a little mini-post …

Things are a little hectic here this week, so posting will be a little sparse.  My cousin is here from France, and my sister was scheduled to arrive tomorrow from out of state, but thanks to Mother Nature, is arriving today.  Also due to Mother Nature – the great book giveaway has been rescheduled for tonight, as we had gotten snowed out the last time.  (We’re expecting another foot tomorrow).  A few birthday parties for Katie will necessitate a little shopping, and finally, my grandmother’s birthday.  My adorable – she really is cute – grandmother is turning 100.  (We’re  sure she is hiding 2 years, but she will never admit to being older than 100.  Even 100 is hard to get her to admit.)   I am throwing her a party this weekend.  I’ll be sure to post some photos after.   If I am lucky enough to be 100, I hope I am still coloring my hair, and getting my hair and nails done, like she does.   She was furious at my sister for making her give up her high heels about 5 years ago, and you still will not see her leave the house in less than a one inch heel, with her hair and make-up done.  Go grandma!    By the way, we’re not allowed to call her grandma – because that is for old people, she says! 

Hope your week is filled with happy things too! 

Best,

Stephanie

 

and the winner is …

Yes, I won!  This is my first giveaway win, so forgive me if I prattle on a bit.(Though anyone who knows me well knows that I take such delight in winning prizes that I have been compared to a 2 year old.  In a good way.  What can I say?  I really really love winning surprises!)  

At any rate, the delightful Deb of Paper Turtle has opened an Esty Shop by the same name.  To celebrate, she had a giveaway of this delightful personalized notebook and pencil case. Only mine will have an “s” instead of “k”.  And yes, my daughter Katie is annoyed by that. 

Aren’t I a lucky girl?  And to think, I had just found her page last week.  So thank you, thank you, thank you to Deb!   I’ve been smiling all day!

Best,

Stephanie

announcing …

the opening of Katie Armour Home.  Take a pinch of chic, add in a dash of adorable and a soupcon of classic good taste, and you have The Neo Traditionalist.  I’ve mentioned her site before – she is sweet, charming and has very good taste!  And now she has opened an online shop.  Normally, I don’t endorse shops and the like.  But she really has some very good finds.  Do stop by – you might find just the vintage treasure you were looking for.  I have my eye on the sailboats and the horse head bookends for my Kate.  And the tray too … hmmm … (OK, I confess, I clicked out of here for a second and just bought the tray!) 

Best,

Stephanie

* All photos courtesy of Katie Armour Home. 

looking back …

… over this week’s posts, I realize that anyone new to this page might be confused.  I really was all over the map.  I know some people believe that we should all stick to one particular niche on our sites.  And some people do that very well.  We could all recommend some fabulous sites on decorating, cooking, scrapbooking, baking, etcetera.  You name it, there’s a page for that.  But this is you and me.  The thing I know best in life is me.  We are lucky to be women today.  We can’t be drawn into neat little boxes.  We won’t be limited to one thing.  We have lots of different interests, passions, loves.  But mostly, I think that anywhere you find beauty in this world is someplace you want to stop and look.  I hope that some days, I do pass on something beautiful that I have seen.  This is an amazing, gorgeous, breathtaking world.   The roads may wind a little, but we’re going to have a wonderful trip.  

Have a great weekend everyone.

Best,
 

Stephanie

i know a place …

Where spending your days relaxing in the water is encouraged. 

 

Where there is always a place to go in the evening with friends.

Where medieval castle-villages still exist.

Where ancient golden stone walls …

… shelter secret gardens with roses and palm trees. 

Where a hidden path … leads down stairs cut into the hillside to a secluded beach. 

Where meals are taken with family and friends, outside, and last for hours.

 

This is where I spent many summers during my teen years and early twenties.  We had family there, and they would welcome me for weeks and months at a time.   One day, I will have to spend the time to scan in my old photographs from those days.  Heavenly.  Simply heavenly.

Best,

Stephanie

*If anyone objects to the posting of these photos due to copyright, please let me know and I will immediately remove them.  Thank you. 

there are some things …

That Martha Stewart does exceptionally well.   Organizing and crafting definitely place on top of the list.  Put them together, and you have a swoon worthy craft room as only Martha can do.  Divine.  I have a similar space in my home, a finished attic space, walk-up, that we are in the process of re-doing as a play area for the children.  I need to get all these little things out from underfoot, you see.  But maybe one day, when they are older, the space will be all mine … hmmm… a girl can dream, can’t she?  Until then, stop by Collage of Life for some more great craft rooms. 

Sweet dreams, indeed.

Best,

Stephanie

can i possibly justify …

It is soooo tempting, isn’t it?  I don’t need it.  I have a smart phone.  I have an e-book. 2 of them, to be precise.  But what a lovely little toy!   hmmm … I have until April to decide.  It would make a lovely little spring surprise.  

Best,

Stephanie