Our Ever-Evolving Hall

 

 As many of you know, nothing stays the same for long (or even a week) in our barn...If I don't change things frequently, I get  bored with it. Because we are working on creating an office armoire in our living room, we moved this storage piece seen above into our striped hall! Having that extra storage between our bedroom, bathroom and dining area really comes in handy! 

Here is the striped hall in all of its black and red glory...

And here it is all fresh and bright for Spring!

 I painted the frames and shelf in (this will be a shocker) Annie Sloan-Duck Egg Blue, I just can't seem to get enough of that color!

 The Blue in the frames and the colors in the stickers on the vintage luggage, really look great with the giant, vintage map in the adjacent room!

 By the way, aren't these flowers rad?!?! The yellow one kinda looks like a brain...a really sexy, springy brain.

So, what do you think? 

Thank you so much for touring our updated hall, I am so glad you stopped by! Now, I am off to make some iced coffee.. 

Linking up to:

  

Are You Becoming Your Mother? And a Sweet Poem by My Dad

Happy Mother's Day all!!! I am eternally grateful for my beautiful Mother, Mother-in-law, Grandmas, Aunts and friends that are doing the hardest job in the world! Being a mom is not for the weak! So here (holding a mimosa) is to you!

I feel insanely honored that there was an article written about my mama and me on Sheknows.com "Am I Becoming My Mother" this week, and wanted to share it with you!

Click here to read!

Back in 1999 my Dad wrote this sweet poem for my mom that I also wanted to share with you all! I hope you enjoy it!!      

My Place in the Animal Kingdom

For all the years it’s haunted me…“What was my role in life”?

And while I searched to find it, I “filled in” as Mom and Wife.

I had longed for a title, a position, a degree…

And if I were an animal, which one would I be?

A wise old owl that knows it all or a sly and cunning fox?

In business, would I be a shark or wash up on the rocks?

A bull in the marketplace or a quiet, passive lamb?

How long would I have to wait to find out who I am?

                                            

Then a snake came near my den one day and I was suddenly aware…

When he tried to steal my cubs away…that I’m a snarling Mama Bear.

            Written by Bill McCulloch for his wife, Kim in 1999

Happy Mothers Day!!

San Gimignano {Medieval Manhattan}

San Gimignano, or Medieval Manhattan, as it is called, is one of my favorite Etruscan towns... San Gimignano is definitely a quaint and relaxing town, like Montepulciano that is loaded with charm, fantastic food and spectacular views.  Come join me on a little tour of San G!

San Gimignano dates back to 63 B.C. and was started by two brothers who were escaping Rome!

 Thirteen of the seventy two towers remain in the village today and used to be a sign of power and wealth in the fourteenth century. The taller the tower, the richer you were. This once bustling and wealthy city was almost completely wiped out during The Black Plague. This prosperous city fell into darkness, poverty, and decay for centuries.

Now, San Gimignano is glowing with world class food, wine, pottery, and tourism.

It is a fantastic city where you feel the history oozing out its pores. Every corner and alley has incredible views.
Walking down the gorgeous streets and alleys of the spectacular Tuscan town reminded me of when I came here with my precious grandparents ten years ago. We even ate at the Trattoria Chiribiri (which is a MUST) again. My family likes to order all different things and share family style, so instead of only trying one thing, we get to sample a wide variety of house specialties!

 

Like all the other Italian cities, I recommend doing San Gimignano in the spring or fall to avoid tourists, heat, and locals who may be burned out from all of the rude tourists. Once again, anyone who has done a lot of traveling knows that traveling Southern Europe in the summer is less favorable than the more moderate weather seasons.  (Also, try to avoid holiday and spring-break crowds!)

This fabulous city is a must while traveling trough Tuscany and the unique architecture will definitely leave a huge impression!

Go... enjoy San Gimignano and be sure to get yourself some of the worlds Best Gelato (there are two award winning ones in the city center!)... seriously, its beyond phenomenal! Relax, stroll through the center, shut your eyes, smell the chestnuts roasting, listen to the church bells and one of the most romantic languages, and  simply savor the moment

I am off to enjoy dinner with this handsome McMansome!

Ciao!

And We Have a Winner!

Congratulations Regina! I look forward to hearing what you do with this in your home! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

USE YOUR LOVELY THINGS!

 A few years ago, before blogging, when my husband and I were dating, I poured him a glass of ice water in a crystal goblet (that I found at a flea market). He quickly said "Oh, don't go to the trouble of pouring me water in a goblet, I can take a plastic cup". I quickly responded with, "It is just as easy to pour a drink into a crystal goblet as it is into a Red Solo Cup".  At that moment, the idea for my blog was born.

So often people purchase unique, flea market finds or antiques and put it on a shelf to be admired or in storage to collect dust! Over the past two years, I have decided that part of living beautifully is enjoying pretty pieces on a daily basis! I would rather break something because I used it and enjoyed it, than not use it and just look at it.
I found this lovely reproduction milk jug while in Provence and had to have it. I do keep our milk in it and smile every time I pour some into my coffee. Using your pretty things makes everyday a little more special. Why only pull the nice china out for holidays or for guests?? Let your family (which are your most prized possessions) enjoy it! Obviously I am not telling you to give your two year old a drink in a crystal goblet that was your great grandmother's, who was a princess of some far off land, but, you know what I am trying to say. Seriously though, in the words of my dear friend Iris "Life is too short and too long to not enjoy everyday"...or something like that.

 For those of you who still find using dishware found at a flea market or Goodwill to be gross, remember, you eat off of used dishes every time you go to a restaurant and sleep on used sheets every time you stay at a hotel. Shazaam! Don't be silly about it!

So, tell me, what are you not using that you can start using on a daily basis? I want to hear! Don't forget to enter my lovely giveaway for a vintage, French, canning jar!