Naked Nanna

Bad things happen when good bloggers decide to present themselves as healthy, athletic-y type people. This lesson was made painfully clear to me while attempting to improve my body through some actual exercise, guided by a personal trainer. I prefer the "by-proxy" type, which means that I lounge on the sofa while I watch an exercise video and shout criticisms at the TV while pelting it with Cheetos - the crispy kind, not the puffy kind!

This year on my birthday I made a declaration that I was going to trade in my present day physique for the one I covered up with my wedding dress and uncovered on my honeymoon 18 years ago. I am well aware, that having a great body can't be acquired by a twitch of the nose a-la-Samantha-Stevens, although I've truly tried to tap my "inner Bewitched." Typically, I just look like a crazy person with really bad allergies. If reinventing one's body were that simple, I'd be Gisele Bündchen. Please don't get me wrong, I'm totally for self-improvement and self-actualization. I truly believe everyone should take care of the body they've been given, and realize their potential, to chase after goals, yada, yada, yada, blah, blah, blah . . .

Of course, no establishment is more sobering, with it's droves of 20-something members clad in belly bearing work-out gear, than a gym. While I was waiting for my trainer, I noticed this lovely, long legged, perfectly tanned and toned young woman bring in her children and get them registered and comfortable in the day-care that was provided. Did I mention they were triplets and maybe about 6 or 7 months old, and it looked more like I had just had those babies, than she? As I craned my neck to see around the stroller top, I read baby #1's little tee, it read "I Party Naked", baby #2's tee read "I'm a Boob Man" and lastly, baby #3's tee read "Mother Sucker." As I sat passing judgments and thinking she was probably one of those women who "whore" . . . I mean "wore" maternity wear that said "Knocked Up", a perky voice said, "LeAnn" . . I look up, and guess who's standing there? Yep, Octumom minus 3! She smiled and extended her perfectly manicured hand and said, "Hi! Are you ready to get started?" I'm not really clear on what happened next, I'm pretty sure all the blood left my head after about the 50th lunge and I woke up in the ladies locker room, my body wrapped in a terry cloth towel with matching terry cloth turban on my head. The exhibitionist tendencies of my youth have turned into an almost Amish-like sense of modesty, I mean I'm an actual member of "Sensible Knickers Club" - no more thongs and trap doors for this chick! I tell you this to let you know that my tender constitution cannot really bare (if you'll pardon the pun) all the rampant nakedness that was going on in this locker room. Just as I look up, around the corner comes a lady, not just any lady, but an octogenarian. She's naked and seems to be kinda trying to wrangle her flat, long lady lumps into a bra, and for added effect, she's sporting a complete absence of afore mentioned knickers - sensible or otherwise. Let me just say this, I saw some images today that will be burned into my corneas for eternity - someone please, hold me. . . . I'm truly traumatized !

In my haste to cover my girly bits and divert my gaze away from "Naked Nanna," I stood up too quickly and bonked my elbow on the locker, which made me drop the towel around my body, and the towel around my hair fell over my half of my face. Just as this is all happening, old lady #2 comes scooting around the corner and giggles for an inordinately long time at my expense and exposure. Ten buck says two weeks from now an entire Mahjong-playin', caftan-wearing, Mojito-swilling old ladies club will be yuckin' it up when they recount this scene.

Though none of this has anything what-so-ever to do with the "vintage" or "inspirational" premise of this blog, It does address the "exhibiting exceptional skills" aspect of my posts. My trainer is really good at her job! So in closing, I feel the need to give some background here and explain that there are muscles in my body that have not been flexed since the Clinton administration . . . and now they HURT!! . . . and I feel VINTAGE!


Vintage postcard courtesy Photobucket.

Ukulele Gal

This morning I’m chin deep in fellas dressed in short sleeved white button downs, black ties and pants and pocket protectors. I just threw up in my mouth a little bit and my head is beginning to spin, but it's my computer that is doing the better Linda Blair impression and truly messing with my world! However, my knights in shinning VW Beetle are here!

So, to calm my mind and soothe my soul I need to be transported to a kinder gentler place - one without RAM, CRASHES or SYSTEM ERRORS. And the remedy has been supplied by a fellow “old soul” and favorite friend. He introduced me to an amazing artist that I would like to share with you, and her name is Janet Klein. I think she is quite possibly one of the most charming people I've ever been introduced to!

I have discovered that it is virtually impossible to listen to singer, chanteuse Janet Klein and her band, The Parlor Boys, without smiling. Her love of lost classics, vaudeville melodies, and Yiddish songs of a bygone era are brought back to effervescent life through their stylings. Klein might seem at first to be a novelty act, with her sleek bob hairdo and vintage clothing, but when she opens her mouth to sing the obscure, naughty songs from the 1910s, 20s and 30s, her amazing talent and passion for curating these tunes is evident.

