a moment of silence for my blue and white

I can still hear the crash. It's been a little over a week now but it hurts as much as if it just happened. My oldest was grabbing a bowl from the bottom shelf, and for reasons I still haven't gotten a clear explanation for, she grabbed onto the top shelf, putting all her weight on the corner and there by causing the top shelf to come. crashing. down.

Working downstairs when it happened, I heard a big thud, lots of breaking...whatever blue and white is made out of, and a quick "I didn't do it!" And then tears. Her's and mine. The hubs and I both arrived in the kitchen at the same time to see the carnage. All he said was, "Go downstairs. I'll take care of this."

Of course, it should go without saying, no one was hurt and that's what's most important (blah blah blah). But damn, my heart is hurt big time. Not only because I love my blue and white and have worked hard over half my life to collect all this stuff, but also because there were several sentimental pieces that were broken. The foot bath I was going to use in my wedding which I bought on a day that still ranks in my memory as one of the best. As well as the blue and white bowls I ended up going with for my centerpieces. (I couldn't get enough foot baths.) And a small blue and white jar I got at one of my first auctions. Things that cannot be replaced. Ugh, the humanity!

Now many would say 'see, that is why I don't have nice things with children around.' but I see that as a huge copout. I accidentally dropped a pair of scissors on my foot yesterday and took a big chunk out of my toe (true story), but that isn't going to prevent me from keeping scissors in the house. Life happens. I grew up with a house of treasures and antiques and believe me when I say many pieces were broken over the years. But my parents continued to collect and that home helped to develop my sense of beauty and joy. Kids climb things, things break, mommies cry. Life goes on.

Luckily this wasn't my entire b&w collection and now I don't have to feel guilty that I have too many pieces when I buy a new piece. So that's something. And in the grand scheme of life, this isn't a big deal. Upsetting, YES. Life altering, no. But just don't ask me about it, I still might cry.

What's broken at your house? Did you ever reconsider putting things 'out' with little ones around? Do you keep your broken pieces in an old shopping bag in your basement? Just me?

i will never stop collecting chairs

In the spirit of my post on my (former) mantel I thought I would address a clear hypocrisy. I know I just told you that it's good to acknowledge the elephant in the room and remove things that aren't working in your space. True. And, I know I've discussed many times my love of 'riding' and purging crap that you don't need. Very true. However, there is a time when all of those rules and truths go right out the window and that is when you encounter a killer chair. Curves, lines, wood, fabric, chairs have it all they are addicting.

Here we have just a SMALL sampling of chairs I have in my SMALL home that don't currently have a 'place'. I refuse to get rid of any of them, nor will I get rid of their siblings that sit in rejected groups in other rooms of the house. The hubs often suggests selling them but I scream "From my cold dead hands!" and he walks away shaking his head. Some of these do have in-the-near-future plans but others might be headed to storage for a vacation.

And damn it if I'm not on my way out to look at more chairs. Luckily I can often share my chair habit with clients and know that the beauties are living in a happy home somewhere where I can visit them. But I will never stop collecting. Never. And one day I'll have cause to hold a large gathering at my house where everyone will need a seat and I won't have to rent a single chair. So that's something.

Don't make me feel alone here, what do you hoard? Anything you don't have the room to keep but refuse to toss? Have any chairs I can take off your hands?

she was a good faux elephant

When I change things up I change things up.

I may have mentioned recently that I am making some changes to my living room, thanks to welcoming home this baby.

Truth is though she was just the push I needed to start making changes that I've had in mind for quite some time. Remember what I always tell the hubs, by the time I tell you about a change/idea I've already been mulling it over for a few months.

And before my mother anyone rolls their eyes at the fact that I'm changing things up, again, I just did a little research and realized that the last time I changed the 'ol living room was 2012. (thanks to the blog for keeping track of these things for me) Dude. 2012 is a long time. Especially for a girl who used to change up her bedroom so often I'd get in trouble (note: don't switch your bedroom with the guest bedroom without asking your mom first. Even if you are cute and 10, it won't go over well)

When we were house hunting all those years back, a fireplace was at the top of my wish list. Right behind three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Proof that you can score 0 for 3 on your wish list and still end up with the perfect house. But that's another post.

