Rich, layered interiors

Interiors by the Hovey sisters.




I swear I owned that bed frame.

American Painter Love

I love Fairfield Porter. I even love his name. More of his work here. But then, I love Hopper, too.
These 3 by F.P.:



This, by Hopper:

And of course, Wyeth:

But then, Spencer Eldridge fits here, too. It would not be complete without him. More on Spencer, here.

Paws to the Grindstone

Working from home is always better with a kitty nearby. Kate is my constant companion. She's also in charge of HR, and unlike those HR folks who are all about the company, Kate is all about the employees.

Tea Cup Cozy Cat Cowl

It can get tedious just writing about information technology all day. One’s mind tends to wander a bit. Sometimes you have to just think outside the box and pull your tea cup cozy off your mug and pull it over your cat’s head, as is depicted here.

Gwyneth: Really? You’re really doing this? Then taking my picture, and blogging about it? Wasn’t that pink vest picture enough?

Such a darling tolerant one.
Oh, and Kate loves yams and kale. A lot goes on here during the day. You just wouldn’t imagine! *yawn*

A True Green House

I saw this today and thought: a green house that grows food, not orchids or some rare ornamental this or that. How smart! This is Lucy Marr. Her and her hubby are: Stephen and Lucy Marr - Hairdressers and Skincare Developers at their glass house - Auckland - Nov 21 2011
I love this idea…

One could certainly whip up quite the green drink from this little crop of goodies. And since it’s enclosed, no bug friends to disturb the leafy goodness. If you click the link, and scroll down a bit, you will see the green drink they make and the recipe. It sounds divine. Love love love.

Williams-Sonoma Goes Vintage, and Mary’s House Gets Bear-y Cute

I was surprised to see that Williams Sonoma is offering vintage items. They had a table with some very nice, older culinary items. Each had a tag that says FOUND, and then a description complete with a wildly expensive price. Um, silver plate tray, $149? I think not. But it was lovely to look at. 
In other news, my belle mere has the most adorable things going on at her house. Can you say candy kitchen? Pardon the blurry photo; it’s on a window sill with light beaming in.

Oh, and the bears are cooking with pink oven mitts I might add:

Excuse me, I need to get over to the stove and grab one of these teensy utensils to stir the soup:

And then, once your tummy is full, it’s time for a Christmas bed time story!

Oh, and make sure both ovens are turned off before you turn in! This little scene sits on the window sill at the kitchen sink. This must make doing dishes much better, don’t you think?


The cast iron rabbit makes the sweetest ring holder:

The Joy of Cooking, in miniature…and yes, there are actual recipes in the book!

Hypnosis and Cat Re-homing

I will stare at you with my green eyes and silver muzzlepouche until you do my bidding!

So, Mr. Black and White here below is currently in need of a home.

Our next door neighbor passed away a few weeks ago, and left Cosmo and his house to a friend. The friend, however, is allergic to Cosmo – we now learn. So, while it was Cosmo’s address first, he is now having to move. Funny how things work out. Fortunately, I can update this to say that it all worked out and the Cos' found new digs with a nice man who loves cats. Happy happy.

Playing Nice

Some may remember my period of angst when said kitten on the right first joined the family. At first, if seemed Kate (darling Tabby on left) might EAT Gwyneth. Then, Gwynnie grew. Now, little G. antagonizes poor Katie, stalking her on a whim. While Kate holds her own, it still bugs me that the little grey varmint wields such power. But here we have a moment of sisterly peace. Ooh! I see a bird! Oh! Me, too!

And here, close, but not too close.
And here, eating like two planes in runway formation.
‘Course, if Gwyneth gets too uppity, I’ll have to show everyone the picture of her in her pink vest. Oops, too late.

Retail Goodness: AllSaints

While I was in Chicago I ran across AllSaints. It’s based in the UK and they have an amazing space, though the website does not do the clothes justice and they are a vegan's nightmare with all the leather. However, check out this amazing wall of Singer sewing machines below, among other things… A person working there said that they own something like over half of the world's Singer machines from that era. I couldn't help but wonder if my Grandmother's was in there. I later discovered that the store in L.A. has a wall of them, too.

The clothes are all mostly black and neutral, and all with this sort of literary/vintage/industrial flair. 

Gratitude

There is so much to be thankful for, and it’s always good to let it be known. Even if no one hears or reads it, it’s good to put the words to paper (or a digital file). They say it makes your heart healthier to feel gratitude. And, I believe it. I’m so thankful for family…and health…and the job that keeps it all afloat…and for friends that provide the extended family that we couldn’t live without…and the dogs and cats that warm our hearts and extend the family further…and for the Earth that provides the things we need to live…and for every day that we get to exist with freedom and the opportunity to be who we are.

Image source: http://www.owlsdaughter.com/2010/09/serenity-and-gratitude/

Chiminita Extraordinaire

How cool is this outdoor fireplace? Love, love, love... You can find out more about it here.