Her debut album, 1998's Come Into My Parlor, is almost a solo record, with Klein's vocals and ukulele occasionally supported by, John Reynolds' guitar and producer and husband Robert Loveless' accordion, mandolin, harmonica and triangle. Klein's second album, Paradise Wobble, was credited to Janet Klein and her Parlor Boys, and, like the first album, was bedecked in vintage photos and perfect replications of early 20th century graphic design. Subsequent albums, including her newest release, Ready For You, can be found here.

She performs with her band mostly in the Los Angeles area and continues to utilize her collection of vintage photographic matter in graphic design projects, including two miniature books, "Love is A Boomerang" and "Take A Picture of the Moon", and has plans for a DVD of musical film shorts and live concert footage. There are two must see videos that perfectly illustrate Klein’s charm and eccentricities. The first is Klein singing an Irving Berlin tune entitled, "Cohen Owes Me Ninety-seven Dollars" at the West Coast Ragtime Festival in Sacramento, California - it’s hilarious! The other is an instructional Ukulele video that can be found here and is a charming example of her manner and gentle spirit. Her Facebook and MySpace pages will lead you to her site where you can find their tour dates. This Sunday, April 26th at 7 pm, Janet the boys will be "Backstage" at the Coffee Gallery in Altadena, California.

There . . . all calm . . . now, to find my Ukulele.

Earth Day Dinner

Since it is Earth Day and all, I'd like to do my part and reduce my carbon footprint. My plan is to stop cooking - well, at least to stop burning what I'm cooking.

Lately I've been all about the turkey and provolone - I'm trying to get everyone at my house in touch with their "Inner Deli". There's that, and the fact that when it comes to cooking, I am functionally retarded. I know I'm not supposed to say "retarded" because that insults all the developmentally disabled people of the world - people who, incidentally, could cook circles around me. I offer my apologies, but truly there is no better descriptive term for my lack of skills. So, when the natives started getting restless and voicing their discontent, I instituted a subsequent "All Pizza Hut, All the Time" tactic - that has not gone well, either. I have really tried to make friends with that white box in the kitchen with the fire coming out of it, but that has yielded mixed results, meaning that I caught a dish towel on fire, set off all of the fire alarms in the house, and set up a healthy neurosis for my children. This way, at their first session of therapy, their shrink can see they have clearly defined "mama-trauma" issues!

After multiple burns to my digits and other assorted limbs that were usually accompanied by mild streams of profanity, I figured it was time to seek some professional help of the culinary persuasion. (My therapist has taken to stabbing herself in the ear whenever I start recounting one of my disastrous cooking stories.) Imagine my surprise when my most recent foodie failure, blackened oven mitt with a side of "my-gag-reflex-isn't-what-it-used-to-be" was not a huge success - no accounting for taste, I suppose!

My searches proved successful and I found some wonderful mentors and ideas that I'd love to share with you. Moving beyond "Cooking for Dummies," I found a "breast-tacular" chicken recipe in this month's issue of Sunset Magazine as well as great inspiration from Donna Hay's site and magazine. Donna gave me great ideas for side dishs and Ina Garten's site, The Barefoot Contessa supplied me with a smorgasbord of selections for desert.

In conclusion, I'd like to address my family and say, "Leather up Nancy boys and girls, and grab a fork, because your going to be fine . . . but just in case, keep the take out menus near by."

Photos courtesy of Sunset Magazine, Donna Hay and The Barefoot Contessa.

I'm Back . . . well, kinda

My friend Jeanie's doll head collection - she illuminated the heads at night - she's a riot!

I'm almost fully recovered from my Warrenton/Round Top coma. I've been relishing the fact that I am not out in a field with 45 to 50 MPH sustained winds, hoards of rain and rotating 40 degree to 80 degree temperatures! I'm presently about a 20 oz. bottle of Diet Dr. Pepper away from having the "National Soft Drink Council of America" sponsor the remaining years of my life on this planet - can you say - OVER CAFFEINATED???!!! I have spent most of the past 2 weeks sitting on the sofa surfing the most excellent daytime programming available to me - please note the dripping sarcasm intended here. I've watched "I Love the 80s" marathon on VH1, I miss big hair and shoulder pads so much! And just so I can get a little exercise by proxy, I stopped on some yoga instructor telling me how important my "core" is on the "I No Longer have Self Esteem Channel", and turns out my pelvis has a floor - who knew? I've also taken it upon myself to test all the items in the pantry and refrigerator containing chocolate, high fat or ingredient contents that sounds unhealthy - Christian service work, don't you know? I don't want my husband or children to eat a bad Ding Dong or Dorito. I don't mean to get all religious on you here, but I'm fairly sure Dark Chocolate Dove Bars are proof that Jesus loves me. To be completely honest the only thing missing from this full force "lazy-fair" has been booze!



My neighbor and friend at the show, Maggie from The Veranda nails the Vintage Garden-Paris Chic-Rmantic Cottage look everytime!

Well, I have to get back to WHAM and Boy George, but I thought I'd leave you with some great images I snapped while out wandering the fields during Antiques Weekend.


