Friday, July 13, 2012

End of the week musings


Happy Friday morning to you! Today is a day where the theme is hodge podge. Truly a little of this and a little of that and a fairly short post (for me at least). First I am announcing the winner of the garden goodies.  Then, a few books I have just recently gotten that I love, a few new products that I just got that I am very excited about, a couple of new trinkets around the house, a few additions to my shop and so on and on. First the winner for the lovely trio of gardening items....using random number picker. The lucky winner is #80


 Enter an integer here
 Here is the result 
                                          Congratulations to Kathy Moody!!
Please contact me with your shipping details so these can get on their way............


First lets talk books. I use to be an avid reader, I mean a voracious "can't put a book down" kind of reader. Then I discovered blogging and the rest is history. I still pick up a book here and there but nothing like it used to be.Simply do not have the time, pure and simple. But, I did get a few new books and I am excited to delve right in. The first one, Ricky Laurens lifestyle/cookbook is not a novel but is a really fabulous book capturing the essence of laid back/beachy Montauk and is chock full of delectable recipes. Then a few reading books......

                                                         Enjoying this..


About to read.........



And just finished this and loved it (based up on Hadley Hemingway's life, wife of Ernest)

Any books you care to recommend that I can add to my flying by summer reading list? Do tell!

Calling all blondies.......Heard about this from a friend obsessed with hair and on a few blogs. You know I ran out to CVS to buy one of each. I plan to start using tomorrow morning but will let you know in a few weeks if it does what it says it will. Disclaimer is that my highlights actually look pretty good since i just got them so its not totally going to be obvious if this is really that good for at least a few weeks but there is a lot of hype over it! But everyone is hailing this as a really fabulous product that is the first of its kind (and no its nothing like Sun In, lol)


I was in East Hampton a few days ago and got some cute things from the Lilly Pulitzer store, this dress caught my eye because I remarked to the salesgirls that its so perfect for July 4th or Labor day and then she told me the fireworks on it glow in the dark! Genius!! I no longer wear short strapless dresses but if you do or you have a daughter who does...how great looking is this dress!! Seriously cute and talk about how you will positively "glow"...lol.

And since I couldn't buy the dress, I did what every girl craving a little retail therapy would do...bought some shoes!
And they are actually pretty comfortable to boot!

And being a big fan of Calypso, it was my first stop got these great tunics......they are a great resource for chic summer tunics, paired with white pants, they are a no brainer!


Speaking of shoes.....are you a flip flop person? I love them and in fact love shoes in general but as I have gotten older comfort and practicality trumps looks every time (whereas when I was younger). But of course they have to look good. Real good.  I would suffer and my poor toes were like smashed sardines by the end of the night..no more, they are free, free to be comfortable! Got the best flip flops (from stylish Swedish designer, Ilse Jacobsen), they are like physical therapy for the feet and look cute...so they are a winner in my book. Got them from my good blogging buddy, Mon's gorgeous shop, Splendid Avenue, chock full of all kinds of wonderful things for us girls and our homes. Its a must see, and here are my flip flops, highly recommend them and they come in 6 chic colors....click here to visit.


Also added these four Trowbridge prints to above a console, not sure they will permanently stay but they do like nice and its nice to see a big blank wall filled at least for now!



Store biz........going to stop carrying Seda France soon, down to my last few candles of each scent. They are a very special line but the shipping is quite expensive (opposite coast) but I will still carry the amazing gardenia in crystal urn candles. Click here to visit my store.

I am excited to start adding some really exceptional tole pieces late summer/early fall. Here's a preview..........thoughts? 



I have been sold out of the squirrel nut bowl that have been wildly popular, got four more in yesterday so for anyone who was wanting one...they are now available (first come first serve).
Adore this dish, its like the cutest conversation piece and serves a lot of nuts too.........



                 And got in a few pieces of each of these silver items also that were sold out.....

Gorgeous filigree display bowl with beaded edge

Beautiful heavily detailed tray for vanity or bar (I have this in my bathroom)

Gorgeous large filigree planter

I am excited to start adding some really exceptional tole pieces late summer/early fall. Here's a preview..........thoughts?

Last piece of biz.....on my online store I have a section titled "Your enchanted homes" this is a place where customers send in pictures of products they purchased from me and show me how they are using them in their homes. Its really exciting for me to see and there are so many gorgeous pictures.....my customers have unbelievable taste! So please,  if you have a picture of something you want to "show off" email it to me! Would love to add to my collection and I am going to be planning my first ever contest in a few weeks, so would love to see your purchase in action! Click here to visit Your Enchanted Homes.

