Vintage Equestrian Wallpaper at A New Jersey Designer Showcase House

Everyone went wild for this vintage equestrian wallpaper at a designer showcase house and gardens in New Vernon, New Jersey. This room also doubled as the payment center for the numerous items the designers were selling. This event is held every other year and is a major fundraiser for the Women's Association for Morristown Medical Center. It is normally called Mansion in May but due to Covid this year, it became Splendor in September. It overlapped slightly into October and this past Sunday was the last day. Click HERE to see a beautiful photo of the Gilded Age Mansion and read about its history.

Pumpkins Galore

What a beautiful site. I love anything pumpkin and this time of year is the best. This photo is gorgeous, isn't it? via

Freshly Picked Dahlia Bouquet

I picked these lovely dahlias by invitation just before dark on Sunday night. They made getting up on a Monday morning so delightful. They drank a lot of water overnight and I had to top them off after taking this photo. They are the best summer into fall flowers of all.

Young Red Headed Woodpecker

This is adorable. I would be thrilled to see this little guy in person, with or without my camera. Too cute! via

Home Offices for Working Remotely

Everyone is working from home these days and this is a great article on how some of you are doing it so successfully. I need lots of room to spread out so I chose this photo. Right now the farm table in my kitchen is a total disaster as I am on the home stretch for a real estate closing next week.

Hello October

This photo just about sums up October, doesn't it? My driveway is filled with the spiky outer shells of my yearly chestnut crop, and the leaves are changing color. I love the red of the Virginia creeper that is the first vivid color to appear. So far I haven't had to turn on my heat but that time is coming soon. I love the crisp days of autumn while he leaves are still on the trees. via

Egg Gathering Basket, Repurposed

I adore this presentation of bath items in a wire egg gathering basket. This would be so perfect to leave in a guest's room or guest bath. I am mad for baskets and would love to have this one. via

Gorgeous Bathroom Alcove

Wouldn't you just love to take a long hot bath in this arched alcove with the gorgeous soaking tub? via

Antique Accessories

Simply Beautiful! I would love to see more restrained decor in this home. I love this arrangement against a stark white wall. via

Interior Design Oil Painting

Peter Brown, Moses Back From His Walk, 2020, Oil on board via This oil painting is about a dog coming back from a walk but the architectural detals and interior design seem to be the main theme. Peter Brown is certainly a house-proud artist, isn't he? I love the reflections on the beautiful wide board floor and the fine  woodwork. I hope Moses wiped his paws. Happy Monday. xo

New House Filled with Antiques

John B Murray Architect

I always say I wouldn't change a thing and this time I really mean it. The architect must have worked closely with the homeowners to design the rooms around the furnishings. 

Black and White Bedroom Love

I love all the black and white touches in this bedroom. The black lampshades (my favorite) and black upholstered cornices against the black and white patterned wallpaper are perfect touches. via

Orbweaving Spiders

Illustration from the Book: American Spiders and Their Spinningwork. A natural history of the orbweaving spiders of the United States, with special regard to their industry and habits. Published in 1889 by Henry C. McCook (1837-1911).

Silly me. I thought all spiders wove these spiral wheel-shaped webs. Leave them alone because  these beneficial spiders catch and eat many pest-type insects. They are nature's insecticides and their webs are beautiful.

Cabinet Perfection

I love this corner of a great kitchen.  Corners can be awkward but this thoughtful design pulled it off perfectly. via

Cat's Eyes

I love this photo. I'm pretty sure I've posted it before but here it is again. I love this cat's golden eyes. via

18thC Shingled Cottage

This shingled cottage is in the Hamptons. It is simple and understated with all green landscaping and a curved stepping stone walkway. So nice! via

New Kitchen in an Old House

I love the old-fashioned feel to this remodeled kitchen, especially the wooden countertop and sink surround. It's beautifully done. via

Bathroom with Blue Willow Wallpaper

The exposed brass pipes let more of the wallpaper show and the glass lets are a nice touch. The gold faucet and light fixture carry out the theme. Not sure how the hot and cold water works. Maybe that knob on top of the faucet regulates the temperature. I love the marble counter and high backsplash. All this works very nicely in a small space. I love looking at other people's choices for decorating their homes. via

My Friend's Beautiful Dahlias

I took these photos at a friend's house late this afternoon and once again fell in love with dahlias. I have never tried growing them and every year I admire them and wish I had them too. Next year for sure! I know you have to dig up the tubers and store them somehow to be replanted the next spring. I love that they are so tall and straight proudly flaunting their beauty. I love that they are late bloomers providing such beauty in the fall. xo

Morning Dove Nesting

I'm so happy to see what a Mourning Dove nest looks like. Look closely, there are two youngsters in the nest with the mom. I have these birds in my spruce grove and I love them. I cleaned out their favorite watering container today and they will be happy tomorrow. Flickr photo by Taggartim