The Week's Low Down + An Amazing Cottage Reno

I hope everybody had an amazing Halloween! I didn't write a Low Down for two weeks, so here's a few stuff that's been happening:

... the PR & marketing group officially started their work. Plan on participating in events around the Austin area with coupons, giveaways, meeting new people & just knowing more about this wonderful city. I'm meeting with their graphic designer for more promotional materials, etc.

... SEO & SEM is still going strong, for about two days, we had almost 700 new visitors! We've been busy bookmarking, joining different groups, writing blogs & articles.

... I've finally completed a little "Policy & Procedure" manual of how to run this business, uploaded in quickbooks all accounts & vendors & established graphs & stats to see my success (or the opposite) objectively.

... sales have been steady {but not enough to cover marketing & advertising & expenses yet...it'll get there}. I have had more low moments (how I feel emotionally) as far as the business venture in the past few weeks. I think that's normal {I hope!}. I think when you're doing a new venture, although I know that it will take time {and yes, money!} to make this work, I want it to take off now! I remember when we opened our first clinic,how I wanted to quit by the third month & in the months to come. It was full of sweat & I cried several times, then a friend told me about the eleventh hour. How important it is to hang on, as it's only a few moments away before a breakthrough happens. So, I'm hanging on!

Well, on a much lighter note. I came across this amazing cottage renovation. I thought it is really sweet!

{Images via Kitka Design Toronto}

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

The Little Black Room

Every woman has a perfect little black dress, why not a little black room. I've wanted one for a long time but always has a huge struggle of "to do it or not to do it." It's a color that's associated with what is dark & evil yet the class, glam & sophistication the following black rooms exude is definitely enticing.

{Decor Pad}

{Girl World Decor}

{Matters of Style}


{Hooked on Houses}

{Design Crisis}

{Chateau du Lu}

{Alkemie}

Gorgeous rooms, don't you think? Have a wonderful Halloween weekend everybody!

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

A Shout Out for Andrew!

I can't tell you how many people has given me so much support & inspiration with my new venture.Well, last week, a good friend of mine & fabulous photographer, Andrew, drove from Houston (two hours away) to take photographs of my new items. No other gadgets but just a trusty camera, some white paper & tape. His only instructions, make them look like they're floating.

Birds Nest Condiment Bowl

Sea Urchin Condiment Bowl

Birds of a Feather Dessert Plates

Luster Glasses

Agate Ornament {White}

Agate Ornament {Brown}

Antiqued Mercury Glass Votive Holder




Hanging Hobnail Mercury Lantern



Antiqued Mercury Glass Finch Ornament

I did pay him though ...with Salmon & Capers on bruschetta for lunch & gourmet tacos for dinner. He just didn't ask for anything & happy to help! Oh and I didn't make those by the way:)

Here he is in action...Please don't be mad! :) I am just truly grateful!

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

More ideas at: http://decoratingideas.theinglenookdecor.com.

Beaux Objet: Crab & Cream

I know, I know, an odd pairing...Crab & Cream? Well, I'm just so happy to introduce some new items we have at the shop from Bougies la Francais. I totally fell in love with these candle creations. So perfect & divine in shimmering gold!

Cream puff candle {Boite Cadeau}

Crab candle {Bougie Crabe}

No kidding, I was ecstatic when these items arrived & I'm like a little kid opening presents! They come in a decorative gift box.

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

Tree Stump Stools

So, the condo has another problem (aside from it being small). The entryway is a design dilemma. It's narrow & cramped but desperately needs some personality. The entryway leads to the kitchen where some sort of seating, a buffet, or entryway cabinet can be placed. Mind you, the depth has to be extremely skinny & has to be light & can be moved easy. So, now I'm opting for some stools. For some reason, I'm drawn to tree stump stools lately.

Mind you that circa 1997, when this trend is not the trend yet, we got a huge tree stump from the streets, varnished it & placed a clear glass on top of it. Voila! It's the driftwood coffee table that's been gracing stores lately.

So, here are some that caught my eye:

{Thout holey Stump from Design Public}

{Bird stool at Cottage & Bungalow}

{Tree stump stool/accent table from West Elm}

My heart is not set on anything yet & who knows, my idea will change again. Any thoughts on these stools?

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

The Week's Low Down

This week has been somewhat uneventful. Hmmm, let me see what happened ...

... at the clinic for a little more than a week seeing patients at our Beaumont facility. Everything is going well at our mid-county clinic (we call it our flagship) & all staff members are working tirelessly, happily & productively. Thanks guys! Tuesday, I did go out & meet with some of our doctors for referral development relationship a.k.a. marketing.

