Interactive picture: May 2008

Friday, May 30, 2008

May 30th Is Here!

Today is finally the day to "get carried away." I just did and what a ride it was! A very emotional rollercoaster I must say! No spoilers for those out there who haven't seen it yet, but oh so exciting and oh so fabulous! Right now I'm thinking my weekend might include seeing it over and over again. And no, I'm really not kidding!

Photo Credit: Google

- Erin Dustin

Thursday, May 29, 2008

It's the Weekend...

Thank goodness it's the weekend! Unfortunately the weather here is a little different to the weather in that glorious picture above. It's cold and rainy here today and I believe this weather will continue into the weekend. To be completely honest, I'm thrilled as I can't wait to spend the weekend snuggled up with lots of magazines and possibly a bit of cooking for my boys on Sunday!! Hope you all have a great weekend!! See you next week. xx Anna

Image from Martha Stewart via gorgeous blog A Room Somewhere

Question of the Day: What Gives You Instant Gratification?

I’ve been challenged to answer this curious question … Here are five fabulous thrills that make me feel gratified and confident. And then I encourage you to comment with your own answers!

1. Snagging an interview. Be it an A-list star or a C-list socialite, grabbing someone on the red carpet or inside an event for a quickie Q&A is always exciting. (Okay, it’s more gratifying when it’s someone you really admire and they give you awesome answers.) Really, it’s such a feeling of accomplishment! See me interview my four favorite gals HERE ... Shameless self promotion.)

2. Dishing the dirt. When you hear a piece of juicy gossip, it’s hard not to share. And I adore when others join the conversation. I love it when I get comments on my blog, emails in my inbox, and fan mail to my address. (Okay, fan mail only comes from my mom … but it’s still much appreciated.)

3. A cuddle with my puppy. I mean talk about instant gratification. I feed her, she thanks me with kisses. I play with her, she rewards me with love-bites. I scold her, and she still nuzzles into my neck. She's just the cutest toy poodle ever. (Her name, by the way, is Reese Witherspoon.)

What gives you instant gratification? Comment!

Quote Of The Day

"As far as people thinking I'm pretty or something, I don't know. It's amazing what a haircut and forgetting to shave will do." - David Cook on his newfound popularity.

- Erin Dustin

{Current} Favourite Things

Personalised Stationery from Whitney English

Sunshine Pillow from Hable Construction

Moroccan Key Table from Burke Decor (via Creature Comforts)

Love Heart Map Scrap Art from Bombus

Pair of Vintage Cane Armchairs from C. Bell

Chinnoiserie Cushion from Thomas Paul

Vintage Pagoda Chandelier from C. Bell

Xi Li Chair from Burke Decor

Here are a few things I have been obsessing over lately...

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Dan And Serena Live On

Although Gossip Girl has sadly ended for the summer, (wiping away tears as I speak) I'm not sure if Blake Lively and Penn Badgley got the memo. Though their characters broke it off in the season finale, the real-life couple seems to still be going strong as they were spotted in NYC's West Village this past week.

- Erin Dustin

Ashlee Simpson No More (And Def. Expecting!)

Due to her recent marriage to rocker Pete Wentz, Ashlee Simpson has made a very traditional change in her life. She is now Ashlee Wentz! Professionally though, she'll go by Ashlee Simpson-Wentz. She says, "I think that that's something that a woman should do when they're marring a man. It's a tradition that I think is a great tradition."

Oh and a little fyi, just a few moments ago, I saw the confirmation that everyone has been waiting for. The Wentzes are preggers!

"While many have speculated this, we wanted to wait until after the first trimester to officially confirm that we are expecting our first child. This is truly the most joyous time in our lives and we are excited to share the happy news and start our family." - Mr. and Mrs. Pete Wentz.

- Erin Dustin

Happy Birthday Avril!

Today is my gorgeous, beautiful, happy, organised, best in the whole wide world Design Assistant's Birthday. Happy 20th Birthday Av! If you all remember back a couple of months ago I posted a vintage brass chair which I was about to get recovered. Well of course things got a little hectic around here and the precious little chair got pushed into the back room. Av has always loved this little chair so the girls and I decided to cover it in her favourite fabric and give it to her for her birthday. She was beside herself this morning when we presented the chair to her! I hope you have a wonderful day Av and I hope you treasure your special vintage chair always!! xx Anna

Welcome Home Girls!

Last night's HUGE event brought out NYC's favorite girls to Radio City for the highly-anticipated SATC premiere. Along with some of NYC's own, many a fan and not to mention the rain, Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha returned home to an amazing reception and an outpouring of love.

With a front-row on-the-pink-carpet view, I witnessed everything from the flash that was Ashley Olsen and Jennifer Hudson's short bob (she was even being touched up on the carpet in-between interviews!) to SJP's GORGEOUS dress (she said she thought it looked like the Empire State building, how NYC of you Carrie Bradshaw!) and Patricia Field's radiant hair and personality. Lynn Cohen, who plays Magda, was adorable and even commented on the girl power of our fabulous video slash interview team! Jason Lewis was whisked by as he walked into the venue, but did look back to smile, so don't worry Smith, I forgive you. The Donald stopped for a brief moment as did Cynthia Nixon, Willie Garson, (who just adopted a son, aw!) Donna Karan, Fergie and Idina Menzel. The mob scene that was NYC last night once again showed how excited this city is for their SATC!

After the premiere, we were able to get a sneak preview of the after-party held at the MoMA. With the Swarovski-crystal couch, the trees wrapped in pink lights, bouquets of flowers, the music (deejayed by Samantha Ronson, and no Lindsay was not there), the appetizers and a sample of the "Carried Away" cosmo, the scene was more than glamourous!

More deets to come!

- Erin Dustin

Colour Connections

Just a quick post today friends as I am a little pressed for time but I couldn't go to bed without leaving you a little piece of inspiration. I know, I know I keep on posting Chloe's hallway but how wonderful it looks with these three new images I just came across a couple of weeks ago - green, white and natural is today's Colour Connection!!

Image 1 - My Home Ideas - Coastal Living, Image 2 - My Home Ideas, Image 3 - House & Garden, Image 4 - Saipua Flowers

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Get Simone's Look!!

I've had such a lovely response to my House Tour post from yesterday. Thank you everyone who either left me a comment here at ABT or emailed me directly. It was so lovely to hear from you. The obvious thing we all loved in Simone & Richard's house was the framed vintage swimsuits. What a fantastic idea for a beach house. Simone purchased all of these swimsuits on Ebay so keep your eyes peeled!!

In response to yesterday's post I thought it would be fun to put together a few things currently available on Ebay which would be similar things Simone would have purchased when decorating her house. Enjoy my selections and take a leaf from Simone's book - don't pay too much for anything vintage as there will always be something else just around the corner!!

Note - Click on label under each picture to be directed to the item listing on Ebay.