"Make Life Pretty": Lara Rossignol's inspired abode in Atlanta.

That picture and inscription pretty much sum up Lara Rossignol's perspective on life; author of the gorgeously inspiring blog "Piewacket", Lara's love for beauty is very evident from her lovely warm home and her work as a professional photographer. Lara's interests include:  collecting, decorating, fashion, travel, billiards, reading, cooking, gardening, animals, writing and movies. You'll find this and so much more on her lovely blog. She's also an avid "bento" fan!! Lara's colorful, warm home reflects her taste for vintage design, she confesses to being a "hunter". In her words...

"I love whimsy. I love color. I love vintage design. And at heart, I am a hunter. I love finding some discarded treasure, whether it be at a flea market, estate sale or eBay. I live for a good bargain and have a keen sense of knowing the value of things. I'm not above mixing old with new, like my retro-inspired couch by Crate & Barrel. It fits perfectly with all my actual vintage furniture. To me, great design is about having a good eye for those special pieces and then knowing how to put it all together."

Case in point. The lovely lady in the portrait is Lara's grandmother. I love everything in this picture, every little bit adds up but is so much greater in its entirety.

Vignette on the other end of the mantle.

A view of the living room. Another sweet vignette.

The gorgeous living room that won Domino's Readers' Choice Award in 2008. I love how she has used color and how it falls seamlessly into place! (click on the photographs to embiggen!)

Her enviable ceramic teapot collection. Remember, she is a pro at the art of antiquing!!! What an eye for the gorgeous and what an eye for putting it together!

Her beautiful sunny bedroom.

That's drama! Her pretty bedroom window, decked out in the colors of the rainbow! Imagine the sunlight streaming in through those multi-hued vases; what a way to wake up every morning!

On her dresser. I could spend hours just browsing the many layers of interest, here!

Another tabletop in the bedroom. Ooh-so-pretty! I love how nonchalantly the sepia-toned photographs cohabit with her jewelry! drooool!

A view of her sweet porch! I can just imagine how lovely it must be to sit there in the summer, with a good book and an iced lemonade.........The little table and plantstand got some DIY love.

I'm so inspired by her lovely vignettes--I love the way she clubs together her collections to create those charming stories! Go check out her fabulous flickr photostream --its chock-full of eye-candy! Lara also has an exquisite etsy store in case you'd love to get a piece of that pie (sorry for the pun--couldn't resist it!).

Lara, thank you for the incredibly inspiring home-tour!

All pictures courtesy of and copyrighted to: Lara Rossignol. Please contact her in case you wish to use her pictures. You can reach Lara at: blog; flickr; store; website.

Monday with flowers!

I love my greens, both on the plate and in my home!! I've always loved having life blooming and budding and sprouting all over my home--you've probably seen plenty of pictures of my favorite plants by now, this week I thought I'd introduce you to some of the more transient guests we've hosted over the past few months!!

This here is our "just add ice" orchid, who bloomed all the way from February into May. He's currently taking a breather and I'm trying to coax some buds out of him....... :)

My gorgeous sunflowers! I HAVE to make another trip to the farmers' market and soon!!

Roses in the bedroom--these were part of a huge bunch of "grocer roses". I pulled out these vibrant orange ones to lend their sweet fragrance to our bedroom.

Flowers and plants in my front yard/entry. The marigolds and red salvia have proven to be the most enduring of the flowering plants I put in this year....they're still going strong after the petunias and snap-dragons died out on me!!! (Salvia will continue to bloom as long as you pinch off the spent floral shoot!)-- they will definitely be making a comeback next year!! I'm waiting for the season to turn completely and will be bringing in some fall color with mums and pumpkins later this month!! I had planted a huge container of all varieties of coleus, which I will be bringing in this winter--this is the first time I've tried this and I hope they survive...they are the most radiant plants I have!!

I'm a beginner when it comes to gardening, especially here in the U.S.-- all the gardening I picked up was through watching my mom tending to her garden, in a wholly different environment! Here, we've moved so often that I've never really had time tried to apply the lessons I learn in one zone*..... but I'm trying, and I'll get there......

*The U.S. is divided into eleven gardening zones; (we've moved from a zone 2, to 4, and now to 6--{we're gradually inching our way south!!})

How is Monday treating you? Here in the U.S. we have a long weekend, which means Monday is off!! To P&P readers elsewhere in the world, have a great beginning to the work week! I'll be linking this post up to the Keybunch's "say it with flowers" party! Also, don't forget to check back tomorrow for another fabulous home-tour!!

