Which would you choose? And a winner!

Good morning, as I wait for the Papal smoke to appear (I find it sooo exciting) I  chose a winner for my silver tray giveaway via random number and that lucky winner is.......

Result is 24 

GayleinHousronMarch 10, 2013 at 11:30 AM

Congratulations on your one year anniversary. It is hard to believe it has been that long. I want it all!!! But would be very satisfied with the gorgeous filigree tray. I have been searching all over Texas for the perfect tray for my powder room to hold guest towels. This is it!!
Gayle R

Please contact me here  to  provide your shipping details so the tray can be on its way to its new home!

Hi there...well with spring nearly on our doorstep. At least I think its going to be, barring any "surprises" from mother nature, I must admit I have been doing my fair share of day dreaming of bright blue skies, cool spring breezes, explosions of color from blooming buds and the smell of fresh cut green grass. Sounds good, huh? I cannot wait to steal a few minutes to grab a book, and a cup of coffee or tea and settle into a cozy nook outside and "get away" from everything.Just me, my book and good ol mother nature.It is definitely one of my most anticipated free luxuries, costs nothing but feels like a million bucks!

So imagine this........your family are all occupied doing their thing for the entire day. All of your chores/calls/emails have been addressed and completed. You are free as a bird. It is 68 degrees absolutely picture perfect. All phones get turned off. The only ring you hear is the sweet chirping of the happy birds doing a little spring dance. You excitedly grab that book you have been waiting to start, brew a fresh cup of coffee, throw on your flip flops and head outside for a few hours of uninterrupted bliss! So...you know the drill, pick your patio setting. Which one beckons to you? I can't wait to hear.....

  CHOICE 1

CHOICE 2

CHOICE 3

CHOICE 4

CHOICE 5

CHOICE 6

CHOICE 7

CHOICE 8

CHOICE 9

CHOICE 10

CHOICE 11

  CHOICE 12

   CHOICE 13

CHOICE 14

 CHOICE 15

CHOICE 16

  No one said this would be easy!! I see a few calling my name but if forced, think I could narrow it down. Do you prefer small cozy intimate spaces or larger grander ones that give you plenty of room to move around if you so choose? As I am doing now, I will start this post off with my own comment...can't wait to hear from you! Wishing you a wonderful day........

Which would you choose and a winner!

Hi there, hard to believe its already Friday! I hope you have had a great week, mine has been incredibly busy with hardly a free minute but no complaints, it was a great combination of productivity with some fun thrown in for good measure! First off, lets announce the lucky winner of the darling Sailormade bracelet giveaway. Chosen using random.org, congratulations goes to...... 

Prize ID	Winner ID	Public Info	Private Info	Random Sorting ID	Weight
1: bracelet	3307263	3 peanuts		01AD26B6-A863-43DF-B9EF-4DF4A56AD138	1

Please email me with your choice of one of the two bracelets shown yesterday and tell me which size, S, M or L. Today's Which would you choose is all about the perfect patio. With summers end just around the corner, lets pretend you are going for one last hurrah....inviting a few friends over for drinks and cocktails, and are going to be given the most spectacular weather and glorious sunset you can imagine. Which patio setting just "does it for you"? I look forward as always, to seeing which takes the top prize....lots of beauties here each with their own unique style. Lets get going......CHOICE 1

Giulani BibbuleiCHOICE 2

Elle Decor

CHOICE 3

CHOICE 4

Architectural Digest

CHOICE 5

Pinterest

CHOICE 6

AD

CHOICE 7

CHOICE 8

Johnny Valiant

CHOICE 9

BHG

CHOICE 10

Victoria Pearson's home

CHIOCE 11

Mary McDonald

CHOICE 12

Kelly Hoppen

CHOICE 13

Cottage Living

CHOICE 14

CHOICE 15

Elle Decor

CHOICE 16

Marble of the world

So....does this have you dreaming of a beautiful outdoor space in which to entertain? It sure has me thinking about how I would love to furnish all our outdoor spaces and is reminding me of how much work there is to be done and of course how you need buckets of money and a money tree to make it happen.   But with outdoor spaces being bigger than ever, and in most places in our country, seeing you  can use them at least 60% of the year...I say go for it! I love being in the outdoors and eating al fresco is my absolute favorite way to dine. So....you know its now your turn to choose your favorite! Enjoy your day and thanks fro stopping in!

PS So many of you asked that I feel obligated to 'fess up" on  my amazing florettes for my bathroom mirror. I was looking high and lo for a pretty delicate crystal (Venetian glass) or "lacey" looking silver rosette. Shockingly they were very hard to find, closest i found was something on the west coast that is custom made and he wanted to charge me 39.00 per rosette, which I would have even considered given my desperation but I didn't want to wait 6 weeks! So....I started brainstorming and when I brainstorm, miracles can happen (on rare occasions) I marched into Michaels...yes, that Michaels as in arts and crafts home of the cheesy plastic flower arrangements and every color and pattern paper known to mankind.. Went over to the novelty/arts and crafts section, furiously scanned every row for a possibility and lo and behold there it was......3 of them get this 3.99!!!!!!!!!! I kid you not, I bought what they had came home and tacked them up. The rest as they say is history....waiting for a few more packages to come in the mail, grabbing my hot glue gun and I promise you will be impressed. Amazing what a little imagination, a little desperation to finish something and an open mind can do.....don't you think?

