Yahoo Stress...........

Hi Girlfriends,

I keep asking myself,"Why didn't I marry a Geek?" Instead, I married the one who knows everything and can do all, except turn on a computer-!! Right now, Yahoo isn't able to send any "get a quote" from my website, "discountdesignerfabricsonline.com" for several months now. I was paying my webdesigner to host me, but he had me switch over to Yahoo in November. All was fine until '09. The lingo is about "PHP".......lol like this Grannie would know all about PHP. Stressful for me, only I am at Yahoo's mercy waiting for them to correct the situation into my 3rd month. Why is this so difficult? I think it has to do with everytime I call, I get a new geek with a better solution. In the meantime, Yahoo keeps taking my monthly payments out of my credit card.

Despite Yahoo, Spring is coming. Sunshine is warming the Spring bulbs and by this time next week, all the astilbes will be blooming. Here is one of my neighbors front yard.


I LOVE THE BLUE-!!

I sincerely apologize to anyone trying to contact me through my website. Especially since economy times are stressing us all enough. My what a good thing my "to-the-trade" designer fabrics are so attractive in pricing to you, my internet client.

My blog pick of the week: Alkemie.blogspot.com

Talk again,
Denise

Yves Saint Laurent, "It's now or never" Auction

Hi Girlfriends,

The "razzle-dazzle" still continues after Oscar night.........Beginning last night, in the city of lights, a 3-day auction by Christie, is conducting the sale of Yves Saint Laurant's Paris apartment. YSL died last June at 71.

Even in these parious, penurious times, this sale hopes to bring in $250 to $380 million. In all, there are over 690 lots being sold in the range from stunning to the mundane.

The excitement is built in part by the fashion designer himself, YSL, the other part is he and his partner, Pierre Berge, collected some beautiful art and artifacts during their decades together. As a couple, they "overstuffed" their 55 Rue de Babylone on the left bank with with a large number of high-quality objects and art works, like Matisse, Picasso, art decor, German silver and bronze and Limoges enamals, "which were not in vogue when they bought them." As people fill the city's fancier hotels and grand parties are being hosted throughout Paris, the biggest expectations mounting is the fact these some of YSL items have not been on the market for a very long time, which is signaling to musuems and private clients, "It's now or never."


Can you find the most valuable piece in the sale?


"Musical Insruments on a Table" Picasso from 1914 -15


I love the rug-!!


A cleaning lady's nightmare for dusting. But, I do admire YSL knack for shopping "stuff"


"Portrait of the Comtesse de La Rue," by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, hung in YSL living room.

The detail of the carving on this frame is remarkable.


YSL used up every available space in his Paris apartment. If I had been a visitor, it would take me days to take in his entire abode, but, I would have instantly found the Matisse, Mondrians and Legers where ever YSL would have placed them.


A closer look at Matisse.



"Portrait of Alfred and Elisabeth Defreus," Theodore Gericault above and "The Violin," by Juan Gris, center.


"The Adoration of the Magi," a tapestry by Edwrad Coley Burne-Jones, woven in 1904.


A large Roman marble athlete's torso, first to second century A.D.


The "Music Room" with 15 mirrors by Chaude Lalanne in gilt bronze and galvanized copper. Notice the mirror on the ceiling too.

Photos by Christy and New York Times from an article written by Steven Erlanger and Maia de la Baume, contributed reporting.

Talk again,
Denise

The Academy Awards Stages...a Kodak moment.

Hi Girlfriends,

Can you believe it?-!! It's The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Science this Sunday, February 22. As a kid, I was mesmerized as I watched the production of yards and yards of the most exquisite fabrics floating across the stage to accept the coveted little gold man. Gowns worn by the most beautiful....and glamorous....stars: Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Ave Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor, Lana Turner, Betty Davis, and Natile Wood to name a few. The stages did not appear to be such a big deal in the beginning, but, after MC Bob Hope "resigned" stage did become a production for this ritual event.

