Dreaming of Kitchen Organization and Display

I have a bit of a problem.  Actually, that's not necessarily true.  I have a few problems, but the one... two...yes, two that I will touch on today have to do with my addiction to lovely dishes, stoneware, glassware, pots, pans, and just about everything that has to do with cooking, eating, and entertaining...except literally the act of cooking; as well as kitchen storage, organization, and display. 

 

 

Did you notice how wonderfully organized these kitchens are?  Did you notice the very lovely and thoughtful displays?  Long sigh...I could sit in either of these and be just as happy as a clam gazing contently at their loveliness.  One of the things that strikes me instantly is that it's all on open shelving or behind glass cabinets, where I can see everything I need, and see what a great job I did selecting and buying them!  Oh my gosh...long sigh, again!  I have dishes in my attic...dishes in my coat closet...dishes in my pantry...and dishes in my cabinets!  I totally have more dishes than I have room to put them.  I need to stop buying them.  Maybe I even need an intervention?  Nahhh, what would make me so blissfully happy is to one day settle myself long enough to design and create spaces to show off all of my loot.  One day I will, but until one day comes, I will continue to be enchanted by these wonderful images of what I have to look forward to.

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images

 



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Mid Week Tidbits and Other Stuff

I've been having such a great week!  I hope you have as well...

 

 

Since announcing my participation in the 2013 Room Service Atlanta project, friends and followers of my blog, Facebook, and Twitter have been so supportive with their donations and words of encouragement.  I feel really blessed to have these people in my life.  Sure, some I may only interact with on the social media sites and have not ever laid eyes on, but to know that there is something about me and what I'm doing that has impacted them enough to do something to help me and my cause, simply overwhelmes me.

 

 

There's nothing that I like more than statement necklaces.  I've not tried layering them, but after seeing how striking this looks, I think I may try my hand at it and give it a go.  Yesterday, I took my son to the park to shoot around a little bit and walk the trail.  Guess what I had on?  That's right, a statement necklace!  I should have had him take a picture!  I don't think anything of putting one of those fabulous pieces on with a sweatshirt or zip-up hoody!  Like Bill Blass once said "Style is primarily a matter of instinct."  Great instincts, great style! 

 

 

I long to have one of these sitting places in my home.  It doesn't have to be in my bedroom...hmm, I actually prefer that it's not.  My bedroom is definitely relaxing, as it should be; but when I try to read in there, it's not long before I'm sound asleep.  I love to read!  I will read anything I can get my hands on.  Unfortunately, I don't get to do as much leisure reading as I would like, but I do my best to get it in when I can.  Stephen King was quoted as saying, "If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write."  Obviously, I like to write and I'm never really at a loss of things to write about.  Well, that's not exactly true.  Sometimes, when I'm trying to decide what you guys will be interested in reading, I do find myself at a loss...

 

I wish I were more of a DIY'er!  I would love to go buy a few of these wide plank boards and put them together to make an awesome desk like this!  Or table even for crafts and what not!  I do know a few people who could make it for me.  Maybe I'll give them a call and see what we can do.  There is a quiet pleasure I get when I design something on paper and then actually see the manifestation of it.  So maybe it's not so much the DIY aspect that I'm interested in, as much as it is just designing pieces and having someone else make it!  Now that's a thought!

 

Ah, Tina Turner...the Burner!  I love her!  I've never had the privilege of seeing her perform in person.  What a show she puts on, I'm sure!  I adore this picture of her.  I adore the picture of any woman (or man) that can smile and laugh with abandon.  It says a lot to me.  I'm told I smile a lot.  I do.  It was even observed by a friend that I smile even when I'm uncomfortable or faced with a less than desireable situation.  I do.  Smiling makes me feel better and it makes handling those sticky challenges easier.  I don't smile when someone is upset with me.  That would be mocking and insensitive.  I have more sense than that!  I just think that if we all smiled a bit more, it would make life and all of it's challenges and difficulties a little bit easier to bear.  You should try throwing your head back and laughing a hearty laugh!  Let me know how it made you feel.  Oooh, also try smiling when you're upset!  That's a good one!  Definitely let me know how that one goes!

 

I think a lot.  Too much even.  Sometimes anyway.  But, I will say this 95% of what I think about doing for myself, my family and friends, and my career, always has a positive ending!  The other 5% either wasn't given enough thought and ended with unfavorable results or never got done at all...

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images



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Closet Fantasies

When I started thinking about what I was going to pack for my trip, I immediately thought I needed to go shopping.  No, I wasn't using it as an excuse to shop!  I honestly thought I didn't have anything to wear.  I know those of you who are reading this, and actually know me are like "yeah right"!  Well, after shopping my closet, I found things in there that I've not laid eyes on for too long!  Which got me to thinking about closet design and organization.

