Things

Things thoughtfully collected.

Things that have character.

Things that have relationships with other things.

Things that we surround ourselves with ~ they all tell a story.

A story of the past, a story of travels, a story of our lives and how we like to live.

I’m reminded of a quote by the first lady of interior design, Elsie de Wolfe, “I opened the doors and windows of America, and let in the air and sunshine."

This is what came to mind when my friend Barb Mangini recently opened the doors to billy’s bungalow.

A shop full of fresh air and sunshine where she offers many wonderful things!

Barb’s collections come from her travels, her life in a historic house on Boston's north shore, and currently her small bungalow on the beach.

Her on-line Etsy shop is aptly named after her sweet boy Billy.

I love that!

Barb says, “This little shop is a place to pass along the things we've loved to new collectors and friends.” Many of my favorites I’ve included in this post would be just perfect for a picnic or setting a summer table!

A thoughtful collection and a thoughtful owner ~

Barb includes a little muslin bag filled with French Lavender in every order.

She also includes FREE shipping!  

For more fresh air & sunshine I invite you to visit My Dog-Eared Pages, a delightful blog penned by Barb Mangini. She discusses art, fashion, interiors and design and writes wonderful stories about the fascinating people she has come to know.

I know you’ll love getting to know Billy too!

Happy Shopping

xo Lisa

oopsy daisy!

Just having some fun with my footer and pinning to my Garden board on Pinterest. Wishing you a great big fun weekend friends!  

Now go outside and play! 

Garden Accoutrements

What do these three things have in common?

 

They’re just a few of my favorite things that I’m talking about in the new issue of Styling Magazine!

 

 

You’ll find all sorts of goodies in my article on Garden Accoutrements!

Enjoy!

 

 

Styling | A Digital Magazine Published by Stylist Coty Farquhar

 

Anne Hepfer Design

This morning I added the work of designer Anne Hepfer to Refinedsimplicity, my page of favorites on the topic of interiors & design. 

Easy luxuries and elegant trimmings remain true to this designer’s style.

I think you’ll agree ~

 

 

Crisp blue & white paisley fabric, and dramatic accents convey an exotic feel.

 

 

Cane furniture, sisal rugs, and exposed studs maintain a sit-back-and-relax atmosphere.

 

 

 

One airy space leads to another. Perfect for barefoot friends to come together.

 

 

 

Quiet corners to retreat are pared down perfectly.

 

 

Space is provided for personal luxuries too.

 

 

I think Anne Hepfer has designed a place that encourages lingering long into the summer!

 

 

Like I said ~ refined simplicity.

 

 

Photos | Michael Graydon

Peony Heaven + Addendum

Every year I ask myself the same question.

Do I leave them in the garden?   

Or do I bring them inside for bouquets throughout the house?

Since the old fashioned aroma of this gentle flower is most appreciated indoors, they make their grand entrance in my Grandmother’s old fashioned cut glass vase ~ the kitchen table is best for photographing in the morning light.  

Before long, I’ve pulled out all shapes and sizes of vessels and the house is filled with the sweet smell of peony heaven.

Even though they’re gorgeous when in full bloom, snip them just before they open and they’ll last longer indoors.

Tiny Visitors?
Shake them from the cut blooms, or wash them off with a gentle spray of water. Ants are neither beneficial nor harmful to peonies, they’re only attracted to the sugary liquid secreted by flower buds.

That little lady got a free ride inside.  If she doesn’t bother me, I won’t bother her.

See ~ she’s already disappeared.

Like I said, peony heaven.

If only they lasted all season. Imagine how nice it would be to always have peonies in full bloom for a special occasion, to give to a friend, or simply to refresh a bouquet at your kitchen table.  

 

Good news ~ there’s a way to harvest peonies in their bud stage to save for whenever.

Select flowers with a well-developed bud. Ideally, the bud should be neither too loose or too compact. Pinch it lightly. It should have the consistency of a soft marshmallow.

Cut the peony, leaving at least a 12 inch stem attached to the bud. Wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel and then wrap the bundle in a sheet of newspaper. I used craft paper like the photo below.

Store the bunches horizontally in the refrigerator ~ tell your family. The flowers will keep for 3 to 4 weeks!

After two weeks I was ready. Plus I needed more room in my fridge. So this morning I unwrapped my bundles to find this!

Let’s just say I had my doubts ~ especially about the little pink babies. Those buds were attached to big blooms, hence the short stem.

I removed the lower leaves, gave the stems a fresh cut and placed them in room temperature water.

Then I waited.

My tiny visitor…poor thing froze to death. She’s most likely in peony heaven.

By noon I kid you not ~ I was enjoying big beautiful blooms!

I added fresh greens from the garden & they were even prettier this afternoon!

Like I said, peony heaven.

Learned a lesson along the way too ~ Don’t snip your buds to early.

 Addendum to Peony Heaven added this evening.

Those little pink peonies above that I was about to give up on ~ took their sweet time and blossomed right open today!

Just goes to show ~ you should never give up on your buds!

What’s your favorite bloom in your garden?

I’m looking forward to Herbs, Hydrangeas, Roses & Sweet Peas!

 

April

This is my favorite time of year!

The sun shines brighter, we begin to wake up and spirits begin to soar.

The earth seems to get greener and every boxwood, flower, and bough begins to burst with color.

Easter is a time to come together and celebrate the resurrection.

Today’s a day for spontaneity & lightheartedness.

Tomorrow I’ll celebrate twenty-four years of marriage to the love of my life!

Like I said, my favorite time of year!

What’s your favorite time of year?

I hope that it too is filled with lighthearted celebration & joy!

Photos | Lisa Porter