April 22, 2012 by Carol Spinski
Recently a friend I know said to me, “Blogging is the Devil!” I was a bit stunned with her statement but after a lengthy conversation she further explained that visiting blogs always makes her feel very inadequate and unworthy. That it seems if you don’t have some incredible house or incredible DIY project or incredible photography or been on an incredible trip to post about, why bother? Basically her take was the fairytale world of bloggers was filled with narcissistic personalities that wouldn’t know the real world if it bit them in the ass. Ouch right? I tried to justify to her that my reasons of blogging were to connect, inspire, market the business and mentor. And how I’ve always been grateful for the friendships and opportunities that have come my way because of blogging. But wait, did her view of blog land have any merit? Did my own blogs fall into that same fairytale world she described? Probably to some extent, but that’s because I’m very conscious about putting out the best content I possibly can on my blogs. I owe that to the people who take the time to visit me on my blogs and have been supportive over the years. Also, understanding that blog readers usually are looking for two things, information and inspiration. That there is enough ugly in the World we live in and being able to escape in blog land for a bit is OK.
Why you blog and the content you offer is a decision that is ultimately yours. But as my friend reminded me of in her assessment about blog land, don’t get caught up in the smoke and mirrors of blogging that you feel the need to constantly produce to obtain favor. The internet has fostered a wave of instantaneous gratification and short term memory loss. Basically any fame you receive from the internet can be very fleeting so remembering that and taking things in prospective when you post should be a lesson for all of us bloggers.
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March 22, 2012 by Carol Spinski
*Simple decorating idea~ Use a vintage bird cage as a plant hanger and place in a sunny location in your home:)
Category: DecoratingTags: Birdcage, Decorating Ideas, Vintage | Comments (1)
March 20, 2012 by Carol Spinski
The other day I received the always anticipated Restoration Hardware 2012 Design Source Book and was completely smitten. It is actually 992 pages consisting of three publications. The Home Book’s opening letter from Chairman and Co-CEO Gary Friedman speaks to the brand’s evolution to date – Paying homage to Steve Jobs’ legacy of following one’s heart and intuition in the quest for innovation, this philosophy similarly guides Restoration Hardware and drives its creative process. “These pages are filled with examples of our vision to create an inspiring and irreverent style movement,” says Friedman. “Our new collection consists of new pieces that have been carefully curated, reimagined and composed to push the established boundaries and stimulate ideas of a new and evolving way to furnish our homes.”
Of course I was drawn to their new Deconstructed Furniture Line~The collection consists of 16 reproductions featuring distressed walnut frames, exposed hardware, and rich burlap and antiqued cotton upholstery secured with tailor’s tacks.
I’m sure there are many in Decorating Land that are appalled by the unfinished and unsophisticated nature of RH’s Deconstructed look because “tisk tisk” it is a reproduction attempt. But for those of us that appreciate the “As Found Style” we get it! Cheers to Restoration Hardware for continuing to push the design envelope.
This is a photo of a vintage chair that Shelley featured on her blog recently. The deconstructed look may not be right for everyone but I think it is a piece of textural art and fabulous.
Category: DecoratingTags: Deconstructed Style, Design | Comments (4)
March 7, 2012 by Carol Spinski
Well I did it! I finally purchased the lens I’ve been crushing on for the last several months-the Canon 85mm 1.2. It arrived last week and I’m already smitten with the image quality and buttery bokeh this baby produces. Here is a sample of one of the first images I took with it attached to my 5D MK2~
Baseball Cuff’s by Meloney Russell of The Seedbox Antiques
The lens is super heavy and because of the narrow depth of field has a steep learning curve. But I can already see why it is one of the best portrait prime lenses Canon makes. I have several upcoming photography jobs and can’t wait to try it out in my work.
Thank You for letting me know your favorite Flea Markets from the last post~I’m looking forward to checking out some of the ones I’ve never visited:)
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February 12, 2012 by Carol Spinski
Do you have a favorite Flea Market or Vintage Market that you never miss? I’m planning a couple of Spring buying trips and would LOVE to visit some new venues. Please let me know:) Thank You!
Blessings, Carol
Photography by Carol Spinski
Category: TravelTags: Flea Markets, Vintage | Comments (13)
January 30, 2012 by Carol Spinski
I absolutely LOVE when my friends do something that is so creative and wonderful it makes your heart sing. Such is the case with Sweet E (Elizabeth Maxson) who recently completed the photography and styling for the Tula Pink Quilt Book. When I saw the book photos, I knew without a doubt that it was Elizabeth’s work. The attention to detail styling combined with effortless layering of props not to mention gorgeous image capture is Sweet E to a Tee! Take my word and go see for yourself:)
Category: EventsTags: Create, Design, Photography, Publishing, Quilts, Styling | Comments (1)