 

 

 

My closet is too small for my things and way too small for mine and Pete's! So as you can imagine, it's pretty cramped in there. However, I will say since I am a bit of an organization stickler, everything has it's place in the cramped space. It is organized by style, color, and length. My shoes and boots line the walls at the bottom, along the floor in their original boxes. I have long necklaces hanging on one of the walls, as well as in jewelry boxes, in lovely little bowls, and on beautiful trays. Scarves are folded in the boxes they came in, belts are coiled in a hat box, and my handbags are in my linen closet on the bottom two shelves. Never place them on the top shelf because over time the heat will take it's toll. Anyhoo, I give you this breakdown so that you can kind of get an idea of how it's so easy for me to overlook and forget the many fantastic pieces I own. Such a shame!

 

 

My ideal closet would have all things displayed in a way that would make it very easy for me to see, grab, contemplate, try on, and take a peek in the mirror from all angles; even as I walk to and fro checking out all sides. Nothing would be missed! Obviously, I would have to have a place to sit and rest in between try-ons! This maybe a nice Bergere chair beautifully upholstered in an amazing Schumacher fabric or a lovely tufted settee in a luxe velvet. I would also want great lighting. Yes, a fabulous chandelier or pendant is preferable, but I need lighting that makes me look amazing! Natural lighting is always best, but not necessarily so for clothing! I wouldn't skimp on flooring either. I just used a fantastic porcelain tile in my show house space, that I would totally consider using with a plush rug underfoot to cuddle my toes.  I've always loved the idea of a beautiful dressing table with a chair to sit and put on my make up and other accessories.  There would be a wonderfully tasteful ornate mirror that would anchor the space and be the crown jewel of my most amazing dressing room.

 

 

 

The best closet design is one that allows for it's contents to be seen, protected, and organized all in one incredible space.  Ahhh...  Oh well it's time for me to get the kids off to school!  One day my closet fantasy will be a delightful reality!  Until then...

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images



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The Way We Live Today

We no longer worry so much about how this looks, or how that looks, or even if this is going to match. We live with the things that speak to us and the things that we love. We fill our homes with finds from our travels, items from years past, things that we may have inherited or were given to us by friends and family that have value; sentimental or monetary, it doesn't matter.

 

 

 

We've embraced who we are and by doing so have given ourselves permission to be different in our decorations; knowing that it is okay to have that weird, knarled piece of wood lying randomly on the table.  It is okay to pin unframed pictures to the wall to make an off beat statement that probably only we will understand, like, and appreciate.  It's okay if no one gets it.  It's okay if no one likes it.  We do and that's enough.

 

 

We want to be surrounded by those things that have a story behind them. They don't have to be old to have a story. They can be things that were made in China yesterday, that were bought while out just browsing with a loved one. It really matters not.  The point is we have gotten to a place in our lives where we want things of meaning and to have meaningful experiences. This is what having a collected home means.

 

 

We're not just making room for collected treasures, but collecting moments to treasure.  We're creating environments that excites the child within us, relaxes our minds, and speaks to our souls.  We're showing ourselves, becoming more and more transparent to those who are fortunate enough to be invited through our doors.  When we welcome our friends and family, colleagues and peers into our homes we're giving them an intimate tour of the place where our most personal and private moments happen.  Not to be taken lightly, nor taken for granted.

 

 

 

We are not in a hurry to fill our homes with things just so that there won't be any empty spaces. We're okay with the empty spaces, knowing that the perfect piece will come. We now understand the importance of taking our time and making the most of everything. We're not so quick to throw away things that we once thought no longer suited a particular need or looked a certain way. We will repurpose. We will repaint.  We will tear down, build, and transform.  We will do what we need to do in order to make it fit the way we live today.

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via my Pinterest boards



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Who I Am Right Now...

 Do you ever have those moments where you sit and daydream about your perfect day or how you would look if the stars were aligned, and even what you would wear?  Oh! where you would go, who you would talk to, and who you would be?  Okay, so I'm not totally daydreaming, but I am having one of those moments where I really like me!  I mean I always "like me"; but right now I'm really liking me!  Surely some of you out there have got to know what I'm talking about!  Anyhoo, just come along for the ride!  It will be entertaining if nothing else!

