Tracy Porter Blog… be inspired!

I love that mixing it up is “legal” here – rather than getting things just so and leaving them that way, Tracy just re-arranges her way into freshness, new combinations, and surprises around the house! Even the outfit is such a fun mix of things – love the funky pants! Are they a spring item?? Please say yes! They look GREAT with the Empress Top, which I hadn’t considered until I saw it worn this way…back to the shopping cart! By the way, I have a TP box waiting for me to open this morning…will report back later!

P.S. The new items…ooohhhh….and I can TASTE the leopard-print number in the background! When, oh when will we see that beauty?
Such tenderness about Dads in yesterday’s blog; I do hope your Dad is doing better today, Diane. Please keep us posted.

This post is so Virginia. Are you out there Va? It looks just like you! Great idea to use the chair as a table. Love it! And…turning the rug over gives much more muted tones, really beautiful.
Also…isn’t that the happiest music? It should be our theme song. LOL

Good morning!
Another great clever idea from Tracy. I can’t wait to try it. I must go to a flea market one of these days and find all these treasures.
Anyone having trouble viewing full screen? Today was no problem, but yesterday it wouldn’t work for me.
Tracy looks so cute in all these great fashions. Great pants. Must go fill the shopping cart once again.
I would love to see the black dining room everyone is raving about. liseatthelake@yahoo.com.
Thanks for all the great advice and info from all you gals.
Cameo, who is this Mr. Chou? I would love to find a desk like yours and Tracy’s.
Must go find a lamp now…
TTFN!

TRACY…I am all GGG (girl gone giddy) over this!!! My strapping, handsome son (football player) recently sat in one of my antique chairs, and it broke! DH wanted to throw it out, oh no,no,no I said…and put a throw over it, stacked a few books on it and sat it in a corner…Now you have shown me how to take it to the next level….running off to find a darling frenchy little lamp and a gorgeously handmade necklace….How we love you so!!! Thank you for these great decorating videos!!!
So much fun!!! Beautiful day to all!!!
xoxo Desiree

Good Morning Sweet Blogettes!

I love everything about this…..ARTIST, It’s just like Va’s chair in her powder room….charm galore!!!!! All, you must ask Virginia to send pics of it when she’s done!!
Smashing! REBECCA, I’m with you on the funky pants with the Empress top…… Fantastic mix,
just like I like my home to be! CAMEO, where
are you sistergirl??? TRACY AND SARAH, are you on your way home? I know you can’t reply right now…..please hurry…..we miss you!!
XOXOX and sunny days to all!

Dear Gretchen,Artist,Hailey, Rebecca, Becky, Carol M, Virginia,Cameo, Sandi, Mo, Jamie, Lisa, Phyllis, Dawn, Susan B, Desiree, Claudine, and all of the Sisterhood,

Thank you so very much for all the wonderful thoughts, prayers and sentiments.
You are the best and I do appreciate all of you reaching out to me during this difficult time.
I hope someday to meet up with all of you wonderful women.
Sandi, thank you for sharing your story of your Dad and may you be blessed with these wonderful memories forever.
My Dad will have surgery today, since his chest tube is not working as efficiently as they would like it to.
My husband and I will be leaving in the morning to be with my Dad for a few days.
Thanks again for everything, you are the best.

I will check in periodically for the diversion and of course I would not want to miss Friday’s segment.

XOXOXO

Diane (TP Sister)

Diane-I just said a prayer for you and your dad. God is good!
Ladies isn’t today’s video so fun. I have tons of chairs at the store and at home that I buy here and there–I am going to make some of them sidetables! The ones at the store I use for displaying merchandise..just never thought about doing the same in my home. Today in Ada it is in the thirty’s yesterday it was in the eighties–gotta love Oklahoma weather! I hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday…off to unpack new merchandise…everyday here feels like Christmas:)…until it is time to pick up (I hate styrofoam and packing peanuts..ugh)!!!

What a way cool idea to use that sweet little chair as a table. Why is it when Tracy wears something here we all want it? Was that top so cute on her or what? And striped pants, do I dare with all my curves? I think she just looks cute in everything. Like you said, back to my shopping cart.
Have a wonderful day everyone!
Denise

Hi lovely ladies!! as always! Another inspirational video!! I really need to jazz up my mantel and powder room!! I need to go through the archives and her books to get some fresh inspiration!! Hope Tracy and Sarah are doing great in China!!! Fun lives!! Have great day everyone!!XXOO

KELLY, EMILY and MALLORY- Ok gals, how does Friday 10:00 at the Highlands Ranch Tattered Cover sound? I think Friday will work for me, Kelly and Emily…Mallory are you available? Also, I’m open to meeting for cofee someplace in Castle Rock, so Kelly does doesn’t have to drive so far, but don’t know the area…suggestions anyone?

