around the garden shop

Fall crept into our garden shop, as well...

Super luxe and lush bathrooms

I have never had a bathroom worth writing home about in my years as a renter, so on the rare occasion that I get to travel, I always appreciate a hotel with a clean, well-stocked, and zen bathroom. If I'm lucky enough to have a room with a whirlpool tub, or a walk in shower, it is something I always remember.

How luxe is that shower!?!

So how does a hotel take a bathroom to the next level?

For rooms that house two guests, the minimum in luxury bathrooms should be twin basins and mirrors. Bathrooms boasting marble surfaces, spacious baths and showers with steam or sauna options and mirror cabinets with inbuilt televisions are elements that are sure to impress guests. Whirlpool baths are another luxurious pleasure that come in all shapes and sizes to suit varying room sizes and the corresponding number of occupants.

Faucets are often underestimated in terms of their impact on user experience and therefore hotels can deliver plenty in regards to this element in the bathroom - just as long as it is still useable.  I hate it when a sink is too shallow to wash my face. In some instances, faucets tie together the entire design  and level of opulence of the room. Designer taps with sensor operation, single lever operation or floor standing options all offer a luxury experience for guests.

I'd feel like a princess using this bath located in Kenya.

What do you think of that tree sculpture?

 This Cape Town hotel bathroom couldn't have a better view.

Same with this hotel in Capri.


What makes a hotel stand out for me is to offer indulgent bathing experiences to the same degree that they offer indulgent eating experiences. Who wouldn't remember a spectacular whirlpool bath tub, spacious enclosures or indulgent walk-in shower?

Do you remember a hotel bathroom that really stuck in your mind as being absolutely fabulous?


1 - 4 via Elle Decor, 5-7 via ABC News Explore


*disclosure: This post in partnership with ACVA.co.uk

Some Inside Shots

While I am waiting for the appraisal on the house, I thought I would show you some inside pictures.

Keep in mind that this house was "staged".  No one has lived in it for two years.

The foyer.  I love it because it is wide and very bright with the dormer window and all of the sidelights on the door.

If you remember my last house - it had a den to the left and a dining room to the right off of the foyer.

This house is very similar, except the den is to the right (picture of den below)...see the doorway on the right in the picture below?  That is a sun room and will be my office.  I will show you more of it a few pictures down.

 Here is another shot of the den at a little different angle.  It has two entries.  One from the foyer and one from the hallway that leads to the guest bedroom.

 Here are a few shots of the sun room, that will be my office.

The view from "my office" window.

The dining room is to the left when you walk in the door.

This is the view of the dining room from the hallway off of the kitchen.

Looking at the living room, from the foyer.  The French doors lead to the back patio.

A shot at the living room, standing in the kitchen.

Another shot of the living room, standing next to the fireplace.

The kitchen, looking towards the eat-in area of the kitchen.  Remember in this post, how I told you that I would like to make that area of a kitchen, more of a lounge area. I think this is a perfect spot for that.

Another set of French doors, off the "lounge" area.

The other end of the kitchen.

The guest room.

The bonus room upstairs.  This room has two dormers.

It will be Mr. Comforts office.  He is an engineer and works out of our home.

And finally, the master bedroom.

Once we close on the house and start house whispering, I will show you more photos.  If all goes well, we are suppose to close near the end of November.

Welcome Home,

Penny

I have fall fever and its contagious......

Good morning......So do I have any fellow fall lovers out there? I know, I know there are soooo many  fall posts out there..but I simply could not resist sharing some favorite fall images.  I must say I get a little pep in my step when fall rolls around, when my sleeveless shirt dilemmas say goodbye until next season, when I feel inspired to start making big pots of my favorite comfort foods (and there are many trust me on that), when apple picking and fall foliage season come about. Yes, this all excites me like you can't believe!

My own fall decor this season........

I love waking up that cool air, and opening a window and just breathing fall in. I  love adding little touches around my home to signify falls arrival. Nothing over the top, but little subtle touches here and there. So,  today's a tribute to fall and the glorious inspiration it inevitably brings like a beautifully wrapped present every time this time of year. How about you? Do you like to add touches of fall into your home?  Do you enjoy the season like I do? Do tell!

How spectacular is this rustic outdoor setting in a barn....absolutely idyllic!

Are you seriously ever too old for a candy apple? I think not...don't you know if you eat one in the fall, its half the calories:)

Something about an outdoor setting under the rustling leaves with a slight fall breeze.....doesn't get better!

 

A fun time to go a litlte crazy with fall decor......love the colors! Pottery Barn

I feel you are never too old to hit a pumpkin farm!

Hello crusty bread and hearty homemade soup! 

Fall is a visit to Central Park and watching the model sailboats take sail in the cool fall breeze....

Fall is meant for apple picking (and apple pie ala mode of course)!

Its the perfect season to burn fall scented candles...and how about these darling gourd ones? PB

The spectrum of colors is nothing short of a miracle

Where apples in abundance can be found.....Country Living

And creating beautiful fall-ish vignettes! (Pottery Barn)

I cannot help but think of lazy late afternoons...true I NEVER get to catnap in a beautiful hammock in a sun lit lakeside cozy cabin but I can dream about it! (Pinterest)

How about all those precious little trick or treaters that come around every fall? 

Apple pie and fall are practically synonymous!

And doesn't fall make the most inspiring table setting with the rich colors and wonderful textures! CL

Fall is meant for settings like this, a charming quiet cabin on a lake.......love it!

And wearing gorgeous cashmere sweaters and scarves and fabulous racing gloves..ooh la la!

And creating simple arrangements of beautiful fall leaves and gourds in pretty old urns.....

Give me any excuse to have to stay home and put on a pair of cozy socks...ahh, that's fall for you!

And finally, fall and wonderful comfort foods go together like oreos and milk, don't you think?

Well that's what fall means to me.........So what about you? There's so much to celebrate during this wonderful season! Do you love fall and get excited over it being here too? Whats your absolute favorite thing about this magical season? Do tell!