The Vexing Issue of Paint Colors

How do I pick out paint? Very Carefully. It is not an easy task to do. Most people look at their two inch square chip and make the decision in the paint store under artificial light. The next thing they know is that they are making their second trip back to the paint store to pick a more toned down version of choice number one.

My steps are choosing a warm or cool color palette, pick the color I like and tone it down a bit. Next, I take a few chips and hang them on my wall for a few days. What looks good 9:00 am one sunny day may take on a whole new look at 4:00 when the clouds moved in.

After a few days the choice becomes clear. This photo is of a clear coat put on top of a paint color- a technique called "Candle Light" by Ralph Lauren. It plays with light and adds an interesting sheen to the walls.

The War I Wage

I found inspiration from the book "French Women Don't Get Fat". Three meals a day, dessert and a glass of wine, how can this be? Apparently, smaller portions and walking have something to do with it. According to Mireille Guiliano, french women do not exercise either. This is the diet book for me! Although, walking through the streets of Paris may be more of an incentive, while the ten steps to my car in the driveway

could be the reason I am waging a decade long war in my battle of the bulge.

Leek soup will be on the menu today; Mireille's idea of "recasting". I just need to adhere to this concept and convince my husband that moving to Paris will aid in my shape up program. Bon Appetit!

http://frenchwomendontgetfat.com/recipes

The Perfect Cardigan = The Perfect Chair

At the age of Forty (uh-hem) something, I found the perfect cardigan! Summer weight, pale green with a perfect 3/4 length sleeve. Fits loosely - but not too loosely, holds its shape and goes with everything. I think that I would like a lifetime supply... Talbots - if you're listening...

I am a Libra, so I suppose balance and symmetry have always been important to me. If there is one staple that I can find in my closet - the cardigan- there is one staple that I must have in my house - The English style arm chair. Looks good in any color and goes with everything. My chair is my oasis. There is no crowding with the kids and the dog, no out of place cushions and pillows - yes, it holds its shape.

What's A Dining Room To Do?

Can a dining room survive without a large scale wall covering? I think not! Is there a truly better combination than wood wainscoting and a big floral vine wallpaper. This is the room where you throw caution to the wind and say "yes, it is all or nothing with my walls"!

I've got twenty bucks burnin' a hole in my pocket...

I found a link to a cute idea. I want to be the first in my neighborhood to have one. My monogram - I know my fellow travelers will enjoy looking at it as much as I do (tee-hee):) Well, I will be able to find my car in a parking lot, if nothing else.