tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4625003056429073152024-03-13T07:05:11.260-05:00* v i s u a l * v a m p **the*blog digest*covering*decor*fashion*interior design*travel*trends*art*music*television*movies*life*Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.comBlogger1044125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-82113295830349084422011-09-14T08:49:00.002-05:002011-09-14T09:07:44.204-05:00THE VAMP MISSES YOUThe Visual Vamp has moved, she is out of the hood and living in a glam new blog at <a href="http://thevisualvamp.blogspot.com/">The Visual Vamp</a>.<br /><br />What she misses the most is the nearly thousand of followers she left behind. Blogger doesn't allow her to take you all followers in the moving van. They say that YOU have to make the decision to FOLLOW her at her new blog site.<br /><br />She knows that sometimes that can be a pain to do, so she is bribing you with some free Missoni!<br /><br /><strong>Click </strong><strong> </strong><strong><a href="http://thevisualvamp.blogspot.com/">HERE</a> to visit the new blog site, then become a Follower and leave a comment saying so. One will be chosen at random and be awarded a free Missoni.</strong>Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-37468471037070886202011-07-28T11:14:00.000-05:002011-07-28T11:14:52.838-05:00The Visual Vamp Is Moving!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/val%20glasses.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/val%20glasses.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Ever since my blog was hijacked a few months ago, assigning me a sign in name not of my choosing, I have felt uneasy. So Alberto finally helped me move it. I haven't gone far. I am still with blogspot. I like the format and am very used to it after three years.<br /><br />I could not use my original blog name because it's taken (by me!). So we just added one crucial word: THE.<br /><br />So the new blog is: <a href="http://thevisualvamp.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;">The Visual Vamp</span></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /></span>I kept the Follower feature located in the right hand margin. But alas, I could not transfer my followers, so it's like starting all over again. So please follow me if you like.<br /><br />We also transferred comments that had to become part of the text. If I missed someone, please leave a new comment at the new location. You can also leave it again on any post at the new location.<br /><br />The new format is a little more colorful, but still very classic.<br /><br />I will not be posting on this blog site, but it will remain up.<br /><br />So please follow me to <span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://thevisualvamp.blogspot.com/">The Visual Vamp!</a></span><br /><br />Thanks for three great years here and for reading nearly 5000 posts!!!Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-39900963620453226542011-07-19T20:15:00.002-05:002011-07-19T20:21:25.276-05:00Million Dollar Look<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/mary%20mcdonald1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 350px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/mary%20mcdonald1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I can't believe it's the finale tonight of Million Dollar Decorators! It's been fun!<br /><br />Go over to <a href="http://www.houzz.com/">Houzz</a> and see the collection of things I found to get the look of Mary McDonald's fab glam office <span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/552365/list/Guest-Picks--Million-Dollar-Decorator-s-Glam-Office">HERE</a></span>Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-18177880062394473132011-07-15T07:43:00.002-05:002011-07-15T07:45:24.865-05:00Sisters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/sisters.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/sisters.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>My sister is visiting me! We have not seen each other since Katrina.<br /><br />I have also been busy with some freelance projects, and some changes for The Visual Vamp blog. which is as they say, "under construction".<br /><br />New and frequent posts coming soon. Hang in here with me.<br /><br />As part of the changes, I want to ask you guys how you feel about the "Follower" feature. Is it important to you? I appreciate every reader and follower. How would you feel if I did not include the "Follower" feature on the updated Visual Vamp blog?<br /><br />PS The sisters in the photo are Lady Gaga with her sister NataliVisual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-67708914686883219562011-07-06T17:30:00.000-05:002011-07-06T17:30:29.519-05:00Hat Stack<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/hats*visual%20vamp%20union%20jack%20armoire.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/hats*visual%20vamp%20union%20jack%20armoire.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Visual Vamp displays hats on a Union Jack <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Armoire</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I love stacks of hats! Stack 'em high on entry hall tables or chests! I stacked these this morning on the Union Jack <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">armoire</span> near our front door. Alberto painted this for me a few months ago <a href="http://visualvamp.blogspot.com/2010/10/british-invasion-fab.html">HERE,</a> and it has turned out to be so handy, a nifty little "coat" closet and a place to hang <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cholo's</span> leash, and for me to stack some of my huge hat collection.<br /><br />I share a few images with you to inspire you to stack your hats! Send me photos to show everyone.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/hats%20Debra%20Shriver%20chest.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/hats%20Debra%20Shriver%20chest.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Magnolias-Tales-Orleans-Courtyard/dp/0982379919">Debra <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Shriver</span> </a>stacks her hats in her French Quarter home - <span style="font-size:85%;">photo by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Valorie</span> Hart</span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/hats%20and%20antlers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/hats%20and%20antlers.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">So very English! Hats, riding boots, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">bumbershoots</span>, antlers!</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/hats%20decorista.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/hats%20decorista.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Hang 'em high too!</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/hats%20on%20chest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/hats%20on%20chest.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Hats stacked on a chest</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/hats%20apt%20therapy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/hats%20apt%20therapy.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Curvy!</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/hats%20stone%20wall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/hats%20stone%20wall.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Cozy!</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So do tell, how to yours stack up?<br /></div></div>Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-29886068413877527492011-07-04T16:32:00.000-05:002011-07-04T16:33:00.776-05:00A Progressive Dinner Party In Three French Quarter Courtyards<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-house%201%20courtyard%20B.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-house%201%20courtyard%20B.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">French Quarter Courtyard #1 - Before</span><br /><br /></div><br />So I get a Tweet a couple of months asking me if I was up for a styling job. I followed the Tweet to an email that led to phone calls that led to a most interesting job.<br /><br />The premise was a progressive dinner party to take place in three French Quarter courtyards, a benefit for<a href="http://www.nocca.com/"> NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts), </a>in particular for the Culinary School.<br /><br />Target was the generous sponsor, with the one request to use the <span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.target.com/b?node=2373570011&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&CPNG=smith+hawken+2010&adgroup=smith+hawken+2010&LNM=Hawken%20smith&MT=broad&AFID=googlestr&LID=28p1237150&KID=12f215ce-e487-d509-0b4c-000010754c48">Smith & Hawken</a></span> product they sent for the party and for a photo shoot to be used for their various PR needs.<br /><br />And send it they did! Over $35,000. of beautiful merchandise that the Target product designer and I chose to fit the personality of each of the three courtyards.<br /><br />It was a complex and interesting project from receiving and organizing all the product in a hot New Orleans warehouse, to arranging for the home owners' things to be taken away and stored, to dealing with copious amounts of trash that all the packing materials created, and all the regular issues involved in planning a party, with everything done in triplicate!<br /><br />Target and their PR team in New York were spectacular, the vendors in New Orleans impeccable, the French Quarter hosts stellar, generous, and helpful, and NOCCA was involved in the best possible ways.<br /><br />It was the beginning of our record breaking heat wave in New Orleans, but that did not stop people from attending the sultry party, with nearly $60,000 raised in one night of fun for NOOCA!<br /><br />Let's start with courtyard #1.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-house%201%20courtyard%20C.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-house%201%20courtyard%20C.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Courtyard #1 - Before</span><br /></div><br />Small and charming, with the old servant's quarters balcony at my disposal. The home owners are avid collectors, and one of their collections is of copper pots and pieces in their kitchens. Target offered me product from their Smith & Hawken line, and there were many beautiful copper pieces to choose from.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-house%201%20balcony%20in%20courtyard.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-house%201%20balcony%20in%20courtyard.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I used Smith & Hawken zinc lanterns in all three homes, starting with this one, where they lined the narrow alley way that is the entrance to the courtyard. I chose to use wax battery operated candles for the whole project.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Lupin%20alley.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Lupin%20alley.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Smith & Hawken zinc lanterns from Target</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Courtyard #1 was used for cocktails and hors d'ouvres. Fifty people were invited, and 58 turned up! Obviously this courtyard is too small for that amount of people, so the house was open to guests as well.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Lupin%20table.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Lupin%20table.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Patio furniture and dinnerware, glasses, flatware, and napkins from Target</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Lupin%20courtyard%201.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Lupin%20courtyard%201.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I used Smith & Hawken copper rain chains to festoon the balcony rail</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Lupin%20courtyard%202.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Lupin%20courtyard%202.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Planters and pots and lanterns from Smith & Hawken for Target</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Lupin%20courtyard%204.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Lupin%20courtyard%204.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A Smith & Hawken hammered copper hose bowl was used for ice on the bar</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Lupin%20fans%201.