So...that's whats cooking over here. Was on the road again yesterday, Rhode Island this time and feel lately like I am gone more than I am home. Soon off to Mass. for a few days and then planning a small birthday luncheon for a really dear friend on Wed. so busy days ahead but you know I will be sure to stop in when I can. Hoping your summer is going well! Wishing you a fabulous day and thanks for stopping in!



Photobucket

59 comments:

  1. Hi Tina-
    first comment, thats a first! So much to comment on here, thanks for the book recommendations, have to add to my list. Love the tunics and shoes, going to go track those shoes down.
    Your console looks perfect, I would keep those prints and last I will send pictures of my bell jars in my kitchen, they look gorgeous. Love all the items and heart that squirrel nut bowl!
    Have a good weekend.

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  2. You are all over the place and with the way my mind is running these days I can't remember what you started with first....lol. I do remember your prints over your console and they look wonderful. I don't think you need to add any more it's like a quiet elegance. Summer is a bust time for everyone but I hope you're enjoying it!

    XX
    Debra~

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  3. LOVE the shoes you picked up...adorable. I'm always safer in a wedge because I'm a bit of a klutz. Your prints are gorgeous. I also love that you are adding a spot for customers to show off their goods they bought from your shop... very smart! What part of MA will you be in? If you are near me and can fit in a visit let me know! xo

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  4. Tina, when I traveled to NJ by car for my Annie Sloan training I bought The Paris Wife and listened intently there and back! It was an amazing story, I really enjoyed it!!! When I visited Key West and went to Ernest Hemingways home (now museum), it was the home he shared with Pauline, the woman who stole him away from Hadley. The house was fascinating because Pauline, being an editor for Vogue mag in Paris, relocated to the keys with her hubby and brought along her collection of French chandeliers, which she had installed after removing all the ceiling fans whilst Ernest was off on a fishing trip! He was furious! I guess he should have stuck with Hadley!!
    I am going to try the Freida blonde products,as I no longer have time to get to the hairdresser as I am trapped in my shop!!! So maybe it can help bridge the gaps between visits~I will let you know how it works for me. Love the tole line~so gorgeous!! Come to Maison Decor if you can fit it in, I know you are as busy as I am lately~xxoo

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  5. Good Friday morning to you too, Tina!!!


    I need to try the shampoo. I'm a bit frustrating with mine at the moment! :-)

    Your store only has stunning items, Tina! It's incredible!

    Wishing you a very blessed weekend, my friend.

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  6. Oh that shampoo does work! I was having my hair colored a light strawberry blond, monthly, and I was using this shampoo...By week 2 I had no color hair! I thought it "held" the blond, not fad it blond! It was a crazy merry go round...and it took me months to figure it out! Silly me.
    Your store is amazing.
    Patty

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  7. Love the shoes! I too, as I get older, look for comfort over look, but it's nice if we can combine both!

    I think I will look for The Paris Wife, looks like a book I would love. Thanks for the recommendation.

    Have a great week-end, Tina!

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  8. Tina I am loving tunics this season. They look so put together with earring a a cute pant! The wedges I adore; however these are a bit high for me :(

    I really want to read the Paris Wife!

    Your new shop items will be a great addition!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  9. Be EXTRA EXTRA careful with the John Frieda spay-in blonde product. I know there's a lot of hype around it right now, but if you read reviews on Amazon, Ulta, etc..., there are QUITE a few women who have experienced significant hair loss/breakage from using that product. I can't speak from personal experience, but I was researching it to buy and that turned me off of it. Not worth it to me! Just wanted to make sure you were aware :) Have a wonderful weekend!

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  10. Hi Tina,
    I just got Ricky Laurens new book on Wednesday, love it, and now am going to get The Paris Wife. Thanks for the recommendation. I also visited Ernest Hemmingways home/museum when we were in the Keys. I sort of remember that to get back at his wife, he installed a toilet or bathtub as a garden sculpture in the courtyard? Does anyone know if I have this right?? Maybe too many Margaritas??
    Tina, please post a picture of yourself! We would love to see the woman behind all this wonderful creativity and talent!

