12.27.2011

Cheers!

Well, the New Year is upon us and there couldn't be a better time to feature these hotel silver champagne and ice buckets!!  I really like the items from Pottery Barn that can be personalized!  
Party Buckets at Pottery Barn
My own ice bucket! Pretty sure it's stainless steel :(

Grab a glass! Cheers!
Large clam shells can be used to serve appetizers!
Seen at For the Love of a House
Also seen at For the Love of a House
Hotel Silver-Plated Champagne Bucket at Pottery Barn
From the 1930s to 1940s.  Seen at Paris Hotel Boutique 
Bottle Stoppers at Pottery Barn
A is for Amber!  Pottery Barn

Hotel Silver-Plated Buckets at Pottery Barn
Monogrammed Glasses at Pottery Barn
Forever,
Amber

12.23.2011

Sleigh Bells Ring ...

Painting by Richard De Wolfe

So my Christmas tree-getting experience was not exactly what I pictured this year.  

Here’s what I pictured:

Me, at a tree farm about an hour north of the city, all bundled up in my winter attire, bumping along in a horse-drawn carriage, to the sound of sleigh bells ringing and horse hooves crunching in the snow.  I’d be grasping a hot chocolate (or a heavily spiked apple cider depending on the day) through a pair of my coziest mittens, my cheeks rosy, my eyes sparkling with excitement.  I'd see the perfect tree and cry out, "That's it! I see it!" and a very handsome lumberjack-type would pull out his saw (no that’s not a metaphor you dirty girl) and cut it down for me.  I’d go home happy, and decorate it, the smell of pine needles filling my apartment. 

Here’s what really happened:

Me, at a Walmart with my best friend (who is Jewish) trying to figure out which tree has the  most lights for the least amount of money.  It is true.  Sometimes life is cruel .... ;)  Actually, we still had fun but I really do wish I had gotten a real tree though.  There's just something about the look and smell of a real tree that makes your home seem so much more Christmas-y.  Next year it's going to be the tree farm experience all the way!  Here are some pics to keep the dream alive :)

Painting by Richard De Wolfe
Painting by Thomas Kinkade
Thomas Kinkade
Thomas Kinkade
Forever,
Amber

12.22.2011

Debbie Travis Christmas

I think I'm finished decorating my tree for this Christmas, but I'm definitely taking inspiration from the Debbie Travis Heirloom Collection for next year.  Very pretty and Victorian-inspired!  So pretty, in fact, that I'm considering buying a glue gun and having a go at recreating some of these beauties!  Good thing flaws are part of the charm in the shabby chic decorating style :) 
Debbie Travis Heirloom Tree
 
 
Forever,
Amber

12.13.2011

Home Sweet Home

Only time for a quick post today ... one last final exam tomorrow and then FREEDOM for a few weeks!  Wanted to post these pics of David and Whitney Fairchild's gorgeous 18th century-style East Hampton home from House & Garden (2004).  Enjoy!!
  






Add caption
Forever,
Amber

12.06.2011

Shabby Chic Christmas Tree Skirts

 Paula and Erika
I have no business writing this post right now because I have a marketing exam in less than twelve hours, but I can't stop thinking about finding a vintage embroidered Christmas tree skirt.  My inspiration is coming from this beautiful embroidered table napkin that I found at a vintage store.  I only have one and it's starting to unravel, but I keep it for inspiration.  If only it was ten times bigger ... and circular ...

The tree skirt I have now is a flannel one from Dollarama, and it's not really cutting it in in terms of the Shabby Chic thing.  I started my search this morning and here are some of the prettier tree skirts I've found, all from Etsy.  Now off to study!!

Belle by Jessi

Paula and Erika

The Pin Up Shop
Forever,
Amber

12.03.2011

Grey, White and CUTE all over!! :)



Unfair cuteness advantage 

Things are about to get really cute up in here!  These are my sister's new kittens.  Aren't they adorable?  I know this is a home decor blog, but seeing these cute little balls of fluff got me thinking, "Those cats would look amazing in my apartment.  Could kittens be the unexplored home decor accessory?"  Kind of like living, breathing throw cushions (that you don't sit on, of course).  I mean, these little guys are the epitome of Shabby Chic really ... soft, muted colours, overstuffed, comfortable ... 



Sike!  I'm totally kidding.  I'm not crazy enough think that kittens are the latest in home decor accessories, and I would never advocate treating them as such ... really ... not even if they would look amazing on your sofa, darling.  It was actually just a random thought, that if I had any readers, would actually probably offend someone ... I'm sure I'd be getting lots of nasty comments saying, "You vapid woman ... I'd call you a stupid cow but it would be an insult to the animals you so clearly have no respect for ... take that ..."  Actually, I would hope so, because I'd hate to think there are crazy people out there who select animals based solely on their ability to accentuate their surroundings.  Cuckoo.

Having a cat, or any animal, is a commitment that should only be undertaken with the purest heart along with the ability to provide a proper home with all the love and care they need.  I know my sister and her husband will love these fluffballs like they are part of the family, with no hint of discrimination based on how well they match the decor :)


We're more than just potential home decor
accessories, you vapid woman!


Who's got a cute face?
No really.  What are you looking at?
Kitty pile-up


Forever,
Amber