Some things on my mind lately...

OK you may have guessed out the gate that this has nothing to do with design, or maybe it kind of does in a totally vague and abstract way. Anyway I just need to kind of get this off my chest.

Where the hell have peoples manners gone? Is it all people all over the country? Is it transcontinental and globe covering this rudeness that everyone seems to have caught?
I have just about had it up to here with the countless people I run into on a daily basis who are just rude. The other day on a RARE occasion someone walking in a door as I was walking out of it held the door open to which I replied, "I appreciate it." Now this may be one of those little Southern expressions that other people are uninitiated to but in the South that is interchangeable with thank-you (which is something else I hear less and less frequently). The person looked at me quizzically registering an expression of surprise that I had offered any gratitude at all. That my friends cuts to the core of my problem. At what point did manners become something delightfully unexpected? If I have one more person rudely shove me, or bump into me while so intent and busy to get to wherever they are going without an excuse me or I'm sorry I almost reenacted a moment of the Iron Bowl just then, I will lose my manners and scream at that person (in my fantasies) or at the very least give them a withering glare. There are a lot of other things lately that also just make me question what is happening to people, specifically some personal experiences that have just left me a little bruised and irritated. When did people become so damned self-centered that they can't even hold doors, or say excuse me, thank-you and let's not hope for sir or ma'am. Where I come from hospitality is generously given as is gratitude and thanks. I don't know if this is making sense because I don't want to write anything to personal but I just wish people would stop being so self-centered and behave a little more conscientiously and graciously. I guess you can't expect much from strangers though when the people you actually associate are inconsiderate.
So to sum up just in case people out there don't know if you are a guest in someone's home, you are just that a GUEST. While your host wants you to be comfortable, you in turn should be thankful and not make your host/hostess' life a living hell. If you are an hour and half away and gas costs $3.60 and I'm a girl who will be driving alone both ways do not give me a guilt trip for bowing out on your invitation to a lunch that is going to be shorter than the drive. Oh yeah and I also have had the flu whether you believed it or not and declined so I wouldn't get your kids sick.That's right I was thinking of YOUR best interest, novel concept You may also want to practice not snorting in disbelief when someone tells you they are sick and then acting like a spoiled and wounded child. If you are coming into town to see someone else and want to make time for me that is great but if the time you are making for me is realistically just to use my home as a truck stop and bathroom break on the way to the other people, please don't bother you are obviously on a tight schedule. As am I, which is why you shouldn't leave your 15 minute poddy break arrival window to "Friday night, Saturday morning whatever" so that I put an two thirds of my weekend on hold for 15 minutes of you being self-absorbed and pontificating just for you to leave abruptly. So, no not "whatever", I am an adult I have things I need to do, things in the coming week I need to make preparations for. Even the cable guy gives you a day with a five hour window and calls ahead. Okay I guess I went ahead and made it personal....

Icicles forming in hell...

So something momentous happened today, and I'm not talking about completely spacing on putting any of the 8 windows into my final floor plan for drafting, I saw the new Louis Vuitton specialty bags....and... dare I actually admit this? I love them! Ok now that I have said that I have to add that I think my color theory class is affecting my judgment. I just love the frenetic vibrant colors. They are really eye-catching. * Another thing they have going for them is that the monogram is slightly obscured by the beautiful colors, and to be honest that is my main complaint with Vuitton bags to begin with (if you want an LV bag just get a nice epi leather why do you need the monogram plastered all over everything?). Also neato, they are a collaborative effort with artist Richard Prince. If you aren't familiar with his work, I think the best way to describe him would be artistic witty/humorous philosopher. His work is worth checking out, these bags included.
That all being said I don't think I would ever actually carry one. I do think it is a beautiful piece of color inspiration though.
In other news make sure to check out Lucky for March, and get to "shop" with Ruthie Sommers in Waterworks. (I was more interested in the pretty blue dress she had on.)

*Editorially speaking every review I have found says these bags are just awful... you be the judge.

Dawnridge

I'm sure that we are all still taking in the sumptious content in our new Tony Duquette book. So check out this great video feature from Style.com, with jewelry designer Liz Goldwyn touring Dawnridge with the estate manager Hutton Wilkinson.

February Domino

OK so ridiculously excited about the February issue of Domino magazine. If you are a Mary McDonald look forward to her completely leopard covered room, or the hip pad of Ames Ingaham. Just in time to fulfill your New Years resolutions the issue is packed with organizational advice, including the streamlining of actress Rashida Jone's, of The Office, tiny NYC apartment. This article gives good tips on space planning and hiding unsightly storage. Also if you are revamping your closet to a full out glam dressing room be sure to check out the exclusive web section on vanities. Lots of cute stuff and one of the better Domino issues in awhile methinks.

'Tis the Season

Since everyone seems to be doing Christmas posts, I thought I would post the beginnings of the Christmas decorating in my new home. I have started on the tree but it is still unfinished. I don't know why but I just really love, love, love the white trees. I know they aren't for everyone but I think they have the ability to be fun and hip, but beautiful and elegant as well. I suppose it just depends on what you are going for. This year I am decorating in blues, reds and blacks.
For wrapping I chose red on red stripes, silver faux bois, and a black and white scroll like pattern. In the midst of boxes and moving debris this is the one sane part of my new home. I love that I can come into this room and just enjoy the season.

Getting Started...

So here are some pictures from some of the things I have moved into the house. I wanted to have had the house painted before I moved in but I am already expecting guest next weekend! The first guest bed arrived yesterday and the second guest bed arrives on Saturday... whew. anyways, some progress is being made... I still have tons to do obviously as it is only my second night staying in this house, my friends keep reminding me I don't have to have everything done immediately and to take my time. That being said, I know the longer you wait the less likely you are to do something, even it is as simple as taking out the trash or doing laundry. So here's to doing things in a timely manner.

Moving Day!

This is the scene of my first couple hours inside my new home. Champagne and cleaning products ya'll. I cleaned everything and prepped the space for all of my things. Furniture has begun to arrive already. When I got to the house this morning with another car full of stuff there was a big happy Kartell box on my doorstep (yay!). Very exciting stuff. My dog, Ghillie, isn't sure how he feels about the space yet. I took him on the tour, he followed me around, then went downstairs, put his quail doll in his mouth and marched right out to the garage and back into the car (where he stayed until I was finished unpacking). I'm sure it will grow on him, after all any dog would be excited to gain a yard right? My goal is to have everything moved by the weekend, and start painting by next week. I promise you guys will get the first look at the paint colors!