Comments : 42

Good morning to you! Ever feel like there simply are not enough hours in your day? Well, that’s how I have felt all week and I suspect its only going to get worse as we near the holiday craziness. Thank God for coffee!  This is another all over the map post but its a fun excuse for me to talk about this and that.  On the home front, I am awaiting pillows and a dust ruffle to be done for the guest room which I cannot wait for, its coming out so  pretty! Will share as soon as its all together! I have included a few pics taken with my camera this time of the loggia all done. (taken on a dreary morning…)

Just had the floor cleaned and grouted……cannot wait to furnish this space and light that fire!

I just have to say again how honored I am to have been chosen by Homegoods as their blog of choice for the classic look!! It was so exciting to partner with them for the wonderful giveaway from last week. More to come!! Seeing my name on their website gives me such a thrill and truly is a wonderful validation of what I am doing….thank you Homegoods. You rock!
Click here to take their Stylescope quiz and see what style you are!


Saw two movies this past weekend, both which I really really enjoyed. The first one, The Intouchables I was supposed to see two weekends ago but plans changed and we didn’t go, I was bummed. I was happy we got to see it and it did not disappoint. A wonderful typically European film that touches the heart and moves the soul. I so enjoyed it as I do many foreign films.
The second one, Arbitrage with Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon centered around a filthy rich but very corrupt wall street tycoon and the story rings true about what has gone on for so long, its well done, riveting and I also enjoyed it for different reasons.

There are two movies coming that I cannot wait to see! Besides Le Mis of course:) I have included the trailers because I am not sure they will be considered “mainstream movies’ that you will see in every theater, but the previews have me waiting in bated breath to see them! Here they are….

WAR OF THE BUTTONS…..

RUST AND BONE…..
 


 
Seen anything good on your end lately?
 
I have never talked about of all things,  a brush before,  but seriously this brush saved my hair:) I have the most sensitive scalp on the planet, ever since I was a little I cried and cried whenever my hair was brushed. To this day when I am getting my hair done I normally wash my hair at home before going to the salon just to avoid the dreadful shampoo/scrub  that so many crave. Well……..this little brush is a miracle, I am not kidding! I venture to say I even look forward to brushing my hair, crazy? No, its incredible and for anyone who has a sensitive scalp like me or possibly girls with one….cannot recommend this enough. I call this the miracle brush but its real name is the wet brush…..the link is included under the picture. Yes, its that good!
 
The Wet Brush
 http://www.mywetbrush.com/
 
 
I love to cook during the cozy season…..fall and winter. When its cold outside, nothing beats a warm something cooking away on the stove inside. I have posted about this soup before but its worth repeating, this is a very hearty soup for all you soup lovers. If could stand on its own as a meal, served with crusty french bread, yum! This is a staple in our home and it never disappoints on a cold wintry day. 
 
 

Pasta e Fagiole Soup

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons (2 turns around the pan) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/8 pound (about 4 slices) pancetta, chopped (I do not chop it, it naturally falls apart while cooking)
  • 1 (4 to 6-inch) sprig thyme with several sprigs on it, left intact (use sparingly)
  • 1 large fresh bay leaf or 2 dried bay leaves (I use 3 fresh)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 rib celery, finely chopped
  • 4 large cloves garlic, chopped
  • Coarse salt and pepper
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans
  • 1 cup canned tomato sauce or canned crushed tomatoes or fresh tomato sauce
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 quart chicken stock
  • 1 1/2 cups ditalini
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Grated Parmigiano or Romano, for the table

Directions

Heat a deep pot over medium high heat and add oil and pancetta. Brown the pancetta bits lightly, and add herb stems, bay leaf, chopped vegetables, and garlic. Season vegetables with salt and pepper. Add beans, tomato sauce, water, and stock to pot and raise heat to high. Bring soup to a rapid boil and then simmer. Rosemary and thyme leaves will separate from stems as soup cooks. Remove herb stems and bay leaf from soup and place pot on table on a trivet. At this point, once you have removed your pot from heat, set aside and then put in your pasta. The heat will naturally cook the pasta but just perfectly, not too hot..and will result in a soup with al dente pasta as it should be. Is anything worse than a great soup with mushy pasta? Let soup rest and begin to cool for a few minutes. Ladle soup into bowls and top with lots of grated cheese. Serve with bread and enjoy……this is a real treat!