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Lupin%20fans%201.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Colorful fans rest in a Smith & Hawken copper boot tray for guests to take and use - a jazz brass band of student musicians from NOCCA played for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_line_%28parades%29">Second Line </a>to accompany guests to the next location - Note the color of the fans...</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />On to courtyard #2, where dinner was served. The front entrance of each home was decorated with Smith & Hawken accessories from Target.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20front%20door.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20front%20door.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Wreaths and urns from Target</span><br /><br /></div><br />Courtyard #2 is long, and at first glance very large by French Quarter standards. But where do I put 50 people for dinner? I wanted this to be a seated family style dinner.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-eslie%20pool.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-eslie%20pool.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Courtyard #2 - before</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />So of course! I had an acrylic pool cover installed. That's precious real estate!<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20pool%20before%205.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20pool%20before%205.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Acrylic pool cover by <span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://youreventdelivered.com/">Event Rental</a></span></span><br /><br /></div><br />I placed Smith & Hawken teak tables on top of the pool! Host chairs are also Smith & Hawken, but I could not use the teak dining chairs to accommodate 58 people, so I rented bamboo folding chairs. I wanted to use a chair with a low top line so the Target product on the table could be seen and featured. I was wearing two hats: Product Stylist and Event Decorator.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20dinner%20table%201.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20dinner%20table%201.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Art of the Feast party</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">designed by Valorie Hart</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br />I added oversize tissue paper spheres everywhere! I chose hot spicy colors. The lovely courtyard is muted and monochromatic, and I wanted to inject a feeling of festive Summer fun by using color.<br /><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20tables%205.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20tables%205.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Over size tissue spheres</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20tissue%20balls.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20tissue%20balls.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A garden of tissue spheres</span><br /></div><br /><br />For the table: I chose to leave the tables bare, to show off the gorgeous teak wood finish. I added Thomas O'Brien dinnerware from Target, and tea towels from <a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/">Dwell Studio </a>for Target for napkins. I love mixing the sophisticated pattern and color Dwell uses. More Smith & Hawken zinc lanterns were used on the tables, and ceramic pots (also S & H) were used for bright bouquets made by <span style="font-size:180%;">Tommy's Flower Shop in the French Quarter (533 Rue St. Louis, 504 522-65630.</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Target%20flowers%201.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Target%20flowers%201.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/">Dwell Studio </a>dish towels were used as napkins</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Target%20flowers%202.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Target%20flowers%202.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Bouquets on the table by Tommy's Flowers</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />In another part of the courtyard, I replaced the homeowners lounge furniture with a fabulous teak set from Target.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-house%202%20courtyard.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-house%202%20courtyard.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Courtyard #2 - Before</span><br /><br /></div>There is an incredible terra cotta stucco wall in the courtyard, that gave me my color cue. I requested rusty orange cushions and umbrella. I mixed in navy blue accessories. I think orange and navy look so sophisticated and fresh together.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20living%20room.%201JPG.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20living%20room.%201JPG.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Smith & Hawken outdoor living room styled by Valorie Hart</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br />The product designer asked that I incorporate garden tools along with the planters, furniture, and another accessories. Sure thing! I knew there were all these existing metal trellises in the flower beds, so I hung the tools on each of them. I think it made for a very pretty product shot!<br /></div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20garden%20tools%202.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20garden%20tools%202.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Smith & Hawken garden tools styled by Valorie Hart</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20blue%20throw.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20blue%20throw.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">You can get all these pretty things at Target</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A ton of ginormous planters were sent for each courtyard. I didn't have the budget to buy mass amounts of plants for them. So when I could, I popped the home owner's existing plants into the planters. When that wasn't possible, I "made" plants by using a few cases of cut lemon leaves and leather leaf fern stuffed into to Oasis floral foam. These florist fillers are often maligned, but I loved them because they withstood the annihilating heat!!!!<br /><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20umbrella.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20umbrella.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Cut greens were "potted" into oversize Smith & Hawken planters</span><br /><br /></div><br />Let's look at the courtyard again the day I went for the first walk through...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-eslie%20pool.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-eslie%20pool.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Art of the Feast - Before</span><br /></div><br /><br />And here's the same view on the night of the party. An extra table had to be added at the last moment for extra guests coming. I always go from plan A to Z with a smile. I had to pull a couple of rental tables from other uses, and juggle the seating arrangement. I visually pulled it all together.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20all%20tables%201.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Target%20all%20tables%201.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Art of the Feast - After</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />But wait!!!! There's still one more courtyard to go to for dessert!!!! The guests walked two doors down for more fun.<br /></div></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/house%203%20courtyard.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/house%203%20courtyard.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Courtyard #3 - Before</span><br /><br /><br /></div>Courtyard #3 belongs to someone many of us bloggers know and love. She's my fellow "New New" as she calls us, someone from New York and New Orleans. Her home was used for dessert. Again this third courtyard is a tiny gem, so a bar was set up there, and some seating for anyone wanting some sultry romantic ambiance. So the dessert buffet done by <a href="http://www.shopsucre.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;">Sucre </span></a>was set up on the dining table. Do you recognize it?<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Deb%20DR%203.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Deb%20DR%203.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Dessert at house #3</span><br /><br /></div><br />I used garden ornaments from Smith & Hawken on the table: peacocks for whimsy, and mini birdbaths to hold macaroons.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Deb%20NOCCA%20desserts%201.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 622px; height: 465px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Deb%20NOCCA%20desserts%201.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.shopsucre.com/">Sucre</a> did the macaroon topiary!</span><br /><br /></div><br />Small pastel bouquets were placed around the sitting room...Tommy's did these too (and all the flowers for all three homes).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Deb%20book.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Deb%20book.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Here's a total hint of whose house we are in!</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Deb%20gift%20bags.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Deb%20gift%20bags.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Target handed out swell SWAG bags, that were placed all along the stairway<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>Of course I styled up the coutyard in this house too. The house is very French, so I chose things from Target accordingly.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/house%203%20courtyard%20B.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/house%203%20courtyard%20B.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Just to remind you of courtyard #3 - Before</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Strings of copper shaded lights were festooned overhead, like the ones you often see in courtyards, restaurants, and even over narrow streets in Europe. Ceramic garden stools (from Target) took the place of larger furniture (and they have lights in the bottom!). Zinc lanterns were place around the courtyard. As night fell, I wanted the courtyard to twinkle, to be magical.<br /><br />I had to "borrow" the linen covered table that was supposed to be the bar for the overflow of dinner guests at courtyard #2. So I used the owner's kithcen table as the bar, with a huge Smith & Hawken copper hose bowl for iced bottles of Proseco, and copper boot trays for glasses.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Deb%20courtyard%209.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Deb%20courtyard%209.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Courtyard #2 - After</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Deb%20courtyard%207.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-Deb%20courtyard%207.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Lights strung overhead were magical</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Deb%20courtyard%206.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Deb%20courtyard%206.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">French style peacocks, copper pots, zinc lanterns - all from Smith & Hawken</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Deb%20courtyard%204.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Deb%20courtyard%204.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Styled for a product shot, but still cute for the party</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Whew! Just reading all this and looking at all the pictures must have worn you out!!!!<br /><br />I loved every minute of this project, and I hope you enjoyed a little insight into my work world, and I hope you got some good ideas to use for your next party. Do check out Target and get some of these things. The summer sales are in full swing, and there is still alot of summer entertaining to do.