Wednesday, October 9, 2013

A winner of fall fabulous, a new contest and an award!

Good Sunday morning to you! Hope you are having a nice weekend...the weather turned out spectacular here which kind of disappointed me because i had plans to go to Vermont and originally they were calling for Sat. to be a bit of a washout...boy they were wrong,  it turned out to be an incredible weather day. Only upside is I was able to catch my sons game! So all was not lost, may head up there next week really want to catch the tail end of the magnificent one and only fall foliage, to me it just doesn't any prettier than fall in New England.

So first thanks a million to all of those who participated in my "Fall fabulous contest". It was overwhelming to get so many incredible images!! I truly wish I had a prize for everyone. As most of you know, I had difficulty with note one but two of the polls, both which had to be removed and therefore the votes canceled. Then I resorted to the old fashioned way by having everyone leave a comment with their choices. It was a pain, yes I know (for both of us) but it made things as fair as they can be. Promise by next contest to hopefully have an accurate glitch free poll up and running!

Without further ado, here is the unmistakable winner with over 70 votes, congratulations to......

Cannell Dillard, this is picture perfect indeed and really does say "fall fabulous"! Congratulations on a spectacular shot!




A close second with over 50 votes was this glorious shot....


And a few honorable mentions in order of votes....




Please contact me with your information to claim your prize. I am offering either the gorgeous wood and pewter nut bowl or a monogrammed carving board bearing your name! Email me at theenchantedhome@gmail.com



or




Moving along.....I think its a great time to announce my November contest, this way it will give you a few weeks to send in your pictures. My contest theme for November is not surprisingly "Blue and white love". You know what that means..send in your pictures of your blue and white anything...however you love to display it or use it in your home, your favorite vignette, a beautifully displayed ginger jar, your plate collection....whatever it may be.

Max. 2 pictures per entrant, please in subject line of email put "Blue and white love". I will collect pictures up until Nov. 1st . The contest will run on Nov. 4th for 2 days. Thanks in advance and I cannot wait to start receiving your pictures...I  know they will be fabulous! Email me your pictures to theenchantedhome@gmail.com.




Finally I had posted this wonderful Sunshine award post bestowed upon me by the wonderful Kate from Preppy Empty Nester but unfortunately had to remove it the same day to repost the fall contest (crazy few days) so here it is again.......

I was so delighted to receive the Sunshine award last week, so much so that I treated myself to a pasta lunch with a little dessert to celebrate of course!!!!  What made it even sweeter was that it was bestowed upon me by power blogger, glamour woman, queen of funny....yes I am talking about the infamous Kate of Preppy Empty Nester, the one and only. The idea behind it is to answer the 10 questions  she asked of me and pass it along to ten other bloggers with my own set of 10 questions. It took some time and thinking to get this done but it was a fun exercise and I am happy to present my portion of this award as well as  my list of questions I am passing along...

Hope you will participate (at your leisure) and pass it along, its fun and a creative way to get to know more about other bloggers......






So here is what Kate asked me-

1.  You ladies are all creative and talented.  What was the biggest blooper that you made while decorating?

 Way back when I was a newlywed, I had decided, because I had a "revelation" that we just had to have our master bedroom (all 25 sq feet of it, living in NYC)  painted "blush" (relative word). However my little swatch of "delicate pink" proved to explode when on the walls. I left in the morning handing the paint can to the painter as I trotted off to work all smug about my design finesse at 21, and came home literally walking into a bottle of Pepto Bismol. The pink was so incredibly strong that it almost made me faint from the "pinkness". Needless to say my painter was back the next day, painting the walls a boring white:) I was humbled right back to being a 21 one newbie.

2.  Which child is your favorite?
KIDDING!!!!!!  Just wanted to make sure you were paying attention.

Funny! However on pondering this question.....on some days the scary thing is I might actually be able to answer this question....lol





2.  What is your favorite movie and song of all time? 

Honestly I do not have one, are you kidding? One???? Sorry! But a few- yes,  I can manage that.....The English Patient, Sense and Sensability, It's Complicated, Horse Whisperer, Sabrina and Roman Holiday, Atonement, The Devil wears Prada, Somethings Gotta Give, Anna Karenia, Doctor Zvhivago, geez...I could go on.