This year's stage will be a "WOW" stage. Designed by David Rockwell. Among his many credits of achievements, David knows this building very well. HE designed it. "The Oscars have given Mr. Rockwell, a Hollywood outsider, who claims not to own a pair of sunglasses (I'm from New York, I squint."), the chance to reinvent the theater he designed." Color scheme this year is going to be a rich, deep blue....goodbye red, fluted chandeliers "hover above the audience to give the impression...presto-!!...of a low-ceiling nightclub." Hmmmm, David Rockwell may own a pair of sunglasses yet.

One thing is for sure, Oscar Night does give you one advantage as you watch this year's stage extravaganza unfold ...everyone is a critic.


1944 at Graumans Chinese Theater


Can you find Bob Hope in this 1953?


The 41st Academy Awards 1969


The Stage from the 2002 Academy Awards


Is that Jennifer Garner as one of the presenters in the Kodak Theater 2008?


Sunday, February 22, 2009 designed by Architect David Rockwell, NY.



Photos by The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Science and Monica Almeida, New York Times.

If you have a favorite "Kodak Moment" stage, please leave a Comment.

Talk again,
Denise & Gwen

Gwen's son, Michael, was Manager of the restaurant in The Chandler Building and oversaw all the parties during Oscar Night at this spot. Michael now is a partner in Lettuce Entertainment and works out of Las Vegas.

Changing is easy....Paint-!!

Hi Girlfriends,

Right now, it's snowing in Chicago.....big flakes too. Is Spring ever coming? Besides Costco homemade Chicken noodle soup (excellent with your own addition of sliced carrots and celery and more noodles) and crusty breads for dinner tonight, I am moving towards painting a few projects. Just scroll and see what I have found from Crown paint (UK company), but, of course here in America, Benjamin Moore, Lowe's or Home Depot offer the same color schemes (to name a few). In additon to the color schemes, it is what the English do so well with limited space...........being creative for so little-!!

Change is easy........the fun part of painting is getting inspired. Begin by collecting all of your favorite colors schemes and photos. Here is a helping hand to get you started:


Not all walls need to have pictures on it. Look at how simple, simple, simple this concept is to display your most favorite (and expensive) Prada shoes, handbags, etc. Detailing all with the usage of color scheme here.


What a perfect crash layout this would be for any single girl in her first home-away-from-home. Ingenious design for any studio apt...............or.........a teenager's space-!!


This shows how the weekend project was in the makings. Looks easy enough.


Perfect for any mud room. The clean concept of red/white/blue will keep this room always looking neat.


One reason to not throw out postal cards from your traveling friends and relatives. Flea markets sell vintage cards too. The clean and simple logo of the phone states the purpose of this wall.


The finished project.


What to do with an ugly table...............paint it pink and it will be a smashing success for any little girl's bedroom.


Who but a creative person would even think to turn over any press glass and "see" the artistic beauty of the bottom THEN transferring the bottom into a design?!!


This kitchen is what got me thinking about projects for this post. Love the "point" for measuring kids and dogs. Note the shades of paints too.


Logos for a message board? I love it.


I love the color scheme of 3 different paints and find myself wanting to peek behind the door too. I would never want to close this door.


What is not to love and it invites everyone to envy the artistic flair that lives in this home.


In the beginning..............


Finished project.
Such an inviting "private" domain for someone very organized. Note the shades of paint and how they compliment each other. Very well done.


Numbers and letters seem to play very well in some of these photos. Clueless what "5b" stands for, but, I am delighted with the way it works so well with this sharp design and color scheme. I think it is the white....then, the add-on colors.

h/jeans+on+the+wall.jpeg">
I saved my FAVORITE for last. What a perfect concept for a boy's room or a single crash pad. Also, no need to throw out those expensive jeans anymore. Even on a laundry room wall, this idea would be great.

I hope you enjoyed my posting today. Do lyou have a favorite photo from above? If so, please tell me your by leaving a Comment.

