Something Awesome Just Happened...

I won Kiki's Giveaway of the Leighelena Cuff! I am sooo excited. Thanks Kiki's List! 

 Now back to the books.

My Brain

 

Finals on Monday and Tuesday- blogging will be light until mid-week. 

My Life's Philosophy

 

Off to play some blackjack. Wish me luck!

California Dreamin'

 Jeffrey Alan Marks is known for his comfortable, clean spaces. His style embodies California chic living. I particularly love his focus on ceilings to draw the eye up and add further dimension to a room.

Norma Jean

"It's nice to be included in people's fantasies but you also like to be accepted for your own sake."

 

"A career is wonderful, but you can't curl up with it on a cold night."

 

“I feel that beauty and femininity are ageless.” 

 

 

 " Beneath the makeup and behind the smile I'm just a girl who wishes for the world."

 

  via 1, 2

 

 

Wanna Buy It Wednesday: 2449 Tracy Place, NW, Washington, DC

 Interior Design pioneer Eleanor McMillen Brown once said, "Taste is relative, but to be positive and vital it must respect the past, accept the present and look forward with enthusiasm to the future." I can't think of a home that encompasses this philosophy more than 2449 Tracy Place, NW.  This 6 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom Georgian Revival will grace you with its marble fireplaces, antique mantles and custom moldings. It was constructed in 1923 by the famous architect Waddy Butler Wood, who is remembered for his fondness of romantic and traditional architecture. The current owners recently renovated the residence in 2008 to incorporate modern amenities and decor.  Paint colors and furniture are muted and understated giving off a contemporary vibe, while features like the claw foot tub and refinished hardwood floors add a traditional balance. This home was made for entertaining with a bright backyard and sun room, as well as a huge dining room. Currently, it's on the market for 3.995 million.

Fab Giveaway

Kiki's got a good one this week: the Leighelena Cuff. 

  Enter here. 

The Return of the Convex Mirror

Over the past few years we have seen convex mirrors appear more frequently in designer spaces. These bulbous, round mirrors do a great job of adding reflection to a space, in addition to a hint of history- mainly due to there gilded coloring and often a surmounted eagle at the top. I became curious about the history of these stylish mirrors as I've seen them more.

Turns out, the convex mirror has gone in and out of style since the Eighteenth Century, when glassmakers in Louis XIV’s France figured out how to press plate glass into large flat mirrors (making possible the famous Hall of Mirrors at Versailles). Neo-classical Regency and Georgian periods of design in Ninenteenth Century England and America revived the stylish mirrors once again. And, most recently, we've seen everyone from Billy Baldwin to Jonathan Adler and Restoration Hardware re-create contemporary versions. My personal favorite convex mirrors are antique, like these shown from 1st Dibs.

via

Happy President's Day: Who's Your Favorite?

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

—Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence

 

Today we remember America's greatest leaders. Thomas Jefferson was an inventor, gifted writer, extraordinary diplomat as well as one of our nation's earliest proponents of public education. In addition, he built one of the most beautiful historic homes I've ever seen. I will forever be in awe of his accomplishments.

 

Who's your favorite president?

 

How to Have a Lovely Day

 

And what a lovely day in D.C. it is! Can't beat this 70 degree weather. 

Girls Night Out: Potomac Bead Company

Two If By DC joined me last night for a fun jewelry-making class organized by the Junior League of Washington. I have to admit, the thought of making my own jewelry didn't excite me, but once I chose my beads and started following instructions, the two of us managed to have quite a fun time! Two If By DC's Georgia Bulldog- themed necklace is documented below:

 Ta-Da!

What a lovely necklace. 

 I kept things simple and made this freshwater pearl bracelet that I'm wearing today.

 

What a great way to kick-off the weekend!