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  11. I'm so impressed that you have time to shop and read books! I love your shopping choices and the tole pieces too! Sounds like you're doing an excellent balancing act. I find that I get working on a project and everything else goes out the window! My poor husband doesn't know what it's like to have anything but salads for dinner, or a run to a restaurant! Oh well! Enjoy!

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  12. The upcoming items look pretty nice. I think markets are going on in Atlanta now. A friend of mine that owns a specialty gift store is there this week making all of her selections for her store. The hall looks good with the prints. Whats going on in some of your other rooms? I havent seen the library, patio, and some others for a while? Have a great weekend! - Tonya (and Rob)

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  13. Hello Tina,
    Loved all things you recommend us today + the GORGEOUS Trowbridge prints above your commode! Tina, this looks just fabulous!!! I filed so many of the pictures of your home for my inspiration. This picture I will add also to my 'Tina' file!
    Have a wonderful weekend Tina!
    xx
    Greet

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  14. Hi TIna!

    Love your "little bit of this, little bit of that" post. I don't read like I used to either, but try to fit one in here every now and then. I just finished the American Heiress...and it has a little Downtown Abby feel to it. Same era.

    I hosted a little luncheon for a friends birthday yesterday and just enjoyed the company of 3 other lovely friends. That is my favorite way to entertain these days. I wish I had taken pictures...I used my blue and white wedding china (Wedgewood Crown Sapphire) that I so rarely use, but the blue and white makes me think of you.

    Off to walk and get things in order here. So far I haven't "relaxed" enough this summer. Hoping that I'll get to that before August ends!
    xoxo Elizabeth

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  15. I love the Towbridge prints too! They look great grouped like that. I am working on a similar display of art - 10 photos from our travels stacked which I hope has some really great impact! I enjoyed the Paris Wife too...I am just finishing Unkonwn about a WWII POW in Japan...a tough read but so well done!

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  16. As always so much to see, I heard about that John Frieda line, and am tempted to use it also. Thanks for the book recommendations, just finished A fine balance, an older book but so so good. I have to get that Ricky Lauren book, looks like a good one.
    Tina, love all the items in your store, and those tole pieces are very exciting, PLEASE carry them! The prints above your console look perfect. Always enjoy little peeks into your magnificent home. Hope you have a great weekend.

    PS GREAT wedges!

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  17. Hi Tina,
    happy Friday! Thanks for the book recs...I have the Paris Wife on my night table..haven't gotten to it. Slogging my way through Cleopatra...can't seem to really get into it even though I usually love that genre.
    I too used to be an avid reader and then my life happened. By the time I get to bed to read I'm usually too exhausted to get more than a page or two in.
    I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
    Amy

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  18. I love random bits of everything posts.
    I love the prints above your console, they look like they were made for that spot. I'm excited to see the upcoming tole items in your shop. Have always been a fan. When I visit your blog it's like visiting a friend.

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  19. Random posts are so much fun, I love the little snippets and tidbits of everyday goings-on. The Paris Wife is on my list, I just can't seem to keep up with all the reading I want to do! Understand the issue with the candles, you know that struggle with shipping weights as well, candles are *heavy* items.

    Sending you a smile for the weekend!
    tp

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  20. Hi Tina! Love the 4 prints in the entry, the touch of black on the white is stunning. I will look into the Freida products. I have used sun in for years between highlights and it works great on my hair, even my hairdresser agrees, she says I am the only one she would recommend it for. For some reason it brings out the gold, not orange in my hair so I guess I am lucky in that way.
    Looking forward to a report!!Love your random post!
    Happy weekend,
    Kathysue

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  21. Hi Tina, I've been wanting that Ricky Lauren book - I saw a recipe from it for Lobster Souffle, which I'm dying to make. I was just discussing books with some girlfriends last night, and we agreed that nothing we've read so far this summer beat last summer's favorites of The Paris Wife and Rules of Civility, but The Chaperone was quite good. I'm currently reading the Innocents and enjoying it.
    Hope you have a lovely weekend and a fun busy week ahead! XO

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  22. OH gosh...where do I start. Love the tunic you bought and I have been wanting to buy one. Love the shoes, but how do you wear such high shoes? My back would be out and I walk really funny in them. Brilliant idea to show your readers homes and where the placed the things they bought. Wish you would do an additional post on it also. I am going to go look right now... enjoy your weekend, off to Arizona.

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  23. I loved The Paris Wife. Now, Im going to look into some of your suggestions. I always need people to tell me what to read 'cause I never know which books to select.