Its fun sharing the results of which Would you choose and this weeks was particularly fun, so want to know who took top prize? Well there were several who vied for top spot, and a few ties. I am happy to say everyone got at least one vote, I was feeling sorry for poor Steven Spielberg but finally he got two votes, so he can sleep tonight:) Here’s the top four………
 

Bill Clinton with 25 votes

 
Princess Diana with 23 votes

Thomas Jefferson (oh yea)  with 17 votes

Leonardo Da Vinci and Meryl with 15 votes
 
And Mother Teresa, Maya and Coco were right behind Leonardo in a dead tie.

A fascinating bunch to say the least!
 
Did you know Isaac Mizrahi came out with a shoe line? I fell in love with these darling pumps, am a sucker for anything with bows. Love the combinations…ordered them in two combinations and will likely keep just one unless I happen to fall in love with both. Aren’t  these so much fun?
 
Shop  news……a few of the planters/statuary items are being phased out and some beautiful new pieces added. Two of the new additions are pieces I already own and love!  All new ones will be added as of tomorrow. This is one of my favorite lines, so versatile and love that you can pick them up and carry them around, the look of real stone with the ease of fiberglass. These will all be offered in one of six finishes, so you can truly customize it to your liking! Click here to visit my shop. I cannot wait to fill mine with sprigs of holiday greenery and pinecones!
 

The popular white moss finish

Pinecone Topiary
Love this pine cone topiary….ordered a pair in the white moss finish, so perfect for a holiday console table! Stands about 22″ tall.
 Feast Of Bacchus VesselEgg & Dart Round Urn 14
 And one of mine filled with artichokes……

 
 
Napkin rings…oh those napkin rings are such a hit. It is so funny because as soon as people get them they want to order more. They are like a healthy addiction.  They are one of those things you have to see in person, to feel and touch, they are truly special. I got in a few new styles. I cannot wait to set my holiday table with these babies! Here’s a few of the new ones…….
 

One of the Santas holding a tree

Sly fox pulling a cart

The adorable whimsical conga line (can be made with virtually any animal or breed of dog)

The hare atop the tortoise

The owl and bunny on a moving see saw

Bunny pulling the cart

Bunny in the garden

Sly fox with pinecones
Another adorable version of an amimal conga line
A Basset Hound next to two birdies

Humm…is this a Scottish terrier with his dog bowl? I need to know all you dog experts!

A type of Terrier

The hare atop the tortoise
Pretty awesome aren’t they? They are soon going to have their own section on my online store but for now can be found under new additions, click here to visit.

 
 
You know I love showing off my customers homes that are featured in “Your enchanted homes” on my store site where I feature my customers homes and the items they bought from me, here’s a few new additions..pretty gorgeous! Click here if you want to see the rest of them. Keep em coming! 
 

Another dough bowl finds its way to a happy home:)
Love this amazingly beautiful vignette….soooo pretty!

My silver planter with horn handles being used in all the gorgeous bathrooms in a super elegant new bed and breakfast (more on this next week)!
 How about this gorgeous gracious hallway/entrance with the floral etched lantern? Stunning!
OK, time to fess up. How many of you have gotten a new phone or were very tempted to get a new phone just because you totally fell in love with a phone case that is not made for your current phone? My hands way up in the air. I cannot wait to get my new phone…..all so I can order one of these amazingly cute, chic phone cases from the ever so talented The Pink Pagoda. I mean seriously, people…is this not the cutest phone EVER? Click here to visit and get one for yourself. Forewarning, she makes a boatload of other AMAZING items like stunning prints, pillows,etc……don’t say I didn’t warn you:)

 

Well that’s about it over here. I will probably be back on Friday to wrap up the week. What’s new with you? Are you enjoying beautiful fall foliage where you are? Here, things are really starting to rev up and its looking spectacular. I will be sure to share some of my pictures next week. We are headed up north this weekend and I will be sure my camera is charged and ready for what I know will be plenty of photo ops, I think the further north we travel the more ” peak” the foliage will be…cannot wait! Wishing you a wonderful day!

