It has been a busy week as we gear up for Fall, and all of the events that are on the horizon.  The bright spots of the week have included sitting down for a few minutes after dinner and checking out the magazines & catalogs that I’ve been collecting in my MAILBOX. 
Here are a few things that I’m LOVING…

 {Country Home, September 2008 – Romantic Ranch}

Country Home Magazine offered these bright ideas for the ‘Romantic Ranch’ – it’s a great list!!  My favorite is definitely the ”Yee Haw” Wallpaper {#5} which comes from Paul Loebach and is available in several colors. 

{Pendleton Home Collection CATALOG – Fall 2008}

It has been a while since I’ve had the Pendleton catalog show up in my Mailbox and I definitely don’t want to miss it again.  So many beautiful blankets - this catalog is full of Rustic * Western * Vintage Home Ideas ~ and also clothing and jewelry that is gorgeous.

All of that said, I have to point out Pendleton’s Fabric by the Yard.  I had no idea that this was available…  A couple of weeks ago I posted a Fabric Guide for Rustic * Western * Vintage Fabrics ~ I’ll add this one to the list for next year!!

{Country Living, September 2008}

As always Country Living had lots of beautiful images, and inspired projects, in their September Issue.  But what really caught my eye was the mention of the 3rd Annual Country Living FAIR which takes place this weekend in Columbus, Ohio.  Oooh, how I would love to be there!!  Maybe next year…

{Cowboys & Indians, October 2008 – Aspen Farmhouse – Photo by Daniel Nadelbach}

The venerable Cowboys & Indians offered a peek into a perfectly styled Aspen Farmhouse.  What is there to say other than “It’s PERFECTION”!!

 Click HERE for more reviews IN THE MAILBOX

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When I first found Western Interiors and DesignMagazine I was sure that I had discovered a fabulous resource dedicated solely to Rustic * Western * Vintage homes.  It turns out that the magazine’s title was rooted in the location of the homes it featured, not the style of homes featured.  

While Western Interiors doesn’t focus entirely on “my style” of home decor, they do feature fabulous homes, and in every issue I am pleasantly inspired by fresh designs from top designers.  And always there is at least one interior that fits into the Rustic*Western*Vintage style precisely…

This Aug/Sept 2008 issue of Western Interiors Magazine, ”Small Home Luxury” is dedicated to making the most of a SMALL SPACE.  My favorite home in this issue is an 1800′s cabin that was moved from Michigan to Montana. 

The owner of the home moved the cabin in an admirable effort to stay true to her spot of Montana land.  {I love the idea that everyone has a spot of land that is meant for them and them alone.} 

The minimal decorations pay homage to the original home builder who painstakingly built this home by hand using the only spare tools available over 100 years ago.  His workmanship is framed by classic cabin furniture and a departure from our generation’s obsession with “stuff”.  I am always inspired by the refreshing images of a home that is simple in design and decor, versus being filled with clutter and junk. 

{ABOVE IMAGES - Western Interiors, Aug/Sept 2008 -
Photographs by Audrey Hall }

HOMEWORK: This week make at least one space more neat and
                             clear of so many “things”. 

Which room in your home needs to be spared down??

I knew that the September 08 issue of Cowboys & Indians Magazine was going to be special when I pulled it out of the mailbox and saw that the legendary Willie Nelson graced the front cover.

In this, their Annual Indian Art Issue, Cowboys & Indians has set forth to share the significant impact that Native Americans have made on the Western Lifestyle.  Here’s a sneak peek into this issue…

The beauty and significance of KACHINA DOLLS is uncovered through an interview with Dr. Mark Sublette, collector and owner of the Medicine Man Galleries.  His short explanation of the history of Kachina Dolls, how they are valued, and sources for collectors, is an excellent introduction to collecting these unique artifacts of Native American history.  

You can visit Dr. Sublette’s galleries HERE {this is an extraordinary collection and great source for both
                                                         Western & Native American art}.

The cover story is all about the great Willie Nelson who turned 75 this year and is still rockin’!!  The article, written by Willie Nelson’s biographer, Joe Nick Patoski, begins in Willie’s hometown and guides readers through a career in country music that is second to none. 