Long story short, we put an offer in on our house and I made a mental floor plan immediately with this family mantel as the center piece. I wanted a fireplace and damn it, I was going to have one. Thank God I have parents who hoard as much furniture as I do.

But because of the layout of the room the mantel had only one place to go, along the longest wall of the room, which at times made furniture layout a bit of a pickle. Over time, I got the itch to take the living room from a room where we could sit for a drink or some polite conversation to a room where everyone could hang out comfortably. Comfort often requires size (you gotta be able to spread those legs out) and size requires that one, and only, long wall in the room.

So...I call uncle. I have acknowledged the elephant in the room and have shown her the door. And as a side note, once that mantel was gone, I felt a huge weight lifted. I don't know about you, but for me mantels are just pressure-packed styling challenges staring you in the face 24/7. Ahhhh, sweet release.

And that's the latest from LBD headquarters. The mantel is out, and furniture is in. More about all of that at a later date. But for today, a hand over the heart for the mantel. Oh, and no fear on her fate, she's happily nestled in at my sister's place. A family that trades furniture often is a family full of bad backs. (antiques are heavy)

Have you ever had an elephant in the room that you had to work around? Ever gotten rid of something you never thought you would and felt great afterwards? Want to help me move some furniture?

project design - refresh your living room with this inexpensive tip

Welcome to the long weekend my friends! Today I'm joining several blog friends to talk about different ways to give your living room a refresh without spending the earth. And if you are anything like me, with a happy spring holiday weekend ahead, a bit of time fluffing a busy room in my house sounds like a great way to unwind! (I know, I'm weird)

I wanted to think a bit outside the blogger box and share something that absolutely anyone could do. Something that would give you a big change for ZERO dollars. That's right, no money spent and no DIY necessary. How's that for a budget buster?!

My advice is to turn on some great music, make yourself a good drink, give your arms and legs a quick stretch and then start moving furniture. Instead of buying something new, or even rushing to paint, just try moving that chair out of the corner. Switch the sofa to the other wall. Bring a table in from another room and put a lamp on it to brighten up a dead space. It is amazing to me how different a room FEELS, let alone looks, by spending just a bit of time shuffling everything up.

And the best part is, if it doesn't work, just move it again. No harm and no money lost. Just keep shuffling until it feels right. You'll find a new life given to your room, and a desire to actual spend time in there again.

Be sure to check out the other wonderful bloggers sharing their tips today, and thanks so much to Mary Ann and Cindy for asking me to join in.

classic•casual•home

Don't Disturb This Groove

Lime In The Coconut

My Sweet Savannah

Pretty Petals 

Rough Luxe Lifestyle

Roses and Rust

Stone Gable

When was the last time you gave your room a new layout? What would you move around in your living room? Remember, lift with your knees and don't spill your drink!

project design

Morning sunshine! There are (only) seven days of school left and it is the talk of our household. Those under the age of 8 are thrilled, while those over the age of 8 are having that standard parental "ugh summer break is upon us!!!!" reaction. Luckily we all agree on our level of excitement for the pool opening this coming weekend. A big WAHOO to that!! But I digress.

I spent some time this weekend stealing accepting peonies from my neighbors' yards before they die on the vine (or stem) and brightened a corner of my living room as I shared on Instagram. (follow me here) And it got me thinking about all the different ways there are to update a room for spring, beyond just adding flowers.

Luckily, this 'thinking' is going to pay off for all of us. My friends Cindy (Rough Luxe Lifestyle) and Mary Ann (classic casual home) have asked me to participate in the next round of Project Design and the topic is"Refresh Your Living Room with These Inexpensive Tips". So come Friday I'll be sharing my ideas, along with these wonderful bloggers.

classic•casual•home

Don't Disturb This Groove

Lime In The Coconut

My Sweet Savannah

Pretty Petals 

Rough Luxe Lifestyle

Roses and Rust

Stone Gable

Do you like to do a refresh to your living room each spring? Any update you've always wanted to try but have just never gotten around to? Anything you want me to try? I love being a guinea pig. 

she went out for a pack of smokes and never came back

So as I was saying...

