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T h a n k s for g i v i n g!

Hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving - there's always something to be thankful for!  This season, let's continue to give to our local shelters, churches and neighbors in need.  

Much love! 

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Nuttin' But Love!

When the news broke last week of Heavy D's death, it came as a complete shock to all as we were looking forward to his comeback - especially after his BET awards performance and role in the new film Tower Heist.    Heavy D was one of the trailblazers of Hip Hop - the Overweight Lover, as he coined himself, was indeed loved. With confidence and swagger, Heavy D broke into the rap scene and declared that in spite of his weight, "Girls, the girls, they love me" - and we did!  Lovable, huggable, kind, super-talented and respectful - what's not to love!  At a time when many rap artists chose to disrespect black women in particular, Heavy D respected women with his lyrics and created rap that was uplifting, fun and often great to dance to. Here are a few of my favorite songs by Heavy - not to mention his rap for one of the best comedy shows ever - In Living Color!  Heavy - we got nuttin' but love for you baby! 

This Weekend a Girl's Gotta ...

Love Big!

Enjoy Life!  

Read a good book

Get that glamorous dress  for that special occasion

Be aflutter &  occasionally steal a glance!

Laugh Out Loud!

Have a great attitude or ditch the attitude! 

Image:  French Vogue

Help save the world 

Play an instrument

Art:  Jacob Pederson
Love Pink flowers:)

Be at peace & get pampered  

Say no!

Make plans to see the world

Ellen Von Unwerth

Grey Matters

❦ Yesterday I had a conversation regarding our economy and the fact that in this country it appears that we have lost our passion and dedication to create and manufacture products here.  Things that we can take pride in and feel good about the quality in the craftsmanship.   Today however, while perusing the web I was reminded of an American company that made a comforter set that I bought a couple of years ago.  Bella Notte Linens are some of the best! They are made with non-toxic dyes and quality linens and with a keen attention to  beauty and details - all crafted, manufactured and finished in the US.    Here a few of their images  and some that were inspired by their site.  All items in their collection are subtle and gorgeous, but I was most inspired by the soft romance of grey ruffles.  Enjoy!

 

Vintage Throws here                           Urban Outfitters comforter

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Weathered Beauty

Here's a continuation of images from a project that I started years ago and an image from Andrew Moore's Cuba series that I love - sometimes there's beauty in wood & metal that has been allowed to weather outdoors over the years.  I hope that you see it too!

Andrew Moore

Navajo Inspired

➳As an African American I am also a descendant of Navajo and Cherokee Indians - if being honest, many Americans will admit that they are of mixed heritage.   I often think that it was God's plan to have us celebrate the most beautiful aspects of the many great cultures that we are blessed with and enhance them. Here are a few stunning Navajo inspired designs from Free People and the rooms that I began to design around them.  Enjoy!

                                                                                                                                                                       Restoration Hardware (Sofa, Bookcase & Lamp), George Smith Chair, Grandin Road Pillow,  Rug, Mark Sublette/Medicine Man Gallery, Pottery Barn Fireplace stand

Sofa - Interior Delights, Restoration Hardware Shelf & Throw, Rug - Mark Sublette/Medicine Man Gallery, Pottery Barn Pendant

Settee-George Smith, Rug - Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel Candleholders, Bean Bag-Restoration 

 

Williams Sonoma Home Sofa & Rug, Grandin Road stools, Restoration Hardware Bench, PB Pendant & all books here