Songs- When I need a good cry "Everybody hurts" by R.E.M or "Hurt" by Christina Aguilera, both hauntingly beautiful songs.  I love Ava Maria, enjoy my fair share of current pop music, most music by Coldplay, Midnight Sonata....love Bossa Nova, what can I say with my musical genius I love and embrace it all (sad thing is I am the only one who thinks I am a good singer)


3.  If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? 

How about "An Enchanted life"? 


4.  What has been one of your most embarrassing moments? 


 Wow I have a lot of those :)  One recent one was one morning frantically trying to get my son to school on time, I could not find my keys (I know you all can relate) so we decided to take my sons nifty little car. Yes as in one that is so high tech I have no idea how to turn it on and freak out when I think its stalling at lights by turning off when in fact its supposed to do that:) 

So we pull up to his school, (private conservative school that is) and he runs out to class and the car goes off with yours truly sitting behind the wheel. Somehow I press a button and the ignition shuts off. I have no idea how to get the car going and as I am trying hard to not look like too much of an idiot, the school headmaster walks by with a group of administrators and as they pass I hit the magic button and the car goes on but not without the preprogrammed music (rap music) my son has set to come on automatically when the car starts so loud I am certain those in the next county can hear it. So deafening, it obviously caused them to turn around and stare at little 'ol me in this car with this music so loud and the saddest thing was I didn't know how to turn it off, that was the worst part of all! So not only did I look like a 40 something year old loser having a serious identity crisis but I  was a surly "in your face" one too....by not turning it down. I was dying of embarrassment! Finally figured it out, slouched into  my seat and drove away with my tail between my legs:) 

5.  What is your biggest regret?  I don't mind hearing juicy details.  


Not having had a fourth child. I know, I know its crazy to some but since I am still in my 40's I feel too young to become an empty nester next year (boo hoo) and would sooooo love to have a younger child right now. 




6.  If you were awarded an all expenses paid vacation for two weeks where would you go?  Don't get any ideas... this is not tied into a give away.  

Thanks Kate, your treat? Well.......I do want to go to Greece, Turkey and Tuscany. So how about all three....no worries I can manage to take off a little extra time to make it happen :)



7.  How many homes have you lived in?  Which one was your favorite? 

I have lived in 1 apartment and 4 homes including this one. (have to say this one is my favorite) but I do have some really fabulous memories in each of my others of a time when my  kids were younger, and the house felt "fuller" (translates to louder and messier)  etc.......but it's all good.



8.  If you could sit next to any famous celebrity on a 5-hour flight, who would it be? 

Well,  maybe Nancy Meyers because I just know after a 5 hour flight she would want me to become her partner in her next movie, no make that she would be begging me to become her partner, hey give her credit for recognizing sheer genius when she meets it. If I were a producer...seriously she is the one I would most like to be. I love her style, aesthetic and take on "feel good" movies....Somethings Gotta Give, Its complicated, The Parent trap, The holiday, need I go on?


9.  What would your friends say are your 3 best qualities? 


Kindness, generosity and humility. Of course I am most inspired to be all those things to my friends who make it so worth the effort (you  know I love you)!

10.  Why do you blog? 


Because I so enjoy the personal connections I make with so many that I would otherwise likely not meet. It is a creative outlet for me to express my love for design and its opened up so many wonderful doors. and I of course, have to admit, I also love the free loot. 


Blogging has become my happy place (I call it cheap therapy) . Even when I am having a rough day, the world seems right again when I enter blogland.....its filled with so many amazing like minded people. Its been wonderful and is a virtual classroom, cannot tell you how it has opened my eyes and taught me to much.

The biggest perk you ask? Of course we all know....meeting Kate. (you can send me the money via Paypal Kate) lol..

 Kate being coy.........


Thank you Kate! Now it my turn to come up with 10 juicy questions and pass them along however instead of selecting 10 bloggers I am opening them up to any blogger that wants to participate (there are so many great ones), the more the merrier!! Here are my questions for you........


