Top 50 homes in America by TRENDS

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgMfBqIkb0RUQD5GEQ6h67aeg68e_QZgU61TRjH9N4udr6YEY9JFvpQKTo7Fv4N3Hr0HADjel0kwHSZshfzllEYsPOHUSUC7OI2ZNvI6OWHp1zc-AXwiG8PYoD2JzS9LAtt1gLiSvgVTQ/s1600/Trends+50+American+HOMES.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgMfBqIkb0RUQD5GEQ6h67aeg68e_QZgU61TRjH9N4udr6YEY9JFvpQKTo7Fv4N3Hr0HADjel0kwHSZshfzllEYsPOHUSUC7OI2ZNvI6OWHp1zc-AXwiG8PYoD2JzS9LAtt1gLiSvgVTQ/s400/Trends+50+American+HOMES.jpeg" width="233" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTcYfE0r6GduDSxqKIi3ZtxcrtVVlvNfOmTWglnF6IiqXkG1DNwbT5IFs_LjliVvuVFW3vvEouv8BoeFnmXpzK7OZ5ywUG-re3o1bgUIeI8EFV00ELkFnQahSH5ERe90x2wBDSKJPthEd/s1600/ThomasPCatalanoAIA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTcYfE0r6GduDSxqKIi3ZtxcrtVVlvNfOmTWglnF6IiqXkG1DNwbT5IFs_LjliVvuVFW3vvEouv8BoeFnmXpzK7OZ5ywUG-re3o1bgUIeI8EFV00ELkFnQahSH5ERe90x2wBDSKJPthEd/s1600/ThomasPCatalanoAIA.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><br />A huge congratulations to Thomas P. Catalano, AIA LEED AP of <a href="http://www.catalanoinc.com/arch/index.html" target="_blank">Catalano Architects</a>! Home and Architectural TRENDS magazine has selected a Catalano Architects project as one its <a href="http://top.trendsideas.com/Homes.aspx?region=4" target="_blank">Top 50 American homes</a> and you will see why below. The award was based on excellence in design, function, product specification and style.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpgET7oew98eJZ-_I20T46TcWs42_g3xLELFC15TtD0Mi7IVf-4pMl6gZt4OtgVm6b-5_6gIGXlS6wWzKrH3X6QE6cc2ToQ8byNme2rnz2AJeLOiaOvFLo39w9_3KDbzQsYEkRFN3Ia7U/s1600/2402Baker01Comp.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpgET7oew98eJZ-_I20T46TcWs42_g3xLELFC15TtD0Mi7IVf-4pMl6gZt4OtgVm6b-5_6gIGXlS6wWzKrH3X6QE6cc2ToQ8byNme2rnz2AJeLOiaOvFLo39w9_3KDbzQsYEkRFN3Ia7U/s1600/2402Baker01Comp.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">This </span>gorgeous house is located in Osterville, MA on Cape Cod. This is a summer home for empty nesters who wanted a retreat for their large extended family. The house was not to be overly showy from the road and clad in cedar shingles. When weather, the gambrel roofed home will blend in with the many older homes Osterville. The design allows for a spacious second floor but gives the exterior a quiet, low profile. The house is oriented so that every room faces the sun and views of the bay.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdbGeM5nagHzoFyzfz4c5wzcRc__MB-v9Ynxz1q5VjYpOm1j1WJQwK9YF6Vkwy649Ch-fftJDkbOSB3Usrs2HH_3iAv1gqgzu7lsgf_vzi6Z4PFovDD30VVy-3E_Il9EnmPYGOx84VxVA/s1600/2402Baker19Comp.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdbGeM5nagHzoFyzfz4c5wzcRc__MB-v9Ynxz1q5VjYpOm1j1WJQwK9YF6Vkwy649Ch-fftJDkbOSB3Usrs2HH_3iAv1gqgzu7lsgf_vzi6Z4PFovDD30VVy-3E_Il9EnmPYGOx84VxVA/s1600/2402Baker19Comp.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://imageservice.trendsideas.com/media/Article/Original/68581.jpg?width=637&height=637&bgcolor=231f20" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://imageservice.trendsideas.com/media/Article/Original/68581.jpg?width=637&height=637&bgcolor=231f20" /></a></div> Love the wave pattern in the shingles above the front door! