Saturday, March 6, 2010

I'm so confused ! ! !

At a friend's 'just for girls' dinner party this past Christmas, my friend Michelle

 and I started talking about how 'come heck or high water' we

 were going to get to Texas

one of these days for the great fleas going on down there.

 We also chatted (in front of our non-fleaing friends (a little rudely now that I think about it))

about how we were going to pick up one of our other friends who 

had just moved to Texas, and that we were also going to go look up

 Carol Hicks Bolton, (she's our hero) and invite ourselves to her home.

 I think for awhile, we forgot that we were not the only two at 

her party, and we were saying 'Carol this and Carol that', and

finally one of the girls said "who is your friend Carol, and how did you meet her?"

My pretty little 'Get Mee' campanula...

Well we stopped yapping just long enough to say, "Oh we don't know her yet,

 but we will, and she's gonna love us!"
***

She's just gotta!

I adore her style.

And I am sooo confused.


got this at the market the other day...

Because my other hero in decorating is Rachel Ashwell.

I know, I know, a real contradiction of styles here!

 I really got into the distressed and shabby style

when Landon was about three, long before Rachel, because that's

 when Landon started to crawl in earnest and was able to get to most of the

 furniture and one of the things that he would do

was run his teeth across it. Well needless to say,

 I had my own style of distressing going on . 

it's a perennial, so I can plant it in the garden...

So when the Shabby Chic explosion happened on the scene,

I knew this was the style for me. It fit so well for a mom with six children

and  a son who loved the eat the furniture.

But so does Carol's style.

 So, I have a very confused style going on at my place.

And you know what, I don't care one bit.

So far it's workin' for me...

So Michelle, do you think we should call Carol and tell her we 

are coming, or shall we just surprise her????


now if I can just keep it alive!


 I won another giveaway. Yes...I am starting to feel guilty too.

Abby, from the lovely blog Abby's Garden offered three chances in

her giveaway and I won one of her pretty prizes.


I just love the way you presented this gift Abby.

Isn't the way things are presented huge! The way something is

wrapped is as exciting for me as the gift itself.



I won her gorgeous little Valentine sachet. And I just adore it!!!


I love the art that Abby creates. I had seen this when she showed it

on her blog and just sighed...

The colors are just perfect...so soft and yummy.

Look at this amazing detail.



Abby this has already found a special place in my home. I LOVE it!!!


If you want to see some of the beautiful things that Abby creates,

and meet the sweetest person while you're at it, visit this girl's blog!

You will love her!

72 comments:

Julie Marie said...

Hello June,... now I am confused??? I don't now who Carol Bolton is... I will need to check out her style... so are you re~doing your home or just incorporating two different styles??? I always had shabby chic when shabby chic wasn't cool too, when I was married the first time and couldn't afford anything new! Rachel may have coined the phrase, but I think many of us had that "style" long before she did! I do love your campanula, simply beautiful... I grow them in my garden too, will you pot that outside later on? Sooo pretty and Springy! Okay, I must find out who the mystery woman is... oh yes, glad to see you made it back from the desert! xoxo Julie Marie

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

Hi June, you lucky girl, what a wonderful gift. And your flowers are beautiful, how do you find them. I am not good at all with flowers.

And I knew that you would be the kind of person that would consider how you made others feel during a conversation you were in. I see who you are, and I truely love who I see.


forever friends
cindy@stitches

Jane, at Thepaperaffair said...

Surprise Carol, bring your suitcase, LOL. Abby does make wonderful creations. Love your story about your son distressing your furniture! Your new flower is beautiful. Blessings, Jane

Draffin Bears said...

Dear June,

I am sure Carol would be delighted to have you visit her.
I know I would be if you ever make it out to NZ.
Your flowers are very pretty.
Also loved hearing about your distressed furniture, with the help of Landon.
Congratulations on winning the sweet Valentines gift.

Happy weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Nice and Easy Antiques said...

What a beautiful gift...so well presented!! You are absolutely right, the wrapping makes a huge difference. Enjoy your sachet and the rest of the weekend!

Laura said...

June-
When are you coming to Texas??
You must let me know if this happens!

