Saturday, March 16, 2013

Late week musings......



Hi there and happy Saturday to you all! Took a three day hiatus, had a super busy chock full kind of week. Glad the weekend has arrived!!  Well don't know about where you are but over here we seem to be regressing with regard to weather. We had a tease a few days ago with near 58 degrees and this morning its 28 with potential snow in the forecast.....mayday mayday! Its getting OLD!! Onto something good...

Something major has happened. Super major. I think as bloggers we all set little goals inside our heads. For me getting to 100 followers was a goal I remember early on, when it was achieved, I swear I did a little happy dance when no one was watching! 100 people in this huge world cared about what I had to say. Well......fast forward two years and another goal of mine was and don't ask me why on this number (because I truly do not know) was to achieve 5000 subscribers. Ambitious? Yes, I agree, but somehow this was a goal.

And by golly, its been achieved. Is it really possible? 5 THOUSAND people want to know what I have to say? Seriously? OMG...this is really really big in my book and all I can say is thank you, thank you thank you. I am grateful for your friendship, the emails, pictures and support I get from literally all around the world. You cannot imagine the thrill it gave me to click on feedburner stats and see this- 5000 on the button on 3-13-13!!!! Lucky day afterall:)


Total Subscribers: 5,000

Moving along....by now you know I do love my products. I love trying new things and love even more when I find a real winner. Well...I have found a few winners lately that I feel I must share. I know many of you savvy readers might already know about these products but they are worth the "shout out" just in case because they are fabulous, worth every penny and absolutely products that will become a regular on my vanity!!

7 second leave in conditioner/detangler...this product is all everyone said it is. The girls at the salon I go to swear by this and they did not exaggerate. Leaves my hair (which tangles easily) very easy to comb through and feeling really moisturized. This is the best leave in conditioner I have ever used, its that good! I LOVE this product!! Click here to buy on Amazon.




OK, Marsha from Splenderosa, that glamorous mama who knows a thing or two about beauty told me to try this, she said it was like a healthy drink of moisture for your skin. She was right on the money!! She read that I had bought the caviar cream by La Prarie which I have to say I have only used twice because i got this first and have to say I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way it makes my skin feel and look. Its a keeper so thank you Marsha. I could only find it on Amazon, click here to buy.....cannot say enough good things about this cream, great if you have dry skin!



Onto the house....I play around a lot, part of the fun is moving accessories and things around.Its like the best science experiment in the world:) I changed things around on my living room console yet again and this scenario I believe is a keeper. I love the explosion of the white cherry blossoms which I just added to my oversized ginger jar, it's dramatic and elegant and a great way to be greeted as you enter the room. I also added the two whiter jars on either side and a collection of some of my silver frames, take a look......



Have no fear.....a picture is being replaced in the empty frame!!




A peek into the library. Just about done in there, waiting for the small wet bar to be done, a final coat on the floors and its just about ready for its "close up"!


Books......can we seriously ever have enough? I dont' think so. I finished The Red Book and have to say I really really liked it. Anyone else read it? Another fabulous book is The French Chateau.   This is a book I have written about before, yes, its that good. I  just gave a copy to a friend for belated birthday,  and have given this a few times as gifts. Unfortunately I see its gone up in price which normally means there aren't many copies around, but its sooo worth it as it truly takes you to a beautiful special place. She cannot thank me enough, she said it best when she said "its the next best thing to being in the French countryside and living like a true French aristocrat" this book is EXQUISITE!! It portrays beautifully the life, style and traditions of living in a French chateau and highlights many parties. weddings and other day to day  events. Every single page is breathtaking and if you like me, are an incurable Francophile....then by all means you must own this book! Click here to go to Amazon.


 
Store biz........got in some beautiful new blue and white additions. Of course I had to do the mandatory "test run" so ordered one of each for my own home! Here they are.....
Just added this morning...click here.







Beautiful detailing inside too.....


 And love these highly decorative three emperors!!


 And to show them both being put to good use.......







Got in 5 dough bowls....I know many of you are looking here and there so if interested, first come first serve. I have two 29", one 21", one 17" and one 16". They are all beautiful! Email me here......



