Saturday, April 14, 2012

Random Saturday musings, a few updates and pretty posts to ponder

 Good morning, First off...lets announce the winner of my silver tray contest! Congratulations goes to........

Prize IDWinner IDPublic InfoPrivate InfoRandom Sorting IDWeight
1: tray1608501laura017BE532-F975-44A9-83C2-BBE899734C731

Laura, please email me with your information so the silver tray can be sent to its new home!

It's quite nice that life is finally getting back to normal....relatively speaking. I am still Teddy's nurse aka personal assistant, but more than happy to be taking care of him, dressing his wounds, being his medicine giver, massager, dog walker,etc...it is my pleasure! Yesterday afternoon around 6pm I took him for a walk around outside on a leash and then sat by the pool....he seemed so relaxed and the fresh air was really good for him. Below a few pics I took of my iPhone, from certain angles where you wouldn't know of whats going on on his body, so this was a picture he was comfortable posing for:) It was such a picture perfect early evening sky, crisp cool weather, a setting sun, clear skies...it was the most relaxed I have been in days!


Here's the cutie pie going home from one of his checkups, they put the t shirt on to protect against stitches that they had to remove to allow for more draining....

Our beautiful cherry blossom tree in full bloom

This small pool house was part of the original property, one day we would love to redo it but its quite far down on the list as there are so many other things to take care of! But the setting is really pretty and its very calm and private, like a little oasis.

Teddy meditating!

Relaxing........that sweet little face From this angle he looks quite good!
How cute are these get well gifts dropped off for Teddy? Filled with treat, a football and other cute toys....he loved it!
This is such a cute idea.....its kind of like memory for dogs, about the size of a placemat, you put a treat under one of these cubes and you can make it more challenging by placing it under the brown squares where they have to slide the brown down to get to it...very clever! Teddy loves it....







Moving on.....a number of people have asked about more house updates but honestly the reason I haven't shown much of the house is because there isn't much to show! I do finally have some window treatments under way, my bathroom/dressing area, kitchen and window seat. So that's phase 1, other things are in the works and I promise to share with you as I have something to show you......I did decide to keep this chest to use as a vanity in our main powder room. Admittedly its as much to do with that its a beautiful chest and fits perfectly as it would be one less thing to have to brainstorm about! So now I can finally get that wallpaper and work on the windows and be done with it..woo hoo!


We are going to put the honey onyx on it as a counter top...I think its going to be beautiful when done.

The library is basically done, now they are coming to start staining next week, the floors are done too. Love the way it has come out, originally we were going to hold off doing it but decided to bite the bullet now so we don't have a horrible mess and dust all throughout the house later......a few pictures.





I love early morning sun, cannot wait till we put up the art on top of my beautiful black French console....



Remember this fabric? Well I sealed the deal and my ktichen window treatments are being made as we speak!

How gorgeous is this tureen? I have 2 left! Best thing is its a nice big one, so practical too!



LOVE it!

 I promise as soon as there are other things to show....you better believe I will post them. Hopefully window treatments will be ready in a few weeks!





I also wanted to announce that after Thursday's post, I got an extremely positive reaction to the magnificent pewter and wood pieces so have as of this morning added them to my store. More to come....this line is exceptional in every way with the finest attention to detail and best best quality materials used. It is an expensive line but truly heirloom quality and best part is...... I am discounting 12-30% off retail. If you know the prices you will recognize the value.  As always if you have any questions, feel free to ask! Click here to visit store.

Some of the items are......love anything equestrian!





Love these pewter acorn measuring spoons!


This is too cute......



This I would have to say is the ultimate carving board.....with its antler handles!
How incredible is this cheese board!



How cute are these hunting dog salt and peppers?
Love these gorgeous pewter Pheasant statues

And for those wanting to know this small crest tray is now online...



