signing in Montecito, Ca @ the lovely home of Penelope and Adam Bianchi (blogger). Love following along the Patina Farm road as all things unfold in concept, scope, style and design. What a thrill for everyone to learn as we blog, and grow.

    Bette

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  58. Brooke is the real deal; a lovely, generous spirit with a great eye (and butt :) )
    I can vouch for her drinking A LOT of tea!

    PS.Fun idea for a series!

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  59. Thanks for the introduction to a great new blog!
    x
    Melissah

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  60. Tina....I am going to love this series! Boy.....move AND come up with new blogging ideas!
    So nice to read Brooke's thoughts, and I really enjoy her blog also. Like you, I discovered hers early on before I ever imagined writing one.

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  61. Love when you do these, such a great way to discover other talents out there. Wonderful interview, love how she chose her husband as the person she most admires. Provence, The Middle and needing more empathy, my kind of girl!

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  62. Brooke is the perfect "kick off" to your series and I'm looking forward to reading more as they are posted. (Being a New Englander, I was disappointed that the Pats lost.) Brooke's post was very thoughtful and considered. It made me think about a person's core values (trust, relationships, honesty, respect, listening, etc.), simplifying life and the things that really matter in life.

    A good way to start my Tuesday.

    Cheers,
    John

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  63. I absolutely love Velvet & Linen. Brooke's blog is one of my all time favorites and the book is as well. Her photos are amazing . If I ever win the lottery I would have Brooke and Steve design and decorate my new house that I would have to build. Brooke's style and philosophy that a home is to be lived in and enjoyed is exactly what I like and believe. It would be nice to meet her someday, I live in Canada, so its probably not likely, (unless I win a lottery and she designs my new house) Oh to dream!

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  64. Very nice post...You're two fantastic bloggers!!
    ;-) big kisses and a good day
    AnnaP

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  65. Great responses!! Brooke is the best!

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  66. What a fantastic format and loved all her answers. Not familiar with her blog but am going to head on over. Love this.

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  67. I love this! Fabulous responses! I am enjoying their new book too! I'm already a follower of Brooke's blog and am following yours too. You both have lovely blogs!

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  68. New reader, Tina, but I really do love your interview with Brooke!

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  69. Tina, thank you for this introduction. What a great sounding person. I really liked al of her answers. Will be sure to visit Velvet Linen.

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  70. Love this post and the concept..........and so onboard on the chocolate psychotherapy!

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  71. Lovely blog! I am lucky enough to be in Florida with Brooke and Steve (we flew on the same plane!!) And Btooke and Steve are having a book-signing at Lars Bolander's shop in West Palm Beach.

    We are staying at Nadine and Lars' house; well; all three of us almost had heart attacks when we arrived.
    The most sensational house I have been in. RVER!

    And I have been in some doozies!

    Brooke and I will both be posting.

    Steve explained the reality of and the importance of, and a description of (a blog) better than anyone I have ever heard.

    Brilliant.

    These are the greatest people ever. I sat next to Brooke on the plane...and I am struggling with my purse, my bag, dropping my lipstick,.....she is honestly the most thoughtful gracious person you could ever imagine.

    and Steve is wonderful...and what a team. It is a lovely thing to see.

    I am a lucky duck!

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  72. Seriously, we could be best friends! Off to check out the blog!

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  73. Great new series, Tina - very insightful. I'm a new follower of Brooke's - I love her work, her home is just gorgeous. I came over from Velvet & Linen to see your new series. Love your blog too! What a stunning home you have - you must be so excited seeing it come together.

    Sharon

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  74. I just discovered velvet & linen 4 or 5 months ago and I totally agree with you about the world of blogs. I live in Stn Mtn Ga and since reading the blog I have gone to Scott's Antique Marget and I've lived here 20 years and never gone before. Fab place!! Blog world has taken me to so many places mentally and visually and I love my new find. Hope I can meet some others and develope the friendships you talk about. Great job ladies. Look forward to more posts.
    Kathy G

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    Replies
    1. Just found your blog...and love it...felt a sense of beauty and calm just reading it and looking at the beautiful pictures!

      I'll be back!

      xxxooo
      victoria
      www.femininechicboutique.com

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  75. I've never seen fields of purple like that.

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