England, the tour

5:39 AM |

The ladies of this past tour are long home. Having the good fortune to still be in England, my partner in travel, Sylvia Benjamin and I are busy scouting and planning for next years tours.


Care to "join" us,  for a moment?    
                                                                                                                               
Let's go!

The lovely Diana created a masterful welcome reception. Everyone's surprise? Amazing food whether dining in or out!
Wine on one of the patio's. Look at the long views surrounding us

Predominately a garden tour we also

                                                              learned flower arranging
                                                                      did this!

                                                              shopping in downtown Sherborne
viewing interiors.......a typical British manor home bedroom. See the surrounding paneling? It is called 'linen fold'. see the close up below? I am always in awe at the artistry and exactness of this hand carved, old school art form. 

Swedish massage and Kinesiology.

How about a quick lesson in English gardens? This home is the standard cottage garden, even though there is nothing "standard" about it
Oftentimes vines clamor up the buildings, it makes the structure more "one with the garden"

This example and the next is my favorite type of garden; formal "bones" usually heavily sheared boxwood and/or yew. This lends order to the garden without being too structured.


Prairies which come second nature in the Midwest are becoming a happy concept in the British gardens, often with a sense of whimsey. Example; a buffalo

This prairie garden has a children's natural hideaway    

with an interior metal 'spider web' being fully utilized

transitioning to the manor home

with more formal bones and a typical austere entrance.
See the white doves? Their coooing was serene


 magic reigns beyond and deep within


Personally I find the British to be numero uno in the container department. As this photo conveys, get some of your containers out in the garden where they can create "exclamation points" of interest.

Having learned to plant in the UK; they plant rootball to rootball while tucking in seeds (in containers). The temperate weather with plenty of moisture and a 'softened' sun keep them looking divine all season.

Next post; Paris, the Maison & Object trade show plus Paris Design week, hint....INSPIRATION!!!


To those of you locally, or to those of you accepting shipments, the velvet pumpkins (real stems)
are in, all three shops.

Cheers!
debra

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Posted by Mr Black

9 Colorful Kitchen Backsplash Inspiration!!

7:07 PM | Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Designer kitchen backsplash are a great way to add some brightness and cheer. Add your creative touch, use it as a perfect accent piece while keeping it functional . There are so many beautiful and easy ways to design an impressive one and increase the style quotient of your kitchen tremendously!!

Choose from a variety of texture, color and finish to decorate your kitchen. It can be a bright focal point in the kitchen or compliment the color scheme .Fun and unique, or classic and evergreen. Choose from expensive hand painted tiles to a lovely mix of mosaic, add your personality in the design!!

Love the pretty green, and everything else in this absolutely cheerful space. I would be caught dancing a happy dance in this kitchen :) The pretty glossy kitchen tiles make the backsplash so delightful! Love how the light reflects, making this so stunning!


 Such glamour and style! This design blew me away, the mirror mosaic combined with beautiful black tiles. Everything sparkles a little extra! This backsplash is so unique and a gorgeous focal point without a doubt. Love the cute distorted reflection on it too. Heart it!!


Drama and elegance combines to make this blue and white backsplash a work of art. The various patterns in the same color combination brings variety and creativity without being too busy. It adds visual interest to the kitchen.  Color palette reminds me of Mediterranean theme too.


 This Chalkboard paint backsplash is by far the cutest and most innovative! Imagine being able to change colors, pattern and designs at will! I can see myself noting down menu, recipes and doodling while in here. So cute! Its super cost effective, great for any age and so fun. Must do :)


Mosaic tile backsplash is a great choice too. It is a great way to combine colors of your choice and keep a theme going. Multitude of color, textures and finish are available so you can create your personal fit. Love the appeal of energetic orange and neutral white keeps it bright and airy.


 Mosaic tiles with new twist and little creativity! These glass cabochons in pretty agate look absolutely delicious. The random design and fun color makes it sophisticated without being too pricey. Add a little oomph by combining some dichroic/fused glass cabs scattering. Tres chic!


 On a budget and looking for a designer kitchen backsplash? Try the retro wall paper backsplash in some bright, fun pattern for a retro modern style. Choose your own design and create an artistic kitchen nook without killing your budget. Look for instruction over net and you are ready to go!


 A perfectly amazing seamless plexiglass backsplash! Easily available,  durable and cleaning it is a breeze. I love the Tiffany green too. Its serene and so chic. Glass/lexan/plexiglass or any tempered glass with be perfect for kitchen and it adds oodles to your kitchen aesthetics.


This colorful bohemian backsplash is so lust worthy! The crazy mix of colors and design, erratic and customized to your like. Imagine being able to recycle when creating this stunning piece of art. Its not just good looking, its easy on your wallet and great for environment too. Got yourself inspired yet?


A definite conversation starter! 

  
Yellow is a beautiful color with so much possibilities. This retro mod style is so appealing. Love the yellow and white petite tiles for backsplash, it looks beautiful in combination with green and orange too.  Not the most conventional but emerges a winner non the less.


