heirloom's Profile

I just helped two young families move houses. I was astounded at the number of toys and child related paraphanalia. One mother had 8 reusable coffee/water cups and her daughter had 7. The baby had 15 bottles and assorted nipples and covers for both. One 3 month old daughter had 3 full clothes racks of outfits, and at least 4 different "sitting/lying" units (bassinet, swing, vibrating chair etc). There were 3 drawers worth of baby bibs. I won't even mention the shoes for children who aren't even walking. It made me determined to 1) NEVER ever give a (middle class) child a toy again 2) Never ever give one a fancy outfit.
When my daughter was born (only fifteen years ago), all her toys and books fit onto 3 2 foot shelves. All her clothing fit into 2 small drawers. Family was asked to not give presents to anyone but a godchild. Stuff does not make a child happier, better adjusted, or smarter.

I always save up old underwear for vacations and pack it to go. Then, every night after I wear it I just throw it away! I don't have to pack it to go home and it has served a good purpose. My whole family does this now. I wouldn't recommend it for a romantic weekend or a honeymoon, but it has worked for us on family vacations for the lasst 5 years.

I LOVE the green drapes against the blue wall; just beautiful. This is a really nicely done apartment that looks like it is meant for real people. Fantastic job (and ignore the haters of TV art).

How about stenciling a tone on tone all over pattern on that wall? Use the same color as your paint but in a high gloss paint. Or how about an antique dress or piece of needlework? I have three antique baby dresses hanging by my side of the bed and I guarantee that not everyone will have them! Or could you try an arched type of window frame, like a gothic cathedral shape with or without glass? How about a large map, or a series of antique herbariums or prints? Or a blown up copy of a piece of calligraphy or ilIuminated music?
I think your bed and linens are lovely, but the room seems heavily balanced to the left side.

You like Molton Brown! Their suma ginseng hand lotion is the ultimate luxury for me. I hope you are enjoying them.

$175 for a block of wood with holes in it seems excessive, if not ridiculous.

My brother worked at inn-farm in Aix-en-Provence just out of college. All the beds were fitted with 100 year old linen sheets, and he said they were amazing; soft, thick, durable, and unlike anything else he had ever slept upon. If you figure out cost per year, linen obviously wins out. I buy 500-count Egyptian cotton, and have to replace every other year, so linen would be more economical in the long run. Also, buying two flat sheets means they will be more evenly worn as you can switch top and bottom. It is usually the fitted (bottom) sheet that wears out first as it has the heavier wear.

Absolutely lovely in every way. I love the birdcage in the living room and the paint color. It all looks so homey and well-loved; I should love to meet you based on your home. Congratulations on a labor of love that really shines!

My mother had bright shiny metal square tins labeled sugar, flour, coffee and tea, with a matching bread box and aluminum foil/wax paper holder. It was a wedding present to them and the height of chic in the 50's.

I used to use film canisters for needles. Now, with the digital age, I have switched to the tubes that diabetes test strips come in. They have an attached cover, are the perfect size, and any person with diabetes is bound to have a few empty ones.