 

 

I'm pretty classic in the way I dress.  I grew up with very strong influences; my mom and my grandmother.  Both of these women could make the most inexpensive, simplistic piece look incredible!  I loved watching them get dressed.  It was like watching an artist paint!  I'm 5'10" with a slender frame, although I must admit my body is finally beginning to show it's age by filling out in some areas that I am having a bit of a challenging time accepting!  It's okay though, it really is!  I'm actually starting to like it (really)!  I don't know if I've ever felt more confident.  But again, this may have more to do with age and maturity than how I look.  I do however, love the look with the full skirt, denim shirt, statement belt, and strappy sandal!  This would totally be one of my uniforms of choice for day to day dressing.  Skirts and dresses are just so much more comfortable to me and I like looking like a woman!

 

Ah the classic white shirt with a bevy of varying length necklaces, I adore.  I think everyone, man or woman, looks so pulled together in a white, nicely pressed button down shirt.  It can take you from casual to dressy, from day to night, from carpool mom to totally sexy!  The white button down is a staple in my closet and it should be in yours.  I have quite a few of them in different sleeve lengths, with different details, and always perfectly white!  The same goes for the classic white T-shirt and tank top.  You MUST have these in your wardrobe!  I'm loving the red lip!  Not typically something you will see me in, but as of late, I have been having my moments!

 

Confession:  A few months after giving birth to my first child, I noticed I was losing quite a bit of weight, had the jitters so badly my handwritting was illegible, and was sweating like a farm animal (my skin never looked better, though)!  I was modeling at the time and had just done a testing to update my book, when my booker inquired about my health and then politely told me that they would not be sending me out on anymore castings or jobs until I went to the doctor.  They had some concerns and I'm glad they did.  To make a long story short, I was diagnosed with Graves disease (an autoimmune thyroid disease).  I had a super over-active thyroid that medication could not treat (we did try).  I underwent a nuclear medicine treatment that shrunk my thyroid to the size of a pea.  It now has very little function and I'm on Synthroid (a drug for those with an underactive thyroid). 

 

Anyhoo, it wasn't until years later when I was pregnant with my daughter that the tell tell signs of Graves disease revealed themselves...bulging eyes.  This wasn't typical because usually it's the bulging eyes that gives you away with Graves.  Not me, but then I've never been typical!  It's been about eight years since this has happened and I am just now really accepting it and being okay with it.  It was very challenging.  I mean, can you imagine waking up, looking in the mirror, and not seeing the person that greeted you everyday.  I wouldn't go anywhere and I didn't want to be seen.  Pete and my friends would say "You still look beautiful".  They didn't get that it wasn't that I was concerned about not being beautiful; I was concerned about not being ME!  Now I play up my eyes with eyeliner and mascara and typically do a nude lip.  I love this look on me!  I figure, hey I can't disguise these huge eyes, I may as well play them up and make them AMAZING!

 

It's so odd that I never really cared very much for red nails, as I for some reason, saw this as an "older" woman's thing!  I guess now I'm that older woman, because I love them!  I can't think of a classier accessory than lovely red manicured nails (not talons, nails)!  I don't have the delicate sized hands the lovely woman in the picture has though!  My hands are pretty big with long fingers.  I did say I was 5'10"!  No worries, they are very nice looking (when I've had a manicure)!

 

This Celine handbag is so me right now because it's a less serious take on the clutch.  It's very casual chic.  You can look at the leather and the details and tell that it is a quality bag, but one that is very much a handbag that you can just grab and go and look fabulous while you're going!  I like wearing those pieces that make you look fabulous, but also like you spent very little time fussing about it.  I have a couple of clutches that I love to grab up and wear casually.  One is a stylish oversized number I picked up from Target last summer and the other is a metallic pewter steal by Steve Madden.  Both of which look great with everything!  I truly believe it is the confidence you wear, more so than the clothes and accessories.  Don't get me wrong, the clothes and accessories definitely go a long way in helping!

 

I have become much more bold in my wardrobe color choices.  Back in the day, you would have not ever caught me in something this bold, vibrant, and eye catching!  That's one thing about being in your forties (forty-three to be exact), you know who you are, you know what you want, you know how to get it, and you know who to get it from!  I've never been more in love with who I am right now!  I think those closest to me can see the difference.  I don't know, it's as if I woke up and had an epiphany!  I am good enough just the way I am!  Moving on...  I use to stay away from bright colors and things that would make me stand out in a crowd (I never stopped wearing heels, though).  I've embraced that I am an incredible woman, with a radiant smile that is powerful beyond even what I know!  I'm a loving wife to Pete, the best mom ever to Noah and Gillian, and one of the most wonderful people you will ever meet!  So why in the world would I do anything to diminish that!  Why would you?