...ate bad the whole week (think pecan pies, kolaches, southern ctyle chicken) & exercised just twice. Bad! Bad! This Sunday, I started by running at town lake. Getting my groove back!

...got my proposal from my PR, marketing & branding company. I love it & can't wait until it's all implemented.

...site traffic is a bit down this week & sales is somewhat sparse. Still I did some SEO tweaks for the site & I got my website grade higher form 86 to 91! If you're curious what yours is, check out http://www.websitegrader.com.


... met with Andrew who has been making my homepage images & we sat down for some photoshop 101.

... I got these le petit white candleholders from my inventory (a flea market find) & used them for personal effects. Nobody was biting (could it be the bad image?LOL) & I actually really, really like them. I have 12 & plan to scatter them all around the house.




Again (i feel like a broken record), sorry for the lack of posting, blog reading & commenting. When I'm at the clinic, I am very focused on that. I'm thinking of my next posts as I write this though.In the meantime, please check out another blog that my SEO guy has been making: http://decoratingideas.theinglenookdecor.com. It's simple but chockful of information. Till the next lowdown!

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

Beaux Objet: The Francesca Mansard Mirror

I'm always so curious when I come across a new word. Well, I just added these wonderful mirrors to our product selection & it's supposed to have a "Mansard design."


Forgive me for being a little clueless but I absolutely didn't know what that means. I first thought it was a shade of gray but come to find out, it's a roof design popularized by French Architect Francois Mansart. He supposedly did not invent it & one of the architects that built the Louvre used it in defferent portions of the museum first.


A Mansard roof consists of two portions, a lower steep pitch that is nearly vertical & an upper low pitch that is nearly flat. The design allows for livable spaces like the ones below close to the roof.

{by farm4static at flickr}

Sigh! I've always dreamed of a home with a space like this! So, anyway, hope you enjoyed the little tidbits of information & do check out the item here. You'll love the intricate design & the distressed gray color.

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

The Week's Lowdown

It seems like this week just flew by & I can't believe I haven't posted a blog at all or checked out my daily reads :( I seriously thought that when I devote full-time to the online shop, I'll be blogging more (and I so, so want to!).

Well, to at least tell myself that I do have excuses for the lack of posting, here's this week's lowdown :

... got invited by IIDA (International Interior Design Competition) at their event, Austin Evolution with their theme "Time Flies." I donated some merchandise, the bird taper candelabra & sitting terracota bird for their silent auction. I thought it befitted the theme. Sad though that I'll miss the event physically. Thanks again Jeri for this opportunity!

... just got word from an Austin quarterly Lifestyle Magazine that they will feature the site in their December issue. Again, free press is the bomb!

... been sending answers to queries at HARO (to all small business owners or to anybody who just love writing, you have to subscribe!) & an internet radio show is considering the shop for their "Holiday Gift guide" segment. Yes, so even though I haven't been blogging, I've been sending articles to sites like "Who's Your Glady's."

... the site's traffic is 300% higher than last month's & backlinks went from about 289 to 2672! Thanks George! Awesome job!

... met with two sales rep this week, saw new neat stuff, can't wait to get them all in & open the boxes...it's like Christmas everytime a shipment comes in! (Oh & some are coming straight from France!).The hard part, I want to display them all in our small place!

...attended the Texas Global Trade Summit but I only stayed for an hour. Just wanted to see what it's all about.

... bummed that my Technical Drawing for Interior Design classes were cancelled by the college (no instructor). I did attend a short photography class, signed up for fabric block printing & mixed media drawing which will start not until November though.

... I had an epiphany of how i'm going to take this venture to the next level after having lunch with a very succesful & admirable person. His story inspired me so much. To me, wealth is not what's in somebody's bank account, it's what's in their minds. So, my task? Get some of that wisdom! :)

So sorry, I know, a little boring but hey, I may start doing this regularly. Keep me on track & sort of follow my intent of blogging about the struggles & triumphs of a small & independent business. Next week, i'll be at the clinic so there may not be much going on as far as the online shop is concerned.

In the meantime, I am inspired by this image from Elle Decor. I am in love with white wooden floors & those wooden benches...adorable! I'm thinking I might just get one that looks just like the ones in here at El Paso Imports. Which color though?



Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

Linnea's Lights in InStyle + Help me choose, please! + Giveaway

Yippeeee! My favorite eco-friendly candle line in In Style magazine! So happy for this American-owned, mother & daughter company from the Midwest!

