Tracy Porter Blog… be inspired!

So…I got this gorgeous e-mail the other day..and I just love to share… get a load of these beautiful women!! They made a spectacular road trip to the IRIS APFEL exhibit in Salem. I feel like I went along with them….well…I guess I sort of did…..and I loved every minute of it!! Look at these lovely souls….Miss Shirley, Rebecca..with darling baby Anna, Sandi…( my dear friend that sent me the photo) and Pam holding handsome Griffin!! I love each of you for going…and I love you for wearing our goods to the exhibit…you are top to toe….delicious!! Thank you for sharing with us….and thank you IRIS!!

Cheers and Gorgeousness to All!!
Xxx,
T.
Tracy Porter

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OK…Check this out! This very cool guy named Vincent recently introduced himself to me…and I love what he does!! He is a smarty…without a doubt. Vincent is an art dealer that started this cool website COLLEGE ART ONLINE to encourage all of us to buy fine art made by college students….! Very cool indeed…and imagine, you are doing all sorts of good for these young artists. For instance….maybe you’ll be helping them with tuition by supporting their art…and the way I see it college tuition is way pricey these days…and only becoming crazier by the
minute. ( this way they also may eat more than mac & cheese from the box…) You are getting in on the goods before a gallery owner snatches these brilliant minds and their talents up and they become officially ” Gallery Artists” ..which is so cool…but don’t you want to be “the discoverer”. I have spent some time digging around on this website…loads of goodness to
see, something for everyone…eclectic and fabulous! I asked my friend Vincent if I could feature a few of the gems from his site….

A FLOATING MEMEORY OF LOVE by Sean Deckert

I love this….any sketch book like stuff intrigues me..sort of like seeing
the process, it fascinates me.

ALICANTE 2 by Drane Leon

Love the colors…love the movement….elegant….

BATHING WOMAN by Krystal Kuhn

Marvelous….so interesting…love her, love her toes…love the
colors…stunning.

ST. TIENS by Logan Dyme

Simple grace . A handsome piece. This just makes me calm….art will always
give you a feeling, you should buy what makes you feel good.

GISELLE by Jennifer Bakalar
A beautiful piece. I love the sepia feel…I would put this anywhere.

STILL ALIVE .08(1) by Ruben Coen-Cagli

Quirky and delicious. Makes me smile.

I could have picked scores of these gems..so much to choose from…photos, sculptures, paintings…endless my loves…truly endless.

www.collegeartonline.com

Cannot wait to hear what you think….I love perusing anyone’s artwork…seeing through another eye, another mind…another world. Keeps me inspired….keeps me evolving. Thanks Vincent…and all of you that let us feature your beautiful works of art.

Cheers and Beauty!
xxx
T.
Tracy Porter

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We have a Winner!!

For all of you who listened to my RADIO CHATTER last week… THANK YOU! We LOVE hearing from you on our BLOG…as it allows us to share and to inspire each other in such a cool way.. thanks for all of you who are willing to jump in!!  
We are THRILLED beyond words for Stacie… our LUCKY Winner!!   Stacie will receive our  Rendezvous Bag  (with a  secret goodie tucked inside)!!  Lucky YOU, Stacie!!
Congratulations, DARLING!!

xxx
Tracy Porter

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You know I love to cook, and being the magpie that I am…cannot go without snapping up cookbooks that make me smile. I KNOW HOW TO COOK is a charmer! This has been the French standard of home cooking forever and finally is here in English and ready to inspire your everyday noshings! Simple and amusing….these recipes remind me of my French Grand’Mere…and inspire me to get out her cast iron pans that were so graciously passed down to me…and get whipping it up! Speaking of…..whipping it up…..….today is live Radio Wednesday!!
Hope you can join me today 2-3 PM CST for an hour of chatting and perhaps some singing ( what will my theme song be…..? the mystery remains….) Ahhhh..well…either we can chat then, or on your own later with our podcast.