Home Tour: Laura's Eclectic Casa in Texas

Laura's home is perfect. It's cozy. Eclectic without being OTT. Lived-in and Livable. Full of verdant, green, life (and some not-so-green life as well- she has a cat and a beautiful fishtank!). Best part--it's a DIY dream come true! I'm always in awe of people who think nothing of picking up their tools and taking on projects no matter how daunting they seem!! People like Laura who will get up there and finish a laundry room redo in five and a half hours! (I haven't been able to hang up a picture in five and a half months! booo!!). Laura with her quicksilver wit! Laura, whose posts are so much fun to read they often have me choking back laughter. (If you don't believe me check out her blog...and scroll down to the "comments" header! LOL! I wish I'd thought of that! :) --to be serious, I've only once been heckled by anyone on this blog---my readers are the most awesome bunch of folks! Yay to you!). Back to Laura you guys...

Now mostly, I have to do my homework when I write my posts, I need to dig down deep, draw out that one special thing that attracted me to the blog/website/human behind it all...then I need to work on the write -up. At times it writes itself, at times it is e.x.c.r.u.t.i.a.t..i.n.g.l.y. slow. Guess how fast my fingers are flying across the keyboard right now?

So, On to the pictures!

The Entry! Love that scarf, the mirror (and look closely at the picture beyond---it's a Thai-style Buddha depiction!)

 Laura says about her entry:

"I have a very long, narrow hallway, so there's not much room for furniture there. The shelf belonged to my boyfriend's mother when she was young, the mirror and grass mats on top of the shelf are both from World Market, and the poster is one I printed from the internet and framed. We don't wear shoes in the house - hence all the shoes on the shelf (which, aside from being a "landing pad", is why it's there in the first place, for our shoes and our guests' shoes)."

Living room media shelves and portion of the hall. I love the way she's hung the art! Also note: the sculpture on a pedestal, and the tabla-like drum front and center!

Of the hallway, Laura says: 

"The hallway with the white line around it isn't finished, either - I was planning to do the space above the line a blue color, kind of reminiscent of the blue domes and arches you find in Morrocco and Tunisia, but I haven't exactly the right blue yet (one that will coordinate with the turquoises in the living room, but not be too pale or too bright), so it'll stay gray until I figure that out."

Her gorgeous living room fireplace! Notice how her home is filled with plants?

Another perspective.

Also within her living room, the "meditation corner". The epitome of DIY.....

That's a wooden pallet, folks! How cozy it looks.....

Her home office and art...where she blogs from!

Laura is an artist by profession (maybe there will be a follow-up post!) and all the art has been done by her!!

Her dining room, which she has since worked on and improved...read more details here.

Her gorgeous bed, decked out in its summer colors!

The bedroom in winter!

On another wall in the bedroom, the vanity!

I love how she's displayed all her jewelry--its like art!

Her gorgeous Buddha corner in the bedroom entryway!

Want more? Check out her blog.....she gives a blow-by-blow account for each of her DIYs. She's still working on her home and is probably up to some fantastic project even as I write this...be sure to check out her blog because she's got tons of neat ideas!

I hope I gave you plenty of eye candy to last the long weekend! I'll leave you with one last pretty corner from her gorgeous home..

As Laura would say: "Peace y'all!"

Laura, thank you so much for all the wonderful inspiration and gorgeous home tour!! Can't wait to see your next project! :)

All Images copyrighted to Laura.

Paisley Friday!

via.

Friday? Long weekend? Woo Hoo!! I have loads of plans this weekend...they may involve some much needed R&R (my feet are killing me!) they may involve some scrumptious food and oh yes, we'll be raking it in big time this weekend!! ( the fall leaves that is! hee! gotcha!!!)--seriously, though the temperatures have only just dipped to bearable levels, the trees know it! The mulberry tree in our backyard (no, not a bush-what is it with that song?) has been shedding like crazy, and since I use that space for a lot of my DIY spray-your-way-to-glory projects, I need it to stay clean for just a little bit longer! Also my lovelies, don't fret, because later today we have to take that home tour in Texas (thought I'd forgotten dintcha'?), so put on your sensible shoes (or kitten heels, whatever works for you!) and get ready to OOH and AAH!! Yup, its that good! ;)

Till then........

