Saturday, August 16, 2008

Can You Keep a Secret?


I'm so excited about the vintage maps we framed and hung in our formal living room! They are fun and unique and so very "us". The secret is that they aren't really vintage maps. They are sheets of gift wrap printed on very nice quality Italian paper by Cavallini & Company. The designs are of authentic vintage maps, but in a budget friendly form.



The Paris map features all of the city's famous monuments.

Vintage Map of New York City

This map of Rome also features the city's most famous monuments.

The London map is my favorite of the four. It has the most vibrant colors and features some famous nursery rhyme characters like Little Bo Peep, Humpty Dumpty, and the Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe.

Friday, August 15, 2008

A Stroll through Tanglewood

I thought this house was just gorgeous. It's a shame that I didn't get a shot of the whole thing. It's a newer construction but it has details that make it look like a Spanish Mediterranean from the 1920's. I can't get over the carved front door and the beautiful moulding surrounding it.

As many of you already know, I have a very strong affinity for houses and am lucky to have a husband who doesn't mind driving around some of Houston's most beautiful and exclusive neighborhoods while we ogle the houses and daydream about what we hope to have some day. Last Sunday, we chose to drive through Tanglewood, an exclusive neighborhood just west of the 610 loop near the Galleria. Like most of Houston's older neighborhoods, Tanglewood has experienced a lot of new construction and as a result, features homes in many different styles.


This is what a typical home original to the neighborhood looks like.

A lot of the traditional brick homes currently being built in Houston's high-end neighborhoods use imported European brick (some might use a faux version, I'm not sure). It looks weathered and almost limed and is quite lovely in person.

I just had to get a shot of this behemoth. The massive house is surrounded by an equally enormous privacy wall, which was probably meant to keep snoops like me from photographing their home. Despite the wall and yellow paint, it is a tastefully done Mediterranean unlike the house across the street from it. How about that incredible canopy of oak trees?

This 6,900 square foot home is currently on the market for $4.8 million. The front looks dirty, but I believe that was done on purpose in order to make it appear older. I suppose the owner thought it added charm. It looks kind of creepy at night.
The lines of this house remind me of a California Craftsman, but they added a tile roof which is a different choice for this type of home.

This is a new construction by Black Diamond.

I love this house! I love the creamy stucco and the contrast of the blue shutters. I also really like the symmetry of the front door and windows on the first floor. They did a lovely job with the landscaping.

Interesting elevation, nice landscaping

We thought this house was cool. It looks like a traditional house that was altered to look more contemporary. We're assuming the owners are art collectors, as several sculptures were visible from the street.

Another French inspired stucco house. This seems to be the new trend in new construction in the high-end market. I really like this style.

A more traditional house, which showcases symmetry throughout it's elevation. I love the doors along the front porch.

Tanglewood is filled with many tastefully done Mediterranean houses which are a rarity in Houston. I love the detailed moulding surrounding the windows in the foreground.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Progress is Beautiful


Fabian and I saw this commercial for the first time during the Olympics the other night and we both thought it was brilliant.

Jewelry for the Home


It is often said that lighting is like jewelry for the home. I think that is especially true of the Carlo Scarpa chandelier (pictured above) which was chosen by British designer, Ilse Crawford for the beautiful dining room in Stockholm's The Grand Hotel. The result is simply elegant.
Image via Habitually Chic

This Week's Quote

Saturday, August 9, 2008

A (Mostly) Lovely Evening

Lauren (Material Girls), Kylie (Bandelle), me, and Paige (i*heart*you)

Last night, I joined fellow Houston bloggers Kylie, Paige, and Lauren for an art opening at Moxie featuring the work of artist David Hardaker. Carolina had originally extended the invitation to all of us, but unfortunately, had to stay home as she was feeling under the weather. We caught up on what everyone had been up to, talked about the various styles represented in Hardaker's work and oohed and ahhed over the unique lamps that were everywhere.

All of the furniture i.e. merchandise at Moxie was covered up in order to make Hardaker's work the main focus of the space

After a while, we parted ways with Lauren who had a party to attend and Kylie, Paige, and I made our way over to Dolce Vita for some delicious, authentic pizza. Kylie thought I would like it. I know it was because of the name, but I couldn't help but wonder if she secretly knew about my immense love of pizza. We chatted while we waited for our table until we were finally seated. We discussed many topics and truly enjoyed each other's company.

As we walked out to the residential street where we had all parked, I jokingly said "I hope my car's still there" as the Montrose area is notorious for towing. As we approached the street where we'd parked I said "Oh my gosh, it's not there. My car is gone!". I think the girls might have thought I was joking at first, but once we got a little closer, it set in for everyone that it was really gone. Kylie and Paige were so sweet to wait around with me while I asked a tow truck driver, who was sitting in his dark truck waiting to prey on yet another sucker if he knew if my car had been towed. I swear, he must have been the rudest man I have ever encountered. I then called the tow line through the Houston Police Department and was greeted by yet another incredibly rude person. This time, a woman named Shirley. I expained the situation to her and she then replied with absolute silence. After about 10 seconds, I said "M'am, what information would you like for me to give you?" and she said "That's what I was waiting for".

I won't bore you with the five seperate calls I had to make to Shirley before I found out where my car was. Kylie was sweet enough to drive me to meet Fabian about half way (though she kindly offered to take me all the way home, but I wouldn't let her) and then he and I drove across town to I-45 and Scott, an area that is considered shady at any time, but even moreso at 11:30 pm. We paid the $200 fine, got the car, and then found the lovely $100 parking ticket attached to the windshield. According to the time it was issued, I was cited and towed in the middle of a rainstorm. What a day! First, I learn about my disappearing finger prints and then I end an otherwise very lovely and fun evening with a bang.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Gossip Girl Takes The Hamptons

I can't wait for the premiere of the second season of Gossip Girl! The gang is busy summering, hooking up with cougars, and getting into all kinds of trouble in The Hamptons. Check out the following clips and mark your calendar for September 1st!