Tag Archives: Books

French Accents

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Julie

One of the things I enjoy about blogging is that I get to share what I love with you. I can pass along tips and tricks, products I love, tried and true recipes, lessons learned, etc. If I can help or encourage any of you in your love of all things home, it makes my day!

That’s why today I’m beyond excited to share my friend, Anita of Cedar Hill Farmhouse with you! Actually, I’m taking part in a virtual book tour to spread the news about her beautiful new book, “French Accents” with you:

I really think you’re going to love it!

You may already know, Anita. She has a beautiful home in Houston and a lovely farm in Southeast Texas and she blogs about it all on her site, Cedar Hill Farmhouse. (more…)

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POSTED IN: Books, decorating, decorating inspiration, French Accents book, French decor

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Rachel Ashwell’s Couture Prairie {And an Invitation}

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Julie

I love what I call, “coffee table” books.

I have a stack of them on my coffee table and tucked away in other places of my home so I can browse through their beautiful pictures whenever I’m in the mood for a little inspiration and eye candy.

There’s a new book that is being released that I’m very anxious to get my hands on.

Rachel Ashwell, the founder of Shabby Chic, has written a book called, “Couture Prairie and Flea Market Treasures.”

In it she’s sharing pictures in and around Round Top, Texas and even her “little” bed and breakfast, The Prairie.

I say “little” because it’s actually a compound of individual buildings each styled and beautifully decorated by Rachel herself.

I love seeing her comfortable, feminine style mixed with the rustic Texas style.

After all, isn’t that what my blog is about? Mixing my more feminine style, with my husband’s rugged Western tastes? Finally, a book aimed right at me!

Here’s what the press release about her new book says:

Here Rachel’s inspired finds, her creative imagination, eye for detail and her commitment to beauty, comfort and function have finally come together in one location: The Prairie by Rachel Ashwell – an irresistible destination. This book takes Rachel in a new direction, bringing her eye for cherished patinas and pastel prettiness into the endless landscapes and diverse architectural styles of Texas. Here you will see how her style adapts to corrugated metal sheeting and weathered timbers and how it brings new life to elegant period mansions. Chapter by chapter, the book leads you through Rachel’s little houses on the prairie, from the Ranger’s Lounge where hearty breakfasts are served, to the Pearl Barn, scene of wedding parties and celebrations, stopping off at the evocatively named guest accommodation: Blue Bonnet Barn, Cornflower Cottage, Meadow Manor, Faith Cottage and Liliput Lodge.

Doesn’t it sound inviting?

Speaking of…I received this invitation this week and now I get to share it with you!

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make this date with the lovely Rachel and get to meet her in person.
But, if you’re free on October 1 and can get yourself over to Round Top at Rachel’s place, please go and then tell me all about it!

You can bet that I will be ordering her new book and getting inspired by all of the beautiful pictures.

On another note…don’t forget, I will be in Round Top (with Randi from Dukes & Duchesses) on October 5, for our Hometalk Round Top blogger event.

If you would like to go and meet us there, please RSVP below.

We’ll be shopping the Round Top Antiques Fair and maybe we’ll even drive by Rachel’s place – can’t wait!

By the way, Rachel Ashwell’s book is published by CICO books and is available at Amazon.

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POSTED IN: Books, Round Top

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The Things That Matter

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Julie

I have liked Nate Berkus since the first day he stepped on to Oprah’s stage and revealed a tiny apartment makeover. I like his style, I like his design philosophy and because he’s also from Minneapolis and we’re close in age, I feel like he’s a bit of kindred spirit — we were both born in September and are anal about organization. We were also probably re-arranging our bedrooms at the same time when we were kids! (We’re practically twins, I know!)

I received his book for Christmas.

I’ve been meaning to do more than just look at the pictures and read a few paragraphs here and there, but after seeing Part One of Oprah’s interview with him on OWN on Sunday (click here to view the interview on the OWN website) I finally picked up the book and started reading it all the way through.

His book is a great read and is not just another pretty coffee table book. I love the fact that he gets personal and tells his story. It’s kind of a “decorating-book-meets-biography-meets-real-life-stories” book and it was such a fun, deep and enlightening read!

He was so open and forthcoming about his passion for design, his personal experiences and how he came to his design philosophy. He also shares pictures from his own home as well as homes that illustrate his point of decorating with things that matter to you. After reading it, I feel like I really understand what it means to make your home tell the story of who you are and I couldn’t agree more with his decorating philosophy.

Great job, Nate! I love you more than ever and your book will forever be on my coffee table (or maybe a shelf…it will get moved around but it will always be in my home)!