And of course "Large Marge" from the Junk Gypsys has to make her appearance.

I'll return tomorrow with something wonderfully inspirational and "calorie-free."


Carolyn from Carolyn Westbrook Home was there with here usual amazing set up.

I'm Off . . . and I'm Leaving, too!

For years , I've fooled myself into believing that I could quit collecting vintage textiles whenever I wanted. I promote the myth that I am in control. Even as my burgeoning collection of linens colonizes on the lounge, the dining table, my desk, and every inch of space in both my linen closet and coat closet, I refuse to admit I have a problem - it's for my business, I keep rationalizing. I feel a little bit like Markie Post or Meredith Baxter Birney in one of those Lifetime movies about the perils of addiction - "Unraveled: The LeAnn Stephenson Story"- in which I rob from the kids chore money fund and pawn my pancreas to get one more shopping fix.

Well, to thin my personal and professional collection of vintage textiles and other vintage goodies, every 6 months I participate in "Antiques Week" in the Round Top/Warrenton area as a dealer/merchant - wink, wink, nudge, nudge. This is the equivalent to taking a compulsive gambler to Vegas or similar to 'make your own pipe night' at the crack house. As I have said before, this event is just an "antique freak's" Mecca. There are fields and fields and dealer after dealer, offering vintage treasures and it's my own little slice of Prozac!

This Spring I will return to Vickie Davis' wonderful venue at "The Texas Rose Antique Show," located across from Marburger Farms, 2075 South State Highway 237. Your can find directions here. The show begins Saturday, March 28th and runs through April 4, 2009.

Perhaps you, some friends, my family, and maybe my accountant could come out and threaten some sort of intervention and help me accept the sobering reality that . . . I actually am a very sick woman!

Mama Shelter

I've stopped my 'full-tilt-flail' to prepare for my upcoming antique show in Round Top/Warrenton, to check out a link sent to me by a favorite friend - and I'd like to share!

My existential hero, Philippe Starck, has done it again! The new hotel Mama Shelter, designed by Philippe Starck, is the latest favorite address for usually spendthrift travelers having to watch their expenses. While not exactly an exercise in deprivation, Mama Shelter comes with all the embellishments and Lucite you’d expect from Starck. It received the most avant-garde and innovative projects award by Travel & Leisure magazine. The hotel was also voted Best Large Hotel 2009, only six months after opening.

Created by the Trigano family, co-founders of Club Med, and French philosopher, Cyril Aouizerate, Mama Shelter was designed by Mr. STARCK and offers an eclectic and electric ambiance thanks to its friendly, warm and casual common areas.

Located in Paris, in the neighborhood of Saint Blaise, Mama Shelter reflects the rebel character and city life at a country pace.

According to it's website, the hotel welcomes travelers to its 172 rooms with many different style options. All rooms offer a sensual refuge with their five star bedding of 100% cotton satiny smooth sheets, a microwave oven, minibar, 24 inch IMAC, TV, radio, cd/dvd, Internet with free wi-fi, an office where you can work or write a love letter, and an elegant and functional bathroom. Some rooms have a large terrace and a view of the cosmopolitan districts of Ménilmontant and Belleville. Tragically hip? Yes, but comfy and welcoming to all at the same time.


Aaaah . . . . my tender constitution is all better, now - so, I can cancel the trip to the psycho-pharmacologist, because now I'm too blissed out to acknowledge the sobering reality that I'm 1 day away from packing up all my vintage goodies and leaving civilization for 14 days of the equivalent of a 'junkin-antiqueing' rave.

Hotel Hip

I don't need a trip to my therapist to figure out why Austin has always made me feel a little, shall we say, inadequate. It's a city known for it's cosmopolitan and famously talented residents. It's a place populated by many tragically hip "it" girls and boys and those of us plain-old folks who walk around with more modest agendas and a more mundane knowledge of, for instance, the ins and outs of delivering the kids to school, the trick to finishing three loads of laundry in a matter of an hour and what makes for a winning science project. The first group won't let me into their club and the second won't let go of me. Despite the claim that I do, in fact, have this thing called "free will," I secretly fear that my destiny is predetermined. Any day now, the "Southern Lady" signal that is encoded in my DNA will kick in and guide me to live out the remaining years of my life informing others that it's bad manners to wear white shoes before Easter or to don velvet after February, or begin addressing everyone as Honey, Darlin' or "Sugah." Every excursion down to South Congress Avenue underscores the fact that the avant-garde style of my youth has flown the coop!


Despite my neuroses, I love Austin and all it has to offer culturally. Austin's music scene is legendary, especially since the 1987 launch of South by Southwest (SXSW), the wildly successful and internationally recognized music and media conference & festival. March marks the convergence of thousands of music, tech and movie fans and players upon Austin for the afore mentioned festival. I have selflessly decided that I can no longer cater to my ambivalence - the time has come for full disclosure.