Moving right along........what are you up to this weekend? Anything off the charts or is it more of a mellow chill kind of weekend? We have dinner plans with friends and a few games to attend for my son. Tomorrow I look forward to a really calm day, and its supposed to get near 80! A little freaky if you ask me but I guess it's better than snow....or is it? Hum...for such a "summer girl" that's a surprising statement! Finally I get great joy in sharing posts that I have really enjoyed...... if you have some spare time this weekend,  here are a few posts that I thought were worth keeping and sharing........definitely all very much worth the read!!

            Gorgeous post on outdoor entertaining courtesy of Classically Chic Design


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Wonderful post on ivy for the home, Ivy Clad

_______________________Beautiful cabin fever from Decor de Provence

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Magnificent inspiration over at Home Bunch
   
                                     http://www.homebunch.com/pinterest-fuel-5/

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               Need a French day out? Check out the post at French Country Home!
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Great stationary and organizational post at Classic Chic Home

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This post really moved me, worth the read over at Privet and Holly

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Need a few new design books? Check this out over at Maison Decor




http://maisondecor8.blogspot.com/2012/01/design-books-i-recommend.html? 

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Are you a soup lover like me? If so try this, (soo good)  from Style for Living

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This is as dreamy as it is inspirational....Castles Crowns and Cottages




http://wwwcastlescrownscottages.blogspot.com/2012/03/just-say-it.html


Wishing you a fabulous day and weekend!!
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Thursday, April 12, 2012

A thankful Thursday...........and updates on Teddy and my store.







Good morning! I am thankful this Thursday. Thankful that Teddy is doing better and is home where he belongs.  It is nice that things are slowly starting to get back to normal. Teddy is doing well, we are lavishing  him with lots of attention and love. He is doing great all things considered and enjoys his daily visits from family and friends. The love is truly heart warming  and I cannot tell you how great it is to have him here.  I promise I will take some pictures of Teddy in action once he is "camera ready"....at the rate he is going, I bet it will be sooner than later. Many thanks for the emails and comments that continue to pour in on his behalf:) Many of you have asked about whats going on in the "back end" about those dogs that attacked him. We have a court date but there is a possibility that something could happen sooner. I am frankly not at all comfortable for my sake, Teddy's sake or any of our neighbors sake knowing those dogs are here. They have proven what they can and will do...and its been at the expense of a really traumatic event for us but even worse, the loss of a dog for another family. So this continues and I will keep you posted as things happen.......moving on!

With all the chaos surrounding Teddy's unfortunate ordeal, my online store's one month anniversary slipped by a few days ago, but no time like the present to celebrate. I am offering a wonderful giveaway to celebrate my store's one month anniversary! All details at the bottom of this post.  I was chomping at the bit to get back to it and refresh, add and update the store. Many of you have asked about my getting more blue and white...well your wish is my command and I am thrilled to have added the following items to my site!!

Say hello to the newcomers............


22"tall ginger jar, perfect as a pair or as part of staggered grouping











And am getting a few pieces from this fabulous ultra luxe pattern, the beige and gold!!


Got just two pieces of this extraordinary planter, the colors are just magnificent!




And how great is this little tray...was always looking for a small tray for my husbands closet where he can put his phone, change, watch,etc.....and I have a "thing" for crests so this was perfect, also adding to my online store......best part is NEVER needs polishing!!!! That makes these pieces priceless in my book:)














In addition, the European Kitchen line which is extremely popular has just been restocked. I was out of stock on the bread boards and Spanish olive trays and dough bowls...happy to say these items are back in stock!

The trivets and Spanish olive boards are amazing for every day use and entertaining



These look great with  a nice wedge of cheese, crackers and grapes........

Love the line...how great is the Bavarian bread board too?


        Tried to add a few pretty "spring-y" touches to the guest room for my parents..........I like my guests to feel like they are staying in an elegant pristine boutique hotel.