Got two beautiful new bag styles in,  just being added! I love love love these new styles......and they are now up for sale in my newly created Personal Accessories section which will continue to evolve but I have to say I am just loving these super chic and super affordable bags for summer! These will be up later today for sale, limited quantities! Click here to visit.


 This is so darling and chic for a summer time tote!

 Love the shape...reminds me of the straw birkin bag I have wanted forever!! Love the smart navy trim and bamboo closure.

 Comes with a removable navy shoulder strap
 Zippers up with interior zippered pocket



To visit these items and much more in my online store...click here!

Thanks as always for stopping in, I wish everyone a wonderful Saturday and great weekend. I so appreciate you coming in to say hello and see what's new in my little slice of the world! Until Monday.....
  
                                           Photobucket
   




43 comments:

  1. So much fun! I love your new store finds and those ginger jars! I also can't wait to see your library all finished! Another gorgeous room for you to beautify! I had a very busy week too and took a few days off from posting. Glad you are back my dear friend and that you have so many readers! We all love you! XOXO

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  2. I giggled... I just did the happy dance, as I hit that 100 followers mark a week ago! I was thrilled! I can't imagine 5,000! Congratulations on your amazing blog. It is one of my "go to" places each day!
    Regarding the weather.... I have assured my mother that I am no longer doing the snow dance, so she can not blame me for the flakes that continue to fall.... eeeeek!!!! I am over them! Next year will be soon enough!
    The house continues to look stunning!
    Heading to NYC with my beautiful daughter for a long over due vacation together! So many things planned, and yet just spending time together will be just perfect!
    ~c

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  3. Congratulations on 5000! I'm so busy reading your blog and the blogs you read that I don't have time to even look at my magazines.
    Joined a book club 2 months ago and haven't read any of the books yet. They'll probably kick me out soon but I don't care!
    It's a beautiful day in SC.
    Linda

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  4. Tina that living room belongs on a front page of a magazine! Love the cherry blossoms, are they real? If so they are the most beautiful I have ever seen! Love all the new store goods, it just keeps on getting better. The bags are great looking! Congrats to you on 5000 readers I am not surprised one bit.
    Thanks for the book recommendations and products, I also am a serial product junkie and my bathroom shelves can prove it!
    Have a nice weekend.

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  5. Your sofa table looks beautiful! And it's so funny for me to see your mirror (that I have too) in your photos. I forget how much I like it until I see it in your house! Congrats on 5000 subscribers -- you are well loved!!

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  6. Congrats! 5000 is a huge accomplishment! The fun side of your personality shines through and gives everyone a brief respite from the all too serious world around. Pretty pictures, pretty words. Can 10,000 be just around the corner? Of course ;-) Get your dancing shoes on!

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  7. Good Morning Tina! Welcome back! Congrats on your 5000 followers. I am not surprised at all. Your blog is nothing but pure joy to read. I'm going to order a vat of that eterna. Love the purses! Have a great weekend.

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  8. There is nothing prettier than simple branches in a beautiful vessel! Beautiful!

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  9. Feel like I could get ADD looking at this post of so many beautiful things. From your living room (sigh) to all the new goodies. I want those bags, the dough bowls and your new ginger jar!

    I read Red Book and liked it, it was a book club book, we were divided but I found it entertaining. I have to try that cream, with the winters abrasive cold, my skin has taken a beating. Sounds like a good one.

    Thanks Tina, always love to see and hear what you have to say.

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  10. Congratulations Tina! 5000 is a great number...I'm going at a snail's pace for the 100 mark...lol. I'm sure it wasn't the numbers you were going after. I can tell you're having so much fun writing, sharing, decorating, connecting...I guess that's what is all about.

    Love following along and seeing what your house it turning into. It's stunningly beautiful!

    thanks for sharing

    Emily @ Town And Country Shuffle

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  11. Tina 5000 subscribers is a big accomplishment. You are to be congratulated, it is absolutely a result of your dedication, wonderful writing, kind and giving ways and of course your superb taste which inspires so many. You single handedly have opened up my eyes to the beauty of blue and white!

    Your living room is stunning and so so elegant. All the new goods in the store are wonderful additions to an already amazing inventory of classic finds. Keep up the great work, its a pleasure to have found you.