In terms of hotels, I am totally obsessed with any venture that is associated with hotelier, Liz Lambert - in a totally "non-stalker-y" way, of course. Her lodging always possesses an indie-hip appeal, be it the vintage-swank glamour of the Hotel Saint Cecilia, the kitschy, industrial appeal of the Hotel San Jose', or the pronounced mid century swank of the "Belmont Hotel in Dallas. Lambert plans to continue with the development for El Cosmico, a modern hippie campground/hotel in Marfa, Texas, as well.



According to Lambert, the Hotel Saint Cecilia was named for the patron saint of poets and musicians. Located in the heart of Austin, the Hotel Saint Cecilia resides on the estate of an historic 1880 Victorian and features a seamless combination of antiques, pop modern furniture, and original artwork. With just 14 rooms scattered among the Victorian and modern bungalows, the hotel is a private haven situated just steps from South Congress and downtown Austin.

Lambert describes her latest incarnation as " . . . really regal with a lot of rock-n-roll thrown in." As noted in a story by Melanie Spencer of Austin American Statesman, Each room in the Hotel Saint Cecilia is equipped with a turntable for guest to enjoy the collection of vintage vinyl, like Lou Reed and The Doors. Lambert also plans on selling art supplies on site and has a collection of poetry books for guest to peruse. Interior appointments feature vintage and modern furniture, tile and dark wood floors, and is the only hotel in North America to feature luxurious Hästen beds.

With Liz's help, I have fired my crack team of psychoanalysts and managed to conquer most of my non-conformist fears. Thanks to Liz, I no longer suffer from glam-a-phobia (fear of being glamorous), posh-a-phobia (the fear of being swank and fashionable), and avant-garde-a-phobia (the fear of being extraordinary or colorful). Lastly, I find it comforting that Ms. Lambert, a native Odessan as am I, has significantly upped the "Cool factor" of Austin and the entire state for that matter!

Photographs courtesy Jackie Caradonio, more of her work can be viewed here.

Deep in the 'Art' of Texas

Some people like to toss generalizations around about Texas. It has been suggested by many that, deep in the heart of Texas, lie a group of lowercase humanity that have a vast void when it comes to culture. A stereotypical jab may consist of images of a people with questionable dental hygiene habits, all of whom walk around dressed like they’re going to a rodeo with large turkey-platter-sized belt buckles attached to their equally large leather name tag belts. Further digs promote the myth that we all possess the uncanny ability to turn monosyllabic words into two syllable words - you know like "peyen" for pen , and "tiyen" for tin, etc. - or that we address our parental units as "Maw" and “Paw”, or that we refer to our cuisine as "vittles". Well kids, I am here to dispel those mis-perceptions with a “case in point”.


Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward performed at SXSW 2008 as She & Him.

Today kicks off South by Southwest. In March of 2008 The Wall Street Journal dubbed SXSW as ". . . a place where new bands come to get discovered, stars seek to burnish their indie credentials, and executives come to share ideas." The 10-day festival showcasing more than 1,800 musical acts of all genres from around the globe on over eighty stages in Austin, includes personal musical favorites like John and M. Ward, plus screenings of films like '500 Days of Summer', a film I can’t wait to see. Additionally, my new music video-crush, Oren Lavie’s video 'Her Morning Elegance', is on the list of films eligible for 2009 SXSW Film Awards in the Music Videos category. Austin’s own Octopus Project’s video, 'An Evening With Rthrtha', directed by Double Triple and Ryan Junell has made the list, as well. The music portion doesn't begin until the 18th, so you still have time to head South. Check out the SXSW ‘09 official website for last-minute deals on flights, places to crash, and tips on navigating your way through all the tragically hip, culturally advanced.

(L-R) Ryan Figg, Toto Miranda, Josh Lambert and Yvonne Lambert of The Octopus Project

In closing, I’d really like to gloat a bit about the fact that Texas is, in fact, the perfect place to get your culture fix. Unfortunately, I haven't the time - my four-alarm chili is boiling over, my horse is double parked, and I’m late for the hoe-down!

Photos and graphics courtesy of SXSW, The Octopus Project, Oren Lavie

Make Mine a Pink Martini

Morning - it’s your friendly, narcoleptic blogger here. Today I feel as though I have just eaten a rather large bowl of Captain Crunch that has been drenched with Ambien-laced milk. For the last three mornings I’ve waked and turned immediately to my husband and have said, “You know what I could go for? - A nap.” I realize I’m belaboring the "I don't care for daylight saving time" point here, . . . so I will move on.

This morning I would like to have a little session of show and tell. A long, lost dear friend and I have recently reconnected. We have been catching up with photos of spouses, kids and brief glimpses of the events that have shaped our lives over the last 20 years. We’ve been swapping favorite recording artists, comedians, books, websites and blogs. And if you would be so kind as to indulge a sleep-deprived, over-caffeinated woman, I’d like to share a wonderful group of artists that he has introduced to me. If you are already familiar . . . just humor me.

