Good morning, still absolutely reeling from the last 10 days but have to say it feels great to be back in blogland. My son was supposed to, after 9 days of missed school, go back today but thanks to Mr. Snow who paid us an early visit, he is out yet again (he isn't complaining however)! I am soooo grateful to have a warm home, electricity food, my family and our health, all the things that really matter. I have so missed making my rounds and hearing from all of you. No rest for the weary though and I sprang into action all day and night last night catching up or at least scratching the surface and today is more of the same! I feel fortunate to even have some degree of "normalcy" back, many others are not so lucky. Needless to say, there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done in the tri state area and I continue to keep all those in harms way in my prayers.
Who would have thought that within a 10 day period IN NOVEMBER, we would have endured a major hurricane AND a snowstorm! Yes, last night we were in a full fledged snowstorm......crazy! We have 4 inches on the ground to prove it. Seeing is believing so I even took a few quick pictures with my i Phone (the first four were taken as it started coming down)
A farm nearby gets covered in a blanket of white....kind of strange for November!
There's something wrong with seeing snow covered pumpkins!
This was a gas station that just opened with one tank of gas...the line was nearly a mile long!
And then this morning I woke up to.......
BULLYING Have spoken about this before but it never gets old and there is no such thing as talking about something too many times when it comes to bullying. Its a conversation we NEED to hear and hear often. The Bully project is a truly noble project. I am proud to say I have donated and supported the making of this courageous and long overdue documentary about bullying. Lee Hirsch was the champion behind this project and I cannot sing his praises highly enough.
While its such fun to blog about beautiful homes and rooms and fun decor and entertaining ideas, the sobering reality is bullying is practically an epidemic that we as a society must have ZERO tolerance for. I have been blessed to not have had this personally affect me or my sons, but my heart truly breaks for any child who has experienced the loneliness and isolation of being bullied. There are way too many stories of young children and teenagers taking their lives because of the desperation they feel from being bullied. One is too many.
PLEASE all I ask is that you click on the movie above and take a look at the trailer. If it prompts just ONE conversation between a mother and her child ( as it did me and my son) I will feel like I did my small part to help raise awareness. Ideally, it will motivate all of you to talk to your children, grandchildren or a child you feel close to. Knowledge is power and just because this might not be affecting us personally does not mean we shouldn't take an active role and stand. Please click here to visit the site and hope you will watch the short but unbelievably powerful trailer. I PROMISE you will not regret taking less than 2 minutes out of your day to watch a film that might prompt a conversation and ultimately change the fate for a young child. THANK YOU! Now we can talk about some fun and pretty things.........
Have gotten a few new cookbooks lately and am loving them. You might already have them/know of them but when somethings good, I love to share. Here are some of my recent faves......you can never have too many, right?
This is officially my new favorite cookbook, it appeals to my Southern roots and the recipes are sensational!
This has some sinfully great recipes......special treats for when you want to indulge!
Super user friendly, great pictures and really wonderful recipes!
This is for when I am feeling REALLY ambitious...............hasn't happened yet but in due time!
House updates With the weather, just about everything is at a standstill but the patios have just started and that is VERY exciting! The biggest news however, is my guest room. OH how I love it.....I am ready to move right on in! Its not totally done but getting there, got most of the pillows I had made, put some temporary lamps in there...and its soooo cozy. I am waiting to do the window treatments, a few more pillows, get the new duvet (this one is a temporary) and the dust ruffle. Really loving how its coming along. Take a look.......(pics taken with iPhone, will take better ones again when the room is totally done)
STORE BIZ Have been working non stop since I got the internet back up to try and catch up on orders, inquiries and have new merchandise to talk about to boot!
1. For all the many who had inquired about the dough bowls right before the storm. I am getting in about 6 more of the smaller ones (20-24") and 3 of the bigger size, about 30" on average. There are simply too many names to email everyone so if you still want one, please email me and it will be first come first serve at this point. They are lovely!
2. For those who were interested in the candy/soap porcelain and ormolu dishes.......they arrived! They are even prettier in person. I am going to try to put them up over the next several days but if you are interested just email me. All styles and colors are below. Here is mine being put to good use. I love them, perfect for candy or a large guest soap bar or mini soaps.
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5. Round dishes
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8. Oblong with handle
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(ignore the styrofoam packing)!
11. Oblong
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14. Round
15. Oblong
3. For the napkin ring lovers....all orders for Christmas MUST be placed no later than Nov. 20th to guarantee delivery by Dec.15th. I know this is going to be a popular Christmas gift as they are incredible special custom gifts so just bear in mind the dates. Click here to see them in my online store under new arrivals
A few recent new styles......
