Thursday, May 5, 2011

Things I am loving Thursdays and house updates!!

Happy Thursday! I didn't post yesterday, its been a very hectic week and I will have weeks where I may have to skip a day here and there, so please don't be surprised (or mad at me) where you don't see a new post for a day or two but in general I do try to post every day except Saturday. I definitely over committed myself this week to a number of things, on top of having a lot going on over at the house so needless to say this is a week that I am happy is ending tomorrow!

On Thursdays I try to include house updates, since they are coming pretty fast and furious now so we will start with that......they have started the rest of the stair install and its coming out quite incredible. We are all in awe of the work of art that it is! A seamless sculpture of floating wood.....then the bathrooms are in full swing and seeing my visions coming to life is quite exhilarating! I am loving each and every one and can honestly say each one was so worth the sleepless nights, arguments, extra glass of wine,that extra cookie (or two), those handfuls of chips and yes even that candy bar I snuck (out of "nerves" that needed to be worked out) Yep, all worth it!! So here are the pictures..........

The wood paneling is well under way, here are the casings just getting installed around the windows
First half of very labor intensive staircase installation
It almost looks like a gorgeous sculpture
The "woodworking shop"
Beams for breakfast room that have been getting distressed and "antiqued" before finishing
Calacutta gold just arrived for shower floors
Wood floors for hallways just got installed
They are doing a wonderful job for upstairs hallway

At long last....my floors!!
I love the scalloped detail....




Breakfast room continues....
And continues..........

At long last after 7 long laborious hours......the second half is installed....
Magnifique!

The full staircase just about in...you can almost see the full sweep

Beams almost fully "antiqued" imagined aged to look 100 years in just a few days!


Sons bath...isn't the "plaid" neat?


Other sons bath, love the border





From an upstairs angle

My bathroom getting grouted, its wet so looks dark but the grout is actually a very pale gray



So that's the update for now...much more to come!!


ANTIQUE URNS. I love looking for beautiful things and never tire of it even if its not for me! I especially love anything and everything having to do with the home, decor and tabletop. Love old urns too. I was at an antique store in the area  and spotted two gorgeous stone urns and snatched them up and ran them over to my local nursery where I selected a beautiful arrangement of spring flowers and had them filled. These were not going to me but instead was a group gift for a dear friend from myself and a few friends (lucky her but she deserved them).  She was needless to say overjoyed when they were delivered!  A slice of Versailles was born! I was so excited with how they turned out...I had to share! Here are a few pictures of them in progress as they were being created! (they stand about 4 feet tall and about 2 feet wide)





GORGEOUS FLATWARE FROM VIETRI. I love beautiful flatware. For everyday I have a pretty stainless set I bought from Horchow years ago and then I have my set of sterling and then I like to buy a set that can be used as backup or for summer entertaining. I LOVE this set by Vietri, called   the real problem would be deciding on which color/finish to choose! I think I would go for the tortoise much as I love love love the green! How beautiful is this set? Whats your favorite color?




SERIOUSLY HEART PALPITATION INDUCING CHINA. This isn't the overly formal stuff but boy, is it pretty!! I found all this at a site I have been frequenting,and if I had to choose today..I would be hard pressed! Of course if you love flatware, chances are you love china too! I have a few sets of Limoges which I love and started collecting china until we moved. I hope to start again but there are so so so many other things I will have to make priority that it will probably have to be awhile. In the meantime I can satisfy my hunger for beautiful china by ogling them online..here are some recent faves.........
Love this delicate polka dot gold and scalloped edged plate from France

Love this equestrian themed china!!

How great is this pitcher?

And this Charlotte Moss set of bamboo inspired china on a wicker charger?

I like this charger (it shows the two choices of monograms)

Elegant in pink, Limoges!

And this "afternoon tea party" service just about set me over the edge




BEAUTIFUL WALL TO WALL. As I am starting to look for pretty wall to wall carpeting, I have seen and found some very nice selections. I want classic looking carpet that won't look trendy nor do I want it to look dated, so here are a few that I think are quite elegant and timeless. What do you think. These are all by Schumachers latest line. The last few are contenders for my boys' rooms....masculine but understated.







GREAT BATH PRODUCTS. Love Lady Primrose. Have used this line for years now. Love the body cream, the body powder and the bath crystals. Their crystal decanters are so luxurious and fabulous looking and are wonderful items to display in the bath. Really fine bath products that smell heavenly! I just love this line.....click here to check out the line. They make things in a wide range of prices and sizes including great gift boxes and now even make things for little kids! I highly recommend the line! Here is an idea of what they have......







