Castles in the Sand

Today's post isn't entirely about decorating, but it is about castles. And other spectacular things that can be created on the beach. In the sand. I love how creative people get with these...

Hooked On And A Friday Cocktail

Today I'm hooked on bluebonnets. Bluebonnets are the Texas state flower, and while they are native to the state, they don't grow everywhere. Luckily, they do grow here in central Texas, and they're spectacular.



For more Hooked On Fun, visit Julia's blog...


Today's Friday Cocktail is by Van Morrison. Van Morrison's career has spanned at least four decades, and from what I can tell, he shows no signs of letting up. Enjoy!

Home of the Week -- Windsor Road

Sorry for my absence of late. Funny thing about blogging. Even for those of us who enjoy writing, connecting with others and sharing our hobbies and passions, it's easy to hit a road block with blogging. Other things in our lives can get in the way, too. When you have a full time job, a home and a family, well, a girl's gotta have priorities.

And today's priority is to get back on track with Canyon Wren Cottage and post this week's Home of the Week. (I'm renewing my commitment to Canyon Wren Cottage, and I thank you for your loyalty and friendship).

I've mentioned the old, monied area of Austin's Enfield before. While there are some beautiful neighborhoods around town, I think it's hard to beat the architecture and character of the old homes along Windsor Road.

Built in 1939, this home's traditional architecture encompasses a sizable 3678 square feet. The real estate listing says one can see the UT Tower, Texas State Capitol and downtown from this lot. It's hard to put a price on a view like that.

















Now for the nitty gritty... The home boasts 3 bedrooms (though the real estate listing says the exercise room could be a 4th bedroom) and 5 baths. The price tag? $2,000,000.

Friday Cocktail

I don't know about you, but I'm so glad today's Friday. What a week! Central Texas is finally getting some much-needed moisture, but driving in it is not fun. In fact, I got rear-ended the other night on my way home from work. I'm fine, and, honestly, the car's fine too. I still have to hassle with getting it fixed and making arrangements for a rental car. Did I mention I'm glad today's Friday? How 'bout a cocktail?



Today's Friday Cocktail is a new song by a new artist. Erin McCarley is one of the hottest new artists around. Hailing from Garland, a Dallas suburb, she now lives in Nashville. I hope she comes to Austin soon. I'd love to see her in concert. Enjoy!

I'm going to be catching up on everyone's blogs -- a perfect way to spend a rainy weekend, don't you think?

Has Ken Been Replaced By Jonathan Adler?

You may have heard the recent news that Jonathan Adler is moving up in the design world and is now designing for Barbie. From People.com:

What little girl didn’t dream of living in Barbie’s dream house as an adult? Our taste may have changed since we were little, but so has Barbie’s! The icon, who turns 50-years-old this year, is moving to Malibu and none other than Top Design judge Jonathan Adler is shaping the interiors. The interior design star will be updating Barbie’s bedroom, living room, and, of course, her drool-worthy closet, in an actual Malibu beach house, which will serve as the backdrop to the doll’s 50th blowout bash on March 9. And for those of us who still love playing house, Barbie and Adler will be launching a “Jonathan Adler Loves Barbie" collection in the fall of 2009, including designer pottery, pillows, decorative objects. Don’t forget the Jonanthan Adler-designed Barbie that comes with her own matching furniture!...

Barbie and her digs have received many makeovers through the years, and Jonathan Adler's may be the best yet. His designs really lend themselves to a bit of exaggeration and translate well to miniatures.

I also like what Michael Williams has created on his own (courtesy of his Flickr album)...












Is it just me, or are you wanting to play with Barbies again, too?

Home of the Week -- Foothills Terrace

Every now and then, I run across a home for sale that is such a gem. This week's home is one of those. From the bones of the home itself to the finishes and interior design -- pure eye candy.

Nestled on half an acre in the middle of west Austin yet very secluded, this Mediterrean home blends right in with its surroundings. It's unpretentious yet really gorgeous, inside and out. (as always, click on pics for larger views).
























Did you notice the venetian plaster walls in the foyer? Gorgeous!

I was hoping the MLS listing would say what the kitchen island countertop is. It sort of looks like concrete, and with its mottled finish, it also resembles galvanized metal. I can't imagine a home like that having a metal counter in the kitchen, but this is Austin, and nothing should surprise us.

I love the master bedroom. While I'm a little over plates on the wall, the plate arrangement above the bed works. I really wish there were more pics of that room and that other bedrooms were shown, as well.

Here's the skinny on the house:

Five bedrooms
Five full baths and two half baths
Five living areas
Pool, spa and cabana

And it all can be yours for a cool $4.5 million. Or we can take a few notes and recreate the look for less in our own homes. :-)