Laura

joanne said...

Well this is how ignorant I am...I don't know of either one of them! When I took one of those find your style quizzes online it said that I was confused and it couln't figure out my style. Well whatever it is, I like it and that's all that matters. I think we like a lot of the same things. If you make your flea road trip swing my Wash and pick me up o.k.?

p.s. how did you get your title on the pics? take care.

Blondie's Journal said...

I never heard of Carol. You need to satisfy our curious minds! I was a little slow on the shabby chic wagon but my sister was way ahead and I loved everything she did. She would love to be blogging (can you blog from heaven?).

I hope you make it to Texas. I love thrifting in new places...when I'm not hitting all the high end shops! ;-)

Love this post!

xoxo
Jane

Diane said...

Great post, June, very pretty pictures, too. Talk about confused, I have so many decorators that I like that I just drift here and there. It really is hard to stay focused! I think Carol will just love to have you. Is her mother still alive? She's amazing, too. P. S. I think your style is just perfect.

Anne Lorys said...

I'll tell Carol for you, I sorta know her! She really is a lovely, sweet woman, but her hubby Tim is my fave (shhhh, don't tell her!). He always mans the desk at Homestead, and he's the one I love to chat with.

Oh, I am so sad that so many folks haven't heard of the Bolton's! Trust me, y'all, given a blindfold style test, you would choose Bolton over Ashwell every time, I'd be willing to bet.

Congrats on your lovely win!

Anne

paperbird said...

Beautiful post. I have one of those mirror stands- what a great idea to place a pot of flowers on- your campanula's look amazing on yours.

Andrea at My Feathered Nest said...

June, you are a gal after my own heart, because I get confused about what style I really am??
I love Victorian, but don't want tons of lace on EVERYTHING...love romantic country, shabby chic, Tuscan, antiques, feminine, garden style....dark colors at certain times, pastels, whites, pinks, gold, glitter.....AHHH! But, you made me feel much better, knowing that I'm not the only one and it's alright to like more than one style of decorating.
Love you giveaway gift...That is so neat!
hugs
ANDREA

Mammabellarte Rita Reade said...

What a cute sachet! Have a great weekend Ciao Rita

Tara said...

I bet your house looks beautiful no matter what styles you combine! From the pictures it certainly looks gorgeous. Congrats on your little pink sachet too, it's adorable!

Kate said...

June,
I so loved this post you had me laughing so much. Very very interesting how you have blended the styles I think how wonderful if we could all feel so good about the contrasts. Great way to give us gals inspiration, Loved all of your beauty from Abby. Thank you for always stopping by with your splash of love and cheering me on

Have a terrfic week!!!
Hugs
Kate

Unknown said...

I pretty well stay confused. I see so much on so many different blogs that I never know which way I want to go. Are you really going to Texas? Heather and I have been just dieing to go for the last couple of years.

Anonymous said...

Well whatever your style is, it's working for me too :).

Gorgeous campanula pics - what kind of camera are you using?

Weißer Vintagezauber said...

My dear June,
a wonderful creative bag. Enviable Abby... them the talent has to do such pieces of art. You have written this story with so much heart and love... wonderfully!!!!!
Nice Sunday and completely lots of love,
Elke.

DustyLu said...

Great post! Amazing photos and fun story. Your photography is stunning! ~lulu

Val said...

Hello june!I 'm sure that what you call your contradiction of styles ,will be a charming mixture because you know what is good taste!
val

Pondside said...

Running off to google Carol....maybe she'll read your blog and drop you a line!

Pony Girl said...

I don't know of Carol Bolton either so I will check her out....but I don't think you are confused. I think you are eclectic! It's the best! Maybe you can start a new style- Confusion Chic! ;) I love your style, you are very inspiring. I think it's all about what makes us happy. After all, we have to live amidst it, right?

nathalie said...

great post...and the abby create very cute...
always beautifull here...

have a nice day

nathalie

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh dear, I don't know where to begin here...Thank you for coming to my wedding anniversary party, you have HORSES (MY FAVORIE ANIMAL ON THE PLANET) and your campenula is TDF and the rest of your photos are superb!!! I have seen you comment on other blogs and I am honored that you would come by to see me. Many blessings to you and your loved ones, Anita

LiLi M. said...