TRACY~ I L-000000000VVVE (oh, I finally found my Opera voice!) this one!!! I abSOULutely ADORE it when you show us decorating tips…AND especially love to see you ‘dragging the stuff’ in from other rooms. I DO have a little antique chair that no one can sit in…(in the ‘cozy quiet area of my studio) that was one of a set of four that my grandmother had. I TREASURE it
(My Gram died when I was 10), and when my precious Grandfather moved from his house into a mobile home across the street from Waldon Pond in Concord, he gave each of the 4 chairs to the four granddaughters. Such a SWEET thing to do. Also four ‘Bunny’ plates were divided up…mine now hangs on the wall above the sink in our pantry. I LOVE it.)

DIANE~ Thank you for letting us know about your Dad’s surgery. We will raise our prayers to the next level and hold him (and YOU) very close to our hearts. Peace be with you dear one…and your husband, as you journey to Maine to be with your Dad. May angels surround you…

with tenderness and healing prayers, ~*~*~*~Sandi

Dear God,
We ask safe passage to Maine
for Diane and her husband,
and that they find angels along
their journey.
Surround Diane’s father with loving,
kind and skilled caretakers to help
him in his healing.
Thank you God.
Our hearts are grateful.
Amen.

TraLaaaaa~ I am in heaven when Tracy does decorating videos, I love this and just did this in my family room, but of course Tracy takes it to a whole new level…I must go back and add some more color to my story!
Beautiful day to all you darlings!
Lisa

AMEN Sandi!!! praying for your Dad too, Diane, and for your family!

Have you all noticed the new colors in Tracy’s blog banner(header) above? I always love the new colors….but this is gorgeous. The deep blue with that fuscia, etc. LOVE!!!! a great creative team!!

Love this old chair/table idea!

jenny

Wow, Tracy… I really needed a side table for my living room (by the couch…) and you just gave me a fantastic idea. I have a vintage wooden chair that I can do the same… how charming and also $$$ saving!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for a wonderful idea! You make my heart sing ~~~ woohoo~~~

SANDI~ I dub you spiritual leader! Really, though, beautiful, thank you.
Lisa

What an inspiration! I am enjoying the warmth of spring weather here in the south (expected high of 74!)with windows and doors wide opened. I have enjoyed a walk around the yard this morning and finding all these sweet little green sprouts poking out in the garden and I wait with great anticipation to see them unfurl into what I hope will be my perennials and not weeds! I am gathering my garden books to spread about the house so that I have pictures of flowers if not the real ones yet. Tracy and Sarah- a book that you might find inspirational is “David Attenborough Amazing Rare Things – The Art of Natural History in the Age of Discovery” The pages are full of scrumptious drawings which I think you could use to inspire you in more fabulous patterns and designs. Ahh nature, what a joy to hear the birds chirping in the morning again and the bull frogs croaking in the evening! Diane- I will be praying for your dad’s surgery and speedy recovery!
I am the newbie – don’t even have a blog address!!! Ladies- enjoy the day! Kim

TP blogettes! Yesterday after Cameo mentioned the “Dreams from Home” book, I cracked it open to look through it… again. I have owned this book for years and years…the copyright date on it is 1998… and it still inspires me. Tracy tells a touching story about her Grandma Lucy and a peacock she gave to her…page 15…if you have this book go read it. If you don’t have this book and her “Inspired Gatherings” book you need to get your Tracy book collection started!
I read Tracy’s blog everyday…don’t chime in everyday…but always read the comments everyone makes…and I have to say you lovely women are the most positive group of women. Happy glorious day to all! And dearest Diane…I am thinking of you and praying for you and your dad. I’m a believer in prayer…it is a powerful thing!

Tracy, I love how you do not follow traditional decorating rules. Me either. If I like, then I just do it. I know you are the same way, and it’s what brings me back for more Tracy! LISA, KELLY, AND MALLORY –Yes, I am in for Coffee at 10AM this Friday. I do not know Castle Rock well either, but will go there if you find a spot. Otherwise, I will be at the Tattered Cover in HR. Looking forward to it!

Tracy what a great video and a great idea. But then you are always so full of them. In your first book I bought in 1998, you had a birthday party in a silo on your Stonehouse farm for John for his 35th birthday. The whole setting was so awesome I have never forgotten it. Have been looking for a silo ever since. You gurls have to get Tracys books. Beautiful and full of inspiration. Love you Tracy

VIRGINIA…
You and I must think alike. I opened up “Dreams from the Home” a couple of weeks ago and did the very same thing… read through the acknowledgments and smiled as I recognized many of the names…
Tracy’s book are SUCH treasures aren’t they?
They are FILLED with such creativity and SUCH love and WARMTH… even the photography throughout is warm and inviting. Don’t you just LOVE John’s birthday celebration in the SILO!?
KATE~ YES! Tracy’s books are just wonderful…And continue to inspire us each time we open them… they really ARE “Timeless”. Do you also have “Tracy Porter’s Home Style” book?..That one is excellent as well. Her older books can still be found (used but in excellent or ‘like new’ conditon on amazon.)
With a smile in my heart, ~*~*~*~ Sandi

Sandi, what a beautiful prayer. Diane, thank you for letting us know what’s going on so we can send our prayers, thoughts and wishes to you as you travel and to your Dad and to everyone involved in his surgery. Doctors and nurses truly do God’s work.
You can count on us to be here for you for diversion and support…and how right you are to draw from Inspiration Friday!