1. If you had to move to another country for a year, where would you go? Why?

2.You are having a dinner party with a table of  famous people (past and present). Who will be lucky enough to sit on either side of you?

3. What are two things in this world that are "must do's"on your bucket list?

4, What is one of your weaknesses and one strength? (comfort and junk food included)!

5. One of your most dreaded household chores?

6. Something most of us don't know about you.....

7. Fill in the blank, I wouldn't be caught dead wearing..........

8. Have you ever won a trophy? If so for what, do tell!

9. What is your best dish? (feel free to brag)!

10. Be honest...have you ever faked an accent?


I do hope whoever this appeals to will participate and let me know if you do! I love reading more about my favorite bloggers:) Thanks Kate! 




Thanks for stopping in, wishing you a wonderful and relaxing Sunday. Many thanks once again to all those who sent in their beautiful fall pictures! They were so enjoyed and I will no doubt go back to that post again and again to enjoy all the beauty and inspiration. I cannot wait to get in your blue and white pictures! Until tomorrow......

15 comments:

  1. Your front entry is inspiring us to get to the nursery before all the mums and pumpkins are gone! Love reading the answers to Kate's questions and learning more about you, Tina. And to answer #7 on your list... Over the knee boots and a corset!
    xxoo
    C + C

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  2. Your urns and entry are absolutely beautiful, Tina! And I loved learning more about you! I laughed out loud imagining your car/rap music story : )

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  3. OMG Tina... you made me DAY, no - MONTH, no - YEAR!!!!! Thank you so much for your kind words. LOVE hearing your answers! #1's room was pepto bismal pink til about 5 years ago! I hope that when I move East I will have the opportunity to meet you in person. You, to me, are the Queen of Blogland! PS Put baby pumpkins in my outside pots and they look great. Thanks for the tip!

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  4. Tina- this was so funny. I laughed at your pink bedroom story, getting stuck in your sons car with the blaring music and share your love for the same movies and music! I knew I liked you;-) Thanks for a good laugh. Your planters look incredible, that front entrance is really amazing. Great job...I always get such great ideas from you. I plan on decorating for fall this weekend.

    Claire

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  5. 1. If you had to move to another country for a year, where would you go? Why?

    England, because i love their gardens and historic homes/castles and St. Paul's Cathedral.

    2.You are having a dinner party with a table of famous people (past and present). Who will be lucky enough to sit on either side of you?

    Jesus Christ and Queen Elizabeth I

    3. What are two things in this world that are "must do's"on your bucket list?

    Have a personal chef cook lunch and dinner for me at home for a year.

    4, What is one of your weaknesses and one strength? (comfort and junk food included)!

    My weakness is sugar, and my strength is an eye for detail/being organized/decision making. is that one strength??

    5. One of your most dreaded household chores?

    Filing the papers in my home office.

    6. Something most of us don't know about you.....

    I think our pets are the souls of our unborn children.

    7. Fill in the blank, I wouldn't be caught dead wearing..........

    Army boots

    8. Have you ever won a trophy? If so for what, do tell!

    Never won any.

    9. What is your best dish? (feel free to brag)!

    A breakfast egg-cream cheese-chives-onion buns soufflé.

    10. Be honest...have you ever faked an accent?

    Yes, when I've been goofing around with my friends!

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  6. That was so funny about the hybrid. I don;t think I'd ever get use to it. Your urns are so pretty , but you could have one pumpkin and it would be fine. The beautiful home itself always takes center stage :) What is the vine growing on the brick walls ? It looks like creeping fig ????!! Getting excited about seeing what you have around the corner for Christmas. :)Happy Fall !!

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  7. Too funny. Love your humor Tina and being able to laugh at yourself makes you so "real". Hilarious responses. I love your urns and how clever you are to mix real and fake pumpkins, never thought of that but makes such sense. I love the way it looks, pinning a bunch. Thank you for sharing.

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  8. Gorgeous .... all of it. Wow.

    Where can I purchase the key ring? So nice for a bestie!

    Marcee
    Chicago

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  9. Hi Tina, you are really funny. Loved reading this and knowing more about you! I am not a blogger but here are my replies-

    1. If you had to move to another country for a year, where would you go? Why? Italy because I love Italian food and speak some Italian.