<br /><br />And speaking of summer entertaining, go on over to <span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/2011/06/outtakes-from-a-backyard-bash-.html">Eddie Ross </a></span>and read about his backyard bash. Alberto and I went to it a year ago!!! How fast another summer has rolled along.<br /></div></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-eddie%204th%20party.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 612px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/N-eddie%204th%20party.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/2011/06/outtakes-from-a-backyard-bash-.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Eddie Ross Backyard Bash</span></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual+vamp+woman%27s+day.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual+vamp+woman%27s+day.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/2011/06/outtakes-from-a-backyard-bash-.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">We bloggers were all there one year ago!</span><br /></a></div><br /><br />All photos of Art of the Feast by Valorie Hart<br />Except dessert buffet - photo by Sucre<br />Read more <span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.nola.com/homegarden/index.ssf/2011/06/leslie_and_hal_stokes_open_the.html">HERE</a></span>Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-23139740508926058282011-06-27T19:35:00.001-05:002011-06-27T19:38:27.478-05:00Two Houses Made Into One Fabulous HomeA few months ago I posted a reader's home (<a href="http://visualvamp.blogspot.com/2010/07/kellie-and-marc.html">Kellie and Marc</a>). It is a wonderfully designed space that we all enjoyed seeing. As I have gotten to know Kellie better, I have found out that she comes from a family of designing women.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/kellie+white+drapes.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 511px; height: 721px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/kellie+white+drapes.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The home of Kellie and Marc <a href="http://visualvamp.blogspot.com/2010/07/kellie-and-marc.html">HERE</a></span><br /><br /></div><br />There are four daughters (Kellie, Maggie, Sara, Jenni), each one a decor maven with one house cuter than the other, and each one looks very different in decor personality. But all share put together looks that anyone of us would love.<br /><br />Knowing that my own design awareness came from my mother, I asked Kellie about her mom. And sure enough the mother of this family of designing women is the inspiration for all of the daughters.<br /><br />You know I had to see Mom's house. Her name is Jill, and she has made a career out of making the family home unique and beautiful. All the daughters are grown with homes of their own, so Jill has recently made an empty nest for her and hubby Peter that all the daughters and sons-in-law and the five grandchildren love to fill.<span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125);"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20front%203.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20front%203.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Two single shotgun houses made into one home</span><br /><br /></div><br />Jill's house is unique from the get-go. She took two old falling down single shotgun houses that were on lots so narrow that you could almost touch the house next door. I love the way she used color and repetitive elements to visually join two houses together as one.<br /><br />The center "bridge" addition connecting the two old houses is genius. It is meant to be the front door, but the family secret is that they all use the door on the house on the left side.The brick courtyard was made from bricks that came from fireplaces that had to be knocked out. Jill is an amazing re-cycler, and up-cycler extraordinaire.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125);"> </span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20bricks*.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20bricks*.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The "bridge" addition between the two houses</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So let's go in! The first room you come into is in house #1, and it is a precious little sitting room. Jill combines vintage and antique pieces to great effect, a classic shabby chic cottage style that is familiar and beloved.<br /><br />Pale wall colors and dark wood floors work beautifully, and for the most part Jill keeps the palette soft.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20front%20sitting%20room.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20front%20sitting%20room.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The sitting room</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The sitting room segues shotgun house style into the master bedroom and bath. This creates a master suite effect in one whole house.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20master%20BR.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20master%20BR.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">LOVE the deep ruffle linen bedspread in the master bedroom</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20BR%20dresser.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20BR%20dresser.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A vintage dresser and mirror in the master bedroom - perfect!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Walking through a door from the sitting room, you enter the "bridge". This is where the living room and dining area are. It is an ingenious use of space. There are French doors at both ends of the "bridge" that let in plenty of light.<br /><br />There is a collection of vintage mirrors hung over the couch, which adds a reflective element that makes the narrow space expand visually. Jill has many charming groupings of collections placed around the house.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20LR.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20LR.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The living room</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20clocks.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20clocks.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A chest at the entrance and a collection of vintage clocks</span><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20LR2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20LR2.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A view to the back set of French doors</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20chaise%20detail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20chaise%20detail.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I love the chenille bedspread on the chaise with the jewel holding it in place</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20LR3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20LR3.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">White chenille chaise</span><br /></div><br /><br />Walking across "the bridge" you enter house #2, which has two guest rooms and a bath, and the kitchen.<br /><br />Each guest bedroom is furnished with sweet textiles and mementos. There is a framed shadow box with a purse in it! It belonged to Jill's mother, the girls' grandmother. They said grandmother carried that purse everyday of her life that they remember. The photo over the bed is of the grandmother.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20guest%20room2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20guest%20room2.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The slip cover scallop shape headboard is so pretty</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20granny%27s%20purse.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20granny%27s%20purse.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Grandmother's purse framed in a shadow box</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20guest%20room.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20guest%20room.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Bookshelves artfully filled with good stuff</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20green%20BR%20bed.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20green%20BR%20bed.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The second guest bedroom</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20green%20BR.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20green%20BR.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Love the pink and green!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">At the back end of the "bridge" there is an opening to the kitchen (house #2). Jill opted for a clean classic country look. White marble counter tops and painted white cabinets are a look we all love. Jill did this seven years ago. She painted one accent wall in blackboard paint so the grand kids can scribble.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20kitchen.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20kitchen.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Jill's classic country kitchen</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20kitchen%20sink.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20kitchen%20sink.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">White marble counter tops</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20pink%20mixer2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20pink%20mixer2.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The pink mixer has never been used, so it's home for a pretty plant!</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20kitchen%20cabinet%20detail2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20kitchen%20cabinet%20detail2.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A little black cupboard in the kitchen</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Let's go out the back door to the garden! Here you can see alot of clever recycling.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20back%20of%20house.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20back%20of%20house.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Back of the two joined houses leading to the yard</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20porch%20fountain.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20porch%20fountain.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Jill made the fountain out of odds and ends</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20garden%20bed.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20garden%20bed.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The raised flower bed</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">complete with headboard</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20garden%20shed.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20garden%20shed.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The little yellow shed is a playhouse for the grand kids</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20shed%20detail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20shed%20detail.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">LOVE the lady head planter...</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20sink%20fountain.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20sink%20fountain.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">...and the old working sink </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />So what do you think? Have you ever seen anything more clever or more cute? It's like two dollhouses to play in!<br /><br />I have been promised a house tour of the three other daughters, and I can hardly wait. I can see why all the girls love decorating and are so good at it.<br /><br />Growing up with Jill, who is the resourceful and artistic visionary of the family, has created a decorating dynasty! And Peter and Marc and all the other husbands love what their designing women come up with, and lend helping hands and willing hearts.<br /></div></div>Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-10279044307111427162011-06-22T09:57:00.003-05:002011-06-22T10:19:41.532-05:00Midnight At Deyrolle In Paris<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/deyrolle%20midnight%20in%20paris.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/deyrolle%20midnight%20in%20paris.