OOPS! I did it again.

The first thing you need to know is that the People of The Ranch, though gainfully employed now, are still on a tight budget.

The second thing you need to know, I have been on a Foo Dog quest since seeing some amazing Foo Dog lamps at a hip, boutique type store in Nashville.  They were $300 each.

The third thing, I love the blogs, Chinoiserie Chic and House of Turquoise.

Allow me to present the newest mascot at The Ranch, only $14.99 at Home Goods!

He's found a home in the "Room of Turquoise", the master bathroom.

Foo Dogs are supposed to ward off evil spirits so this bathroom is a great spot for him as my 5 year old hears knocking in the shower when he is using the facilities.  I finally convinced him it was just the pipes in the wall, but it's always good to have backup!

I can't wait for my husband to see this!  I'm sure he is going to be thrilled!  Such a patient, indulging soul.

What I Wanted

These drapes, in the recent Pottery Barn catalogue, are $99 a panel for the 108" length I need.  I ALMOST ordered them but discovered they wouldn't be available til after December 17th!

What I did............

I went to my favorite fabric store, Brentwood Interiors and found this fabric for $8.75/yd.  Grand total was $57.65.  That is much better than $200 plus shipping and I had these drapes up within an hour on August 23rd which is much better than December 17th.

Unfortunately, the way the bedroom is configured, I can't show you the headboard with the drapes but here's an attempt .......

It's not a sophisticated as the Allesandra pattern but close enough for the price and instant gratification!  CARPE DIEM!!!  Now the bedroom is a bit softer and will be a bit warmer this winter in this insulation challenged rental!

Summer Celebration

Boy, give a girl some blog love and the next thing you know she's stylin' food and drinking Prosecco!

The plan was to sit out under the trees in my haven I have created and toast the sunset, BUT I do believe it is going to rain and is a tad bit hot and humid for my better half.

And so, the party moves inside to the Bistro.

A little Dave Brubeck on the stereo and we are toasting to:

Our oldest having transportation again!

The middle one starting his Senior year!

The little one starting Kindergarten!

 PAYCHECKS!!

and last but not least,  Laura for giving me a kick-start.  I was going to retire the blog at the one year mark but now, I may be re-thinking that........

Enjoy these last, lingering days of Summer 2010!

Blog Love Is In The Air!

I wanted to present this virtual bouquet to Laura at White Spray Paint.  She has featured MY blog on hers!  How nice is that?  I am just blown away by this.  To my new followers, WELCOME!  To my seasoned followers, please check out Laura's blog.  It's always full of beauty with beautiful and frequently hilarious stories.

Thank you again Laura, you're the best!

Blue and White Tour

Blue and white is a sickness with me but I know I'm not alone.  Here is a tour of the rooms in The Ranch that house my fetish.  I believe you may remember the entry, WELCOME!

The Front Room is where the newest acquisition resides!

I even have a print of a blue and white plate!

Here's a full view looking from the dining area.  My eldest is not performing chair ballet but rather telling a story with enthusiasm. Please notice the blue and white planter behind his left ear.

This is a bar cabinet I found at the flea market many years ago. The blue and white jar was discovered at the Franklin Antique Mall for a very REASONABLE price!

The Dining Area a.k.a. the other end of the Front Room.

The kitchen is very tiny and definitely efficient.  No matter how small the space, there is always room for blue and white!

Tablescaping the Bistro last winter.

Current mantle display in the Blue Den.  It's a work in progress.

More blue and white in the Blue Den.

And finally, the blue and white display on top of the secretaire.

That's it.  Believe it or not, I don't have any blue and white in the master bedroom - I thought I'd give my husband a break.  Thanks for taking the tour, I hope you enjoyed it.

LOOK LOOK LOOK!!!

This just came via UPS!  I have been waiting years, literally years to find the perfect affordable garden stool.  Well, my friends, this is it!  Overstock.com of course.

The perfect ending to this steamy afternoon............

Okay, that's it.  I believe this is all the blue and white The Ranch can hold.  Time to make a cup of tea to set on this lovely stool.  I will post it's new home when the lighting is better!

Post Card from the Ranch

More playing house.

Just messin' around, redistributing things and avoiding the mind melting heat outside.

Also, bonus post card...........

I love how Mr. Wang is framed in the handle of the decanter!  I didn't plan this, it just happened, and that my friends, is the story of my life -  accidental sychronicity...........huzzah!