Your Front Door Tells the Tale

I LOVE that door. It tells a tale about who lives there. And look at the house number. I'd wreck should I pass and catch sight of that entrance! Imagine that door without color, say pale grey, even black. The house would absolutely not have the character you see. Your front door is your calling card. It's what sets the tone of the exterior look of your home. May I beg you to please not be afraid of color? I fully agree that a stained wooden door can be just as beautiful, I just suggest a very interesting door if you're going with stain. By interesting I mean not your standard paneled wooden door. In the above pic, the symmetrical urns and ball boxwoods are the perfect accoutrement for this setting. The door is to that house what a fantastic pair of Italian-made Manolo Blahnik shoes are to a woman's outfit. The urns are the purse.



Ahhhhh. Just look at that color. Yes, the striped awning is also awesome and I agree not likely to be on your front door. But, I want you to look at the neutral taupe color of the building paired with black as an accent. This is an example of a way to make a very neutral home pop. Imagine that door a basic black. Makes me sad to think of it.=) Oh. And look at "her" purse! Don't you just love the tall pots and lanky trees?



I took this photo in Ocean Springs. I was drawn to the bold orange. Look at the eyebrow above the door. So inviting.



I'm throwing this in for a good measure. My interior kitchen door is exactly this color, solely from me finding this picture. I simply had to have it. Not only does color go on your front door, it can make you smile each time you enter a room.



I readily agree that you're not likely to find this door, architecture, nor plants in the South. But I still wanted to share. This is what I'd refer to as an interesting door. I can see it stained a lovely pecan. For me, it would be that perfect shade of pink you see.



Even the shed door deserves color. The barn, the greenhouse, the outhouse? Paint the door! It's one of the least expensive things you can do and get the most bang for your buck. Be conscious of your front door and it's surroundings. Remember, it tells a tale and sets the tone for your home.

The Bathroom, Your Private Spa

I'll readily admit it. I've been CRAVING a claw footed tub for years. Now, another admission. I recently was given one! My friend called and had found one under a deck he was cleaning out. He said he somehow knew I'd want it. (The dude is psychic.)

Third admission. My very own claw footed tub is propped up out back under my shed. In my defense, I've only had it for a few months. It WILL grace my guest bath in coming days...well, maybe years. (I simply can't imagine giving up the Jacuzzi in the master.)

My first recollection of a claw footed beauty was in my uncle's home in McComb. He fully restored a 3 story mansion and the second floor bath had a tub that felt as big as a Mardi Gras float. It seemed to take light years for the thing to fill. But oh how I loved sinking into it. I distinctly remember my thought processes were that I could easily drown in water that deep.


The one above looks delish with the interior painted. You usually only see the exterior with color.



Just how amazing is that? Absolute sunshine. And notice the full length mirror propped up. I had trouble taking my eyes off the multi-ruffled shower curtain. Perfection, even to me, the non yellow lover.



She looks so relaxed. And I really want to smell what's in all those bottles.

Now, the meat of this post. You do not have to have a claw footed tub to have your very own "Calgontakemeaway" bathroom. But a few things are required. Bed, Bath, and Beyond is the place to start collecting. A bathtub tray is a must. Your pumice stone, peppermint foot scrub, and favorite body wash will set there nicely. Mine even has a book rest on it. A fat, fluffy towel to dry off with is a must. (Even if you have to hide that special one for yourself! You deserve it.) A terry cloth bath pillow will enhance your soak greatly. And above all, music. Iphones and Ipods make it readily available. First, the music is soothing, second it can drown out the sounds past the walls. Wait, I haven't even mentioned a candle! DO NOT get in your tub (clawfooted or not) without lighting a candle. Water, fire, music...the combination will soothe your soul.



A tufted ottoman, bamboo cabinet AND inviting art. Somehow I can only imagine a claw footed tub on the far right wall, just out of sight.

Our pace of life these days is stressful. We must make/take time to unwind. Start by making your bathroom your very own private spa.