The bottom left was not the right color, just trying a different shape but preferred the right one

A blurry close up......

So there now you know my secret! But too good to not share, plus its a great example of "high and low". So...wishing you a fabulous day and a super weekend!! Thanks for stopping in.

Cocktails at six........on the terrace!

I want to start by saying my thoughts and prayers are with the people and community of Joplin, Missouri. It is unbelievable what has happened there, so tragic and almost incomprehensible. The images look surreal and the devastation is catastrophic. When I made a donation to Red Cross last night, I felt like I really wanted to do so much more but I gave what I could. I truly believe that there is no amount too small...we all have to do our share so if you can spare even a few dollars, those few dollars will be put to good use. Lets all say a prayer for those who are suffering and who have lost loved ones. Their pain is almost unimaginable. I believe we all have to do our part and help out however possible.Moving onto my post......
Allow me to set the scene here..just roll with me. OK fast forward to later in the day..... its almost 6, a perfect and I mean perfect as in ZERO humidity (yep that means a blissful great hair day) oh around 68 degrees, the sun is just starting to set and its the most brilliant every shade of orange, sunset you can imagine. You have been invited to someones home whose company you adore for cocktails on the terrace followed by dinner poolside.So now that I have set the scene, you plan your outfit, a perfect little causal but chic summer getup, put on a pair of comfortable shoes (after all you will be traipsing across the lawn) plus in case you have a cocktail too many, flat shoes are a major bonus:)  You arrive and immediately hear beautiful music being played, ahhh....a jazz band has been assembled just for this glorious evening! How lovely.....the music softly plays in the background, while the faint smell of a softly lit candle permeates the crisp evening air. The water views beckon beyond but you first feast your eyes on the beautiful and magical setting that awaits you for the cocktail hour on the patio. What are you waiting for? Come on over and join the fun.........

Love the lush setting here, the white seating is so dramatic and sophisticated

Nothing like soft romantic lighting!! Vernon Daniel

This picturesque setting is reminiscent of something you might see in Europe, Robert Stern

Party ready, DeCeare Interiors

Picture perfect setting, photo by Jonathan Wallen

Even in the city, glorious entertaining by candlelight can be had when at the hands of Robert Stern

A pair of dark wicker sofas facing each other creates a cozy setting, love the coral pillows

White sofas give a very "South Beach" vibe to this cool outdoor setting, House Beautiful

Elsa Soyers created such an inviting and elegant setting here....

Gorgeous setting for two at the end of a reflecting pool...perfection! Veranda 

Great flow, beautiful colors and cool vibe, Catlin Creer

With this view.....you don't even have to serve food, just give me wine and the view! Robert Stern

Lets get this fiesta started! Norm Plate

Ashley Whittaker designed this beautiful setting in crisp blues and whites, its soiree ready!

Love the cobalt blue accents....so eye catching! And the billowy curtains...a love! Decorpad

With a view like that, I may never leave! Arch Digest

Stunning view of a entertainers dream, DeCesare

 Now this is what I call a setting ripe for a party......Agins Interiors

This gorgeous setting is as inviting as ones living room! Love the lantern too!

Looks comfy and cozy!! TH Designs

Ashley Whittaker did a gorgeous job of making this so inviting and elegant

Ralph Laurens place isn't too bad either!!

Love this setting, this is great not only for cocktails but fit for every meal too! Atlanta Home Magazine

Love the cool vibe here, great colors too...... Kristin Hutchins

Fabulous poolside setting, photo by Andrea Trauttmansdorff

A picture perfect setting, can't imagine it could get any better! Architecture by Richard Landry

Fabulous and luxurious as any interior space...love the grand limestone fireplace with the blue and white tile!

Love the warm tones mixed with the elegant blues, such a warm and sophisticated outdoor space, Southern Accents

How beautiful is  the stone fireplace next to the pool, beautiful, cozy and elegant, perfect for entertaining poolside, Jay Graham

Ahh...this looks awfully relaxing, sitting lakeside! Orrick and Company

Nirvana in Napa Valley! Robert Stern

Under the Tuscan sun.....your glass of Pinot Grigio awaits you.

This wonderful space is so beautifully done and was given as much detail and attention as most interior living rooms! House Beautiful

Love the neutrals with the iron furniture, the gorgeous tall fireplace... a perfect spot to wow your guests! House Beautiful

So what do you think? Are you ready for your cocktail now? To me nothing beats summer outdoor entertaining....with the combination of  perfect weather, lively music, great company, good food, flowing drinks, an outdoor party is the ultimate way to enjoy and savor summer. Hope you got some ideas and outside inspiration....and hope you have an enchanted day!

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