I Need A New Computer: MAC vs PC?

Despite concerns, I have not taken the month of March off. Well at least not on purpose.  Much of the blame can be attributed to my PC.

And...the weather. Sorta. I had what appeared to be allergies, which then turned into something else altogether Chest congestion, coughing, blowing my nose by the box. I was averaging a box per day. The kind of sick where you can't stand your own company and absolutely wouldn't dare to inflict yourself on others.  But I did. My daughter got sick too. Mr. A&A has been traveling. Of course. These things only happen when he is gone.

The stupid computer has acquired magic powers. It can now make all sorts of things disappear. That is when it's not shutting down for no apparent reason. I'll probably have to do this post at least twice.  I am an awful sick person and an even worse tech person.

Ever since Apple launched it's AD campaign in the nineties, we've been led to think MAC users are cool and PC users are not.

Recent AD's and cartoons do nothing to dispel this notion, but there is the added implication that age is a factor!




Exhibit A-Women's version.




Exhibit B- Men's version. 

I'm not one to care about such things, but will acknowledge simply from a design point of view, a MAC would probably look much prettier on my desk! That not withstanding, please help me decide???

What was the last computer you bought? Do you love it? Why?

I promise, whichever team you're on, we can still be friends!

Irish Spring!

Fresh flowers in the foyer to welcome the holiday and Spring!



Hydrangeas, mums and a few specimens that I don't know their names!

I usually buy one type of flower in one color, by the bunch, but sometimes a little splurge by the stem is so much fun!
The florist told me these soft green mounded stems are in the mum family and they'll last 2 weeks!
 And, they remind me of a grassy knoll, so I could I resist?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Spring Fever & New Projects

I guess this year will go down in the history books as the winter that wasn't! On one hand,I was incredibly disappointed over the lack of snow, and on the other hand relieved we didn't end up with another crazy blizzard like the last 2 years. I'm such a seasonal person, I can help feeling a little cheated, even though I'm looking forward to spring!

And, it seems this lack of winter and unseasonalbly warm temperatures are pushing people into spring mode and that means focusing on updates around the house, both inside and out! So where have I been? Helping clients with interiors and exteriors, big projects and small!

I'll share a little preview of what's been consuming my thoughts and time:


This client is a longtime friend.  They have just completed a massive renovation to the entire first floor of the house.



The client already had this wonderful rug and it will be the starting point for the dining room.

We are on the hunt for blue & white pieces for the dining room and kitchen.

We plan to incorporate some blue & white pieces, such as this ginger jar into the kitchen window.

The kitchen was gutted and now has beautiful cabinetry. The clients chose a huge island for the way they like to entertain. I'll be adding the finishing touches such a lantern for end of the island, fabric and shades for the windows, bar stools, accessories and...

some fantastic hardware!  The knob on the left and the handle are in nickel and the other is in chrome. My client initially planned to use chrome or brushed nickel hardware that was more casual. While I like all metals, I really felt polished nickel was the best choice in this case. It's more elegant than brushed and warmer than chrome. So, I took my client on hardware shopping trip and while their were many great options, these in my mind, were a standout. And, even though they were an added expense, we both agreed the backplate on the knob was to die for! It's also practical as it will keep the wood on the cabinets cleaner, especially since there is so many painted white cabinets!

  Jewelry for the kitchen!!!



I am also working on a master bedroom for another client. Everything is this photo is being replaced.This client came to me by way of my friend, Renae of Renae Moore Designs. Renae used to live in Northern Virginia, but now lives in Atlanta. Before she moved she did some really beautiful work in this client's living room and dining room. Currently, I'm working on the master bedroom and hope to make Renae proud and the client happy! I am also helping this client with exterior items such as paint colors, door hardware, lighting, french doors and a new garage door!
Thank you Renae for such as wonderful referral!

If anyone knows a source for beautiful barstools that swivel with no backs, please let me know! It's for the kitchen island pictured above. I've looked at many and so has my client. We thought we found a good option from Frontgate, it came in...the husband didn't like it...it's going back. We are trying to avoid anything custom since it's not in the budget!