The season of second chances

Recently, I was asked to review a copy of The Season of Second Chances by Diane Meier which just came out in paperback. I wasn't really sure what to expect but the premise from her PR group really sounded up my alley. A middle aged college professor decides to take a chance by moving to a small town from NYC to begin a new chapter in her career and renovating an old Victorian house. I figured if I didn't like the book, I wouldn't be out on much, right?

After a slightly bumpy start (mostly because I don't read much fiction) I quickly became engrossed and found Meier and I spoke the same language. Within the first dozen pages, a haircut was described as a Maxfield Parrish mural, a hotel was compared to the namesake in the Astaire/Crosby movie "Holiday Inn" and when house shopping in a small town as opposed to a rural area she wrote,

"Lets go there - now! My heart ran ahead. Let's leave the arena of wild bear and rabid raccoon and crazy men with axes, for the safety and comfort of a neighborhood, for the aroma of blueberry pies cooling on the kitchen windowsills, for little front yards and the idea of biking to work. The concept of biking to work should have given me the hint that I was getting carried away. And why was it priced so far below all that we'd seen, and what did she mean by "white elephant"? "

From this passage on, I was hooked. Don't ask me why it took me 9 pages-did I hear a bit of myself in her voice? I would recommend this book to anyone and to pass along the pleasure, I'm giving away my copy of the book (free to me, free to you). Please live in the United States and leave a comment by Sunday, May 8th (Mothers day!). I will notify the winner and send it off immediately so you can hopefully enjoy it as much as I did. Good luck!

Madame X Giveaway

Everyone knows of the elegant portrait 'Madame X' by John Singer Sargent from 1884. However, does everyone know the backstory of its' fascinating American subject, Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau?

In 2004, Gioia Diliberto wrote a fantastic book in the historical fiction genre, 'I am Madame X' which took the facts of this fascinating woman and wove a story of what her life may have been like. I'm dusting off the bookshelves and giving away my copy to a reader. On Monday, October 18th I will make the decision and mail it off!

Virginie Gautreau was notorious in her day for her many love affairs as well as her sense of fashion (maybe the Paris Hilton of her time?). She was sought out by many of the most famous artists of the day to paint her portrait, including Sargent, in order to bask in some of her notoriety. Sargent actually painted 2 portraits of her; the famous one which caused the scandal in the black gown and one in a chaste white gown shown above, as well as numerous sketches which still survive.

Gautreau never survived the scandal over the famous portrait and mostly retreated from society, dying in 1915. Sargent sold the portrait shortly after her death in 1916 to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, calling it the "the best thing I have ever done ".She was painted a few times after the Sargent portrait, most famously by Gustave Courtois in 1891, which sharply references Madame X but in virginal white, seen above.One last portrait, showing her famous profile, by Antonio De La Gandara in 1898 probably captured her essence even better than Sargent. It was Gautreau's favorite and mine as well and I'll end the topic with it.

Simply leave a comment for your chances to win a copy of the book with a way to get your address should random.org choose you. Please, US residents only. Good Luck!

The winner is lucky #13 - David Toms! I will be in touch with you shortly, Savoir Faire!

Diana Vreeland giveaway!

Recently, JCB and I shared a lovely afternoon in Baltimore with the fabulous Meg of Pigtown Design. One of her favorite haunts, which she mentions often for her many scores, is the Bookthing. I was able to snag a 1st edition copy of DV, Diana Vreeland's autobiography to replace the recent reprint I've had in my personal library. As one of the most fascinating and influential women of the 20th century, this book is a MUST read! I would love to share my copy with a reader. Simply leave a comment if you are interested by Wednesday (Sept 23) and a recipient will be chosen randomly. Good luck!
Giveaway to US addresses only, thanks!

Martha Stewart Lighting Giveaway!

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to 'Matthew'. You should receive your prize shortly! Thanks CSN!

Thanks to my friends at CSNlighting, I'm able to have a really great giveaway contest! I have chosen 3 different lamps from the Martha Stewart Lighting line that I really liked. To enter, just tell me which one you like the best; 1, 2 or 3! The winner will be chosen using random.org and notifed at the email address they provide. This drawing will close next Friday, May 15th at noon. Selection #1 is the Conservatory Adjustable Table Lamp in Polished Nickel. I LOVE anything nickel.
Selection #2 is the same lamp in the bronze finish. This would work better in a room with darker colors and tones than the nickel one.

