Saturday, February 4, 2012

THE PERFECTLY IMPERFECT HOME

"...witty and wonderfully useful little essays. You'll learn what to look for, whether you're at at a flea market or a fancy boutique~or just mining what you already own." How could this not draw you in to buying this wonderful book! I originally saw it on Denise's blog, she won it in a giveaway and my curiosity got to me. So, I looked it up and Amazon. Once it came, I read it in two evenings. Written by the editor of Domino magazine {which sadly no longer exists}, there are no glossy pages here, just lots of advice and beautiful watercolor illustrations. This would be a nice addition to your collection of decorating books.

If you get it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
On to other things...I have been playing with my new camera, some of you have asked what kind it is. It is a Canon Rebel T3. I have been practicing shots all over my house and am so looking forward to spring arriving and getting outside with it. I still go to the blog that gives tutorials on how to use your SLR camera every Friday. The button is on my sidebar. I have really learned so much, but practice is the key.
Making vignettes on the island and taking pictures is a lot of fun. I think I change it out every day!
Last night we went to this restaurant to celebrate my birthday! Yay! Another year older! The Husband gave me a beautiful purse but it wasn't really me, so we are going downtown today to return it and hopefully find the one I want. It will be a fun day.
The Husband took this picture of me in the bar after dinner. I think I was too stuffed to smile!

Other than a lot of reading {I'm also reading the book on my sidebar and it's throwing me into fits of crying}, I have been plugging along, waiting for the sun to come out. I'm happy to say that my new furniture arrives on the 7th and I am still trying to get the family room totally empty. There is a big bag of things to bring to the lake, and lots to donate. I find it amazing what I can pack into a room!

So, I will see you next week. Tell me what you have been up to! :-)

65 comments:

Unknown said...

Will have to check out that book! Congrats on the new camera... I have a Canon too! I love it and I adore my wide angle lens! Have a great weekend [love your pretty ruffled top too :) ] XO Cindy

Lynne said...

Jane!
Happy Birthday!
(Mine is just around the corner, and it's a bigee!)
I have been looking at that book.
After your review, I am headed to Amazon!
I believe that I spied your island!
Everything is looking so French chic, my friend!
Happy Saturday too!
~Lynne
[w/L]

Designs on 47th Street said...

Fun post, Blondie. Thanks for the book recommendations. Bet I would enjoy too. Your camera and you are doing a great job. I never have figured out how to take one at night, outdoors. What a cue picture of you..Happy Birthday!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Happy Birthday...I have one coming up in 2 weeks! I am taking all the birthdays I can get!!
What am I doing? Organizing, cleaning. I was hoping to be done by February, but I am trying to be ruthless and really sort through everything! It is getting there!

Brenda Pruitt said...

The word in the book: Cozifications! I love it!
Brenda

Amy Chalmers said...

Oh you look quite glamorous~nice to have a hubby who would even pick out a purse!! lol happy birthday Janie!

Debby said...

Happy Birthday.....you look beautiful.

White Ironstone Cottage said...

Happy Bday sweet Jane
A new camera = fun !!!!!
much love
Pam

Susie said...

Happy birthday Jane, you are a beautiful lady:):) I can't even imagine a man picking out a purse. Mt biggest complaints of fashion are bras, shoes, purses. Enjoy yourself this weekend, smiles, Susie(She Junks)

Anonymous said...

I think you're doing a great job with the new camera, I thik you look lovley in that pretty blouse,
happy birthday pretty lady!

Anonymous said...

that would be think not thik! lol, oh and I think your husband was very brave picking out a purse, I have a hard time picking out my own, it takes me forever!
I have been painting up a storm canvas after canvas, and eating way too much snacks and goodies, that was suppose tostop but for some reason its still happening, must be all the painting working up an apetite,

Linda said...

Happy Birthday!!! I so admire photographers but I am not one of them. That is an art form in itself and something you do so well.

Hope your Birthday week is as special as YOU are!!

Pondside said...

Happy Birthday, Jane!
Thanks for the tip on the book - it looks like something I'd like to have around, so I will look it up.
I love the look of your kitchen Island - well done! I am also on the hunt for a dough bowl....it's always good to have something in mind when one is rummaging in shops.
Off to walk the dog in the sunshine now......

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Happy Birthday! Looks like a wonderful decorating book! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Jane.

Enjoy your weekend! I am looking forward to your room all done up with new furniture.

We are heading home from the lake, today. we had some much needed rain yesterday. It is cool and cloudy today.

Sarah said...

Jane, I've seen this book mention. You make it sound like a must have. I'm going to order a copy.
Happy Birthday. Stop by, I'm serving up chocolate and another good book. ;-) ~ sarah

Something Nice and Pretty said...

I read that book and her other ones, she has a new one out in I think July! Night Road is a tear jerker for sure!
I've been praticing with my camera too, thank goodness there are bloggers who share what they know:)
Happy Birthday to you and my you have many,many more! Mine will be here come April!