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Midnight In Paris</span> <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1605783/">HERE</a><br /></div><br /><br />Have you ever wanted to live in another era, in another time in the past? Do you feel you were born too late? Do you love to wear vintage clothes, watch old movies, listen to golden age music, or decorate your home with antiques and vintage things?<br /><br />When I was a young girl I was obsessed with time travel and "olden times". I think this came from a love for my grandmother and her home. To me it was a treasure trove of all the things I didn't have in the home I shared with my parents. Everything was mysterious and glam and funny and interesting. And my grandmother was so kooky and indulgent, and she wore bright red lipstick, to which I have been hooked on since I started to wear make-up.<br /><br />I have had many favorite eras. For some reason Paris and artists always played a part.<br /><br />Imaginary scene #1: Paris in La Belle Epoque, picture me a courtesan, a model for Toulouse Lautrec. I didn't exactly know what a courtesan was, but I knew Greta Garbo played one called Camille.<br /><br />Imaginary scene #2: Paris in the 1920's. I was a madcap, an artists model, a glamorous bohemian.<br /><br />Real scene # 1: New York in the 1970's. I was an art student (and an artists model, working my way through art school) shopping the vintage clothes stores like Bogies and Trash and Vaudeville, slinking around town in bias cut chiffon dresses from the 1930's, and dancing in beaded dresses from the 1920's until they literally fell to pieces on the dance floor. I furnished my apartments with deco before it was deco, and listened to Billie Holiday on old record players.<br /><br />Real scene #2: New York in the 1980's. I slowly left planet nostalgia as I segued into my rock and roll life. But no matter what era I felt drawn to, as a young person I felt born in the wrong time and maybe even in the wrong place.<br /><br />I always imagined myself living my old age looking like Colette and living in Paris surrounded by young people at my feet listening to me tell stories of my interesting life.<br /><br />Real scene #3: Alberto and I have stolen away for some afternoon delight, which means stealing away to a dark movie theater in New Orleans on a hot humid weekday afternoon. The movie: Woody Allen's 41st film Midnight In Paris.<br /><br />To say I enjoyed this is an understatement. When you know every location, every artist, every writer, every reference, every Zelig like moment, the delight just creeps in everywhere, until you laugh and glow with recognition.<br /><br />I know you will all love this frolic, this fluff, this mash note to Paris.<br /><br />Oh yes, one last scene: New Orleans today, and me smiling at the mantra I picked up from Baba Ram Das in the 1970's: Be Here Now. And I am. Joyously.<br /><br />And here's a little visual round up of one of the locations that made me smile the most. It is Deyrolle. Since the resurgence of taxidermy in current decor, Deyrolle has become known to decorators and bloggers. What a treat to to see a party scene take place in Deyrolle in Midnight In Paris! It was a perfect mix of fantasy, glam, and wit! I wish I could throw a party for all of you there.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/deyrolle%20bunnies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 521px; height: 730px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/deyrolle%20bunnies.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Little animals frolic forever at Deyrolle</span><br /><br /></div><br />It was especially nice to see Deyrolle filmed so beautifully, restored after a tragic fire there just a couple of years ago. Deyrolle is such a beloved place in Paris, that a zillionaire and many artists came to its rescue allowing it to be restored in record time. I love that Woody Allen chose this for a location, perhaps obscure to most movie viewers, but not to my fellow visual vamps!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/deyrolle%20sign.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 516px; height: 688px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/deyrolle%20sign.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Deyrolle when it burned</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/15/arts/design/15taxi.html"> via</a><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/deyrolle%20group.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/deyrolle%20group.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.deyrolle.com/magazine/">Deyrolle</a><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/deyrolle%20townhouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 560px; height: 375px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/deyrolle%20townhouse.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">You can see what a great Parisian house Deyrolle is in</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So what is your favorite era in the past that you would like to live in? And did you see Midnight In Paris?<br /><br /></div></div>Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-25516584861442870752011-06-19T09:56:00.001-05:002011-06-19T10:37:16.864-05:00Alberto Says It Best<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/MI-VIEJO.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 340px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/MI-VIEJO.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Alberto when he was a young man, with his father</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />From the blog RADIO DEL TANGO:<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">In the beginning God used water and dirt to create life. Since then,<br />fathers and sons have continued the eternal ritual of growing up and<br />multiplying.<br /><br />It is true that the seed needs the fertile ground to sprout, but the<br />tree that results from that union, only grows and becomes strong<br />because it knows that it is its destiny to give shade to the land<br />where it germinated.<br /><br />The paternal figure is alarmingly absent from the ethos of the tango,<br />perhaps because of the circumstances of the period were it began its<br />genesis without a father.<br /><br />Not so, in other musical expressions from diverse regions around the country.<br /><br />Astor Piazzolla, raised in New York, brought the figure of the father<br />to the tango in a very poignant way when he wrote his masterpiece<br />Adios Nonino, in memory of his father who passed away in Argentina<br />while Astor was working in North America.<br /><br />I pay tribute to my own deceased father and to my boy who's now a man<br />and a dad, and my girl who's now a woman.<br />To all the dads in the reach of our embrace, happy day and I hope you<br />at least enjoy the music...<br /><br />Go to this link:<br /><a href="http://radiodeltango.wordpress.com/2011/06/18/my-old-man-was-a-good-guy/" target="_blank">http://radiodeltango.wordpress.com/2011/06/18/my-old-man-was-a-good-guy</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/BMW%20Alberto.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/BMW%20Alberto.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Happy Father's Day Alberto!</span><br /><br />PS The Vamp here...That marvelous voice of the DJ is Alberto<br /></div>Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-72908521740816241032011-06-17T16:20:00.009-05:002011-06-18T09:42:28.797-05:00Velvet and Linen, Brooke and Steve Giannetti In Veranda!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/steve%20&%20brooke%20in%20veranda.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/steve%20&%20brooke%20in%20veranda.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://brookegiannetti.typepad.com/">Velvet and Linen</a> in the July/August 2011 issue of Veranda</span><br /></div><br /><br />I just got the July/August issue of Veranda and woo-to-the-hoo, blogger Brooke Giannetti and her husband <a href="http://giannettiarchitects.com/Giannetti/Welcome.html">Steve</a> have their beach house in the issue! And Steve did the drop dead gorgeous photography (with Lisa Romerin). There are eight fab pages to swoon over!<br /><br />I love these two! So a big smooch and a heartfelt congratulations to them!<br /><br />Get your issue and a glass of wine and kick back and have a Happy Weekend!Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-81036427689512578942011-06-17T00:00:00.001-05:002011-06-17T00:00:05.106-05:00Visual Vamp Shops Copy Cats And More<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/who%20dad.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 470px; height: 470px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/who%20dad.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />We all know what Sunday is. If you live in New Orleans pick up this cute T-shirt for your daddy from<span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.fleurtygirl.net/whodad.html"> Fleurty Girl</a></span> on Magazine or Oak Street.<br /><br />Or give him a card telling him you ordered one these great copy cat high end designer lamps from<span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://shop.ebay.com/haiyu125/m.html?_trksid=p4340.l2562"> HERE</a></span><br /><br />The gold gun lamp is a copy cat version of a gold plated one that sells for $1756. This one sells for $129. It's very gangsta chic, and even though I am not a gun lover, I love this lamp.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20shops%20gold%20gun%20lamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 495px; height: 499px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20shops%20gold%20gun%20lamp.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I have loved these black rabbit Mooi lamps ever since I saw them at Biba Italia in New York two years ago. They retail for around $500. You can get these cute copy cats for only $99. each!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20shops%20mooi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 471px; height: 432px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20shops%20mooi.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Mooi copy cat black rabbit lamps</span><br /><br /></div><br />And who doesn't love the Bourgie lamp? Ranging in price from 300 something to 900 something each, this copy cat is only $129.!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20shops%20bourgie%20lamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 369px; height: 389px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20shops%20bourgie%20lamp.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Bourgie lamp copy cat</span></div><br /><br />All of these darling copy cats come directly from China from a reliable source <span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://shop.ebay.com/haiyu125/m.html?_trksid=p4340.l2562">HERE.</a></span><br /><br />Of course if you can afford the real thing, have it at!<br />And last but not least, I got this adorable pillow for my guest room <span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/01-EMBROIDERED-PILLOW-DO-COME-BACK-/400089759000?pt=Decorative_Pillows&hash=item5d27353d18">HERE,</a></span> because we are having company this summer. My sister is coming in July for my birthday, and my dear friend Michael Pelkey is coming in August!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Visual%20Vamp%20do%20come%20back%20pillow.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Visual%20Vamp%20do%20come%20back%20pillow.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">"Do come back pillow" at casa Visual Vamp</span><br /><br /></div>Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-78264124775175650412011-06-16T11:45:00.000-05:002011-06-16T11:45:46.448-05:00Chair Audition<span style="font-style: italic;">Dear <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" href="http://annechovie.blogspot.com">Annechovie,</a> You don't know me. I'm a little orange velvet chair, your biggest fan who loves all the portraits of chairs you do. Would you please do one of me?</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">I will sit very still and not talk like Mary McDonald on <a href="www.bravotv.com/million-dollar-decorators">Million Dollar Decorators.</a></span> <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20orange%20chair%20portrait.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20orange%20chair%20portrait.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Are you listening Anne?</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Can I be your muse?