Photobucket

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Well this is a first! The first comment. LOVE that loggia, what a dream to have such a space. I cannot wait to see what you do with it and with the beautiful trees peeking out, its so pretty.
Saw The Intouchables because your recommend and loved it, would see it again.
Great store items, cannot wait to get my own order of napkin rings. Your aritchoke filled planter is just beautiful.
Thanks for sharing all the goodies…oh yea, the shoes, I say keep all three! Love them.

PS Thanks for the link for the phone case, I saw someone with it in the market a few weeks ago and by the time I wanted to ask her she was gone, they are outrageous!

I cannot wait to see how you furnish that amazing Loggia!! I love Pasta Fagioli so thank you for sharing that great recipe, I also love hearing about interesting movies so I will add those to my list of must see!
Have a happy wednesday!
Karolyn
THe Relished Roost

I can’t think of a more perfect spot than your loggia this time of year…it’s gorgeous. Is the winding drive in your header yours…absolutely amazing! The Mizrahi shoes are adorable and love the color combinations…heading to check them out, and your new shop items are great. Love the idea of pinecones in the urns!!

I can’t get over how gorgeous the Loggia is! I truly would live out there! I know I would! What fun to have a party out there soon?! I’m dying over the phone cases! Those are beautiful! I also love seeing the pics from your customers homes! That makes it feel complete to me when I see something I sell in its final home! Thanks for sharing those! I’m so happy for you about the Homegoods thing! That sounds really fun to me and you will certainly be an incredible asset to them!! Have a great Wednesday!

always fun to read your musings =) Yes, that is a Scottish Terrier (I suppose I’d qualify as a dog person, being a veterinarian….also, Scotties are a breed I adore, and plan to have for my next dog).
I definately need to check out those phone cases!

Hi Tina, The loggia is truly spectacular. Did you get to Rhode Island this summer? You would have seen that the details of your craftsmen’s work is the equivalent of some of the great houses in Newport. Have you lit the outdoor fireplace yet? I can tell you I would wrap myself in a big fur blanket and spend the afternoon fireside.
xo,
Phyllis

Hi Tina… I’m here having my coffee reading your beautiful blog. So happy that Homegoods has the good taste to recognize your gorgeous blog. I have a question… would you ever consider doing a blog on questions from bloggers? I know you’ve done a couple about your choices for your home. No real personal questions… just where do you blog? How many hours a day do you devote to it? What kind of camera do you use? etc. You know I consider you queen of all blogs and I am sure many of you readers would agree. One more question…did you go to the Diana Vreeland movie. I might go this week and wondered if it was good or not. Have a wonderful day and thanks for always starting mine off with a smile….

Good morning dear Tina!

WELL, that loggia is simply divine. What a space to sit by the fire and just dream away with a gorgeous view to boot! I don’t know about you, but our fall weather suddenly turned very warm, so if yours is mild, a nice al fresco dinner by a fire is called for there!!

YOUR URN WITH THE ARTICHOKES IS marvelous. I have been so busy lately with my BRIDAL WINDOW DISPLAY PROJECT that I have not had a chance to decorate my home! Oh Tina, I have the best opportunity now to do a window display and hopefully when it is up, other merchants will see it. I also got a scholarship to take a writing course on writing memoirs, so fun things are happening these days.

Sending you a load of wishes for a spectacular week my friend! Anita

Good morning, Tina!

Nothing better than seeing your beautiful home and some stunning addition to your readers’ homes. How sweet of them for sending these pictures!