PRETTY STATIONARY. I love wrapping gifts. What can I say, well except during Christmas when I tend to get a bit frazzled and feel like an I love Lucy episode at an assembly factory line gone bad.....lol, where I can't wrap fast enough and things just aren't looking quite how I like them to look,etc...but in general I take a lot of pride in how I wrap my gifts and always like to add my little extra touches, and those who know me know this well. So I discovered this little company who offered this pretty trellis gift wrap paper. I am a trellis nut. I love trellis fabric,carpet,trellis anything....so fell in love with the trellis gift wrap! I also love the lemon gift wrap, so fresh and crisp....perfect for summer gifts. Click here to visit Retta le Ritz.



SWANK LIGHTING AND SEEING THE WINNING LAMPS IN THEIR NEW HOME! As you all remember, Swank lighting was incredibly generous to offer a pair of amazing lamps as a giveaway and one of my lucky readers, Valerie was the recipient of the gorgeous pair below. She was so excited and had custom lampshades made, the end result is nothing short of perfection! She found the perfect place for them in her bedroom and was kind enough to send me a bunch of pictures...right out of a photo shoot, here they are! You must check out the exquisite offerings for one of a kind Murano glass hand blown lamps at Swank lighting, I guarantee you will love what you see! Below are a few examples of their increidble lamps! Click here to visit their site and see more....their selection is nothing short of incredible.











MACKENZIE CHILDS BEVERAGE SERVER. I think one or two pieces of Mackenzie Childs is more than enough but I must say that I thought that this beverage dispenser was really neat. I thought for summer outdoor entertaining it could be a lot of fun. 


COOKING SCHOOL IN FRANCE. OK, now this granted, is something that needs to be put on a back burner for awhile, a very far away back burner, but its on my list and I do plan on accomplishing this one day! How much fun would it be to not only go to cooking school but to go to cooking school in the mother of cooking countries, France? What a dream come true it would be and is for many who sign up to go to the On Rue Tatin cooking School  in the Norman town of Louviers. To boot its only an hour from Paris and its in a restored 15th century former convent. There is a wide range of courses to select  from  ranging from 1 day course to a full 5 day program. The program is run and overseen by Susan Herrman Lommis who is a world renowned food expert and an award winning author of nine books.. Where do I sign up? How enticing do these pictures make it look? I think gathering a small group of great friends and going over would be the trip of a lifetime and then finishing it off wtih a few days in Paris would the crowning touch. Click here for more information and she has her own blog!











FUN DOG ITEMS. Always thinking about cute little doggie things. Teddy has been quite patient throughout this whole house ordeal, its been traumatic for him too. So I am going to treat him to a new bed and new dishes when we move. There are so many great companies catering to our canine friends, one is  "Unleashed life", who makes adorable very decor friendly bowls and now beds. They are clever because they make a wide range of styles that will fit well into very modern homes all the way to super traditional ones. Click here to visit them. Here are a few of their very interior design friendly bowls and beds......










So that's what I am loving this Thursday....lots of fun goodies! Hope you have a wonderful day....and would love to know if there is something you are loving that you want to share! Until tomorrow..........









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43 comments:

  1. Tina,
    This one post has a week's worth of information, so I am going to have to go back and digest it slowly, but the highlights for me: The floors!!! Your bathroom floor!!! The staircase (and such attention to detail, the curve in the first step is gorgeous)! Then the finds, the wall to wall and the adorable dog bowls. I will have to come back when I have some real time!!! M.

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  2. Your attention to detail is absolute perfection. Loving the staircase, it's going to be amazing beside the gorgeous windows.

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  3. Oh my word! Your house is to die for! Love the floors, wood and tile, that staircase is dreamy, and I can't wait to see that distressed wood installed in that spectacular breakfast room! You have what seems an unlimited budget mixed with amazing taste and that's quite the combo. I want to buy a ballgown and go to your house just so I can sashay down that staircase, lol!

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  4. Tina ~
    Isn't that exciting to watch your home get more and more complete!!
    The floors are just amazing and beautiful!! I love the different details ~
    Thank you for sharing with us !!

    xoxo
    Lori

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  5. I am speechless over your home! Seriuosly the most incredible thing EVER! Those bathroom floors are to die for! I love your eye...did you use a decorator? I am assuming you did. The staircase and woodworking, is unreal. I can't wait to see more..keep it coming!
    I love all the other things, never get enough of great bath products, went to cooking school in Aspen one year (husband gave it to me for my 35th bday present-best bday present ever) Love all the doggie things, so cute! Going check them out now....great and chock full post!

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  6. Tina,

    Your home is amazing, my friend! It's beautiful! I'm so happy for you!

    By the way, I'm happy to know everything is great with you and I know, sometimes is difficult to post every single day. :-)

    Have a Great Day!!!

