My Dish Addiction - New Find

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Yellow Greek Key Dip Cup from The Mane Lion

There's something about the Greek Key motif that I am drawn to. 

Look what I just discovered - The Mane Lion Greek Key serveware with a porcelain lion's head.  How fun!!

All the colors in the line are rich and beautiful. The pieces are hand painted in Italy.  These designs just speak to me. 

Problem is...I just can't decide which color is my favorite.  


Chocolate Platter with Lion's Head from The Mane Lion

Red Platter with Lion's Head from The Mane Lion

Blue Greek Key Shell, Chips and Dip

Great New Postage Stamps - Industrial Design



One of the cool new USPS Stamps

I like sending out letters, cards or even just a quick note.  I like receiving them too!

How cool will these stamps be on anything that I send out??

I found them at the Post Office yesterday.  I bought some, walked to my car, pondered for just a second and then turned around and went back in to buy loads more. 

They're "Forever Stamps" so why not stock up?

Pioneers of American Industrial Design from the USPS

Timberframe Lighting

I saw these wonderful lights from Currey & Company while at Highpoint in the spring and knew exactly who should have them - Lawry - my wonderful Timberframe client.  I think these two fixtures would be perfect for the stair leading to the loft and the loft itself.

Lawry is winding down work on the interior of his Timberframe home.  He has offically moved in and we are working together on those last few items for the interior.

Loft and exterior lighting are a few of open items and I just love these fixtures for his home!  Lawry is concerned that they might be a tad too modern...hum?

I will spend a bit of time look for some alternate fixtures...it is difficult when you think that you have found just the right ones. 

Ernesto Single Light Pendant - Currey & Company

Ernesto 4 Light Pendant - Currey & Company

Stay tuned to see what other options I find and which fixtures Lawry will choose.

More to follow...later this week - laundry room cabinets, custom made mirrors and a custom made vanity sink base.

Paint that dark, heavy, old wood - it's okay!

So many times I have seen dark, outdated wood paneling, beamed ceilings or even floors that cry out for a simple coat of paint.  Think...crisp and fresh.

Be not afraid - paint is the easiest and most economical way to make miraculous changes in a room.  


See the photos below from Coastal Living - what a difference!  The window wall was opened up to take advantage of the great ocean views.  The fireplace was renovated to be bright and in balance with the space and then a wonderful nook was added to the left of the fireplace to take advantage of the view.  Fresh light floors and a cozy seating area finish off this ocean front space nicely. 

Now imagine that they had kept the heavy wood beamed ceiling?? 

Paint is the answer!!  Don't be afraid - paint that old, dark wood and let in the light!

Before Picture - too heavy, too dark, too bulky

After - Light, fresh and perfectly in balance

The Girls Have Arrived - how sweet are they???

I have been doing my research for months.  I ordered the "girls" in February of this year.  I selected my breeds for a combination of calm temperment, cold hardiness, body color, egg color, and availability.  I ordered Buff Orpingtons, Ameraucanas (blue eggs), Dominiques, Delawares, and a single Barnevelder (all that was available.)  I received a call on Monday letting me know that the Barnevelder didn't hatch.  I could wait until August for everyone if I wanted another Barnevelder or I could accept another breed.  The hatchery offered a Black Copper Maran as a substitute. 

Can I tell you how much this sent me into a tail spin?  I thought I had this all designed and planned out ... and was thrown a curve on the phone at the last minute...they had to ship that same day - the other girls had hatched.  I had to decide right then.  A quick look on line and I thought the Black Copper Maran would be a  terrific substitute. 

As I began my quick research on the Black Copper Maran I found out that this French breed has a bit of controversy around it.  Pure breed French variety vs. other.  I love that they are calm, good foragers, and lay the yummiest, dark brown, highly desired eggs.  Okay, that's perfect for the well designed egg basket.  :)

In my fantasy, the Post Office calls me and says "The girls have arrived, come and get them."  HA!!  No notice at all.   I tracked them on line and knew that they were in town Monday at 6:03 p.m.  I couldn't pick them up until the next morning at 8:30 a.m.  I fretted for them overnight.

The post office never called me.  I simply was there at 8:30 a.m. exactly.  The post person found the box and we opened the box together and peeked inside.  They all looked good!!! Yeah!!!

I placed them under the heater in the car and zipped home to their waiting warm brooder box.  I dipped each beak into the sugar water and they were on their way. 

They LOVE mashed egg.  They are too funny with a meal worm.  They are super active racing around and then...crash!  Their bodies collapse, their head bobbles down and they are OUT. 

The chicks are the softest thing I have ever felt!  They have personalities right away.  I have named the bravest girl already - Coco.  Coco Channel.  She has a lovely rich brown strip on her head and  back. She is the first to do everything. 

The Buff Orpingtons and the Delawares are so mild and sweet.  The Black Copper Maran is the smallest, she's a bit of a loner, maybe even delicate - such a rare breed.

I am a nervous new Mom.  They already know me when I enter the room.  Well...maybe they would know anyone who enters the room.  Seems they have a sixth sense about this - even sleeping, they know that you are there.

So far, I am in love with them.  Even though I had to clean pasty butts this morning. Seriously....

As of today...we do not have a coop for them.  The pressure is on...Steve is under the gun now.

Here is his latest design for me and the girls: