Saturday, December 31, 2011

Sentimental Sofa & Other Charlotte Furnishing & Accessory Store Gems

In Charlotte I made time to check out a few old and new favorites for home furnishings & accessories.  If you find yourself in Charlotte - be sure to check out the following places:

1. Sleepy Poet Antique Mall

A big warehouse (55,000 square feet!!) with tons of individual vendor booths.  You can find anything from fur coats, fine antiques, old records, costume jewelry, gorgeous art....you name it.  Many items are very reasonably priced. Link to website

I stopped by my aunt Leigh's booth (ask them where "Henn" is located) and saw her living room Duncan Phyfe sofa that I'd loved for years.  She bought it when she lived in Atlanta 20+ years ago.  I adore her home and over the years we spent countless hours discussing our love for decorating.  Naturally, I nabbed it and can't wait until it has a place in our house.

I sent her this pic with "sold" as the message.  So special for a sentimental girl like me.  Now we just need a house with a formal living room!

Here is a picture of it in her gorgeous living room

Another item I was pining for were these lamps (got the lady down $225 for the pair!!).

2. Alexander Scott

Another shop with a host of vendors divided among the two story store.  Most of the items are traditional and elegant.  Items I was drawn to included - gold & crystal sconces, marble top french bedside tables, lots of mercury glass urns, alabaster lamps and art by Libby Smart.  The items are pricier (although lots of booths had great sales), but lovely.  BONUS: Angie Harmon shops there, so you might have a celebrity sighting as you browse the space.

I didn't take any of my own pictures, but here are a few of my favorite items off their Facebook page (they update pretty frequently).
via Alexander Scott FB page

Love the pair of lamps
via Alexander Scott FB page

via Alexander Scott FB page

3. Slate Interiors

Sadly, I didn't make it there this trip...but I've heard rave reviews and plan to head over there in a few weeks when I'm back in Charlotte to pick up my sofa.  Self described as "Paris flea market meets SoHo."  Slate is a collection of 50 designers, merchants and artists.

My aunt Leigh has a booth here as well -- Hennessey House Interiors.  Here she is looking adorable in her booth back in the summer.

Below are a few others from their website -- you can see there are lots of FUN items.  I love the pops of color and a pop of modern to complement my traditional taste.


4. Mrs. Howard's

Run by husband and wife team of Phoebe & Jim Howard this space makes your feel like you are in a gorgeous home -- or walking through the pages of Veranda (which makes sense because they have graced the cover!).  Each room is staged completely with exquisite floors, wallcoverings, draperies and furniture and accessories.  It is unlike any place I've ever been and will leave you inspired and wanting to move in! Link to Phoebe's website

A sampling from the website -- there are LOTS of stunning photos and you can shop straight from her website, so go visit if you can't make it into the store.

A little more unconventional for home shopping, but I went to visit my grandparents at Sharon Towers Retirement Home and went down to their little second hand store, "The Treasure Chest," and came back with a pair of white porcelain Mottahedeh birds -- for $8! 

I neglected to take a picture before we left for the beach -- but kind of similar to these.

Ok- off to enjoy lunch in Beaufort on this beautiful day!

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!!


XO,
Whit

Friday, December 30, 2011

Christmas in Charlotte

I have been slacking, no routine for the last week includes not blogging.  Plus, I haven't been home to work on any projects.

So- in the meantime, I bring you another little picture montage...

Stockings for dogs & humans alike

Ethel & Eloise by the piano; mom & dad's tree

Someone had separation anxiety a few weeks ago and opened a bunch of gifts

Lovely morning faces


Appreciative pups

My mom is a saint for allowing all these crazy dogs at her house for the holidays!
Maysie, Olivia, Ethel, Eloise, Amelia

Pink Elephant earrings from Bay

Typical Christmas breakfast at Collins house

Christmas night photo shoot begins

Josh with Collins sisters

Collins siblings with their sweet mom; Collins women with Gammy

Sisters with our grandmother; cousins (siblings) Weston & Tricia

3 generations -- Aunt Leigh, Gammy & Mary Cameron

Posing with Dad

Photo shoot: 3 Collins siblings - Ray, Leigh & Bruce; 2 daughters & dad; Leigh & I; 4 girl cousins - Whit, MC, Bailey & Addison

Cousin love - Weston, Whit, Tricia & Bay

Nikko's on the 26th

Patterson sisters on the 27th - Amanda, Cyndy & Belinda

Sadly, I neglected to document the bowl game or night out with the girls.

Some fun home goodies coming soon!

XO,
Whit

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Orange Mandarin Salad


This is another old faithful recipe, courtesy of my mom.

Orange Mandarin Salad 

2-3 spring onions, sliced thinly
1 head romaine lettuce, torn in bite size pieces 1 large can mandarin oranges, drained 1/2 cup+ cashews

(Mom adds some chopped celery instead of onion)

Dressing:
1/3 cup sugar 1 tsp salt 1 tsp dry mustard 1/3 cup vinegar 1 cup canola oil 1 tsp celery seed

Mix in a blender or food processor first 4 ingredients.  Pour oil in slowly.  Continue to mix until thicken.  Stir in celery seed.  Chill several hours or overnight.

A great complement to lots of entrees.

Just arrived back in Raleigh...sad to leave, but happy to be home!  Charlotte Christmas recap coming soon.

XO,
Whit

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas!!



This is the card from tinyprints.com that we ended up ordering  I was very happy with their quality and customer service.  They were supposed to arrive one Friday and when I called to inquire they gave me 15% off, plus overnighted them. 

From our family to yours-- we hope you have a very merry Christmas.  I am so very thankful this Christmas -- we have been so incredibly blessed this year.

XO,
Whit

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas week recap

I am feeling lazy and am behind on the blog.

Here is a little recap of our week in photos. 



It was a fun week of Christmas dinners & parties in Raleigh with friends and family and now I am SO very thankful to be in Charlotte for almost a week with my family & friends from home.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!


XO,
Whit

PS- For those of you following because I used to have fun DIY projects-- they will be back, just still in limbo-mode.