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  7. Tina,

    I'm so happy for you! Your home is amazing!

    Don't feel pressured to post every single day. I know how hard that is at times! :-)

    Have a blessed day!

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  8. Your staircase looks the sweeping train of a magnificent bridal gown! So gorgeous!
    Karen

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  9. Magnifique it is! I will be back for short visits to absorb each and every tidbit in this "Magnifique" post.

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  10. oh, Tina - magnifique hardly begins to describe that wonderful staircase and those floors!! Your home is going to be stunning - x

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  11. Wow! So much to love. Your home is coming along beautifully, you must be so excited. I'm ready to hop on a plane for a little French cooking school. When do we go?!
    Hope you are having a lovely week!
    Jeanne

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  12. I can hardly wait to see all of the detailing in those floors when they are complete, and sounds like I am not alone! Beautiful. And I am with you on the cooking school! I have talked to friends here about heading down to Italy for a weekend of cooking classes, but so far we haven't gotten that far and I am running out of time!!! I think it's a wonderful idea though!

    http://bjdhausdesign.blogspot.com/

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  13. I am jealous, but happy for you as I love watching ladies with great taste weave their magic....it is perfect!

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  14. That staircase is sexy! Gorgeous! What type of wood is on the floor in the halls and what type of finish are you using?

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  15. Tina,
    I keep saying it again and again! I can't believe my eyes!!! Your house will be as a dreamhouse!! That staircase is ... I can't express...gorgeous, amazing,...! As if you enter a castle!
    I would love to see it with my own eyes!!
    Tina, congratulations! I know this isn't all there without hard working and thinking!! You have done a wonderful job as so far!!!
    I am always looking forward to every update you post.
    Oh and I so love that equestrian theme china!!Mmm... beautiful!
    xx
    Greet

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  16. Goodness- Is this just one post?!!
    I am humbled by your productivity!
    Your staircase is DIVINE. Wouldn't you love to be able to leave it just as is- without bannister and rails, just this beautiful, sinuous piece of sculpture within the heart of your new home?!
    Congratulations and hope you continue to enjoy the process. Cheers to that!

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  17. Where do I start? Where do I finish? This was such an amazing dose of everything fabulous in life! The tiles you have picked are perfection, the carpeting options are fabulous, the dog dishes make one to sign up for dog ownership duty again and your home is looking like a chateau! Absolutely fabulous images of the process to creating a dream home! So happy that you are sharing with us. Now, onto the cooking school. I cook homemade meals daily, it is something I truly enjoy and it doesn't take me long. I took a year worth of cooking classes in NYC at DeGustibus with some of the top chefs know...it was amazing! I also met a doctor who was friend of a friend. She was one of the neatest gals I've ever met...a doctor in Chicago, then onto Boston, decided to take a sabitical and went to Paris for a year to take cooking classes at a famed school...she did return to medicine, but now she whips up amazing meals that are as delicious as they are pretty! I'd take some additonal classes with you...it is so much fun!

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  18. Tina,
    I will be back several times to day to go to the different sites. What a post.
    Your house is GORGEOUS! I know that you are so excited. Who wouldn't be?
    Have a great day.
    Teresa
    xoxo
    BTW- The urns are beautiful.

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  19. Wow. (Can I say that again? WOW!) It is so wonderful to see the wood going in, especially with the view out the windows and the trees greening up, it is a fabulous look. The staircase is stunning, somehow shooting it from above enhances the grandeur, showing the lines better I think.

    The flooring is really beginning to take shape, especially the marble. I love the scalloped edges you found, that is a different look.

    The other things you are loving are just too much. I had not previously seen the Limoges pink band, you won't be surprised to hear I just love it. The folks at Unleashed Life have such a great sense of style and whimsy, I always enjoy looking at their offerings!

    Too, too much to absorb in one reading, I'll have to come back. :)

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  20. I feel so fortunate that I get to see your house being built. How amazing is is that we can all share in your vision as it happens? Gorgeous. Love the floors. You have the very best taste. Love seeing what you choose for your home. I'm living vicariously through you. I love the rock crystal lamps from Swank....actually got me to thinking....could I make some of those?

    As always chock full of great stuff post!

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  21. Well I just L.O.V.E. that staircase and two things came to mind right away...the first was that you built it the correct French way, which is when descending the stairs they sweep to the left so the king of the castle can descend the stairs with his sword drawn to defend his manor when intruders rush the doors...and the second thought was I think the house in the movie the Money Pit had a similar staircase, though not as grand of course!

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  22. What a gorgeous staircase! I cannot wait to see it completed!!! Thanks for sharing!

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  23. Loving the house progress! And those dogs bowls are so cute.