Pink Martini is the brainchild of classically trained pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale and vocalist China Forbes. This duo and the rest of the band members blend genres of music such as Latin, lounge, classical, and jazz. In trying to reflect the group's style and period-inspired content of their songs, many descriptives have been attached to their music like "vintage" or having the characteristics of a "little orchestra". Their songs' lyrics involve many different languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Arabic, and Modern Greek. According to Wikipedia, they were originally brought together to play political functions in Portland, Oregon, their home base. Pink Martini made its European debut at the Cannes Film Festival, and the group's debut album, Sympathique, was released on Pink Martini's own label, Heinz Records, in 1997. Over 1.3 million copies of the record have been sold worldwide. The song of the same name is also featured on Putumayo World Music "World Lounge" CD.

In October 2004, the group released its second album, Hang on Little Tomato. In the transition from its first to its second album, guest-singer Pepe Raphael left to concentrate on his other band, Pepe and the Bottle Blondes. Lead singer China Forbes continued to write songs with Lauderdale.

Pink Martini songs appear in such films as In the Cut, Nurse Betty, Josie and the Pussycats, Tortilla Soup, Shanghai Kiss and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and have been used on television shows such as Dead Like Me, The Sopranos and The West Wing.

If you're listening to the soundtrack on my blog, I've added many of their songs to my playlist. You can learn more about the group and get their concert dates on the official Pink Martini site. I think they are really groovy and my family and a few friends have made plans to attend their San Antonio, Texas concert date on May 15th at the Lila Cockrell Theater. Ticket info and purchases can be made here.

"Day Light Saving"

MY HUSBAND: You look tired. You know it’s really 5:30 in the morning - cuz of daylight savings

ME: bleary-eyed, blank, unblinking stare . . .

MY HUSBAND: your hair is kinda uncharacteristically (insert splayed finger motion above his head.) Have you had your Diet Dr. Pepper yet?

ME: small saliva thread dangling from the corner of my mouth like a cellophane noodle . . . blank, unblinking stare . . .

MY HUSBAND: Alrighty then . . . call you later . . . smooch on the forehead

. . . .AND SCENE.

Though Daylight Saving Time was common practice in the ancient world, Benjamin Franklin resurrected the idea in a 1784 satire. Franklin’s suggestion was simply that people should get up earlier in summer. He is often erroneously attributed as the inventor of modern DST, while William Willett, who was the first to propose it in 1907, is often ignored. Well, fella’s, I’m none too pleased with either of you at this moment in time!

I’ll gather my thoughts (and my saliva) and return with something wonderful and inspirational tomorrow morning . . .

Now I’m tired, please make it stop!

Design Heroes

This morning my head is full of a lot of different thoughts, like "what if someone made a romantic comedy starring Big Bird and Mr. Snuffleupagus from Sesame Street" . . . don't kid yourself, you would TOTALLY go see it!

Then, I ruminated quite awhile on the fear that I think I’m slowly becoming Liza Minnelli. I’m fairly sure that I’m going for the “All That Jazz” period, except without the bowler hat, fewer sequins, and an outfit that covers more of my girly bits - Oh, and a long cigarette holder might be involved as well.

Stay with me, I’m getting there, HONESTLY!

That thought made me think "diva," which made me think of old Hollywood glamour-puss style, which is what I like to call my decorating style . . . glamour-puss diva. Aaaaah, FINALLY! the topic for today’s post - I would like to show a few glimpses of my home and highlight some of the designers that inspired my interior decor choices.

So here goes . . .

I'm a big fan of Philippe Starck. He creates glittery fantasy lands in his interior design. A few years ago I saw a photo of a restaurant he designed for Baccarat, called the Cristal Room. It is sumptuously appointed, what I like to call "Empire-chic," with a tufted ceiling and a black Baccarat chandelier hanging above a table that is surrounded by a gorgeous mixture of chairs. Baccarat’s slogan is “La beauté n’est pas raisonable” or "beauty is not reasonable!" I think he created a place to fit that slogan perfectly. So, to make a long story even longer, he and his Baccarat creation was the primary source of information for my home. In addition, Nanette Lepore's feminine flair that she exhibits in her retail boutiques is reflected in my home, too. Her pink wood floors, vintage chandeliers, and tufted banquettes really made me giggle. As a consequence, most of furniture in my home is tufted within an inch of it's life! She has been a long-time favorite of mine. She
uses a lot of tailoring touches - and I dig that. Then of course, there is Mr. Jonathan Adler and Ms. "Trina Turk. They appeal to me on so many levels, but, mostly because of their "make your own style" attitudes. They encourage having a home that’s
filled with stuff that has meaning to you - things that inspire you, things that make you happy - and I figured happy is always chic!

My sources . . .

