Johnny

Sometimes, a post needs no description....just enjoy. :-)

(This is one of the pieces Johnny plays in the movie Chocolat - Minor Swing by Django Reinhardt).

Lipstick Gypsy

Ok, gypsy girls, here's another fabulous find!  Lipstick Gypsy is a very talented and creative jewelry artist whose designs rock my world.  Check her out on Etsy or on her Blog . 

Romantic Bathrooms

It's going to snow tomorrow - again!  It's been a rough winter here in New England, and my cold muscles crave a long soak in a beautiful bathtub.  Naturally, it would have to be a claw foot tub!  While I love both looks, my favorite is the black one in the second photo (and that sink!  the chandelier!).  Which do you prefer?  Light or dark?

Orange In The Year Of Pink

Since Pantone named its Honeysuckle the color of the year, 2011 has become the year of pink. Which is great.  I am a big fan of pink but let's not forgot about Orange.

Orange is bold, bright and bodacious. It may not be for everyone but this exuberant color will bring vivaciousness to any room it enters.

 The orange walls are just one vibrant element in this beautiful dining room. The combination of bright orange, peacock blue and and dramatic artwork make this a glorious setting.

This softer shade of orange adds color without taking over the room. I love the orange, green and white palette used.

 Sometimes a small area of intense color is all you need. This beautiful orange with pink tones makes a wonderful entry statement.  Isn't that a great table?

 In this sophisticated living room the buttery orange walls are a beautiful background for the neutrals of the furnishings.

 I love the combination of orange and deep fuchsia. The orange of the bookcase and bed is a perfect complement to the lively fuchsia walls. Great color balance in this room.

Orange isn't often thought of as a beachy color but this softened shade in combination with white creates a summery, sandy style,

Orange is a vibrant, lovely color. Do you use it in your home's interiors?

all photos from Elle Decor

Moonlight Photography

Presenting the work of Moonlight Photography!  Her images are so lovely and mystical.  To view more or purchase, visit her Etsy shop:  Moonlight Photography

Swing Kids - The Lady in Red

This is for all the swingin' hepcats and dames out there...a clip from one of my favorite movies, Swing Kids. I love to lindy!!!!!!!!

Faerie Wedding

I love creative theme weddings.  I love faeries.  The combination is ultra-magical and fun!  The images below were from a wedding designed by Tricia Fountaine and photographed by Elizabeth Messina.  Romantic and dreamy!  Happy Valentine's Day, everyone...

Sepulchre

Ok, so it's been quite a while since I've been able to really sink my teeth into a novel (Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles by Margaret George was a tough act to follow).  That is, until Sepulchre came along.  It has all of the elements I love in a novel - history, thrills, art, romance, mystery, the supernatural - and is set in one of my favorite places:  France.  Ms. Mosse's writing is lush and her pacing excellent.  Below is a synopsis from Fantastic Fiction...

An elderly priest brutally murdered. The body of a young man floating in the River Aude. A nervous woman sitting in a damask-draped room. A smiling man in the shadows. Four different people, scattered across France, scattered across the ages. The only link, the painted tarot cards they hold... SEPULCHRE is a spellbinding adventure that carries us back from the present day in the French spa-town of Rennes-les-Bains, first to the 19th century, and then further back into the stories of the ancient kings buried there with their treasure. For those who stumble upon the cards, unravelling the mystery of the painted deck will take them on a treacherous journey of forbidden knowledge, the power of the church and the pull of the occult. A tale of strange music, personal ruin, murderous greed and age-old secrets - prepare yourself to turn over the cards... 

Its Springtime At Designers Guild

It may technically not be spring but things are blooming at Designers Guild. Tricia Guild's new collection is influenced by Gustavian interiors in both pattern and palette. Classic motifs, florals and cool colors are all elements of the collection.  First the fabrics...

 Peonies are featured on the Charlottenborg pattern. The bountiful flowers are printed on a soft cotton ground.

 The colorways for Charlottenborg are cobalt, charteuse and peony.

The large scale rose of the Sofienberg pattern takes on a graphic effect.

 The pattern creates a modern take on a traditional floral.  The colorways are magenta and porcelain.

 Mariedal is an all over digital print. Intense and wonderful. The colorways are peony and cobalt.

 The inspiration  for the pattern Tistad is a classic decorative oval frame. The ground is a textured linen.
The colorways are blossom,charcoal, moss and aqua.

 And now the wallcoverings...The first is Bergius, a pattern influenced by late 18th century wall plates. Stunning.

 I love the combination of the Bergius wallcovering with the large scaled rose of the Sofienberg fabric. Gorgeous

 The Linnaeus wallcovering bring the topiary pattern into the 21st century.

 Mariedal as a wallcovering adds a vibrant accent to a setting.

If you are wanting to replicate the look of the distressed walls in The King's Speech the wallcovering Ajanta will accomplish that for you. The textured wallcovering adds a time worn ambiance to a room.
You can see the full collection at Designers Guild.

Spring Woodland Faerie Necklace

In honor of spring (it is coming, isn't it?), I'd like to offer a special incentive for the person who would like to give my Woodland Faerie necklace a new home...purchase this charming sprite and receive a free gift!  All decked out in spring green and earthy brown, she's ready to take a walk in an enchanted woodland with you!  Here's the link:  faerie necklace

~Barbara

xx

Le Theatre - Boston Opera House

The theatre has been a part of my life since I was a little girl.  I studied ballet for many years, and would always look forward to those magical nights when I could attend a professional performance.  I was fortunate enough to grow up near Boston, a city that appreciates and indulges the arts, and their theatres are ornate and elaborate in the European tradition.  The Boston Opera House was recently renovated and is now the home of the Boston Ballet.  It is my favorite theatre; so lush and beautiful, I never want to leave...