Ellie

Antique Paisley I bought from Ellie's shop.

I'm thinking of Ellie these days.  I know you know her, she writes one of the best blogs on the internet.

Chinoiserie wall sconces I bought from Ellie's shop.
I often fill them with fresh rosemary.

 Ellie has been such an influence on so many people.  Her humour, her good taste, her bravery, the love she has for her family and friends, her kindness, her loyalty... all of these qualities, she absolutely embodies them.

French serving pieces I bought from Ellie's shop.

 I've bought a few things from her shop that really completed the decoration of my house.  Sometimes I look around at these few items and I feel like Ellie has been here, with her magic touch of great taste, her intolerance for the useless, for the un-beautiful.

Brass candle-trimmer I bought from Ellie's shop.

The beautiful Vintage Contessa wrote a lovely post about Ellie, detailing what we can do as her admirers and friends.  She's auctioning off a Chanel bag (fabulous!) that was donated by a reader (the lovely Carol).  All proceeds will go toward Ellie's care.  I didn't bid on the bag but I donated directly to Ellie's fund, all of the links are on the Contessa's post HERE.
Love and hugs,
xoxDani

Mop Philosophy Monday

 I've been preparing my house for my family who arrive this week from all corners.  I spent an entire morning cleaning all of the baseboards and millwork in the whole house with a soapy mixture: natural glycerin soap, hot water and essential oil of lavender.  It was very soothing work, I recommend.

I did some shopping at my favourite source for "smalls": Ellie's wonderful Paris-based shop Have Some Decorum HOME.

Beautiful brass candle trimmer.

 Her shop is exquisite because Ellie has the best taste in the world... your smalls will arrive perfectly packaged direct from Paris.

Delicate French serving pieces from Have Some Decorum HOME

 We've been driving all over to visit friends at their cottages, there were campfires:

 We had some rain at the cottage which of course carves out time to play Trivial Pursuit 1980's but also creates a magical hour or two afterwards, I love to be out on the dock after the rain:

After The Rain

 Why is it that we experience things like the strange beauty of the ever-changing sky most intensely at places like cottages?

 How do you prepare for family visits?

 I'm focussed on flowers, fresh towels and linens, and of course food.

 I did manage to finish my sports-gear-organizing project and I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner.  I bought some of those big totes from Lands End and had them monogrammed accordingly:

 I've got them stored in the open cupboard under the stairs for easy access: grab and go Sporty People!

 Hoping to continue Summer's trend of eating outdoors?  Me too.

 I'm planning to whip up Ina Garten's famous chicken for my family...

 ... but as far as baking I think I'll be headed to Eric the Baker, local source of fabulous French pastries, don't take my word for it, Mimi says so too.

Might have to slip a little something from Eric The Baker in here.  Hehehe.

 The most important visitor this week is my little nephew and he'll have all eyes on him the entire time ... I retrieved some of the Rascal's toys out of storage for this very special occasion:

Tomtem looking a little worse for the wear.

 This version of Mother Goose by Rosemary Wells was hands-down my favourite book for all three of my Rascals.  This is my fourth copy of it, the first three fell apart from constant use, I've read it thousands of times, who else had this edition?

I hope to read it again this week, more than once!
Enjoy your Monday and your week.
xoxDani