Patoski explains the cowboy roots and heart that make Willie Nelson such a beloved character of America ~ and also pays homage to Willie’s Native American roots, and how Willie has shown his commitment to that part of his heritage.  

Willie Nelson’s biography {click on image ABOVE}, authored by Patoski, that tells the tales of Willie’s “Epic Life”…  I can’t wait to get my copy!! 

Next is a tribute to 15 Native Americans that have made an impact on the heritage of America as it is today.  The list includes warriors, politicians, soldiers, artists and athletes ~ these men and women represent significant feats that have been achieved by American Indians. 

Homage is paid to the Turquoise Trail, the scenic drive between Albuquerque and Santa Fe {a dream Road Trip for me!!} , with a comprehensive guide to the turquoise jewelry available in today’s marketplace.  An excellent list of resources accompanies the beautiful photography!! {I’m drooling over this one – the jewelry pictured in the magazine is too fabulous!!} 

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A few weeks ago I listed a few Western*Rustic*Vintage Mail Order Catalogs that you might enjoy.  There was one on that list that arrived in my mailbox this week, the super-fabulous At West End catalog…  {it’s been a good week for my mailbox – in addition to yesterday’s PBKids I also received my Western Interiors and Cowboys & Indians magazines – tune in next week for more on those!!}

The merchandise pictured in the At West End catalog, and on their website, is incredibly fresh and the photography has left me swooning.  Launched in August of 2006, At West End doesn’t have a brick & mortar shop – thank heavens for online shopping – or you can click HERE to request a catalog be sent to your snail-mail-box. 

It is evident that creative passion is being poured into each item – no doubt that these are pieces meant to make your home smile!!  Here are just a few of the things I just LOVE!!

The yard sign {ABOVE} is only $39 – what a great gift for those of you headed to a friend’s lake house this summer!! {there is also a Merry Christmas sign & even more choices in the catalog}

The Rustic * Vintage finish on many of the products makes them both friendly and also usable.  Both of the Candle Holders {ABOVE} could find a home in almost any decor, especially with the current trend of adding a rustic touch to even the purest of traditional and modern interiors.

With temperatures rising I really enjoyed the cool approach to outdoor living and entertaining that At West End presented.  I am definitely putting the White Stoneware {ABOVE} and the Tilted Pitcher {BELOW} on my Wish List!!

I get this feeling in the pit of my stomach when I see, for the first time, some Rustic * Western * Vintage decor that is new to me.  Be it product, art, architecture, interior design, and definitely in a well-merchandised store ~ it’s similiar to the feeling of walking into a magnificent home and thinking “wow – this is brilliant – I could stay here forever!!”.  For me it is being in awe of the creativity, passion and commitment that people have to their homes and their stuff.  A big thank you to At West End for giving me that feeling in the pit of my stomach!!

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Today I went out to the mailbox and found a Cowboy Kid Room to die for!!  Where or where you ask… the Pottery Barn Kids catalog.  Known for their classic suburban style and preppy gingham {which I own}, PB Kids really pulled through this season – if this is a sign of what’s to come from other box stores then we are in for some treats, folks!!

Tops on my list is the Striped Duvet & Sham in Rich*Rustic colors {unfortunately it doesn’t come in King size cause it would WORK in our Master…}  And the Cowboy Sheets - and the Cowboy Pillow with red stars??  Oh my… my stomach is aching from the joy of discovery!! 

One NOTE before we move on – these are Catalog/Web exclusives so don’t run out to your nearest PB Kids Store for these lovelies.  {As of today they aren’t online but as soon as they are I will link them up…} Happy Trails!!  Fancy

ps – I nearly forgot to point out the BIG HORSESHOE!!!  It’s almost 3′ tall and only $129 - I’m sold. 

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In an effort to make a dent on the piles of magazines laying everywhere in the house I came across an oldie but goodie – the April 2002 issue of Country Home Magazine. 

I have thumbed through this particular issue dozens of times and I can hardly believe that six years have passed since it arrived In the Mailbox.  The designs pictured in 2002 are as relevant and inspiring today as they were then.

I particularly LOVE this bathroom!!  The sink and bathroom door would be perfect for my three boys…  they will go on the “Dream House Wish List“

{ABOVE – Country Home Magazine, April 2002 – Country Getaway Home - Photographs by King Au}

The Hubby and I agree – the only other place we would ever live would be in a downtown loft…  I would be so happy to live in this one for at least one day!!

