The Perfect Plume

National Geographic

The peacock is such a splendid, rare creature! They are actually pheasants (don't tell my husband, they will create a hunting season for it too) known for their colorful blue and green iridescent tails. Their tail spreads out into a magnificent train that fans across their back with dinstinctive "eye" markings of the feathers in blue, red and gold hues. 

J Crew

You can guarantee if you see me this summer at the pool I will be sporting this deco-inspired peacock print from Liberty Art Fabric by J Crew...love it!

York Wallcovering

A powder room would not be complete without this print by York available in 4 colors, you can't go wrong with bronze or teal. 

Apartment Therapy

In case anyone is in Austin, TX or planning a trip soon check out the The Peacock. The "Glamorous Hollywood-style decor and vintage cocktails" of this place make me want to catch the next plane to Austin.

 

Delos

One of my favorite rug companies Delos has a super swanky peacock rug in hand tufted wool.

Fashionable Interiors

This beautiful peacock inspired mirror graces the home of fashion designer Liz Lange designed by Jonathan Adler.

Haft 2 Know

In case I am invited to Kate and William's wedding...that is Prince William and Kate Middleton or if I renew my vows this dress is my choice. Wow, is all that I can say, what an work of art.

Man's Best Friend

When Pups Rule the Roost

This week we are facing the final days with one of our beloved black labs. He has been a good dog and I find myself saying that when I get upset and thinking on what he means to us, he is just a dog, right?? I know but dogs are truly a man's best friend. They are steadfast companions, always happy to see you, never ask much of you but some food, a walk and a rub! They listen to you and knowlingly give you a gentle nudge if you have had a bad day...well that is our dog altleast. I know there are some Park Avenue pooches that rule their parent's roost and go to doggy spas by day and puppy play groups by night. They have their nails painted, their hair trimmed and wear the lastest designer dog duds. If you have one of these dogs or have a little girl who enjoys being girly....

Neiman Marcus

There is a cute children's book Poodlena by. E.B. Mc Henry about a pink poodle that is always so prim and proper. She always goes out for her walks and turn up her nose at the other pooches that are dirty playing in the mud becuase she would never dare to be that dirty. One day poor Poodlena gets pushed into a mud puddle but she learns that playing is just as fun as primping!

I love, love the collars and dog beds from Harry Barker http://www.harrybarker.com/! They have some awesome beds made of hemp with stripes and toile beds that are eco friendly with hypo-allergenic stuffing (in case your dog is sensitive). These beds are not only cozy for your dog but look good in your home too. They have a wide variety of leashes from leopard to nautical and other doggy gear to choose from including bowls, toys and treats.

        Harry Barker

For all the dog lovers Best In Show by Osborne and Little comes in a fabric and a wallpaper. I do love my pups but this might take some convincing....

Osborne and Little

Some of my favorite shots with a little help from a friend.

Dennis Quaid

jewelry designer Temple St. Clair Carr

Jennifer Aniston with bad dog Marley

Nanette Lepore's poodle Bunny

unknown pets Laura Casey Interiors

Romeo

Photos courtesy of Elle Decor, Laura Casey Interiors, Architectural Digest and Pink Celeb

            Forgive me but I do not know where or when I found the picture above to credit it but the dear sweet pup in it reminds me of our dog in his better days. May you have all the treats, love and comfort up above Bear.

 

 If you are in Raleigh tomorrow and Saturday the Junior League of Raleigh is doing their annual Showcase of Kitchens with a kick-off party tonight at Ferguson's from 7-10 pm. You can buy tickets online in advance http://www.jlraleigh.org/ or buy them at the will call at the house located on Churchill Road. There are 8 kitchens this year and each kitchen is a self-guided tour. Each home will feature a presentation from local restaurants and retail stores as well as tableop designs and culinary demonstrations...don't miss out!  

                          

  

Keep Calm

After a long weekend and Monday my mantra for the evening is the Bristish government's propaganda poster.... I am feeling as if I might wind up wrapped in my fur coat like little Edie Beale of Grey Gardens singing show tunes in my next life!