</span><br /></div><br /><br />The Vamp here....I just got a pair of these beauties.<br /><br />I am inspired by this piece of art by Anne Harwell of Annechovie. So much so that I use it for my business card that she designed. I guess I have a thing for orange chairs!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/VH%20card%202.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/VH%20card%202.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I also love old French frames on chairs, upholstered in velvet. So the chairs in this perfect French Quarter dollhouse also tickled my fancy.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20deb%20shriver%27s%20house%20A.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20deb%20shriver%27s%20house%20A.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">photo by Valorie Hart at the home Deb & Jerry Shriver <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Magnolias-Tales-Orleans-Courtyard/dp/0982379919">HERE</a><br /></span></div><br /><br />And I love strong color on a traditional chair. And nobody does it better than <a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://tobifairley.com/blog/">Tobi Fairley.</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/tobi%20fairley%20green%20chairs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/tobi%20fairley%20green%20chairs.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Tobi Fairley's fab green chairs</span> <a href="http://tobifairley.com/blog/2011/before-after-tobis-living-room/"><span style="font-style: italic;">HERE</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br />I also just got these cute cute cute boxes of matches from Annechovie! Treat yourself them!<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/annechovie%20matches.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/annechovie%20matches.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Matches by Anne Harwell, Annchovie <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/annechovie">HERE</a></span> </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20whole%20space%20no%20flash.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20whole%20space%20no%20flash.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Pair of orange velvet chairs in the home of Visual Vamp Valorie Hart</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Isn't my chair a good muse for Anne Harwell?<br /></div><br /></div>Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-21688374315556374212011-06-14T08:45:00.004-05:002011-06-14T08:50:11.424-05:00Raggly<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/thornton%20dial%20raggly%20flag.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 573px; height: 354px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/thornton%20dial%20raggly%20flag.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">"Raggly Flag" by Thornton Dial</span></div><div> </div><br /><br />Today is Flag Day.<br /><br />When I was in school we had to write a composition entitled "What Does The Flag Mean To You". It was a lesson in civics and history.<br /><br />When you are a child you don't really think about the meaning of flags. You might learn to identify flags of different countries, maybe a first visual association with a world larger than your own.<br /><br />In the 1970's I was fond of the saying "Let your freak flag fly".<br /><br />Flags get all wrapped up in politics, self identification, emotion and pride for sure. Who doesn't get a lump in their throat when the national anthem is played and the colors are trouped out?<br /><br />So I give you an image today of a painting by Thornton Dial called "Raggly Flag". Thornton Dial is an excellent example the American dream. He is an artist, self taught, who started painting later in life. Today he is considered one of the most important artists of the 21st century. I love his work.<br /><br />People all over the world reinvent themselves during their lifetimes. Ditto for self made women and men. But somehow this idea of having the freedom to be anything you want at anytime in your life rings truest and perhaps the loudest when people think of the USA.<br /><br />So today I salute my flag, and let my freak fly, grateful and proud.<br /><br />I encourage you to check out Thornton Dial. If you live in Indianapolis the museum of art there is doing an important exhibit of a life time of his incredible work. Read more <span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.imamuseum.org/exhibition/hard-truths-art-thornton-dial">HERE.<br /></a></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/thornton%20dial%20book%201.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/thornton%20dial%20book%201.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Get this book on Thornton Dial <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thornton-Dial-21st-Century-Arnett/dp/097191043X">HERE</a></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/thornton%20dial%20book%202.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/thornton%20dial%20book%202.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">This is a new Thornton Dial book<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3791350587/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=097191043X&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0EDA4CBY0TAG3MKGQMDV"> HERE</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And if you are one of those blessed art collectors you can buy this work of art <span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190543051329#vi-content">HERE.</a></span> If I had the money I would buy Thornton Dial for love and for the investment.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://planet-tango.com/Valorie/thornton%20dial%20eBay.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 600px;" src="http://planet-tango.com/Valorie/thornton%20dial%20eBay.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">For sale: Thornton Dial oil on paper - 30 x 44</span> </div>Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-33337837912923071952011-06-10T09:28:00.000-05:002011-06-10T09:28:17.431-05:00Mary Kay Andrews Summer Rental - It's Her House!<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span>Many of you know about Mary Kay Andrews new book <span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Rental-Mary-Kay-Andrews/dp/0312642695">"Summer Rental".</a></span> It is the best beach read for sure.<br /><br />I was at <span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/">Joni's</a></span> the other day, engrossed in one of her long and interesting posts, gladly going down the rabbit hole of her tangents, when at the very end of the post she mentioned Mary Kay's book with a <a href="http://www.breezeinncottage.com/">link to site that rents</a> Mary Kay's actual summer home, Breeze Inn Cottage on Tybee Island (thank you Joni).<br /><br />Well it is too cute for words, and it is certainly one summer rental that does not require a make-over! I captured the images for you from the web site <span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:180%;" ><a href="http://www.breezeinncottage.com/">HERE.</a></span> I wish the images were larger, but I think you will be able to see how darling this house is. And I love the captions! I wonder if Mary Kay wrote them.<br /><br />And the house is pet friendly! I would love to rent this house for at least a month! Wouldn't you???!!!<br /><br />Enjoy! And Happy Weekend!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/mary%20kay%201.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 245px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/mary%20kay%201.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/mary%20kay%202.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 253px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/mary%20kay%202.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/mary%20kay%203.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 260px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/mary%20kay%203.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://planet-tango.com/Valorie/mary%20kay%204.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 238px;" src="http://planet-tango.com/Valorie/mary%20kay%204.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Mary%20Kay%205.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 273px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Mary%20Kay%205.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Mary%20Kay%206.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 261px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Mary%20Kay%206.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Mary%20Kay%207.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 264px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Mary%20Kay%207.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Mary%20Kay%208.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 249px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Mary%20Kay%208.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/mary%20kay%209.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 251px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/mary%20kay%209.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Mary%20Kay%2010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 263px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Mary%20Kay%2010.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Breeze%20Inn2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 671px; height: 303px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Breeze%20Inn2.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-82724361486370233862011-06-09T18:59:00.001-05:002011-06-09T19:00:54.394-05:00Jill Sharp Brinson Has Ideas<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20sharp%20brinson%20idea%20board.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 647px; height: 466px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/jill%20sharp%20brinson%20idea%20board.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Idea board for Style Studio by Jill Sharp Brinson</span><br /><br /><br /></div><br />I know you all remember Jill Sharp Brinson. She had one of the hottest covers ever to grace House Beautiful, and burned up the blogosphere acquiring hundreds of blog admirers along the way.<br /><br />She is the creative director at Ballard Designs, as well being a wonderful interior designer, product developer, and star stylist.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.ballardstylestudio.com/featured-designers/clever-corkboards-by-jill-sharp-brinson/">HERE</a></span> is a link to a feature she did at the Style Studio over at Ballard about what I call idea and inspiration boards.<br /><br />I love a good idea board, don't you? They often become evolving collages that are very much like a work of art. Even with our desktop on our computers, nothing takes the place of a good old fashion tactile inspiration board. Do you have one?Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-75214624177791308242011-06-08T09:35:00.003-05:002011-06-08T09:40:25.348-05:00A Pair Of Stinky TablesI recently was given a gift of a pair of 18th century Swedish Gustavian demilune tables! They are gorgeous! What a score!<br /><br />Until I got a whiff of them. These tables are notorious for having been sold by the best antique dealer in town to a lady for $5,000 or so. The dealer had fumigated the tables with a chemical to get rid of wormwood, and all seemed well, until the tables were enclosed in the customer's house, letting off the most awful stinky stink. Of course the tables were returned.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20swedish%20table%20anne%20harwell.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20swedish%20table%20anne%20harwell.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The once stinky Swedish table in the home of the Visual Vamp</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I spy an</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/annechovie"> Anne Harwell</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span>painting!</span><br /><br /></div><br /><br />They kicked around at a huge discount to a number of local decor mavens. A thick coat of white Kilz paint was applied. But still the stinky tables, as they have become affectionately known, were returned to the seller time after time.<br /><br />The seller was moving and I always loved these tables, so he just gave them to me knowing I was fully aware of the issues.