Announcing the five winners of the Purdy Paintbrush giveaway: #97 Angela Roberts; #313 Angie Quinton; #526 Valerie Vines; #1,187 Allison Vega, and #1,404  Clarette Rose.  Congratulations, I’ll send you all a personal email later today to confirm!

Finally a quick shout out to the top referring blogs for August, thanks so much to these inspirational sites:

Thrifty Decor Chick

Apartment Therapy

The Lettered Cottage

Better After

320 Sycamore

Miss Mustard Seed 

One Pretty Thing 

The Art of Doing Stuff

The Inspired Room

My Sweet Savannah

Bower Power

Ana White

Southern Hospitality

Hooked on Houses

Emily Clark 

I’m finally in the mood for fall, aren’t you?  Labor Day weekend always does that to me.  Time to put away all the summer decor and spruce up the house with autumn goodness.  I’m looking forward to sharing it all with you too.

I’m taking the rest of the day to get caught up – if you’ve emailed me lately and heard nothing but crickets, my apologies, I’ll do my best to get back to you today!

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Hello my lovely. 

I saw this deliciously darling file tote at the local stationery store and had to have it.  Notice how it knows how chic it is by calling itself a “pretty file tote”.  Kind of like that 80’s Pantene commercial where Kelly LeBrock used to say “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful.” 

I don’t hate you “pretty file tote”.  No darling, I adore you, especially after you saved me from such wicked despair. 

Self proclaimed “pretty file tote” inspired me to tackle what was tormenting me for months – a ghastly pile of paperwork to be sorted.  I’ll spare you the photo of what my haphazard box of disorganized papers looked like a few days ago.  Let’s just agree It was the definition of a filing nightmare.  Besides, if I showed you, self proclaimed “pretty file tote” would gasp audibly and refuse to be associated with such a mess.

Enter attractive office supplies, and my dearest darling love – the Brother label maker.  

I had a pretty good plan awhile back.  I was really good at discarding junk mail the moment it crossed the threshold.  I separated and recycled it the minute it came through the door. 

The leftovers were the true problem.  I had a mediocre system in place before, “Bills” here, “Catalogs” there.  I had all the birth certificates and legal documents kinda sorta pretty much organized.  But way too much miscellaneous paperwork was slipping through the cracks.  The “mail to be sorted” multiplied like rabbits overnight.  It became my nemesis.  I would pass by it late at night, fist in the air, and mutter through gritted teeth “Curse you, vile mail to be sorted box”.  Yes, I hated it that much. 

My previous system was like any invention.  Often it takes the first edition to reveal the kinks in the design in order to work them out.  I think I’ve finally worked them kinks out. 

I’ll agree to reveal my plan, but you’re all sworn to absolute secrecy.  Never mind that I’ve published this for the world to see.  Details.   

First, I highly recommend you arm yourself with a label maker.  As you can see, we have a mutual attraction to each other.

I love my Brother label maker.  He had me at hello.  

 He helps me do this . . .

And this . . . 

Boooooo. Taxes.  Blech. 

One of my biggest organizational problems was saving, organizing, and then finding receipts.  Thanks to “pretty file tote”, my dilemma is solved.   Now, I get kind of giddy filing receipts. 

And I can’t be the only one who adores this up close and personal shot of pretty labeled file folders.  Totally Flickr worthy. 

My next organizational stroke of luck was finding these portable letter size hanging files at Tar-jay.  Okay, they’re plastic, but that’s just fine with me, because they will be completely hidden from view.  Plus they’re cheap.  

I printed up some Avery labels . . .

Slapped them on the side of these portable holders . . .

See, they’re not completely hideous.  Apple green lids ?  Me likey. 

They store ever so perfectly inside a standard depth cabinet. 

And they stack too, just in case anyone wants to store them vertically. 

Simple pleasures. 

Don’t forget when sorting through paperwork to get yourself another muscular helper.  Mr. Shredder is short, compact, and destructive to any document in danger of revealing my true identity. 

But oh no, I didn’t stop there.  Important keepsakes and lesser used texts aka ‘foreign language’ *hangs head in shame* get their own personal bin. 

Coupons get their own basket, cause I’m a big collector.

I have a teensy addiction to fabric swatches, so I corral my collection in this bin I picked up last year at Michaels.  

Recipes go in a simple three ring binder.  I’m dreaming of laminating them all someday to keep them from getting sticky, oily, or smeared from, dare I say it, drool.  

All that loose change was driving me crazy so I repurposed this candle holder.

Note to self.  Must train husband to deposit spare change here. 

There’s just nothing better than these acid-free photo boxes for storing all those pictures !

Kid workbooks and art get stored in these fun magazine holders and art boxes from The Container Store.

We make a big production out of storing their drawings here.  Call me a mean mommy, but in the dark of night I sneak in and separate the sillier doodles from the truly charming creations.  They haven’t caught me yet.   Sssshhhh.

All of their toys and stuffed animals are kept in these colorful bins and baskets with homemade labels.  

My home office supplies are kept tidy in this highboy I refinished last year.

