Monday, February 4, 2013

Early week musings.......



Hello and happy Monday.  Hard to believe this weekend has come and gone....exciting Superbowl! That was pretty crazy about the blackout, my husband known for his conspiracy theories was quick to jump all over that one and definitely entertained us as we waited for the game to resume. I am still stuffed from all the food that was served to us at our friends house but it was worth every delicious bite (and calorie)!  Not that I am so into football but do look forward to this excellent excuse to indulge in all kinds of yummy finger foods (at least I am honest)! But it's all good and hey, it doesn't get more American than that.  I thought some of the commercials were a little all over the place and didn't make a lot of sense to me but I loved the Audi one with the high school kid who takes his dads car, very cute along with a few others. Moving along.......
 
So remember my perfect carpeting for my room that I was so excited about? Well I finally go to order it and am told its out of stock and it will take 16-20 weeks to make a new batch!!!!!!I was devastated as I also found out two days later that the fabric that we finally decided on for my dining room is also backordered for a min. of 12 weeks!!!! Whats going on here? I am 0-2 and not happy. So.....found two more contenders for my bedroom, here they are would love your take. I am leaning more towards one than the other and curios to see what you think. The dining room fabric is going to be  my project next week...I am determined to find it!
 




 
I won this book from my dear friend, Debby's blog, Inspired Design who we all know and love. I adore this book. The pictures are totally droolworthy and have a real vintage vibe, not to mention they draw me right in and have me wanting to make each and every recipe! The pictures literally bring gorgeous food images to an entirely new level and could make even a cooking skeptic want to jump in. This is one talented lady! If you want to channel your inner "cool cook" vibe, you must get this....it is simply put, awesome! Thanks Debby!
 
 



 


 
  Be sure to take a look at my new section for my online store, tole and chinoiserie, a tribute to one of my most favorite design elements! I have some gorgeous gorgeous new things just added included this fabulous new lamp. Lots more to come! Click here to see it so far......




 
 
 
Its fun to know what and who ended up getting the most votes for my weekly Which would you choose...don't you think? So the last two were which chef you would want to come in and cook for you and the other was on cocktail dresses for a swanky party ...so here are the top three for each post (several of the others vied for fourth, hey they are all winners if you ask me)!
 
For the cocktail dress Which would you choose, here are the top three....


 
 
And for the one which you got to choose the chef who would come for the weekend to cook up a storm for you....here is your top five picks (included five because they were all so neck in neck)!




 
  And last the top three rooms that most say "you"....and let me say you did not disappoint in this either! From dresses to chefs to interior design...you are truly tastemakers in your own right!


And if you are curious...these all tied for fourth!


 
I have spoken often about how much I looooove stationary. Amazing that I have yet to get into that business considering how much I love it. Enter Charming Elizabeth. Fell in love with this designers beautiful cards/thank you/wine labels/stationary.......am placing an order for myself and a few gifts. She has such a beautiful aesthetic!
 
 For the baker/cook she has so many fabulous labels for your homemade goodies!
Love her bookplates, I lend out a lot of books so I need this!

Elegant calling cards

This has my name written all over it....

 As does this one....so charming!
 Gorgeous colors.....beautiful card!
 Another great label....I could easily plan an entire party around this beautiful theme!
I LOVE these absolutely stunning cards that she designed for the most beautiful memory game I have seen! What a neat gift too.

Click here  to visit  Charming Elizabeths' website.  I even love her name:)



Anyone know knows me often hears me say that I was born in the wrong era....I don't know where you stand but to me, this world of ours is moving way too fast. I hate the way people communicate more via their phone than in person, that there are no "secrets" any more, even innocent things like girls surprising everyone with her chosen prom dress, nope....websites and facebook pages are set up weeks before prom to have all the girls show their dresses to be sure (gasp) that no two wear the same.  What happened to the element of surprise?

 I dont' like that when I am standing in line in Starbucks, and now you can actually order a cup of coffee without uttering a single word, you can show a barcode on your phone (huh)? I just keep silently hoping there will be some kind of backlash towards this progressive "moving at warp speed" race towards who knows what. I am also a serious skeptic with a lot of the social media, Facebook, Twitter,etc.....so much to think about! I saw this video on my friend Allison's blog, The Polohouse and it is really something you have to see....... click here or on video.