<br /><br />The smell really was intense. Like chemical urine. It had seeped into the centuries old wood, and the prevailing humidity in New Orleans did not help matters. They even stunk up my back enclosed patio area outside, and they nearly gassed the poor seller when he drove them over to my house in his SUV, even with the windows open!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20swedish%20table%20will%20barnett.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20swedish%20table%20will%20barnett.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">18th century Swedish demilune table with 1960's mod table layered under it</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">photo: Visual Vamp</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">living room</span><br /><br /><br /></div><br /></div>I had nothing to lose so I did some <a href="http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Treating_wood_worm_infestations.html"></a>Google research. The underside of the tables had been left unpainted, and unfinished. Basically bare wood. So I doused it with white vinegar and waited 24 hours. The tables didn't smell as bad, but they smelled like a giant pickle. Then a kind person emailed me a suggestion to use denatured alcohol. I doused the tables a couple of times, again with 24 hours in between treatments. This worked the best, but the stinky stink crept back, though much more faint. But even faint, trust me you do not want to smell this in your house!<br /><br />My next trick was to spray them with a citrus orange oil room deodorizer. Again I waited 24 hours. This worked really well, as the oil soaked into the wood, and took over as the top note.<br />Then I painted the undersides of each table with three coats of white Kilz paint, and touched up the rest of the tables with more Kilz. I waited 24 hours. I sniffed them. They did not stink!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20LR%20%20swedish%20tables%202%20.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20LR%20%20swedish%20tables%202%20.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Glorious Swedish demilune tables at chez Visual Vamp!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I took this photo at 7 AM this morning</span><br /></div><br /><br />So I brought them in the house! Even though I am not an antiques maven, I seem to have alot of antique pieces in my vampy mix. I do love antiques, but I am not one for the strict period look of a room. So far so good. The tables are magnificent, and once in awhile I get a whiff of orange blossoms. I have sprayed them with Lysol, and this has helped tone down the orange scent too, and I think this stinky pair has at long last been tamed to be able to live indoors.<br /><br /><br /><br />And for the fun of it, here is a mini round up look book of some antique Swedish demilune tables.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/swedish%20house%20brooke.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 462px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/swedish%20house%20brooke.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">From Velvet and Linen <a href="http://brookegiannetti.typepad.com/velvet_and_linen/2008/12/another-serene-swedish-home.html">HERE </a>- Brooke is the Swedish expert for sure</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/swedish%20house%202.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 580px; height: 740px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/swedish%20house%202.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">via La Pouyette </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://lapouyette-unddiedingedeslebens.blogspot.com/2011/01/decorative-antiques-textiles-fair.html">HERE</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">My pair of demilunes have brackets on the back so I can make one round table</span><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/swedish%20house%201.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 599px; height: 616px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/swedish%20house%201.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">From Inspiring Interiors <a href="http://inspiracionline.blogspot.com/2010/10/connecticutt-waterfront-house.html">HERE</a></span><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/swedish%20table%20house%20beautiful.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 560px; height: 660px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/swedish%20table%20house%20beautiful.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">via House Beautiful</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/swedish%20demi%20lune%20tables.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/swedish%20demi%20lune%20tables.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">via Karina Gentinetta<a href="http://karinagentinetta.blogspot.com/2011/02/lookbook.html"> HERE</a></span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20LR%20swedish%20tables.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20LR%20swedish%20tables.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Visual Vamp 18th century demilune tables</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Do you guys have any stinky furniture stories and solutions to share?</span><br /></div></div>Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-2504432292508578512011-06-07T12:56:00.000-05:002011-06-07T12:56:45.185-05:00Da Winner! Arcadian Lighting Giveaway<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/winner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 500px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/winner.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://coconutsandlimes.blogspot.com/">LINDA LIME IN THE COCONUT!</a> Go get your prize!<br /><br />Contact: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://us.mc1614.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=calvin.c@arcadianhome.com">calvin.c@arcadianhome.com</a><br /><br />Tell him the Vamp sent you!<br /><br />Thanks everyone for playing along. I will try to get more great giveaways like this one.<br /><br />And a huge THANKS to <span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/">Arcadian Lighting</a></span> for such a generous giveaway!<br /><br />And now that so many of you checked out what great stuff they have, go back there and shop!Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-32757751825891926852011-06-06T06:44:00.000-05:002011-06-06T06:44:33.257-05:00A Really Good Giveaway! Really! Last Day Today!<span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Update: Winner will be chosen tomorrow! You can still leave a comment to win! xo xo<br /></span><br />There are so many giveaways on blogs these days! They really are the best way to win great free stuff, but I can imagine that some are better than others.<br /><br />I think we have a really good giveaway today courtesy of<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/">Arcadian Lighting.</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span>They have done a couple of really nice guest blog posts, so I asked if they might do a giveaway for all of you, and they said yes!<br /><br />The value is up to $300.! You get to pick anything you want from their site that costs up to $300.<br /><br />It is a huge site with a zillion things, so I picked out a few things I think we decor bloggers might like.<br /><br />To win the giveaway, please leave a comment that will be chosen at random. I will give you the contact at Arcadian Lighting to collect your prize! Please visit their web site too, and take a look for something you would like (and tell us what you found!).<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/arcadian%20table.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 896px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/arcadian%20table.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Uptown round side table - $159.99<a href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/ix-60804.html"> HERE</a></span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/arcadian%20mirror.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/arcadian%20mirror.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Candice Olson mirror $190.99 </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/ppg-6581.html">HERE</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/arcadian%20lantern.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/arcadian%20lantern.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">For all you Cote de Texas girls! Savoy House lantern $228. <a href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/svh-5-145-13.html">HERE</a></span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/arcadian%20lamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/arcadian%20lamp.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">Cyan Design table lamp $192.50 <a href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/cn-04375.html">HERE</a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/arcadian%20cart.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 540px; height: 558px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/arcadian%20cart.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">So cute for a bar set up! Cyan Design rolling cart $295. <a href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/cn-02789.html">HERE</a></span><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/arcadian%20%20stool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 492px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/arcadian%20%20stool.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This comes in other colors - Cyan Designs ceramic stool $205. </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/cn-03003.html">HERE </a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Come on and enter this really good giveaway! Leave as many comments as you like!</span><br /></div></div>Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com96tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-61326546357060593282011-05-31T11:11:00.000-05:002011-05-31T11:11:22.662-05:00French Twist<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20Cue%20French%20Twist.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 800px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20Cue%20French%20Twist.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">CUE Magazine June 2011 - interior decoration by Valorie Hart</span><br /></div><br /><br />I have been writing about one of my projects <a href="http://visualvamp.blogspot.com/search/label/Behind%20Closed%20Doors">HERE,</a> and have the great fortune to have it recently published in the June 2011 issue of CUE magazine<span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/cue-june-2011/Content?oid=1727242"> HERE.</a></span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20Cue%20living%20room.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 800px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20Cue%20living%20room.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's been a wonderful project, and it is so nice to see it published. Writer Lee Cutrone did a great job of telling the story; photographer Greg Miles took amazing photos; editor Missy Wilkinson steered the story and layout to an amazing result.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20Cue%20bedroom.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 920px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20Cue%20bedroom.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20Cue%20bedroom%202.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 800px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20Cue%20bedroom%202.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Thanks to perch. for the support and gorgeous fabrics and furnishings. And thanks to <a href="http://sketch42blog.com/">Nicole Cohen of Sketch42</a> for the rock star tray she made for this project.<br /><br />Some things did not make it on page, like a credit for <a href="http://perchneworleans.blogspot.com/2009/10/perch-is-proud-to-announce-artist-jack.html">Jack Mayberry</a> who was commissioned to do the awesome painting in the living room shot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20Cue%20exterior.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 800px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20Cue%20exterior.