Saratoga Style - Part One

Today I took a walk up North Broadway, one of the most scenic and historic streets in Saratoga. I brought along my camera and took the following pictures. With so many beautiful houses I have a hard time picking a favorite. Hope you enjoy the sights as much as I did!

Look What I Got!

I recently participated in a swap hosted by Mary of VINTAGE PATINA. The theme was "It's About Time" and swap items were to have a "time" or numbers feel. I love clocks and old numbers so I thought I would join in. I was lucky enough to have Mary herself as my swap partner and look what arrived on my doorstep yesterday... A cool suede backgammon case ( how brilliant to use it as a gift box!) chock full of cool stuff! Old flashcards, playing cards, an awesome clock, old tape measures, hand-made gift tags, a charm that says "antiquer", watch faces, old bottle caps with numbers inside, an old knob, a cute as a button flashlight, a ruler and an old metal tag. Mary, you really outdid yourself and I love it all!! Lucky girl that got her for the "I'd Rather Be In Paris" swap I am hosting!!! Thanks Mary!!!

Picture [[Frame]] This!

Fun and simple ideas for using old picture frames: Frame a single picture to expand it's visual impact. The painting inside the frame is by local artist Jennifer Lanne. I just love her work and am pleased to own several of her pieces. She has been featured in several magazines including Country Living and in the May edition of Where Women Create. Be sure to click on her name above to see more of her beautiful work.Anchor and add height to a group of similiar colored objects. "Frame" a group of small prints for an unexpected twist. I have even thought about painting behind the frame or adding a piece of fabric for texture. Enjoy!

Better Homes and Gardens Feature - Basement Renovation

Be sure to pick up the July issue of Better Homes and Gardens.

Inside you will see the article/pictures below of my recently finished basement.

Better Homes and Gardens / Photographer - John Bessler

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

 

Better Homes and Gardens / Photographer - John Bessler

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

The project took most of the winter to finish and also includes a bedroom and bathroom. The bathroom will be featured in Bed and Bath Makeovers which should be available soon. The overall goal was to make the space flexible to accommodate our ever changing family needs.

Better Homes and Gardens / Photographer - John Bessler

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

  

Great care was taken to make sure this space fit into the overall design scheme of the rest of the house. I wanted it to look like it had been completed when the house was built seven years ago.

Better Homes and Gardens / Photographer - John Bessler 

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

To that end, I used bead board, vintage lights and door knobs, matched trim, columns and doors to exising woodwork, changed the treads on the stairs from pine to oak and kept the walls the same color as the upstairs. I am very happy with the results and can't wait to tackle my next project.

Inspirations

I feel so blessed to be surrounded by beauty - both inside and outside my home. Yesterday I decided to take time to photograph some of the flowers in my yard to remind me that inspiration is all around.

I'd Rather Be In Paris Swap

I am so excited to be hosting my first swap! It is titled "I'd Rather Be In Paris" and promises to be fabulous! A total of twelve beautiful bloggers (counting me) are participating:

~~Lauri of 2Chippys
~~Lulu of 2Chippys
~~Deb of Talking Trash
~~Lisa of La Rustique Market
~~Gretchen of MimiTorias Designs
~~Tiina of Dream In Cream
~~Sue of Bella Shabby
~~Diana of Annie Fannie and Abigail
~~Donna of Annie Fannie and Abigail
~~Zita of Mlle Magpie
~~Mary of Vintage Patina

Each of us will select French-themed treasures valued at $20-$25 with our partner in mind, then mail them off on or around the 22nd of this month. Then all participating will post pics on their blog showing what they received. Sounds like fun right? Maybe this will inspire you to start your own swap. Stay tuned...

You Light Up My Life

I love to use vintage lighting when possible in my home. If not, I like it to have a vintage feel. I thought I would share some pics with you of what lights up my life...

Table lamp from Sundance in my living room.


My floor lamp featured in a previous post.


Another table lamp in the LR~~this one is from Aidan Gray.


Pair of antique French iron lamps.


Antique iron lamp in my dining room.


Antique alabaster lamp in guest room. Shade is covered in an old nightgown.


Antique crystal lamp in master bedroom. Hand-made shade from old lingerie.


Antique iron chandelier in master bedroom.


Antique crown chandelier in second bath.


Antique French iron lamp in my studio.