Ha, just kidding. Yes, it's been a while. How the hell are ya?! Did you think I'd fallen off the face of the earth? You gotta know I wouldn't ever leave you hanging like that. Have no doubt, I still think about you all the time and I've got tons to share. A million things have been happening, and at the same time nothing crazy is going on. Just regular life, like everyone else.

The inspiration for my living room changes

I will say this blogging break has been good for me to get a fresh mind, take a deep breath and find out where my design mind is headed and I can say that the times they are a changin. Currently three rooms in my house are in major flux. Well, 3.5 really. And those of you that have been around for a while know, my house is NOT big. 3.5 rooms, that's like 80% of my house or something.

#ProjectBrentwood

I've been lucky beyond words to be working with lots of great clients who are inspiring me not only in my work with them, but kicking me in the pants to make some changes at home. What better place to experiment than at home, right? It's the idiot in me - when I'm busy with work, I tend to pile more things on at home just to put the cherry on top of my chaos sundae. I'm seeing about getting some help for my condition, if insurance will cover it.

#ProjectChesterfield

So where am I going with all of this? That wasn't rhetorical. Really, what am I trying to say? I don't know either. Mostly I guess just HELLO! I'm still here and I'll be around a lot more. It's been a long while since I've had an unplanned, free-flowing, no specific topic post. Aaannnd, I think we now all see why. It's a big bag of muddled weird in this head.

#ProjectSouthCity

Thanks for all of you who emailed and texted me to check in. I really do have the best blog friends. Now give me the dirt. What have I missed??? Anything big going on? What's new with you?!

what's on your...bathroom vanity

Hey everybody! I'm a little late to the game today - my computer had a tantrum and then I had a photo shoot. The dog ate my homework and there was traffic. Any other excuses I can think of? :)

At any rate, I'm here and happy to have a sun filled day in these parts. I'm still recovering from Nashville and I promise to give you the play by play on that amazing trip soon, but for today I'm joining my friend Sarah at 702 Park Project for her new series, 'What's on your...'. So if you are from one of the other wonderful blogs participating, welcome!

As some of you might know my bathroom is...compact. (how's that for diplomatic) So aside from some hand soap for the girls, I'm not really in possession of any bathroom real estate for my goodies, so instead I use my bedside table. #smallhouseproblems

Many of you have seen this table a time or two before, and admittedly it is always changing but there are a few staples that never leave.
- Flowers - OK, the flowers do change because eww, dead flowers by your bed wouldn't lead to sweet dreams. I go as fragrant as possible in this spot, hyacinth, peonies etc. to ensure a flowery deep breath to start my day.
- Candle from K Hall Designs - They have the best scents, their candles last forever and when you are done you have a beautiful hobnail container for, wait for it, your flowers! It all comes back to flowers people.
- And speaking of people, I keep pictures of my people close by as well as whatever stack of books I'm skimming reading at the time.

On top of my books is my tray that keeps all of my 'if I had a big vanity' things.

1. Eos lip balm. Holy softness! I'm highly addicted to this stuff. If you don't have it yet, you should. I put it on every night before bed, and about 100 times thru out the day. That and a bit of mascara is most often my 'beauty regime'. I also have their lotion. Aces.

2. Rubber bands. Necessary for long hair, taking it off after washing my face is the last thing I do before rolling over to go to sleep each night.

3. Essie No Chips Ahead. I put this on every two or three nights to keep my manicures in tact as long as possible. This stuff works like a charm.

4. Whatever jewelry I had on that day.

5. Flowers. I can't say it enough (apparently). Flowers everywhere.

So that's my pseudo vanity. Be sure to check out all of these other lovely ladies for a peak into their vanities.

Brittany French Blog

Design Chic

Domestic Charm

Eat. Sleep. Decorate.

Southland Avenue

The Grit & Polish

702 Park Project

What do you keep on your vanity? Do you have as many vanity items by your bed as you do in your bathroom? Did you play a drinking game with the word 'flowers' while reading this post? If not, I think you should start over again and play.

how do you indie mat

So this post is one of those triple whammies. I've got a quick and EASY super cute project to share, a story about a wonderfully talented and inventive woman, and a gift. That's right, its that good.