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/cue-june-2011/Content?oid=1727242">CUE</a> is the pride of New Orleans, the local lifestyle magazine that could hold its own on the national level with its excellent features on fashion and home decor. And I am always very proud when they include me!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/barb%20angel%202.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/barb%20angel%202.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Alas, the dining room ended up on the cutting room floor</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It didn't fit in with the layout<br />But I wanted to show you a picture from my records<br />A new Louis St. Lewis painting was added...<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/barb%20angel%201.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/barb%20angel%201.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>..<span style="font-style: italic;">.and of course that wonderful <a href="http://sergemouille.com/">Mouille</a> chandelier </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">with the Milo Baughman chairs reupholstered in Kelly Wearstler fabric</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I'm sure Greg the photographer has better photos</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">than I took with my "Barbie" digital camera ha ha</span><br /></div>Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-69690626151385145752011-05-30T10:16:00.003-05:002011-05-30T10:20:55.555-05:00Summer Rental<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20nags%20head%20cottage%202.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20nags%20head%20cottage%202.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Summer Rental in Nags Head</span><br /><br /></div><br />It's the first unofficial week/weekend of Summer! How many of you have a Summer rental?<br />In New York it is very common to rent a place by the beach (Hamptons or Jersey Shore) for the Summer. The wife and kids go for most of the Summer, and the husband commutes there on weekends.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20nags%20head%20cottage%20row.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20nags%20head%20cottage%20row.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Cottage Row in Nags Head<a href="http://reflectionsbythesea.blogspot.com/2010/11/cottage-row.html"> via</a></span><br /></div><br /><br />Singles may take a share in a house, and alternate weekends. Or sometimes a family might rent a beach house for a week or two of Summer vacation.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20nags%20head%20cottage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20nags%20head%20cottage.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Beach cottage in Nags Head</span><br /></div><br /><br />Rental houses can be funky. When I rented in the Hamptons I would load up the car with Limoges china, silver plate flatware, stacks of sheets for make-do slip covers and curtains, new lampshades, art work, and good beach towels and nice sheets for the beds.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20summer%20rental%20interior.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 330px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20summer%20rental%20interior.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">How would you makeover this Summer rental? <a href="http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p124709">via</a></span><br /></div><br /><br />When I finally bought a little house, it was decorated all in white. It was a cottage and so cute.<br />Now we don't do a Summer rental. Summer mornings in New Orleans are like being at the beach. You can feel the sea air from the Gulf, and the river and humidity keep things feeling tropical.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/viusal%20vamp%20nags%20head%20street.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/viusal%20vamp%20nags%20head%20street.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Nags Head street</span><br /></div><br /><br />The morning light is gentle, and the air is soft. It's the perfect time to enjoy our newly refurbished patio and yard, and take a cup of coffee and book and sit outside and pretend I'm at the beach.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/val+east+hampton3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 446px; height: 186px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/val+east+hampton3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The beach house I once owned in the Springs in East Hampton</span><br /><br /></div><br /><br />Like all of you I love "beach" books for the Summer. You know, the kind that used to be called "light reading", a good story so breezy you can finish the book in two or three sittings.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/val+east+hampton1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 451px; height: 303px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/val+east+hampton1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Visual Vamp back in the day at her beach house in East Hampton</span><br /><br /></div><br />I recommend<a href="http://blog.marykayandrews.com/"> Mary Kay Andrews "Summer Rental".</a> I read another of her books last Summer called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fixer-Upper-Mary-Kay-Andrews/dp/0060837381">"The Fixer Upper",</a> and just loved it.<br /><br />"Summer Rental" has all the necessary elements for a good beach read: Woman loses her job, but is locked into a Summer rental with her best girlfriends. Each one has a story to tell. There's sexy romance, and a bit of thriller. And as with the "Fixer Upper" the house and its decor is a central character too.<br /><br />The beach location in the book is Nags Head, that still has 7 of the original 13 beach cottages built 100 years ago (it's called <a href="http://travelmaestro.wordpress.com/2010/06/25/the-cottages-of-the-outer-banks/">Cottage Row</a>). I love how people at the beach call these big old sprawling houses "cottages".<br /><br />I love an old fashion beach house - sea breezes only, screens on the doors and windows, cracks in the floor to sweep sand into, funky yet charming. Nowadays beach houses are so fancy that you hardly feel like you get away from your formal life. What do you think? Funky or fancy?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Summer-Rental-by-Mary-Kay-Andrews.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/Summer-Rental-by-Mary-Kay-Andrews.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Buy it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Rental-Mary-Kay-Andrews/dp/0312642695">HERE</a></span><br /></div><br /><br />And a prayer of thanks on this Memorial Day to everyone past and present who serves for us in the armed forces.Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-34637396227068417122011-05-27T10:15:00.003-05:002011-05-27T10:22:41.401-05:00Cute Giveaway at perch.!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/*perch%20ikat%20ladies.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 608px; height: 408px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/*perch%20ikat%20ladies.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Where has the week gone? It seems all I have had time to post are guest bloggers and contests, and now a giveaway!<br /><br />I am doing a couple of huge projects, and will blog on them soon. I don't have too much time for blogging right now, but I am checking in every once in awhile to keep up with you all!<br /><br />Go on over to perch. <span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://perchneworleans.blogspot.com/2011/05/ikat-ladies.html">HERE</a></span> and check out the giveaway to get one of these darling Ikat frames. So far no one has named all of the ladies in the frames above. Can you? If you comment here <a href="http://perch-home.com">perch. </a>will count it as a comment for the giveaway.<br /><br />More later...xo xoVisual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-6933186193821996972011-05-24T17:20:00.001-05:002011-05-24T17:27:49.248-05:00Name That Blog And Get $250.!Lamps Plus has a great online store for a zillion kinds of lighting fixtures. And they have a blog. And it's kind of a snooze.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/lamps%20plus%20blog%20banner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 116px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/lamps%20plus%20blog%20banner.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">We can do better than this <a href="http://www.lampsplus.com/info-center/b/blog/">HERE</a></span> </div><br /><br />So they are having a contest to challenge the creativity of the readers of Visual Vamp to come up with a new name for their blog (which is actually a pretty cute blog). If they pick yours you get a $250. gift certificate to the Lamps Plus site.<br /><br />How creative are you? That's what they asked me! About ten other bloggers are also doing this contest. It would be fun if a Vamp reader won! So when you comment or submit your idea, please say Visual Vamp sent you!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20followers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 178px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/visual%20vamp%20followers.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Team Vamp! Name That Blog!</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br />From Lamps Plus:<br /><br /><p class="yiv135084215MsoNormal">"We really want to make our blog a place for everyone who loves interior design, we decided that our blog should have a piece of our readers in it. We are inviting everyone to partake in giving us a new name with a “Name That Blog!” contest. In fact, whichever reader ends up with the most votes in this contest will get a $250 online shopping spree for partaking.</p><p class="yiv135084215MsoNormal">As a resource for such creative readers, I want to invite you to let your readers know about this.<br /></p><p class="yiv135084215MsoNormal">Readers can submit their name ideas in a few ways:</p><p class="yiv135084215MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="">-<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span>As a comment on our blog post about the contest (will be published May 25<sup>th</sup>) <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.lampsplus.com/info-center/b/blog/archive/2011/05/25/name-that-blog-contest-win-250-shopping-spree.aspx">http://www.lampsplus.com/info-center/b/blog/archive/2011/05/25/name-that-blog-contest-win-250-shopping-spree.aspx</a></p><p class="yiv135084215MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="">-<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span>As a comment on our Facebook page</p><p class="yiv135084215MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="">-<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span>As a tweet using the hashtag #namethatblog</p><p class="yiv135084215MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="">-<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span>By email to <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://us.mc1614.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=community@lampsplus.com">community@lampsplus.com</a></p><p class="yiv135084215MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">The submission period runs May 25<sup>th</sup>- 31<sup>st</sup>. The community will then vote on the top names June 2<sup>nd</sup>- 9<sup>th</sup>. </p><p class="yiv135084215MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><br /></p>Good luck everyone!Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-11120648196931344802011-05-24T13:58:00.004-05:002011-05-24T14:12:09.464-05:00You Won The Enamel House Sign!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/planet%20tango%20sign.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 463px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/planet%20tango%20sign.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Thank you everyone who left a comment for the <a href="http://www.ramsign.com/">Ramsign</a> giveaway <span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://visualvamp.blogspot.com/2011/05/ive-got-your-number.html">HERE</a></span><br /><br />The sign pictured above is one Alberto and I had made in 1997 in Buenos Aires. It hung on our front gate in California for a few years. If only I had know about <a href="http://www.ramsign.com/">Ramsign</a> back then!