Talk again,
Denise
discountdesignerfabricsonline.com

Maison21

"Borrowed" (LOL) from the blog post by cmay @ Maison21.com


Hi Girlfriends,

I love what two California male decorators from Maison21 have done to this Entrance treatment for many reasons: It's simple, but yet, a "hint" busy........... a punch of bright color and "movement" in the background*, subdued by the graceful reminder of a deer with just the right POP of zebra fabric.

*To learn how the wall treatment was custom made, a visit to their blog tells all.

Enjoy winter by thinking of what you can do for your Entrance-!!




Oh..............did everyone receive their last issue of "domino" ? I did and I couldn't have been more disappointed.....they sent me February again-!! RATS. I have all their issues beginning with the very first issue and was hoping to put their last one, along with all my others, in wall frames for a special wall in my office. I am looking at my local stores and have yet to find the March issue.

Talk again,

Denise
discountdesignerfabricsonline.com

Kravet Bedding

Hi Girlfriends,

I love Valentine's Day when it comes and goes...........with all the reds, hearts, roses, and chocolate available to the eye from magazines to blogs, to stores. It stimulates me to want to begin fresh AFTERWARDS with new inspirations of fresh paint and fabrics for clients or myself-!! " Color is the key" to the cutting-edge that compliments the decor trends and taste of today.

If you have lingering doubts as to whether this is the right time to remodel, decorate or wait, the timing is now. Despite the prevailing pessimism, you are inspired from the many magazines you are leafing through over this long winter.

It is time...........one good place to begin is your master bedroom. Change the wall coloring? New bedding? New window treatments?


Kravet Headboard and Fabrics:
Product Id's:
Madrigal bed: 37Q/N02
Headboard Fabric: Tranquil in Mineral - #27962 - 635
Pillows:
Top pillow:
Top-Calm Place in Mineral-#27757-615
Bottom: Clarity in Aqua-#27831-35
Trim: Petite Piping in Spa-#T30305-135
Middle pillow:
Top: Rhythm in Blue Stone-#27773-635

HERE IS A GREAT OFFER FROM KRAVET:

FREE FABRIC

Use any fabric from the Kravet Basics Textures - Performance Colors four book set and apply it to a piece of Kravet upholstery and you will only be charged for the price of the frame.

FABRICS FROM THIS COLLECTION ARE FREE WHEN APPLED TO KRAVET UPUPHOLSTERED FURNITURE.

*FREE FABRIC PROMOTION only applies to fabrics included in the collection - 5748 Domno, 5749 Surf, 5750 Pompeii, 5751 Acorn.

*All fabrics in this collection are at a Grade 3 (Grade 3 is the frame-only price)

*Any manufacturing upgrades will be charged accordingly.

If you are "Optimistic" about the value of this fabulous offer, post your comment below. If you are remotely interested, become a client.

Talk again,
Denise
discountdesignerfabricsonline.com

Happy Valentine's Day-!!

Hi Girlfriends,

If you are a looking for both a romantic and economic centerpiece this Valentine's Day, look no further........."this classic romantic, Valentine's Day can not be complete without candlelight and roses. You can combine the two in a glowing centerpiece that will warm any heart".

How to look:
Place a tealight, along with a holder, in the center of any type of a larger container. Raise it up so that the top of the holder sits highter than the rim of the larger container. Fill the empty space in the box with rose petals. Petals can be purchased at florists or paper ones at a party store. Simple, simple.........elegant.



Can't forget the sweetest of littlest hearts in your life.................I love this charming little girl's pink sleeping area. The corner twin bed and still have a canopy by attaching any type of straight rod to the middle of the wall and draping soft pink floral fabric from Osborne & Little. Add futher color acccents such as a rug and a Laura Ashley chandelier. Sweet, sweet..........sweet dreams.



WHY DO WE CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY?

Did you know that Valentine's Day actually began with a prison ministry?

In the year A.D. 320, the early church set aside February 14th to remember the heroic death of one man named Valentine, who was beheaded on a pagan altar because he refused to renounce JESUS CHRIST!

According to historic traditions, Valentine was born into a wealthy Roman family, and converted to CHRISTIANITY as a young man, sometime around the year A.D. 240.

