Stop That Jumping and Get to Work !

Hope you moms out there enjoyed your day yesterday, because all too soon it's back to business as usual. Today is

Clean Up Your Room Day!

Those naughty kids of yours should be making their beds, not jumping on them. Channel that energy into spring cleaning! Martha's here to help too. Click on her pic to get the Spring Cleaning Checklist from her Homekeeping Handbook. She'll help you turn your little ones into junior cleaning machines.

Click on the photo below and the folks at Real Simple will help you get your cleaning done faster. Make it a game!

Seriously... "clean up your room day"? Who came up with that one? Not surprisingly, its origins are a mystery. Would you admit to creating a "special" day to "celebrate" mopping floors and folding laundry? No, me neither. But housekeeping is necessary and important work so you may as well do it right. Teach your kids to do it right too and you just might get to relax on more than your one designated day a year.

Top photo by Jean Allsop for Coastal Living

How to Decorate With Cats

[Sorry! Wrong photo! This one's from the book "How to Decorate Your Cats"]

From the age of fourteen until now, except for a brief few years in the early 1990's, I have always had at least one cat in my home. In fact, once, when I had two cats, the naughty female Houdini'd her way out of the house and we ended up with nine after her kittens were born. (Despite what your crazy Aunt Carole might say, nine is way too many cats.) None of my cats, even when there were nine, have been allowed on the furniture. Ok now, wait. Before you call PETA or the ASPCA to report me, please know that all pets in this household are loved and cared for, get their own comfy beds, cute dishes and toys and, for the most part, have the run of the house—so long as they are running on the floor. "No animals on the furniture" is simply my personal preference.

That being said, this is how I would

decorate with cats:

[This quirky collection of mid-century ceramic and glass collectibles includes a sleek, black kitty. Image from hgtv.com]

This, is not:

[While this cat looks remarkably like my first cat who I loved so much, Freddie would never have been allowed to recline among the collectibles. Photo via flickr.com]

Good cat decorating:

[Cats on pillows and cat portrait in the amazing London home of antiques dealer Peter Hinwood. Via "Rooms to Inspire in the City"]

Bad cat decorating:

This is Marley.

Marley has been our house guest while my daughter is out of town. Obviously, the rules at his house are a little more relaxed. So far, we've discovered him lounging on desks, the dining table and assorted chairs and sofas, teetering on shelves and boxes in a closet, perched on top of bookcases and—like a high-wire trapeze artist—tip-toeing across the top of the master bath shower door. I believe this photo represents the only time he has actually sat this still and, even then, as you can see by the blurry outcome, I was certain it wouldn't last long enough to bother with proper exposure or focus. As he is a guest and we are good hosts, (and because it seems that we really have no choice), Marley is being allowed to make himself at home. How many more hours are there til midday Thursday?

*****

From decorating on cats and decorating with cats to decorating by cats...

By the way, there is no such book as "How to Decorate Your Cats". But you knew that, right? (please say yes) There was, however, a calendar called "Cats in Hats" from which the top image was borrowed and for which at least twelve unsuspecting and surprisingly docile cats were thoroughly humiliated.

These Chandeliers are for the Birds

No, wait, make that "BY the birds". As in: if a crew of bowerbirds could be put to work in a lighting workshop, these are what I'm sure they would produce. (Not sure what I'm talking about? You are not alone, my friend. Talk to my family. See my last post and you'll know where this stream-of-consciousness nonsense was born)

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Imagine, if you will, that we (my visionary investors and I) have harnessed the work ethic and intense creativity of a dozen or so of these little birds. But don't worry, this is no sweatshop. They can live in the rafters of the workshop to ease their commute.They can even bring their families as we offer a benefits package that includes in-house daycare (do you have that at your job?), gym facilities (15 ft factory ceilings leave lots of room to stretch their wings) and a cafeteria fully-stocked with their favorite fruits, insects, flowers and nectars. We'll even play happy, soothing music during work hours (insert Snow White whistling while she works). Let's take a tour and check out the prototypes, shall we? . . .

First, a look at the work of the apprentice birds (top image). A simple pendant structure of interwoven twigs. Bower-like dome shape? Check. Intricate construction? Check. Bright shiny objects to finish it off? Check, sort of. Only one bulb.

As the apprentices hone their craft, their work advances. Larger branches are woven with dramatic flair into the upswept form of an avenue bower. Multiple candle bulbs are incorporated.

.