Stag deer (there are four styles)
Lab and pheasant
Flying geese
Proud peacock
Almost any animals can be made pulling the cart as shown here with squirrel and rabbit
4. Got a small delivery ( a welcome dose of pretty- much needed) from one of my favorite vendors of some of the one of a kind pieces. I will not be listing these under new arrivals since I literally only have one or two of each item. I have numbered them however so if you have an inquiry just refer to the item number.
1. Large filigree tray
I got the gorgeous guest towel holders back ( I have six total)
1. Bamboo in silver ( I have 2)
2. Ant. brass filigree (I have 2)
3. Silver crown (I have 2)
4. Large oval garland tray with handles
Email me here with any inquires!
So that's about it around here. Going to be very busy this week trying to catch up on everything. Its been a really insane 10 days! I may not post again until the weekend, and I am supposed to be away this weekend so it might be Sunday or Monday. I think next week....everything, fingers crossed, will get back to normal! I hope you are well, anyone else feeling the Christmas rush yet? I have to admit I am and its a little nerve wrecking. I am staring to see a lot of chatter about Christmas decor, sales, gift giving suggestions and while its all so beautiful its also a more than subtle reminder that I need to get busy! I need to take a few days to just get everything together, catch my breath and start making my lists and checking them twice........
Wishing you a fabulous day!
Tina the guest room is SO gorgeous. No wonder you want to move in, I would too. It is really fit for a magazine cover, well done!
ReplyDeleteSnow in Nov? Around here that's nothing crazy but I know for you its way too early (my parents live in Greenwich). Hope things are normalizing for you and glad to see all the pretty new things for your store. The candy dishes are exquisite as are those napkin rings. The deer and lab one are so fabulous for a Thanksgiving table.
I will visit The Bully Project, cannot think of a more worthwhile cause to support. Take care of yourself, your family and Mr. Teddy!
Friends of ours out on Long Island still don't have their electricity on but hopefully today. We woke to snow as well but thankfully only an inch or so. I had to laugh at the picture of Teddy hanging of his bed since Dylan dog does the same thing but Dylan loves the snow. Your guest room is beautiful and may I please book my stay now?....;) I can't believe you're right back in the thick of things with your business after the week you've been through but there's nothing like work to make you feel back to normal.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend away!
XXX
Debra~
I am so grateful that I can home school, Tina. I get to choose the children my daughter interacts with. I agree that bully behavior has grown. I have a theory regarding the contributing factors. Many children simply do not have a stable family life. It affects them more than we realize, I think.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with the people and animals affected by the surreal, extreme weather. I wish there was more I could do. Please remind people that the Humane Society is working fervently to help our animal friends and they could use donations as well.
Your guest bedroom is swoonworthy! Have you slept in it?
On my way to visit your shop...
xo
Andie
Snow??!!!! Yikes. I have to say though, that after the outdoor pictures you showed, that large window with Teddy sleeping in front of it and a beautiful snowy landscape outside, it looked so peaceful! You are grateful for all of the right things Tina! You are in my thoughts. :)
ReplyDeleteI cannot fathom living through that much snow already! Wow! Sure is pretty to look at but I know it is a true hardship on so many! Your pictures were great…love the guest room and I'm LOVING that cookbook by John Besh! We've eaten at all of his restaurants here in New Orleans except for one…maybe this time! I will definitely be getting his cookbook, though! Thanks for sharing! So glad you are on the road to normalcy!
ReplyDeleteHappy things ate getting back for you!! I could fulfill my whole Christmas list here! Love the napkin rings and soap dishes.
ReplyDeleteYour gear room is the most beautiful room, too beautiful to not use and enjoy every day!!
The bully project is so worthwhile, very moving and tragic that it is happening in record numbers, I will show my kids these too. Thank you Tina!
I am also going to order John Besh"s book- love southern cooking :-)
I so agree with your comments on bullying, and since I am a school teacher we have discussed this at length. Education is definitely key, and if children can learn to look at the big picture, it is possible to take power away from bullies. The population that typically stands by without action- they typically are larger in numbers. There is power in numbers and they can make a difference. Thanks Tina!
ReplyDeleteI watched the trailer. It made me cry. To think that an innocent child could be so bullied by other kids that they would take their own life. It is unimaginable. God made each one of us. We are ALL DIFFERENT. We are all SPECIAL in His eyes. I too am thankful my children have never been bullied. And I have ALWAYS told them to be nice to EVERYONE. You never know what just a smile or a kind word can do in the life of someone who feels they are a nobody. Absolutely breaks my heart.
