A Vintage White

We have been blogged about by the lovely Trisha Evans of the equally lovely website My2Roses. Trisha offers gorgeous monogrammed items, as well as exquisite floral tussie mussies and giftware. She is also a lover of "all things white" in home decor, and her blog A Vintage White is devoted to her favorite color. This mosaic piece was created by our very talented website mosaic artisan Elizabeth Willhite. Certainly not a newcomer to this craft, Elizabeth's work throughout the years has always been feminine, and with her own special touch of whimsy. Thanks Trisha!

Fondly, Janet
www.shabbyfufu.com

The Apple Doesn't Fall

Friday evening is here, thank goodness.....it's been just one of those weeks that I am glad is coming to a close. A long time friend's husband had a seizure last week, and unfortunately has been diagnosed with brain cancer that has already metastisized into his lungs and body. This came with no warning, and it's just so devastating~and serves as a reminder of how precious and fleeting life is. Good thoughts and prayers would certainly be welcome for Susan and her family.

Now on to a lighter hearted subject....my older daughter Kira (who is 24) and I did some thrifting last weekend, as she is in the process of decorating her apt. Although our tastes differ as she is more into "vintage modern", the apple certainly doesn't fall far from the tree in the artsy fartsy aspect of our lives. She found a hideous chair at Goodwill and is in the process of turning it into a chic piece indeed. I believe that it's from the 60's, and made of fruitwood, and had this horrendously horrid gold fabric covering it, and a button tufted back. My purchasing advice was nay, as I told her it would be so much work, that I didn't think in this case it would be worthwhile, but she was up for the challenge! It's a work in progress, but I think that she is doing a GREAT job~check out the Amy Butler buttons!

For those who have subscribed to Shabbyfufu on Feedblitz, please note that I am in the process of deleting that account.....but feel free to sign up for the Shabbyfufu website Newsletter if you would like to.

Have a wonderful weekend.....as always~ XO~Janet
www.shabbyfufu.com

Shabbyfufu Studio Designs Nighteas A' Comin Today

Thank you to all who have been asking about our Shabbyfufu Nighteas ©! They are fun to create, affordable and a great little touch in just about any room. We have had some ladies mention that they were purchasing them for gifts as well, with the Holidays fast approaching. A bit short on time today, so they will probably be listed tonight, here is a quick preview!

Quote Of The Day:

"It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing"

That being said....make it a GREAT day!
Much love, Janet
www.shabbyfufu.com

Romantic Country Magazine~YUM

Ladies, it's always fun to tear into our favorite decorating magazines.....and the New Fall edition of Romantic Country Magazine won't disappoint! From cover to cover it's totally 2LIVE4, and our own Kristen Baker is showcased in the Looks We Love on page 12 for her Deliciously Romantic Chandelier creations. Kudos to Kristen, who is not only a wonderful designer but a true sweetheart of a girl!

Self~proclaimed Cottage Queen, Jennifer Grey of the very chic website TheOldPaintedCottage.com has her home on the cover and a yummy spread of photos inside~congrats to SwEet Jennifer!

I can't wait to climb into bed tonight and finish combing through this fabulous read!


Have a wonderful inspiring day!
XO~ Janet
www.shabbyfufu.com

Grey Day Nesting

It's quite rainy with a low pressure system passing thru here in South Florida today, and one of those days that makes you just want to stay inside and nest. Luckily, I don't have to go out today, and after being away for the past several days must get caught up on paperwork and packing orders.

I wanted to share a wonderful Blog that my chic 24 year old daughter visits on a daily basis....so much to inspire on this one! Written by an interior design consultant, Holly Becker, her tag line is "Fresh finds for hip spaces". Here are a couple of rooms highlighted in their Blog.....GORGEOUS, INSPIRING!

http://www.decor8.blogspot.com

New goodies will be posted later this week on Shabbyfufu. Everyone has been asking about our new line of Nighteas©, and we will have more of those coming, as well as some other lovlies.....have a wonderful week ladies!
XO~ Janet
www.shabbyfufu.com

Off to the beach again in the wee hrs of the morning, as the ocean is still warm as tea here in Florida and we are trying to squeeze in as many summer swims as we can! Our girly girls will both be driving down from their homes away from home at college to spend time with us doing nothing. These four day work weeks make for some long hours, but so worth it to get away. Mr. Shabbyfufu is on the Blackberry (aka Crackberry) all day on Friday when we are out of town, so tomorrow I will probably be off shopping at my favorite antiquing haunts for several hours.

A new dress form has been something that I have worked on quite a bit these last few days, and she will be making her debut on Shabbyfufu this evening.....I'm happy with how she turned out~a bit on the Victorian side and appropriately named Genevieve.

Lots of new cards from our talented artisan in our Pastelle Paperie Boutique.....so pretty!

