Admittedly, the National Academy of Art was a slight disappointment (the building, however, was breathtaking—herringbone wood floors and all), but, the High Line, Chelsea Market, and the MET made up for my derided hopes. Great weekend; excellent company. Hope your weekend was grand.
My sister gave me polished antlers recently, which I adore and are a family heirloom. Since then, I’ve found antlers popping up everywhere and not merely in the interiors of stereotypical mountain retreats. Rather, they are gracing modern interiors and are being produced in varying materials. Mine sit on the coffee table in my family room (pictures below). I had a few people over a couple weeks ago and the first thing the men in company noticed were the antlers! In most any setting, they provide a natural element (or hint to the natural, if you have a fetish for lucite (see below)) with a differing texture, adding a bit of edge and warmth. Found some in the marketplace for you…
Antler Candlestick – Anthropologie. Decorative Antler – Anthropologie. Lucite Antlers – Jayson Home & Garden. Vintage Antler Trophy – Jayson Home & Garden. Suzanne Kasler Atelier Antlers – Ballard Designs.
I’m more than a little excited about my upcoming trip to New York. A sweet friend is taking the train to meet me in Manhattan later this month. In earnest for new things to see, I was exploring the MET’s newest exhibitions and was excited by what I found. Now, this exposes what has always been patently obvious—I’m a bit of a nerd. Drawings are my favorite medium. This exhibition combines the medium with a bit of history and humor. Now, forgive the moderators: they are a bit (ok, maybe more than a bit) nerdy, as well. To each his own, right? There are many a things, such as partnership taxation, which excite me (Lord knows this is odd). I’m looking forward to the exhibit!
As promised: This year, in keeping with my house, I went for neutrals with a touch of tawny pinks. I ordered my tree from Hayneedle—which has great deals and a large selection. After searching for a pre-lit champagne tree, I settled for white. A pre-lit pencil champagne tree is a bit of an anomaly. The wreath was a shortcut—I had grand plans to make the wreath, but with the busy season at work, couldn’t quite get it done. The last picture is a recent dinner party I hosted for my mom’s birthday—you can see my family room becomes a dining room in no time flat.
I’ve recently had a few sewing projects that included a bit of repetition in the steps. I’ve sewn very little, generally. But, am enjoying the slow process of learning with basic projects. I was explaining to my mom, that with my work, where perfection is king, sewing is a mindless productive task which is becoming strangely restful. I recently sewed the napkins (for my sister-in-law) and the pillows below. I never thought I would enjoy the tedium, but I’m starting to crave the 1/2 inch seam and mitered corners! Finishing the pillows for my futon is next on the list then the velvet tiger print pillows for my couch (don’t worry, its going to look amazing)…
I’ve mentioned my grandmothers once before to you, but, its time to chat again on the subject. Both of my grandmothers exude of sense of style and ease which can’t be mistaken for effort or calculation. My house is full of treasures from each of them, from the french chair to the mid century chair and crocheted blanket which adorn my “guest quarters” [haha, that is generous]. Alas, it is time again to admire something which originally rested in their cupboards. I love both sets—the tea cups [which house my greek yogurt and walnuts every morning] and the crystal glasses [which invariably facilitate an avid consumption of champagne in the evenings]. These women represent the strong stock in my blood and a hope that my home is neither lacking in style, nor a remembrance of them.
It was during the aftermath of Irene—a week of flashlights and candles in my neck of Connecticut—that the surprising fragility of modern life once again appeared…For two days the commuter trains were shut down, and roads were closed everywhere.All this to say: reading today’s magazine is a confident way to improve one’s own writing, which is exciting!
I was one of the first to stuff in with all those fleeing back to the city when a scattering of trains started running again. What I encountered was a revealing human scene, a microcosm of American life, bottom to top. Those decrepit circa-1960’s railcars that leak when it sprinkles and are always down an air conditioner or three were the only viable way back to work, no matter how much money you had.Town & Country, you may have read here before, isn’t about just lifestyle but life. It’s about the big city and those overlooked places, too, where a fallen tree or two can take you back 150 years and where you never know whom you might bump into in the bar car. I hope you’ll come along for the commute.
My line of work makes one particularly conscious of one’s time, how well or poorly it is being used and how it is being allocated. I’ve never worn a watch consistently but am developing a need to do so. I am enamored with the resurgence of the leather band and the accessibility of vintage timekeepers. The watches below embody style and a bit of restraint—even though there is nothing restrained about their price tag. One can always look, right? [Granted some of these are men’s watches. But tell me, isn’t that quite the attraction? A man with a strong watch. Ahh, yes—still looking for mine! bahaha.]
The watches above are available on 1stDibs
I’m a firm believer that jewelry displayed is jewelry worn. And, there are so many options for display. I continue to like the idea of using otherwise useful items on which to hang the glittery gear; such as the dessert glasses. My place is fitted with two enclaves—one which is displayed below with my jewelry and the other (which is not pictured) holds all my toiletries—the mechanisms for my morning routine.
And, there are so many other options. I find the handiwork below to be so creative. The “drawers” are available at Blue Bird Heaven on Etsy.