Most of my furnishings and lighting are vintage finds that have been re-worked. Owning a vintage boutique kinda helps, because you can rationalize purchasing multiples of things like chandeliers or droves of chairs (I have a bit of chair fetish, I must admit ). I find things at flea markets, estate sales, thrift shops - I've even been known to take things from the curb (which used to be the bane of my children's existence, and now they can spot things before I can!) I love Craigslist and the CityWide Garage Sale here in Austin and Antiques Weekend that happens twice a year in the Warrenton - Round Top area of Texas. It is just an "antique freak's" Mecca. There are fields and fields and dealer after dealer offering vintage treasures. It's my little slice of Prozac!

Many things in my house are from my family. When my husband and I were first dating, he used to admire these three large European lounges that my Aunt and Uncle had in their den. So, when Scott would praise their comfort my Aunt would say, "When you ask LeAnn to marry you - I'll give them to you as a wedding present." At the time it kind of embarrassed me, but the prospect of owning those chairs eased the pain significantly. My Aunt was true to her word, of course, and they are now slip-covered in white twill and are in our den.

So, in conclusion ..... actually I have no closing thoughts, except to make a mental note to myself . . .stop mixing my multi-vitamins with my NyQuil. . . and I have decided to start saying my name is LeAnn with an "E."

Martha Stewart Unveiled on Pingg

If given the opportunity, I would lock myself in my bedroom for two days with nothing but a 6-pack of Diet Dr. Pepper, a copy of Martha Stewart Living, and my jammies. I love her - her magazines - her merchandise - her books - her unapproachable style! So, when offered the opportunity to write about the unveiling of the Martha Stewart Collection of invitations that she has designed exclusively for Pingg, I was beside myself.

Back in late October, the simplicity and class of Pingg caught the attention of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc (MSLO), who decided to invest and and enter into a commercial agreement with Pingg. Based in New York, Ping was co-founded in 2006 by brothers Lorien Gabel and Matt Harrop. Lorien and Matt are CEO and CTO respectively. Their third business venture together, Pingg is a new, free invitation creation and event management platform that lets design conscious hosts seamlessly create, send and manage stylish online and print invitations and event communications for personal and professional events. With stylish designs, integrated print, social networking features, customizable event web page and easy to use tools, Pingg is changing the way hosts create and plan their events on the web. For more information, visit their site.

Martha’s high energy just goes on ... and on and on and on ... I guess she managed to complete this project somewhere between knitting an ergonomic, bio fuel-powered vehicle, milking her zebras and wallpapering her chicken coop. This is said with my tongue firmly implanted in my cheek, of course!

Martha and her team of experts have created a truly unique collection of invitations and e-cards featuring iconic images from their extensive libraries. The collection is full of fun and elegant designs, perfect for every occasion, from baby showers to back yard Bar-B-Ques and everything in between!

Martha is also now sharing her expert advice on Pingg! Her guide to party planning essentials can be found on our new ‘entertaining section’. Throughout the year, Martha and her editorial team will continue to add new ideas and tips, exclusively for us.

So, take a look at the new collection of invitations, peruse their new entertaining section, and take full advantage of all that Martha Stewart and Pingg has to offer!

Super gr-8888888-t wedding videos

I thought I would share a post that I recently made on my Wishpot.com series of weekly posts called Vintage Wednesday.

I just . . . I wish so many things. I wish I had some sort of carbonated beverage in my hand right this minute. I wish I had my stimulus check already. I wish I had Gisele Bündchen's body. And, I wish I had thought of this idea for my wedding video. I know . . . I know . . . your asking, "What is 'vintage' about video? Well, read on you vintage vixens.

There is a growing trend in the wedding video industry these days, whereby, a couple's special day can be shot entirely on the timeless medium of Super 8mm film. Super 8 film stock offers the modern couple a distinctively vintage feel to their wedding videography. The grain in this film gives a warm, vintage, extra romantic quality that enhances the memory of your wedding and all the events that lead up to it. If a couple would like to present a more artful and nostalgic retelling of their wedding day, this may be just the thing. Subtle in its approach, most are set almost entirely to music, with some natural audio woven in from the ceremony and reception, can run anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. A combination of imagery, audio and music is carefully chosen to portray the styles and personalities of the bride and groom. These Super 8 films deliver an experience that transports anyone who views them back to all the emotions, rhythms and moods of that special day. And, these films seem to mean so much more than just conveying the chronology of the day's events, seeming more like the storytelling and cinematography you might find on the big screen.

More and more creative talent is popping up all over the country. As a matter of fact, I found some wonderful examples on Youtube and Vimeo.


Super 8 Film - Bridal Elegance - Jessica from Northernlight Filmworks on Vimeo.

This was a Bridal Elegance shoot that was done at the Ambassador House in Fishers, Indiana by Northernlight Filmworks. They shot this video with Super 8 film utilizing color and black and white stock.

Another Super 8 film I found on Youtube is the Parisian wedding of Stuart and Michelle. It was shot in color and black and white super 8 film by Olivier Lalin. It opens with a misty shot of the Eiffel Tower set to Edith Piafs' vintage tune, La Vie En Rose.