I whittled down the magazines to just my favorites, and store them in these baskets in my home office. 

Computer software, cords, and scrapbook supplies all are hidden in a series of these pretty and functional woven basket boxes purchased last year from The Container Store. 

I keep CDs and other small items in these fabric boxes.

I read once that organization simply requires a ‘home’ for everything.  It helps if that ‘home’ is somewhat attractive. At least for me.  

Sooooo, what’s left in my house after this mad organizational spree?  The linen closet.

   But for the sake of fantasy, let’s just pretend that my linen closet looks like this. . .

and my bathroom closet looks just like this . . . mkay ?

 Better Homes and Gardens (both images)

What’s your best kept secret for clever filing and storage ?  C’mon, spill the beans.  We all want to know.

The next contest is the Divine Caroline ‘Love This Site’ awards.  My blog has recently been nominated in the Home & Food category.  I’d consider it a great honor if you’d click on over right here, register, and vote for this site.

Thanks friends.  Have a fantastic weekend !

Sneaky Mr. CG snapped this one a few weeks ago in Napa while we were waiting for lunch at Bouchon.  Nice indifferent expression.  Thanks hun.  It’s also a rare photo of me semi-dolled up.  But more importantly, it’s the only shot I have of the bag. 

I heart you yellow handbag, but it’s time to retire. 

Now that the seasons are changing, and I’m on the hunt for a fall and winter bag.  I’m a pretty practical gal when it comes to my daily tote.  In my pre-offspring days, I would rotate my daily bags.  Ha.  That’s funny to me now.  There’s just no time for that these days.

I prefer a stylish choice that I can carry all season long.  Preferably a hobo.  And I’m hyper focused on metallics right now.  So I’m calling on all of you friends to give put in your shiny coppery two cents. 

Get it?  Metallics?  Coppery two cents? 

Never mind. 

Guidelines: 

1. Any of the bags over $100 dollars are just eye candy. 
2. Indulge me.  Pretend you like metallics just as much as I do. 
3. Help me narrow down the reasonable choices. 

Here they are ranked in order from outrageously delicious luxurious choices to the more reasonable in price. 

Christian Louboutin Marianna metallic hobo, $1,795

YSL Roady metallic tote, $1,495

Jimmy Choo metallic hobo, $1,095

Michael Kors Zuma satchel, $995

Treesje Raine Haze hobo, $595

Rebecca Minkoff metallic ‘Nikki’ hobo, $416

Kenneth Cole New York Pay Roll hobo, $328

B. Makowsky ‘Havana’ hobo, $298

Coach ‘Penelope’ shopper, $275

Calvin Klein glimmer hobo, $252

Fossil ‘Marissa’ hobo, $102

Jessica Simpson pearl hobo, $78

Guess Luxe embossed croc hobo, $73

Simply Vera by Vera Wang ruched hobo, $49

Roxy pewter handbag, $42

Roxy pale silver handbag,$42

Spiegel metallic hobo, $39

Daisy Fuentes crocodile hobo, $38

Mossimo bronze hobo, $20

Two questions: 

1. If money grew on trees, which designer bag would you choose ? 
2. Since #1 ain’t happening, which practical choice do you vote for ? 

I have long been in love with the color peacock blue. Deeper than turquoise, fairer than indigo. It is bold by day, sultry by night. Paired with cream and golden bronze tones, it makes a daring design statement. So please indulge me in my latest fixation.

Where to begin?

Hmmmmm. Paint swatches, of course!

Delft Blue, Fine Paints of Europe, via House Beautiful

Claydon Blue, Farrow & Ball, via House Beautiful

Baltic Blue, Ralph Lauren, via House Beautiful

On The Wall:

Image: Southern Accents

Image: Domino

Image: Domino

Image: House Beautiful

Have a Seat:

The Rug Company foyer, Image via Velvet & Linen

Velvet Sofa, Bridge Furniture & Props

Clara Chair, Crate and Barrel

Stunning Gift Wrap:

In Fashion:

Image via Clutch This

Home Decor:

Max Peacock Comforter, Bliss Living Home

Fiesta ware available at Amazon

Robert Abbey Lamp from Lamps Plus

Fern Peacock Lamp  by Stacy Garcia

Carmen Pillow, Crate and Barrel

Stonewash Velvet Quilt, Graham and Green

Matilda Vase, Crate and Barrel

Bench, Carrie Raphael Designs

Silk pillowcases, Source Unknown

Painted Dresser by Life on Grace, using my French paint technique

You see, I am not the only one smitten with this hue of blue! How about you?

I’m a busy mom who doesn’t have much time to plan her daily outfit. I am drawn to tailored looks, especially neutrals paired with pops of color. For fall, I’m always wearing layers, so look for stylish sweaters or jackets that I can grab to go with my boots, basic denim and cotton tops.