Never seen a backsplash so unique. The color treatment makes it look like a painting framed on a wall. How interesting is the color combination too. White looks stunning with deep red. The kitchen is small sized but so high on style quotient! Perfect for an apartment or dorm.


Creating a kitchen backsplash is an exciting project and even simple designs can add a refreshed look to the entire space. A new kitchen backsplash in your desired color and theme can reflect your personal taste and style. Choose from different material and get ideas and inspiration to zero in to the perfect fit for your home. Get inspired and get designing!!

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Posted by Mr Black

Dried Herbs that Aren't Worth the Price (or Effort)

11:10 AM | Labels: ,

I love herbs, but only when they have great flavor. That leaves out a number of dried varieties. It's nice to think that drying herbs for use over the winter months (or buying them for a fast blast of flavor or aroma) is a foolproof way to develop culinary muscle. The fact is, though, that many herbs suffer when dried. They either lose much of their essential flavor or aroma. This isn't herb

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Posted by Mr Black

Theme Decor : Equestrian design Ideas!!

5:21 PM | Labels: , , , , , , , ,

This post is about Equestrian themed decor inspiration. Horses are such regal animals and a favorite of so many! All of us have either been horse lovers at some point in our life or know someone with fondness for the amazing stallions. Horse themed decor is absolutely evergreen and favourite with kids as well as grown ups. I can think of two major themes that would include horses at its center. 'Equestrian hi-lif'e and the amazing unique appeal of the 'wild west' and everything in between.

Equestrian hi-life could be glamorous, stylish and very city chic and on the other end the Wild western would have the rustic appeal, elegance and simple endearing feel. And then there is all the ways you can design to fall in between. :)

This room will be a little girl's paradise!! The horse show ribbons add colorful touch to the young rider's room. Distinct pink and black with pretty flashes of color. I adore the white barn door, and quirky way the saddle is displayed!


Ralph Lauren rocks Polo!! The color combination so pretty and unique. The silver, brass, green and the punch of yellow and red makes it so irresistible. How very chic and glamorous. Pick an idea or two for your own home. I would pick the yellow roses in a trophy for my home.


Elle Decor never fails to inspire me. This is such a beautiful room. Not one for horns but for someone who has inherited some it is a classy way to display. The black and white combination with lovely wooden grains all evoke cowboy lifestyle. Very masculine and impeccably stylish!


The vintage collection of horse themed accents makes this living room such an interesting space. The neutral colors and sepia shade helps relax the eyes in this artifact filled room. Very earthy and pleasant.


This horse themed bedding is perfect for a teen room. If you have a young one who is fond of horse this is a great way to include their passion without redoing the room and at a low cost. Keep looking for nick knacks at flea markets and build up on the Equine style. Cost effective yet impressive!


Little girls love horses :) This is just too pretty to not be featured! Love the main motif, and the darling monogram ! Pink and horses..and I am totally smitten. Country style and super cute!


Investing in room decor is not always easy. But there are always options available if you search enough. This eye catching, stylish horse decal is a great find! A very modern decor in black and white and the decal takes the whole decor notches up. Great idea to decorate dorm room or teen bedrooms at low cost!


Horse shoe makes such a versatile accent! A simple iron bed is now a designer piece of art with some horse shoes added! If you love horse themed decor and know someone with talent, get them to weld horse shoes to an iron bed. The lovely South western colorful rug adds awesome style and color. I truly love each and every detail in this room.


Have a passion for the Equine style but not sure how far you want to take it? Choose accents to include your love for the lifestyle. These horse head book ends are just right for your work space as well as living room. To me it even looks like a chess piece. Horse rider who loves chess?


This is an out and out display of love for the horses and Polo! Each detail in this room goes perfectly with the equestrian theme. Right from the delish wall mural, plaids, window valance in horse prints to simple furniture! Perfect!!


Themed decor should not stop at living room and bedrooms. Take it to every corner and be open to ideas. These lovely dinner plates are so unique and delightful! I love the silhouette and can imagine this set would make a wonderful gift too. You can find these @ West Elm.


Another impressive horse shoe decor accent! This wine rack will so appeal to the cowboy in you. I love the elegant design and simple lines. Very creative and super stylish!


Each time I choose a theme I fall in love with it!! This theme has been unique in the way it celebrates the love and passion for a beautiful animal. Equestrian themed style might not be an easy choice, but if you love horses you can totally include it in your homes and lives. Hope these ideas inspire you as much as it inspired me! There is a second part coming up soon :)

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Posted by Mr Black

Quick Tips for Harvesting Herbs

10:40 AM | Labels:



It's that time of year again. You know, the time when you start saving paper bags and rubber bands for your fall herb harvest. Chances are you've been pinching back the blooms on your oregano, drying a bit of catnip for the cat (and for tea), and using your tender basil for fresh, gourmet pesto.

That's not all you should be looking out for, though. The parsley should be trimmed back, and

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Posted by Mr Black
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