The a husband and wife team of Artifact Documentaries is another great resource, with lots of information on their blog. When I was researching this post I was so pleased to find Life Stage Videography's blog that suggested several questions that a couple should ask when considering such an investment. And, an investment it is. Costs begin around $1,700. So, make sure and ask things like: How will my movie sound? How do you handle lighting? How do you vary your shots? How do you plan to tell the story of my day? How long will it take to get my finished movie? Are you ‘preferred’ by the other companies I’ve hired? May I see other clients’ movies and read what they had to say about you? How do you get your shots without being ‘in the way’? Why are your services more expensive/less expensive than other companies? What do you do to make sure our movie is unique to our personalities?

In conclusion, as with all your choices, make sure that this one reflects you and your groom and have a gr-8888-t wedding day. See what I just did there . . . I used 8 instead of "-eat" - Ha! I slay me! See you next "Vintage Wednesday!"

LeAnn Stephenson is an Austin-based vintage collector and textile enthusiast and founder of The Vintage Laundry and stocks an online Etsy store, as well as writing a blog called The Vintage Laundress.

Get the Look

Yesterday I received a lovely email from Kristen at Pretty Little World Fashion. She was alerting me to the fact that she had made a post that featured one of my re-worked vintage chairs on her blog. I really enjoyed looking through her other posts - you should stop by and take a look.

She was an English Lit. major in college and got her Master's degree with a focus in Creative Writing, although the dream of owning her own clothing store remained strong. To make that dream come to fruition, she began on Etsy as a buyer and then opened her own store as a way to sell some of the vintage collection that she'd accumulated. Her Etsy store Pretty Little World is the sister store of The Invisible Circus, which stocks a myriad of handmade goods and supplies.

Thanks for the feature on Danish Modern finds on Etsy, Kristen! I'm so pleased to have found your blog and your Etsy stores.

Re-do-skidoo!

Fin! Complete! The End!

I believe the proper upholstering term for executing this much tufting is, "Yowza!" I’m simply awash in the heady buzz that comes from finishing a re-worked vintage piece of furniture. It's likely that this is as many tufts as we’ve ever done in one piece!

I cannot be sure, but my guess is that my customer Lisa will be pleased with her custom upholstered chair. Here’s hoping! She simply purchased the vintage chair from my online store and then shipped me the needed yardage of her fabric of choice. I suggested several different lines of fabric that I carry, like Mod Green Pod and Ink and Spindle, but she had her heart set on a solid material.

!!!BRACE YOURSELVES FOR A SHAMELESS PLUG!!!

I’m not sure I’ve ever mentioned my workroom on my blog. My usual "spiel" goes something like this . . . “Customization in the home is like couture in the closet. Take this. . . (insert your vintage piece of furniture of choice that is in need of re-working).” So, if this sounds like something you desperately need, you can find more information about this service on my website.

Stay tuned for more show and tell from my workroom.

More, More, More . . . Lauren Ross

Instead of listening to the little voice in my head that told me to put more photos on my “At Home with . . . Lauren Ross” post, I gave into the “Now I’m tired -please make it stop” voice in my head. My blogger was wiggin’ out and refusing more photos. . . . All know is . . . I used to be good at stuff like this . . . And breathing, and basic speech . . . Apparently not! Anywhoozle, here is “more, more, more” (as one anonymous commenter put it) of Lauren Ross’ lovely home in Austin, Texas.

Simply Grove featured me!

I was so flattered to have Kirsten feature photos of my home and business on her blog, SimplyGrove. In addition to writing her design blog Kirsten, is the mother of two, and a wildly talented interior designer. Her home has been featured on Apartment Therapy among other design blogs and her interior design firm based in Boise, Idaho. Thanks so much Kirsten, you're the best-est!

At home with . . . Lauren Ross

Lauren Ross, who could probably fit into most peoples' coat pockets, has grandiose style! I love her home and I want all of her collections so badly that I am tempted to offer her some kind of trade, like, my children - just teasing kids. I promised your Grandmother I wouldn’t do that . . .again. Each time I enter Lauren’s home that she shares with her husband and four children, I feel pulled, as if by a magnet, to a beautiful mirrored chest in her entry. It is an inherited piece from her Grandmother. Lauren attributes her love of antiques and vintage pieces to her Grandmother who owned an antiques store in Beverly Hills, CA, on Rodeo Drive. I first met Lauren when she came into my shop in 2007. After several months of drop-in visits and purchases for client homes, along with conversations that revealed favorite antique haunts, I began to consider Lauren a dear friend. Though I didn't need to be convinced of what a lovely creature she was, she most graciously introduced me to producer, Jennifer Vreeland of Country Living. As a result, The Vintage Laundry got a mention in the article published in the April 2007 edition which featured her home. Thank you, Lauren, for allowing me to take these photos of your lovely home. Take a look and learn a little bit about a very talented and inspiring woman.

