Favorite business book!

We do read more than Elle Decor, Vanity Fair and parenting books! (well, not much more but...) If you are interested in business, I highly recommend this exceptional book.  Authentically Motivational!


Happy June people!

Weekend Find

How much do you love this? 

This delicious headboard and two side tables are authentically cute!

For more information click here!

Love the Look of...

I've been dreaming of this room....

I wish I had a room like this!  I love the deep blue walls and the light color of the chairs together, the area rug rocks, the lack of window treatments keeps it bright...  Authentically Sexy!

Todd Romano 

Weekend Find

I'm changing my "Weekend Wine" segment to "Weekend Find"...Too much wine, not enough work!
Ironically as I sit here with a glass of wine I find myself kind of obsessed with this cigar lighter.

From 1stdibs

Mappin and Webb Sterling silver grenade cigar lighter

England
1918
An extremely rare 1918 Sterling silver table cigar lighter realistically modelled in the form of a No. 5 Mills grenade, complete with detachable ring, folding clip etc, with rubbed engraving reading “To Brig. Gen Sir C. W. King, KCMG, MVO, from old members of this staff, R. N. M. and A. E. T., 1918”. Signed and hallmarked Mappin and Webb, Birmingham 1918.

Note: Prior to 1915, stick grenades had proved as deadly to the thrower as to the intended target. Early in 1915, the engineer and inventor William Mills (1856 – 1932), opened the Mills Munition Factory in Birmingham. He redesigned the grenade and introduced the distinctive ‘pineapple’ appearance which improved grip for the thrower and fragmentation and detonation. Mills’ design incorporated a spring – loaded firing pin, locking the lever in place, and a 4-second time fuse allowed the thrower to take cover before it exploded. The British Army and its allies used the Mills grenade exclusively throughout the Great War, and it is estimated that over 75,000,000 were supplied during the conflict. Mills was rewarded for his efforts with a knighthood in 1922.

 

Authentically Historic!

Love the Look of...

 

David DeMattei & Patrick Wade 

Warm, inviting & creative.  Authentically Beautiful!

Sharp Home

Adventurous, accomplished & well traveled couple Christopher & Suzanne Sharp, owners of The Rug Company occupy a space as eclectic as their company's offerings.  Here's a look.  Do you love it?   I do!

 

 Wouldn't you want to spend hours at this table drinking wine, eating amazing comfort food and talking with good friends?   Totally inviting. 

The Tracery rug is by Kelly Wearstler for The Rug Company. 

  

 Love the Jaipur pink walls & Jaipur chairs-throw some antlers in the mix and I'm sold!

 

 I enjoy a Moroccan look.

  

 La la la la Lemon

  

Not too precious mix of textures & strong colors. 

Vogue 

Authentically Bold!

Love the Look of...

 I know it's practically sub zero in post places in the country, and I probably should be posting "winter" color combos but if you are anything like me you are just OVER IT! Bring the Spring!

Usually I'm in some version of black, white, and gray but on this fall day I don't know what came over me but I added some color-and I like it!  I hope you do too.  Stay warm!    PS did you see Shaun White last night?  AMAZING!  

 

And there's your winter WHITE for the day!

Authentically Cool!

Scarf Love!

OMG OMG OMG.  I was reading one of my go to blogs-Coco + Kelley and she posted this...

coco+kelley: WRAPPED IN (FELTED) COLOR

Do you love these as much as I do? 

 

  

 

 Taiana

Taiana is Authentically Talented!  Thanks Coco + Kelley!

Natural Curiosities

I have seen Natural Curiosities pieces several places and was always drawn to them.  We (Lizzy, Shawnna and I) had a chance to meet Christopher Wilcox at the Atlanta Gift Show last year-as took us around his showroom and spoke about his work, we were inspired by his passion and devotion to the art. We visit him every time and there is always something new, interesting and unique.  Recently I bought two of his pieces from the Quotes Collection for my husband who has made the courageous leap to leave his family business and pursue meaningful and fulfilling work.
I hope these inspire him in his new venture.

 

Photos Turner & Co.

His newest pieces from the Paule Marrot Collection are so sweet.  Here are three of my favorites.

 

 

Though akin to Hugo Guinness' work...

 

Hugo Guinness

Photo Kate Arends 

Hugo Guinness

Photo via Decor Arts Now 

 

Hugo Guinness

Photo Via  John Derian

...these limited edition Fernando Boher works are distinct and exquisite.

