~ Houston Style ~

There is so much European style in Houston.  I love this Italian villa by Houston designer Eleanor Cummings via House Beautiful. 

Road trip!!!

Have a happy week.

Lulu

~ Meeting Tara Shaw ~

Tara Shaw is one of those people who needs no introduction, at least to those of us who love her images in Veranda Magazine, and throughout blogland.  Who could forget Joni's hysterical account of hyperventilating as she raced through the streets of Houston to secure a pair of Tara's antique chairs?

Tara's dining room featured in Veranda Magazine in 2000

via Cote de Texas

Aqua blue French panels from Tara Shaw Maison in a kitchen

featured in Great American Kitchens

More of Tara's designs from Veranda 2005 via Cote de Texas

The former New Orleans showroom of Tara Shaw via Cote de Texas

So imagine my thrill when one of the first showrooms I encountered at the Winter show at the Atlanta Mart was Tara Shaw Maison.  Tara's reproductions are so exquisitely done that I was convinced they were antiques.  Her's was without a doubt my favorite showroom.  I would love to have one of everything!

Antique Italian painted chairs from Tara Shaw Antiques

And, just as you would expect, Tara is gracious and charming.  Yes, I need to hop in the car and take a quick trip to New Orleans to visit Tara Shaw Maison!  On second thought, make that a small U-Haul.

Tara Shaw and my friend Cindy Maniscalso, the talented designer and owner of Renaissance Interiors

Have a wonderful week.

Lulu

~ Perfection ~

Have a wonderful week.

Lulu

~ Just a Feeling ~

There is sooooo much going on that I'm having a hard time visiting my favorite blogs friends.  I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone over the holidays.  In the meantime, I love these photos from my blogland inspiration file.

Via Cote Quest

Via New York Times

Via Decor de Provence

I've been decorating the house, running from place to place working and shopping and crossing things off my to-do list.  I'm feeling a little like this:

Image source unknown

I've been thinking about "The Promise" lately. (More later.) So, even though it looks like I may need to work over the holidays instead of taking my vacation, I'm picturing myself relaxing here:

Image source unknown

I'm pretty sure that lighting the "hope candle" at the shoppe has solved that little problem.  Just waiting for confirmation.  :-)

Have a wonderful week.

Lulu

~ I Thought I Was Ready ~

I thought I was ready for Fall.  I took my pretty white wicker furniture home from the shop, and brought in some lovely dark warm pieces.

Ellen Silverman via Bradbourne Farms

But I started seeing posts from my friends who are excited about Spring.

And I missed all my pretty white things.  I thought John Saladino cured my multiple personality disorder, but I have to admit that I'm still torn between French European and Romantic Shabby Chic style.

What is a girl to do?  Make lemonade.  I'm embracing my multiple personality disorder and working on a second booth at One of a Kind Shoppe so I can be true to both of my loves.

It will take a few weeks to pull them both together, but I'm starting to set up tomorrow after Market Day.

I hope to see you at Market Day on Saturday!

Happy weekend.

Lulu

~ Uncluttered ~

I've been attracted to very simple, uncluttered spaces lately.

I wonder what that means?

Please be sure to check out my giveaway below.  It will close a week from today.

Have a simply wonderful weekend.

Lulu

~ Fresh and Pretty ~

I could get lost in this image and be happy.  So pretty!

This photo was taken by Karyn Millet, photographer of Annette Tatum's book The Well Dressed Home.  I loved it so much I bought an extra copy for the shop.  I want a fairy tale home like this!

Photo by Karyn R. Millet

A beautiful chandelier, altar candle stick and aqua bottles.

Enough said.

Photo from Maisons Cote Sud via Linen and Lavendar

Two of my new favorites ~ shabby book pages and religious prints. 

Inspiration for my C. T. Slack seaman's trunk project. 

For more beautiful pictures and ideas, please visit the wonderful Fifi, and take a look at the amazingly pretty items in Fifi's giveaway that I am going to win!

Have a pretty weekend.

Lulu

~ Elements of a Zen Meditation Room ~

This room has all the elements for a Zen meditation room!  A gorgeous chandelier, a Louis Phillipe mirror, and fabulous drapes.

All I need is a chair to relax and contemplate the view. 

Sometimes less is more!

I'm sharing my thoughts on inspiration photos this week at One of a Kind Shoppe.  Please visit me there.

Happy weekend.

Lulu

~ My Pink Suitcase is Packed ~

I'm packing my pretty pink suitcase and jetting over to Paris . . .

. . . to spend a month in le Turenne, a beautiful apartment in the Place des Vosges district of  Marais.  The weekly rent for this two bedroom flat is a reasonable $2,500.

Okay, I'm dreaming again.  But this gorgeous apartment is for rent.  Maybe one day . . .

Have a wonderful weekend.
Dream a little.
Lulu