Paula@SweetPea said...

Happy Birthday! I hope you found the perfect purse when you exchanged the one you received on your birthday.

I love Kristin Hannah and will put this on my "must read" list.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Happy Birthday, Jane! It's fun to play with a new camera. I took pictures of anything and everything when I got mine. I think it made such a difference in my picture taking.

Olive said...

Jane I love books like that and that quirky magazine was a favorite of mine.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Happy Birthday Jane. I'm so glad that you enjoyed your evening out.
I might have to try the photo blog you talked about. I could use some camera tips. I would love to have the camera that you have but it will have to wait.

hugs
Sissie

Lynn said...

Sounds like you had a nice B-Day Jane! Cozifications, love that term:@)

Honey at 2805 said...

Happy Birthday to you, Jane!

The books sound like fun: Cozyfications! Love it!

Lynn said...

Happy Birthday, Girl! Things are looking good for you!

Nancy's Notes said...

That looks like a great little book! Happy Birthday Miss Jane and many more! Love your pretty picture! Oh my, how fun to have a new camera! I'm a camera nut!

Judi said...

Happy Birthday Jane!! The book looks wonderful and so do you ~ loving the island vignette ... :) xx

Susan Shull said...

Happy, Happy birthday! You are such a pretty lady. The book sounds very interesting and looks like one I would enjoy.

Julie Marie said...

Oooh Jane, Happy Birthday!!! You look just stunning in that photograph!... I hope your day was as beautiful as you are... love your photos with your new camera... your kitchen is soo fabulous!... that book sounds fun, I guess I will hit Amazon after this comment... enjoy your weekend... me? I am planning my gardens... waiting patiently for Spring... okay, not so patiently!... xoxo Julie Marie

Sherri said...

Happy Birthday Jane! I love the kitchen vignette . Changing it out daily would be fun and practicing with a new camera couldn't hurt. ;-)

Donna said...

Happy belated birthday, Jane! Sounds like you had a good one. And your photos are great, I am in love with the basket on your island, just gorgeous!! Oh, and that book sounds neat, thanks for the tip!

Shirley said...

Happy Birthday Jane, I will be able to remember your birthday because it is the same as my youngest sister. I am enjoying the pictures you are taking. We have a really old Cannon that uses regular film. I would love to have a new one, but that will have to wait. Hope your weather isn't to bad. We have had rain and now it has turned to snow. In the morning should be interesting at least I don't have to go to work. Have a wonderful weekend. Your Missouri Friend.

NanaDiana said...

Happy Birthday- You look like you are smiling beautifully to me! You are a pretty lady, Jane!

I am always amazed at how much I have when I go to empty a room,too. I can't wait to see your new furniture. That is always exciting.

I am going to look for that book now! xo Diana

raggygirlvintage said...

Happy Birthday Jane, I hope you find a lovely purse! I got the T2i in the summer and love it, but haven't been brave enough to switch to manual mode yet! I am going to check out that link on your sidebar:-)
The book sounds great, I have my eye on a couple at Amazon, will add it to my wishlist!
Tracey

Maggie said...

Happy Birthday Jane, thanks for the book recommendations will check them out for sure.
bon dimanche.

Theresa said...

Happy Birthday dear friend! I WILL be ordering that book, thanks for sharing!

OUR JUSTIN IS HOME, THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS! HUGS!

Jeanette said...

Happy Birthday. Sounds like you had a nice one! I read that book too and it was good!

just ask beth said...

Happy Birthday!!! You look beautiful!!

just ask beth said...

Happy Birthday!!! You look beautiful!!

Lori said...

Once things calm down a bit I think I will head to the book store to use my gift certificate on that book! I still love playing with my camera but for the moment all I can take is shots of white as we got a good dumping of snow on Wednesday. For now I am off to the hospital then to run some errands ~ Happy Sunday Janie! xo

Daydream Living said...

Oh my, I missed your bday! so belated, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jane!
Hope you will find a good bag, (love this as a gift), enjoy the upcoming week honey, hugs, Maureen xx

Mary said...

Forgive the belated Birthday wishes Jane, but they come from the heart. Many happy returns - and I love your official birthday portrait. Hope you find the perfect purse - min DH would never have a clue when picking a bag for me!!

Hugs -Mary

P.S. Thanks for the nice comments on my recent trip pics. Still using the trusty point and shoot, just can't face having to learn the intricacies of the SLR like you.

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Happy Birthday.
They only come once a year so I hope yours is wonderful...
Susan

Elaine said...

I am sorry I missed your birthday. Looks like it was happy!

How fun to experiment with a new camera. I've had mine two years and I still don't know all it's modes and settings yet.

I saw that book, Perfectly Imperfect yesterday. Guess I should have picked it up. I do have quite the home decor book collection.