Have a wonderful weekend~XO~Janet
www.shabbyfufu.com

Weekend Sale At Shabbyfufu

About once a month we hold some sort of a sale on the website. Our mailing list customers are always in the know, and our sales are always a big hit! I just put a link to join our Shabbyfufu Mailing List on the sidebar of the Blog, so if you aren't already on the list we would be honored to have you join us.

We have a sale coming Friday through Sunday, so please pay us a visit!

www.shabbyfufu.com

Behind Closed Doors

What's behind a few of the closed doors are some of my collections garnered from years of Flea Marketing and Scouring around. Ahhhh the good old days when I could walk into so many great Estate Sales and Thrift Shops here in South Florida and have the pick of the litter for pennies! Alas, the finds are not as plentiful these days, especially since the inception of Ebay that has totally changed the world of antiquing, and perhaps not always for the better. I have been obsessed I guess you could say, with antique and vintage linens since I had to learn decorating on the cheap when I finished college. Unless I am familiar with the seller, I really prefer to pick out pieces by hand and in person, since condition and texture are all important. I covet old nubby barkcloth, silks and satins, antique whites and funky, fun printed tablecloths from the '40's.
Although the doors in my studio are usually closed for clutter control, I am into all of the cabinets on a daily basis when putting together creations for the website.


More closed doors reveal collections of tea items. This cabinet has glass doors and is in my kitchen, so that I can enjoy looking, and remember to use these functional lovelies. Some of the pieces have been in the family for a couple of generations, others are website buying trip finds that are cycled through from time to time for projects.

Totally unrelated but useful CELL PHONE information that I wanted to pass along......thanks to my sister for sending this to me. Thankfully I haven't had to use any of these, but I did try the "locking your keys in the car" info and it worked!
Make it a GREAT day~ XO~ Janet
www.shabbyfufu.com

There are a few things that can be done in times of grave
emergencies.
Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool
for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:

FIRST Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find
yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile, network and there is an
emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network
to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

SECOND Have you locked your keys in the car?

Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy
someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock.
Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no
object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other "remote" for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).
Editor's Note: "It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a cell phone!"

THIRD Hidden Battery Power. Imagine your cell battery is very low. To
activate, press the keys *3370# Your cell will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will
get charged when you charge your cell next time.

FOURTH How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?

To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits
on your phone: * # 0 6 #, a 15 digit code appears onthe screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. When your phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless.
You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that
whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would
be no point in people stealing mobile phones.
And Finally....

FIFTH

Free Directory Service for Cells Cell phone companies are charging
us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle,
which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800) FREE 411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.

Lobster SCORE & General News

Whew....I can't believe that it's been a week since I last Blogged, so will try and make this post as full of info as possible!
One of our daughters and her boyfriend were in town for the weekend, and I must say that the older the kids get, the more that we enjoy them as friends. I made a yummy dinner for them on Friday night, since they don't get much home cooking~and we were so lucky to have received four fresh Florida lobster tails from one of Mr. Shabbyfufu's buddies who caught so many that his freezer was overloaded~BIG TIME SCORE!

If you have never had fresh Florida lobster I find it to be every bit as good as Maine lobster, the difference being that the only edible part of the Florida lobster is the tail. I generally split them~using kitchen scissors and add some small pats of butter just under the shell. Then bake for about 10 minutes in the oven, until the meat turns pink. Since the kids are big eaters, I cooked some pasta, pulled the meat out of the lobster tails and added to the finished pasta with spicy goat cheese, extra virgin olive oil, fresh Parmesan cheese and a little sea salt and freshly ground pepper. That with a side salad and a glass of Reisling....YUMMO!

Thank you to my fellow Blogging friends for their posts this week which kindly included a bit about me:-). You probably already know of Fabulous Fifi, fellow Floridian and one of the most creative women out there. Her blog Chez Fifi is a daily must visit!
My gorgeous friend Tara of Bella Pink blogs about decorating, shopping, trends and all sorts of great stories about her family life. She recently started a column in Romantic Homes magazine all about Blogging, so be sure to let her know if you have a Blog that you think worthy of a look~see! Another Southern gal who is a real PEACH is Suzy of Georgiapeachez, who was kind enough to Blog about one of the dress forms that she purchased on Shabbyfufu a couple of years back.

New things coming this week to the website, Mr Shabbyfufu and I have spent a good part of today in the Studio working on lighting......and some other pieces to post from my week spent there solo, listening to tunes and creating away. Here are a few photos......more coming on the website as time permits, and pieces from our FAB artisans studios too! Have a wonderful week everyone.......