It was an era when the church was being severely persecuted by the degenerate Roman emperor, Claudius II. Thousands of Christians were imprisoned in the dark, tomb-like jails of Rome.

Wealthy Romans of the time considered it "entertainment" to visit the prisons and watch as Christians were tortured and put to death.

Valentine took advantage of his family connections to visit the prisons, too....BUT he made it his mission to smuggle in small gifts of food to those facing martyrdom, always accompanied by a short note expressing love and encouragement. Valentine, a devout and strong' hearted Christian, was eventually arrested himself and was martyred in Rome about A.D. 270.

Though the roots of this holiday are largely forgotten, St. Valentine's ministry of love and caring is still commemorated today, more then 1.700 years later.

On Valentine's Day, share this important history with your children...and enjoy a little "ministering" together by delivering Valentine's Day treats to a local nursing home or hospital. Children are never to young to show love and generosity.

Happy Valentine's Day and Talk again,
Denise
discountdesignerfabricsonline.com

photos from housetohome.co.uk

Custom Bedding Measurements

Hi Girlfriends,

Here is an email I sent to an "Online client" regarding how she go about measuring for her custom bedding.




Talk again,
Denise

OBAMA: January 20, 2009

HI GIRLFRIENDS, WHAT A DAY it was yesterday.........

We Have a Dream:

I came across this clever, clever graffiti, WE HAVE A DREAM, from The Paris Apartment blog today and just wanted to spread the art. Sorry, girlfriends, but, no information was given, but, someone did a great job in capturing the body language of our 44th President. It would be interesting if the artist continues to "study" President Obama on walls, as the weight of the job begins to shift his body language.

God Bless our President Obama, our new First Lady and their children.

Talk again,

Denise

domino magazine for online shopping

Hi Girlfriends,

"A MUST-!!"is the Febuary issue of "domino" magazine. We still have their first issue and it just keeps on getting better and better. We believe it has to do with their working energy together..........for this is the "voice" we hear from their combination of editors and writers...........individually......young, creative and talented. AND, collectively, they know how to put out a fabulous monthly magazine.

A hint of what we are saying on page 25:


Can be purchased on Amazon.com for $40.95. There are two collectible copies left beginning at $360.00.

Wonder revues from Glamorous, The New York Times Book Review, Daniel Okrent, Fortune,The New Yorker and O, The Oprah Magazine.

And then................WHAT AMAZON HAS TO SAY:
"Few books published survey the fascinating moments of the 20th century the way VANITY FAIR PORTRAITS: A CENTURY OF ICONIC IMAGES does. This hefty, handsome volume contains the photographic works of some of the world's most important photographers whose images have graced the pages to Vanity Fair in the two periods of its publication - the beginning and the ending of the 20th century. This is a photographic collection that gives generous full page (and at time double page ) spreads of brilliant photographs by artists who gained permission to enter the lives of movie starts, artists, writers, government personalities, royalty, stage personas, the wealthy and the significant poor - they are all here in both lush color and black and white reproductions.

Not only is it fascinating to leaf through the 300 odd photographs of this book, but it is also rewarding to read the several introductory notes and essays by Graydon Carter, David Friend, and Christopher Hitchens - each of whom lends appreciation for not only the publication that influenced art and fashion and politics and world affairs, but also gave readers a tasteful and solidly informative way to view the world as the characters displayed here influenced our times. This is a collection of art and history married in a way that allows the reader time and contrasts to re-live the past and appreciate the developments that graced the years from 1900 to 2000. Well worth the price!"

Going backwards, domino "scounting", pg. 23-24, features 3 online shopping pioneers. This article lets your fingers do the walking for you.............."Consider them retail curators. Their innovative sites combine boutique--worthy taste filters with the come-one, come-all access of the Internet. By putting the best of the best at our fingertips, they're revolutionizing how we buy and collect." So true-!! From high-end antiques to retail wall coverings to affordable art to finding the best priced fabrics, shopping cannot be easier for decorating your home.