Oh, on another note, the shop's inventory on these fab candles (a great gift by the way!) is getting pretty slim. Have customers buying them in fours! How wonderful! So, I'm getting ready to stock up for the holidays. Can you help me pretty please in choosing from the scents below. Please leave a comment as to which one you like the best & why. I just know chic readers like you will know which is best. Thanks much & happy friday & weekend as well!

AMBER
Irresistible & romantic rich amber blended with Egyptian musk

BAMBOO
Sultry & exotic with Asian spices, grasses, citrus & lavender

BLACK VANILLA { NEW! }
Nostalgic & warm vanilla with notes of patchouli & tonka bean

BLUE AGAVE
Refreshing & clean with notes of agave nectar, lily & soft woods

CASHMERE
Sophisticated & herbal with patchouli, vanilla & lime

CASSIS { formerly LYNDAN }
Amazing melange of black currant with green herbs, floral, & fruits

CURRANT ROUGE
Tangy & modern with citrus, tart apple & green accord

FIG
Divine fruit herbal fusion of fig, peach & Madagascar vanilla

FRENCH PEAR
Juicy & delicious just like a ripe Anjou pear with a touch of spice

LEMON VERBENA
Lemony & green floral-herbal blend that is clean & complex

LINDEN { NEW! }
Neutral, clean & unobtrusive...an everyday fresh floral

MOSS
Earthy oak moss, sensual sandalwood & other woods

POMEGRANATE
Pomegranate softened with an elusive blend of spices & woods

SWEETGRASS
Soft & clean with fresh grass & sweet violets

TUBEROSE
Exquisite white floral known for its seductive properties

YUZU
Luscious Japanese grapefruit, exotic fruits & watery greens

All giveaways seem to have rules so here's a few (don't worry, they're pretty easy): 1. have to know why you like the scent you choose (one customer asked if I have a sniff test but believe me they smell as described) 2. can you help a small, independent & new retailer please & let viral marketing work....post it on your facebook, tweet about it, mention it at your blog, etc...more chances of course! 3. can you join the shop's newsletter at our homepage & get coupons & discounts 4. US residents only 5. drawing will be on October 15th & I'll let my daughter do the honors!

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

Inside an Artist's Mind: Laura Trevey

I am being true to my promise about attempting to re-ignite my creativity. Signed up for some art & design classes in October & November, so excited! Last week, I was yet inspired again by another amazing artist, Laura Trevey. She is a master in watercolor painting & delights us with her bright, bold and beautiful work at her Etsy shop & her blog. So here's my little Q & A for her...

1.What's the first thing that comes to your mind of what is....

Bright- visions of summer wildflowers

Bold- sparkling jewelry, fabulous clothes

Beautiful- sunsets on the ocean, amazing art

2.If you weren't a watercolor artist, what other career path would you have chosen?

"I cannot imagine doing anything else. I love what I do & I am lucky to share it with others."

3. You love vibrant colors, any favorite color combination?

" I love lime green & hot pinks...bright orange with yellows...and especially teals, turquoise & aqua colors, reminiscent of the Carribean Sea."

4. Was there a person, situation or event that prompted you to be an artist?

"I have always loved to paint. You might say it's "in the genes." My grandmother was a fabulous artist as well as my Mother."

5. As your art evokes your personality, so does your home & fashion style. How would you describe your home style?

"My home is a traditional style with modern accents throughout. I love oriental rugs, mahogany furniture & antique pieces paired with abstract art."

6. Where do you feel your art is going?

" Watercolor painting always fills me with happiness, almost like a meditation. I am always looking for ways to express myself on paper. Each day that I paint brings joy into my life."

And this one is my favotite one by the way. How adorable is this tea cup? Pass on the tea cakes please!

I hope you've enjoyed my little interview ands thanks Laura for sharing your wonderful work.

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

Guest Blogging at Kotori

What are these images? Check out as I'm guest blogging at Kotori for Tuesday's Top 5.

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

Airstream Chic

I do believe there's nowhere else in the country where airstreams are so fun, urban, hip & chic other than in Austin.

In one popular part of town, called Soco (paying homage to New York's Soho district, it's also short for South Congress), airstreams line one street in different shapes, sizes, colors & offerings. From pizza to sno-cones (or sno-cups), cupcakes to deli sandwiches. But not just in this part of town though, they're all over! Also, talk about being innovative, airstreams are not just for food service anymore! Check out the Top 3 airstreams to visit while in Austin.

1. Adelante's Curbside Service

The shop known as a boutique infused with 70's glam vibe, a dash of modern & a whole heap of cool is located at 1206 W 38th. They recently introduced their rack & trunk show on wheels, presenting Curbside Service. It can also be rented privately for soirees. Now, that's distinctively Austin!