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktLiPi3CVtf8xfDWaGqnQyE9nGfzUGo_jrYUKz6eqA90ltsgchSfuT3mpATGt0ZPWiGisX111U73dMXqO9RpmrZ2QiEVxiGbknjlzoU3wcD0z5iPKzFZ3AYYSrBeOv7pulbmhHxtJTlia/s1600/2402Baker05Comp.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktLiPi3CVtf8xfDWaGqnQyE9nGfzUGo_jrYUKz6eqA90ltsgchSfuT3mpATGt0ZPWiGisX111U73dMXqO9RpmrZ2QiEVxiGbknjlzoU3wcD0z5iPKzFZ3AYYSrBeOv7pulbmhHxtJTlia/s1600/2402Baker05Comp.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://imageservice.trendsideas.com/media/Article/Original/68590.jpg?width=637&height=637&bgcolor=231f20" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://imageservice.trendsideas.com/media/Article/Original/68590.jpg?width=637&height=637&bgcolor=231f20" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://imageservice.trendsideas.com/media/Article/Original/68591.jpg?width=637&height=637&bgcolor=231f20" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://imageservice.trendsideas.com/media/Article/Original/68591.jpg?width=637&height=637&bgcolor=231f20" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVc-8KdswxTE-OKV7c8-r7cQqzSuCSsHLRrjTUEc6qjefINB_r5a76E09HFklWxCulaQo2Bbd_UFlpxb3LqPEnyU5vF3MGOhyaFpz8yhHzK2nwxWqBRiRl0qwjTJGRy3yb2aT8V9nCUHfu/s1600/2402Baker10Comp.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVc-8KdswxTE-OKV7c8-r7cQqzSuCSsHLRrjTUEc6qjefINB_r5a76E09HFklWxCulaQo2Bbd_UFlpxb3LqPEnyU5vF3MGOhyaFpz8yhHzK2nwxWqBRiRl0qwjTJGRy3yb2aT8V9nCUHfu/s1600/2402Baker10Comp.jpeg" /></a></div><br />The interiors were designed by my favorite New England design team of (the late) Lee Bierly and Christopher Drake. The design includes a calming palette of ivory and pale blues, reflecting the water and sky.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnsk-MqwTi78vNsXp2A4GnCsp44L2ZhFktvqdF2d0CRzgKSUCKovFHHkO2fDra49zl1z_ZaA6dAsbSp3KJzgAoLNrfij8mLQ3tO0KRMDQTW__wFNoW_PvlXYO7gQy7s-CUS2KZWnAYtKJ/s1600/2402Baker03Comp.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnsk-MqwTi78vNsXp2A4GnCsp44L2ZhFktvqdF2d0CRzgKSUCKovFHHkO2fDra49zl1z_ZaA6dAsbSp3KJzgAoLNrfij8mLQ3tO0KRMDQTW__wFNoW_PvlXYO7gQy7s-CUS2KZWnAYtKJ/s1600/2402Baker03Comp.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTcYfE0r6GduDSxqKIi3ZtxcrtVVlvNfOmTWglnF6IiqXkG1DNwbT5IFs_LjliVvuVFW3vvEouv8BoeFnmXpzK7OZ5ywUG-re3o1bgUIeI8EFV00ELkFnQahSH5ERe90x2wBDSKJPthEd/s1600/ThomasPCatalanoAIA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> Seriously, just admire the guest house alone! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgMfBqIkb0RUQD5GEQ6h67aeg68e_QZgU61TRjH9N4udr6YEY9JFvpQKTo7Fv4N3Hr0HADjel0kwHSZshfzllEYsPOHUSUC7OI2ZNvI6OWHp1zc-AXwiG8PYoD2JzS9LAtt1gLiSvgVTQ/s1600/Trends+50+American+HOMES.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_TwFsk70OZQtVGXoACW5NQ3BNzEdOUaSlqaAPyF_82_2U2AVcNMCMqG0SHiFII5gE8ShEfsIeUja_b4eafOi3syXCKhz-4n-_R7eJ6iXqgiBamg7fHwh_MhO5F3YoV1TESh3ZOIw2GdC/s1600/2402Baker09Comp.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_TwFsk70OZQtVGXoACW5NQ3BNzEdOUaSlqaAPyF_82_2U2AVcNMCMqG0SHiFII5gE8ShEfsIeUja_b4eafOi3syXCKhz-4n-_R7eJ6iXqgiBamg7fHwh_MhO5F3YoV1TESh3ZOIw2GdC/s1600/2402Baker09Comp.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><br />And those views! Lucky clients. Congratulations again, Thomas!<br /><br />Photography: Carmel Brantley

Top 50 homes in America by TRENDS

A huge congratulations to Thomas P. Catalano, AIA LEED AP of Catalano Architects ! Home and Architectural TRENDS magazine has selected a Cat...

