Reflection of a YEAR!

Sep 17, 2011

Oh how another year has come and gone, and today I am in reflection.

Yes, another Birthday celebration!!!!

When I look back on the past year I have so many different emotions. I am truly blessed for a life surrounded by love, family and friendships. However my Birthday reflection is also a time to reflect on my journey measured against eternity, and my time on earth as a blink of an eye.

Years ago a popular slogan encouraged people to live each day as “the first day of the rest of your life.” As I am reflecting on this past year I believe it would be wiser to live each day as if it were the last day of your life!!!!

I hope you enjoy todays smallest blessings…

Look through the window and smile.  Your smile is the window on your face to show your heart to others.

Take time to rest, your body will need the energy for later to continue your lifes journey.

Stop and smell the flowers and enjoy the beauty, they will be gone next week.

                                    Take the path less chosen, because it was already paved for you by God.

 

Love your neighbor but more importantly love your enemies.

Open your heart to new experiences. You will grow deeper in love with life.

And as I blow out the candles (wow I may burn the house down) I wish the light of life touches each and everyone of you and burns bright for others to see.

What are your daily simple blessings?

Making today Great!

Renee

P.S. Thank you JoAnn Hymel for the most beautiful book by Jean-Loup Daraux in which these images came from and inspired me.

68 Comments

Loving Paneled Walls

Sep 13, 2011

One of the early forms for finishing a room was wood wall panels such as those as seen in European castles. As early as the 15th century,  panels were used for keeping the air out and as a symbol of wealth.  Ornate or Boiserie panels, became popular in French design in the 17th and 18th centuries.  Wood panels were not only used on walls but to adorn doors and shelves.  It is amazing how paneled walls can add elegance and character to large and small spaces. 

 

Recently, Tina over at The Enchanted Home, in her weekly house update, shared images of the beautiful paneled walls in several rooms of her home and hallways.  What a wonderful way to add character to the small spaces in a home that could otherwise be plain.  Tina used paneled walls in the vestibule leading to her kitchen. We can’t wait to see this space painted and with the sconces. How beautiful!

An apartment in Paris designed by Jacques Grange that is for rent for $10,790.00 a week.  Seriously??

 

 

Beautiful dining room with paneled walls designed by Amitha Verma and featured on her blog Past and Present by Amitha Verma.

Paneled walls in a bathroom add a touch of elegance.

Painted paneled walls are a perfect backdrop for the neutral tones of  furniture pieces.

 

 

Panels used in a hallway of a Park Avenue apartment that conceals hall closets.

Superior craftsmanship and attention to details can be seen here  in the beautiful work of Lefevre Interiors; the family owned business of Greet over at Belgian Pearls. 

Another breathtaking room by Lefevre Interiors. Oh to have Lefevre in the U.S.A.

 

 

Do you prefer painted or stained paneling; ornate or plain?  Do you have paneled walls in your home or like us dreaming of putting panels in a room?

 

Making today Great!

Angela

image sources:  1. The Enchanted Home  2 and 3. Vosges Royal  4.  Amitha Verma   5.  Attic Mag  6 and 7 Veranda 

8. Let the Creativity Flow  9.  Trouvais  10.  Rural Intelligence  11.  Cote Paris  12 and 13.  Lefevre Interiors 

14.  Belle Francais  15.  Traditional Home

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Dreaming of Fall

Sep 9, 2011

Since the recent tropical storm provided us with much need rain, we have had a pleasant surprise in South Louisiana.  Cooler Temperatures!!!!!  Days in the 80’s and nights that have gotten down into the 50’s have given us respite from the savage heat of the summer.  Everyone keeps reminding themselves to enjoy it fast because it won’t last long.  We typically do not experience fall temperatures until late October and November and often have temperatures in the 80’s at Thanksgiving.  We have lots of wonderful things in South Louisiana; however, beautiful fall scenery is typically not one of them.  So a road trip is in order to enjoy the beautiful scenery that fall can bring.  

 

 

When we think of Paris, we typically think of Paris in the Spring.  However, David Downie shares many reasons to love Paris in the autumn that can be seen here.  Okay we are convinced!

 

A public garden in Paris, located behind the Louvre that can be purchased in varied sizes here.

 

The next four images are of European gardens in autumn as captured by Mario Ciampi and found in Jean-Loup Daraux’s book En Passant Par La Demeure

 

 

 

 

 

 

A beautiful tablescape for Autumn that creates such a warm and inviting atmosphere.  Hey, we can do that!

 

Beautiful alley of trees that provide a visual feast for the eyes.

