A Novica Giveaway

I haven't done giveaways in the past, but recently I was approached by an organization that I think is worth supporting for a variety of reasons:  Novica.  They are affiliated with National Geographic, which in and of itself says a lot.  However, more importantly, they are providing products fairly traded, made by talented artisans from all over the globe.  Take a look at a small sampling of my favorites from their offerings:

So, here's the really fun part!  

Novica is offering a $50 gift certificate to one lucky reader of my blog.  All you have to do is go to their site, Novica, and then come back here to leave a comment, telling me which of their products you like the best.

Deadline is Wednesday, January 9 at midnight.  

The winner will be announced on my Friday, January 11 post.  

Good luck!

San Juan Lavender...

Recently my husband and I had a little getaway to the nearby San Juan Islands.  Neither of us had ever been there - what a stunning place.  I thought I'd pass along a few highlights to all of you!

Are we in Provence?  Nope...  

(I guess the abundance of trees gives it away.)

I had never seen white lavender - have you? 

 That's Canada in the distance.

 We had some lovely walks along the coastline...

Roche Harbor had that casual yet upscale marina feel - very charming!

This beautiful shop in Roche Harber was so charming!  
It had everything a girl could need or want for her yacht.  :)

The highlight of our trip:  sea kayaking at sunset, complete with visits from seals and snacking on seaweed right out of the water (tasted just like lettuce :)).  It was so serene at that time of day - water like glass and so peaceful...I'd highly recommend it.

I hope you enjoyed the virtual vacation!  :)

New Listings At Linen Haus!

Hi Everyone,

Summer has gotten away from me and I hadn't yet listed all of my inventory at Linen Haus, my online boutique, full of vintage and antique finds from European markets.  However, I added some beautiful items today so I thought I'd share them with all of you.  

A very unique etched glass vase in a beautiful sea blue.  It's hard to appreciate its beauty in photographs but trust me - it's a special piece.

A spanish flask makes a great gift for the man in your life, or part of an earthy vignette.

A vintage school house map of North and Central America in pristine condition!

Don't hate me for saying this but Christmas will be here before we know it!  

These hand-blown German glass ornaments are so delicate and pretty in this icy lavender color and would make a beautiful addition to your tree, mantel or as a unique gift.  I love to tie them on to a bottle of wine or other gift for a hostess or special friend.

More luxurious linens with potential for so many decor pursuits...just lovely.

More lovely antique books too!

You can see details on each item here.  Any favorites?

BTW, I am happy to report that the shop has been going well and I'll be doing a shopping trip fairly soon.  Let me know what you're interested in so I can try to find some special gems just for you!.

Products I'm Loving Right Now

Here are a few things I have had my eye on lately and as usual my tastes are all over the map.  What can I say?!  See if you can find anything you can't live without.  :)

Sources

Petrified (in a good way)

When we were in Bali a few months ago my husband and I were drawn to the petrified wood products, imported from the neighboring island of Sumatra.  We browsed various open air galleries of products and decided on a petrified wood stool.  We found one that we loved, bought it, and were on our way.  When we went back the day before we flew home to arrange delivery, we found out it had been sold to someone else!  That brought on another search (no pressure there) and also brought on close to heat stroke for me.  Alas, it was worth it in the end.  :)


Here is a picture we took in Bali (keep in mind that was back in early February) so that we could remember what it looked like!  

After jumping through many hoops with customs, it has arrived as of yesterday, and I love it!  It's a great souvenir for someone who loves design.  :)  Below is a picture of it in our living room, which right now is decorated with fresh, beach-inspired accents and colors.  Those will change when Fall arrives but the stool isn't going *anywhere* - it weighs about 450 pounds!

Here are a few other petrified wood products that I think are beautiful and, dare I say, even a bit sexy?!?  See what you think:

Such a cool serving tray!

Of course these  have been around a while, but I still love my set.

Magnets - they would really glam up the fridge.

If we had been coming back to Seattle to build, I would have bought one of these for the powder room for sure.  What a statement piece!

A sphere - what a fantastic addition to a vignette.

More stools in a rougher, natural state on the outside.

I'm not crazy about the whole set but we did consider a table like this - to be used as a unique bench.

I can't even imagine how much this would cost but it would make an amazing bar back splash, don't you think?

Masculine, timeless, beautiful coasters.

I'm really diggin' this ring!  Wow.  Talk about a statement cocktail ring!

I did another post on my love for petrified wood-like countertops a while ago - you can find it here.


Sources

New Items At Linen Haus

Hi Everybody!  It's Friday and I'm ready.  The weather is supposed to be great all weekend and we have plans to get out and enjoy it while we can!  We will be grilling both days, ignoring our huge to do list enjoying the sunshine and some new Seattle friends. 

I have added some things to the shop that I thought you all might like to see.  Here is a sampling of what's new:

The linens that inspired it all...rescued from an old castle in Bavaria, with a gorgeous sheen and lovely french ticking in a variety of colors (more coming soon).  These tablecloths are  ideal for everything from long, elegant dining tables to casual provence style outdoor settings.  Or, if you'd rather use them in a creative direction, they'd make beautiful fabric for pillows, throws and other decor.

Vintage books - in amazing condition!  Ideal for beautiful vignettes.

Vintage Botanicals on a large scale with vibrant colors.

Someone had better snap these up quick.  I am very tempted to frame them in a grouping above the bed in our master!

Monogrammed vintage tea towels with a lovely damask design.

A variety of Hungarian Seltzer Bottles - they add great character to a kitchen.

Stop by and take a look if you  have a minute. 

I'll be adding more in the next few weeks so there is more to come!

Have a great weekend!