Read All About It

Do you have a cozy space that is your "go to" spot to read?
Are you like me where your books can be easily found or must you go on a treasure hunt to find where they were last placed?
I like shelves with books and other items integrated along side.

What type of reading space do you fancy?

Looks like the kitties like this place...I can see enjoying the afternoon here turning the pages and getting lost in another world.

Or cuddle up with the little ones...

Or how about spot with lots of natural light with modern flair?

This looks snuggly, a bit Bohemian, wouldn't you say?

Move the pillows over and make yourself comfortable!

Or on a day like today, go out to the porch and enjoy the outdoors with a glass of champagne and a good read!

It's my Bloggyversary!

Time to celebrate and a toast to all of my new friends!

Cheers!

Birdie Love

My birdies love their new feeder....

their 4-legged friends...

will have to find what hits the ground!

Friday Flowers and a little comfort food for the weekend!

Rachel Ray's Firey Chicken Chili....so yummy!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 whole green bell pepper, chopped **
• 1 whole red bell pepper, chopped **
  
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro **
  
• 4 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 large chipotle chile in adobo sauce, finely chopped, sauce reserved
  
• 3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced (I use all chicken breasts)
  
• Two 28-ounce cans diced tomatoes with their juice ( I use 1 28-oz petite cut tomatoes and 1 28 oz crushed tomatoes)
  
• Three 15.5-ounce cans pinto beans, rinsed
• Chopped avocados, cilantro leaves, grated cheddar cheese, chopped scallions and sour cream, for serving

Smart move
Freeze the chicken for about 30 minutes before slicing.

Directions:

1. In a large, heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt and paprika and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and the spices are fragrant, about 7 minutes. Stir in the chipotle and 1 tablespoon adobo sauce. Add the chicken and cook, stirring, until the meat begins to turn opaque, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and beans and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Uncover, increase the heat and simmer the chili briskly, stirring often, until thickened, 25 to 30 minutes.

2. Add more adobo sauce to taste, serve the chili with avocados, cilantro, cheese, scallions and sour cream.

** what I add to the recipe

Antiquing in the "OC"

Being house bound due to constant downpours and taking care of a loved one that is a bit under the weather, I took a virtual tour to Newport Beach, CA, via 1st Dibs and found a few things for my home. Thought I would share....such great eye candy!

Isn't this the most beautiful Architect's Cabinet?

It is from Belgium and dates back to 1880 and stands 8'10" high. It will be perfect in my living room and will make a lovely bar!

This is an early American primitive cupboard with the original paint. I wish I could show you the inside, turquoise in color!

I have a bathroom that has extra room and tall ceilings that is calling for this. It will be great to store extra linens and candles and yummy smelling soaps.

This is a beautiful 12' dining table 18th century from Spain.

The top is one piece, can you believe it? Gorgeous....my whole family can sit around this. Now all I need are some chairs...what do you suggest?

This is called a "Jail House" Iron Wine Cage, early 1800's.

The two doors in front open to reveal the wooden shelves. Wouldn't this be fun to fill up? Just right in the cellar that is cooled to the proper temperature.

Rare framed mirror from Italy, 18th c.

Hmmm...love this...now where to put it!

I'll take two of these French painted chests....

I have been on the hunt for just the right thing to go on each side of my bed...how about changing out the hardware? Something a bit funky!

Friday Flowers!

I have great memories of living in Alaska and always said it was a great place to "visit."

I "visited" (DH in USCG) 8 years broken up into 3 different time periods and only saw one of these from a distance! Isn't he cute sitting in the flowers?

It has been a crazy couple of weeks, I am ready to get back into my

bloggy routine, have a great weekend.

Ahhh.....

The last couple of days have been crazy running around taking care of others....

I am going to retreat to the back corner of the deck and soak...
I can put my glass of wine on the little stool...shhhh, be back later!

Image: Coastal Living

Friday Flowers

Have a great weekend!

100th post

A reflection of time...

Starting in infancy...not a writer.

Crawling along at times not knowing which way to go...

Making new friends along the way...

Walked through new doors of art, design and decor...

I plan on running to new places and learning more...

Come with me and let's see where we go!

This odd little blogging world has been an interesting place for me. I moved to Atlanta a year and a half ago ending the life of a military wife when DH retired after serving 30 years. New job for him here (but he's gone 9-10 months out of the year), me continuing a design project started prior to moving here and trying to promote new business in a new area in a depressed economy has had some challenges. I have appreciated the bloggy friends I have made and met, emailed and talked to over the telephone. When your kids are grown and gone and you don't have school activities to help you meet people in a new community, it takes more time than most would like to find a niche. I thank you for inspiration, learning so much more about design since I am not schooled and just being all around great people. Many blessings...

Images courtesy of Coastal Living

HALO Designs

One of my very favorite showrooms to visit is Halo Styles, formerly G J Styles...

every time I visit Atlanta's Mart, I make a bee line to get to the 11th floor!

Theirs are mainly old English reproductions with a smattering of French and Swedish.

Barley twist or gate-leg....I adore.

I am fairly certain two of these chairs will be coming to my house.

Or maybe two of these.....hmmm, decisions.

Do you have a place for one of the Swedish clocks?

This is a fabulous sofa...about 8' long, and next year slip covers will be available in different fabrics.

This chair is a recliner and is most certainly making it's way to my house! DH wants a "kick back" chair as he calls it and I am not fond of them. This will certainly do!

It is very comfortable...

Trunks, trunks everywhere...these are some beauties...

Of course you know I love anything silver, just wish I had a place for these!

Halo is "to the trade" only, if there is anything that tickles your fancy, let me know and I will order for you .

Just send me an email!

Wood You?

I want a place in the woods...

....with a big open floor plan

a bit rustic with a bit of formality...

...a kitchen that will welcome cooks and friends

...and enjoy the view from the porch and warmth from the fireplace.

How about this rustic bath with hammered iron bases and cast concrete sinks?

We will one day (hopefully in the next couple of years) go west into the woods of Colorado or Oregon and build a home. Will you come see me?

Interiors by Kathleen Rivers for cabin in Cashiers, NC.

Images from Southern Accents.