Interwoven branches again but, this time, the birds have taken artistic license to add tiers. (Note to potential employees: Here at the Bird-Built Chandelier Factory, we appreciate and reward workplace innovation and initiative.)

In the faux department, we will be mindful that not all potential clients will appreciate the rustic look of actual twigs. The craftiest and most detail-oriented birds will learn to weld and bend metal. To some models, they will apply the shiny objects favored by the females of the species (true of birds and humans alike). Here, you see crystals and flower-shaped candle cups.

Would you like a bowerbird to come to your home and dress up your boring chandelier? You're in luck! Decorating services will be available. And, who knows? A perfectly decorated bowerbird chandelier might be just the thing that gets your home into a magazine.

In the wild, some bowerbirds line their bowers with a bed of moss. In the factory, moss becomes tiny-leaved, trailing ivy. A sprouting branch is the center support and candle cups resemble discarded seedpods. True artistry achievable only by the most experienced birds.

Finally, the work of a master craftsbird. The level of extravagant display to which all young apprentice birds aspire. Twigs, leaves, berries and fruit plus shiny bits of glass and metal. Bright colors and a multitude of collected objects. (If this one doesn't impress the ladies, nothing will.)

So, I'm off to write up a business plan. Investment opportunities are available. Contact me soon if you're interested. I have a feeling this might really take off.

(bird pun. get it?)

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All dumb jokes and ridiculousness aside, I discovered something really beautiful while compiling this post— the dreamy work of artist Tracey Barnes. She is based in Denver, Colorado and, as her website says, "melds the magnificent beauty and power of nature with the mystery of the human subconscious in her textured paintings, exquisite chandeliers and innovative interiors." Her paintings are magical and ethereal and her one-of-a-kind chandeliers are indeed works of art. This first example is called (by lucky coincidence) "Bower Bird Nest".

Next is the "Z Cuisine Chandelier" which hangs in the North Denver restaurant of the same name.


This one is my favorite. "Chandelier Sienna".


Would you use such a fanciful chandelier in your home?

Would you pay more for it if was built by birds?

(market research. it's important.)

Of course, none of the light fixtures here were made by birds. Top to bottom, image sources are: BoBo Intriguing Objects; Nancy Van Atta Associates; highcountry.com; Pottery Barn; Lime in the Coconut; Doris Sanders Ltd.; southernliving.com; traceybarnesart.com

Book Giveaway Winner and a Time Out

Using the super-sophisticated method of writing the names on small slips of paper, double- and triple-checking to make sure none were omitted, folding them up tight and asking my able assistant to choose one with his eyes closed, we have selected a winner...

Sarah of My Yellow House

Congratulations, Sarah! Your new book is a nice fit for you. I received two copies over the weekend - one for me and one for you - and can say now that it's as good as advertised. Filled with great pics and advice for achieving all "The Comforts of Home" the title and cover photo suggest. I'll mail it off to you right away. Big thanks to all of you who entered! By the way, anyone reading who doesn't know Sarah and her 83-year-old home, should click on the link in her name above and pay her a visit. If you love clean, vintage, cottage style, you'll enjoy following along as she works to make her yellow house with a red door, literally her "dream home", a welcoming haven of personal comforts and luxuries.

In other news. . . I am having epic problems with my server (grrr) and will probably not be able to publish anything new for a couple of days. Because I can't just leave my office, climb into my car, drive to the nearest wifi cafe and hang out there for hours while I finish up the posts I've started and planned for this week. I'd love to, it's a beautiful day for patio blogging, but I can't. I'm only able to publish this one because I occasionally get a very weak signal from one of my neighbors that could fail at any moment. So I really should stop typing now and push "publish".

Happy Monday. Happy Spring! Back soon. . .

On the Occasion of My 100th Post... a Giveaway!

100 posts.
100 times I've had something to say. Something to show you. Something informative. Or just plain pretty. Something I hoped would help bring a little comfort and luxury into your home and your life.

100 posts.

Seems like a lot if you don't blog. Like nothing much at all if you've blogged as long as some. Still, I think it's significant enough to celebrate! I wish I could send a little something to every one of you who've visited me here. It's been so much fun! What I can do is say

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

and offer each of you the chance to win this:

"The Comforts of Home" is a brand new book by Caroline Clifton-Mogg. She's the author of other favorites that include "French Country Living" , "The White Home" and "Accessorize Your Home" According to the publisher's description, "The Comforts of Home" is "a book that enters into the spirit of how we want to live now, at a time when excess is no longer desirable. Author Caroline Clifton-Mogg puts a welcoming and beautiful haven within everyone's reach... from the welcoming hallway, to the cozy kitchen, comfortable living room, satisfying study, practical bathroom and peaceful bedroom - through to the garden. "The Comforts of Home" offers clever decorating ideas that rely on imagination and style rather than a deep purse and suggests ways of making the most of what we have to put the heart back into our homes."