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  24. Oh.my.gosh. Your blog is my dream-come-true for inspiration for my "new" house which we moved just into. I have the quotation marks around "new" because it's actually a historical home, built in 1877. We moved in just a week or so ago and are remaining packed in boxes with furniture stored in other rooms while we finish laying hardwood floors and drywalling and repairing plaster in the main rooms (living, dining, breakfast) before any painting and decorating can begin. That's the part that I love and I happened across your blog when I googled white marble and saw the fabulous white kitchens in some of your posts. All I can say is so happy to have found you and I will probably be reading ALL of the posts you've done so far lol to catch up! I've followed and also signed up to have it sent to me via e-mail. Lovely treasure I've found! Nice to meet you ;)

    Illustrator Sandy M
    Ooh La Frou Frou
    http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com

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  25. Whoops! I forgot to tell you that "The Kitchen House" is really good. I couldn't put it down.

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  26. Hi Tina, love your style here, and some fabulous shopping tips. Also eager to hear what people are listing to read this summer. I am also looking for a good book.

    I am in partnership with Monika now over at Splendid Avenue thank you so much for the shout out!

    Have fun in MA and RI, i was just there few days in Newport, RI, Boston, MA and the Cape. Have fun!

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  27. Tina, I loved this post--so much happiness and goodies--I especially loved popping over to "Your Enchanted Home". What a great idea and holy cow do your clients have great taste, no surprise there! Bon weekend et bisous Ă  Teddy. ;)

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  28. Always fun to see what you are up to! I am also a huge Calypso fan and I like your taste in shoes !(:

    KEEP the prints - right there! I love the look, Tina.

    Hugs to you & Happy Weekend (and Happy Birthday to your friend who I am sure you will spoil royally!).

    Mon

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  29. Great post. I used to love to read. I can't tell you when I've picked up a book. Just no time. Love the prints too. They look perfect over the console table. Luncheons with special girl friends are the best. Know it will be over the top. Have a great weekend. Mona

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  30. girl you are busy, and in my book, that is always an awesome thing and how i wanna be.

    ricky's book is on my list too!

    your shoes are fabulous.

    i love my ilse flipflops (black and silver) and i am now on the hunt for the perfect wedge sandal.

    can't wait to hear about how the products work. do you wanna know one of my favorite things about being a blonde? i am underestimated in every area of my life almost everyday because of it. so they never see me comin'!!!!! ya know?

    smiles.

    michele

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  31. So much to love here, the tunics, the shoes, love the tole items for your shop and those prints above your hall console is just so beautiful, I say keep it just like that!
    I love to read but find I have little time with 4 kids under 14! The Ricky Lauren cookbook however I ordered, she has such wonderful style.
    Thanks for all the great recommendations, love those wedges!

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  32. Thank you, thank you!!!! I am so excited to win!!! Still can't believe it. I sent my info through your blog email. HAPPY DANCE. You made my day, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend. :)

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  33. Hi Tina, I've been looking for some cute, comfy flip flops and these are perfect! If my feet aren't comfortable, I'm not a happy girl!

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  34. Headed to CVS now! LOL! I love these products and have used them for years…they usually stay in our beach house so now I thought i would run get me some for Birmingham as well! Love all of the outfits! I love Calypso! The flip flops are great as well! You are certainly a busy girl! Glad to know I'm not the only one! With Market in Atlanta still hanging over my head….not even sure I want to go and then "Market Day" at the shop next Saturday it will be a whirlwind! Atleast we can relax while reading blogs! Thanks for the great pictures and great tips! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  35. Sounds like you are having a great summer so far! I love the prints that you placed over that console.

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  36. Tina, I love these random posts that you do. Hope I remember everything-
    1. Have the John Freida go blonde line and its really good, just know it can dry out your hair a little bit but it does lighten up the hair but not extreme.
    2. Love that tole line, hope you will carry it, see several things I could find a home for.
    3. The prints above the black chest look exquisite.
    4. Own the squirrel nut bowl and I use it all the time, great piece and really nice quality.

    Thanks for sharing your world with all of us, coming to your blog is my happy place!

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  37. I am going to have to try the John Frieda line and love the Calyspo tops so cool and hides my curves haha! You have a great touch for buying exactly what would be perfect in your store!!

