Giveaway Reminder

Just a reminder to enter my giveaway for a lovely summery pillow before tomorrow! Post a comment and become a follower - quickly! I'll announce the winner tomorrow evening.

Zinc Table

found here

Just found this beauty on Wisteria's website. What a perfect accent for your kitchen, hallway, or sunroom. I love the weathered look of the wood and the zinc top. At $199, you can't beat the price!

Giveaway!

Memorial Day is almost here, and you know what that means... warmer weather, cookouts, flip flops and lazy summer days. I've been busy sewing and updating my pillow collection with new cheerful, colorful and preppy pillows, perfect for summer!

I know you'd love a new pillow for your sofa, favorite chair, daughter's bedroom, office, or wherever, so I thought I'd give one away! This seahorse pillow is up for grabs and is sure to bring some summery cheer to your favorite space.


Leave a comment & become a follower and you'll be entered to win this lovely handmade seahorse pillow.

The giveaway starts today, May 24th, and ends next Monday, May 31st. I'll announce the winner on Tuesday, June 1st!

Custom Pillows - Affordable

Looking for custom pillows at an affordable price? My rates start at $15 per pillow for labor. You provide the fabric and your choice of pillow fill. Contact me (elizabeth.a.jones (at) me.com) for more information!

found here

A little design eye candy for this Monday... designed by Phoebe Howard. Loving the summery colors and the railroaded stripes on the curtains.

Newton Homes

Today we took a trip to Newton to see a series of homes on the town's annual home tour. I wasn't sure what to expect, as I've never been on a "home tour" before, and boy was I amazed! Mostly older homes, with a contemporary green home and mid century modern home thrown in the mix. Beautifully landscaped exteriors greeted us. We were welcomed into the homes and were amazed to find gorgeous interiors. Luxury kitchens, bathrooms and decor at every turn. Each of these homes were home magazine quality, though I'm almost certain that none of them would have been profiled in the same magazines.

It was fun for us to rank the homes by our favorite interiors. Within seconds of walking into one home, Michael and I both looked at each other, our eyes widened and we said almost simultaneously "this is my favorite."

I was able to take photos of the exteriors of the home, though I found that very few were successful photos. Funny enough, the best photos were taken while walking to and from our parking spots at each home, so that's what I've included.

I also had some time to think about all the homes after a rest this afternoon. Here are some of my thoughts:

1. Not every interior was my favorite, however I've learned through years of studying design is that no matter what the style of architecture, the amount of time and detail involved in designing, developing, building and restoring space is something to be respected.

2. Four hours is a long time for anyone to look at homes; even interior designers. By the end of the tour I was exhausted and ready for some coffee and some down time.

3. All these homes were beautiful, but I can honestly say that I'm not a large home kinda gal. Sure, I love a beautiful old restored home, but the upkeep must be incredibly tiring (or incredibly expensive).

4. And finally... (don't roll your eyes) money can't buy you happiness. Yes, the marble countertops were gorgeous, the Wolf ranges were sparkly, and the Subzero... oh my, the Subzero! But, none of these things equal happiness. I think this is sometimes the hardest part to understand when designing or dreaming of your dream home. These are things, not memories that you can't take with you. So buy it if you love it, but Wolf, Subzero, calcutta and carrera don't replace the real "stuff" that make a house a home... your family and friends. Okay, that was sappy, I know, but when your job is to sell a "look" and material items for a living, these things can easily become the focus. Its nice to take a step back every once in a while.

Lucky at Lucketts

Are you lucky enough to live close to Lucketts? If so, be sure to scurry over there this weekend for a great big Spring Market Extravaganza! Bring the big car (and maybe the trailer) though, it looks like there will be some great finds and deals to be had. I wish I still lived close enough to shop and visit!

And while you're there... stop by Amy's booth to see some great new jewelry and girly-girl accessories from Girls Day Out.

Honoria

I just love this print by Janet Hill titled "Honoria." Her eyes tell stories that we'll never know. Her face is quiet, but you know she speaks her mind. She's a bit small to live above a mantle, but might find a wall in a guest room or hallway. Where would Honoria live in your home?

Fly me to the Moon

Images found here

Just got back from a whirlwind trip to Florida. We went to watch my uncle's space launch. This is his second trip to space and we are so excited and proud of him! The STS-132 crew is a great team of experienced astronauts. We know Steve is having an excellent time floating in space. He's completed one space walk and is on his second as I'm typing. Be sure to check out updates about the STS 132 shuttle and crew.

Safe travels Steve! Can't wait to see you back on Earth!

Design Consulting

I am now officially accepting interior design consulting clients! Check out the new website or contact me ( elizabeth.a.jones(at)me.com) for more information.

I just checked one more thing off the living room list. Pillows! The sofa is now filled with fluffy goodness perfect for sitting back and reading a great book.

I made all the pillows out of remants from the window treatments and other projects. The pink pink and ivory pillow was picked up at Homegoods. I initially liked it, but I'm not 100% certain that it works with the orange chair (notice the blue tag on it still). What are your thoughts?

Featured Slipcover

My green chair slipcover is featured on Pink and Polka Dot's blog today as a Friday's Featured Slipcover! So exciting! Be sure to stop by and take a look at all the great slipcovers she features!

Yes, Please!

A few of my favorite Kate Spade spring items. The designers at Kate Spade sure do know how to win a girl's heart! I don't even want to know what the total of all these items adds up to! That being said, I wonder what the average purchase total is on their website. While Kate's price tags aren't in my budget, I think some good inspiration will come from these images!