 

Hat

Wine Glass

  

Laborador

go to Natual Curiosites to view the collections...well worth the click!

Authentic Art!

Authentic...Fragrance

Several years ago I met the most wonderful fragrance.  I was in Jeffrey in NYC with an old friend and she introduced us.   I sampled it.  I loved it.  I don't know why it took so long for us to be together again but here she is, looking perfect on the vanity. 

Creed

A little history...

CREED was founded in 1760 and passed from father to son since then, CREED has served more than 10 royal houses and the discerning public for 250 years.
Based in Paris, CREED today is led by the legendary Olivier CREED, sixth generation master perfumer and company chief. Working alongside is his son, Erwin, 29, rising seventh generation and future head of the House.

The oldest fragrance is Royal English Leather, created for King George III of England.
Some famous Creed fans..
Fleurissimo-Originally created for Grace Kelly, also worn by Jackie Onassis & Madonna
Green Irish Tweed-Originally created for Cary Grant, also worn by Clint Eastwood & George Clooney.

My favorite is Virgin Island Water and it's fairly new to the line.   It's a fresh/citrus scent with notes of coconut, lime, Mandarin orange, hibiscus, & white rum.   You can find Creed online at creed.com, the Creed Boutique in NYC, Bergdorf Goodman and most Neiman Marcus & Saks Fifth Avenue stores.


The Creed specialists are so kind knowledgeable if you're looking for a new scent I encourage you to give Creed a sniff. 

Claying Around

A few years back a dear friend gave me several ceramic pieces as a gift and I enjoy them everyday.  Laura Zindel a graduate of RISD & the University of Massachusetts, lives and designs in Southern VT with her husband in "a very old farm house"- I love that simple description of their surroundings!   Her work is inspired by the Victorian era Cabinets of Curiosity-we are partial to the bugs & spiders-here are my fav's.   Authentically talented! 

 

 

 

 

 

Morning Essentials at the Turner's

Oh how I love Grey Gardens

Truly authentic...Nothing beats the original but there's no denying Drew Barrymore did a fantastic job in the remake.  Congratulations to Drew! For more infomation about Grey Gardens.  To purchase Grey Gardens

 

Let's raise healthy kids!

I just left a very inspiring meeting that I am so happy to tell you about.  I am honored to be on the Board of the Mountain Area Child and Family Center MACFC

What a wonderful organization with THE most dedicated staff.  We were treated an informative presentation by Project Director Susan Patrice who explained to us the fabulous program that MACFC has created called Rainbow in my Tummy.  Click the links to learn more about the organization and the fantastic program that we all hope will transform our food system and help lower the obesity rate in children not only in Western North Carolina but all over the country.  Included in the presentation was a recipe for Harvest Granola a nutrient dense food created by a dietitian with enhanced protein and decreased sugar...Can't wait to try it!

HARVEST GRANOLA
Recipe Yield: 8 Cups

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F

Mix together in large bowl

4 cups rolled oats

1.5 cup walnuts

1.5 cup dried cherries (chopped)

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup shredded coconut (optional)

1 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (optional)

Mix together in smaller bowl

1 1/4 cup canola oil

1/2 cup honey (never serve raw honey to children)

1/3 cup maple syrup (or brown sugar)

(if you dont have honey or maple syrup use 3/4 cup brown sugar and vanilla extract)

Pour liquid mixture over the oat mixture and stir w/ wooden spoon until oats and seeds are well coated.  Spread evenly onto sheet pan (if you have parchment paper put it on the sheet pan to make cleanup easier) Bake at 300 degrees F -stirring frequently with a spatula.  Granola will burn easily so keep and eye on it especially around the edges of the pan.  Bake until mixture turns nice, even golden brown about 25-30 min. 

***IMPORTANT-Whole dried fruit is a choking hazard for children.  Please chop the cherries into smaller pieces before mixing them into granola.

ENJOY! 

Authentic indeed!

Around since 1866, this furniture company founded by Lyman Woodward is still kickin' it.  From wood furniture to caskets; surviving fire and war;  to the birth of outdoor furniture-this company has a very rich history.  Check out these Russell Woodward Aluminum chairs circa the 1960's available by RED modern Furniture on 1stdibs.

1st dibs

Need to find the perfect fabric for the seat...personally I don't love the prints from the 60's but...

this one is cute.

60's mod on ebay

...and I love "River" in Navy by LULU DK