Entryways: the sequel

As the festive season draws closer, many of us are busy decking our doors. Here in the west, fall-inspired wreaths are beginning to show up on doors all around me....what a beautiful way to usher in autumn! Elsewhere around the world, my blogger friends have been busy adding that special touch to their doorways and entries as well. Today, we'll be visiting two blogger homes for inspiration... :) When I ventured into the world of blogging, little did I know that I would be making friends along the way. I envisioned it as a solitary activity, where I penned down my thoughts for an anonymous faceless sea of 0s &1s, a plasma. Now, three months into blogging, I realize all that it has come to mean to me....I don't write for the great intangible; I write for my friends. When I read blog entries out there, I have this conversation going on in my head. As a result, most posts are (in my mind) dedicated to one or the other of these fantastic, talented, supportive, thoughtful, thought-provoking, unique personalities out there. Real people. I may not have a face, I may not be able to touch, but I know you're there, sitting in front of the screen, reading, and that tea you're drinking-- it probably tastes as good in your time zone as it does in mine. I read of your successes and I smile. I read of your pain and I shed a quiet tear. Your instantaneous, impromptu  email brings a wide smile to my face. You've worked your way into my heart.

This post is dedicated to my many new friends.....here's to the camaraderie girls! back to my lovely contributors for this post, today--both these ladies have by now earned a very special place in my heart.... so in no particular order, lets step in to their worlds shall we?

Lets start at the gate:

That's right, Patty's gate...giving you a clue to the colorful vibrant, bubbly personality that lives within. She shares her home in Dubai with her husband and two vivacious daughters.

The gate opens into a cute lawn with an adorable birdbath. Don't forget to put something out there for our little feathered friends...winters can be so harsh for them.

Close-up of the bird-bath. This was a very clever DIY effort on Patty's part...she had this tree stump and found the bird-bath basin in an outdoor store. She got it home and it fit perfectly! I'm sure the neighborhood birdies must be extra chipper now!!

Won't you climb those steps? I love how inviting it all is...... :)

Some close-ups of the gorgeousness..........

Her Sri-Lankan terracotta chimes. (note to hubby: let's get our fishy chimes up, shall we?--sorry for the personal note you guys, but my hubby is my go-to man for all things related to a drill and hammer+he's the tall one!!)

Sri-Lankan brass bell. DROOL!

If you've been following us desi design bloggers for  a while, you probably know that Patty is nevvver done decorating....she is a constant source of inspiration and fresh ideas. When you're done reading this post, click on over to her blog and make sure you follow, so you never miss a post.............

What can I tell you about Pree....all I can say is, I wait for her posts every day, to see what she's been up to. At times it's food, at times it's decor, sometimes it's art; her posts always promise to entertain, she has stories aplenty to share. Pree lives in Toronto with her husband. Her personality has all I'm drawn to in real life, a strong, independent woman, with a fantastic sense of humor. Her blog is about food, but also about so much more. Her taste (as you will see from the photographs that follow), is impeccable.....

That picture wall! Several of the paintings up there are by her. Don't miss that stool over by the door. Pree, did you cart that all the way from India?

What a difference a plant makes!

From a different angle. Pree's rendering of Frida.

Leaves you wanting for more, doesn't it? You're in luck-- you can find her home tour here and here. When you're done with the home tours, go over to Pree's blog and revel in the (many more!!) corners of her beautiful home, and in the the stories she weaves........

Update: If you have any photographs of your entryways that you'd like to share, send them along and we'll all drool over them together!! You can find my e-mail under the "contact me" heading in the column on the right. What are you waiting for? Get snapping and get in touch!!

Indian-design junkies, rejoice: Pool Magazine is here!!

So I just came across "Pool Magazine", based out of Pune, India!! I'm still flipping through the pages, but for all those design junkies out there, this is an excellent read! Love the layout and it screams professionalism. From what I could discern in the past ten minutes of frantic page turning, they cover several aspects of design and fashion....click on over, and if you're looking for me, I'm probably online, poring over the deets!! The fabulous Prutha is featured in the third issue, go check it out, and go check out her blog! Thanks for the heads-up Prutha!!

image.

Pool Issue 3.

Pool issue 3.

Even their adverts are cool! :) I'm so hooked.

PS: My post for today may be delayed, due to irresponsible dilly-dallying....come back later tonight for my post on entryways....now excuse me folks as I  prop my feet up on a stool and contort my neck around to absorb.



PPS: So, I'm not sure how the desi design blogs missed this magazine (or was it just me?) oh well, I'm spreadin' the word....

Pool Blog.
Magazine.

all images from the magazine/blog. regular copyrights apply, to original authors.

And inspiration found him...: Mick Canning, an artist's journey.

I'm not sure what words to use to describe the artist I'm to introduce to you today. He is a man of many, varied, talents and I'm hesitant to label him solely as an artist. I chanced upon Mick Canning's work when I was searching for art covering Indian doorways. One look and I was hooked! I read on, and finally mustered up the courage to request an artist profile, because I simply had to share!!! Mick was kind enough to respond immediately and here's what I found out about him...

