Book Wishlist

Books are my absolute favorite item to give or receive (or buy for myself).  A hardcover is a thoughtful and personal gift that one hand-selects and can personalize with an inscription.  Additionally, books make a wonderful souvenir from travel.

Books make a home come to life.  One can gain a reasonable amount of insight into a person simply by browsing their collection; where they traveled, their interests, etc.

I could NEVER have too many books... Novels, periodicals, fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, art books, how-to books, travel guides,... the list goes on and on.  I frequent thrift stores and antique shops always on the lookout for vintage books.  You would be amazed by the selection and the deals.   Plus, I love to read used book inscriptions.  That in itself is a whole story.  And finally, I love the smell of books (and not because of Carrie Bradshaw).  The scent is intoxicating.  Perhaps it's nostalgia...

Literally, I have hundreds of books on my wishlist, but here are a few I am coveting today:

All available on Amazon.com.

A candle from the Paddywax Library Collection is the perfect compliment to a book.  The "Oscar Wilde" scent is a staple in my husband's office.  The masculine aroma is a mixture of cedarwood, thyme and basil.

Enjoy whatever you read today, whether a newspaper, a magazine, chick-lit, a classic, or my personal favorite, a children's book.

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience:  this is the ideal life."  ~Mark Twain

The Arts: Original Works

From the first time my oldest and I read Olivia he's requested to make "splash art."   Due to last week's insufferable heat we searched for indoor activities to fill après-camp time.  All options were quickly exhausted, so we headed to the paint store for supplies.  CJ selected the paint colors and we settled on the canvas size pictured below.  (Originally he requested a canvas twice that size.)  This was the prefect after dinner/before bath project.

Little brother even participated in the creative process...

...But it was short-lived.

 The masterpiece now displayed in the playroom.

Here is a close up.  I'm a proud mama!

Cheers!

Elizabeth

“It doesn't make much difference how the paint is put on as long as something has been said. Technique is just a means of arriving at a statement.”  ~Jackson Pollock

Casual Friday Cocktail Hour

Delighted by the balmy weather?  Don't melt away in this sweltering heat!  Grab a wide brim hat, slip into a tissue-thin jumpsuit or sundress, head to the coast and brew your own summer gust with a Dark N' Stormy.  Incorporate the following ingredients with good company too ensure a cool cocktail hour.

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Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it."  ~Russel Baker

What is that... Velvet?

In a few weeks my neighbors are moving a few blocks away - likely to get away from the insanity and noise at the CDJ household two doors down.  Since I am a design junkie, I offered to help with the new home's decor.  The first task is finding a soft velvet sofa with clean lines.  While searching for ideas, I came across many glamorous spaces that incorporate the luxurious fabric. 

Both images above by Kelly Wearstler 

Elle Decor

Carrie and Big's condo in SATC II

4 images above via pintrest.com

 2 images via lonnymag.com

Frank Roop 

I think I need a little velvet in my life...

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"A throne is only a bench covered with velvet."  ~ Napoleon Bonaparte

Yet Another Project Idea

I picked up this Craig's List diamond in the rough for $49.  I think it's going in the office/guest room.

With these knobs...

...and a few coats of glossy paint, she will be a fox!  While I am considering bright white or black, a pale lavender is lurking in the back of my mind. Here is some of my inspiration:

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Ooooo... I can paint the inside of the drawers a fun color too. The possibilities are endless...

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

~ Eleanor Roosevelt