Cheers and Kisses!!
xxx
T.
Tracy Porter

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One of my favorite things to do is pull together inspired looks. These sorts of things push me in new directions, allow my eye and brain to dance in new ways. I am every inspired to discover fresh thoughts , explore another way of seeing things. I may be inspired to recreate a room, or just a small vignette, bar or tabletop. I love the idea of intense pop’s of color and texture waltzing with natural woods. I am always craving a bit of shine….or twinkle if you will…even the smallest touch pulls my eye into it. I cannot escape the exotic…I find it irresistible . The essential key to making a look work often times, is adding in a touch of something otherworldly…something that feels well travelled. I adore warmth in textiles…..which is why our rugs always feel aged and washed with time. Even the idea of putting outdoor lighting inside makes me intrigued, why wouldn’t you. Handsome lighting can be used in new ways to push your idea of home. Like a firefly I am ever making my way through dancing stars to get to a new spark…something untamed….splendid and spirited.

Come explore with me….and do share…what is it that inspires a room?…a new idea?….how do you push yourself to see in new ways…I simply must know!

Cheers and Happy Awakenings!!
Xxx,
T.
Tracy Porter

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Dust a table with glitter? ..just a dusting…or maybe inside a card..or a touch in a pretty bowl….pretty isn’t it…this is from a window in NYC at ABC carpet and home. Keep your eyes peeled inspiration is everywhere….

Eat hot dogs from a street vendor…or at the ballpark….or over a campfire….?

Finger paint…, or write….or doodle…with no plan in mind…just as a child would…freely..?

Hang paper hearts from your chandelier….or doorway..or mirror….because……. they are simple, and elegant…and soulful…do you?

Happiness To You!
xoxo
T.
Tracy Porter

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It has been years since I plunked myself down to watch this dazzling movie. I think I may just have to put it onto an annual must see movie list. So, a few weekends ago….after the kiddies were all tucked into bed. I tucked myself in with this jewel. Unquestionably one of my all time much loved movies, and Auntie Mame herself…well…she is no doubt one of my favorite characters. Eccentric, bohemian, top to toe avant-garde gorgeousness. If I were an actress this would be the role I would LOVE to play more than any other ….truly what a riot. Rosalind Russell is genius. You may just need to watch it a few times ….because each time you do…you will unearth more goodness. Startling fashion..incredible sets….dripping I tell you!!! Now….apparently Tilda Swinton ( I love) and director Luca Guadagnino are considering dong a remake. I will keep my eyes and ears peeled for this one. Ok….I think you understand why this is a must see again…( or possibly must finally see) movie! You know I will always share my favorites…this one is high on the list!

What can I say….dragons? …well, you know I love dragons….I need to own this coat. Don’t you?

This is from the opening scene….her long duster is bright pumpkin orange… the black lace cat suit underneath is brilliance .

Cheers and Thrills….
Xxx
T.
Tracy Porter

P.S. A few goodies that I pulled for you to inspire your “ Auntie Mame” desire…..Hey, I’m just here to fan the flames…..

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I couldn’t leave you hanging after I went on and on over the Bowery…thought you would love a few more thoughts on the topic. Well…as you know I am an absolute chump for details, on anything really ,in any moment……….. life is all about the details. Some would rather not see the little things that I do, some would choose to take these sorts of things for granted…..not me sister. I am giddy over the idea that someone had to think about all this stuff…and in this case….someone really did. So , you walk in plunk down all your stuff and then right in front of you is this crazy cheerful calendar. Paper pages to keep or hang on your wall or scribble your innermost thoughts on….mark down your goings on, or save for your guinea pig to shred. Did you see the key….yes, big a chunk of brass goodness, with a tassel…you leave it at the desk as you leave the hotel…just like in LONDON!! Oh……happy days…genius isn’t it. Tell me you are smiling!!!!

For instance…..check out the privacy tag hanging on the back of the door…..really, really, someone thought to do this. Well….kisses to you my darling….you are the kind of smarty pants I like!

I always check out the lavatories first, I know I can count on a hotel that does a good lav. They get it. And , look…they have a love for French-ie pastry shop marble just like me!!! Sick eh?

