decorating attention deficit disorder

Here I am. Having thoughts of the delicious and debilitating task of Christmas decorating. Took the pluge and gathered all the fall stuff and dumped it unceremoniously into a tote. Thought about depositing the pumpkins in the dumpster. Thought about the waste and the three flights of steps - granted I'd be going down the stairs but still. Let's ponder why it is so much easier to drag thrifty finds UP three flights than to take trash down. I swear. I could stare at a bag of trash for days. I can decorate around a bulging black trash bag, ya know? Heck, on my last trip to the kitchen I admired how neatly I'd tied the red handles. Almost festive.

So, I'm ignoring deadlines and chores and instead distracting myself by freshening up my bedroom. Yep. Nothing on my December to-do list will be completed by this pursuit. But, I saw this fabric and what to do? It matched my China Glaze - Jitterbug silver metallic nail polish perfectly. (ignore pudgey middle aged fingers...) I have been inspired by the October 2010 Country Living spead on EuroTrash style guru -Lizzy's to-die-for home. She blew the covers off of charcoal! And my bff Dana has been channeling silver in a big way and has been splashing the silver on gorgeous little pieces like this little bedside table... she is the mix master - not too charcoal or metallic.

I must hit the thrift circuit and find some equally yummy pieces for this treatment! And search for more vintage ornaments...

~ Happy Thanksgiving ~

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

reality

Have you ever met someone IRL that you've spoke to on the phone or emailed and they were nothing like you expected?  Double the letdown if it was a blind date or someone you met online and instantly bonded with, right?

How about the feeling when you meet someone really beautiful but they are simply not nice?

Perhaps those are the emotions I'm processing about Paris. I can't imagine that I would visit Paris but that I would admire her less because of it. 

I'm one of those who are enthralled with the French style, their lifestyles... the elegance.  And I do still love the beauty of Paris.  But the beauty is brittle and sharp.  I came home with a stronger love of all that I have here in the US.  I still love my Paris Apartment style, and I can't explain the awe of seeing Paris' attractions, but I miss the the Paris I thought I knew.



Paris Baby!

Doesn't this look like a vintage postcard?  Now I can't imagine Paris anything but gray!



Doesn't this remind you of the last scene in the Age of Innocence? 

 too much to say and process - for now just a few pictures

living the dream

Back in 2008 I had a little "April in Paris" fun with some blog friends.  But never in my wildest imagination did I think I'd be holding airline tickets to Paris in my hot little hands today.  Much to do.  Too nervous, excited, stressed out... and oh yeah - I am going to nothern France for 4 days of actual work too - which adds a whole new element to my stress.  I have directions to one of the world famous Paris Flea Markets and hope to have my friend agree.  Can't wait to share the pictures.  O M G

xoxox, Kelley

button up

Probably the best thing I've learned from my pals Stacey & Clinton is that clothes can and should be tailored/altered/updated.  But surely I am the only one who is packing for Paris and sewing buttons on stuff!   I have the best trench coat with the worst buttons - big but cheap clear acrylic.  I have another trench with great lines and buttons but it's uncomfy, and I don't think I can layer enough under it for my plane trip this week. So, I took matters in my own hands.  I raided my stash of mother-a-pearl (that's what my kids call 'em!) and indulged in some of the biggest, best etched ones.  I almost hate to use them, kwim?  But I reminded myself that I can put the old ones back on when the time comes to donate it. Wow that sounds a bit unkind.  I tell you, have a real problem with this button addiction!  It used to chenille, then china with roses, at least buttons are easier to squirrel away! I hofpe to find some cool buttons at the puces de vanves (flea!) I will also be on look-out for any fabric (feedsack!) with french script.  I swear I will leave my clothes in France and return with a suitcase full baubles...In 4 days I'll be on my way.  O M G... so little time, so little space in my suitcase.  I'm going with co-workers who refuse to check luggage and forbid me to as well.  I am going to spend the next days rolling my clothes into tiny jellyrolls and making tough love decisions. I've already broke the news to my black leather that she won't be joining the trip. It's not her fault, she's just too plump, but she's been so many places with me and she deserves a little international trip, she has a nice button, btw.  Just saying. I hope she doesn't notice the new (slim) little leather fashionista that is in the tentative pile.  My meanness knows no boundaries... 

time to pack it up

One of my display cases for antique shows and craft shows is an old heavy cardboard briefcase that I rescued about 10 years ago. In a decoupage phase I copied a zillion old postcards and stuck them on everything that wasn't moving.  When I was packing up the house last May, the briefcase started to give up under the weight of a ton of Victoria mags and it was this close to the trash when I was inspired to give it another life. Hot glue, twill tape and mini clothes pins and there she was - all fixed up pretty again.  And now, after countless trips in my trunk it is time to come in for a bit...  I may list some of my jewlery on etsy soon or I'll end up adopting half these earrings for my personal use before spring!  My favorite are these religious medallions...