Tuesday Tip

Make pomanders for a last minute holiday centerpiece. Pomanders comes from the French pomme d'ambre meaning ball of perfumes and used since medieval times.

I used to live in Williamsburg, Virginia and never do I miss it more, than in December. Strolling through the cobblestone streets of Colonial Williamsburg when the city is dressed in all it's holiday finery was always a highlight of the season. From the simple swags of pine garland draped across painted fences and windows glowing with candles to old doors adorned with wreaths made with fruits. So utterly simple and breathtakingly beautiful. The aroma of pine, citrus and clove can transport me in an instant!

This past weekend, I enticed my son into helping me make a few pomanders since I needed something to dress up the kitchen table. All it took was the lure of holiday cookies baking in the oven. He's in college, and declares that all the cookies are bad, so he was an easy target a willing helper!

You need only 3 items: a bag of oranges (I used firm tangerines since I already had them), a jar of whole cloves and several toothpicks.

Use a toothpick to puncture the skin of the fruit in the pattern you want, then insert the clove spikes. We did 3 patterns. If you've never made pomanders before, trust me when I say, it's requires no talent whatsoever! Let your kids help, because once they are placed in a bowl no one will notice a pattern gone awry. They are festive on their own in a decorative bowl or tureen, or add pinecones, fresh greens and a candle and you have a very easy and inexpensive centerpiece to enjoy!

A&A, Explain That Name?

This probably should have been my very post and I intended to do this long ago, but never quite finished it.  Why did I choose this blog name and what does it mean, if anything? This is probably the question I get asked most from fellow bloggers and readers. So finally an explanation to anyone who has inquired or been curious! The basic premise behind the name is that it combines of my love of architecture and nature.


Scrolling Acanthus Leaf Motif

 
Acanthus: The first time I remember the Acanthus leaf registering on my radar is when I traveled to Europe in my twenties. Italy to be specific. They are such a prevalent motif in design, but especially in Italian and French architecture. Most of us are familiar with the famous William Morris design.  


Classic architectural details via Trouvais 

  


Iconic William Morris wallpaper

 


Live Acanthus Leaf


I would guess for most it's the scrolling motif that comes to mind when we think of the acanthus leaf. A real acanthus leaf is wider and far less detailed.  I have recently read that in Christian art, the acanthus leaf represents Heaven. The attraction for me is it's rich history and the fluid scrolling design. It is a design that can be interpreted as masculine or feminine. Over the years, I realized the acanthus leaf detail has made it's way into so many parts of my own home!



Finial from a newel post and favorite piece of salvage.

  


Fabric from toss pillows.

 


Gracing the foot of a wood candlestick.

 
 

Damask fabric on my dining room chairs.

Detail of an old frame.

Acorn: Also known as the oak nut. I'm nuts about these nuts! Autumn has always been my favorite season. I always knew I wanted to have a autumn wedding and was a November bride. And I love trees, but the Oak tree has to be the favorite. It's is just so majestic. There is something about the smooth thick leathery skin of the  acorn nut sitting in the little cup with it's rough & bumpy texture that fascinates me. I guess it's the 2 opposite textures coming together to make something beautiful. 



December 2010


When my children were little, they were always up for a walk through the woods along the paths near our house for an acorn hunt in the autumn and early winter. As they got older, it often became a contest of who found the best or biggest acorn. I try not to take too many acorns from any location, because they feed a ton of wildlife, not just squirrels! However, they are toxic for horses. I still find myself looking for perfect specimens any chance I get.



Acorn finial from our newel post on the staircase I designed.

 

A hand painted design, inspired by a set of decorative plates, on our game table.
 It was done more than a decade ago and it's still one of my favorite pieces.

An acorn tipped door hinge. Door hardware is a huge obsession of mine!
 I need to do a post showing examples I've used in my home and my work.

This acorn topped hitching post belongs to Reggie & Boy.
Oh, how I wish it were mine!!! Their dog Pompey just adds to it's charm.


On a recent trip to Williamsburg, Virginia I gathered these...this time with a little help from my husband...who noticed one had a smiley face. I don't know what was more amusing, the fact that he noticed or because it did! I can't help but wonder if Thomas Jefferson picked acorns from this same tree...



Acorns from Colonial Williamsburg.

Here's to smiling a lot in the New Year!

  Images not noted are from Google.

Time Traveler

Sometimes, I think I was meant to live in another time and place. One where technology was an unknown term, conversations were the most desirable from of entertainment, and being cordial was as essential as breathing.  A place where brick, stone, lush grass and moss provided the perfect scenic backdrop for your travels on any given day.

I was able to step back in time for three extraordinary days...

Family weekend at my son's college... 

It was a beautiful moment in time. 

All photos courtesy of A&A and may not be copied or reproduced.

College Bound!

The big day is here and I still can't believe it. My oldest is headed off to college. This afternoon we will be making the drive with all the necessary stuff packed in the back of our SUV.

It seems for us design types decorating a dorm room would be great fun. Well, not exactly. Turns out that shopping for boys is not the endless and exciting marathon, as relayed by friends, that it is for girls.  It is not about dog-eared pages from the latest Pottery Barn Teen catalogue, the perfectly coordinated comforter with the roommate, art on the walls and just the right accessories.

Nope, shopping with boy's is a completely different experience. And, this new freshman arrival waited to practically the last minute to complete it. Here was the plan: 1 day, 3 stores and no bright colors or patterns. Oh, and one request..."Mom, I know this is your thing, but  can we just not make a big deal about it and get it done?"  I think this was the first time I have ever shopped for decor and had no pressure to get the "best" stuff, even on a very small budget. The budget is small because I am under no illusion that any of this will survive or be coming home next spring.  In my mind it is all disposable!

My son turned out to be a very easy client! His favorite thing to say during the shopping... "it's fine".  And, it was fine with me too.  All except the letting go part. I am still struggling a bit with this.  Made it through graduation, beach week, and trips away this summer just fine too.

The Room:

The Closet:

The Bathroom:

Gift From Dad:

Gift From Mom:

Of course, any of you who have already traveled down this road know these are just the basics. I just hope we can actually see out the back hatch once the computer, printer, storage boxes and clothes get loaded in!

So, as I prepare to let the first one go, I will take comfort knowing that he will be attending a very good school with a beautiful campus and history of some rather notable alumni. They include 3 former Presidents, the current Secretary of Defense, an Oscar winning actress, several pro athletes and perhaps the one that really intrigues me, is a very popular comedic political pundant...maybe you watch his show?

It's the second oldest college in the country....back in the day....before computers...the students used an ink well and a quill....in a wonderful and historic city....that we love and now will get to visit often....so perhaps it is going to be fine afterall! 

Sources: Target, HomeGoods, Bed Bath & Beyond