May Musings...

I went on a little Spring refreshing rampage in my bathroom...(well in truth.. within many spaces throughout my maison- as part of my "Spring" into action). I decided to create a succulent garden in my bathroom on a wonderful tiered antique wooden stand that I found awhile ago.



The succulents were all purchased at Home Depot. I had the mini vases and terra cotta pots already in my collection. I added rocks and shells and moss that I had in my "prop" closet... a fun little Mother's Day present to myself!

For awhile I have thought that I want to look at WATER in my bathroom on the large wall above the tub...not just in my bathtub...so last Sunday morning I hung this large canvas on the wall and went to town...in about an hour I felt that this image would do the trick...not  quite museum worthy...lol...but bathroom worthy... at least until I find something I like better! I have a tendency to paint quickly...too much time invested in one piece makes me muck it up!

Speaking of art projects...on my way to the gym last week I found a canvas alongside a dumpster that was in great shape- I just didn't like the painting...so I took it back to my outdoor Art Studio (that I have now changed into a little outdoor folly- more on that in another post)...and in about 20 minutes took it from a totally red colored print of an ugly rose to this...

I plan on leaving it up in the newly designed space to pay homage to it's Art Studio past....plus since I am leaving the easel I might just still use this corner for artistic purposes...

Today I went on a quick antiquing mission...and I found a set of  six wonderful vintage soup bowls..

I plan on doing a lot of chilled soups this Summer and these wonderful bowls are just perfect!!

I also found a pretty but scrappy bamboo styled magazine rack that I gilded the right shade of gold that will now sit on my bath ledge with copies of my favorite design mag...

I didn't purchase this but I thought this French darling was faboo...a tray and a vase in one...can't you just picture it on a lovely tea table with peonies in the vase and yummy treats on the tray? LOVELY!!

Best issue I have read in awhile...this month's issue of Traveler...relays a lot of great info about new hotels and features my favorite city Charleston...great reference for future travel plans....

 In my line of work I often get to work with professional make-up artists who sometimes pass on the best "trade secrets"...here's one...this product works like nothing I have ever seen...keeps everyone "matte" and fresh...even under camera lighting...for a full day's shoot. If anyone needs to fight shine...check this out!!

Finally...here's a typical morning in life of my pooch...can I just say...she works on her tan more than I do!



Happy May Daze Everyone! It's such a busy month! Hope to be back soon with shots of how I have refreshed the garden this year... XO Emily

Gold Digger!

For awhile now I have been having my own little "gold rush"...I am so inspired by touches of gold everywhere...

Gold flatware...my new collectible...

 Gold and Pink with a hint of black and white...can't get enough of this winning foursome...

Touches of gold here and there and everywhere just make spaces POP!

Bathrooms done with gold fixtures are suddenly back in favor...

Antique gold-toned hardware...sublime!

Gold can even get "funky"...

 and who can resist dressing like a golden goddess?

 gold tones in make-up can be fun...especially in the Summer...

a great chunky gold ring always catches my eye (and usually my wallet)....

and remember...gold is the standard for many delicious things in life....

(Merci': ADebonairInfluence, AdultRunway, The Aestate, DustJacketAttic, TheGiftsofLife, TheGlitterGuide, VintageLuxe,ZsaZsaBellagio, StyleEssentials, BeautyThroughMyEyes,Lemademoiselleuk, Modxloth, Tumblr)

Sun Kissed...

Sometimes it is fun to play with makeup....Summertime provides it's own inspiration for a lovely natural look....although as we all know from the magazines and fashion shows...the "natural look" can take hours to achieve in a make up chair...oh the irony!!

    (Merci': VSAngels)

                             (Merci': Mabellefille)

                    (Merci': Cactushipirabalm)

    (Merci': FashionLounge)

                (Merci':UnbrokenAngels)

the fun stuff...tools of the trade...

    (Merci': CosaCool)

                      (Merci': Google)

the classic fresh face...reminiscent of a 1940's pin up...

                      (Merci':GirlinLondon)

Let's MakeUp!!

Spring isn't "springing" this weekend. The weather is a mixture of rain, sleet, and snow...the trifecta of funky weather....so what does a girl do when the weather is bad? She goes to her favorite store to play with make-up!

Since I am confident that Spring is around the corner I like to investigate the latest lipsticks, eye shadows, bronzers, etc. that I can add to my collection! Sometimes when make-up artists fly in from other cities I like to watch their work...luckily most of them like to play too! Good make-up is an art form.  I actually don't like a lot of make-up on my face. So I like to learn the tricks to apply it sparingly but effectively. Lipsticks and lip glosses are my favorite little friends but beautiful eye shadows are a girls best friend too!

Here are some of my favorite looks....

The look below is my all-time fave...I love a strong eye and a soft nude/pink glossy lip!

I love a great red lipstick with a really simple eye...just mascara and a hint of eye liner! The right shade of red is often difficult to find.

I LOVE Le Metier de Beaute's Rose Lip Liner (applied all over the lip) and then apply Bombay lipstick (same makeup line) over that...it creates this aesthetic perfectly....

(Merci': All Images: Lemademoiselleuk)

                              (Merci':Charries)

                           (Merci':Cosa-Bellas)

                                          Moi...rockin' the red lip for a fun change!