Just wanted to wish you a blessed day, my friend!

xo

Luciane at HomeBunch.com

The loggia is amazing and a perfect spot for al fresco dining, or just relaxing by the fire on a Fall evening! What a dream space. Love the phone cases, will HAVE to get one! CONGRATULATIONS on the HG thing, that is fabulous and well deserved. I enjoy the pucs of your buyers homes too. Keep em coming:) XO, Pinky

Oh my gosh, the loggia! I know that you will enjoy this space immensely, Tina!
Love the brush, and will have to try this one. All of the products looking fabulous, and our friend Jennifer’s goods are favorites too!
Happy Wednesday.
Teresa
xoxo

I love the loggia, that fireplace is amazing being able to have fires while sitting beside reading or enjoying a glass of wine. Just beautiful.

Cynthia

Good morning Tina, thank you so much for featuring my phone cases! How exciting! Your loggia is lovely. With a fire, I’d just want to live there! And thank you for the movie suggestions. They look fantastic.

My word, the loggia is looking better and better, what a fabulous spot to while away the last warm days we have while looking at all those beautiful trees. We still haven’t seen Arbitrage, it remains on the list, along with so many others! You are wonderful to share your Pasta e Fagioli recipe, we do enjoy that and I haven’t got a good recipe for it, so this is one we’ll try out in the next few weeks.

Sending you a smile, enjoy the rest of the week!
tp

Love the napkin rings, planters and phone cases. Love the movie suggestions and saw Arbitrage too, liked Richard Gere but did not care or buy Susan S. in that role. Good movie though. See Argo, I loved it!

Getting the wetbrush for my twin girls who hate getting their hair brushed! Love soup and everything else here but what I love most is the Loggia, oh my gosh, I would, sleep and live out there! Just magnificent!

Tina,

I know exactly how you feel, I have been thinking the same thing all week…too much to do and not enough time!

I love the movie reviews and have noted them as Must sees! I have not seen a movie in the last few weeks so I cannot make any recommendations.

LOVE the napkin rings! They are so adorable and I think that each and everytime you post them. I may have to get a few for the holidays.

The loggia looks beautiful! Have you been out there with your morning cup of coffee to sit and take in the beauty of Fall?

I love to cook and bake, as you know. I am excited that your published your recipe for this soup! I have been looking for a good one and I know that if it is a staple at your place it must be good.

Take care, have a fabulous day!
Elizabeth

Hi Tina, your musings posts are my favorite! I love the loggia, like everyone else has said I can just imagine being out there with a cozy blanket and cup of coffee and a book or my laptop- how cool that would be!
LOVE the napkin rings, thanks for the hairbrush and movie tips, both which I enjoyed reading about.
Have a good day.

PS Your customers homes homes are all so beautiful!

Gorgeous! I never reply, but this was soo pretty! I may post on our Pinterest or facebook pages~ shall give you and your blog full credit!!

Rhonda

Cornerstone Home Interiors,

Hello!

I am a new follower of your lovely blog.

I am building a home near Dallas, Texas, and have been admiring your house and the process…what a process!

May I ask…is the stone material in the Loggia cut or cast limestone….and is the floor PA Bluestone? I think it’s one of the most fabulous finish-outs I’ve seen, very well designed, and the cut stone pattern on the arches is fantastic.

You have done a fantastic job with the whole project and are very kind to share this with everyone.

Sincerely,

Sharon

Happy Wednesday, Tina! I certainly know what you are talking about when it comes to not enough hours in the day! I’m just about to pour myself my third shot of espresso! Love seeing the shots of your customer’s homes, they look great! Your loggia looks fantastic and I think I need to go buy myself a new hairbrush and iPhone case, and make myself a pot of that soup! XOXO

Tina what I love so much about your posts is that everything is absolutely 1st class and uniquely gorgeous.

There are so many movies I want to see….being housebound with my Hip that will not heal for a year now (just a few quick outings with friends)I could be awhile to actually go to a theatre!

You are going to enjoy that amazing loggia so much..I can feel it with a fire roaring and comfortable seating to cuddle up with a book and entertaining with such gracefulness!
Enjoy the week!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Your posts are always like reading a whole magazine Tina! I don’t know how you do it but I’m glad you do. πŸ™‚ I love those phone covers and thanks for the movie tips!

