Giveaway: Breaking up is hard to do!

Based on the feedback I got to this post, there seems to be a good number of renovators and self declared decorators reading so hopefully this giveaway peaks your ears up.

Two years ago I picked up a pair of these in my travels. I've had this one brass sconce collecting dust in the basement for more than a year now. It's mate now lives in my first floor hallway. I admit, I have some reservations about splitting up this couple but sometimes a good clean break is the best for all parties involved :)

excuse those too big bulbs - not sure how that escaped my attention

To enter, comment or email me with one of the following:

1. How you plan to use it - photos & inspiration boards welcome!

2. Your favorite reno or decor transformation in your own home.

3. Let your own blog readers know about the giveaway by posting the first photo in this post with a link back here. (Don't forget to let me know you did it!)

Enter as many times as you like!

I don't know much about it other than its old and heavy but its been rewired. They don't make them like this anymore!

It would make a great asymmetrical statement in an entryway or any other little 'nook'. Personally, I think it would look equally lovely in a traditional or contemporary space. To prove my point, I photographed it against two backdrops.

How will you use it?

Bob's Your Uncle, Fanny's Your Aunt.

This post's title is completely random but I just like the saying. I always though it meant something dirty but evidently I was completely off base - it just a phrase added on to an obvious statement to indicate "there you are!" (Brit and Ausi readers: feel free to give a better explanation.)

Our weekend in London:


We stayed at the Hilton Tower Bridge.

Naturally, we walked across the bridge a few times. The weather was gray and drizzly all weekend. I really wanted to see the Tower of London but the crowds were INSANE! So much for being quiet on a holiday weekend. We'll have to go another time.

Borough Market is located a few blocks from the hotel so we had a good time browsing the food stalls and grabbing lunch there.

Most of the food stuff sold here is more appropriate for someone living here rather than a passerthrough. That didn't stop us from having a taste of parma ham and homemade cheese.

My latest obsession is chandeliers made of unexpected materials. Case in point above at one of the wine sellers stalls.

We ambled around central London for a big part of Friday but because of the rain and packed crowds, I didn't take out my camera much. Aside from a lot of walking, we also became very familar with the underground system. Even though we happened to visit on a weekend when a lot of the lines were not operating for repairs, we still had very little trouble getting anywhere we wanted. Kudos for that!



Then on Saturday we set off for the infamous Portobello Road market.

Did I mention the crowds? Holy hell!

Thankfully it didn't say quite this crowded for the entire length but it never got empty either - even when the rain came down harder. I have to be honest, it was a big disappointment because while there were some lovely shoppes to browse in, the crowds made serious shopping impossible.

Which was a terrible shame because this store, Alice's, had some fun things.

Like these wooden containers that would be great display/storage pieces. Ridiculously overpriced at 29 pounds each but still cute.

As Im apt to do with wall decor I have no place to hang, I had my eyes on this faux vintage sign. Something about the peepers had me mesmorized. But with the crowds, I couldn't find anyone to give me a price so it didn't come home with us. Probably for the best anyway. They had some very lovely painted dress forms inside but because of the no photos policy, I can't share them.



Just a random collection of pretty pieces I saw.

Then I found this nightstand. I don't have any immediate use for the idea but I'm putting this away in the bank for revitalizing an old piece of furniture. Using dictionary pages for a library, medical textbook pages for an office or vintage children's books for a nursery would all work.

We eventually left the throngs on Portobello and explored the entire Notting Hill area. This store caught my eye - note to shopkeepers - fushia really pops!

I think we can all agree with this sentiment.

And I just love this front door color combo. The white, the gray, the wisteria...lovely.


We spent the entire day exploring the area on no particular schedule.

On Sunday, we went to the Britain at War Musuem. Its a lot hokey but Im fascinated with this period of history. Not so much the war itself but with the impact on civilian life. Plus I find the fashion and style of the 1940s to be one of my favorites.


The only purchases I made were these fun postcards. Tea Revives me indeed!

And before we knew it was back on the train to Heathrow

And back to the big apple. Until next time, Cheers!

Counting the days to our next trip!

Like my photos? You can buy select prints starting at just $6! Click here to browse.

Accidental tourist decor inspiration!

I still haven't finished uploading my London trip photos but I did put up one that is much more blog-worthy anyway. Check it out:

Sorry for the poorly exposed photo and my apologies to the woman at the right. I only managed to get off this one shot before getting yelled at by the shopkeeper. (Not sure why but a lot of stores seem to have a serious no photo policy. As an aside, I never understood this - how does it hurt sales if people are impressed with their store design and want to show their friends??) But look beyond the knick knacks and rainhat wearing lady over to the fireplace.

Isn't that fabulous? I just love this idea. The detail adds such a great textural element while the color being the same as the wall creates a very modern look. And you already know I have a love affair with empty frames. Gotta.have.it!!

The area over my master bedroom (non working) fireplace jumped to my mind.

Looking through my archives, I don't think I have a recent photo of it so this one from during the reno will have to do. If I stand in another corner, the view looks more like this.

Now the question is - where do I find a frame like this without having to take a second mortgage out? Frame stores are out of the question as the by the foot prices for this are sheer insanity. I've looked online without much luck but I'm not quite sure what this style of frame is called so that could be the problem. It can be any finish or even be a bit damaged b/c I'm just going to paint over it. Any suggestions for me? Any framers with a heart of gold out there?

Across the pond...

We spent Easter weekend in London ambling around the city. The weather was crap but we had a good time under the drizzle. And as if enjoying the trip wasn't enough, I stumbled upon a decor idea that I absolutely LOVE for my bedroom. As for the bad news, I haven't finished uploading my photos so I can't show it to you yet.

The problem with these weekend trips is that I come back on Sunday to a bunch of little things that has to be done and no time to do them. So I spend weeknight evenings catching up on my errand list and short on time to do other things - like finish uploading my trip photos, locating the item I'm going to give away and coming up with partially interesting post topics.

Other things that I would like to do in the next few weeks that are looking questionable? Hanging my living room curtains, visiting the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens' Cherry Blossom Festival, getting my hair cut, working on an art project for over my bed, cleaning out the box room, finishing a sewing project, etc. This list can go on for a while so I'll stop now.

Not that I'm complaining - I love to travel and take every opportunity to do it. But I'm feeling a little run down today.

Are you watching?

I tend to focus my posts on things going on in my own little world. Not that I don't read blogs that comment on the rest of the universe but I figure you don't need to hear my opinion on everything!

nice photo ladies but the airbrushing is a little heavy, don't you think?

But I just have to say something about the latest episode of Real Housewives of New York City. For those that have seen it - what did you think of Jill's apartment?

I can't find any flattering photos but here is some video of the critism:

If you know where I can find some photos, please share it with us!

Personally, I think Jill is getting a bad wrap. Sure, its all way, way, way over accessorized. But that is easily rectified. I think the color scheme is great and the core furniture pieces were tasteful. I really liked her couch, her dining room chairs and the mirrored framed art on the walls. Those Pop tables should be thrown in the closest dumpster, I'm not crazy about her kitchen countertops and all those extra bibbles and bobbins on every surface need to be burned in a bonfire. But other than that, well done Jill!

To be clear, I don't know Jill Zarin and have no association with her decorator/friend Brad. As for being a fan of the show, I'm all the way team Bettheny & Jill.

Maybe Liberace's ghost lives on in me?