Watching on Ebay

Ebay.  You either love it or you hate it.  I, for one LOVE it.  I have found so many incredible things on that site and gotten them for a steal.

Like these little pretties.

A pair of slightly chipped but absolutely adorable Staffordshire Dogs (I love them, my husband HATES them) for $35.

So here's a sneak peek of what I'm watching today.

Austin Enterprise Chess Set & Board

This one is pricey at $533.93 (I've seen them go for much less, so I'll probably let this one go and try my luck later).  You can find them on 1st dibs though for $2600, which is crazy over-priced, but 1st dibs can always make you feel really great about some deal you got on Ebay.

Apparently the set was commissioned in 1962 by ALCOA to designer-craftsman Austin E. Cox A.S.I.D. of "Austin Enterprises"and the advertising agency of Ketchum, McLeod & Grove (how "Mad Men" is that?).

It's mid-century modern design which isn't always my cup of tea, but in this case, I think it's just gorgeous.  Architectural, strong, a bit menacing.  It's tremendously masculine while still being elegant.

African Zebra Rug - Burchells Plains Zebra

Last month we took a once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Africa.  We saw some incredible things, not the least of which were the Zebra hides.  We looked at them in shop after shop, and I came so close to buying one several times because I really love the look of them in homes.  But them I would come to the head part of it and see where the little eyes and nose were sewn shut and I would just get so sad and end up walking away.  I've been toying with buying one over the internet so I wouldn't have that "head" moment.  But I am pretty sure I'd be upset all over again once it came.  So for now, this Zebra will probably just stay on my Watching list.

Brunschwig & Fils Upholstery Home Decor Fabric Ethnic

Love this fabric! It is a pattern that was originally printed on linen and then reprinted on cotton called Sultan of Gurjara and it tells the story of the great Indian conquerer Mahmud Begada. I think it would make a great pillow in my guest room/study.  And at $8 for a yard, this one is a definite YES.

Oh Ebay - so many wonderful things, so little time!

Homecomings

The mail's been being delivered to Mount Vernon for over a year now, but this weekend was the first that Boston has truly felt like home.  Maybe it was having three generations from the matriarchal line under one roof (thanks Mom and Grammie for the very special visit!).

Maybe it was the spooky parade of animals, princesses, ghosts, zombies and warm smiling faces of neighbors and friends outside our door.

Maybe it was the fall foliage?

Or maybe, just maybe it was crawling into a delicious new set of sheets with my absolute favorite Halloween treat.

In any case, our first Halloween at Mount Vernon was a smashing success and I vow to celebrate it here every year from now on.  But, I'll be off again to New York later this week for work, family, friends, and a bit of shopping I'm sure.

I hope that this blog will help me keep tabs on all the wonderful things that inspire me everyday, from interior design to fashion, to entertaining to travel and anything else that strikes my fancy!