 

Oxford Botanic Garden

 

Red Maples in the USA. Would love to plant some of these in our garden. 

 

Cherry trees at Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Ashland, Kentucky

 

California

The cooler weather has made us want to take a road trip but for now this will have to do.  We have much needed gardening that has been  waiting on cooler temperatures to do. A garden September “to do” list can be found here to provide guidance on what has to be done.  Hoping to get outdoors and enjoy this beautiful weather.

What’s on tap for your weekend?  Do you have beautiful fall scenery in your area?  What are your favorite things about autumn?

Making today great!

Angela

33 Comments

To Live Content

Sep 6, 2011

We were honored to be asked to participate in a monthly blog event that was inspired and organized by Marsha over at the beautiful blog Splenderosa. Marsha has worked very hard to organize this event and provide inspiration for the post.  It’s up to each of us to interpret and develop our blog posts based upon a given topic or inspiration.  In true Splenderosa fashion here is the inspiration for todays post:

 

THE THOUGHT–

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common–this is my symphony.

WILLIAM HENRY CHANNING

 

Well now….that’s deep thinking.  As we were preparing for this post we researched the life of William Henry Channing and the meaning of his symphony.   Channing was a minister who was described as a man of wisdom and a speaker of eloquent and thought provoking words whose personality was as wonderful as his words.  What spoke most to us in this passage upon reading it was: To Live Content With Small Means.  When braining storming about this passage, a child sponsored through Mission of Mercy came to mind. To be honest, in the hustle and bustle of life we send our $34.00 a month for support but don’t really take time to truly reflect on our blessings and what it means to be content with what we have. That was like a slap in the back of the head and truth be known we need that from time to time.

What a perfect example of living content with small means.  Vicente is a four year old boy who lives with his mother, two sisters and brother in a small concrete blockhouse with a tin roof. The family relies on an oil lamp for light, a wood fire for cooking and a community tap for household water. Vicente helps by sweeping around the house. His mother is unemployed and has difficulty providing basic necessities for the children so she is thankful Vicente is enrolled at the Nkobe Mercy Center where he is given nourishing meals and health care. Vicente is a bright student and enjoys learning new things. He is healthy and stays active by playing soccer and toy cars with friends. He loves Jesus and regularly attends church with his family. He hopes to one day become a pastor and share the love of Christ to others.

 

Mission of Mercy

 

Perfect contentment in the small things such as a playground that was donated to their school.

A smile that is priceless!

 

Can you even remember when you laughed that hard or filled with that much joy over such a small thing in life?

 

In the mist of difficult times could we be as joy filled over such a small thing in life?

 

 

As we hug our kids and take a few extra minutes to watch them play or share a moment in time that will be lost forever, we are reevaluating what it means to be content with small means. What are the simple pleasure in life that you plan on enjoying more? What in this passage speaks most to you?  Thank you for allowing us to diverge off of the usual topic and share something that touched our hearts. 

 

Another image that kept coming to mind during the brainstorming was this image recently shared over at Room Seventeen. What unexpected elegance.

Simple yet refined

 

Head on over to Splenderosa to see all of the other bloggers interpretation of Channing’s Symphony.

Making today Great!

Angela

31 Comments

Inspiring Women in Design…Annelle Primos

Sep 2, 2011

 

A while back be featured a beautiful home that we fell in love with the minute we saw it on architect Kevin Harris’ web site that can be seen here.  At the time, we did not know who the interior designer was behind the breath taking interiors.  A few weeks later, we featured the ultimate in luxury barns titled Delightful Surprise and again were blow away with the interiors which can be seen here.  A commenter on the posts gave us a delightful surprise and clued us in on who the designer was behind these projects. A most gracious and talented designer from Jackson, Mississippi, Annelle Primos.  We were honored to be able to recently connect with Annelle and learn more about her, her shop and design business, Annelle Primos and Associates.

Annelle was an art major who also had a passion for interior design and realized that the two were connected and switched her major. She explains that you’re basically dealing with the same elements whether on canvas or in someone’s home.  Annelle recalls that her passion for interior design began early on and she that was inspired by her mother and grandmother who brought her to flea markets and antique shops. 

Annelle opened her shop because she could not find the pieces that she wanted to use on her projects.  Annelle Primos and Associates, has evolved over the years into a lifestyle shop that offers not only design services but antiques, beautiful antique reproductions, china and home accessories.  

Annelle’s sister Mary Alice, works with her and is a creative force in the shop.  Being true Southern ladies they have a passion for entertaining and beautiful tablescapes and love to share with others their tips for gracious living.