Ok, that’s all I need to see. Pharmacy in my hotel, always a good sign. Bigelow apothecary, yes, indeed-y.

Second stop is always the mini bar. A must to peek at. But when it is well done…big points. So….indeed, big points here. Get this….L’artisan parfumeur candle…Dean and Delucca jelly beans, Leone mints, Manner hazelnut wafers. Marvis toothpaste………….. Are you kidding me, why leave the room.

…and then I spied this. Well, that’s it. Goodnight Alice. This is real, I am not kidding, they actually have St.Germain in their mini bar. I am nearly silenced by this. Ok, now I’m back. Whew….these folks really get it….they got me anyhow. Can you handle this darling little bottle. Mini St. Germain.

And….just so you could really get the feel. How about those doilies….how about those. Of all the things to think of…. they printed doilies with their little cool guy on them. I just want to fill those little things up with cucumber mash and put them on my eye lids for a long winters nap.

Cheers and Dreams and Details,
Xoxo,
T.

Tracy Porter

P.S. I have selected a few darling goodies to share that are petite, lovely and very much inspired by details to adore! Xoxo…T.

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A little inspiration for the day…..Our Pippa knit Cardigan and Fresco sleeveless jersey dress. Layering two gorgeous pieces is always the way to a more poetic wardrobe in my world. I adore the play of colors…always something to consider when tossing on your clothes in the morning. I am a firm believer that the road to wardrobe bliss is often one that needs a bit of shaking it up. This is how I come to the place of tempting fashion designs and delicious wardrobe combinations. I will always try colors that inspire my eye….textures that are interesting to touch and wear.

I love the warm orange and nutmeg coloration of this artful cardigan. We were trying to create an almost watercolor feel….an artist’s palette. The dirty green in the fresco sleeveless jersey dress allows the orange to feel even more alluring in a very soulful sort of way.

I am all for the option of belting a piece. This gives me more of a figure if I am looking for one…or to just leave the belt hanging down is lovely and elegant really and….bohemian.

The buttons are killer. Coconut…truly exceptional. I adore embellishments that will make you beam…buttons are always a good place to play. Isn’t this darling all buttoned up…if you so choose?!

Ahhhhh…the belt. Another one of my weaknesses…a handmade looking belt. Sort of a nod to my 1970’s childhood. I simply cannot help myself!

A danceable little number….easy to wear….comfy as a hammock in July.

Cheers and kisses!!
T.
Tracy Porter

p.s. Check out the video to see this outfit in action

P.P.S. Hope you can catch my live RADIO SHOW TODAY 2-3 PM CST …. We have lots to chatter on about today….I look forward to sharing all the goodness with you later!!! If by chance you cannot hang out live with me, catch the podcast when it works for your life!!
Xoxo
T.

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For all of you who joined our BLOG’s CHATTER last week… THANK YOU! We simply adore hearing from all of you… your DREAMS.. your WHIMS.. your LAYERS OF YOU. Sounds like we birds do adore a dusty nest woven in memories … ever-awaiting yet another curiosity… or eccentricity to add to her allure. More is more… (even more the older I grow…)…. Happy decorating… happy LIVING!!

We are THRILLED beyond words for Celine… our LUCKY $250 Gift Certificate Winner!! Congratulations, DARLING…. + Happy, Happy Shopping to you!!

xxx
Tracy (magpie) Porter

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Bowery Hotel, New York

Sarah (my “other” better half ….(John being my husbandly ~ Prince better half)…Sarah being the bohemian butterfly to my wild swan…the marmalade to my royal jelly …the prance to my jig….you get me…we create and think and soar around the world making discoveries in little dark Asian alley ways and ride elephants into the sunset….it’s one of those working friendships that really is rare…..sort of like (Bonnie and Clyde…but we see greater things for ourselves than that)….I know you want her job…everyone does.) and I flew into New York for a quickie day of business meetings and tacked on an extra day to gather up some inspiration. Now…I love going to New York any way you slice it. But staying at the Bowery Hotel adds that certain extra intoxication to the whole trip. I am a girl who finds inspiration on the backside of a dirty penny….so to find it in this hotel is really not exactly a scavenger event for me…it is truly all placed out on the royal courts silver platter……just waiting for the dance. I accept.