Love your 'little stars from Bethlehem as we call your campanula! I love them in the garden too and they tend to grow better in our garden when my husband takes care, than under my control inside! I loved your story, I knew Rachel Ashwell but I didn't know Carol Bolton, but I googled her, so now I know what style she represents and I think those styles match great. I loved the story about the furniture eater and why Rachel's style actualle was yours! Lovely Valentine's sachet too!
Dear June I want to thank you sincerely for being such a faithful and great commenter of my 'collecting' series, I was a bit nervous about trying such a thing, but thanks to commenters like you I do enjoy too. Thanks ever so much! Enjoy your Sunday, hugs LiLi

J. Wecker Frisch said...

Hi June,
Such a pretty prize. I want to ask you about the paper star under things you like to make. Are project instructions included anywhere on your blog for this, by chance?

Carolyn said...

Hi June ,
I love your blog because you always write in an interesting way and you are a great photographer too!
I love the campanula and have been lookikg for them in the grocery store here but no luck yet.

Enjoy your weekend,
Carolyn

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Dear June,
I'm araid that I don't know who Carol Bolton is either but that may be because I'm English. I will go and do a bit of research on her as, if you like her I'm sure that I will. I love Rachel Ashwell too and I adore the distressed furniture look....it's always a good excuse for not having everything perfect as well !!
Your little campanula is so prolific. I bought one last year for an 80 year old lady I know. It was in a little jug with tiny violets on it. When I saw her, last week, it was bursting into flower again. When I gave it to her,I told her that she could put it in her garden when it stopped flowering but, she didn't and it is thriving. Good job she didn't take any notice of me !! haha.
What another beautiful giveaway you have won, June. I always thin k that they have gone to the BEST home when you win them. You love them SO much.
Enjoy your trip to Texas June. XXXX

Claudia said...

I agree - I love the style of both those women. Yes, the styles are different, but they both have a lovingly worn feeling, don't they? I am influenced by so many styles and I think that is just fine! Eclectic - with a shabby country chic feel.

xo
Claudia

Anonymous said...

Hello dear friend...wow your pics of my sachet (well now your sachet:) are amazing! I'm so happy you love it and it's found a special place in your home! I have to admit I had no idea who Carol Hicks Bolton is until reading about her here...I googled her and found the most beautiful pieces and I can see both styles easily blend in your home....I have no doubt if anyone can pull it off it's you!

Abby:)

Jane said...

I think my home reflects several styles too. Because my husband is not into my flea market finds as much as I am I tend to keep my treasures in my studio and guest bedroom (although they are slowly sneaking into the dining room). The rest of the house is very traditional.
Beautiful photos of the campanula.
Jane

Jane said...

I think my home reflects several styles too. Because my husband is not into my flea market finds as much as I am I tend to keep my treasures in my studio and guest bedroom (although they are slowly sneaking into the dining room). The rest of the house is very traditional.
Beautiful photos of the campanula.
Jane

Monica said...

Hello June,
isn't our own style an eclectic mix of styles?? Keep it as long as it makes you happy!
Great pics of gorgeous flowers!
Monicaxo.

Debra@CommonGround said...

Campanula, I have to remember that. It's just beautiful. so fresh and sweet! The giveaway you won is just precious, I'm off to check out her blog.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Debra

GwendolynKay said...

What a lovely win. Love the heart and arrow on it. I love so many different styles... I think we all take what we like and hodge podge it all together into something we love. All your floral pictures are lovely.. I also enjoy the ones on your sidebar.
Blessings!
Gwen

Anne Marie said...

june, you know, your blog is so very pretty, without being pretentious....
which I'm sure your whole house sings! with joy.....

you are such an inspiration to me, and I say, you let her know you are coming :).....just in case she wants to take you to all her 'junkin' spots'

have a blessed sunday june.

Anonymous said...