<br /><br />The part of the sign with the number on it is an actual enamel house number sign from Buenos Aires, but the artist had to custom paint our number on it, since the only one we found with our house number on it was still attached to a house in Buenos Aires.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">So the winner by random choice is: Sarah from La Maison Boheme!</span><br /><br />Sarah, please email Tezz at Ramsign to collect your prize: <span class="email">th@ramsign.se<br /><br />And please send us a photo to show us what you chose!<br /><br /><br /></span>Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-14930815068376474282011-05-21T11:11:00.001-05:002011-05-24T11:26:15.413-05:00Eight Great Places For A Chandelier<span style="font-style: italic;">Hi Everyone! Another great guest post for you from </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/">Arcadian Lighting</a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I think I should ask them to do a giveaway for all of you. What do you think?</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Happy Weekend!</span><br /><br /><br /><a title="Lighting Fixtures" href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/"><strong>Lighting fixtures</strong></a> can become the beautiful focal points of rooms, and a chandelier is one of the best ways to achieve this. While traditionally it has been the lighting fixture of choice for the dining room, there are slews of other great places for a chandelier. They can create ambient lighting in utilitarian spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms, add a touch of class and elegance to an entryway or suspended outdoors, and they are the perfect accessory to a lavish bedroom, living room or home office. Available in an endless range of styles and materials, chandeliers are the most opulent of lighting fixtures.<br /><br /><em>Bathroom</em><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4710" title="Chandeliers" src="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/05/oncedailychic.blogspot.com_.jpg" alt="" height="500" width="500" /></p><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136);">Once Daily Chic (<a href="http://oncedailychic.blogspot.com/2011/03/love-me-good-chandelier.html" target="_blank">via</a>)</span><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Perched above a grandiose tub or even a glitzy vanity, a bejewelled chandelier looks stunning when reflecting off of white tiles and gold accents.</p><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><em>Kitchen</em></p><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4707" title="Chandeliers" src="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/05/customfurniture.org_.jpg" alt="" height="500" width="500" /></p><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136);">Custom Furniture (<a href="http://www.customfurniture.org/kitchen-and-bath-cabinets-custom-kitchen-cabinets-c-7_161.html" target="_blank">via</a>)</span><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><a title="chandeliers" href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/chandeliers.html"><br /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a title="chandeliers" href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/chandeliers.html">Chandeliers</a> aren't always dripping with crystals - a more subdued streamlined light fixture, like this three-shade wrought-iron model, provides direct lighting over a kitchen island.</p><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><em>Bedroom</em></p><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/05/bjoku.com_.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4705" title="Chandeliers" src="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/05/bjoku.com_.jpg" alt="" height="500" width="500" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136);">bjoku.com (<a href="http://www.bjoku.com/italian-bedroom-interior-with-classic-design/amazing-chandelier-design-for-luxury-bedroom/" target="_blank">via</a>)</span><br /></div><br /><br />An antique-style chandelier adds instant glam to a bedroom, either hung over a four-poster bed or in a changing area, as pictured here.<br /><br /><em>Living room</em><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4704" title="Chandeliers" src="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/05/thelennoxx.com_.jpg" alt="" height="500" width="500" /><br /></div><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136);">The Lennoxx (<a href="http://thelennoxx.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/dtrdtdt.jpg" target="_blank">via</a>)</span></p><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Arrange the furniture in a formal living room around a candelabra-type chandelier for an intimate sitting area where everyone will want to socialize.</p><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><em>Kid's bedroom</em></p><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4708" title="Chandeliers" src="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/05/honeyandfitz.blogspot.com_.jpg" alt="" height="500" width="500" /></p><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136);">honeyandfitz.blogspot.com (<a href="http://honeyandfitz.blogspot.com/2010/05/antler-chandelier-for-girly-bedroomof.html" target="_blank">via</a>)</span><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Give the little princess of the house a sparkly addition to brighten up her bedroom - there is a wide selection of mini chandeliers to choose from.</p><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><em>Home office</em></p><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/05/countryliving.com_.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4706" title="Chandeliers" src="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/05/countryliving.com_.jpg" alt="" height="500" width="500" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136);">Country Living (<a href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/makeovers/office-guest-room-makeover-0109" target="_blank">via</a>)</span><br /></div><br /><br />Make going to the office a little more chic with floral-patterned wallpaper, dashes of bright fuchsia and a hanging light fixture overhead.<br /><br /><em>Entryway</em><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4733" title="Chandeliers" src="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/05/7-photos.indystar.com_.jpg" alt="" height="500" width="500" /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136); font-style: italic;">Indy Star (<a href="http://photos.indystar.com/galleries/6991-at-home-with-the-goldbergs" target="_blank">via</a>)</span><br /></div><br /><br />Nothing says welcome like the inviting ambiance of an entryway†<a title="Chandeliers" href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/chandeliers.html">chandelier</a> - look for something that complements the decor as well as proportionately occupies the space.<br /><br /><em>Outside</em><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4711" title="Chandeliers" src="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/05/sucasase.blogspot.com_.jpg" alt="" height="500" width="500" /></p><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136);">sucasase.blogspot.com (<a href="http://sucasase.blogspot.com/2011/02/chandeliers.html" target="_blank">via</a>)</span><br /></div><br /><br />One of the more unlikely spots for a chandelier and yet one of the most striking, chandeliers playfully dangling from an arbour, tree or tent ceiling brings the extravagance of the inside out.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">VV here:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jennifer is a writer for </span><a style="font-style: italic;" title="Light Fixtures" href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/">Arcadian Lighting</a><span style="font-style: italic;">, a site that specializes in top quality </span><a style="font-style: italic;" title="lighting fixtures" href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/"><strong>lighting fixtures</strong></a> at extremely affordable prices. Go visit them <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><a href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/">HERE</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;"> today!</span>Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-462500305642907315.post-56238663712872666982011-05-19T17:07:00.000-05:002011-05-19T17:07:15.408-05:00The Last Hampton On Sale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/sole-lobby_landscape.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 555px; height: 320px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/sole-lobby_landscape.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The shopping site <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ideeli.com/events/latest">ideeli</a> is having a travel sale. There are several great destinations, but my favorite is in Montauk on Long Island in New York, the "last" Hampton so to speak.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/sole_landscape.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 555px; height: 320px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/sole_landscape.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It's at a sweet resort called <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.soleeast.com/">Sole East,</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>and it looks like just the perfect place to spend the first days of Sumner at.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/SOL-htrj-001-6_landscape.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 555px; height: 320px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/SOL-htrj-001-6_landscape.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div id="group_buy_the_essentials"> <div> <ul><li>Nightly rate for a Standard King Room - $169.<br /></li><li>Travel May 22 - July 28, 2011</li><li>Midweek (Sunday-Thursday) nights only</li><li>Taxes of 11.63% are NOT included</li><li>Availability guaranteed on advertised dates or you'll receive a full refund. See blackout dates and restrictions at bottom of the page.</li></ul> </div> </div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/SOL-htrj-001-5_landscape.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 555px; height: 320px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/SOL-htrj-001-5_landscape.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> <p>There's a timeless laid-back beach vibe to Montauk, where the swells call surfers to catch a wave, the harbor calls great fishing boats to its docks, and the historic lighthouse watches over the sand-and-sun lovers on Long Island's very eastern tip. At the Solé East Resort, the chic bungalow-style guest rooms (each unique, with island-modern white-on-white décor) in this landmark American Tudor call you to experience Montauk in hip beach-club style.</p> <p><a href="http://www.ideeli.com/events/latest">ideeli </a>is offering Standard King Rooms at the Solé East Resort at up to 37% off regular rates (taxes are additional). Travel May 22 - July 28, 2011, Sunday - Thursday (with blackout dates of May 27 - 30 & July 1 - 4). Enjoy complimentary Wi-fi, parking, and beach passes.</p> <p>Laze in an oversized St. Tropez bed by the heated pool, curl up in a hammock in the resort's lush gardens, or take the active route and jump on one of the Solé's rental bikes for a three-minute cruise to the beach. Later, grab a fireside table at the Backyard restaurant for a meal of just-caught seafood, creative takes on farmers' market finds, and a bottle of fine wine. At Solé East, even a brief getaway feels like a gorgeously endless summer.</p> <ul><li>Rates include parking, wifi, and beach parking passes</li><li>Soak up the sun by the outdoor pool with a cocktail from the Backyard Restaurant</li><li>Perfect home base for exploring all that Montauk and The Hamptons have to offer</li></ul><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/SOL-htrj-001-2_landscape.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 555px; height: 320px;" src="http://www.planet-tango.com/Valorie/SOL-htrj-001-2_landscape.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Now where is that phone number for my private jet....Visual Vamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714noreply@blogger.com2