Now…I don’t want to be responsible for anyone getting hurt here…but I will warn you, the Bowery Hotel will make you weak in the knees…therefore putting you in the possible position of falling down. SO, firmly plant yourself in your chair before going any further…..( just looking out for your best interest. ) This is the lounge, sort of an extension of the lobby. Isn’t it crazy good. This is the place to sit and have a little cocktail before dinner. Such beauty for the wandering eye…….look at the rugs….all pushed up next to each other …( I need more rugs…old thread bare ones, wondering if the Easter bunny could put one of those in my basket this year?) All the furniture is velvet or tapestry, or just good old leathery darkness….dust in the cracks sort of stuff.

OR…you could sit here…..good isn’t it? You see how much you can take away from the “armchair travelers experience”…..take it all in, breathe…then start in on your house!!! The bookcases are stuffed full of goodness, the walls are a ditty warm grey-blue-ish antiqued color. Look at the stools, velvet with brush fringe…..crazy I tell, you ….crazy! Hope you are loving it as much as I do.

Check out the bookcase now…..spy that little stuffed real bulldog…whose was that? That one put Sarah over the top ( she has a bulldog)…..(now don’t go stuffing your dogs…this is surely an antique)…..and the velvet curtains….you know I adore curtains anywhere I can squeeze another panel or ten. I like them more so in spots like this even than the windows….this just makes for the most wonderful layer of warmth…don’t you think?

Another alcove….more velvet, antlers, rugs, old oil paintings. ( just re-read that over and over and you will fall into the trance that I am in)

I know, need vs. want. I am clear on this topic, trust me. But since we share a lot as friends and all…I can tell you. I “NEED” some velvet chairs with brush fringe. And surely more antlers never hurt any wall. Can you say English countryside mansion ….oh, I am swooning….well, now you know…..mad love affairs like this can only do the heart good.

P.S. I have more to share about this trip….I’ll give you Bowery part two and more this week.

Cheers and Dusty Velvet Kisses To You!!
Xxx
T.
Tracy Porter

P.P.S. I snagged a range of goodies from our site to show you how easy it is to take inspiration from the Bowery Hotel photos and apply it to your own home…..all the goods I picked would give you that certain Bowery raison d’être. Layers of musky exoticness…..can’t you just smell it?

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Amazing on Haricot Vert….If only these were straight from my own lil’ potager….that will come soon enough.

I will start this post by apologizing to you. You see….once you make or buy this truffle butter you may never leave your kitchen again. Worse yet, you may become a finger licker or like me a spoon or knuckle licker….so run, be safe, go far…far away from me…..or….indulge your inner gastronomical temptress and read on. Just remember I warned you….you are now in the danger zone….it is deep and luscious and tough to move on from.
OK, so …now that we’ve cleared that up…let me get down and dirty with you. Truffle butter..is not some snobby food obsession to put your nose up to….it is ( true confessions) a mad love affair that you have just been invited to join in on. It is a taste like no other…it melts in your mouth and leaves you craving just one more lick, a schnivel, a dollop…a splotch. It’s warm and musky and exotic and homey…it’s your raison d’être…to have more bread, to kiss your love, to take another sip of your wine….to smile and mmmm and just be glad that some darling little hog in France found these gems in the first place. ( ok, that was my ode to my mother, my French Grand Mere and M.F.K. Fisher in one babbling diatribe!)  Now you know me even better.  My lovely mother ( the cook I aim to be as good as someday)…made some for me recently and truth be told….I am going to selfishly finish off the pot myself. Try it, or easier yet…buy it. Do kiss and tell….you know I love hearing from you….and let’s face it you read this far…now there really is no escaping me.

P.S. Killer on…pasta, chicken, any steamed veggies, lamb, crusty French bread……or your main squeezes toes. Trust me.

