Friday, May 1st, 2009
I first started reading Kelly's blog back when sweet baby Harper was first born and in the hospital. I would find myself at the computer, checking on Harper with tears streaming down my face as I read about how many prayers were being said for her and how much her family loved her. Today, she is doing just fine (see, how prayers work!!), and she is so adorable. Now, I find myself stopping by Kelly's blog to see what Miss Harper is into and to check out her stylish wardrobe. She's a cutie, I tell ya!! Well, Kelly has been doing "Show us where you live Friday", and since I have been trying to play "catch up" with my blog posts I wanted to join in the fun...even though I am "fashionably late"! Everyone was supposed to show off their kitchens during the first week so here are a few of my favorite things from our kitchen.
I have always loved having an island in my kitchen and really enjoy this one. As you can see, this picture was taken a little while back when I turned part of our home into my SpecialTea Shoppe for a home boutique open house. I have done this a few times and always have such fun getting to visit with customers in person. It is a lot of work, as I remove all of my decorative things and replace them with "shoppe goodies". I serve my signature scones, hot tea, and other sweet treats so guests may enjoy sampling goodies while they shop. Sorry for the lighting in this photo...the sun was just beaming through the windows that morning so this is not the best shot.
And, of course, being the "Tea Lady" that I am...well, I must have a "cup and saucer" tree! I love these sweet ornaments, as they look like minature versions of your grandmother's china. This makes such a pretty centerpiece for a teatime or other fun event.
This tea party girl is one of my FAVORITE things in our kitchen! I just fell in love with her and her cute friend years ago when I spotted them in a shop. I did not ship it to Kuwait but left it here in the states so nothing would happen to it. When we moved here, we stopped by Alabama to get some things from our storage unit and the tea room so I was sure to grab her. I wouldn't even let her ride in the moving truck, as I was afraid she might get broken. So, she had a safe spot in the front seat with me!
I found this tea sign at Homegoods, I believe...LOVE that store!!! :) I loved how it just matched the wall color and added a little "pop" to one of the walls. When we fist moved in here I thought about repainting the kitchen/sitting area but was pleasantly surprised to see how it actually ended up as a good color once I started adding furniture and all of my little touches. Along with my tea theme, I also incorporate a Paris/cafe style theme. And, yes, I have always loved beach themed treasures (just like my sister) so I enjoy incorporating a few of these pieces, too.
This is truly one of my favorite pieces! I like to change out the scene inside the cloche all along. Right now, it is hosting some of my Cayman Island finds...yep, these shells were gathered right along the beaches of the Cayman Islands! Remember, I told you I made it home with some "beach loot"!! haha See, I had a reason for trying to get home with all those shells. I have some in other places throughout our home, too...I'll show you some of those later. I love pretty birdnests (Well, of course you already know this since I am so infatuated with "Miss Robbie's" whereabouts!), and I do love those inspirational words so adding this "BELIEVE" sign was the perfect touch.
And, what kitchen is complete without some of your favorite cookbooks and magazines. There is one of my sweet little cupcake books peeking out, a Southern Lady magazine, and the cookbook you see with the whisk...it is rather vintage looking...a little old fashioned...so I just had to have it when I spotted it while out shopping one day. And, saving the best for last...the basket!! When I spotted this basket, I was out shopping with my friend Ivette and said, "This baby is going home with me!". She started laughing and asked if I really needed it. I said "Girl, there is nothing about this basket that has anything to do with need!! It's a "must" no matter how you look at it!" She knew it was going home with me the minute I showed it to her...no talking me out of this one! haha
I have always liked pretty baker's racks, too. This one is usually filled with some of my favorite finds and treasures, but it was redone when I had my home show. Again, the lighting is not just right in this picture, but you can see some of the cabinets, tile, and such of the kitchen. I really like these large tiles. They have that stone look to them, and I love how great they go with the cabinets. Yes, I used to have a kitchen with all white cabinets and was not sure at first if I would really like these. Remember reading earlier about how I am about "changing" something sometimes?....Well, now I love these cabinets! And, if I was looking for another house one day I would be looking for some like these...really like the dark finish now. I still like the white cabinets, black ones, and the off white vintage aged look, too. Oh, goodness...good thing I am not having to design a kitchen right now! Decisions, decisions! :)
Here's a close up of my beachy cloche! :)
As I said, these are just a few of my favorite things! My kitchen is often getting lots of use out of it due to all of my projects, creating, and designing. I am determined to get my island cleaned off so I can enjoy all of the beachy goodness I have on there! Hmm...how soon will that happen?!! :) I'll keep you posted.
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