Thankfully there is only one Monday a week and I just received this great email from High Street Market introducing their new items to the shop for sale. http://www.highstreetmarket.etsy.com/

They have some awesome handmade pillows and accessories for a great prices.

Here are some of my favorites!

Images courtesy of  Dress Vintage, Keep Calm Carry On and High Street Market

It's only Natural

I pledge to use no paper or plastic products from stores, only reusable totes or bags.

I pledge to shop at farmers markets and buy local organic produce.

I pledge to pick-up trash in my community and encourage my children and others to do the same....

but I will not vow to sleep outside tonight in a tent for Earth Day.

In honor of Earth Day this week, a very important day I am thinking about the world around me and how the decisions I make, will effect me, my children and their children and what I can do to make a difference.

Safavieh

Thom Filicia, interior designer, "Dress My Nest" is making a difference with his new line of rugs for Safavieh. These rugs are awesome and I was able to see them first hand in High Point this past weekend as well as Thom Filicia strolling down the street. How excited was I, almost blurted out in the street, I love your show...although I am sure it wouldn't have been the first! Boy am I glad I composed myself and thought better of it and kept walking.

Filicia's rug's for Safavieh are weather resistant, stain resistant and hand woven in India of 100% plastic yarns from recycled soda bottles. These are amazing, good for Thom!

Tortoise Shells

It seems when I was at Market there were a lot of natural elements out there. These faux tortoise shells from BoBo Intriguing Objects remind me of the the fabulous shells in the Tides Hotel in Miami designed by Kelly Wearstler.

The Tides

The Tides

Photos Courtsey of Urban Grace & Materials Girl Blog 

Ikat

The May Issue of Elle Decor is trending Ikat for clothing, accessories and home. I love and Ikat print and think it is a natural staple for any room and love that it has been trending for years and personally think it will never go out of style like the tribes that it originated from. Ikat is a style of weaving that uses a resist dyeing process to dye the warp or weft before the threads are woven to create a design on a fabric...similar to the way you tie dye.

Ikats vary from country to country and many symbolize wealth, status, power and prestige. For some countries the Ikat represents something spiritual.

Madeline Weinrib has some of the most beautiful available Ikats by the yard. It is hand dyed and woven in Uzbekistan using the traditional methods.

Elle Decor 2010

Elle Decor 2010

China Seas Island Ikat Outdoor Fabric

Madeline Weinrib pillow

Domino

  Laura Ashley Ikat

NC Museum of Art

I am looking forward to the Grand opening festivities of the NC Museum of Art this weekend! The museum has been closed to make way for a 127,000 sq. ft. light filled  expansion surrounded by sculpture gardens and pools. The building is not only beautiful and will house dozens of new acqusitions including Auguste Rodin but also will be responsive to environmental sustainability.

The Museum's statement is "the superb collection of The North Carolina Museum of Art will be showcased in an environmentally concious building that creates a beautiful contemplative setting, blending nature and art to create a positive experience for all visitors." 

The pictures speak for themselves and I am sure I will leave with a feeling of Euphoria. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful place in NC!

Photos courtesy of Flickr

Whimsical Wednesday

Amazon

I am beyond excited today to have received my copy of Susanna Salk's Room for Children with foreward by Kelly Wearstler! I placed an order for this book after the first of the year and it was finally released last week, arriving on my doorstep today... It was well worth the wait! The book showcases work by some designers such as Charlotte Moss, Amanda Nisbet, Kelly Wearstler and Jamie Drake. This book has such an eclectic mix of ideas and inspirations!

The rooms are amazing and offer every design style from contemporary, whimsical, traditional and formal.

In an article in the NY Times, Salk talks about how she noticed when she was special projects editor for House & Garden magazine in 2003 children's room were being featured in shelter magazines and that was something that was unheard of ten years earlier. Salk said in part the trend came with it "being hip to have young children", "adults with lots of disposable income" and "celebrities with kids." I would agree that all of those play a part but the disposable income helps a lot. Of course there are a ways to get these looks for less! Here a few shots to tease you.... 

Photos courtesy of The Inside Source