XO~Janet~
http://www.shabbyfufu.com/

Some of our Shabbyfufu DesignsTea Lighting

Gorgeous Window by our artisan Dianna Young

Shabbyfufu Studio Chic Glass Paperweights

Down By The Bay

Where do the weekends go? This weekend went by very quickly for me, and I did not get as much accomplished as planned....but did spend quite a bit of time in my studio working on a few projects and straightening up the mess. Unlike many of the fabulous studios that I see that are just so inspirational and have all sorts of jars of goodies out for display, Mr. Shabbyfufu does not like clutter.... so when we recently remodeled that room, I had to plan on putting everything away behind cabinet doors. Since my feminine style takes up so much of this house and he has to sleep in a pink bedroom, I guess that wasn't too much to ask! Our cabinet guy knew how much I love blush pink, so he added a slight tint to the cabinets to make me a happy camper:-). Projects worked on this weekend for the website included some more teacup lighting and a Parisian style dress form. Look for these early in the week on the website, as I don't have the pictures taken just yet (just this preview).




We went over to one of Mr. Shabbyfufu's clients homes today, who just came back from a summer spent at her "cottage" in Maine and she brought us some fresh crab. Here are a few photos of her incredible property here in Miami...which is an amazing place that occupies about 12 acres on Biscayne Bay in beautiful Coconut Grove. I didn't get any indoor photos today, the outdoors are the epitome of tropical beauty.....a little hard to capture on this gray day.

Just beyond the gates, all of these beautiful palms....so lush!



On the drive down to the bay, which leads into the ocean. Majestic Royal Palms

Down by the bay....(where the watermelons grow....just kidding, but I love that kiddie song). Really stormy, gray day here in Florida.

That's it for now, but check back in.....lots planned for the week ahead!

Have a great one......
XO ~ Janet
www.shabbyfufu.com

Our Shabbyfufu Newsletter

Have you seen our website Newsletter? Here is our Sept issue that we sent out this morning. We are proud to say that we have a huge mailing list of regular clients and friends at Shabbyfufu......hey, we have been at it a longgggg time!:-). We generally only send out our Newsletters once a month, unless we have a special sale....or something else to blab about that just can't wait! We would be honored to have you sign up, if you haven't already....and promise NOT TO BUG or SPAM....and will be posting our regular updates here on THE BLOG for those interested. Have a wonderful day and a relaxing weekend!
XO~ Janet
www.shabbyfufu.com

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
To Thine Own Self Be True -- William Shakespeare

Shabbyfufu September Newsletter ~New Items & Boutiques	What's New! September 7th, 2007
:: New Items Coming Today! :: Pastelle Paperie :: Bejeweled Bijoux :: Shabbyfufu Blog :: Upcoming Press :: Smashing Mosaics :: Holiday Bliss
Dear Janet, Greetings and salutations from the girls at Shabbyfufu Designs! Although it's still dreadfully hot in many parts of the country, the Fall and Holiday Season will be sneaking up before you know it....and we will have a plethora of goodies to spark up your home, yourself and for gift giving! You may have noticed some new names and new categories on the website, as we are working to update and constantly improve our selections. Two new Boutiques that will celebrate their Gala Opening today are the Bejeweled Bijoux and the Pastelle Paperie. Our Holiday Bliss Boutique will be opening soon....so please look for that on the horizon! Have you had a chance to visit our NEW Blog yet? You can learn a little more about me, upcoming website items and personal projects, and as time goes on....we will have more about all of our fabulous artisans posted on the Blog, as well as showcasing some of our special friend's blogs that are inspirational. As always, we truly thank you for your incredible support and friendship over the years......we truly appreciate you! XO, Janet and "the girls at Shabbyfufu"!

New Items Coming Today! Take A Peek At Our Home Page For A Preview Oodles of new Items coming today, around NOON Eastern Standard time. French finds, teacup lighting, beach cottage chic and more New Items Bejeweled Bijoux New Artisan Boutique! Artisan one of a kind pieces and more with French Flair! Bejeweled Bijoux Upcoming Press Our Chandeliers! Look for artisan Kristen Baker's chandelier featured in the NEW upcoming issue of Romantic Country magazine~due on Newstands soon! Kristen's Chandelier Press Smashing Mosaics Elizabeth's Newest Pieces! Our mosaic artisan Elizabeth has just returned from a summer of shows and is working hard to refill her Smashing Mosaic Boutique. This hand mirror entitled " Fairest One Of All" is one of my favorites! Smashing Mosaics

Pastelle Paperie New Artisan Boutique! Our customers have been asking for beautiful cards and we have been working on this Boutique for several weeks with a talented artisan.......bringing you a crisp, clean Parisian look on this line. Please visit our Pastelle Paperie...more coming for the Holidays! Pastelle Paperie Shabbyfufu Blog Please Pay Us A Visit By Clicking On The Photo Below! Check often for updates, here is where you will find them! Our New Blog Holiday Bliss Our Holiday Boutique Opening Soon! We will open with some Autumn creations next week. Please check back in for some elegant pieces! Holiday Bliss For Autumn

We thank you kindly for your business and continued support~we truly appreciate each and every one of our customers.

