Birthday Wishes

(kiccacakes.com)

Happy Birthday!

Do Tell

I'm listening.

Do you use Twitter?

If so, do you Twit primarily from your cell phone or your computer?

Leave me a comment with your Twitter name if you do!

Countertop Conundrum

(This Old House)

Time for a new discussion--or debate: Countertops.

Marble, granite, butcher block, teak, walnut, soapstone...

(Southern Accents)

I have made pro/con list. I've done my research.

Granite seems to be the most indestructible.

(I've got honed granite now. I couldn't hurt it if I tried.)

Marble seems to be the most luxurious, but it scratches, stains and pits--boo.

Soapstone has to be oiled, wood has to be oiled.

(Cottage Living)

(Austin, TX)

(unsure of source)

If you could have the countertop of your dreams, what would it be?

Take Out the Tub?

Here's another swoon-worthy bathroom. Isn't it just lovely?

Notice something missing? Yes, the tub.

Is this a design trend, or do people just not take a tub bath the way they used to?

I wish I had documentation about the source of the above photo. Anyone out there know?

I'd love to see more of this room. Could the tub be located elsewhere?

What I really admire is the "jewel box" idea behind it. The designer has taken a relatively average sized bathroom and turned it into something luxurious.

I certainly don't think I'd miss the soaking in this bathroom.

I think the steam shower would be just fine.

Now, another bathroom, could be a powder room/half bath.

What great decorative storage the baskets provide.

Unfortunately, I don't know the source of this photo either.

I'm wondering if this is a bathroom that once had a tub.

It could have been removed and these shelves put in it's place.

I've seen a bathroom recently that did almost the exact same thing. Imagine the above bath with only the top shelf. It was used as an office, of all things.

The top shelf served as a great desktop.

Just think, if the bathroom had a separate shower, the "desk" area could serve as a vanity/make-up area.

Do any of you remember the Christopher Lowell project that converted a tub into a sofa? It was quite creative. He took a standard built-in tub and had plywood upholstered to fit over the top. The apron of the tub as skirted. Quite interesting.

Here's another use for the bathtub. How about converting a claw foot tub into a settee. I don't think so. It if works for you, contact www.reestore.com.

It's better than have it rest in a landfill.

Time to speak up.

Do you take a tub bath everyday?

Are you a fan of the shower?

Would you buy a house without a tub?

Would you miss your tub if it were gone?

Bathing Beauties

Here are two different bathrooms done by designer Phoebe Howard of Atlanta, Georgia.

Clean, bright, simple and timeless: absolute requirements in a bath.

Did you notice the construction of the sinks in the first photo?

They are entirely constructed of marble. How luxurious!

What about the toilet seat in the second photo?

It looks like the mahogany seat that Waterworks carries.

This is my way to start a Monday.

How would you chose to start your week?

Always in Style

What's always in style?  Manners-sincere, plain manners.  

The simple gesture of being polite makes all the difference .

  

Take a moment out of your day to show your appreciation.  It's easy.

  

Have a few blossoms in your garden?  Snip a few and take them to someone--unexpectedly.

Sometimes it just an expression on our face that will change someone.  

Have you looked in the mirror lately?

Thank you, kind readers, for all of the joy you bring to my day.  

How I wish I could send all of you a few blooms.

I appreciate each and every one of you.

What are your ideas for spreading kindness?

How have you experienced graciousness?

Blackberry Weekend

Friday is upon us again and time to think of our weekend plans. I thought you all might want to dream of your weekend at Blackberry Farm. How about a few pictures to send you drifting off to Walland, Tennessee?

Are you just loving this little vignette? The tassels on on the curtains, the "pie crust" table, the rustic bowl, the leather books, and rose medallion--what's not to love?

The covered bridge that leads to Lamar Alexander's place.

Want to do some fly fishing this weekend? How about a few hours on Hesse Creek with an Orvis endorsed instructor?

Sounds perfect for Father's Day, don't you think?

Ahhh! I'm relaxing already.

Care to sit a spell with me out by the pond?

What are your plans for the weekend?

Make it a priority to find time to love one another and relax.

Have a Blackberry weekend!

(Want to see more of the amazing Blackberry Farm? Look to the tags on the left and simply click on Blackberry Farm for even more post about this lovely place!)