Here are a few items I am smitten with:

Jazzy Trench Coat, 3 patterns, $148:

Classic Velvet Blazer, 6 colors, $98:

Brondesbury Blazer, 3 colors, $148:

Ruffle Cardigan, $88:

Favorite V Neck Cardigan, 9 colors, $68:

Nehru Collar Cardigan, 4 colors, $108:

Preppy Knitted Blazer, 3 colors, $98:

Cheeky Cable Cardigan, 4 colors, $98:

Rainbow Cuff Cardigan, 4 colors, $68:

Carnaby Trench, 4 colors, $168:

Cloud Spotter Mac, 3 patterns, $138:

Urban Mac Raincoat, 4 colors, $138:

Effortless Velvet Coat, 6 colors, $218:

These pieces are both stylish and classic, but are they well made? I’m considering the Jazzy Trench Coat in blue/green plaid, the Preppy Knitted Blazer in Ivy, or the Ruffle Cardigan in gold.

Have any of you ever purchased from Boden? How do you accessorize for fall?

Here’s a look at my final tablescape before my guests arrived:

I collected much of what you see over the years, at thrift stores, antique stores, and inexpensive retailers.  I added my wedding china for a touch of elegance.  To me, a stylish table setting is a mix of texture, color, various heights and proportions, and little personal touches.  Here’s how I set this buffet table in my dining room:

Layer One:  Hotel tablecloth in white from Target. 

Layer Two: Reversible table runner from Pier One. 

Layer Three:  I pulled white ceramics from all over the house, including a toothbrush holder used as a vase, various vases and urns in my collection, and some thrift store candlesticks.

Layer Four:  The addition of a medley of flowers, including pink hydrangeas from my garden and peonies from the florist.  I also added candles in various shades of pink.

Layer Five:  A touch of whimsy.  How darling are these white bird salt and pepper shakers ?

Layer Six:  Watery blue napkins from Target and my wedding china.  Ten years later, I still love this Federal Platinum line from Lenox. 

Layer Seven:  A scrumptious dessert.  This is my mom’s lemon pudding cake and it’s heavenly. 

Here’s my Mini CG in training (caught eyeballing that cake…yum)

I also set up a Martini Bar in the kitchen for quick and convenient libations. 

The menu was centered around lemon drop martinis, so we served a crudités platter of gourmet vegetables, and a few seafood appetizers, including a dungeness crap dip with sliced baguette, and smoked salmon mini toasts. 

Here’s my recipe for a Lite Lemon Drop Martini (light on the calories, and the booze). 

Lite Lemon Drop Martini

1. 1/2 oz.  citrus flavored vodka
2. 4 oz. Crystal light lemonade
3. 1/2 oz. Triple Sec

Blend in martini shaker with ice.  Pour into sugar rimmed glasses.

A splendid time was had by all in our chapter.  Here is part of our group, enjoying the cool California air outside.

What did we read for our summer meeting, you might inquire?  ‘Three Cups of Tea’ by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.  Some of us (including yours truly) didn’t quite finish the book, but our meetings are more about the ladies getting together, and less about the literature.  We are gathering again in October for our fall meeting, and we are reading ‘The Orchid Thief’ by Susan Orlean.  Have you read this book? 

If any of you have other book suggestions, we would most welcome them.  What was your favorite read this past year?

Kelly is a busy mother of three with a darling home in Washington state. Kelly emailed me some photos of her living and dining room, and asked if I could help her pull the spaces together. Kelly likes beachy colors, and is certainly not afraid of pattern or color. Look what a fantastic job she did with her kids’ room:

But Kelly was out of ideas for the main family spaces.

Here is Kelly’s living room:

Here is Kelly’s dining room:

First, I advised Kelly to refinish her fireplace like the fabulous John and Sherry over at This Young House.

Kelly’s fireplace:

Sherry and John’s fireplace:

photo courtesy of This Young House

Gorgeous, huh?

Kelly just acquired a neutral rug from Flor for her family room. With no need for an area rug, I put this board together for Kelly to help her to unite the two spaces with a bit of style and some serene but fun color:

The paint color I chose for the family room is ‘Prescott Green’ on the left by Benjamin Moore. It nicely compliments the existing dining room paint which is ‘Nantucket Gray’, pictured right, also by Benjamin Moore.

All of the accessories come from two inexpensive retailers: Overstocks.com and JC Penney, and the sofa table is a Craigslist find.

1) Voile curtains in Balsam, for the two windows next to the fireplace

2) Seafoam coral vase for above the mantle

3) Silver blue coral accent pillow for the chair

4) A sofa table from Craigslist for behind the couch that I think is a total steal

5) Jadestone chenille throw for the sofa, and chilly nights

6) A gorgeous crystal lamp for the sofa table

7) Some lovely dogwood prints to brighten up the family room

8) Kelly is in need of a mud room style entry, so I suggested this tufted bench for storage, and a place to sit to take off shoes.

9) I think these door knob wall hangings are both stylish and functional above the bench in the entry.

10) These shell pillows will add texture and sparkle to Kelly’s sofa.

11) In the dining room, Kelly can dress up her freshly painted windows with these patterned window panels.

12) These leaf candle holders are earthy and elegant wall decor, and add the candlelight that all dining rooms need.

13) These ceramic vases are the perfect textural accent in the perfect set of three for her dining room table, or even her mantle.

My thanks to Kelly for letting me decorate her space !