Just for fun, do a "just looking" by going to 1stdibs.com, walnutwallpaper.com, 20x200.com and, let us add, discountdesignerfabricsonline.com and browse. Then, when the time comes, return and begin shopping. Many outstanding designers use 1stdibs, like Interior Designers Eric Cohler (September 2008 we posted this information), Michael Smith and Nate Berkus all the time. For the rest of us, great prices are there......and, if you don't think so, just ask.

After reading and reading "domino" another winter read is Phillippa Gregory, "The Other Queen"...........will Gregory ever run out of queens? We think not.


Talk again,
Denise and Gwen

THE SKINNY ON GRAY

Hi Girlfriends,

In this economy of "downsizing" (i.e. closing) businesses, it feels so good, to be encouraged, by those who are creative enough to re-think how to keep their doors open. Please take the time to read my latest email from this wonderful little "gem" in my hometown of Winnetka, Illinois, The Gray Boutique.

I loved their The Gray Boutique's 2008 July 4th window so much I took pictures of it on this day.

THE SKINNY ON GRAY
Okay, the rumors are flying so here's the 411:
 
 We started as a great little neighborhood boutique (8 years ago) that had unique items and lines that no one else had.  We were a welcomed change in an historically preppy burb.  Gray was the hot spot... AND THEN IT HAPPENED - my little mind started thinking BIG - BIG mistake!  AND THEN IT REALLY HAPPENED - the fall of the great little neighborhood boutique.  Everyone was clamoring for the same designers  - Tory, Nanette, Trina, Kate, Diane, Michael, Milly, Tibi so every store started to look the same and every shopper started to look the same and OH YUCK how BORING. And then, if things couldn't get worse, THE ECONOMY CRASHES and everyone starts freaking out.
 
DON'T FREAK OUT!  Gray is staying open in Winnetka and better yet - we're going back to being a small little neighborhood boutique that has unique items and superior service.  We're not going to carry department store lines so if you want them - head out to the MALL for some mass shopping and an Aunt Annie's!
   And So It Goes...
January
MAJOR clearance in both stores - watch for e-mails with details
Old Town Boutique closes on January 17th -
(the lease expires in March - we just couldn't renew now)
Gray Winnetka gets a spruce up and stocked for Spring 
  February
The great little neighborhood boutique is back-
come in for unique items and gifts to celebrate
 
  thanks for your support
Laura Schoch




Hmmmmmmmm, I think I should see if The Gray Boutique is interested in stocking the wonderful red Ballywood ribbon hobo bag I have on my "Must Have" list I fell in love with on Couture Carrie blog today. Of course, I must give special credit to All Things Bright and Beautiful who alerted me to this blog.


Talk again,
Denise and Gwen

Info on:
The Gray Boutique
Winnetka, Illinois
grayboutique@comcast.net

LUCINDA SYMONS

LUCINDA SYMONS

After the fuss of Christmas decorating has been stored away for another year, Symons photo is not only welcoming but captures a sleeplike state without response to stimuli....so calming. We are still debating if it is the color on the walls or the painting on the mantle or just the "sound" of a crackling fire that makes this picture so utterly hypnotic.


The bed is the 'heart of the room' and the two different comfort designs in solid colors proves the point even more-!!


Take a busy wallpaper pattern and combine it with a wild fern fabric on a contemporary sofa and throw in a hint of purple and it's a success for many years to come..............we love it-!!


Wouldn't you just love to curl up under these blankets this January with the sensational international best-selling mystery, "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson in this stunning and simple combo of turquoise and a hint of red?


Hi Girlfriends,

Here is one resolution we hope to keep in 2009.....................expose as many new creative bloggers for their timeless energy in their sharing of gifted artists. Today, we discovered Lucinda Symons, UK photographer, from the blog site, House of Turquoise via another blog, Creative Flair Chic.

Lucinda Symons clients include: Osborne and Little, Laura Ashley, Country Homes and Interiors, Good Housekeeping, The English Home, S Magazine, Delicious, Health and Fitness and so many more............

Talk again,
Denise and Gwen

Happy New Year 2009-!!