{ABOVE – Country Home Magazine, April 2002 – City Retreat - Photographs by Quentin Bacon}

All of these designs were a part of the two Country Home Showhouses that were erected inside the Grand Central Terminal in New York City in 2002.  {I remember that time in my life – no kids and a brand new retail store of my very own…  Life has changed but my love for this style of Rustic * Western * Vintage decor still gets the decorator in me feeling all giddy inside!!}

Country Home is a classic… Love it!!

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Every June Architectural Digest publishes an issue dedicated to the romantic and rugged aesthetic that has come to be known as American Country Houses.  The photography is breathtaking and the designs inspirational.  I highly recommend that you run out immediately and purchase this issue – until then here is a sneak peek… Enjoy!!

{ABOVE - Architectural Digest Cover, June 2008 – Photograph by Richard Mandelkorn} 

This dining room took my breath away – the classic design with colors that blend masterly with the accompanied view of raw desert land is perfection… 

{ABOVE - Architectural Digest , June 2008 – Ted Turner’s Armendaris Ranch – Photographs by Robert Reck}

{ABOVE - Architectural Digest , June 2008 – Deer Cabin Reverie – Photograph by David O. Marlow}

{ABOVE - Architectural Digest , June 2008 – Farmhouse Abstraction – Photographs by Scott Frances}

So this is it, the home/barn that I’ve imagined for the past 12 years… someday something similiar {probably not this grand, but ever bit this AWESOME} will sit on the hill that my hubby & I have picked out.  Until then I will look at this picture and know what I am working for.

{ABOVE - Architectural Digest , June 2008 – Conneticut Barn – Photographs by Scott Frances}

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I’ve been working double time on getting the new site up soon so pardon my absence lately.  I’m trying to blog less so that I can blog more very soon!! 

That said, I have had the new Country Home, Feb 2008 on my desk for a week & I finally got to sit down and enjoy it today…  Feast on the beautiful Show Home featured this month.  Go buy your issue today or you can subscribe here. (Sources for this fabulous room are on page 99 – or post a comment and I can point you in the right direction)

I received my Western Interiors & Design magazine this past week.  Oh how I love this mag!!  Check your newsstand – or the Western Interiors website - and get a copy this week.  You can also subscribe to this mag here.  I promise this magazine will delight and inspire you!!  Here are just a few highlights that tripped my trigger and may spark a few ideas for your own Rustic * Western * Vintage decor.   

 
‘Deerly in Camouflage’  – gorgeous wallpaper with a beloved rustic outdoors theme – from Palacepapers.com.  Love it!!

 
Reproductions of Karl Bodmer’s 1832 – 1834 oil paintings have been re-created through the technology of digitization and are now available from DiscoveryEditions.com.  The extraordinary detail of each painting tells the tragic and beautiful story of the American Indian.  Whether you own just one, or the whole collection, these paintings will affect you.

 
Lobby of the Inn of the Anasazi in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  There is a wonderful article about the recently renovated interiors of this beautiful hotel.  The designer, Susan Butcher, has created a warm, rustic environment that I cannot wait to see in person!!

I am perusing my new Domino Mag (December/January 2008) and looking for some inspiration. 

My first lead is to Wisteria.com.  It’s a new one for me and I’m lovin’ it!!  Check out just a few of the treasures I’ve uncovered at my new “don’t forget to shop it” website…

Pinecone Candles – what a great gift idea, bundled with some wood and fire starters & tied with a green velvet ribbon (see below), for your holiday hosts!!

 
Woodland Staghead – for my girls who can’t stand the real thing (I don’t blame you…)

 
Vintage Trough – can’t wait to see it on my front porch next spring!!

Pinecone Urn – Fabulous!!  There definitely won’t be another one on your block!!

Card Tree of Memories – I have a decorating client that has been looking for something like this since last Christmas!!  Celebration, Amy, I finally found it!!

Domino then leads me to the velvet ribbon mentioned above…
 

Wood Grain Ribbon – available in green, brown and golds from MarthaStewartCrafts.com – now that’s a “good thing”!!

Time to call it a night – they’re calling for snow tomorrow so I’ll finish up with Domino manana… 
Till then, xoxo