Wow. I mean really — wow. Did you watch the video? It’s so well done. Not only do I like what these Mast Brothers have to say, but I also really enjoyed how this video was shot and edited. I loved hearing about their love affair with the spirit of craft. Once I watched The Mast Brothers Chocolate video, I went in search of other pieces by The Scout. If you’re as interested in interior design as I am, you must watch The Scout’s piece on Roman & Williams.

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{images via Macy’s on the left and The Find, which BTW, if you are searching for something specific is amazing!}

The last time I visited my family in Michigan, my mom had gotten a couple of kittens. Her foyer entry hall table usually has a beautiful flower arrangement on it, but the kittens kept getting into it and eating all the flowers. She did what any creative homemaker would do – she got innovative! Mom set out a collection of Domed Cake Plates and Trifle Bowls. Gosh, it was gorgeous. In my opinion, it was a prettier sight than any flower arrangement I’d seen on that table recently!
My visit to Michigan was right after I had my 1st lovely encounter with the ex-lady of the house. Needless to say, I had glass dome and cake plate thoughts on my mind. Who doesn’t adore William Yeoward Crystal? I like to shop for his designs at Gearys and Neiman Marcus. He might be out of the budget right now, but maybe someday…Beautiful Juliska is available at Neiman Marcus. They look so pretty as a trio, don’t they? Also available at Neiman’s: The Stratford Footed Cake Dome. It’s less than $60, and makes that cake look so tempting!The Miranda Trifle Bowl from Crate and Barrel is less than $30! It looks just as pretty empty as it does full of fruit, pudding and cake! Or how about the Godinger Cake Plate Dome or the Coquille Shell Domed Pedestal Cake Plate? Both are quite fussy, but pretty, no?I adore the Artland Simplicity collection. It’s priced right and looks great. Since it was sold out at Target, I did a little hunting and was able to find the Artland simplicity collection trifle bowl at the Chef’s Catalog. Artland it a company whose products I love, but the photo Chef’s Catalog has to be one of the most unappetising dessert images I have seen in a while – bleh! Please, don’t let that image detour you! *winkwink*

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This week, I learned about the Milliners Guild which is based in New York City. It got me thinking about the mid-1990′s when I was enrolled at The School of the Art Institute in Chicago. From my little story above, you’ll see I was a little frustrated when my family thought it was quite ridiculous that I might hope to make a career out of being a milliner. My dad had a good long conversation with me about vocation vs avocation … it didn’t stop me from enrolling in a few hat-making classes. I miss making hats. Perhaps once this renovation is done – I might just start exploring life with my sewing machine again!

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As you can imagine, when the painter walked me through the house during our meeting last night he expected me to hand over my color choices. I made some under-the-gun decisions. Above, you have the color palette for our Shaker Laundry House with modern industrial flair. I know. It’s not *quite* the color palette I had intended for the house - but once I got in and really got a feel for the space – I couldn’t help but listen to what it asked for. BTW: I am back in the City again. This time I took the train. What a crazy thing it is… one moment you’re out in nature and the next you are in the middle of Grand Central Station. Talk about sensory overload! Speaking of sensory overload, did you see the Google home page this morning? It is Josef Frank’s Birthday! In honor of him, I thought I’d reach into the ABCD Design archives remind you of this dream decorating post: Liljevalch-Sofa – Josef Frank 1934. Have a lovely afternoon!

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*Kindly excuse the late post today. Tradesmen start their days so darn early! Their meeting times coincide perfectly with my morning espresso and blog post writing time!*

This past Sunday evening, (after the final coat of wax was put on our new glossy white floors) I drove to the City. I wanted to give the floor a full day or two to completely harden before we started walking all over it again. I spent Sunday and Monday night in NYC – omgosh, it was so pleasant to sleep in a real bed again! – and then I drove back out on Tuesday morning to schedule more renovation projects.The last two days have been chalk full of visits from electricians and sheetrock guys, finish carpenters …and… later today, I have an appointment with the painter. Ugh. Did I mention that this master bedroom is killing me? I am still leaning towards charcoal, even though I was nearly sure the bedroom wall texture calls for light. Oh brother! Like I said, I have all but come full circle and am leaning towards the charcoal again. What are your thoughts?

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