Now, I do not want to close on a negative/eerie note......and wanted to say I finally got to see Silver Linings Playbook...it was fantastic! I thought Bradley, Jennifer, and Robert all gave brilliant performances. I laughed and cried, it was real, refreshing and hauntingly sad too. I absolutely recommend it...... 

 


So my fellow sweetpeas that's whats new over here.  I want to wish everyone a wonderful start to the week and I will be back tomorrow, have a fabulous day!
 
Photobucket

37 comments:

  1. Good morning, Tina...it is nice to wake up to find one of your newsy posts!! Sorry you are having problems with carpet and fabric - how incredibly frustrating. Thanks for sharing Charming Elizabeth...they are indeed charming and I can't wait to check out her site! Silver Linings Playbook was my favorite movie recently.

    Have a wonderful day! xoxox

    ReplyDelete
  2. i love how you talk about everything. that video is so scary and highlights why i will never do facebook, twitter or any of those other sites. too much information. loved silver linings playbook, hope they win big at the oscars.
    the new carpet choices are so pretty, i especially like the trellis one which i assume is the one you are leaning towards?
    hope you have a great week tina. we are so happy the ravens won!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm so glad that you got the book and that you are enjoying it! I hope you find some new favorite recipes in it. I think you just have great taste that is why everything you have tried to order is out of stock. Might be worth the wait for something you really love. That ginger jar calling card does definitely have your name written all over it. Logan saw Silver Linings Playbook and loved it too. I'll have to try to get there! xo

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love the geometric style carpet--but I'm sure they will both look equally fabulous in your bedroom. My daughter used the prom app last year and low and behold, the day after she posted another girl said she was going to buy the same dress that day but checked the app and saw that CeCe already bought it! Its a small school (150) juniors so you definitely would have noticed!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Tina,
    UGH, how frustrating!! Both of your other carpeting choices are stunning!! Heading over to Charming Elizabeth!!!! And oh how I enjoy Debby's Blog!!! Enjoy your day!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Back orders are the bane of Designers, they happen all the time! I hate when I "sell" a package and one component is b/o forever. Arrrggggg! It happen because materials take X number of yards to make and they are hedging their bets that someone else will order it as well and they won't have inventory hanging around!

    ReplyDelete
  7. The two carpet choices you showed us are wonderful! If you don't truly love them as much as the other one I might wait? I'm not sure I could really do that but….you sure want to love what you choose! The geometric choice is fabulous! You need to order yourself the ginger jar calling card for sure! I"m glad you won the book…I will definitely look into ordering it! It looks incredible! Hope you are having a wonderful Monday!

    ReplyDelete
  8. i would choose #1 dress .. and i'm a roasting master with my veggies ever since doing the Whole30 - i'm staying Paleo so it helps :o)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Happy Monday to YOU sweet Tina!! I love the way you share what is on your mind with all of us out here in blogland!! I love the geometric carpet the leaf lattice says too much, the other is a quieter backdrop, but you do know I tend to go more for a simplistic look. Your room is going to be gorgeous. I totally understand your frustration with the back orders, crazy!!!
    I put up a post today about gaining a better quality of life with 12 easy to do items. One of them is being in touch with people you love and care about. I am with you on all the social media and texting. Reach out and touch someone, human contact is necessary in life!!
    Let me know what you think of my 12 steps,
    Happy Monday!!
    xo Kathysue

    ReplyDelete
  10. Good morning, my friend!

    What a fun post, Tina! You're great. I really need to watch a good movie (one of my fav. things to do) and I'll add this one to my list.

    Have a blessed week!


    xo


    Luciane at HomeBunch.com



    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Tina... I saw Silver Linings too. I think Robert D and the woman who played his wife stole the show. Last night I asked the Mr. if he wanted some "crabby snacks and homemades." Have a wonderful week.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Good Morning Favorite Tina,

    I am with you about a less human world! People don't make eye contact anymore! They are just staring at their little screens. I don't like it at all. I love people. And I do my best to engage in real conversations and to hug a lot (:

    I look forward to checking out your new products. Looking good! Thank you for the link to Charming Elizabeth.