Please look for our ads & press in these fabulous publications: Romantic Country Magazine Romantic Homes Magazine, Mary Englebreit Home Companion Magazine, Southern Lady Magazine, Tea Time Magazine and more!

Back From The Beach

Mr. Shabbyfufu and I have decided that the more three day weekends we can take, the better. We so thoroughly enjoyed our weekend at our beach home, did some informal entertaining in a beach cottage style, and some shopping for the website, with some real beauties coming as soon as my time permits. Doggie Shabbyfufu is right at home at the beach too, but this visit it was too hot for him to run around and chase the sand crabs back into their holes. I am very behind and have lots to catch up on for the website. New teacup lighting is coming, some stunning new mosaics by Elizabeth, and we have some surprises in store with fabulous new categories. Here are just a few pictures taken over the weekend, and then back to work. See you soon....

Have a wonderful week and your comments are always welcome and appreciated

XO~ Janet
www.shabbyfufu.com

Year Round Coastal Style

Here is the latest installment of my Coastal Decorating Column, written for Make Mine Pink in collaboration with Barbara Jacksier. Enjoy!

By Janet Coon~
Featuring Barbara Jacksier

Coastal style seems to be a growing trend, yet is timeless in its appeal with its casual attitude and vacation feel. Summer is almost over but, for those of us who love to decorate with this spirited approach, there is no need to forget that summer seaside vacation or to put away the seashells and beach glass!

Many of you will probably recognize the name, “Barbara Jacksier”, former editor of Cottage Style and Romantic Country magazines. She has just written a fabulous book to inspire entitled Cozy Waterside Cottages that is soon to be published. I was fortunate to get a sneak-peek at some photos from this beautiful book (more on Barbara's beautiful blog) which features fourteen gorgeous cottages as well as ideas on adding coastal style to any home. I spoke to Barbara to find out more about how the homes were selected. “Whether year-round residence, artist’s studio or weekend retreat, all of the cottages in the book provide their owners and guests a place to enjoy time together, chill out and feel sheltered,” says Barbara. “While there are many books dedicated to showing contemporary beach houses with seaside views, there are few that focus on cozy homes with interiors that embrace their location.”

Her search took her to tropical Key West, where photographer Dan Mayers photographed a mid-western couple’s winter refuge to Little Diamond Island, Maine, where he shot an artist’s hideaway. They traveled to Tybee Island Georgia, up and down the Delaware shore, along the Kalamazoo River in Michigan and west to California.

The Fairhaven, Massachusetts home of Roberta Laprade of enchantedtreasures.com, is one of the featured homes. To give her cottage the appearance of more space and light, Roberta uses mirrors. Most have vintage frames that she has painted creamy white. On her lace-draped mantel, she uses them to reflect gathered seashells. “Draping the mirrors with crystal garlands, gives the reflected light extra sparkle,” says Barbara, “like light that naturally bounces off water.”

“The easiest way to give any home a waterside attitude is by avoiding furniture that is, or looks, too new,” Barbara advises. “Since old-fashioned summer cottages were often furnished with sturdy but past-its-prime furniture, it’s important to replicate that spirit with secondhand gems, such as a whitewashed antique four-poster bed or mismatched side tables with peeling paint.”

Barbara also suggests “propping” with items that recall shore vacations. Create a collage of vintage postcards. Place an old telescope near a window. Stock up on vintage games or metal sand pails. Accent a chaise or sofa with pillows in a tropical print. “And, don’t forget the chippy wire baskets or porcelain bowls of sea glass, starfish and shells,” Barbara concludes. “It’s not a beach cottage if it doesn’t have something that you’ve brought home from the beach — even if you found it in a boardwalk shop!”

One of the fastest ways to anchor a room by the water is with pattern. You can make a big commitment with wallpaper, rugs and upholstery fabric or test the waters with pillows and wall art.

Thibaut’s new Seaside collection features carefree coastal designs (at a price). Motifs include shells, tiny fish and underwater scenes in beach blues, kelp greens and sandy colorways.

Another element that makes a cottage cozy is the illusion that the décor is a bit impromptu. Even if done by an interior designer, it’s the urchins plopped in an antique bowl, accents crafted from beachcombing finds or popsicle stick frame made by a child and proudly displayed that put the “cozy into the cottage.”

Visit the book's blog at www.barbarajacksier.com to find out when Cozy Waterside Cottages goes on sale and how to order autographed copies.

Mantel photo preview for Cozy Waterside Cottages courtesty of photographer Dan Mayers. Text by Janet Coon and Barbara Jacksier. Images, graphics and text are not to be copied without written consent of the authors.