{images via Designspongeonline.com}

Don't you jut love the swanky decor?

2. Hey Cupcake!

This was the first airstream in Soco that caught my eye & who wouldn't take a second look at that giant cupcake on top?

{image via Barrysphotoblog.com}

They now have 5 locations all over Austin but it all started with the original one found at the 1600 block in South Congress.

{image via rebelclients.com}

It has also beome a favorite photo spot with Austin photographers. Check out the one above. How adorable is this engagement picture? The cupcake is supposed to give them "sweet blessings."

If you get a chance to visit, try the Vanilla Dream for $2.50 & oh, get it with a whipper snapper (that's a shot of fresh whipped cream injected into the cake....more yum!)

3. Flip Happy Crepes

And last but certainly not the least, Flip Happy Crepes at 400 Jessie has been dubbed the best crepes in America. Hey, they did win the Throwdown challenge with Bobby Flay!

Their crepes is the down-to-earth version of the French favorite. This is my favorite : Smoked salmon w/ herbed cream cheese spinach and tomato $7.50.

Hmmm, I'm wondering what other airstream chicness Austinites will conjure up next?

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

Fall Tablescape Idea: Forest Glam!

When I connected with Artie of Color outside the Lines. He had a thought of doing a tablescape with these charming bird tealight holders found at the shop. I was gleaming with delight & sent four of these his way right away. I just knew that with his creativeness, he would do such a fabulous job. Boy, was I wrong?! He didn't just do a fabulous job, he did much, much more than that. Just look and see for yourself....

He lovingly called the tablescape "Forest Glam" and "Glamorous Woodland Nymph."
Very befitting Artie!

For the place setting: rattan-inspired charger, vintage white stoneware, linen napkins, turned wood napkin rings & bamboo flatware.

Completing the look: crystals, twigs, branches, some greenery, bird nests....

And the piece de resistance, the charming bird tealight holders. I knew they were adorable! Thanks so much Artie for showcasing them in such an amazing way!

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

Our Trina Turk Pillows are almost gone!

What is it with Trina Turk's dresses that is just o adorable? Well, it's the print patterns! Always classy & sophisticated & fits so perfectly.


But if you are not into spending $200 to $300 dresses then bring a Trina Turk pattern home to you!

Her green and brown shanghai links needlepoint pillow is only $53.50 at the shop. Our inventory is getting pretty low on these beauties & I have my eye on her new line!:)

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

Beaux Objet Tuesday: The Scissor Snuffer

Don't you just love it when something does double duty? Enter the scissor snuffer...

If you are a true candle enthusiast then you know that for candles to burn longer & for that wick to burn cleaner, you're supposed to keep it 1/4" short. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have scissors accessible all the time to keep those candle wicks trimmed? And why waste your precious breath blowing the flame out? That's what snuffers are for!

Imported & made of steel, they're $22 at the Shop!

Don't forget Free Shipping on our eco-friendly candles with the Coupon Code LIGHT at checkout. SHOP NOW>>>

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

It's my Unica Hija's Birthday Soon!

I want to give a shout out to my beautiful, wonderful, amazing, fabulous daughter Noelle. It's her 12th birthday on Saturday! Please say hello to her & send her your warmest greetings!


She's my travel & shopping buddy, from New Orleans to...

the streets of Quebec.

Have I told you she has a style all her own?

From a little rocker to casual.

Aqua jeans...

to classy & sophisticated!



And yes, at such a young age, she can rock a chic coat!

Ok, I did doll her up on this one...

And forced her to dress like me! Poor girl.

She's probably going to be so mad that I posted all these but I can't help but gush about her. So, advanced happy, happy birthday, my sweetheart. I love you so, so much!!!

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

Beaux Objet Wednesday: Swirl Door Stop + A Shop Giveaway at Lulu Letty!

When it comes to accessorizing, the little details count. They are what makes a space beautiful. So forget those rubber door stops, a block of wood or your leg/foot to make that door stop, our Swirl Door Stop is just a better alternative.

Made of cast iron. Only $14.95 at the shop! You don't have to use your foot or leg again to stop the door (believe me, it's not good for you. I once strained one of my adductor muscles doing this---this is the Physical Therapist in me talking).

The giveaway at Lulu Letty:

http://lululetty.blogspot.com/2009/09/inglenook-decor-giveaway.html

Don't forget Free Shipping on our eco-friendly candles with the Coupon Code LIGHT at checkout. SHOP NOW>>>

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

French-Inspired!