Truffle Kisses,
Xxx,
T.
Tracy (Truffle) Porter

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Happy Valentine’s Day this weekend!! Kind of nice that it falls on a Sunday this year…take advantage of some down time if you are able and find a way to spoil yourself…or someone else!!
Sometimes days fly by so fast and turn into weeks and months before we put our heads up and realize we haven’t done something wonderful for someone….anyone…including ourselves…..little things can go a long, long way!! Here is my list of “ little things” that go a long way to make a heart sing…yours, mine, his, hers, young, younger, ageless ….….…please add to the list….( let’s make it “ our list”) you know I love your thoughts and inspirations….

Kisses and Happy Valentines Wishes,
xxx,
T.
Tracy Porter

The Little list of Things That Will Make Anyone’s Heart Sing

• Looking straight into someone’s eyes to tell them you love them…or really, really like them a lot!
• Thanking someone…for anything, for helping, for being there, for being honest, for the sandwich they just made you….
• An e-mail, a note, a letter, a sticky note..a simple scribble of love and gratitude in any form…
• A batch of cookies
• A book , CD, or movie that you adore…goodness to share and inspire
• Being proactive…doing something without being asked…just because you can and you care enough to
• A token of nature…a stone, a lichen covered branch, a flower…an abandoned birds nest
• A bowl of favorite ice cream in bed
• Understanding
• An unexpected gift sent in the mail
• A picnic
• A surprise adventure
• A new journal
• Hugs, kisses, please, thank you, yes, no, maybe, of course, why not, sure, I’d love to….let’s….
• Encouraging someone’s dreams, hopes, wishes…believing in them for who they are
• Fresh squeezed lemonade
• No Judgment…unconditional love
• Telling someone that you admire them, or look up to them & are inspired by them
• Telling someone how very proud you are of them
• A nature walk
• Seeing the silver lining in a bummer situation
• Fresh sheets
• A dark room filled with glowing candles
• A lovely handmade cocktail
• No schedule, no timeline…..
• A hot towel after a long bubble bath

Darlings..this is endless…and so much fun…ponder with me..share…do tell…..What “little thing” would make your heart sing?

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We Had such a beautiful response to our “Be Open and Embrace the Rawness of Life”…..that we thought a special printout “keeper” would be in order….a gift for you for being so generous with your thoughts ..for sharing so freely of yourselves…..Have I told you today? ……that YOU REALLY ROCK !!!! Our small company is entirely moved and thrilled to have you here…with us..chatting it up…hanging out…..being here, you know…sort of sappy of me. But I mean it…and so let me get on with it…this is for you. Share it with your friends or family…or someone that needs a wee bit O’ TLC….or keep it for you…we made it easily printable…do what you will….thank you…for being the raw + real you!!!

Cheers and Happiness!
Xxx,
T.
Tracy Porter

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Yes. You heard me….or rather, you read that right. Slam it up. That is how I get art on my walls sometimes. I am just so satisfied with my method that I figured I’d share. You see, not having hours on end to decorate and yet…… having the want of constant evolution in our home has simply collided with my need for instant gratification. Are you getting me….? Well…I will break it down even further for you. This gem, on my wall. Simple. An old page..( “fallen angel” if you are a book lover like me) hot glued right onto the wall. A photo of Grand’Mere….tacked onto the page and then this broken frame dug up from the basement….just tacked up with some of those super mini nails…(yes, you know…. the ones you put between your teeth when you are hammering the other one up). See. This is not scary,……. no measuring, no panic setting in. Just some good old fashioned cool junk and heart string memories…slammed up. Now you have time to do another one….and then another one. Isn’t this awesome. I just knew you would love it.

Cheers and Happy Slamming ( wall art that is my loves….wall art.)
Xxx,
T.
Tracy Porter

P.S. Do join me today for some lively chattering on the air!! My radio show is LIVE today from 2-3 PM CST. Catch it if you can…and maybe call me if you get so inspired..toll free darlings..877.864.4869….or grab the podcast later when you are snuggled into your bunny slippers by the fire!! You know I always have loads of delicious inspirations and inside scoop to share!!! xxx T.

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