ReplyDeleteYour guest room looks beautiful and I love the shot of the snow on the trees outside of your window. So pretty.
ReplyDeleteI watched the bully video. Even though I've had that conversation with my daughter, that video reminded me to keep an open dialogue. So thank you.
I am so glad you have power and warmth. Enjoy time with your son.
Heather
What crazy weather you are having. So hope you are getting settled back in and able to start think about Thanksgiving. You know I'm obsessed with your guest room - gorgeous fabrics and love the nightstands! Happy to see all of your new goodies...so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAh yes, like you, we have been struggling with Sandy and yesterdays snow storm here in Huntington. as if we did not already have enough tree damage, I lost my beautiful Crape Myrtle due to the heavy wet snow...SNAP! Still no school yet for my son...no power and no heat. my prediction is tuesday since monday is Veterans day. so now i have something to do with him other than try and sleigh ride in the yard...wtach your video clip and see what a 10 year old thinks.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Chris
As beautiful as the snow looks on things, I wish everyone in your corner of the globe could catch a weather break for a week or two, I couldn't believe how many people lost power again because of the storm.
ReplyDeleteYour new goodies are *gorgeous*! The towel holders are especially lovely, and you know how much I love those napkin rings! You are awesome to keep rocking and rolling, go Tina!
tp
Hello Tina,
ReplyDeleteJohn Besh is an awesome chef. I live just outside of my home town of New Orleans, and just 5 miles from one of his restaurants/farm. I survived Hurrican Katrina with many downed trees on my property and neighborhood so I knwn ho9w you feel. It is all replaceable but your family, food, sleep and love. By the way, I have been following your blog since this last Spring and gone back in the archives to see the begining. I LOVE it and have told many a friend about you down here in South Louisiana. Keep it up. Carla de la Tour, MAndeville, LA
Although the snow is beautiful, I completely understand how the timing is so not right! I read your post, yesterday, in regards to some of the damage you experienced from Sandy, and it is a sad moment to lose a gloriously old tree(s)! I have been through so many horrific, and not so horrific, hurricanes, however, I can never grow numb to the damage and pain they cause. I pray you and your family stay well, and safe! xo
ReplyDeleteIf only children could come to appreciate everyone's uniqueness. The qualities everyone brings to the table.
ReplyDeleteDo others really have to be so mean; and how very scarring!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
THE GUEST ROOM TOOK MY BREATH AWAY. THAT WOULD QUICKLY BECOME MY ROOM, FORGET THE MASTER THOUGH SOMETHING TELLS ME YOUR MASTER IS GOING TO BE AS DREAMY!
ReplyDeleteLOVE THE NEW FINDS, THE SOAP DISHES, THE TRAYS AND NAPKIN RINGS ARE ALL SUCH SPECIAL UNIQUE ITEMS. I KNOW WHERE TO START MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. ONE STOP SHOPPING, JUST HOW I LIKE IT.
LOVE PIONEER WOMAN, HAVE ALL HER BOOKS AND NOW WANT TO GET JOHN BESH'S BOOK, MET HIM AT A FOOD NETWORK EVENT AND HE IS THE NICEST MAN AND HAS SUCH A LOVELY FAMILY.
THE SNOW IS BEAUTIFUL BUT ITS WAY TOO EARLY. YOU ALL NEED A BREAK. GLAD YOU ARE OK, THOUGH.
FINALLY WATCHED THE TRAILER, AND WIPING MY EYES. THIS SHOULD BE MANDATORY VIEWING FOR EVERY SCHOOL IN AMERICA. ONE KID IS TOO MANY, ABSOLUTELY BREAKS MY HEART. THANK YOU FOR SHARING IT. I WILL PASS IT ALONG.
SORRY FOR ALL CAPS- MY KEYBOARD JAMMED AND NOW WAITING ON A MY NEW KEYBOARD FROM APPLE!
Oh Tina that bullying video is heartbreaking. So so sad. I am lucky we dont have any problems with our kids but my heart aches for those that have this problem. There should be an absolute zero tolerance for this, I agree. I also think teachers and our educators can take a stronger stand and role in helping these victims. In my kids school (private parochial) they treat bullying like an actual crime, there are no second chances. Two kids were required to leave last year for bullying. I applaud that stand.
