7/7/10

I'll take the stairs.

Boxed, spiral, curved, circular, vertical, open,
sweeping & grand.
 In early New England homes, space was tight and the boxed staircase, literally boxed in between a closet & bookcase below, was the solution.
American Farmhouses 
The houses and farms of older New England demonstrate that Yankee thrift.
American Farmhouses 
 Today, stairs aren't simply used for getting from one level to the next.  Some are grand, spiraling works of art!
Eric Roth
They're often the center of attention right as you walk through the door. The inlaid wood, carpeting & oriental runner above is interesting...wonder why so many surfaces?
I much prefer the simple sisal runner below.
Lucyina Moodie 
One thing in modern homes that is very different than a few decades ago is that long stair runs are now separated by landings. This looks like a lovely spot to sit & try to remember what I came upstairs for...
Barnes Vanz Architects
 Older homes were small and so long stair runs were necessary, but not anymore. This sunny stairwell reminds me of a conch shell. Just look at that banister!
Eric Roth
How beachy is this staircase column with its nautical-inspired cap! This epitomizes the fun-loving spirit of Diamond & Baratta.
Diamond Baratta Design
I also adore how the unfinished curvaceous spiral below, tells the history of this American farmhouse.
American Farmhouses
I say eliminate the wall covering and appreciate the craftsmanship!
House and Garden Book of Style
More dizzying heights in black & white! Good grief, what is up there?
Eric Roth
Was it me who said I prefer a simple sisal runner?
 I take that back!
House and Garden Book of Style
 Race you to the top!

7/1/10

Fourth Of July

I Love America.

 We light fireworks, revel in red, white & blue.
Picnics & people come together to celebrate our nation's & our family's independence.
We drag tables & chairs out to the lawn, platters of food, baskets of bread, cookies & cupcakes, pitchers of lemonade & lots of ice.

We join in patriotic song, march in parades and after sunset we watch America's birthday candles light up the sky.
Marshmallows for roasting, lanterns for hunting bugs & lost shoes.
Soon there will be journeys back & forth to the house or the car with arms full of left-over's & sleeping children.
Like I said, I love America.
Happy Independence Day to you all.

Patriot Sailor photos by Mary Randolph Carter

6/30/10

More to Love at My Sparrow

More to love at My Sparrow.
Bone China Farmer's Market Berry & Fruit Baskets,

and a nap on the Henry Bench.

Christina at My Sparrow encourages us to,
"Bring things into your life and home that make you smile."
Thank you, Christina.

Staying Put!

There are two kinds of getaways. The places you go for change,
444 So Cal
and the changes you make without going.
Tennis shoes Via Pure Style Living Pure Style Living
Cook outside instead of in,
glasses by et a part ca
et a part ca
dress your bed in white,
twinbed
Coastal Living
gather seashells in tiny bowls.
collecting shells by Alison Miksch
Alison Miksch
Share your home & your cooking,
welcome via mayalu via Mayalu
turn hammocks into beds,
via Mayalu
call a clothesline your closet,
vintage pillowcase dresses by Mayalu
via Mayalu
display the finest kids paper plate art.
kids art by Daniel Farmer
Daniel Farmer
hang out with your bff,
knucklehead
borrow each other's books,
Kate headley book and beach towel
Kate Headley
and lose your shoes.espadrilles by trine thorse
Trine Thorse
On the last day of your getaway,
matt bird
Matt Bird
pack up your summer totems...gifts from the sea,
Nicola Tree  Nicola Tree
weathered chairs,
flickr
flickr
pets,
via Mrs. Hoffy
kids,
ric-rac photo by Pia Tryde Pia Tryde
and hope they'll make the magic last till next year.
end of summer net flickr
To me, the most treasured things at home are memories. 

6/29/10

Nite Lights

How do you light up your nights?
cox & cox
If you plan to serve dinner under the stars...
 
Atlanta Bartlett
or dance on the patio till dawn,
Garden Home
 make the setting a little more festive or a little more romantic
with outdoor lighting.
 
Atlanta Bartlett
Today there are so many ways to make your garden or backyard sparkle after dark.
flickr
Some are based on long tradition; paper Japanese lanterns still enchant, as do luminarias made from paper bags.
flickr
Other ornamental garden lights are new interpretations of old designs.
cox & cox
Outdoor lights cast shadows...
Garden Design
create patterns & forms
Sandra Lane
that don't exist in the light of day.
flickr
Subtlety is a virtue so use low wattage bulbs.
Keiko Oikawa
Or use no wattage whatsoever!
cox & cox
The challenge is to light up the darkness, with all its magic & mystery,
Anson Smart
not to create the light of day.
Which one is your favorite?
cox & cox

6/24/10

Endless Summer Hydrangeas

When the time is right.
Go to the Garden.
Speak kindly & Pray softly.
Prune back & Plow ahead!
Just hoping that my
Endless Summer Hydrangeas
and I make it to the end of the summer!
All photos by me.
This means bunches of Gerber Daisies for Taylor & Hydrangeas for the rest of us!
A warm welcome to my new followers.  Hope y'all are staying cool!
xo Lisa