 

I have fallen in love with flowers.  I love them.  Can't get enough of them.  I don't keep them in my home the way that I would like.  In fact, when I'm able, I'm going to have a florist on call that will come regularly to change my floral arrangements in my home!  They make me happy.  These are the things that I want to spend my time, money, and energy on.  The things that make me happy (and can bring a little beauty and joy to those who don't even realize it)!  I love it when my children make an observation based on something that I've unknowingly exposed them to that they have developed a true appreciation for!  For instance, when Gillian handwrites invitations on blank index cards instead of notebook paper because she likes the weight better, and when Noah looks up at the sky and comments that it's a beautiful day.  It's the simple things my friend, the simple things!

 

So, this is who I am right now; February 22, 2013!  Happy Friday and have the best weekend possible!  Make someone's day...

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

Images via myPinterest boards



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Happy Valentines Day?

I'm not all that big on Valentine's day; never have been.  I am, however, a romantic.  Not in the sense that most would think.  You know, the mushy love stuff.  Ha! There's nothing wrong with that.  I just don't have to have it to have romantic notions.  I can romanticize just about anything.  I enjoy life's simple pleasures, whether with Pete, my children, or by myself.  Of course, it's always nice to be on the receiving end of their affection, and I am so glad they shower me just because!  So to them...Happy Valentine's Day! 

 

 Isn't this camellia beautiful?  Look at how delicate the petals appear and yet they withstand the rigors of growth, weather, the elements, and being handled by those who want to enjoy their beauty in a vase.  Youth and beauty is usually compared to that of a flower.  I get it.  Take nothing for granted.  Enjoy all the things the days will bring.

 

 It would be such a pity to cut into this cake, but how else could you enjoy just how delicious it is?  It wasn't made to just be pretty.  It was made to be enjoyed by all of your senses.  Our lives are no different.  What a pity it would be to have the ability to decide what kind of day we're going to have, who we're going to spend our time with, and what we're going to do, only to choose to do nothing at all.  Wow!  Really?

 

 I love the length and color of this belted skirt paired, with the classic white button down.  So feminine with a casual easiness.  It always makes me smile to see women who are comfortable in their skin, because no matter what they are wearing, they are wearing it; it's not wearing them.  What you're wearing doesn't matter as much as how you're wearing it.

 

 

As a nineth grader in Etoyle Mouser's English Literature class, I loved all of the writings of Elizabeth Barret Browning.  Did I understand all that she had written?  Of course not.  Did it matter that I didn't?  I don't think so.  It was more about how her poems made me feel than about my understanding.  I am a very analytical person.  I've been criticized by a few for being so much so.  I am also a very feeling person, in that it matters more to me the experience of the moments than it does the moments themselves.  Simply put, if I want the experience of enjoying a cup of coffee, I'm probably going to drive pass five Starbucks to get to that one Illy coffee shop where I can have a nice porcelain cup with a pastry on a nice porcelain plate.  Now don't get me wrong, I too enjoy Starbucks, but there are times when it means more to me to have the "experience" than the coffee itself.

 

No matter what this day finds you doing, whether with the love of your life or in the company of yourself, enjoy the moments of being.  Being able to wake up this morning and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.  It does surround you, you just have to open your eyes to see it.

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via my Pinterest boards



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Sorry I'm so late, but...

Don't you hate it when people say that!  Well, I am sorry!  For the last couple of weeks I've been in the depth of show house oblivion.  Of course, I've thought about you and have missed you considerably!  I'm back now and I vow that going forward, I will let you all know when I will have an extended absence.  As my very good friend Deirdre says, I am overwhelmed by opportunity and I am trying to find that balance that I am going to need to get me through this new year!  I do hope you hang in there with me and come along for the ride!  I think this year is going to be one filled with many adventures.  Next on the list of adventures is my trip to Paris in March!  More on that in a later posting!

 

My bestie, Tomeko and I at the Cathedral Antiques Inspiration House premiere party.  Bless his heart, he came immediately after leaving work.  He stayed for quite a bit while I was greeting people, talking about my space, and posing for pictures like these.  All without so much as a grimace!  I love him, I do!  He and I have been friends for many years.  A friendship that began while we both worked at Louis Vuitton.  He has since moved on to the almighty Hermes; yes my friends, you read right,

H-E-R-M-E-S!  I can't wait until he decides to focus and publish his first novel!  It is going to be an amazing read, I promise!



