Blue Willow

I have come to really appreciate blue willow ware. Something about the fresh blue and white with the whimsical scenes and fretwork, its just really truly beautiful. I am planning to start my own collection . I think it would be fun picking up different pieces over time!
The willow pattern or commonly known as "Blue Willow" is a distinctive and elaborate pattern used on pottery, ceramic, and porcelain. From my reading there are two people credited for the original design, I am not sure which is correct. Thomas Minton and Josiah Spode have both been credited in the design, and both around 1790. Can you believe it has been around for over 200 years and is still being produced?
No one knows the exact origin of the willow legend. They believe the design was derived from older chinese designs that were being brought over to England from China. If the legend came over from China as well or was just manufactered in England to go with the design, no one is quite sure.
Romantic legend...

There was once a wealthy Mandarin, who had a beautiful daughter (Koong-Se). She had fallen in love with her father's humble assistant (Chang), angering her father (it was inappropriate due to the difference in social class). He dismissed the young man and and built a high fence around his house to keep the lovers apart.

The Mandarin was planning for his daughter to marry a powerful Duke. The Duke arrived by boat to claim his bride, bearing a box of jewels as a gift. The wedding was to take place on the day the blossom fell from the willow tree.

On the eve of the daughter's wedding to the Duke, the young assistant, disguised himself as a servant and slipped into the house. As the lovers escaped with the jewels, the alarm was raised. They ran over a bridge, chased by the Mandarin with whip in hand. They escaped on the Dukes boat to the safety of a secluded island, where they lived happily for a many years.

But one day, the Duke learned of their refuge. Hungary for revenge, he sent soldiers, who captured the lovers and put them to death. The Gods, moved by their plight, transformed the lovers into a pair of doves.
So... next time you take a look at the classic design, you can apperciate the romantic legend that goes along with it! There are many, many different manufacturers that have produced and still continue produce blue willow. So maybe next time you see a piece here or there you will be inspired to start your own collection.
The photo above is from the blog "absolutely beautiful things". It is not blue willow but it is none the less just as beautiful! Maybe I will begin collecting some ginger jars as well!

sara story

I was enjoying the look of this designer...Sara Story
images from her website

this weekend

I have been doing a lot of work outside lately. Mostly due to the fact that I do live in south florida and once the summer hits it will just be too hot to to any outdoor projects...sooooo.... that why I have been a busy little bee! The picture above reminds me of my front door. We just have the whole neighbor repainted and I selected black as my accent and I think it looks cute. I bought the rug shown below from ikea for $12.99 however, it always seems to be wet! I guess b/c the front stoop does not get a lot of sun??? So I may run to the crate and barrel outlet for a more functional one. Too bad :(


Another little project was I had my back screen porch re screened and the bushes ripped out! I replanted in their place garlic lavendar! I wish my screened porch looked a little more like the above picture! I would sip lemonade while reading some great book, awwww wouldnt that be grand!!! So up for this weekend... #1 new front doormat (so feet dont get wet before entering) #2 powerwash all landscaping stones #3 plant some fresh herbs in terra cotta planter #4 enjoy!!!!

Vizcaya

If you are ever in south Florida, Miami or Fort Lauderdale area, I suggest going to Vizcaya. I was just there for the second time and every time is just as beautiful as the first! You can go to www.vizcayamuseum.org to get more info and see some pictures of the inside. It was built by James Deering as his winter estate from 1916-1925. It is located on Key Biscayne and the view is just beautiful. I would Love to have a wedding here! Enjoy the pictures that I took!

ready for a bedroom redo

I have been ready for a bedroom make over for quite some time now! I am trying to hold back until I make my move up north. I don't want to regret any purchases....but I am getting anxious. Above is my inspiration. Light neutral walls, an upholstered headboard with a slight curve and nailheads, simple, not overly decorated, just a nice clean tailored look that looks as if it has been done over time...not in one day!

I just purchased 1 of these bombe recreations from pottery barn in the same finish as above(zen brown). It came and is BEAUTIFUL!!!! I did not buy 2 because on the other side of the bed I am keeping my eye open for a small turned leg antique table. I would like it to double as a nightstand/ writing desk. Maybe put a cute little ottoman/ bench under it.


Here is the bed I think I will get(headboard only). I have not purchased yet, because I will be switching from a queen to a king and am not ready to 1) put my queen in the garage for storage 2) hand over the money for the TempurPedic I plan to purchase.


Well these are just a few ideas of what is going through my head. How about some alabaster table lamps or the crystal restoration hardware table lamps???? hmmmm decisions, decisions!
I also bought a set of king sheets, Thomas O'brein and I have restoration hardware linen drapes in acanthus I want to use. Plus I have a cool antique dresser in WI waiting for me. Hopefully I can get a little more organized and put this all together... not only for the sake of the blog but for ME to make some fianl decisions(i have designer ADD in my own house(horrible,horrible))!!! NO impulse buys this time. I want everything I buy to be timeless in the sense that even if I get sick of it in my bedroom I can move it somewhere else in the house and not regret purchasing it. The end result needs to look effortless and if it is just a beautiful personal/collected room! hint hint, trying to study Nate Berkus, he is awesome at this type of decorating!

day dreaming...

So I guess I have a case of the monday blues. I always have so much going on in my head, but I find sometimes it wears me out or like today just bums me out. Wish I had a neat little nook like above to go hideout in and read something worth while or just rest! Happy Monday cant wait till friday! (my family is visiting and we have dinner plans at the Mai Kai)

my lost love

I have been in LOVE with this mirror for quite some time. It is from restoration hardware. I found out it is longer available. I will be on the search for something similar. I like the clean lines and the large gold accent on this one, it reminds me of the older convex mirrors but with an up to date fresh more modern feel. Hopefully I will find something I love even more....if anybody has any suggestions???