You're Probably Not a Robot...(*I've been convinced. This blog no longer has verification!)

(*Update - based on all the comments I'm now on the no verification bandwagon. Hope it goes well.)
Is it just me or is it getting harder to prove you're not a robot when leaving a comment on blogger with word verification? Lately I've been failing at least of 1/3 of the time, sad, I know.

I, myself, have this feature on this blog and am starting to wonder if I should skip it but then there will probably be alot of crazy "robot" comments. The thought of enabling blogger approval and having to clear each comment isn't appealing either. Guess I'll just have to get better at deciphering blurry, curvy letters. Your thoughts?

p.s. Happy Pre- St. Patrick's Day!!

4 Years Blogging & a Break

New Year's Eve 2011 marked my 4th anniversary blogging. This will be the first time since 2008 that I've left my blog untended for a long time, 9 days in this case. Tomorrow we're headed off for a much needed vacation to St. John USVI, our absolutely favorite place to go to relax. I pack light and don't even bring a suitcase. Needless to say there won't be a laptop or a smart phone or anything that connects to the internet packed among my t-shirts and shorts.

Hope you'll come back to my blog when I do . Meanwhile, if you're interested, here are a few posts from 2008. Hope you have a great week. Michele xoxo

post - Busted!

(Image via Blueprint Jan.08, photographer Jim Franco)

post - Kid's Bedrooms: Sweet but not Twee


Post - A Danish Bath to Envy

image via Bolig magazine


post - Liquor as a Home Accessory
Image via House Beautiful. Design by Craig Schumacher and Phillip Kirk, portrait by Arn Hansen.


post - Formal Exteriors
post - Love the Pattern on this Screen

(D Home Mar/Apr 2007, photography Danny Piassick, designer Betty Sewell)

Now Blogging for Washingtonian Magazine!

I'm very excited to share the news that I will be writing a weekly post for Washingtonian Magazine's Open House Blog, providing coverage of beautiful homes as well as inspiring ideas and helpful tips from the design community. My first post, Design Scout: Inexpensive Accent Furniture, went up yesterday and I have to admit that even though I've been writing My Notting Hill for 4 years, it was quite exciting to see my post on Washingtonian's site. Hope you will check it out!

Now, off to finish a few projects at my house so I can share them here on Monday.

Goodbye Sweet 2011

I've practically been in pjs for the last 6 days. Today was the first day I drove a car since the 24th. The end of 2011 has been a sweet bubble.

2012 will be full of surprises yet-to-be.

But just like treasured vintage ornaments, 2011 will be held onto, if in memory only.

But until then, 6 more sweet 2011 hours are still to come.

Best wishes for a Happy 2012!!

p.s. My treasured Schumacher Nanjing tablecloth is thanks to an amazing blog giveway from Sherry at Design Indulgence that included 3 yards of this fabulous fabric. Thank you Sherry!