    2.You are having a dinner party with a table of famous people (past and present). Who will be lucky enough to sit on either side of you? Truman Capote and Babe Paley

    3. What are two things in this world that are "must do's"on your bucket list? Visit Fiji and learn how to skydive

    4, What is one of your weaknesses and one strength? (comfort and junk food included)! Weakness, no willpower and strength would be my ability to help others

    5. One of your most dreaded household chores? Unloading a dishwasher, hate it!

    6. Something most of us don't know about you.....that I went to law school and 2 years of medical school

    7. Fill in the blank, I wouldn't be caught dead wearing..........spiked anything or cut off shorts (hate the look)

    8. Have you ever won a trophy? If so for what, do tell! Yes once for homecoming princess not queen

    9. What is your best dish? (feel free to brag)! My baked ziti, one dish my whole family agrees on

    10. Be honest...have you ever faked an accent? Yes at around 25 when I was at a bar and didn't want this guy hanging around me, I pretended I didn't speak any English

    This was fun. Thank you- Now I am going to go vote.

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  10. Loved your interview, hilarious about the pink room and music in the car story! Sounds like something that coudl easily happen to me, me and technology don't mix very well.

    I voted on your contest but it was so hard, there are so many great pictures. Love your urns, Tina, would never have guessed some of those pumpkins are not real, that is really smart. I love the mix of things you used, so beautiful.

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  11. Enjoyed your post very much! What fun it was to read the 10 questions! And your urns turned out beautiful.

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  12. Self deprecation is a fabulous quality and you do it well! I loved your stories.
    I L.O.V.E. that you added pops of color to the front of your house, it looks fantastic! I learned the trick of mixing real with faux and have never looked back! I have even put a few faux greenery in with real plants when doing window boxes, just fills in the rough areas early in the spring.
    I might just answer all your questions on my own blog seeing as I haven't posted in a whole week and need something I can whip up quick! On the other hand, I might just waste more time on Pinterest tonight!!

    Thanks for a fun post Tina. So nice to meet 'coy' Kate too!
    Fondly-Lisa

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  13. Too funny. You crack me up, I was envisioning the car story and of course the pink bedroom...cannot imagine! Good thing you can laugh about it now. Love the urns, so so very beautiful, I may have to copy. I need all the inspiration I can find.
    Love your blog Tina.

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  14. Congrats on the award..this was so fun! I would totally choose the same places as you to travel to and I feel the same way about being too young to empty nest :( but being a young grandma is second best!
    xo
    Sharon

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  15. Tina,

    This is so fun...thanks for opening it up to us all :)

    1. If you had to move to another country for a year, where would you go? Why? England-I adore afternoon tea, the rich history, the accents (which I would never be able to fake), the beautiful Anglican church services and I would have the ability to hop on over to Ireland, France, Italy, etc.

    2.You are having a dinner party with a table of famous people (past and present). Who will be lucky enough to sit on either side of you? John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls and Lenny Kravitz-can you tell what my favorite genre of music is?!

    3. What are two things in this world that are "must do's"on your bucket list? We can dream here right...1.) Walk into Tiffany & Co and be able to pick out anything I would like (think the movie Sweet Home Alabama) 2.) Take my Mom to Hawaii

    4, What is one of your weaknesses and one strength? (comfort and junk food included)! Weakness: All Comfort, Junk Food & Sweets-no self control what so ever; Strength: Public Speaking

    5. One of your most dreaded household chores? All of them...

    6. Something most of us don't know about you.....I too am a 40- Something Empty Nester

    7. Fill in the blank, I wouldn't be caught dead wearing..........Spandex in public (I am thinking of everyone else when I say that!) or a Mullet

    8. Have you ever won a trophy? If so for what, do tell! I was on a bowling team once... we were TERRIBLE and were recognized with a donkey trophy indicating we were dead last!

    9. What is your best dish? (feel free to brag)! Desserts are my specialty-a couple of favorites...Peanut Butter or Bananas Foster Cream Pie

    10. Be honest...have you ever faked an accent? Jamais!

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