 

Jacqueline Glover and I at the premiere party.  Jackie is the pro sales manager at Floor & Decor, Southlake in Morrow, Georgia.  She is the driving force behind not only securing flooring for my space in the Inspiration House, but also the counseling center for the Cathedral of St. Philip.  She and her team at Floor & Decor are one of the corporate sponsors of this years Inspiration House!  Their very generous donation has made all the difference in the appearance of the center and everyone is so excited and couldn't be happier!  

 

Renae Walker and I at the premiere party.  Renae is totally fabulous, and a fellow designer (to be)!  She is completing her formal training at the Art Institute.  I can't wait to see what she has in store for the design world!  Renae is truly a great person, and is as tall as I am!  That is pretty rare around these parts!  I'm always so much taller than everyone in pictures (in a room), so this is so refreshing!  I had such a ball with her at the party at the house and afterwards, when she joined me, my great friend Deirdre, and a few of my designers friends for a mini celebration of our own.  I am so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life!  It was so nice to be supported and celebrated by such a dynamic and successful group of women.

 

Railroad ties with real bird nests and bird nest paintings hung above by local artist Janet Gannon.  Janet is a very talented artist who does beautiful oil on canvas paintings.  This composition is located in a hallway that has extremely low ceilings, so being creative and simplistic was a must.  It really complements the elements that can be found just beyond those doors. 

 

This vignette is in the stair hallway that sits atop an oak coffee table/bench that is finished in a liming wax.   

 

The drinks cabinet is by Grange and can be found at Steve McKenzie's.  The painting is an original, painted by Steve McKenzie himself!  Steve and Jill are the most incredible couple.  Their sense of humor is infectious and they are a riot to be around!  Their shop is filled with wonderful furnishings, accessories, works or art, and fabrics that are also designed by Steve!  Can I tell you how much I adore these two!

 

One of my absolute favorite vignettes and I cannot wait to have it professionally photographed!  I can only show you snippets for now because Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle magazine will publish pictures from the Inspiration House later this year and we want you all to gasp at the loveliness of each and every room!

 

Oh my gosh, I got a lot of comments about the books being turned this way!  My response to that is I didn't want people seeing some of the smut that I read!  Ha! Nah, it's not too bad...hmmm, just bad enough!

 

 

I love this view of the outdoor entry from inside!

This bird cage is a faux bois concrete!  Psych!  Everyone thinks it's wood!

 

Okay, so that's what I've been up to for the last couple of weeks...pulling my space at the Inspiration House together!  My space had to undergo construction because it's the lower level hall where the Cathedral Counseling Center is located, and I needed to install temporary walls, baseboards, replace the flooring, build a cabinet (in an elevator opening), etc., etc., etc.  By the time the other designers began work in their rooms, I had already been there weeks earlier!  But boy let me tell you what a difference it has made!  Sooo, am I forgiven?

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

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Sunday Inspiration

Did you remember to set your clocks back an hour?  I didn't until I awoke this morning and saw that it was 6am, and then it occurred to me that it was actually 5am!  So guess what I did?  Yes, I turned over to enjoy a few more minutes.  So, I laid there and began to daydream about some things that I want to happen in the next few months.  After a while, I began to become so inspired and had to get up and get going with my day!

 

 

Some may think that daydreaming is a waste of time.  I like to think of this time as my movie time with God.  Huh?  You heard me!  This is the time when God and I get together and he shows me what he wants for me, my life, my family, my friends; whatever it is that is on his agenda for me to get accomplished.  I enjoy these moments because while in them, I feel I can achieve all that has been shown to me.  I sometimes wish I could just stay right there!   

 

 

I learned early on that letting your problems determine the decisions you make is a huge mistake.  Whatever that problem is it is only temporary, so why let that influence you to make a permanent decision?  Take steps to find a solution to the problem, while also taking steps to make the dream a reality.  Most often what is needed is just a change in attitude.  You know the saying, "Your attitude determines your altitude"!  I don't know who said that, but it is truth!  Now don't get me wrong, those problems are very real things that must be dealt with, but don't allow the problems to suffocate your dreams!

 

 

It's so disheartening to see people putting themselves down and thinking the worse.  Usually it's because they're believing someone else's opinion of them.  It's impossible to be happy when you don't know who you are, what you deserve, and what you're capable of.  Don't allow what others think of you shape what you think of yourself.  They probably see something in you that they wish they possessed.

 

 

Until you are able to make yourself happy, you won't be able to make anyone else happy!  But also, don't look for someone to do what you are capable of doing.  It just takes you getting to know who you are!  Think about it, those in your life that bring you happiness, do so because you have gotten to know them and you recognize their value.  So, wouldn't the same be true once you get to know you?

 

Make it AMAZING

Rhonda

 

*Quotes



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