Denby

I adore my Denby dishes. I adore them so much, they are worthy of an entire blog post.

I was lucky enough to inherit my Grandmother's Florentine Blue fine china. Gorgeous, yes, but not daily use friendly. Not only are they just so dang expensive, but the pattern is certainly more formal, and not in keeping with a casual everyday family meal.

For my wedding, I added Denby's Regency Green to my gift registry, and am so, so glad I did. I was married 5 years ago, and not a single piece has chipped. They are incredibly durable. These are our everyday use dishes, and have survived life in a busy family.

I have a set of 12 (I don't think you could ever have too many sets!), and have found that if you sign up to the Denby web site, they will email out great sales. I have ordered several pieces this way.

Do you use Denby? What is your favorite pattern?

I am going to miss.....

Our flowering ornamental plum, on the verge of it's annual show.....

Our front garden, welcoming guests to our home.....

Our Willow, and the inspiration for my blog's name.....

Our fish pond, complete with Koi.....

The cutest darn gardening shed/greenhouse.....

Our huge yard, of which this picture shows only a small portion.....

Our flowering Dogwoods.....

Our Home.....

Our Guest Cottage and Pool side garden....

Our Pool and Gazebo.....

We've loved this home for the past 5 years, but it's now time to move on to a new home and a new adventure =)

Some Shopping Therapy

Over the weekend, I was lucky enough to get a few hours to myself, while my husband took the girls to the wave pool. What else is a lone Mommy to do, but shop?! While I'm trying to not get too carried away, you know, since I am moving in less than two weeks and all, I couldn't help but pick out a few cute accessories for our new digs.

Here's what I found:

A beautiful new Cloche.

I am developing an obsession over clocks. I sense a new collection coming on!

I need more candlesticks, like I need a hole in my head, but I couldn't pass on the deal with these beauts.

To replace my ugly, falling apart garbage bin for my office (and some new cute quilting fabric, totally unrelated, but I thought I'd throw it in the picture anyhow!).

This lamp is going to fit in perfectly in the sunroom. I remember spritzing my Grandma's plants with one of these. My husband likes it, as he thinks it's an oil can, not a plant spritzer.

These bells make the most beautiful sound!

These cute finds were promptly put away to be packed. I can't wait to get settled in our new house and find the perfect spot for them all!

Great Room Idea Board

While you may question my impatience in designing a room in a house we don't actually live in yet, I have a sneaking suspicion that you would be doing the same....after all, us bloggers seem to have a wee obsession with all things home decor =)

I have spoken before about the traditional layout of our current home: a Family room, and separate Living room. While I've loved this layout, our new home differs in that it has one main great room. We do have a basement family room/play room which will be a fantastic spot for the kiddos, but the upstairs great room still needs to be somewhat family friendly.

Our current couches were included in our house sale (yup, you heard right, our house has SOLD!! hallelujah, thank goodness, I am so done with having to show the house and keep it pristine!) which is actually fine by me as I wasn't sure how they'd work in our new Great room space.

I've put together a few preliminary ideas for this room. I'm going for a relaxed farmhouse/English country vibe, with just a sprig of formality and prettiness.

Wall colour:

I'm loving Gray Owl, by Benjamin Moore:

but may go to a more creamy colour, such as our current living room colour, Seaspray:

The Sofa:

I've long had an obsession with English Roll Arm sofa's, and there's no time like now to finally indulge in one of these beauties. I've already discussed the details with the local Restoration Hardware store, and will be ordering one just as soon as we arrive:

While I love the feet on this sofa, we will be going with the slipcovered version in the more durable fabric (still need to keep it family friendly!). I will be ordering in the sand colour:

The armoire:

We are still in discussion about whether we are going to go with a console for our TV, or an armoire, to hide all the electronic bits. Jury is still out, but I'm awfully fond of this Pottery Barn piece:

It exudes English country charm.

The accessories:

Pillows and fabrics will abound:

Plenty of texture and natural elements:

 Pottery Barn

A fabulous fireplace screen and accessories:

Pottery Barn

And some Rustic and  Farmhouse finds:

Horseweathervane.com

It's a start, anyhow!  I am excited to see how it all comes together!

Linking to my favorite Parties!



A Headboard Stand-in

A totally 'new' Master bedroom is in the works for our new house.

While I find a bed without a frame can look very plain and boring, I've prettied our bed up with pillows, and this Headboard Stand-in: a Van Gogh with gorgeous blue tones.

Gone is:

This headboard, and the matchy-matchy Pier one armoir and side tables (which will be perfectly lovely in our guest room).

While we wait for:

This lovely headboard is just the ticket for our new look in our next house.

Now, if only July 1 would hurry up and get here so I can get into our new house! I can't wait to just lie in the center of our big, empty house, day dreaming about all the decor possibilities, while we await the arrival of our furniture. It's the perfect opportunity to start fresh, and take some chances with a new look for our next home.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Inspired by: Urns

My most recent urn purchases made me realize that I have quite a few of these beauties in both my indoor and outdoor spaces. 

This is my most recent purchase, filled with one of my favorites, Hydrangeas

Here are two more I purchased, awaiting a new spot once we move.

This is my wire urn I decorated with branches for Christmas.  In fact, I leave the branches in year round, and just added the bell branches and the bow for Christmas.

Here are a few beautiful examples I found when searching for ideas on how to decorate with Urns:

Prize Antiques.com

Source Unknown

 Shelly B. Decor and More

Spring and summer ideas abound.  Urns are not just for outdoor use!

Country Living

 Centsational Girl

Pumpkins are a natural fit atop these urns. I certainly plan on gilding a few pumpkins this fall, inspired by this fab arrangment by Centsational Girl.

The Inspired Room

Source Unknown

 Source: Unknown

Of course, festive Christmas ideas for urns abound.  Check out the vignette from House Martin, as seen on Melissa's blog, The Inspired Room.  LOVE it!  Oh my, another idea for my to-do list this winter!

How about you?  Do you decorate with Urns?  I'd love to see your ideas and inspiration for Urn Decor!

Linking to my favorite Parties!