ReplyDeleteOn a lighter note, all the shop items are superb, very in keeping with your elegant style. But what I love most is that fairytale of a guestroom. May I come visit? Gorgeous job you did. Enjoy the snow, but have to agree it seems way too early!
I am so sorry about the difficult conditions with which you are being surrounded, but for us southerners, the snow scenes are gorgeous. Still waiting for my invitation to enjoy your guest room:)
ReplyDeleteHey Tina! Still cant believe everything you are going through there. Good to hear that things are getting better for your area and that you are starting to return to a more "normal" routine. The guest room looks great, as does some of the new items. Wishing you the best. -Tonya
ReplyDeletethank you so much for your kind words and sentiment during this rough spot for our family. i so appreciate it, tina.
ReplyDeletei have written a few articles on bullying for family magazines to raise awareness and direct parents to helpful resources. kids who are bullies often have parents who are bullies so it's tricky. something i learned that was a little counter-intuitive is bullies generally have high self esteem. can you beat that?
thinking of you as you get closer to normalcy and prepare for the holidays. i am not feeling at all festive but i do feel some peace today. i am grateful for the opportunity to serve and nurture and the strength to lighten another's load.
love to you.
michele
Good afternoon precious Tina!
ReplyDeleteI have been out teaching today and now have come to visit with my friends. I had heard that the east was to get snow and here it IS! I was just shocked this morning as I saw your prior post with all the trees down and I WISH YOU ALL daily success in getting things in order and back to normal. Life in the CITY however, is going to take some time to get back on track, but I am just thankful that you are SAFE AND SOUND! Your bedroom is spectacular and like always, your wares in the shop are just beautiful. Be well sweet Tina! Anita
Tina... your guest room as well as the rest of your gorgeous home belongs on the cover of a magazine! I look forward to your post every morning with my cup of coffee. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home!
ReplyDeleteUm..can I be your first guest? That room is amazing! I'm glad you are safe and warm...can life please go back to normal now??
ReplyDeletexo
Sharon
Your beautifully coming along guest room has just the most beautiful colours (mine has similar tones but it is far from being so stunning like yours), blues and soft beiges and some gray!
ReplyDeleteThe soap dishes are always hard to find and I never saw anyting like you just posted, very pretty. Gosh, your powder room is a feast for eyes.
As for the most important thing, it is great to hear from you about the problem of bullying, as a worrying mother and a sister of a boy who once was (being able to help my brother then) ...still I worry about my son starting school. It is great you were a part of this sad video! Great work Tina!
hugs Z
What is Mother Nature playing at? It's just unbelievable what the US has had to deal with lately. Amazing photos of the snow, and for November. Wow. So, the house is looking divine despite it all, and that guest room, I don't know how you can't sleep in there every night. I would be my own guest and never leave. It's just beautiful and that fabric you've chosen, Ah!
ReplyDeleteOh, my sweet Tina.. I bet there's a huge list of people wanting to be the 1st guest, huh? Of course, you can always choose moi! ;-)
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to come here to see how you're doing.
Have a blessed weekend, sweetie.
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Oh, Tina, after watching that trailer my mind pretty much couldn't concentrate on anything else. I don't even know what the rest of your post was about. I just kept seeing those kid's broken faces. How sick is bullying? Honestly, it infuriates me. You can tell these kids have a broken spirit and how are they supposed to get over that wound? Bravo, my friend, for calling attention to something that is so important and needs to be stopped.
ReplyDeleteI am happy that things are getting back to normal for you. I will watch the video after I post this comment. Bullying HAS gotten out of hand, it is so sad. The guest room is gorgeous. Do you take reservations???:):) The store items are all beautiful too. XO, Pinky
ReplyDeleteYou must be SO busy with store business and keeping your homebound son busy. I am so glad we didn't get snow here! PS - your house updates look great as always!
ReplyDeleteStacy
Tina- happy you are OK and getting back to normal. My husbands best friend lives in coastal CT. and we have kept tabs on the damage and destruction. They still have no power!
ReplyDeleteThose pictures are amazing, snow already, wow!
LOVE that guest room, it is just perfect in every way. I would be tempted to make it my room if I were you. I would love to be a guest there but it might be hard to leave.
The napkin rings are so awesome! I love them, what a great gift idea. And those candy dishes are very pretty and elegant too. Love it all. Take care of yourself. Glad you are back.
I am so happy to see you back. I have missed my dose of fabulousness!
ReplyDeleteI agree on the bullying. It has got to be stopped!
Tina-
The snow is so beautiful, but I know y'all have had ENOUGH of weather! So glad that you are safe and warm. My heart breaks for all of the people in Sandy's path.