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Handmade Giveaway!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQjuoWzi0Th5v4_AZMn3gB_GFNWHyxuy0i0Fr9zTzCFPVCEbkOY" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQjuoWzi0Th5v4_AZMn3gB_GFNWHyxuy0i0Fr9zTzCFPVCEbkOY" /></a></div><br />Have you heard of <a href="http://www.novica.com/" target="_blank">Novica</a>? If not, you're in for a great treat.<br /><br />From their website: <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We want to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. And, we want to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow.</i></div><i> </i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>At the deepest essence of our philosophy, we want to create a bridge between you and the many talented artisans across the globe.</i></div><i> </i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We want you to know about who you're buying from. We want you to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it.</i></div><i> </i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>In the spirit of the Internet, let us bring you together.</i></div><i> </i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>NOVICA. The World is Your Market.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="57" src="http://pics.novica.com/images/teamnovica.gif" width="177" /></div><br /><br />Novica, which works in association with The National Geographic, works with artisans across the developing world to offer high quality personal items from <a href="http://unique-gifts.novica.com/womens/" target="_blank">unique gifts for woman</a> and <a href="http://unique-gifts.novica.com/mens/" target="_blank">men</a> to bags and items for the home and <a href="http://unique-gifts.novica.com/cooking-gifts/" target="_blank">cooking</a>.<br /><br />Here are some that caught my eye:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/27/p187184_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/27/p187184_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://unique-gifts.novica.com/cooking-gifts/teakwood-cutting-board-circle-of-life/187184" target="_blank"> Circle of Life teakwood cutting board</a> made by Teo Hernandez from Guatemala</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/4/p201771_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/4/p201771_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://unique-gifts.novica.com/mens/clothing/mens-alpaca-blend-sweater-grey-cuzco-casual/201771" target="_blank"> Grey Cuzco Men's</a> alpaca wool blend sweater made by Nester Yana in the Andes. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/9/p187436_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/9/p187436_2.jpg" width="610" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Celedon ceramic <a href="http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=187436" target="_blank">Chiang Mai Rabbits</a> made by Duangkamol in Thailand.</div><br />The folks at Novica were kind enough to send me two gift certificates to partake in their handmade offerings - one for me and one to share!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWhbnEd-wz0oZqfdwq_HSALlX6RWHMT3WaIPsSSrXLjGZx5t_Hu8uX1CMznJP8UToGQMoJzNNqYG4aKnGJ2-eX-ayx3dc51ANZ3Ah0-Q9r-IwEKWfFcz7fXsHtgqJPCY3JwXdKcFofkl7/s1600/IMG_2325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWhbnEd-wz0oZqfdwq_HSALlX6RWHMT3WaIPsSSrXLjGZx5t_Hu8uX1CMznJP8UToGQMoJzNNqYG4aKnGJ2-eX-ayx3dc51ANZ3Ah0-Q9r-IwEKWfFcz7fXsHtgqJPCY3JwXdKcFofkl7/s640/IMG_2325.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I was able to purchase this beautiful ceramic <a href="http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=64650" target="_blank">Banana Leaf serving platter </a>that is just the right size for serving hors d'ouvres. Made by Tat Yan Soo in Bali.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipi_OzSNIUcVC2BMUhEYsIhilNU4GehZxpnrTUNu8R-WntbbByDiWh_zYcWWNlGoRTeL982A6HQznNAsOHp-Ui566yWDrNj1ZW864EkcAKnkLzgII-T12eY7t9qvcdPn58jbCz00WjS9zX/s1600/IMG_2326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipi_OzSNIUcVC2BMUhEYsIhilNU4GehZxpnrTUNu8R-WntbbByDiWh_zYcWWNlGoRTeL982A6HQznNAsOHp-Ui566yWDrNj1ZW864EkcAKnkLzgII-T12eY7t9qvcdPn58jbCz00WjS9zX/s640/IMG_2326.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>And I was also able to purchase this beautiful .925 sterling silver moonstone solitaire ring called <a href="http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=153729" target="_blank">Perfection</a> made by Mahavir in India. <br /><br />All items come extremely well wrapped, with hand written gift cards and a cute little "certificate" booklet. Let me tell you - the platter was so well wrapped I think they could have dropped it from a plane into my yard and it would have been fine. Both items came in less than two weeks. <br /><br />This is the second time I've ordered from Novica and have been thrilled with the quality in all cases - from jewelry to ceramics. A great source for unique - and extremely well priced - gifts. <br /><br />And, now for the fun part - <a href="http://www.novica.com/" target="_blank">Novica</a> is offering a <u><i><b>$100 gift certificate</b></i></u> to a lucky ::Surroundings:: reader. Just head over to their site and report back here in the comments what item(s) you would order if you won. A note to the eventual winner - just remember that shipping will be added to your order, so if you want it covered by the GC, keep that in mind. Or, you can order $100 worth of merch and just pay the shipping (which in my experience has been very reasonable). I will announce the winner on Monday, April 8th.<br /><br />Novica has also created a "Curated" section for their site where you can pull together a grouping of your favorite items to share with friends or readers if you have a blog. It's a great way to showcase your style as well as help the artisans whose work you admire!  Check it out <a href="http://me.novica.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />Thanks <a href="http://www.novica.com/" target="_blank">Novica</a>!<br /><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>CONGRATULATIONS TO MARCIA E - YOU'RE THE WINNER! And thanks so much to all who entered!</b></span><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Handmade Giveaway!