    Oh, and you will pick that Gray farbic with the irregular Mosaic pattern right??!!! Stunning, Tina!!!!

    oxox

    Mon

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Tina, I am new to reading your blog and must say I absolutely love it! I feel like we could have been sisters! hahaha I also used to have my own interior design business for 10 years but got out of it and now have my own business where I design womens one of a kind belts and jewelry... at laurenhamptondesigns.blogspot.com. I too love blue and white! I just wanted to tell you that your blog is wonderful and your personality shines through... I dont know you but can tell you are warm and friendly :-) Have a great day! Lauren
    P.S. I agree with your comment on Starbucks! We have just gotten so far from being personal with each other!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Gosh, what a shame about the carpet, ouch! On the other hand, if you love-love-love it, is it worth waiting....? (I really like the alternatives though, it's a win-win no matter what you do.) And heavens yes, human contact-what a concept! The paper goods from Charming Elizabeth are darling, I love them all and am off to visit the site!

    With hopes you enjoy a splendid week,
    tp

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am so sorry about your carpet being backordered. Just make sure you really love the alternative more or just wait for the backorder. Otherwise, you will always wonder if you made the right choice. Months go by so quickly and it will be in before you know it! I love the Charming Elizabeth paper goods and will be ordering some of her labels too! Thanks for letting us know about her! Fun post as usual- glad you had a fun weekend! Susan at Romancing the Home

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a shame about the carpet and fabric choices but I know whatever you choose will be fabulous. I hate waiting for the things I order and always end up waiting months it drives me batty so make new choices. I know what you mean about how fast our world is moving and not always in a good way. People seem to have lost manners and how to act in polite society. Congratualtions on your new book it looks wonderful!

    Enjoy your day!
    XXX
    Debra~

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a disappointment about the carpet. I think manufacturers are holding less and less stock because of the world economy. Additionally, many things need to be shipped from overseas which adds another month to the lead time. :( Between the two new choices, I like the geomentric one better. I think an entire floor of the laurel pattern, while beautiful, might get a little bit busy. Did you show us your first choice for the dining room? I'll have to go back and search.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I agree with you about the social media. My daughter's friends are posting photos of the way they get invited to dances and their dresses. They'll post photos from stores showing several dresses asking which one the friends prefer. I don't allow my daughter to do any of it and think not everything in life needs to be public.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello Tina,

    How frustrating for you to have fabric and carpeting on such long back orders! I am have found with my design business that more and more over the last year or so, that many fabric houses are working to order like this - it is a sign of the times sadly - more 'hand to mouth'. Definitely worth the patience to get the right thing! Both the carpet samples you feature are gorgeous - if I have a preference, it is the smaller geometric pattern?

    I agree with you with regard to the world changing. If I have one BIG bug bare, it is bad manners! I think I was definitely born in the wrong era. People generally today do not seem to show gratitude properly - so few people send hand written thank you letters, which is something that I have drummed in to my now newly grown up children and they do it automatically now. Also, people are not prepared to say sorry or admit fault, especially in the workplace. In my eyes, if someone admits liability and politely apologises for something - all is forgiven and they have earnt my respect! Enough........! On a lighter note - I adore the Charming Elizabeth stationery, especially for cook's labels......Thank you for sharing this.

    Sophia x

    ReplyDelete
  20. You are so full of fun and life ...and I love these news filled posts. Love the soft color of either carpet. Making me want to go see that movie tomorrow night.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am a new reader & am enjoying your blog! I am a design professional with a similar passion for blue and white (and chinoiserie). Don't settle with a second best wall to wall carpet. Wait for what you originally loved, it is an investment that should look and feel 100% right.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Love the colors and the mix of modern/ traditional.I love the light blue cheetah print.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Backorders stink but you may as well wait for what you really want. At least get your name in the pot while you look for something else you love as much! I think it is funny that you are shopping for carpet for your master as I am having mine pulled up and wood put down. We have 2 small boys and 2 large dogs and they all want to hang out in there so the carpet has got to go! I love stationary too and as I sit at home with the flooring crew here I have been organizing my office and I don't know what to do with it all! I guess sit down and write a letter to every one that I know! Jana