If you'd like your own copy of this book, leave a comment here on this post before Midnight PST, Sunday, March 21, 2010. I'll select one name and announce the winner here on Monday the 22nd.

Leave one comment or a hundred, but I'll only count you once! (Please, don't anyone leave a hundred comments just to freak me out) And be sure to identify yourself by name in your comment if you don't have a blog or a google account or any of those other account-type thingies that identify you automatically.

••••• GOOD LUCK!! •••••

Comfort&Luxury is 100 posts old today.

Thank you for reading and writing and encouraging and critiquing and contributing in any and every way. I hope I'll continue to hear from you as I come up with one hundred more things to say!

Sunday at the Rose Bowl with Eddie

Look! There I am! On a beautiful blue-sky Sunday at the Rose Bowl with Eddie Ross.

For just over two hours, Eddie led a happy group of 20 or so through the maze that is this world-famous flea market. Along the way, we stopped to listen and watch as he explained why he would choose a particular piece and what he might do with it once he got it home. These small chairs he liked for their paint potential—a glossy black, perhaps?—and the ease with which the seats could be removed and recovered. While Eddie was talking, I was totally distracted by those rush-seated, coral-red arm chairs behind him. They would be fantastic around a breakfast table and might have been mine if I had such a thing as a room just for breakfast.

This beautiful little chandelier was only $47. Click on the pic to see the details better. The combination of jade green and creamy white china was so pretty and look at the leafy accents on the arms. The fluting on the white areas gave it extra charm too. At that price, even if it had to be rewired, this light would be perfect for a bathroom, as the centerpiece in a feminine bedroom, or over a small dining table.

Eddie paused at this display of lavender glass to explain to us that it once was clear. An article I found that explains how that happens also warns of the possibility of fraud in this area of collectibles. Click on the pic if you're interested in buying only authentically sun-colored pieces. Or collect it anyway just because it's pretty. Beauty and even "antiques" are in the eye of the beholder so long as you're just decorating and not investing.

These gorgeous lamps were carved wood and quite large. Their patinaed white and gold finish was perfectly aged. A woman in our group snapped them up before Eddie was even done talking about them. Here's a good tip about lampshades Eddie gave us that I'll pass along: take a look at the Better Homes & Gardens line of shades available at WalMart. He said the shapes and fabrication are nice and that they're just as easy to customize or embellish with your own trims as more expensive shades so why not check them out?


What did I find for myself? Well, besides all the chairs that I coveted but haven't the space for, there were only a few things that caught my eye today. Two tablecloths (the bottom two of the foursome above) that I'll cut up and add to a pieced and patched table runner I'm thinking about making. And, below, an English J&G Meakin platter that will either become part of a wall display or a receptacle for jewelry on my dresser top, and an assortment of starfish and coral branches from the "shell lady" who is always there and has great items for what I think are really fair prices. (She sells her seashells at the Pasadena City College Flea Market too if you're in this area. First Sunday of every month.) With those small coral branches, I think I'll try my hand at making my own bottle toppers. You know what I'm talking about, right?

My treasures don't compare at all though to the fun of meeting Eddie and Jaithan and the opportunity to spend time with other blogger friends. My only regret is that I somehow did not get one decent pic of Jaithan as he was busy buzzing around herding the group and keeping Eddie on track. They're a pretty great team. ((Note to Jaithan: thanks for taking the perfectly-posed pic of Eddie and me!)) I was very happy to finally meet Janet of the Gardeners Cottage! She was there with her friend Melissa (visiting Janet all the way from Kauai) and they were both just as fun and genuine as I knew Janet would be. I also met another Traci (with an "i") who happens to live right here in Upland. Traci is a photographer who has recently begun a style and inspiration blog called muse margaret. Go pay her a visit. And while you're there, jump over to her professional blog and check out her gorgeous photography. So nice to meet you, Traci!

All in all, it was a very fun day! Gorgeous, perfect weather, charming hosts, loads of information and helpful hints, and new friends. Everything I expected and more. If you have the chance to attend one of Eddie's events, I say "do!".

