Sunday Morning Coming Down

Ah, Sunday Morning

The sun is back after being overridden by clouds yesterday. Funky clouds at that. By the time I went to bed though, the clouds had given way to stars.  This morning, we were woken by sun streaming in. What a great way to start a Sunday.

It's a bit brisk, but I'm still going to throw open the windows and let some air in.

Around here, our plan is to take care of some bits and pieces. I'm starting out at my desk and taking care a few things on my to do list. G-man is running errands. Then we're going to enjoy the outdoors for awhile and tackle some yard care.

Here's some sweet things. Sunday morning kind of sweet.

A few shots of Sandra Foster's, Catskills, NY cottage/cabin retreat.  This is tiny with no bathroom or kitch, but so sweet. It's just across the stream from her 'real' home (a vintage trailer).

via the newyorktimes

Dreamy, don't you think?

Love this idea for a night stand.

via cupcakesandcashmere

This lampwork bead is the prettiest, creamiest pink. Just lovely.

via foxfragaria

I find this quote to be quite true, and something perfect to consider on a Sunday right before the start of a new week.

"Every day of our lives we are on the verge of making those slight changes that would make all the difference." 

~Mignon McLaughlin,

The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960

via levoyagecreatif

Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Rhodes Scholar

He's also on 'The List'. I love Kris Kristoferson and Gar knows it, and is ok with it. Afterall, what are the odds of him showing up at my door someday? I did get to see him in concert thanks to my sister Gloria. It was my high school graduation present. We sat in the front row and gazing up in disbelief that we were actually that close to his low-key, laid back, rugged, rough handsomeness. He's only gotten better with age. I think he has a beautiful soul, proven by the most wonderful songs he has given us.  Here's the link if you're reading via email.

 

Happy Sunday. Take time to enjoy the day. Here's hoping you have some downtime. Is your list long or will you kick back and relax today?

Thanks for being here. See you on the flip side.

Make Any Present Special For FREE & Trending Thoughts

How to Make Your Gift Packaging Pretty For Free

This is a really easy lesson. 

Here's our new free printable label.

Ralph Waldo Emerson quote + romantic images and vintage bird= pretty. Easy.

Add some twine and any little embellishments you have around like I did. Easy + Pretty + Reuse + Free = memorable packaging.

This new free design fits a 8.5" w x 5.5" h label (usually come 2 to a sheet).  Just right click and save to your computer and print onto label, or copy and paste into file. Or you could even print out on paper and adhere to package with glue stick or double sided tape.  Enjoy, and thanks for being here.

Ahead of the Curve

I've been doing some research on current trends for the end of the year holiday push. I want to make it a stellar season for Bates Mercantile Co. and some of that involves offering what's hot and what's on the rise for the coming year. 

Here's some trend points that keep popping up along the way, that are worthy of noting:

*focus remains on handmade- go etsy!

*not longing for yesterday's propserity, but rather acceptance of living with   what you have

*return to simpler things and times

*gemtones, both bright and muted versions of those gem colors

*neon- think updated 80s

*romance never dies, it is always popular because of the feeling it imparts

*gentleman's lounge

*highly patterned prints, wallpapers, textures

*geometrics including assymetrical shapes and block coloring that fits together

Love this, mix and match wallpaper from new designer Kirath Ghundoo that was a huge hit at the recent London Design Show. I think it picks up on several trends all at once.

What I've noticed:

*a retro revival- 60s,70s,80s going arm in arm with simpler times.  For example: cassettes tapes (just heard yesterday on national news program that cassettes themselves are making a comeback. They never went away in our house).

*gradients, hombre/ombre coloring transistions

*tribal, native american patterns

Have you noticed any new trends for the rest of the year or seen hints of future trends? Are you reworking any product lines or creating new ones to address trends? I am. More to come on that in future posts.

Soup Night

It was a miserable day yesterday. Rain galore. Rain galoshes. Whatever way you look at it, downright wet.  G-man worked out in it all day. Figured it was a good night for soup. It turned out delicious and hit the spot.

Disclaimer: this is not a full recipe, rather a guideline.

Chicken Chipotle Cheddar Soup- or Three Cs

2 rotisserie chicken breasts (you could use one small rotisserie chicken, I just used what I had)

5 cups of water

Simmer the chicken for 1/2 hour or longer. Remove chicken from water and remove meat from bones.  Put meat back into water. 

Add:

1 diced onion

1 cup milk (I used 2%)

4 chopped chipotles (canned)

4 diced scallions/green onions

1/2 cup of shredded carrots

vegetable broth........I used a paste that I had in pantry

brown rice, 1/2 cup to 1 cup

s & p to taste

Simmer for 45 minutes on low. If you'd like it thicker you could ad a little corn starch. I thought the rice starch made it perfect.

At end, add:

one cup of cheddar

It was easy and very tasty.

Have a great Wednesday. The sun is finally trying to show it's face. A little brisk, but I'll take it.

Ciao for now

Flowers for You

Floral Comeback

On my stop at the antique store the other day when I found the botanical print for Bates Mercantile Co., I also came away with something for myself. A silk floral pillowcase.  So sweet.  I've always loved floral prints. You know, the ones that used to be splashed all over the pages of Victoria Magazine before it's demise (and recent return). I was an avid reader and I still have stacks of old issues in my attic. If Victoria is making a comeback, maybe that means floral is too as it seems to have fallen out of favor with many 'in the know'. Whether it is or isn't 'in style', it's happily making an appearance in my home.

To me, a floral like this is classic. It can be mixed with all types of styles- bohemian, elegant, country, or Paris apartment chic. It never goes out of style, though others may disagree. It's romantic. Does romance ever go out of style? 

Here's some pretty floral items I found on etsy. Just in time for the new floral revolution!



Copyright TheGreedySeagull 2011



I found these utterly 80s Lord & Taylor shoes in TheGreedySeagull's shop. Love 'em. Not sure I could pull them off, but they're 'all that and more' when it comes to floral.

Just look at this bowl from DownEastAttic (quick shout out to my neighbor to the north....Hello Portland!).  Oh-so-pretty and just love the handles.



Copyright DownEastAttic 2011



And the things I could do with this vintage queen sheet (pillow case, duvet cover, curtains, a throw, chair cover.......the list goes on) from thisOtherthing.



Copyright thisOtherthing 2011

And if you don't think you can pull of the shoes either (though I think they would even look pretty just sitting on the floor next to a vanity), how about these earrings from isheshop.



Copyright isheshop 2011



And here's a little number from Bates Mercantile Co.  So sweet, I can hardly stand it.




Copyright BatesMercantileCo. 2011


So, what do you think about chintz and floral trends in general? Are they an on and off again trend, or are the classic and here to stay?

More flowers tomorrow when I show the 'after' pictures of my east garden, complete with my now blooming Rose of Sharon.

For now, I leave you with last night's Sunset Meadows sky taken by the G-man himself.  I was busy in the pool. Hey, somebody has to do it.

A lovely soft glow.

Enjoy your Friday. What plans do you have for the weekend? I'm just hoping we are able to get my office shelves up. That alone will make me happy.

Have a great day in your corner of the world.