The bedroom, WOW! I LOVE IT! You really have done a beautiful job on your home.
Happy Friday.
Teresa
xoxo
Hi, don't comment often but your quest room is amazing + Have a son in NY, thank god he was alright but without power still.Being originally from NWFlorida I certainly understand about hurricanes, Sandy was BIG. Bullying is for the birds!must be stopped! Adore your blog. Stay safe & warm. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteGorgeous post. Your guest room is just exquisite. Love every single detail you have shown.
ReplyDeleteTina, so sorry about the storm and damage. Glad you are safe and OK. It is terrifying what happened.
Bullying breaks my heart. Being a former teacher, I think every teacher should take a required course in how to recognize a bullying situation and how to address it. The teacher has the capacity to play a big role in this problem.
Enjoy your posts as always and really missed visiting. New store items are simply wonderful.
That was a fun post! Love the new updates for your guest room! I guess that's where I'll be sleeping once we have our blog getty one day! The new store items are gorgeous as always and I loved that movie. I will definitely be sharing it with my co-workers at school.
ReplyDeleteI don't always comment on your wonderful blog but today I stopped by because I like your new additions to you shop. I always get your posts via e-mail.
ReplyDeleteAs always you have put together stunning offerings in your shop~!! I have to say I just love the guest room and that fabric is so pretty. The bed coronet is gorgeous, as is the workmanship. I don't get to see too many doing those lovely treatments so this was very nice to take in.
ReplyDeleteThe Red Deer MLS real estate market continues to show strong growth and is one of the most vibrant in Alberta. Red Deer MLS Home Search is the number one place to keep up to date with relevant information on all things related to real estate in Red Deer MLS and area, our team is constantly researching the market so we can provide the most current, up to date Red Deer MLS real estate info with http://www.reddeerhomesearch.com/.
ReplyDeleteYour guest room looks lovely Tina, those cushions are to die for. You'll never see your guests when they arrive, they'll just stay in their room all day!
ReplyDeleteLove your soap dishes, you are a very gifted lady to choose such a great selection of goods for your store
Sharon
xx
Hello Tina Lovely to have you back in blogland.It must have been a terrible time for you and your family.So glad that you are safe and well.The guest room in simply stunning.The weather looks crazy keep safe.x Trish
ReplyDeleteHello Tina Lovely to have you back in blogland.It must have been a terrible time for you and your family.So glad that you are safe and well.The guest room in simply stunning.The weather looks crazy keep safe.x Trish
ReplyDeleteTina,
ReplyDeleteYour guest room looks fabulous! I love everything about it!
And all of the treasures for your store ate lovely. There are going to be some beautiful holiday settings with the napkin rings.
I hope you ate enjoying your family and your home after ten days away.
Take care, Elizabeth
Such a perfectly lovely bedroom!!! Funny that we are praying for snow here in Mammoth. My cousin in New Jersey just got power a couple of hours ago!
ReplyDeleteYour son will have to make the days up, right...or longer days? Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Who would not like to be a guest at your home!?! Happy that you are safe and warm....
ReplyDeleteJust a friendly request -- would you kindly list the prices with your one of a kind pieces? I hate to bother you with an email if it's not in my price range. I especially love the soap/candy dishes.
ReplyDeleteThe guest room is just amazing, reminds me of something I would find in a beautiful french hotel. Lucky guests!
ReplyDeleteThe bullying video stirs so much sadness and anger. Why would this be allowed to go on anywhere? It is a tragedy and to think young innocent kids are the victims, it is heartbreaking.
love the napkin rings, such nice conversation pieces. So happy you are back and doing well, Tina.
PRECIOUS TINA!
ReplyDeleteOh how nice it is to see you come by for a spell!!! GOOSEBUMPS HAVE YOU? Fabulous. The senses are meant to be STIRRED AND FELT! WOO!
I hope you are comfortable and well; with so much clean up going on chez toi, I imagine you are super busy, but we are SO GRATEFUL that you are all safe!
I will be getting that post/information to you early this week my dear! And thanks for coming to brighten my day!!! Anita
All I can say is that I hope to be a guest at your house someday so I can sleep in that bed! But you may wake up to not having anything left in that room! lol It is stunning! I love those napkin rings and the dough bowls. I think I've actually got an old dough bowl from my Great Aunt and Uncle....hmmm now I need to go dig through the cabinets!
ReplyDeleteI concur with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your future updates. The usefulness and significance is overwhelming and has been invaluable to me!
ReplyDelete