I'm going to go out of order and first tell you about this wonderfully talented and inventive woman. That would be my friend Emma Hand who owns a company called Indie Mats. About two years ago I found her wonderful product in a local store and was psyched to find it was locally made and run by a fellow mom. I contacted her about doing a giveaway on the blog and she was totally game. The giveaway went well and life went on. Then a few months later we met in person at an open house and hit it off right away. Since then we meet for coffee and brainstorming, sharing kid and work stories and feeding off of each other's passion for creating. #womeninbusinessrock

Great story yes, but I do have a point. During one chat we talked about how fun it is to see the different things people can create using the exact same tools. And that is when #howdoyouindiemat was born. Basically, send a variety of bloggers the link to Indie Mats, have them pick out some mats and then...create!

This is where part two of this post comes into play. I've used Indie Mats several times in my home and shared my love of them before (here and here, I'm biased I know) but basically you have cool printed mats in all matter of colors, patterns, sizes etc. and they stick to the wall without the need for nails. Making them easy to change, move, reposition etc.

I used some of my stash over Christmas and created a fun way to display our Christmas cards. The girls each made their own (paper) Christmas tree and we put those up, as well as a "Happy Christmas" banner the girls made out of Indie Mats banners. The mats worked perfectly since our plank wall is on our foundation wall, i.e. no nails can bust into that piece of rock.

Well, Christmas came to an end and I started to take down all of the cards and Christmas artwork and I got a little bummed. The basement is our family place; the girls create forts, doll hospitals and frequent works of art down there and I loved how our Christmas wall had shown off some of the fun we have down here. Everything was down except for the 'happy' part of the banner and the quote at the top - Enjoy the little things. SO true about this space. So with that, I decided I had to create a post-holiday version of our happy wall.

So here is how I Indie Mat...

I picked the girls favorite art projects of the moment - a monster and a 'rainbow' from Eve and a family drawing and a portrait of Mom (that would be me) from Amelia. Side note - I'm glad my real hairline isn't quite as suspicious as it is in this portrait. But I'd be thrilled if my neck was really that skinny.
I filled the rest of the frames with some recent family photos.

We used the 'happy' the girls already wrote in marker and traced the letters with glue and then sprinkled with gold glitter. If you are creating a display with a 7 and 3 year old, it is legally required to include glitter.

Without having a photo that was big enough for the yellow mat, I simply placed another mat on top. I love the pattern mix and of course, the colors. That's right, I double matted. I'm crazy like that.

The girls even hung some of the mats themselves - no nails or hammers required, just sticky squares - and they now love pointing out which mats THEY hung up.

I love having something so bright and happy in the family room that truly gives a sneak peak into the people who LIVE in that room. As new artwork comes into the house, we can easily switch out whichever piece they like for the new 'of the moment' option. And I have to say I'm partial to having such a quick and easy project that brings such big smiles.

Saving the best part for last, part three of this post - the gift. Emma (and I) would love to see what you would do with Indie Mats, so she is giving all Little Black Door readers a discount on your purchase. Just use the code LBD15 for 15% off and then show us #howdoyouindiemat

And stay tuned for next Friday when another blogger will be showing her take on Indie Mats. Hint: she's got wicked good style and a new house full of walls to fill.

Do you have a corner that needs a bit of cheer? A spot where nails are a no no? A room that needs to be photographed when the sun refuses to come out? I know your pain.

making history your own

Anyone who has been around these parts for a while knows I've long been on the hunt for a great secretary. I mention it often, and even did a whole post here solely on my wish. So, when my parents had to make room for a new/old piece of furniture I was more than happy to take one (of many) pretty china cabinet off their hands.

Now I know you are thinking, "uh Elizabeth maybe I can help you with this - a secretary and a china cabinet are not the same thing". Yes, I know. But just as beer and gin aren't the same thing, I can make a damn good time out of either option.

My dad found this china cabinet in pieces in an old box in the back of a garage at some sale in the 70's (groovy) and had it refinished and restored. I remember this piece growing up, sitting in my parents dining room full of blue and white china. A great use for it of course, but I had other plans.

