Collecting Antlers

Antlers are very popular now, which makes me very happy because I've had them part of my decor forever!

Above, is an unusual painted Black Forest antler which compliments the green majolica plates.

I love this one because of the oak leaves and acorns. The little antlers are from the European roe deer. Most of them are 50 to 100 years old.

We bought these at the flea market in December. They have dates already on them. 1930 and 1959.

They ended up in our bedroom on either side of the bed.

Most of my collection is at our house in Asti.

Close up of the antlers. I even have an antler on the credenza.

A bedroom in our Asti home has this set of antlers above the bed. I found this in an antique store over 15 years ago in Healdsburg.

When our boys were little, we decorated their rooms with an outdoor motif. Naturally, antlers were a must. We found them at antique stores and had fun searching for them.

This one is huge and hangs in son Alex's bedroom.

This large rack is actually resin. Another resin antler on the table.

Which is ok because it is hanging outside year 'round.

I realize some people are a little squeamish about antlers. Afterall, they came from a living deer! But I always say: I didn't kill the deer, it was already dead a long time when I found the antlers!

I know that doesn't sound very nice, but growing up with a father who deer hunted, maybe I'm a little used to the idea. Antlers were always around when I was growing up.

I just find them to be such a wonderful accent piece hanging above a painting or flanking a mirror. What do you think?

I'm joining Cindy's Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home.

Zoe Caroline

Isn't she lovely?

Yesterday, we were blessed with Granddaughter #2!

Needless to say, we are over the moon!

Cote de Asti

Cote: A hillside or slope in France

Our hillside view in Sonoma has us longing for warmer days ahead.

Longing for the sweet smell of lavender. The sound of the birds at dusk.

And the vineyard view

The Winter Bed

Welcome to the inner sanctum--our bedroom!

Upon entering the bedroom, it is apparent that this is a large room. Too large, in fact.

I tried cozying it up with coffee colored walls and rich fabrics.

The bed dressed for winter, wearing wool plaid, houndstooth, velvet and leopard. I chose both masculine and feminine fabrics for this room, and I designed the Eastern King velvet sleigh bed. I think it is actually bigger than our Prius in the driveway! But this room can take it and it is what was needed to fill the room.

All the linens on the bed as well as the carpeting are Ralph Lauren.

I've had fun mixing and layering the fabrics.

To me, that is what makes a bed inviting.

For spring and summer, the wool blanket and shams will be replaced with matelasse.

If we spend a third of our life in bed, don't you think we should have the highest thread count sheets, the loftiest down duvets and the best mattress we can afford?

Often times, the bedroom is the last room in the house to be decorated.

It should be the first! It is our sanctuary and we should feel pampered when we are there.

This matelasse chaise in the corner is my quiet place to curl up with a throw and read. I love how the windows look out to our redwood tree.

My side of the bed with family photos and books. Lots of books.

Notice Anna Karenina on the table.....I only have 700 pages to go!

This side of the bed never looks like this! It is usually piled with books, newspapers and fishing magazines!

There is a deck outside with another place to read in the summer or have a morning cup of coffee.

The soaking tub is another luxury I can't do without.

The chair was a flea market find that I reupholstered in this brown and cream check.

The faux bamboo cabinet is antique.

This wooden tray with reproduction barbolla mirror and of course a honey pot candle creates a pampered experience in the bath. Just add bubbles.......

Don't forget to pamper yourself with stacks of fluffy towels either!

The shower.

The bed again.

Hmmm, feeling sleepy?

I love linens and enjoy changing the look often in our bedroom. This could be an expensive hobby! However, everything either came from TJ Maxx or Marshalls. Ebay is another source for discounted duvet covers, blankets and sheets. I look for the highest thread count and rarely pay more than $40 for a set of king size sheets. Full retail is not in my vocabulary!

I'm joining The Gypsy's Corner for Three or More Tuesdays because I have three pillow shams on that bed!

I'm also linking up the The Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

True Companion

Our favorite song is "True Companion" by Marc Cohn

It tells the story of a love that lasts an entire lifetime

and on through eternity.

Happy Valentine's Day

to my True Companion!

* * * * * * * * *

Watch more Moviefone videos on AOL Video

Vintage Valentine Perfume Bottles

My friend Diana let me come over and "play" with her perfume bottles. As an antique dealer, she specializes in colored glass and has a particular love for perfume bottles. She has over 250 in her collection!

We had fun creating a vintage Valentine vignette with her red perfume bottles. The ones above are Czechoslovakian.

A close up of the pair. Notice the red tray they sit on. Wouldn't they make a wonderful Valentine gift?

If I were a handsome prince, I would give my love a perfume bottle! Hint hint....

Oh my, I love this one! This etched glass bottle is Bohemian.

I love these two Art Deco bottles from the 20's.

Besides perfume bottles, Diana has a collection of vintage Valentine cards. I particularly like this one!

A little trio. The one in the middle made my heart skip a beat!

Here is a little art glass bottle with a gold stopper.

Diana has many bottles with the floral spray on top like this one. It is Venetian Glass.

A peek at Diana's collection. This is only one shelf! I plan to feature more in the future of her extensive collection of colored glass, perfume bottles and vintage costume jewelry.

Another precious vintage Valentine card.

And finally, a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to you!

Thank you Diana for letting me play with your wonderful collections!

I'm joining Laurie's Valentine Party at Bargain Hunting With Laurie. It should be quite a "love fest" so come by and have a look at all the participants.

I'm also joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday. I have a feeling there will be lots of Valentine Show and Tell, so check it out.

Romantic Valentine Candlelight Dinner

We usually don't make a big deal of Valentine's Day. A nice quiet candlelight dinner is how we will celebrate the night.

The table setting is simple. The roses and candlelight are the stars here.

The mercury glass vases each hold six red roses, plus one rose for the napkin.

There are ten mercury glass votives marching down the center of the table, plus the red votives at each place setting casting their candlelight glow.

Let's turn out the lights!

How romantic is this?

A close up of the place setting.

A sweet Valentine bouquet.

The roses.....

and candlelight....

make a romantic dinner for two.

Floral Plates: Sur La Table

White Plates: Pottery Barn

Chargers: Costco

Mercury Glass Votives: Cost Plus

Placemats, napkins, silver and cutlery, etc.

from my own collection.

I'm linking up to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. I'm sure there will be many Valentine themed tablescapes, so check them out!

I'm also linking up to Laurie at Bargain Hunting with Laurie for her Valentine's Party on Friday. It will be fun to see all the Valentine inspiration there.