Before and Afters of an Office!

This clients office is one of the busiest rooms in the house. With two active boys and both husband and wife using the office at different times it had to remain functional for all and yet relaxing and inviting as it is one of the first rooms you see when entering the home.

By replacing the tile fireplace with the stone fireplace and hearth we made a dramatic difference in this room. We moved the rug that was originally in this room to the breakfast area which looks fantastic and replaced it with this new pewter colored rug. We reupholstered the window seat cushion and made lumbar pillow of the same fabric for the chairs in the room. The walls are painted a graphite color and we did a black glaze over all the wood work in the room including the bookshelves. I added a games table and two chairs to the room for fun and homework. New artwork and accessories made a fantastic addition to the room.

Tri-color Chandeliers

While shopping in Los Angeles I came upon these three chandeliers in a shop and thought they would look very cool hanging all together over a table at varying heights. These were done for display but I think they would make an awesome statement over a dining or breakfast table over even over outside dining.

CRAVE Book Launch!

Last evening was the book launch of the most unique and stylish guidebook for Dallas living. CRAVE Dallas is a celebration of women entrepreneurs that showcase some of the most creative, interesting and gusty proprietors throughout Dallas. What do you CRAVE? You will probably find it in this ultimate guide to places women CRAVE in Dallas, including 150 women you need to know!

Congratulations to Jenn Sprinkle who is the Dallas city leader who lead the way for this book.

The photo is of the dessert table with the small treats made by Sprinkle Soirees at the launch and the cake is a cityscape of Dallas made by Say it with Sugar

Oh yeah, you will find a profile of yours truly in the book!!

Cabana Fun!

This cabana at my girlfreinds home in Beverly Hills is perfect for the weather in Southern California and a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the view of the Pacific and Catalina Island.

It is the perfect spot to eat, watch tv, have a snooze and socialize. Also there is a fireplace so when the nights cool down you can remain comfortable. For those of us who live in cooler climates this is something we all dream about.

Antiquing Anyone?

Okay I have never been to this antique show in Roundtop, TX but I know people who have and they say it is one not to miss. Check out their website for more information www.roundtop-marburger.com

I plan to go this spring to check it out and hope you will too. I have been advised not to go without a truck and trailer as the temptations are too much and you will fill up whatever container you bring with you no matter how big or small.

Design your own Wallpaper!

A lawyer by day, Charlie Kratzer was tired of looking at his dull, boring cream colored wall in his basement recreation room and decided to make some changes.
He very bravely set out to make the whole room look much more interesting by adding decorative elements from different periods as well as some curious fictional characters. Granted he must have some artistic abilities but I thought this was very unique.
Cost: $10.00 for the marker
Design: priceless

Instant Outdoor Balcony!

Well you have to admit this is a bit strange but quite creative. The living room area slids out to become a balcony space overlooking an historic square in Germany.

While this seems like an extreme design idea you have to hand it to the architects for their inventive idea!

Collectors Rejoice!

This handy 32 page guide is published by the Appraisers Association of America, who are are group of trusted appraisers, lawyers and art world experts. When on a collecting excursion and you needed an expert opinion either on Majolica vases or modern art this guide is perfect for a reference.

This handy pocket-size guide provides an overview of buying and preserving fine and decorative objects and covers everything from conducting due diligence before a purchase to insuring your goods.

www.appraisersassoc.org $10.00

Cruising in Style!

Hey you die-hard fashionista's...check out this bike called Fendi AbiciAmante Donna ....by Fendi of course. It has been designed with fashion in mind and it comes in two price points. The cheaper version, yes I said the cheaper version costs $5,900 and the more expensive, luxury versions costs $9,500. This one comes with fur saddlebags! The bicycle really is lovely but what kind of bike chain are you going to have to use so it doesn't get taken???

Hermes and Chanel have their own versions put I think I will stick to my own Schwinn!! In Dallas there is a custom bicycle shop called Villy Custom Bikes www.villycustoms.com. Here you can have fun designing your own style!!

The Holly Dazes are over and a New Year has Begun!

Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!
This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!
I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!
-William Arthur Ward