I'D LIKE TO DESIGN A HOME FOR . . .
A friend with unlimited funds (don't have any of these but I can dream!) I would also love to design a home for Beth Moore, the best-selling author and lecturer with Living Proof Ministries. I have never met her but she has inspired me through her books and Bible studies and I would love to repay her for being such an inspiration to me! She is such a beautiful person.

I WOULD DESCRIBE MY STYLE AS . . .
Casual, shabby chic, feminine, comfortable

MY FAVORITE PAINT COLOR OR WALLPAPER IS . . .
Martin-Senour paints - vanilla cream and cloud white are two of my favorite whites. I adore wallcoverings in small spaces, especially English papers such as Colefax and Fowler and "Jane Churchill

IF MONEY WERE NO OBJECT . . . .
I would buy a second home...a cottage with a porch full of wicker and French blue shutters, climbing pink rose vines, hydrangeas and a white picket fence.

I'M WISHING FOR . . .
Calacutta marble countertops in my kitchen!

A PERFECT DAY WOULD INCLUDE . . .
Antique shopping in Round Top with my friends, then staying at a Bed and Breakfast and playing show and tell with all of our new treasures or "what was I thinking!"

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO FIND TREASURES IS . . .
Round Top, Texas twice a year show. I have only missed one show in the last 20 years but only because I was pregnant and due any moment. My family forbid me to go for fear I would go into labor shopping out in the country!

MY FAVORITE COLLECTION IS . . .
My mercury glass, some of which belonged to my grandmother and other pieces that I have collected over the years. I am particularly fond of the mercury glass with the painted flowers.

I CHOSE THIS PROFESSION BECAUSE . . .
It gives me flexibility with my 4 children. I can work my own hours and keep my family my priority. I also love meeting new people, making new friends and helping them make their homes a place they enjoy.

MY FAVORITE DECORATING TRICK IS . . .
Making small inexpensive changes like changing out throw pillows, updating lamp shades, layering in baskets for storage, rearranging a few pieces and slipcovering inherited pieces to bring them back to life.

MY BIGGEST INFLUENCES ARE . . .
My paternal grandmother for her beautiful style. Her Beverly Hills home was filled with mercury glass, mirrored vanities, shell encrusted mirrors, chintz covered walls, small French chairs, treasures from around the world and of course my favorite color, pink! Her style was timeless. My maternal grandmother for all things quaint and lovely... her pansies, her teacups and her dolls with handmade clothes. She is the definition of precious. Design influences include "Rachel Ashwell for her casual shabby chic style and Charles Faudree for his attention to detail.

I GET INSPIRATION FROM . . . .
window shopping, realtor open houses, drives in the country, blogs like Cote de Texas and Velvet and Linen.

MY ADVICE TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN THIS FIELD WOULD BE . . .
Be flexible with your ideas and schedule, don't take things too seriously,be a good listener, and decorate your client's home to showcase their personality.

RESOURCES . . .
In Austin: Janet Wiebe Antiques - The Courtyard Shops 5453 Burnet Road - European antiques, garden items, and beautiful trims and textiles

Shabby Chic - Domain - down filled chairs, sectionals and bedding in faded English inspired floral designs

Wendow - 1512 W 35th St. - antiques mixed with contemporary pieces

Antique Marketplace - 5806 Burnet Road - I rent a space with my dear friend, Lady Huffstutler. Lady has the most amazing slipcovered lamp shades made from white monogrammed vintage linens.

Round Top vendor French Vanilla - Peg Van Dyne's booth is absolutely beautiful and filled with vintage items all in shades of white.

The last pair of photos are courtesy of Country Living Magazine and Joseph De Leo.

The Creative Mind of Ethan Morrow

I came to know this artist's work through Angelo Surmelis' blog thedesigngeek. You recognize his name because he is also the host of the HGTV series Rate My Space.

I'm drawn to this artist's work for a couple of reasons. His technique makes his works feel vintage, as though they were found in a box of discarded sepia photos at a flea market and the appeal is further strengthened by the ethereal world created through his poetic imagination. Big Paper Airplane is the name of Ethan Morrow's site. On his entry page he has this statement: big paper airplane - dedicated to the fact that humans will attempt anything.Morrow's medium in the works above is graphite on paper, however there is an intriguing piece of film worth viewing here. It is titled "Dust" and was an official selection at the 46th annual New York Film Festival. His work, as Angelo put it, "feels familiar, yet different." Comparisons have been made, some say his pieces remind them of the film "Big Fish" and others "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome". My personal opinion leans toward "Big Fish" with a little Robert Longo thrown in for good measure. What are your thoughts?

An Affair to Remember!

Take your cue from Ms. Kerr and throw your limbs around someone on this Valentine's Day and give'em a smooch they will never forget! Above Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant embrace in a scene from "An Affair to Remember" in July 1957. Kerr also shared in another one of cinema's most famous kisses with Burt Lancaster in "From Here to Eternity" below.

The images are courtesy daylife.com and Guardian.co.uk.