Cone of Shame

This is the little lady that I have been spending all of my free time with lately.  She is in "the cone of shame"because she just got spayed- :(   Don't get me wrong- I would LOVE little baby Gracie's running around but that might just make me lose my mind.  And the Doc. says that letting dogs go into heat increases their chance of breast cancer by 80%!  So this was a no brainer for me.

I am very sad to say that I did not plan this well and now she will be unable to wear her adorable Halloween costume. (and yes I am that girl who buys costumes for her dog- so sue me- it's too cute)

Bee Costume

We might just have to celebrate this holiday twice.  Because little Gracie would make an adorable bumblebee.

love,

abs

The BUZZ

Reuben "Buzz" Harper is an amazing, creative interior designer, specializing in 18th century french decor.  He is fashion savvy, a world traveler, an antique collector and most importantly my GRANDFATHER.

A portrait of Buzz 

I am kicking myself that I didn't pick up some family photos while I was at my parents house this past weekend.  But these internet images will have to do for now.  The portrait above has been in his house for as long as I can remember-- such a handsome fellow!

Buzz is one of the most wonderful people that I know with one of the most amazing hearts.  He has worked on so many projects throughout his life.  Before moving to New Orleans, Buzz and my grandmother lived in Natchez, MS in The Burn, which is now a beautiful museum.

After that, Buzz lived in New Orleans and had a very grand showroom of European antiques called Harper's Antiques in the French Quarter.

NOW-  Buzz is back in Natchez shaking things up.

 Buzz in Southern Living  

Anyways-  I caught up with busy BUZZ this morning and asked him a couple of questions:

Buzz! You have been an interior designer forever! What makes you still excited about interior design after all these years?

The joy of bringing beauty and happiness into someones life- the way it kicks up the spirit of the people you are doing it for. 

What kind of projects are you currently working on?

I am mostly working on projects for clients that I have had for 30 or 40 years.

What do you miss about New Orleans now that you are living back in Natchez?

THE FOOD!  and of course my friends.  New Orleans has its own music, food and culture and did you know it has the oldest opera company in the US? It is just a fantastic city.

What do you think is necessary in every home?

A piano- because whether you play or not it is a beautiful ornament and if you entertain then you can always have someone play.  (I love this)

What is your favorite food?

Foie gras. I had it last night!

Favorite thing to do on the weekends?

Besides going to Mass, my favorite thing is to play bridge, which I do every Sunday afternoon.

Who is your fashion icon?

Versace   

Any words of design advice to our bloggers?

Be smart enough to figure out what you like and don't let any interior designer tell you what you should like. You have the right to like what you like!

love,

abs

SINKS-how to choose?

I am not sure why I am so obsessed with sinks.  I live in a rented apartment and I am not an interior designer but for some reason I find myself looking to see which sinks people choose for their home.  I think it says a lot about who they are.

This could be because I am a complete MESS and I'm not gonna lie- there are many times when I come home to a double bowl, stainless steel sink full of dirty dishes *cringe*.   BUT- I feel like I would be completely organized and perfect if I had this sink: (and maybe 2 dishwashers)

Wouldn't this just be wonderful?! A HUGE industrial kitchen sink like this?  This makes my heart skip a beat.  I. AM. IN. LOVE.  


Of course, there are always many other options.  Here are some of my other faves:

LOVE this one too- TWO huge farmhouse sinks- clean, sleek, classic & spacious

I like the idea of having an extra little sink in the island for washing hands etc.

(via Southern Accents- designed by fellow Atlantan Suzanne Kasler)
I love this kitchen but I am not sure if I would like my sinks to be across from each other...

Obviously I am drawn to light, bright kitchens. They make me feel clean and organized = happy.


*all images not identified above are via House Beautiful

love,

abs

IKAT

Lately, I have been drooling over some amazing Ikat pattern fabrics...They first caught my eye when my mom started to look at fabrics for some of her chairs that she wants to recover.  

(this is one of Suzanne Kasler's amazing prints that she created for Ballard Designs)

(Awesome Ikat shades and accent pillows-from March 2009 House Beautiful)

(Madeline Weinrib makes delicious fabrics in tons of colors and patterns)

(Beautiful Ikat chair from Horchow)

(You can also use Ikat as art-image by Elle Decor)

I am usually a pretty neutral gal ( I know- boooring), but I do like a nice pop of color here and there.  What do you think? Yay or Nay?

love,

abs

FINALLY

I have been thinking about starting a blog for a LONG time and I have finally gone and done it! I am excited to share my ideas on design, home, fashion and life in general. For starters, I would like to show you one member of my family: my little brown munchkin, GRACIE, who makes my life very interesting.

                   (this is her as a baby--just so scrumptious I could eat her) 

                                           (baby Gracie at 7months)

I love her to death, but my sweet boyfriend, Harrison (H), thinks I am a tad obsessed.  OH well---maybe I am but I just can't help myself- she is just too darn cute.  

Anyways- I live in Atlanta, GA- go braves- but I am from Birmingham, AL- roll tide.  Spruceface is a place that I will share ideas that will hopefully help readers spruce up their wardrobe, home and life.  WELCOME!

love,

abs