Part of starting a new business is learning the ebbs and flowers of how it works, and of course grappling with the inevitable learning curve. I did and do my best to keep things at a very reasonable price, with a smaller profit margin to make the deals even sweeter. Anyone who considers themselves a savvy shopper who knows high end home furnishings will certainly recognize the discount I provide.  However two of my vendors have recently imposed a price increase which means I have to do the same. It won't be anything crazy and I am going to keep the prices status quo for the next two weeks to be fair, however the pillows and some of the porcelains are going to be going up approx 10-12%. (this line of pillows even with the price increase is still 30% below retail)!!


You know I greatly value your opinion and much of whats in my store is a reflection of hearing what you all love, what you wanted to see and what you had a hard time finding. One other line I am considering carrying make truly heirloom quality wood and pewter pieces, their things are out of this world beautiful. I would offer an approx. 25-30% discount off of full retail. What are your thoughts on the following items?

Adore these pewter salt and pepper shakers!!!!

I own this tray and it is outrageously beautiful for every season!

How great are these Equestrian themed napkin rings!

I couldnt' resist this one......loooove it!

Always  a sucker for birds anything....a pair of pewter birds, love it.
Love this pewter and antler handled soup tureen

Loving this pewter and antler parlor tray
One of the "Rolls Royces" of the line...this incredibly beautiful carving board measures a whopping 33" long but they do have some smaller sizes too
Too cute squirrel nut bowl...adorable!
Gotta get this topiary salt and pepper.
Flower and bees cheese board........party ready!
You know I LOVE anything with pheasants...love this sauce bowl
And this lovely pair of pheasants waiting to grace a dining table.....



So............what do you think? Are you as in love with this line as I am?

And finally a thank you and shout out to my lovely friend, Michele from Hello Lovely. Her blog is like a gift waiting in my mailbox every morning. Talk about someone who is a salt of the earth kind of girl, someone who knows how to keep it real and has a beautiful eye for all things lovely! She is amazingly sweet, someone I feel a connection with, a wonderful writer who knows how to captivate and above else a truly kindred spirit. She sent me a "care package" with such gorgeous bling, I nearly fainted!! After the harrowing week I had, this was a sight for sore and exhausted eyes and kind of like the ultimate "pick me up"!! She buys for her store with nothing but love and passion, and it shows. Her beautiful vintage finds are extraordinarly well priced (major perk) and I think you will love what you see....click here to visit her Etsy shop. Thank you Michele, will think of you every time these are worn:)
The three wonderful items sent to me............adore them!
LOVE this darling spoon pin with mother of pearl..it channels my inner Julia Child and since I love to cook, this is perfect!

A girl needs some bling....how beautiful and showstopping is this gorgeous rhinestone bracelet! I adore this, it channels my inner Hollywood goddess..lol.

This lovely leaf pin is also a beauty, classic and elegant, can see wearing this with many things and this channels my more conservative, classic style.

Bravo Michele!

Now whats a celebration of a special milestone without a giveaway!! So today I am giving away one of my best selling items, I have sold so many of these wonderful beautiful old world trays....perfect for a vanity, bathroom, a bar or to use for entertaining, this fabulous filigree silver NEVER WILL TARNISH OR NEED POLISHING (that makes it priceless). I love this one and own one myself,  the etching alone makes it a must have! All you need to do is visit my store, come back here and tell me an item or two that's your absolute favorite, that's it! If you want a second chance, then leave me a comment on Facebook, click here to visit The Enchanted Home's page on Facebook. I will announce a winner on Saturday morning. Friday night is the deadline to be eligible.



Click here to visit my store.........


A number of people have asked me what my best selling items are. So I had fun thinking about this question and took it a step further and made a mosaic of some of my best sellers, the neat thing is that every category has been very well received, so that's very validating. I have some other really exciting things in the near future in addition to what's above and if there is something  in particular you would like to see....let me know!


Phew.....sensation overload? Sorry I do get excited and carried away when I am looking at and dealing with home accessories!! Can never get enough and its great to be concentrating on something beautiful that makes me happy.....thanks for your support and feedback! Hope you have a wonderful day.






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