Divine images don't you think? I have some French Decorating Tips & Ideas up my sleeve. Oh, and check out the French chateau collection. There's more to come....

{images via Simplyseductive.blogspot.com, Girlworlddecor.blogspot.com, Howstuffworks.com & Cecilehouse.com}

Don't forget Free Shipping on our eco-friendly candles end Sept. 19th with the coupon code LIGHT at checkout! Shop now>>>

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

Inside an Artist's Mind: Dallas Shaw

Coinciding with my new venture is my attempt to rekindle my creativity ( I remember drawing & painting for endless hours as a child). So, this week, I am truly inspired to feature an extraordinary artist, Dallas Shaw. You may have seen her work around at Etsy or when she & her work was featured in Marthastewart.com, Real Living & Apartment Therapy. I thought getting into her mind would somehow rub off her talent to me! I'm not greedy though so I'll share them with all of you!

My favorites from her Etsy shop: Vintage shirt, Vintage Brown, J, crew shoes, Tights.

1. What or who inspired you to be an artist?

"Originally when I was in middle school I wanted to work for Walt Disney World animation. So, I worked really hard until I was good enough to do that. I did draw in their animation building for a bit before making a very different career choice. I had alot of support from parents and teachers when I was young."

2. How and when did you discover your talent for art?

"My second grade teacher would give us many hands on activities, and pointed out to me that my drawing skills were more advanced than the others around me. She hung my pictures on the board and was a real eye opener for me at a really young age. She told me if I kept drawing I would keep getting better- and that's what happened!"

3. If you weren't an artist, what other career path would you have chosen?

"I would be a stylist. I'd probably own a boutique and bring in my favorite choices. It would be amazing- I assure you."

It shows, doesn't it? Just look at her fabulous fashion sketches.

4. How would you describe your work?

"Very feminine, and stylish. I hope."

Stylish indeed! Some of her favorite work, All Keys & Full-Full

5. Who do you think is the greatest artist in these modern times?

" That's a huge question. Art is really different- so while one person might think they are the "greatest", it doesn't fit someone else's taste. I am not sure who the greatest artist in modern time is... but I can tell you who I'm inspired by right now? I love Stina Persson, David Downton and mostly fashion illustrators- I think all of the fashion influences show in the large acrylic pieces. "

6. Your Bio states that you draw inspiration from the Fashion & Music Industries. Who is your Fashion Icon? Music Icon?

"My fashion icon, right now (this changes by season) would have to be Diane Von Furstenberg or Phillip Lim.... As far as mucic goes I don't know that I have an "icon". I just listen to music while I work constantly. "

The magnificent Diane Von Furstenberg, a Philip Lim dress.

More of her work at the Miami Fusion Gallery.

7. Who & what's playing in your ipod right now?

" A ton of Jason Mraz. I have been listening for years and years and Iove his environmental vibe. Some Regina Spektor, Bushwalla, Sia... Its really a mix! "

8. How would you describe your fashion style? Home Style?

"My fashion style is a mix of high end and low end-I love dresses and wear them often, I'm really weird about clothing. I either love it and must have it- or just nothing. No in between. The house is mostly modern with a tiny bit of vintage. We just relocated so I just bought a framed vintage subway sign, and also greg beauchamp's united states print. Old and new." My kind of gal!

9. You use a variety of mediums in your art, do you have a favorite?

"I am loving prismacolor pencils and watercolor right now. I mostly do acrylic, but when I get to do smaller fashion illustrations that arent so large- that's been really fun. "

10. Where do you feel your art is going?

"I hope it's getting better. More stylish. I've learned alot this past year and am now working on a few new collections. Every week on etsy one of last years paintings will be for sale- making room for the new. I hope it just keeps getting better , I have alot planned for this year."

And here she is. Sigh! To be young, beautiful & Oh so talented!

Best to you Dallas! Amazing work & it's definitely just going to get better. Please check her out at Dallasshaw.com & at her blog.

I hope you enjoyed this post and here's to hoping I'll get my creativity back.

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.

Beaux Objet of the Day: Bird Stamps Coasters

Bird-themed decor has been "in" for quite a while & i think it's here to stay. Just like everybody else, I am just drawn to these whimsical creatures & when they are featured in clothing, jewelry and yes, decor!

Bird lovers out there, these coasters are for you! Sold in set of four, they are made of Italian Botticino marble & also have a cork backing. Bird stamps, script...sigh, your guests will be charmed!

$38.95 at the shop.

Have you read our decorating tip of the week? Visit our site at The Inglenook Decor.