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  12. Love waking up, having my coffee, and viewing your gorgeous home. Such a great uplift-er. Love the straw birkin style bag!

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  13. I am in awe of your gorgeous living room! I'm new to your blog so I've never seen it. You have excellent taste, very elegant! Thanks for the tips on the products and I have to have a second look at those cute bags!

    Congratulations on hitting 5000!!!


    XO,
    Jane

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  14. Congratulations Tina!!! I smiled when you talked about the 100 subscribers...I am still working on that goal. FIVE THOUSAND is astonishing, but not surprising given that your blog is one of the things I look forward to each morning with my cup of coffee.

    Are you going to put the cherry blossoms in the shop? I just love how pretty they are and would love to buy some.

    Enjoy your weekend - I agree it is so frustrating that it doesn't seem to want to warm up, but before we know it we will be talking about how incredibly hot it is!!

    xoxo

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  15. PS...I just ordered both beauty products - seriously, you should get a commission. Thanks for sharing!

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  16. Happy Weekend Tina!
    Love the blue and white container with the pink tulips, what a beautiful shot! Always such fun information on your blog! I pinned both producs, you know this girl loves a good product!!! Does the conditioner leave any weight to the hair. I have fine hair and my hair gets weighed down easily. Love you new purse line, the navy trimmed bag is a great piece and one that would last for years, classic!!
    PS, I got my ticking sofa yesterday and I am in love!!! Moving right along on the family room re-do. I will post picts of the sofa on Monday!
    xo Kathysue

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  17. Of course 5.000 care about what you have to say! As soon as I see that you've posted something new, I make myself a lovely cup of Laduree tea, and I make a ritual of reading your musings.
    It's a visual feast!
    Congratulations on your FIRST 5,000!

    Barbara A

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  18. Wow! Congratulations Tina! Can't wait to see more of your library and the living room.. I always enjoy watching you change it up and those cherry blossoms look AMAZING! Have a great weekend ahead:)

    xxL

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  19. Wow! 5000? Amazeballs! I love your blog & still am super flattered you puts picture of my quaint home on during Christmas. Your home is something I can wish for..,,in my next life;) L-A admucha@aol.com

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  20. And I want to thank YOU Tina, for coming to see what I have to say, little old me. I don't share my home with the world, for my house is not as glorious as most, but I hope that the home of my heart and head, decorated in words, will attract as many interested readers one day.

    You are a gracious soul, always kind, full of energy like no other blogger I know; your posts are always full of lovely things, which takes SO MUCH TIME to arrange! I can barely muster up an idea and put it out there and let it sit for a week!

    You are special. Blessings of love to you, Tina!

    Anita

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  21. LOVE LOVE LOVE the blossoms as you enter your living room. Just lovely!

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  22. As soon as I am done with this comment I am going order both of those bags. They are gorgeous!
    Love the new ginger jar and footbath too. You have such awesome taste Tina.

    Your living room is so breathtaking, I am sending a few friends this post because i know they will enjoy drooling over your living room pictures, the blossoms have such impact.

    Always great to see what you are up to. Love your passion!

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  23. I LOVE!!!!!! this blog u always have GREAT things to say and BEAUTIFUL pictures and ideas to share with ur readers so OF COURSE! u would get TONS of subscribers!! ans HERE'S TO MORE GREAT THINGS IN LIFE!!!( CLINK!**clinking coffee/tea cups, since i dont drink alcohol):')

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  24. Tina, hello and happy weekend!!! I have been away myself and am now catching up on all of the blog news. CONGRATULATIONS on 5000!!! A wonderful milestone and a fabulous accomplishment for a beautifully written and curated blog. I love visiting here to see all of your inspiration and new ideas.

    I love that book The French Chateau! I agree with your friend, it is a birds eye view of living in a beautiful French chateau.

    I have to try your/Marsha's recommendation for the cream. Although I am not a huge product person I should start to take care of my skin, I am not getting any younger.

    Love all of your new products!

    Enjoy your weekend, Elizabeth and congratulations again on your beautiful milestone

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  25. oh my word, congratulations!!! That is HUGE!More than deserved, you have earned every single one (and more), but it's so nice to see it in hard numbers.