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  38. I've been using the John Frieda lightening spray for months and I must say I think it's fabulous, so much so that I no longer go to the hairdresser. If you're naturally fair, it works really well but if you're not, from what I've read, you have to be careful or you may go red rather than blonde. Personally I've not found it damages my hair at all but I don't use it all the time, just as a top up to my natural colour. Suze

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  39. So many great recommendations...I will be sure to check them out! Especially the John Freida products :o) Have a great weekend!
    ~Des

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  40. oh my word you shared alot ... love the book suggestions and dying to know how the blonde products work... i saw something about them as well and now i will let you tell us the result... i am going to hunt it down....
    happy weekend to you... off to denver to check on things and make a TON of decisions... sound familiar???? xx pam

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  41. Some great shopping tips here. I am definitely going to try the John Frieda range and I love the flip flops and the wedges you bought. x Sharon

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  42. Good morning beautiful!

    I LOVE THESE BOOKS and those black and white prints in your hallway are stunning. I will be on a short break from blogging but will keep an eye on your posts as I cannot be away for too long! ENJOY! Anita

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  43. You're coming to my neck of the woods, Rhode Island. I'm so curious as to which city you will be visiting. I hope you enjoy our little state.

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  44. Great post!! I know that you primarily cover the progression of your house, which I love and adore. However, I would also love your fashion suggestions, go-to beauty products, and even your favorite prodcuts for the house.

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  45. my daughter has used the JF sun lighting product and said it was great.
    i want to try it,
    maybe today.

    have a sweet week end
    xox

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  46. 'Read The Paris Wife about a month ago -- loved it. Was looking for a new book when I came across The Chaperone, which was endorsed by the author of The Paris Wife - which was the reason I bought it. Will let you know.
    Lauren

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  47. Wow... a new John Frieda shampoo?! I love his products, I'm going to get some today! I'm always in the lookout for good books, I'm limited in my time so I appreciate the info, they look wonderful! You're truly inspiring on every level! Thanks for always sharing your genius with us!

    Best wish to you beautiful lady!
    Desiree

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  48. Hi Tina! What a fun post! I like your book selection - just finished The Paris Wife for book club and enjoyed it. Love your fashion suggestions. Those wedges are so cute! Great new items for your store and fun to see more progress with the house.

    Have a great weekend Tina!

    leslie

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  49. I have been needing some new books to read and will check these out! Aren't those flip flops fabulous. I have a pair and love them!

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  50. Hey Girl...you have so much going on I catch myself holding my breath when I read your posts! Chalked full of fun for sure!
    Safe travels!
    xx

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  51. Have never tried "Blonder" but the John Frieda "Blonde" shampoo and conditioners are FAB for hi-lited hair. I swear my color is brighter every time I shampoo with it.

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  52. Hi, Tina!

    Love the wedges!
    Not much reading going on here...The weather we are having is amazing!
    Funny you should be talking about John Frieda, I'm using his products also but to correct my color! I like them a lot!
    Have a wonderful weekend...
    Nickiexo

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  53. I must get my hands on a copy of that Ricky Lauren book!

    Melissah

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  54. This was a newsy post! Love the tunic and flip-flops...and darling wedges. I'll have to buy the shampoo! Let us know how it works for you.

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  55. Love the tunics, Tina. You just can't go wrong! Love lilli, and I have accused my daughter of keeping them in business, or would that be me keeping them in business?
    Love your prints. Everything you post, I can't imagine that it could get any more beautiful around your house. Perfection. Love the tole too. I am in love with the flip flops at Monica's.
    I received my cake spade, and I LOVE IT! Thank you so much for such a nice giveaway.
    Happy Monday.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  56. Love those pieces... so gorgeous and luxourious.
    Take a look at those pieces... amazing, too: http://www.bocadolobo.com/le/index.html

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  57. I don't know how I missed this post for three days! It has so much to like in it! So funny, I heard about the Sheer Blonde RIGHT after i dyed my hair chestnut brown :)

    Love the tole pieces - they really DO look quite unique! And I LOVE the prints over the console. That hallway looks GREAT!!
    xo Stacy

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  58. So much to love here...adore the shoes and can't wait to get some of your book recommendations!! Now to your house - love, love the Trowbridge prints above your beautiful console ~

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  59. So enjoying your blog, its so full of information, beauty and inspiration. Love the prints above that console, your taste in clothes, all the new things for your store and just the John Freida products and have for about a year, they are so great. I use Morrocan Oil once a week though to make sure my hair doesn't get too dry, other than that, they are really great products. Fun post.

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Would love to hear what you have to say......happy thoughts only please!!