Have you heard of Novica ? If not, you're in for a great treat. From their website: We want to give artists and artisans around the worl...

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Mom's Teacups and Mr. Selfridge

<p> Did you watch the new PBS Masterpiece Classic series "<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/programs/series/mr-selfridge/" target="_blank" title="">Mr. Selfridge</a>" which debuted here in the States last night? I thought it was pretty entertaining. I don't think it will capture our hearts and imaginations like "Downton Abbey" has, but then few series will ever have that kind zeitgeist moment. Starring Jeremy Pivens (late of "The Entourage"), "Mr. Selfridge" is the story of the American businessman who conceived of the modern department store with instant markdowns, celebrity endorsements, fabulous display windows, and touchable merchandise. For good or bad, he made shopping a "thing". </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610295254/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="438" id="blogsy-1364826812784.7024" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8610295254_528db502a9.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610295506/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="358" id="blogsy-1364826812769.3948" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8404/8610295506_28c98af230.jpg" width="598"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610295844/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="397" id="blogsy-1364826812772.085" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8610295844_c7950ba978.jpg" width="598"></a></div> <p> Still going strong, Selfridge's is considered one of the iconic department stores in the world. In the 1950's my mother took a Grand Tour of Europe and when in London, visited the store. There, she purchased one of her most prized possessions, a collection of six beautiful teacups which have always been prominently displayed in her house. Mom and her travel companion Lorraine each purchased 6 cups and saucers which were carefully wrapped and delivered directly to their ship, the United States. Ah, travel was so much more elegant back in the day. I asked her about her shopping experience at Selfridge's and she said it was a lovely store and that all the teacups were displayed out on a counter, very easy to pick up</p> <p> and look at. It's interesting, the concept of shopping with everything behind glass vs. the ability to touch and feel the merch.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610298106/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="669" id="blogsy-1364826812788.1333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8126/8610298106_1de018a9f9_z.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610300650/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="716" id="blogsy-1364826812780.1924" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8264/8610300650_aec3962799_z.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610302084/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="850" id="blogsy-1364826812777.593" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8610302084_f20202d80b_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8609197431/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="676" id="blogsy-1364826812765.6135" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8252/8609197431_82f249d653_z.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8610307420/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="639" id="blogsy-1364826812757.4229" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8610307420_5c0076bee0.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8609203419/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="830" id="blogsy-1364826812756.8572" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8609203419_1672ea15e2_z.jpg" width="649"></a></div> <p> I've spent my whole life looking at these beautiful teacups and saucers, that have only ever been displayed, not used. Mom has never been a tea drinker and she really did buy them just to look at them. On the one hand, that concept has always frustrated me because I hold the view that these items are made to be used and why not have a daily dose of beauty and elegance? Why always save pretty items like china, silver and crystal for holidays or guests? Are we not good enough ourselves? In the other hand, had my Mom made use of these on a daily basis (or allowed a certain little girl to play teaparty with them) how many would have survived? And even if they were all in tact, the decoration on the cups would likely be showing wear after all these years. </p> <p>So, what do you think? Use it and possibly lose it? Or preserve memories in pristine condition. </p> <p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Mom's Teacups and Mr. Selfridge

Did you watch the new PBS Masterpiece Classic series " Mr. Selfridge " which debuted here in the States last night? I thought it ...

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