Annelle incorporates a mixture of antiques, reproductions and something modern to add a punch into her designs.  She loves to use leontine linens in her bedrooms to create an European ambiance. 

The first priority in Annelle’s designs is for the people who live there to be comfortable. “It’s important to design a home that is reflective of the people who live there”, Annelle explains. 

 

Annelle takes her guidance from her clients and incorporates items that families has with new pieces. 

Annelle stresses the importance of listening to her clients and being aware that everyone’s taste change and evolve with time.  Being open to new ideas and never being stagnant is key.

Annelle describes her overall design style as being eclectic.  She is passionate about art and often incorporates modern art and African art into her designs. 

We adore how Annelle’s designs are styled and elegant yet livable with personal touches of the homeowner. 

 

Annelle used a beautiful work of art by Carol Sneed in her homes dining room.  Carol is a talented artist and interior designer whose work is represented at Annelle’s shop. 

A comfortable and inviting bedroom designed by Annelle that would be a perfect space to end the day. 

 

This bedroom which incorporates leontine linens, antiques and reproduction pieces is stunning. We could move right in. 

 

A beautiful master bedroom suite designed by Annelle.

 

 

 

 

This space is a perfect example of how diverse and eclectic Annelle can be in her designs.  In her home, she created this comfortable space keeping her two teenage boys in mind. On a buying trip in France, Annelle was staying in Avignon at the Hotel d’ Europe across the street from and art gallery, Gallerie Ducastel.  They were having a show of French artist Pierre Marie Brisson’s work that stopped Annelle dead in her tracks.  She purchased the painting (as seen above) for her home which is loved by Annelle and her two sons. 

 

 

We are so glad to have found Annelle and are in awe of her talent. If you live in Mississippi or visiting Jackson, Mississippi, you will definitely want to stop by and visit Annelle’s shop. Their hospitality is like none other and you will be so glad you did. 

Making today great!

Angela and Renee

38 Comments

European Inspired Bread Boards

Aug 30, 2011

What could be better than hot bread and butter out of the oven? As everyone knows the French know cuisine, and better yet, they know how to make the most decadent bread including our favorite croissants and baguettes. The French use open shelving allowing easy access to plates, pots, glasses, breadboards and culinary utensils illustrating their passion for the culinary art and for creating fine cuisine.  Traditionally in European homes, breadboards are within arms reach.  Having  breadboards on display makes us dream of warm bread coming out of the oven. We consider fresh, hot bread and butter as a meal and a topic to drool over. 

Bread boards have been used for centuries and are being seen everywhere these days. They are not only functional but add texture and interest to the kitchen. Giving you a look of a European kitchen.   Come along and see how visually enticing breadboards can be…

 

 

 

 

 

Propped among the batterie de cuisine are vintage breadboards that lure us back to the lost art of bread making.

 

 

Brooke from Velvet and Linen used bread boards to create visual interest behind white dishes and silver pieces. What a beautiful combination. 

 

We adore the interplay of textures, fabric, wood, glass and stone in this image shared by Greet at Belgian Pearls. Combined they create an informal dining area that is warm and inviting you to come back home and enjoy a hot cooked meal.

 

 

 

 

 

Open shelves with pitchers, pottery, glassware and platters  illustrate how beautiful open shelving can be.  Notice the breadboards are part of the kitchens portrait makeup not just an object in the corner.

 

 

 

 

This cheese tray is displayed beautifully with the breadboard underneath. Breadboards are wonderful for hosting a party with fabulous fruits and goat cheeses sitting atop for guest to enjoy.

 

 

These breadboards are displayed together and create a collage. Together they make a beautiful yet powerful design statement.

 

 

LaCaze

 

LaCaze

LaCaze

Bread boards can be used to add an European flare to any kitchen and as seen in these images are very versatile and can find a home in any kitchen.  Paired with white dishes, silver, stone, flowers or mossy pots of sage, rosemary, chives and basil topiaries the possibilities are endless. Fresh topiaries can be found here. 

How would you use bread boards in your space?  Share your creative ways you display and use  your bread boards.

 

Making today great!

 Renee

 

image sources:  1. Kevin Harris  2.  unknown  3.  Belly Lou Phillips  4.  Velvet and Linen  5.  Belgian Pearls  6.  Elle Décor

7.  Style for Living via House Beautiful  8.  Belgian Pearls  9.  Elle Décor  10.  Gourmet Girls  11.  Mimi Williams 

12.  unknown  13 and 14.  LaCaze

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