Good morning June!
The thing about Carol's style that really stops me in awe is her exquisite mix of fabrics, and I think that works beautifully w/ Shabby Chic. But then again, I tend to do my own thing, which I'm calling "French Gardener's Carriage House". LOL - someday, I might even finish!!! :)
LOVELY post as always! I hope y'all make it to the Texas fleas!!!
Hugs,
Zuzu

Deb said...

Beautiful photos of your perennials June! Your Valentine sachet win is gorgeous.

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

I think you are right on track, that is what I do too. Both of those ladies have wonderful styles. I take what I like from each, throw in a little Magnolia Pearl too, and some junk chic, as well as some other pretty things, and make my own special look. If you pick out things you love, they will all go together well.

The Victorian Parlor said...

June,

You are so funny! I think part of the fun of decorating is taking what we like from different styles and creating our own style. I must say that your style is gorgeous and should be featured in a magazine. Both of these women would want to create your style after seeing it! BTW, there is no doubt that the lovely purple flowers will survive and flourish-I've seen your gardens!

Blessings,

Kim

wendy said...

Well whatever you are doing "style wise" IT IS WORKING FOR YA.
I like lots of different things,
..country with a chandelier placed somewhere.
I just buy what I like and figure out where to put it later.

that plant is adorable.

gosh, I just love everything you do,
Is that your garden on your sidebar ---cause if it is I MAY HAve to kill myself. All I have right now is mud. but we just moved into this country home and alot of work to do. ALOT!!!

Melissa/Piney Rose said...

Whatever the style, I love it, because I adore the way you decorate!!!

Victoria said...

I have to join the list of people and confess that I don't know who Carol is either! But I love your flowers and how you put them on a mirror tray like that...gorgeous!

Vicki said...

Hi, June,
We would love for you and your friend to visit us here in Texas. As for decorating, I think you should do what pleases you, and for sure, that style is working for you! I always love to visit your pretty home. The sachet is so precious and wonderful. I am going to have to pay a visit to her site for sure. I hope you have a lovely week ahead, dear friend! Vicki

Reading Tea Leaves said...

Your campanula is delightful June, I'm sure it will continue to bloom and prosper in your tender loving care!

I'm not aware of Carold Bolton but my guess is, if she's the opposite to Shabby Chic would her style be more along the ethnic or maybe country house style? I'm intrigued!

Jeanne x

Paula said...

Dear June,

Your flowers are gorgeous! You will have no problem keeping them alive with your green thumb! I like different styles too, and get confused as well, but my favorite is shabby chic. I steered away from it for awhile, and went with darker colors, but it depressed me! So now I am back to shabby chic, lots of pinks, creams and whites! As my sweet son told me, "Mom, it is just you, so stick with it!" LOL! Now I just need lots of slipcovers! :) I love Carol Bolton's style too, and think it goes along well with shabby chic. You have a wonderful style, dear June, and your home is gorgeous!!!

So glad you won the beautiful heart!

Love, Paula

Ann Marie said...

Carol Bolton is going to be googles alot! he-he.. I have no idea who she is either.. :)

Rachel Ashwell I know.. and I love her too.

I love Shabby. Love it. But.. I also love Victorian and Antiques. My kitchen and Laundry and Garden are more "shabby and Country" and everything else is Victorian and Romantic. I love that I can mix things and have my own style.

There is a lot of Contemporary and Modern where I live.. so it's been fun for me to find "others" who adore the same things I do.. so I can visit their lovely abodes as well.

Your pictures.. home and garden are always eye candy.
Have a good week.. I'm off to find out who Carol is.. :)

Lori said...

June, i love your sachet from Abby...what a pretty little thing...i never heard of Carol Bolton either...but i do love Shabby Chic...i like all sorts of things...my home is really a hodge podge of styles...but it works for me:)

Rose ~Victorian Rose ~ said...

June, I feel the same way about my decor...I have no real idea if any of my friends TRULY love the way I decorate..but I DON'T CARE...my husband and I love it.
I don't blame you a bit in loving your's it's WONDERFULLLLLLY, BEAUTIFULLLLLY...DELIGHTFUL.

Yes, please do come to Texas..we do have some "awesome stuff" going on.... most especially in Round Top and Warrington.
I will have to look up the two ladies you mentioned....not at all sure who they are...but then my memory is so bad most of th time...they may be a neighbor of mine and I don't know it.