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  24. The staircase if truly unbelievable...a work of art. Love the flooring in all bathrooms and the wood flooring in the hall. We are so excited for you. You have done a great job!

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  25. I am loving your staircase in your house! All the bathroom tiles, love them! Glad I’m not writing the weekly checks for that job site….lol. What a special friend you and friends are to have given those beautiful potted urns away that was some kind of gift. And OMG I have the Vietri flatware that pattern is called Aladdin, I have the Aladdin horn or tortoise. It looks so good on the table and very reasonably priced too. I’ll have to check out unleashed life for Dylan. Wonderful post once again Tina and I have no idea how you posted everyday and build a house!

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  26. So much gorgeous inspiration in one post! Loving your staircase...it really is like a sculpture! Oh, and your floors are just fabulous!! Those carpet patterns are great! It's so fun to see the updates!

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  27. Stunning~ I love seeing the progress, and hearing the joy in your "voice". Thank you for the link for the dog items.... my THREE pups..... yes, I am THAT crazy... will thank you, too!!!!

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  28. Oh my, your staircase is a work of art, quite more than magnifique! There's just not enough words to describe your house. The workmanship is amazing. I love the wood floors and all the marble tiling, great choices on all, so elegant! The urns are gorgeous, what a nice friend you are!
    I have two daughters that adore and spoil their dogs so am passing the website on to them. Teddy looks like he would be patient, he reminds me of the dog we had while the children were at home. Thank you sharing.

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  29. This is going to be the most beautiful home ever built! I am soooo glad I get to watch it from here on out! I can't decide if I want to move in to your breakfast room, or just the staircase? PLEASE post as many pics as possible! Most of us won't ever build a home like that, and it is really amazing to watch :)

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  30. Tina,
    Your blog is exploding with great items!
    The house is amazing and your floors are magnificent. I love the boys tile.
    The urns are gorgeous and your friend is indeed lucky!
    I like the creamish Vietri flatware but maybe I'm too classic in that area…why not take a risk with the green?
    I know the pressure of posting every day but long ago realized there was no way with my business as busy as it is and travel.
    Don't feel you always have to post…we will always come back and enjoy whatever/whenever you post.
    Cheers my friend,
    Amy

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  31. I think you know your building my dream home. Spectacular! I'm enjoying every step (without the stress). Can't wait till you finish and start decorating.......Maybe you'll have a housewarming and invite all of us over.
    Hope your weekend is restful and great........

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  32. SO...I'm completely overwhelmed by the amount of FABULOUS info in this post so will be going back over it to take in at a nice leisurely pace over a cuppa later in the day. HOWEVER, may I just say, your house (clearly your dream one!) is looking amazing and I'm particularly enamored with with the tiles in the bathrooms! I am you're newest follower :)

    Nicolex

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  33. Thank you for your sweet message! And, oh my gosh!!! Your house is beautiful already! I can't wait to see more. I'm loving all the detail . . . the wood floors, the scalloped tiles, and that STAIRWAY!!

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  34. Tina,

    I love your Thursday posts of your favorite things. Your home has everything coming to fruition! You will enjoy this process as it unfolds because the execution of your vision is so satisfying. I am ecstatic for you, your family, and Teddy!

    Love all the goodies you've shared and how generous. They say that generosity is the key to world happiness because your heart is open to more good, therefore, you receive even more...you prove that right!

    Your home is your castle (with all your favorite things) and many will come to visit from near and far and a great time will be had by all.

    Many blessings,

    Bette

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  35. I'm in awe of your home! It is turning out so beautifully and I can only imagine how excited you must be to see your plans become reality. I'm drooling over the bathroom tile. And your staircase is absolutely stunning. AND I'm loving the inlaid wood floor. I bet you can't wait for it to be finished!

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  36. Oh Tina! Your floors. To. Die. For!
    And what I like best? 50 years from now they are going to be just as gorgeous...your selections are so timeless!

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  37. Beautiful stair case. Your home is going to be lovely.

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  38. Oh everything is so beautiful. I especially am in love with all the marble flooring. So pretty.

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  39. LOVE your gorgeous staircase and all of the beautiful tiling in the bathrooms ... I especially adore the scalloped tile ... can you please tell me what that design is called, I was looking for something similar!

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  40. That is such a grand staircase...fabulous!! I also love the border on your son's bathroom floor!

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  41. I'm in love with your elegant staircase. Such a fabulous curve, it looks like a chiffon ballgown in it's wonderfully flowing lines.

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  42. I just stumbled upon your blog and I can't quite believe it - you are building a chateau! Incredible.

    Andrea x
    andreareh.blogspot.com

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  43. Shut the front door!!! Your house is nothing short of genius....I love all of your tile selections! I am so drooling to see it finished :)

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