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| Asked recently what has inspired my Decorating Style...I simply answered.... "take me on a Trip".... and let me bring home a boat load of Souvenirs.... I am the Queen of Souvenirs..,,, We have been traveling the world for 43 years... Which leads to my "brief" (yeah right) story about the Title to this Post.... 43 years ago me and the Boss were Airline Employees working for Mohawk Airlines.... Don't ask.... a small prop plane carrier out of Upstate NY... we got many a free pass on larger carriers due to the fact that Mohawk didn't compete with anyone... I was 20 years old...the Boss 21 when we took our first trip to Italy.... Time for the trip to be over and to fly back home TWA....overbooked the flight leaving us stuck in Rome.... If you have ever tried to board a European Flight it's like a free for all... We got bumped.....But being airline "people" The TWA employee made us an offer no one would refuse.... We could catch a flight going in the opposite direction.... Making stops all around the world on our way back to LA.....? We were told we could get off the plane in every city they made stops in until we reached our destination... A 24 Hour Trip Around the World.... Only problem the Italians couldn't comprehend how far LA was from NYC.... they thought it was a bus ride... That's as far as they were getting us... The airline didn't mind you traveling....But when it's time to return to work....well...you better show up... It was a time issue... At 20 years old.....with $20 left between us.... we passed up the offer.... Fast Forward to today... Our home filled with treasures of all our travels... Maps....souvenir plates....furniture.... Globes and National Geographics everywhere.... Photos and posters of Favorite Places.... some people might say a mish mash of design.... I like to think of it as memories of a "Life Well Traveled..." All around me......Everyday..... to Enjoy and Remember the Wonderful times ..... It might not be a cohesive style like a French Theme which is so popular today.... But My style will never go out of style... As Typical in a lot of my posts.... There will be a lot of pictures.... You all know the drill.... before going any further.... get yourself a cup of tea.... and take that bathroom break... And Enjoy..... My Little Tour around the world From Tarpley Place.... and a little bonus.... our "Home Away From Home...." |
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| Taken with a fish eye lens.... Our Great room... We have been told how comfortable.... and warm and inviting this space is.... I think so! It all began on that sofa table with those Globes.... |
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And they grew from here.... Setting the tone of Traveling Around the World... |
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| Of Course.....The Eiffel Tower... Memories of sitting on the Grand Lawn... Listening to the "Three Tenors" Sing live with the Tower as the back drop. It was the summer of 1998 during the World Cup and I was sharing this magical moment with Daughter.... Most incredible moment of my life... Hearing Luciano Pavarotti sing... Breath taking.... |
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| Framed Travel posters add that perfect touch of color.... |
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| My collection of Peter Mayle books on Provence.... I have never been but these books remind me that we need to put that on our list! Beautiful pine cone bookends....recently bought online at One Kings Lane.... My favorite place to spend money from the comfort of my recliner... |
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| My little French Chair with my Union Jack pillow. |
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| I love this space....it's Me! |
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| When we travel to Paris the husband Always makes sure I have flowers everyday... When I'm home he buys me fresh flowers every week... That little touch of France to Make me smile... That's one thing I love about Europe....no matter what Time of Year....they have fresh flowers at their Outdoor Markets... |
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| It was 1970 and we had just gotten married... Our first trip abroad was to London where the Boss gifted me with this beautiful hand painted bone china souvenir plate of that wonderful city.... it's now Hung over an authentic English Hunt Board... |
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| It shows all the landmarks around the city..... I was Hooked! |
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| Sophie in Paris 2013.... Her start of a family Tradition |
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| Simple as a little post card.... Framed in an Ikea frame... a souvenir from the Top of the Eiffel Tower... And a little teapot given to me as a gift from a dear friend... |
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| It all began with this camera.... 43 years old... My first Honeywell Pentax.... has been all over the World..... sitting atop vintage National Geographics |
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| I don't care for boats....but loved this great Tray.... |
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| The Best place to find great travel posters is Museum Shops... This one was purchased at the Trocadero in Paris at their Maritime Museum... Always a must stop when we are there... Framed again in an Ikea frame... My choice for all my frames....You can't beat the price... |
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| when Guests stay.....a little French Breakfast in Bed... |
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| "Come to the Sea"..... I bought this set on the Rue Monge near the Sorbonne when daughter studied International Law there back in 98' the little egg cup was purchased at the Bon Marche' Wonderful memories of us two girls living it up in the City of Lights.. |
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| I actually managed to squeeze this wonderful French Market basket in to my luggage.... still don't know how I pulled that one off... I also fit an entire set of French cookware from the famous....E. Dehillerin cookware shop.... We still don't know how we passed so easily through customs... Oh....did I mention a few iron crepe pans also... Thank goodness the luggage had wheels.. |
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| One of the Boss' favorite travel destinations is Munich Germany....He has an extensive stein collection... The DAD sign was made by daughter from photographs she took traveling through France and the Netherlands... Each letter came from some sort of sign she saw... taking one picture at a time of individual letters she made name signs for us all... |
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| Maps are cheap to buy and cheap to frame..... this was just a few dollars... |
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| Even in our guest bathroom..... Photographs line the walls... The bicycle is in black and white... I colorized the basket with a colored pencil.... |