DO KNOW who Magnolia Pearl is tho.

Rose

Caroline said...

June, I hope you and your friend get to Texas and meet Carol! I too am planning a family trip to Texas for the month of July to visit my SIL...I can't wait. I have never been there forever. I plan on checking out a few flea markets (Canton) while I'm there. I have read about so many online.

Unknown said...

Well, now I sure am curious who Carol Hicks Bolton is...but I think your style is anything but confusing ;) I love everything you do! Your photos are amazing as always...and I am sure you can keep that flower alive...you have the greenest thumb I know!

Cindy@Cutepinkstuff said...

I love that sachet! Beautiful. I love Rachel Ashwell, but pardon my lack of knowledge. . . who is Carol Hicks Bolton? Sorry!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

If you wait til this summer, I'll meet ya in Texas. :) Have a girlfriend in San Antonio. Not sure yet if I will see her there or meet up with her again in NY. Lucky you winning yet another giveaway. Really beautiful little sachet! I know you found the perfect spot for it. I don't have a style. My home is an explosion of color and riot of styles. I can never decide what I really like -- I just like it all. Have a fantastic day and thanks for stoppig by my little corner of the world. Many blessings, tammy PS My kids bunk bed has teeth marks all over it and they weren't babies when they did that. :)

time worn interiors said...

I have admired Carol Boltons style for many years! Her whole family is talented! I had the pleasure of meeting her one time in my booth at Marburger Farms, charming woman! Husband not so much! And Rachel Ashwell is a good customer of mine, she is a very private woman! I love to listen to Rachel talk!

It doesn't matter how many styles you have, if you love something someway, somehow it all works together!

Theresa

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

That is so funny, June. I do think you must make it to the big show in Texas because it is absolutely incredible. I was there last fall and my jaw was dropping all the time. I only saw them setting up at Marburger, but that is definitely a must-see show. I wish I was going this spring, alas, it is not to be. Well, maybe we can meet up down there sometime, June...

Suzanne said...

So you're the one who keeps winning those giveaways:-) I love Rachel and Shabby Chic and always have but I'm almost afraid to admit to not knowing of Carol. I think I need to check her out asap!!!:-)

Lisa said...

June,
Oh I knew you were a kindred soul! I am so LOL, tears streaming down my cheeks. I have a great AHB story for you. My husband & I go to Fredericksberg often, we were engaged there. Anyway, on one trip I convinced him to find not just Ann's but all of the Bolton girls homes. My sweet hub obliged & off we went on a trek through town. Found Miss Rose first, I became obsessed with her when her all white home was featured in CL many moons ago. Plates hung backwards, brilliant! Then on sister Janet's (had to hide cuz they were outside talking). Finally after a few wrong turns down dirt roads I found Nirvana. The barn Carol & Tim were living in at the time. It took every bit of control I had left to not get out of the car & beg for a peak.
If you come to Texas June, call me & I'll take you on the tour! Lisa

Sharon's Cottage Quilts said...

Hi June!! Oh my gosh, I have to go find Carol! I haven't heard of her before, but I know if You like her...I will too!! Ha! Your sachet is beautiful and yes, packaging and presentation is so much of the fun isn't it?
Congratulations friend on all of your gifts and wins! I really think you should play the lottery!! smiling
Hugs and Blessings~Sharon

Fete et Fleur said...

I needed a giggle. Thanks! I'm confused when it comes to my style to0, so I can relate.

Hugs!
Nancy

Muggensteekjes said...

Hello June,
I am sorry for not knowing the ladies you are talking about, but I do know that I love your style, it all looks so lovely as always. Pretty flowers and a lovely gift, enjoyed looking at all the beautiful pictures.
Have a lovely week, hugs Ingrid.

Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~ said...

Ok June,
I think you need to explain who Carol Bolton is because I'm not sure if I do or not. My home is filled with things I love and If it's called a particular style so be it.. It's funny how a lot of us had enjoyed shabby chic way before someone like Rachel made it known to the world.. only if one of us could of done that... Right?