As soon as I got it home though I realized that I had the same beef with the piece that my mom has had for the past 40 years - it is a black hole. Those doors close and those shelves are like a tomb. Not the bright and fun look I'm in favor of.

Then, while on an antique trip I noticed a whole store full of great old china cabinets all with their insides painted. Chalk paint has been used on the inside of glass front furniture for generations - hello Williamsburg.

Chalky blue to the rescue. My dad growled but I reminded him that we saw the same thing at Monticello. And when you've got a founding father on your side, really no one can disagree with you, right?

Let their be light! Now let's take a look inside, shall we?

Some of my favorite design books, the bar (hand over your heart) a few pictures and accessories and of course some blue and white in a nod to my parents version of the same piece. A little of the old and a little of the new.

Have you inherited any furniture? What did you do to make it your own? Ever turned down a piece because you thought it wouldn't work? Maybe give it a second thought!

my home - 12 days of christmas tour of homes

The day has finally arrived! It is my day to host the 2nd Annual 12 Days of Christmas Tour of Homes and I'm thrilled that you're here. If you came from Cyndy's tour at The Creativity Exchange welcome. And if you are here thru a misguided Google search, welcome to you too. Basically, welcome one and all. Take a look around while I make your virtual cocktail.

In the entry this year I decided to reuse the ornaments and ribbon from last year's mantel for a bright and happy mix.

Speaking of mantels, this year's mantel turned out to be all about plaid, bark and fresh foliage. How very rustic of me.

Each year we save the bottom of our Christmas tree and make a candle holder out of it (writing the year on the bottom of the stump to keep track). It's turned out to be a great memory and it is fun to see how we obviously vary up our tree size each year.

This year's tree was no joke. Last year was tall and skinny, but this year is big in every direction.

When you put plaid all over one room, it has a way of seeping into other areas of the house. Plaid is too good. It will not be denied. So let's plaid up the dining room shall we?

Love mixing my B by Brandie plates and chargers with my grandmother's old Spode Christmas dishes. And I believe it was the excitement of that mix that led me to forget the silverware. Oh well, we are just drinking during this tour anyway, right?

A snazzy group of men (and some animals) standing at attention while we eat. Maybe they took the silverware. Amelia's ever growing Nutcracker collection has relocated to the dining room this year until Eve moves on from her nutcracker...discovery phase. I can only glue them back together so many times.

Christmas lights Amelia made her first year of pre-school brighten up the kitchen along with some drawings the girls did and our annual Gingerbread house. Oh, and what's that on the lampshade? Yep, that would be more plaid. I can't be stopped.

Herbie got his seasonal antler change and is ready for the season too. No one in the house is immune.

Even the hand towels in the bathroom have gotten festive thanks to Anthropologie. They say dish towel, I say hand towel. Tomato tomaato.

My parents finally got rid of the tree that they've had for 45 years (no that is not a typo - FORTY FIVE years) and willed it to us. So as I mentioned yesterday, we added the tree to the family room this year and it is already full of all of the ornaments the girls have made and collected over the years. I love having the tree that I grew up with, I swear it used to be bigger, and it is the perfect thing to look at while I sit on the couch with the hubs and endure another episode of The Walking Dead.

The pom-pom pinecones the girls' made a few years back sit happily next to the tree along with a mismatch batch of ornaments.

And that my friends is my house all dolled up for Christmas. Thanks again for coming and be sure to stop by Stacey @ Steward of Design tomorrow! And if you haven't checked out all the rest of the tours, what are you waiting for already?!

12 Days of Christmas Tour of Homes Schedule:

December 1 - Jenny @ Evolution of Style

December 2 - Amanda @ Amanda Carol Interiors

December 3 - Amanda @ Dixie Delights

December 4 - Pam @ Simple Details

December 5 - Lisa @ Shine Your Light

December 8 - Kris @ Driven by Decor

December 9 - Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles

December 10 - Cyndy @ The Creativity Exchange

December 11 - Elizabeth @ Little Black Door

December 12 - Stacey @ Steward of Design

December 13 - Andrea @ Oak Ridge Revival

  AND

December 16 - YOU - Link up your Christmas Home Tour

Cheers and Happy Holidays!!