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| Daughter also happens to be a wonderful Artist... this pen and ink drawing was done after she visited the top of the Arch D Triomphe |
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| Sophie's room is French inspired using cartoon posters of Tin Tin.... bought at a Paris flea market for about $1.50 each... they set the color tone for the room... |
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| Of course Sophie wanted Superman but being a mini-Francophile she agreed... |
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| But in the end there is no place like home..... from Paris to New Jersey.... I also love decorating with a Slice of Americana..... |
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| I love the Statue of Liberty..... |
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| Let her Light the Way.... |
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| Our Vintage 1950's New Jersey Map.... or as we refer to it as the Motherland.... Hanging above an English bench dated 1870 |
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| to where are roots now grow..... 30152.....Georgia... And when we aren't in Georgia we are usually visiting the girls in NYC..... Daughter and Miss B also love souvenirs.... Forget the actual museums.... You will usually find us all making a run for the museum gift shops.... Thank goodness the Boss loves to shop too!! |
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| While daughter is off to work and B is off to school.... |
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| Miss Kitty....who happens to be a French Cat..... Enjoys spending her days high above the East River.... among daughter's souvenirs... |
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| Yes....your seeing that right...a huge Eiffel Tower perched on her dining table..... Daughter went off to work one day and I re-arranged her apartment.... Luckily she liked all the changes I made... last time we visited everything was still in place.... |
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| book shelves filled with photo's and post cards.... mementos of family trips... Old cameras.....and travel books... |
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| A framed World War II Red Cross Poster of Paris.... that her grandfather brought back from the war... And pictures she framed from the street stalls of Paris that run along the Seine.... |
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| a little adorable Indian side table bought on a recent holiday trip.... |
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Daughter's own slice of Americana..... using a vintage NYC subway sign as a headboard... she Actually found this at Scott's Antique Market Here in Atlanta.... |
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| hoping to go on a Safari someday? she dressed up this Springbok deer And Framed Her in Gold |
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| She gave me the idea of using Travel posters as Art.... |
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| Aren't you all Happy we don't have another House in France.... The name of this post would be correct...It would take you 24 hours to see all the pictures.... I was not compensated in any way for writing this post.... I was asked by "One Kings Lane" to write about my decorating inspirations.... In fact I have no idea why they even asked.... I just thought it would be fun to do so I agreed... I'm sure they never expected a blogger who has so much to say.... What can I say....I've been doing this for 43 years!! Please visit a lovely article HERE @ OKL on decorating internationally.... Then sign up to get their daily sales and get hooked on "goodies"..... that's just my own little suggestion... every morning when I turn on my computer the first thing I look for is their e-mail.... To see what I can't live without :) Bon Voyage!! |
14 comments:
Holy moly! You've are one traveled girlie! Good for you and your fam... I loved seeing all of your treasures... and now that you've baked that yummy bread and you ALSO serve breakfast in bed to your guests, I've booked my flight. :-)
My favorite thing? Seeing Miss B's pictures in France all framed up. SO CUTE and the perfect addition to your well traveled home.
Huggies to you!
xo
S
What a life you have had! I enjoyed every picture and the story that went along with it. So neat. Love your souvenirs, too. You truly have had a life well traveled, Sue.
XO,
Sheila
You're a woman after my own heart. I use what I love, and because I love it, whatever it is will go with whatever else I have. You wouldn't believe what I've brought home in suitcases - but then, perhaps you would!
Your best post about your house ever! I love when someone decorates with meaning. Sally
What a fun post...I love all the eclectic items you have decorated your home with...and your daughter's! Love Ms. B's bed...
You know how much I love your home and all your wonderful decor! I have learned much from you. I will be using some of the IKEA frames for my own Paris treasures in my apt. Love daughter's home also, she did learn much from mama!! hugs, Linda
I have known you for a few years now - and I have never heard how you and the Boss met. I think that is a sweet love story and enjoyed it.
I loved your pictures and I loved your stories and it is fun to find out more about you.
You have been traveling for a long time.
Did you know I worked at United Air Lines when we first God married. We traveled a couple of years too.
I had a hard time seeing how you moved the room around - but her apt. is pretty and I am glad she liked what you did!
You have had a good life Suzanne!
Love, sandie
What a treat to travel through your home and your daughters NY apartment. Our home tends to reflect our travels with bits and pieces that came back with us. Dehillerin is a favorite destination when in Paris. The "chef" always finds something to bring back home. Thanks for the tour. Love your style!
"Loved" seeing all the items you used to decorate your home, Sue! Lots of pretties to show what you like to do and enjoy. Really enjoyed your stories and seeing it all .
:-)
I loved seeing all your souvenirs, Sue, especially Ms. B's Paris photos!
I love the way you have decorated and I had no idea how much you have traveled, I thought Paris was it. I am sure you probably have some stories to tell about Italy and Germany.
I love it, I also love that you included my Motherland, New Jersey, into the mix.
What a fun post! And yes, Sue, I had fun doing my post too though I did not have enough room to show my accessories, there is just too much. You probably know being a traveler yourself. Thanks for sharing your daughter's home too....Christine
Wish I had read your post before my recent trip to Iceland. I love the idea of using postcards and maps as art. Can't wait for my next trip so I can use some of your ideas.
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