You are one LUCKY girl - I think out of everybody in blogland I believe you may be the one who has won the most giveaways. All you need now is to have someone offer a free trip to Texas... hmm I wonder who who win that. lol

That is one lovely sachet Amy made and I'm so glad you have it!

Much Love to You*

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Not sure who your talking about and I am from Texas...only 10 miles from Round Top/Warrenton shows...It will be here in a little over a week and I can not wait. It goes on for 3 weeks with 100 thousands of people and almost as many vendors...hahaha not quite..but it is what I take my vacation for every year.
I am thinking about renting the little pink house out to people this year because there is always people begging for places to stay.
I do hope you get to come it is something you will never forget.
I will be doing post on it while its going on.
Take care
Maggie

Rita said...

Hi June,
congrats on your giveway. looks so pretty and so neatly wrapped up...
Now I am confused: have no clue who Carol Bolton is and must look it up on the internet. Rachel Ashwell is my shabby chic guru but as the hint is coming from you I know I'm gonna love Carol's style.
Grab your suitcase and pay her a visit. I bet she'll be delighted to meet you and your friends.
I've so enjoyed your post. I'm only awfully sorry my spare time is so little that I simply cannot make it to follow my much loved bloggy friends on a regular basis and ain't posting as often as I used to either, sigh!
Hugs
Rita

Paris Rags Romance said...

OMG! I have a Carol Bolton Fan group on my facebook! I love her, she is amazing and started so many trends others call their "own" Such a vintage soul, love her, can I come to her house too! :) hugs, Kimberly

TAPESTRIESOFNATURE said...

HEY!! THAT'S THE ONE THAT I WANTED TO WIN! OH WELL, THE BETTER MAN (WOMAN) WON! LOL

SERIOUSLY, CONGRATULATIONS! AND I LOVE YOUR STYLE.

HUGS, JUDY

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

June...first of all your photos are stunning,as always!! I must visit these blogs...I do know what you mean about style confusion...who cares though as long as it looks good....lastly,I have to tell you...we were torn between two names when we had our son,one was Jess...and the other was Landon.....how weird is that,we went with Jess because it is an Irish name...but I always said if Meg had been a boy she would have been Landon!!! Thanks for your sweet note too! 0x0x0x0

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad I clicked on over here...what a lovely blog you have.

The giveaway you've won is splendid and I'll hop over to that blog as well next!
I just love all of your photos..the florals are gorgeous! and I think that you don't have to worry about fitting into a mold or specific decorating category! your home should reflect you! !!!


come by and see me sometime too...I will follow you after posting this...
hope to see you soon!
ciao bella
carmelina

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

Hello dear June. I so enjoyed your post (and related all too well :). I too love both Rachel Ashwell and Carol...add a bit of Asian inspiration and a few modern angles and you can only imagine the confused muddle of my style! The secret, I suppose, is using things you love, love, love. Things that evoke your positive emotions via line, color, texture, memory and the like! Whatever you're doing, please keep it up...it is so lovely and pleasing to the eye.
With love from,
Tracey
x0x
P.S.I wanted to thank you for your prayers and good thoughts.
They are so appreciated.

Winchester Manor said...

Dang...my finger is sore scrolling down though all of your fans!

Whew...I'm finally here...now please tell me who Carol is... because if you love her she must be super fabulous and I must be missing out!

Love your pretty flowers and your sachet is darling and so beautifully packaged!

I adore your sweet soul June!

Hugs,
Karyn

Teacup Mosaics said...

Your confusion suits you so well but... you have to tell us who Carol is. I don't get out much please tell me what I am missing.
I always enjoy my visits, thanks for all your loveliness!
Kelley

Parisienne Farmgirl said...

This was a great post! Yes, do tell , who is Carol...but I know that feeling about wanting to meet someone! I have 3 teeny ones two - doesn't vintage furniture suit motherhood!!!
Congrats on winning another giveaway - how lovely, I too have won 3 things in the last year!
Hosting a Collections party tomorrow - come on by!

{oc cottage} said...

Giddy-up!!!! Can't wait to hear all about it! ;}

m ^..^