The statuary is so pretty Tina and I love mine! The loggia is perfect for entertaining. If I had one, I would use it almost year round ~ I might add a couple space heaters πŸ™‚

The napkin rings are darling as are the phone cases. I have one in blue and white and always receive compliments on it.

Enjoy your day Tina!

Oh to be in your loggia in the crispy cold with a roaring fire wrapped in great buffalo robes sipping or gulping something hot and effective! Beautiful space to be used frequently. Cynthia

Hi Tina! The loggia is breathtaking and I know it will only get even more beautiful as you add your touch to it! The napkin rings are adorable… my absolute favorite is the stag – your picture of it in use on your table in a previous post helped me to envision how perfect it would look on a holiday table! I also love the blue willow style phone cover… perfect for the blue and white fanatic! Thanks so much for all you do… your enthusiasm and fun posts are one of the highlights of my day!! I will be contacting you shortly about the pinecone topiary statuary as I am thinking a pair might look great on my mantle with evergreen branches for the holidays!! Lisa L.

I can’t wait to see your guest room (that I’m probably going to stay in someday) πŸ˜‰ And the loggia is going to be fabulous! What a gorgeous view!! I’m so excited for Les Mis, too! I saw it when I was little and I used to pretend I was Cozette and Eponine and sing all of the songs on my karaoke machine. I have the iphone case in blue and not only does it make me happy every time I look at it, but it also holds up very well, which is important in my house.

Good morning, Tina!!

Ahhhh…that loggia. I think it’s calling out for a roaring fire, blankets for all and a big glass of red wine. Fine living, my friend!!! πŸ™‚

Saw Arbitrage…and not bad at all. Love Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon. Had me on the edge of my seat!!!

Love seeing your beautiful pieces gracing the homes of others. What a thrill that must be.
Have a great couple of days…I’ll catch up with you on Friday!
xoxo Elizabeth

Tina I just love everything you posted about today! I’m so excited that we are HomeGoods Stylescope sisters and yes there’s some fun things in store for us! I love your loggia!!! Absolutely gorgeous! We will definitely have coffee in there one day hopefully with a roaring fire! Sorry your scalp is sensitive mine is too…but differently. it gets dry so I have to watch what kind of hair products I use. Have a great day! XOXO

Wonderful post, love that you vary it up, makes it more fun. Its like reading a daily magazine! The loggia is really superb and exceptional in every way, love the pattern in the floor and that view!
Your shop items are just so pretty and reflect your elegant style, love that new pinecone statuary piece, so pretty.
I also love foreign movies, and we are lucky to have a theater that shows them just ten min. away. I saw the ad for War of the buttons and my husband and I both agreed its a must see.
Appreciate the soup recipe, sounds like a good one. Thank you TIna for all you share.
Adore those napkin rings, they are so beautiful.

You bring the best goodies and information to us! I love the shoes… I am a bow person too.. very girly! I love every image you show of your home. The loggia is perfection! I can see many an evening of entertaining and music there! Breathtaking as always, Tina!

Just one question…can I move into the loggia!?! At least have me over to sit by that fire! I will bring some wine! Oh Tina, that is so stunning. I am completely head over heels for the ceiling in there as well. How fortunate for you to have such a beautiful place!
OH, and I so NEED one of the phone covers…looks a little like transferware! Going to check that out now!

I’ll be in touch about the giveaway,

Hugs,

Nancy

I am laughing out loud about the phone paragraph. I’ll admit that I have very much wanted to upgrade my phone in order to get a new case, But haven’t succumbed to it yet. Your new floor looks amazing!!!! Even on a totally dreary day it is simply gorgeous. And I love seeing your customers homes – what a great thing to add to your posts!
Stacy

Good for you….I love how classic your designs are…like pearls…you can never go wrong! I saw both of those movies….loving the Intouchables the best. Tears πŸ™‚ Saw Isaac Mizrahi shoes the other day and wanted to buy a few pairs but none in my size. I LOVE his new line!

I’m glad you liked war of the buttons. I really liked it to. The cellphones skin are my favorite. They are very pretty.

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