Selection #3 is the Silvered Glass Table lamp. Need I say more? So pretty, even the finial is pretty!

Introducing Martha Stewart Lighting

Martha Stewart is arguably one of the most recognized names in cooking, home decor and gardening today. Among her successes; an Emmy Award-winning TV series, a slew of award-winning magazines, Martha Stewart Living Radio, countless best-selling books and of course a collection of home goods. Whatever your opinions on the celebrity; her success is really something to be admired.

Stylish and affordable are two words that perfectly describe Martha Stewart's collection of home goods and accessories. Offering everything from bedroom and bathroom linens to cookware and home lighting, Martha Stewart is focused on bringing her creativity and sense of style to the consumer.

A thoughtfully crafted line of traditional and contemporary table lamps, floor lamps, sconces and torchieres, every piece of Martha Stewart Lighting uses high quality materials with designs inspired by some of Martha's favorite lighting. From beautiful silvered & Venetian glass, crystal and colorful ceramic glazes to striking bronze and brass finishes - you're sure to find a piece that works in your home.

Simply leave a comment stating which lamp you would like to win! All entries must be by people in the US or Canada, sorry -and I can't enter either -DRATS! Make sure I have a way to contact you in your comment. Good luck, may the best reader win!

Giveaway!

This giveaway is now closed: The winner was Little Augury!
I have to apologize for not being a regular blogger as of late, to make it up, I decided to host a small giveaway! I had been eyeing these little porcelain houses at Anthropologie for some time so when they were finally 75% off, I bought not just one but two! They actually are 2 pieces and hold some incense (included). When the incense is lit - the 2 chimney's smoke! THE CUTEST THING EVER. I have to admit I don't like the scent of incense at all, but I love the cute houses. I think you can see the smoke in the attached photos.To enter: leave a comment and a way of contacting you should you win this randomly chosen contest (blogger ID or email). A winner will be chosen Wednesday, May 6th and I'll get it off to you in the mail along with some other small 'goodies'. May the best blogger (or reader) win!

Happy Birthday, Ronda!

I wanted to wish Ronda at All the Best a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and also to thank her for her wonderful giveaways she's been hosting. I recently won a copy of the book Mr & Mrs Smith Global Shortlist and can't wait to get it!

And the winner is.......

Drumroll, please..................... PVE designs! PVE was one of the few to submit an entry ( shame on you readers!! ) and was the first. PVE, I will be contacting you shortly!

Well, it was a bit of a disappointing turnout for my giveaway, but I do appreciate everyone who entered! I know I have readers ( and where you live, thanks to google analytics *evil laugh* )! Start leaving comments everyone!!Enclosed are the last 2 entries I received.

From Mark I received

he writes: It is Whitehall Mazarine Blue by Wedgewood and I think it conveys a graceful insouciance with the gilded floral detail and the deep cobalt blue edging. I also like the fanciful designs of the tea pot and coffee pot. it's unusual and elegant!

From Brian I received

My guess is that it's a vintage Limoge from the 60s maybe -or Rosenthal?

Thanks for your entries everyone!!

Giveaway!

Just a reminder that there are only 5 days left to the giveaway! Send in your favorite china pattern to win the 2 lovely limoge teacups!

china shown is 'grace' by Bernardaud

first entry!

The first entry for favorite china is from my friend at PVE! She writesthe all white

Attached, my everyday china is Royal Copenhagen china, white plain, and we have used it everyday for nearly 20 years! I love the shape and white looks good with everything.
I also have the Blue Half Lace and love it, just a few pieces, not an entire set, but I have picked up some over the years at sales for a song. I love it with white or color, solid yellow, pale pink, red, or silver. I love anything Royal Copenhagen, take a look at the site, now I love also all black shine which is chic.

I've always loved this blue and white pattern as well! Like she mentions it mixes so well with other pieces so is a fun one for mixing and matching. I have a teacup in this pattern but really don't have much blue & white -i need to work on that!