BLOG ENVY: TED KENNEDY WATSON IS WHERE I WANT TO BE

Quintessential summer table setting a la Ted. All photos from Ted Kennedy Watson.

Ted Kennedy Watson is my friend. And he maintains the an awesome blog by the same name. I envy his dedication and discipline. He writes almost daily even when he's on the road,and he writes just enough. Keeping it brief, Ted gets to the heart of it.

Ted sells a lot of keys at his shop. In fact, last summer when I was working there for a day, I was given a key as a gift by one of his most devoted customers. She picked a key decorated with the scales of justice. She was unaware that I am a Libra.

Cool vintage, delicious food, gorgeous flowers. Scenes from Seattle. Photos of his shop Watson Kennedy. Stories behind some of the product he sells. Views from Vashon Island where he and his partner escape nearly every weekend. Recommended books, wines, and effortless salads.

Ted loves letters of all kinds.

This past week Ted has been in the NY region. First Hudson, then Brimfield, and now the city. I am particularly envious during this week. Ted is where I want to be!

Ted and Bailey at the shop in December 2012. Photo by  me.

P.S. I have been a Ted admirer for many years now. We have collaborated on a few editorial projects. Here is the story we did for Country Living Magazine and then last summer I wrote about the very patriotically-colored Westward for Benjamin Moore's Colorchats blog.

BLOG ENVY: COMMUNE Taught me About a Newish Art Form

Image via Commune

Blogs can educate. Thank you Commune for enlightening me about an art form that I have noticed simply as colors on a building rather than the "subconscious art of graffiti removal."

Image via Flickr

Image via Flickr

This art form, created accidentally, was summarized by Roberta Smith, The New York Times thusly:
Painting over graffiti yields public abstract painting that looks peculiarly modernist and brings to mind Rothko, Motherwell and even Malevich.”

I stopped to take photos of these buildings in the Lancaster Mews area of Philadelphia. While I think the daycare was probably planned to be color-blocked, I think the Everyday Discount store probably was not.

Last three photos via Commune

Next time I am in a city, I am going to be super conscious about this 21st century art form.

BLOG ENVY: Brown Dress with White Dots

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All images found on Brown Dress with White Dots

I am supposed to be writing a blog for a client right now, but i just found Brown Dress with White Dots  and am experiencing total blog envy. Every image makes me feel like I am in an old section of Europe peering in on some fine relic of the culture and I xoxo feeling that way.

There are compelling time worn interiors.

There are pretty dresses to covet.

This is not a site to visit when you are hungry, because the grainy breads, drippy jam, and luscious cakes will send you right to the fridge in search of something satisfying.

Also, if you are on the fence about getting a dog, you will probably go out and get one after seeing all the cute ones on this site.

And for those times when you may be doubting your self-worth, here's a rock's worth of wisdom that I found here.

BLOG ENVY: mr and mrs charlie

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All images, here and below, from mr and mrs charlie

I confess that the tiny swimming sperm on the landing page of mr and mrs charlie did engage my curiosity, but what captured my heart were the photos that I since discovered.

Photo after photo shows weathered, used and useful, earthy, found, broken, collected objects 

 in naturally lit, textured, layered spaces

As every yin needs its yang, my penchant for bold happy colors and spunky patterns cedes to tamer neutrals and worn surfaces every once in a while. There amongst the mellow-dramatic surroundings I gain access to a different mental place where I enjoy lingering sometimes.

GIMME SHELTER PART 3: The "Pinch Me" Reveal

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(The big reveal show just aired, so now I can post my perspective thru my pictures.)

It was on Valentine's Day when Joy Stewart went back to live in her four bedroom home. The Designing Spaces Dream Team had been working diligently on a remodel that included light structural repairs, a new paint job inside and out, a renovated kitchen, a household of new furniture and decorative accessories, and a couple of televisions. Up to a half hour before the dramatic reveal, the house was still being tweaked. Last minute adjustments included hanging art and mirrors, and putting the TVs together.

The living room furnished with new leather seating from Standard Furniture is pretty much done.

Tuesday Morning Ladies: Wendy Moses-Mearls, Florida district manager, and Cindy Kahn, director of merchandising at home base in Dallas are still accessorizing the kitchen.

o2's Media Director Amanda Duggan is on TV assembling duty

Joe Campbell puts the finishing touches on the front entrance.

Meanwhile a crowd assembled outdoors. There were teachers and cops. There were executives and volunteers from participating non-profits. There were city officials. There were reporters and camera crews and representatives from the Miami Dolphins organization.

Wayne Roustan reported on the story for the Sun Sentinel. Here he interviews head Dream Team carpenter Joe Campbell.

Host Debi and David with Rebuilding Together Broward's Executive Director Sandra Einhorn and President Allan Weiss

Ed Greeley (center) of Sleep Pro with his wife and biz partner

 Local commissioners Gary Frankel and David Hilton

Neighborhood friends hanging out with Michael the amazing volunteer

Former Dolphins player Troy Drayton came along to share in the spirit of giving.

Joy finally arrives at the scene

All teary eyes on Joy.

KC did not bring the sunshine but he did give Joy her new keys.

Going in the new house for the first time.

 Joy, her kids, and manufacturers alike were all speaking words of praise and gratitude. The benefits of both giving and receiving were apparent. Joy's oldest son Michael, age 24, called the event "truly life changing."

Now that she has a trundle bed in her  pink and princessy room, 7-year old Keneaka can have sleepovers 

 Standard Furniture's armoire features beaded trim and floral mounts

Kids from the neighborhood peek through the window. After the taping, they were invited in.

The eat-in kitchen, with a new bar height gathering spot, is now a cheerful space for meals, homework, and passing time.

Tuesday morning supplied accessories such as cookware, art, and bedding.

"I get to sleep in my own bed, have my own space and covers."
"We never had a surprise like this before in our life!"

Checking out the goody bags from the Dolphins organization.

And in Joy's words...
"Pinch me I want to see if it's real!"

Joy (with Deputy Ragauskas) placed the experience "somewhere between 9th cloud and infinity."

When I left, Joy was happily testing out her new Sleep Zero Gravity bed -- the first one of its kind in Florida.