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Tina. The back orders are the story of my life unfortunately. But I know you will find something else equally as beautiful. I always tell my clients to think that the first one didn't exist otherwise they pine for what they cannot have.
    Loved Silver Linings! We saw "Life of Pi" over the weekend and it was fantastic! Hope you have time to see it on a big screen, it was magical.
    Did you start "the Chaperone"" yet?
    Have a great week,
    Amy

    ReplyDelete
  25. Tina ... I also have the cookbook, 'What Kate Ate' and love it... her images are really fabulous... As for that video... how clever and obviously scary.... Love Silver Linings Playbook ... I agree , the acting was brilliant...
    Good luck with the carpet selections... xv

    ReplyDelete
  26. tina, the silver lining playbook was so good and i agree that it makes you laugh and cry and hit home for us as we have a wonderful cousin who has mental illness and it hit home. She is doing well now but its a lifelong battle. I also agree that todays world is just too fast moving, we all need to slow down especially our kids! My own teens actually call me on their cells from their room, I now refuse to reply!

    I actually love the new carpet sample even more than the original. I think is no mistake. I love it and think you should go for it. I love the stationary, so special. I appreciate you sharing all the wonderful finds you seem to have a gift at locating!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I prefer the top carpet sample!! And wow..that stationery is to die for!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. So love catching up with you after a weekend - you always have so many goodies packed into your posts. Charming Elizabeth's work is charming and I know another Elizabeth who would love her work, too. And we can't wait to see Silver Linings Playbook... when ski season is over!
    xxoo
    C + C

    ReplyDelete
  29. swooning over the food photography from your beautiful book! ahhhhhhh delightful. and these calling cards and labels are gorgeous. to think i put my beautiful homemade limoncello in recycled disaronno bottles, tacking on a plain ol handwritten label! it deserves better!

    still have to see silver linings and know i'll love it--thanks for the thumbs up.

    love to you.

    michele

    ReplyDelete
  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Congrats on your gorgeous book win!! Do share your favorite recipes with us :) And those stationary: divine! Soooooooo beautiful. I need to redesign our store's logo and stationary. Will pop over and check out Charming Elizabeth. Thanks for sharing, Tina.
    xo,
    Loi

    ReplyDelete
  32. Congrats on your wonderful book....it looks divine...I love what you ordered for your bedroom...I'm finding because of the economy they don't stock as much inventory. Its pretty much made as ordered! Its worth the wait...it will be gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  33. My husband and I went to see Silver Linings Playbook with our bipolar son...who still lives at home...and we all loved it! I can assure you it was just a snippet into life with the disorder. Even though it's unlikely a 'silver lining' turnaround would happen that quickly in real life, I was pleased the movie gave a much needed voice to the disorder. Hope it wins big at the Oscars!

    Thanks for the Charming Elizabeth link...I actually make Limoncello, so it's perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I say wait for the carpet and fabric to come in. You will never be happy enough with an alternative no matter which you choose. Time will pass quickly and you will have your favorites.
    Faith B

    ReplyDelete
  35. Congratulations on your win! And you posted those yummy recipes! Bravo for another great blog post!
    xo
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  36. Happy Monday nearly Tuesday Tina! I am so sorry about the delay with your dining room! I know what you mean as it is so frustrating when you find what you want and then it is not available for such a long time. I can't quite work out which ones but I really love the leaf trellis carpeting .... and the blue/cream silk stripe! Stunning and it looks so elegant. The cook book looks incredible and I love cookbooks! I am going to pop into Charming Elizabeth's website ... so talented and I love the idea of a calling card or library card. I so know what you mean about the world changing so radically, drastically and at light warp speed. I have just got the hang of blogging and then there always seems to be the next technological wonder. I have an affinity with the past and always have. I know I was born in the wrong era and I feel a real connection with history and times past. I hate the way you walk around and see everyone on their phone instead of looking at what is around them. I try hard not to let my phone run my life but it is hard especially when you are in business. I love to go and sit in my antique chairs and just dream ... it is so soothing to the soul! I wonder who sat on them, what gossip they would have talked about and the lives they lead! I had best get going and start dinner ..... chicken and pea risotto tonight with a rocket salad! Have a great week..
    best wishes always
    Frances
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  37. I love that red dress and that book looks incredible! I feel like I gained 5 pounds just dreaming about taking a bite of each of those desserts! XO

    ReplyDelete

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