How Far Would You Go?

Few things in life are more annoying than rude people and bad customer service. We avoid them both whenever possible.  Recently, we came to the conclusion we needed a third car. With our son home from college and working, juggling schedules with just two vehicles quickly became unmanageable.

So last Friday morning, my husband and I drove three hours south to Williamsburg,Virginia to buy another car. There are about 50 dealerships within a twenty mile radius of our house. You would have to practically give the car away for us to consider stepping foot in one of these places. I don't know about where you live, but in the Washington, DC area buying a car is about as appealing as thoroughly cleaning a rest stop bathroom and takes far longer! Very slimey. So we decided it made perfect sense to just go our favorite dealership. It's owned by two brothers and the salesman we purchased our last car from, nine years ago, is who we called on again for this purchase. When we arrived, he had the cars we wanted to test drive ready to go. After my husband made his choice (our son will now have one of the old cars to drive) we signed the papers and left a few hours later. I hugged our salesman and said "thanks so much, see you soon". Yep, it was that pleasant.

And, since we were already in one of our favorite southern cities, might as well make the most of it and spend 2 days enjoying a little R&R. Even though I've been playing catch-up this week, it was a small price to pay for a little hiatus!

We visited old friends and new....


I had to stop by to see the horses. When I lived in Williamsburg, I would visit them every week.



This girl stole my heart. We just met and she gave me a nuzzle. If my dog was a horse, she'd look just like this!



Sheep are so cute, don't you think?


Did a little shopping....


I really wish I had a place for these bug prints. Guestroom?



This shelf came home with me. It was suppose to go in the laundry room, but it's 3 inches too long!
Any suggestions???



This would be fun in a beach house.



How about an aqua and lime green rug?



 

Or maybe orange and cream geometric?

And, dined in favorite restaurants....

If you are ever in the area, I recommend the BTB. Oh, and you'll need a reservation,
sometimes they are booked weeks in advance!

All photos, except the first image, courtesy of A&A

House Tour: French-Inspired

We all peruse magazines with great excitement and anticipation with the turn of evey page. The deep inhale caused by an image that stops us for a long stare, then has us frantically flipping through several pages and then back to the original spot, is quite simply euphoric!   We become so giddy with ideas and inspiration from this encounter of glossy images, we almost forget to exhale!  And so begins the process of careful reading, thorough examination of each detail, checking sources and just blissful admiration.

Such was the experience when I first laid eyes on the French-style townhome of antiques dealer Donna Temple Brown. Owner of Gray Door Antiques in Houston, Texas.  She has been featured in both Country Home in 2004 and Veranda in 2009.  One thing in particular that I noticed between the five year span is that there are only subtle changes to the interiors.  I attribute this as an indication that she is confident of her style and a very capable designer.  Fellow Houston designer Pamela Pierce is credited with design consultation. Photography is by Casey and Anne Sills.  All courtsey of Veranda.  I regret I do not have any of the information from Country Home.

Welcome to the tour! 

                                            Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

The entry courtyard is peaceful and beautiful with it's ivy covered walls and welcoming furnishings. It is also  an enticing prelude to the palette of the interiors. 

Entryway:

Country Home November 2004   

Living Room:

   Country Home November 2004

Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

Country Home 2004

Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

The living room has two conversation areas.  One is centered around the fireplace and skirted table, the other in a corner opposite the front door along the staircase.  The addition of the sheer fabric along the stair rail acts as a very subtle wall and adds softness and intimacy to the corner.   Behind one set of  shutters is a a beautiful storage cabinet with a wood countertop.  Although there is no mention, I am wondering if there is a television consealed behind the other pair. 

Kitchen/Sitting area:

                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

This enchanted space must clearly be the heart of the home.  The French influences provoke thoughts of leisurely dinners, conversations with dear friends and the perfect glass of wine.  The refrigerator and stove are barely noticable. The sink was incorporated into a 19th-c French store counter.

Master Bedroom:

Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

Guest Bedroom:

Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

I hope you enjoyed a peak into this unique home.  I'd love to hear what you think and if you had a favorite room or element?