Off to watch my team win the Super Bowl!

Melanie said...

That looks like a great decorating book - I will definitely check it out on amazon or B&N (I'm a member there). Happy birthday...you'll have to show us a picture of your new purse!

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

What a great camera! Love that wire basket...and the book looks so interesting. Oh, I think my hubby could start a side business making those boxes - so many people ask! Linda

Jacqueline said...

Happy happy birthday Jane dear! I hope you had a wonderful day! I have learned so much about photography blogging too. It does take practice and patience! I have to not rush it. I just love your beautiful vignette on the island. Your wire basket is gorgeous and the bowl is lovely too.

veronica said...

Finished reading" night road" a couple wks ago. It was a very good book! I won 7 copies for my little book club. We are going to discuss it in march. Everyone [ including my husband] has loved it so far. veronica rom n.c.

Made In The South said...

Your pictures look great...
Happy Birthday!
Can't wait to see the new furniture.
Short on time to comment, hubby waiting on me to go to bed. LOL
Melissa

Unknown said...

Hi Jane,
So glad you had a wonderful Birthday. I love that book. What a great word " Cozifications!" I have to look for that one. Nothing like a new camera to give you inspiration.

Karen

Hearts Turned said...

Happy Birthday, Jane! Another year older isn't TOO bad, is it?! (just did it myself, last week!)

That book looks wonderful! Love the word "cozyfication"--perfect! Going to have to remember that one!

What fun to be getting new furniture! I haven't done that in so long--I just keep getting antiques at yard sales!

Wishing you the most wonderful day, my friend...

Julie

"Cottage By The Sea" said...

I've heard of that little book and it does look like a fun keepsake. Your pictures and vignette look great. I really do think you are getting a handle on your Canon. Wish I could say the same. I'm to lazy to get into the direction book so I'm waiting for my son who knows the camera inside out, to come home and teach me. I know that stuffed feeling after dinner - that's why we walk to all our restaurants. A little walk home afterwards, starts as a waddle but shortly turns into a walk that allows me to feel a whole lot better and a little less stuffed! I'm going to have to look up that book you are reading. There's nothing better than a good read. Blessings, Tia

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the peek inside your new book. I've heard of it, but never have seen it. Looks like a good read.

How fun that you're enjoying your new camera. My Nikon is a few years old, and I'm still learning how to use it. Hopefully you'll be a faster learner than me. I need to check out that photography blog.

Happy Birthday!

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Happy late birthday, Blondie! That little book looks like a fun one to have. I'm not a big reader, but if it has pics, I love to look, lol. I am soooo jealous of your new rebel! I have been wanting one, and desperately need an upgrade if I am going to post on the blog for the shop, but just haven't been willing to pay the price yet. Maybe after I see how you love yours, I will go for it?

Denise said...

Isn't that book wonderful, I'm loving it too :) Glad you liked it and bought it.

Kathleen Grace said...

Congratulations on that new camera, a Rebel is my dream camera! Thanks for the link to the tutorial too!

Gypsy Heart said...

Happy belated Birthday! I hope you found the purse you wanted. Looks like you had a lovely evening...you definitely look lovely in your photo.

Have fun with the new camera. I'm still a point & shoot girl. :-)

xo
Pat

Gypsy Heart said...

Happy belated Birthday! I hope you found the purse you wanted. Looks like you had a lovely evening...you definitely look lovely in your photo.

Have fun with the new camera. I'm still a point & shoot girl. :-)

xo
Pat

koralee said...

What a darling little book...the illustrations are adorable!!! Happy Birthday to you my friend. xoxo

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Hi Jane! Cozifications! I LOVE that word!
You have such a contented smile on your face in the photo! Looks like you had a wonderful evening!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
I am so sorry I missed your B-Day! You look just beautiful dear...Happy Birthday my friend!!!
I love how you are capturing such beautiful vignettes! That is just the camera I want, I have read about it and think it's perfect!
Love your island, it's so charming and so handy I bet too!
OH gosh I look forward to seeing you and Al again! Come on Summer!
Big Hugs and you do look so pretty in that pic!
Love Ya,
Cindy

Kelly said...

Happy Birthday! That's exciting to have a new camera to play with. I've heard that is a really good camera. Looking forward to seeing your new room after it's ready for it's reveal.

bj said...

This sounds like a book I'd love, too.

Seems you are doing great with your new camera...these photos are really good.

Happy Birthday!!
xo bj

Daniella said...

Happy Birthday my friend!! You look gorgeous!!
Can't wait to see the new furniture!!
xxDaniella

Deborah said...

You are so gorgeous Jane!!!
Its so good to see a photo of you...birthday girl!!
Hugs!

Deborah xoxo

Kathleen said...

I have the Canon Rebel T2i, for a year now, still don't know how to use it. I am making note of the tutorial on your sidebar, thanks!