    Sending you a smile,
    tp

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  26. a huge and well-deserved accomplishment, tina, and you deserve a celebration so definitely milk this one for all its got! cocktails and cupcakes? yes, please.

    thanks for the heads up about your product crushes. for the first time in my life, i am actually being disciplined about skincare. it only took a half a century.

    love to you and happy saturday.

    michele

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  27. Hi Tina I always wait till I have a cup of hot tea to sit down and devour your posts with, way better than any magazine! Iam ordering that hair product, I need a great detangler, can always count on you for great shopping tips.
    The white cherry blossoms look incredible in your gorgeous living room. I would think of reasons to go in there on a daily basis!
    Love all the new items you have added and must have that bag and that footbath! My birthday is next week so I think an early birthday present is in order. Thanks and have a nice relaxing weekend.

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  28. Tina, Congrats on 5000 subscribers...though I am not surprised at all! The first time I read your blog I knew it would be a success. Your living room is beautiful and I love the blue and white jars. Thank you so much for the sweet comment you left at Cedar Hill Ranch about my interview....you are too kind.
    xx,
    Sherry

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  29. Not at all surprising - you'll be at 50,000 before long. We all love your home, your style, your approach to blogging, your welcoming and charming way, and will continue to read and follow for as long as you'll give us the pleasure. Your house is looking glorious as spring arrives, and I have honestly never seen so many different types of blue and white ceramics in my life. WE can't get even an eighth of what you have available in the US. I'm very jealous!

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  30. Congratulations on 5,000! I, like all of them, would never want to miss your gorgeous posts! Oh, and I love the basket weave bags. They're fabulous!
    xo
    Sharon

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  31. YAY for you about all those subscribers...so well deserved!

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  32. Congratulations, Tina! Love the pink tulips in the blue and white. So fresh and pretty. :)

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  33. A lot of goodness here! The cherry blossoms look so beautiful. Do you sell them or will you? I would love to buy some like those, have just the spot.
    My mother an incurable lover of all things French has a birthday coming up in April, maybe that book would be a great gift.
    Love all the store goods...going to visit your shop now. I think I have earned a little treat for myself. Have a good weekend, Tina.

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  34. I used Eterna 27 for years with the Progenitin and it used to be carried in most pharmacy stores but progenitin is a hormone so they quite carrying it and Amazon is the only place you can get it. I am also happy with the NO. 7 brand carried by Target. There are 3-4 levels of moisturizing care. I get the very dry and when I wake up in the AM my skin still feels moisturized. Us over 50's need to stick together.

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  35. So happy you love Eterna 27, Tina. I'm afraid to run out of the stuff for fear my skin would react like withdrawal. beauty.com also has it, I buy several boxes at the time and there's no shipping charge.
    Love the spring branches in the living room. They look perfect! And, big huge congrats on the 5000. Woo-hoo, baby...

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  36. Congrats on reaching the big 5000! That is no small feat, but it is no wonder. It has been a blast to follow along on the progress of your beautiful home.

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  37. Tina I am so excited to see your library!!! And your new store additions are fabulous. Big huge congratulations on reaching 5000 followers – I am not surprised, but it is amazing anyway :)
    Stacy

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  38. PHEW.....what a week! first of all, i am not surprised by 5,000 subscribers, congrats tina! that is a major accomplishment and well earned

    love when you feature products like sitting at a girlfriends vanity getting first hand secrets. and your home, love the effect and drama the stems lend to the room. my favorite snapshot was from the far end of the room looking towards the console....STUNNING!

    much love and congrats!
    debra

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  39. It's been too long...I've been buried over here. Congratulations on 5000. You should be very proud. You have worked hard, and definitely have lots to share that people are interested in. I'm thrilled for you. Love your new blue and white pieces. Have a great week. Mona

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  40. Congratulations on 5000!!! I'm not surprised because your blog is fab! I can't wait to try that moisturizer. I'm always looking for a good moisturizer so I'll have to try it out! I will definitely be making a trip over to your store! xo

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  41. Love these collection and also love the floor tiles on the first photo! xx

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