Marker Miracle

What's wrong with this picture?  

Yes, you are correct.  Never should these two things be near one another.  

Well, they were.  Think toddler.

Guess what?  Marker miracles happen.  

Anyone heard of using hair spray to remove permanent marker?  IT WORKS!

Now I'm wondering what in the world does this spray do to our lungs, or the poor hair dresser?

Have a wonderful, miracle filled weekend!    

Fabulous

(Robb Report)

Gasp!  These are amazingly beautiful rooms.  

Understated, but well textured rooms.  Amelia Handegan you are speaking my language.

“In addition to studying interior design, I majored in art history, which has really influenced the way I approach my work,” says Amelia Handegan.

Humm, that sounds familiar.

English Kitchen Contrast

(Tim Wood)

Here are two bespoke English kitchens that I really find smashing!  They are quite different from one another.  Let's take a look at the two of the a bit closer. 

The first kitchen offers so many layers of interest.  Notice how many textures are involved:

-the walls 

-the wooden cabinetry

-the floors

-the furniture (the chair, in particular)

-the accessories

-the tile backsplash and counters

The second kitchen is very different from the first.  I think it's the simplicity that I find pleasing.  It's clean and straight forward, without being too utilitarian or clinical.  This kitchen has great warmth without sacrificing function.  

I wouldn't be completely honest if I didn't say that the rack/lighting over the island really bothers me.  It's just distracting.  What's going on with those chains?  Cord covers would have made such a difference.  Also, I think I would have hung pots rather than tools.  They look out of scale to me.  Can't you just see a few copper pot up there?  An amazing chandelier would have been my choice--but they didn't ask me.  

Decision time.  If you had to choose, which kitchen would it be--and why?  

I've made up my mind--I think!

British Bespoke Kitchens

(photo Maia C.) (and thank you Henry Ford)

A bit of fantasy here.  The homes and the kitchens featured below don't belong to one another.  

One of our fabulous bloggers from across-the-pond has been so kind to inspire me with thoughts of an English kitchen.  In honor of Europafox, I give you English "handmade" kitchens:

Any of you out there have a blue front door?  

This garden is for Pearls and Grace.  It's got her name on it.

I really like the table in the center of the room.  It makes the people the focus-not the appliances.   Adore the wooden counter tops.

This exterior is for you Tartanscot!  Although, I think you may need something a bit more Scottish! 

(All kitchen by Violet Designs, West Sussex, UK)

Wasn't it refreshing to see a few kitchens that you haven't seen in blog land a million times?  Let's hear it.  What are your likes here?  Any one ohhing and ahhing--or are they just o.k.?  

Pointed Painting

(photo: Pieter Estersohn, design: Josie McCarthy)

So, do you like the color?  I wish I could claim this as my "after" photo, but alas!  

I've spent some time this weekend painting and thinking about Lent.  You know, painting allows for quite a bit of introspection.  

"Am I going to give something up?   Should I give up blogging till Easter arrives?"  

Those thoughts crossed my mind.  Giving up blogging would be a genuine sacrifice for me.  No, I can't do it.  I'd miss all of you!  I do think that I'll add a bit more heart to my posts--and hopefully to my commenting as well.  

I'd like to ask you a few questions.  

1.  Why do you blog?  (Assuming you have a blog--if not, why do you read blogs?)

2.  What do you hope to find when you visit Granny Smith Green--do you find it?

3.  If you gave up blogging (writing and reading), what would you miss?

Now, go find something to paint so you can think about these questions.  Let me know what you come up with.  

Also, don't forget about Pearls and Grace's PEARL EVENT.  It's Sunday night, March 1 at 7:00 PM, in the NYC/tri-state area.  It's not too late to get a seat.  Email her now pearlsandgrace@yahoo.com   It's bound to be a blessing!   

Mardi Gras Misrule

A little nonsense now and then 

Is relished by the wisest men.

 

Dress up.  Have a ball.  Eat great quantities of King cake!

Sublime Spa

As the Sea Island Company puts it, "In our fast-paced world, it is easy to lose sight of what is most important - our health and wellbeing. But Sea Island Resorts brings you back. The Mobil Five-Star Cloister Spa and Fitness Center is a transformative sanctuary of simple elegance and serenity. It is a much-needed retreat designed to reconnect you with living life optimally."

Yes, I agree--"living life optimally".  I think I'll adopt that as my new motto.

Here's what is seen on the walk into one of the most luxurious places on earth.

    

This fountain continues through the center of the floor of the main reception area.  Notice the window in the photo below--see the small grating in the center--the fountain continues into one of the indoor pools.

Sea Island Co.:  The Cloister Spa at Sea Island Resorts is a haven of health, fitness, and well-being – where personalized treatments, services, and hospitality extend well beyond your stay. Our magnificent, 65,000-square-foot facility provides an environment where you can rest, restore, and reconnect. From vibrant fitness classes to reflective connections with nature to revitalizing treatments, you’ll see why we’re a world-class choice among Southeast luxury spa resorts. Our skilled teachers, guides, and providers seek to craft a “spa of one” for each guest, so that you may rediscover your health, vitality, and radiance. The Cloister Spa offers program choices to build upon, versus a menu of services to choose from. Let us guide you to a holistic treatment for renewal of your mind, body, and spirit. A favorite among Southeast spas, our features include:

65,000-square-foot spa facility.  (Yes, you read correctly--65,000 square feet!)
23 treatment rooms.
Five fitness studios.
Three squash courts.
Indoor swimming pool

Oh was this a favorite!  Mr. Green adored the falling water pool.  If you sat on  a bench in the lower pool--looking out to an amazing garden, a waterfall from the upper pool soothed your shoulders.    

Looking back to the "falling water" pools

A labyrinth garden.  How tranquil.

"Our saunas, steam room and pools enhance your journey and encourage you to linger, relax and reflect. Every detail is designed to impart the highest enjoyment of life, inspire your best self and leave you renewed with a fresh perspective."

The Cloister Spa, Mobil Five-Star, 2009.
Best for Class & Best for Luxury, Luxury Spa Finder, 2007.
Best Spa Fitness Programs, Mobil Travel Guide, 2007.
Top Spas in North America for 2007, Mobil Travel Guide, 2007.
Hot List: Hot Spas, Condé Nast Traveler, 2007.

Not too shabby. Anyone want to have a bloggers convention here? I'm game.