Click here to go to Eddie's blog for his event schedule and more inspiration than you'll know what to do with. And I'm linking this post to Rhoda's Thrifty Treasure's Party over at her blog, Southern Hospitality. Click on the pic below to see what everyone else found over the weekend!

If Your Bicycle was Paisley, Would You Ride it More?

I think I would.

How could you not want to take such pretty wheels out for a spin? Look at it, will you? Such fun colors! Luggage tan grips and seat. Fenders! And it's just begging for a wicker basket on the handlebars.

Target has partnered with the British brand Liberty of London to bring us, among other flowery lovelies timed perfectly for Spring, bicycles bearing their signature prints. The image above, scanned from the March issue of O Magazine, is the only one I could find to show you. But isn't this one enough? As soon as I turned to page 64, I was on my feet and in the next room announcing to my husband that I have found what I want for my birthday. (insert dramatic display of magazine pages here plus much bouncing and squealing of "Isn't it great?!!) Those of you who think you know me better should stop laughing now. I would too ride a bike.

A paisley bike.

Liberty of London is the 134-year-old British luxury brand best known for its exuberant prints and happy colors like those on their Bouton paisley, above. In recent years, their products have returned to the forefront of fashion. Supermodel Kate Moss used Liberty prints for her clothing collection at UK-based Topshop stores. Hermès produced a line of scarves using Liberty cottons. Now, Target brings Liberty to Americans in one of its largest collections ever presented in collaboration with an outside brand. According to press releases, the line will include fashions for the whole family, housewares, home decor, items for the garden, storage and organization and. . . bicycles!

The Liberty of London line is scheduled to launch on

March 14; you can get a sneak peek here on Target's website. Let me know if you go. . .

and I'll let you know if I score an early b'day bicycle.

This post is for PK at Room Remix who blogged about paisley today.

But not bicycles.

Umbrella Weather

This has been a week filled with umbrellas . . .

On Wednesday, I spotted the image above at Making it Lovely where Nicole shared it in a "favorite things" post. She borrowed it from ohbrooke who passed it along after finding it here.

Photographed by Jesus Manuel Nieto Bobadillo, this image of colorful umbrellas floating over a street in Spain is at once mysterious and enchanting, optimistic and ethereal. I love it so much,

it's my new spring screen saver.

Today, it's raining. Again.

The weather people say it's to be a short, less intense storm this time. But any rain is enough to require an umbrella. Where do you park yours when you arrive back home? Mine typically ends up on the bench on our porch. If I didn't have a porch, I suppose I would need one of these:

a wise and whimsical owl from homedecorators.com

contemporary chrome from target.com

a welcoming ceramic pineapple from gumps.com

simple and super affordable from ikea.com

a masculine leather cylinder from gumps.com

clean, classical iron from lampsplus.com

classic porcelain from overstock.com

a porcelain forest from venucci.com

hammered, aged copper from lampsplus.com

banana fiber woven over a wire frame from bellacor.com

antique silver over copper from lampsplus.com

imported Italian ceramic from bellacor.com

woven bamboo at jcpenney.com

glazed and baked terracotta rainboots from zgallerie.com

This one is my favorite. . .

the one I would buy for myself if I didn't have a porch for drippy umbrella drying . . .
the umbrella's umbrella from arcadianlighting.com

. . . not only because it's great looking but because it reminds me of this . . .

Mary Poppins!

I mentioned the movie in this previous post about some of my own favorite things. Now, it's a musical too. Currently touring the U.S. And I went to see it last weekend.

( click on this pic for a musical treat )

The players and musicians were wonderful. The story was virtually the same as the movie but with a few interesting exceptions and changes that added more music and action. Of course, I found the staging equally captivating : the sets, the backdrops, the lighting, the props; the costumes, the rooftops of London and the magical, transforming Banks house on Cherry Tree Lane.


Proper credit for this experience must be given to my very thoughtful husband who gifted me with tickets at Christmas. (thanks again honey!) The Ahmanson Theater at the Music Center in L.A. is a lovely, intimate setting that was filled to the brim with the fantastic, larger-than-life production... complete with Mary and her magic umbrella flying off the stage and out over the audience at the end!

Some of you may recall that my single, all-purpose New Year's resolution was to "lighten up", with have more fun falling under the umbrella of that intention. Seeing Mary Poppins on stage was a most supercalifragilistic step in that direction.


[Click on any of the umbrella stand images to go to their sources.]