Good morning! Are you having a good week? Seeing some signs of Spring? I spoke to my mother in law yesterday and they had a half an inch of snow! We are having lots of rain but I guess that is to be expected, after all, April showers bring May flowers.
Consequently the rain and grey days are keeping me inside working, reading magazines and puttering around.
I am a huge fan of shelter magazines and subscribe to many; and then because I am convinced that I do not have enough to read I go to Barnes and Nobel and buy all my favorites from Britain and France. I love to see beautiful design, interesting homes, collection, art and more.
I obviously read blogs for the same reason. They are little treasure troves of information, about art, collections, decor, travel and more.
As I mentioned last week, my husband and I are “nesters” and although we love to travel our favorite place to be is at home.
After reading so many magazines this week I suddenly had this crazy thought that I would love to get rid of everything in the house and start again with something new.
I admire Swedish design, the clean lines and the painted furniture that Loi at Tone on Tone collects and features so beautifully on his blog. Then I fall in love each time I see images from Vicki Archer at French Essence of her beautiful flea market finds.
My style is collected, layered and eclectic. I love traditional and classic and modern and more.
What about you? Are you traditional? Modern? Collected? Mid-Century? Swedish? French?
Do you change things in your house often or do you let the layers, and treasures from your life and travels surround you? Have you ever just started over with a clean slate?
I really do not think I will be doing that any time soon as I do like my “stuff” and the memories each piece holds. But a girl can always dream can’t she?
Enjoy your day!

Good morning Elizabeth…..I’m mainly a traditionalist but have a little bit of everything, French, Swedish, antique, new, I figure buy what you love and don’t limit yourself. I love my stuff to so I don’t think I would ever start over but I have thinned the herds.
Enjoy your day!
XXX
Debra~
Bonjour Elizabeth! I LOVE ELEPHANTS in any form…art or real! I particularly enjoy that simple line drawing; I have seen that before! AND YES, your MIL had snow because we here in Minnesota sent it over her way! But ours has melted and come on now, Mother Nature…send us some spring!
I am putting you down on my list for the France party! I am excited to see what you post since you have a broad range of interests from art, literature, FOOD and who knows what else lovely…MERCI! Anita
I enjoyed your snippets, and looks like you surround yourself with things that mean something and that you love. Like you I love my books and could never part with them. I would feel naked without all these things! Maybe just redoing what you already have and changing things aka modified spring cleaning is in order! Its always good to change things up…..enjoy your day.
Dear Elizabeth –
Look at all your books! I see many I do not have. Lately I've been purchasing art, design and garden books at consignment shops. Paying much less, happy to say!
I'm actually thinking of redecorating our living and dining rooms. Thank goodness I have a store to sell some of the existing pieces. Will keep you posted.
Thank you for the link! I appreciate it so much, as always!!
xo
Loi
My style is unique,with stars and fairylights and flowers, though I like the French style a lot.
Elizabeth, Oh how often I have wanted to throw everything out and begin again. I love to browse magazines and books for ideas. I dream, but then I look around and I see my life, the triumphs and scars. Oh there is quite a bit I could live without, but there are also things I can't imagine tossing out. I am pretty eclectic with an emphasis on comfort. I'm not trendy, but there is really not a style I don't like. Have a wonderful evening!
Elizabeth we like so many of the same things and have tastes alike. I sometimes wish I could read all 24 hours a day!
PS I am having a Paris Book Giveaway! Please come over!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I love all your "stuff", and I completely understand your dilemma since I go through my own indecision at times about my style and accumulations. With so much to look at in books, magazines, and blogs, it is easy to lose focus on what we truly love, but I am trying! My tastes and preferences have changed some over the years, but I keep coming back to what I have always loved, and I am trying to stay true to that look with a few tweaks:)
I am a nester too Elizabeth:) and we have LOTS of grey days here in Seattle. In the spring I feel like a little mole coming out of a hole.. where are my sunglasses??! Thanks for sharing little snippets of the things you love. Your book collection is wonderful:) Have a nice weekend!
xxleslie
Hello, dear friend…
I am catching up with all of your marvelous posts. A busy and kind of crazy week has kept me away from blogging…missed you!
We are birds of a feather…I am eclectic…there are so many beautiful styles…how to choose just one?
Your book shelves look a lot like mine 😉
I hope your weekend is fun and relaxing…I am off to read your newest post…
(Can you believe the snow up here? sheesh…)
Big hugs,
– Irina
An elephant ornament or two in a home is a good thing.