Not only is Mick a photographer and an artist, his day-job is that of an outdoor instructor --"work" involves climbing, canoeing, navigating, and he's hoping to set something up in Ladakh one day!!!  I also suspect that there's a writer lurking somewhere underneath as well. I'm sure you've all read "Seven Years in Tibet" and "Three cups of Tea", now just imagine what happens when you send an artist (he didn't know he was one till he got there!) to the roof of the world. Here's how the forces shaped him and how his art emerged.....

 

"Ladakhi Door".

Mick, on inspiration: " I developed my artistic style as a response to my first visit to India over 20 years ago. I was so knocked out by the place that I was trying to find some way of expressing my feelings, which neither poetry or prose managed to do.


I have had a little formal training since then, but am largely self-taught. The semi-abstract style that I use was developed to attempt to depict my impressions of first India and then Nepal. I now use photography more and more, as I learn more about it."

"Swayambunath".

That's pretty amazing for a self-taught artist don't you think?

"The Mists of Time".

  

"Monsoon". This has to be one of my favorites..I love how he's captured the downpour here....beautiful!!

"India".

"Gaya Street".

 I love how he turns the ordinary into something so beautiful!

He is also a professional photographer...his photographs are a work of art in themselves; This is how he views the world, probably the reason his paintings are so evocative....

Gompa, just below Leh palace, in Leh.

and this breathtaking view.......

"Roof of the World".

His description of the plane ride to Ladakh had me in splits (it sounds very much like the ride described to me by my dad...he had served in Leh when he was younger.)

"Prayer Flags". Darjeeling.

Monastery at Darjeeling.

For all you art aficionados and travel buffs, his website covers travel and art from all over India, Nepal and Oman; I just chose to focus on his Indian paintings. When you have the time, I would strongly recommend that you grab your favorite cuppa and head on over to his website and really read the entries in his online journal......you'll see what I'm talking about!! I'm going to leave you with an excerpt from his website, describing how Ladakh moved him (I'm sure this will have you clicking on over faster than I can say "interwebs"...:) )

"Later, I’m walking around the market. How strange to go around market stalls and shops in India, not getting pressured and hassled at all. Even by the Kashmiris! At times it seems almost unreal. You wonder whether suddenly it’s all going to crash around you and normal India will be resumed as soon as possible. The longer that you spend here, the more laid back you become. I don’t think you can help it! Everyone strolls around smiling and Julay-ing you and each other. I know that Ladakhis consider it the height of bad manners ever to lose one’s temper, but it really does seem unreal. I think it would be easy to just sink into the ambiance of it all and find you’d suddenly missed your flight out and had overstayed by weeks, or months…

Andrew Harvey said, and I’ll have to paraphrase because I can’t remember the exact quote, ‘The wonder of Leh is that there is absolutely nothing to do. Nothing to do except slow down, switch off and just observe. Just be.’ I understand that, now. I realise that that is what I have been doing the last few days without realising it. It was only three mornings ago that I was feeling jaded, by golly!"

All pictures courtesy of, and copyrighted to, Mick Canning. Mick is based out of Tunbridge Wells in the UK. Several of the paintings featured above have already been sold, but a few are still up for grabs; at his website, you will also find links to a series of greeting cards featuring his art.

Mick, Thank You for sharing your world with us!!

Merry, Manic, Monday!!

A big hellooooooooooo to all you lovely readers!! How was your weekend? We had days of glorious sunshine, a bubble truck meet, a birthday celebration in the park....there was cake and ice cream and water sprayer fun, there were balloons and much ripping of gift wrap, several kids hit the dreaded sugar high (but it was okay since they got to expend all that energy running around!!) It was tiring, exhilarating, fun, chaotic and organized  at the same time!!

In other news, I wanted to share with you one picture from last week.......

I'll feed you the details later!!  ;)

So what are your plans for the coming week? This week is brim-full of to-dos for me...I have stuff spilling over from last week that needs to be completed asap, else I'm going to go batty! There are some very interesting posts scheduled for this week, starting with an artist's profile later today......get ready to swoon ladies!! Later this week, we'll be visiting a lady with a lot of attitude (the right kind, and oodles of it too!!) for a tour of her fabulous home in Texas!! I'm also planning to revisit the "what's on your entryway" post and turn it into a series with some glimpses into real-life honest-to-goodness blogger homes..loads of yumminess to be ogled at.....

What do you think? Are you up to it? Good, its a date then!

Scheduled hiatus: a picture a day

August 29th. One corner. One morning. My place.  :)....

Ubiquitous rajasthani elephant. Some zany grass/plant that hubby brought home. Detailed view of the tabletop here.

Howz the weekend going? See you tomorrow!

Scheduled hiatus: a picture a day

August 28th.

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Beat up couches? Got some fabulous bedspreads lying around? Time for a cover-up. Doesn't this space look soooo inviting?