The Things I Would Do ...

... if this was my house.  Mmmmm.



Mount Vernon, near Alexandria, VA, on the banks of the Potomac River.  
The estate was the plantation home of George Washington, the 1st President of the United States.

 Cheers,
Whitney

Frederick Childe Hassam

Show Your Colors

via Tumblr

via Houzz

via My Home Ideas (notice that this is a Christmas-styled shot!)



via from Domino



via House Beautiful

via House Beautiful

via M Design Interiors



via House Beautiful

 

via Hooked on Houses

The Red/WhiteBlue theme doesn't have to be blatant Americana kitsch.  Of course, around national holidays the flag motif plays out quite well, but the color combo of  Whites/Neutrals with Red and Blue is classic and virtually error proof.  On the color wheel there's a Triad created with Yellow in the mix, which you'll often see added to stylized shots by means of flowers and vases or by means of a yellow/oragne-y wood element. 

Try it out.  Even with a throw and some toss pillows on a neutral sofa.  It's fresh.  A little preppy and a little nostalgic.  But be careful, because in no time you'll start humming The Star Bangled Banner, and no one can sing it like Whitney.  Not me, the other Whitney!

Happy Birthday America!

Cheers,

Whitney

Serving Up Our Flag

Do you have plans to entertain for the holiday?  Or maybe you're a guest somewhere and would like to arrive with something succulent & fetive as a hostess gift.  You can't go wrong with theme-y food, epecially on this holiday.  Everybody's in the spirit, everyone's hungry, and your options abound for things to bring.  Red & blue fruits are easy to come by, and you can get clever and creative, with presentation on a pastry or sweet treat.  Or just go semi-homemade and still win accolades; like the pretzel sparklers!

Melt some semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl.  Dip the pretzel rods in the warm chocolate, then into fetive toppings!

All images via Pinterest.  Check out my pins here.

One of my favorite omg-it-looks-so-fancy-but-ha-ha-ha-you-won't-ever-guess-how-freakin-easy-it-was recipes is here.  I'm making one this weekend and bringing to my hostess.  Hint: spike the whipped topping with vanilla extract and lemon zest to make it taste less, uh, fake. Or, better yet, whip up some realy thick cream yourself!

Cheers,
Whitney

Feeling Red White & Blue

Getting ready for your Independence Day?  My Pinterest account is overflowing with red, white and blue images, evoking the charming spirit of this summer holiday.  I love this land of mine!

via Emmersonmade

Victorian painted ladies

All images via Pinterest.  Check out my pins here.

Feeling patriotic, and lovin' it.

Cheers,
Whitney

Happy Flag Day

Sorry I've been off the grid.  I've really been super busy though, hardly lounging around with my feet up.

Will post about my recent adventures ASAP.  In the meantime, Happy Flag Day!
Cheers,
Whitney

Happy Memorial Day!

Love,
Whitney
And don't forget to thank those who have served in our Armed Forces for their sacrifices!