LOVE your use of Red & Turquoise, Tracy!!! my fav color combo!!!! Love those pillows!!!

I’ve gotta’ get that duvet& those pillows! LOVE!!

jenny

My son is home with a stomach bug today, so I’m off to read to him while he soaks in the bath, and nurse his seven-year-old self back to health. However, just wanted to report back on my box of TP goodies:
The Olive Crochet Cardigan – would not have gone for this if The Sisterhood hadn’t blogged about it because it’s not a color I usually can pull off. So glad I did – it’s funky, comfortable, and nicely cut! Looks fabulous with the Agean Necklace that I just got too (which is so pretty – bright, graceful, goes with everything)!
Charcoal Fine Knit Cami – this little number is smashing, and truly finely knit, very light, stretchy, and the straps are adjustable. Looks great on!
Equestrian Trench Coat – I drooled over this one for a while and finally went for it – wasn’t sure I could do justice to the quilted fabric with my post-partum self, but it is very forgiving, and the “pulse-pounding” red lining is not only on the inside, but in the pockets, underneath the back placket, under the front flaps by the shoulders…a little bit of yummy from Tracy to us! The velvet accents are very sophisticated and the embroidery on the front collar just puts it over the top.
Modern Trench Coat – again, not a usual color for me, but it is so well-made, with that rich, elegant fabric – I’m so glad I own it! No wonder women attack people in the grocery store with it on (was that you, Cameo? Or Artist? Can’t remember who blogged about getting attacked but now I know why!).
Hollis Paisley Shirt Dress – Good Lord, is this piece beautiful. All silk, beautiful drape, and they’re right about the belt – it’s a beauty, but also looks WONDERFUL as a scarf (Pam, you could do that now while pregnant and enjoy wearing at least some of this splendor while you wait… )
So, I encourage all of you to think outside of your usual colors and styles – I think you will be pleasantly surprised as I was! I’m just reveling in how well-made and amazing every single item of clothing is from here – and so happy that the range is so wide; lots of different fabrics, looks, combinations – and somehow they all work together in funky, bohemian, elegant, hip ways!! XOXO Tracy and Company!!

Sandi, I do not own “Tracy Porter’s Home Style” book, was at the library once with my kids and checked it out. I read it and took lots of notes. It too is a keeper, I do need to purchsase that one. Sandi, your prayer was beautiful. Diane I hope you feel our prayers for you this day!

Hi Tracy, I really would like to know where you find your Chinese Pagoda lampshades ? I have a lot of difficulties to find these in Los Angeles, or maybe I don’t search at the right places ? Anyway, I liked this video a lot, very cool though I only have working chairs, but I keep this idea in mind just in case I would meet an old distressed Louis XVI French chair in my homeland country. A little heavy to bring back to L.A. in my suitcase, but who knows !
Just another thing : All my thoughts to the father who is in surgery. I didn’t follow the story very well but if we are many to think of him, it will help, I am sure.
Yael
P.S. : sorry if my English isn’t perfect, I think everybody gets the idea…

Where do I start? I Love everything! I enjoy reading the comments from all you wonderful so full of life people…my son Wellington started checking the blog 2 weeks ago after I purchased 14 items from Tracy Porter. He said he has never seen me so inspired and excited about anything so he was concerned…lol.It is so cool to know that there are (normal) people like me who enjoy beautiful places, things and people. After being the proprietress of 3 tea rooms in Seattle it is so much fun to rediscover the art of finding treasures. I’m so happy to have found all of you! Create a great day and keep smiling.

I agree whole-heartedly with Rebecca… thank you so much for your beautiful prayer – you will be in my thoughts, Diane and your husband while your journey to support your father. Blessings. Just have to chime in here that on my last TP order I threw in a copy of “Tracy Porter’s Home Style” – I am loving tons of inspiration from this book in putting together my newly finished remodel. So many wonderful ways to incorporate our own style and infuse color. My daughters are at the perfect age to decorate their rooms and they are also inspired by Tracy’s wisdom in these pages – whew! That’s a good thing for me so that they are not pushing for pop culture things their friends talk about at school. Love the personalized classics! Must say that I am quite jealous you ladies can get together for coffee and chat about fun ideas we blog around here ~ please tell your friends in Northern California about the fun we have here so I can have a coffee group, too! I’ve been telling mine – may see my sister, Karen soon! So fun! Have a wonderful day loves!

Jenny, push the buy button on the linens!!!
Sandi, thank you for being our spiritual leader…you are amazing.
Diane, I am praying for you and your dad.
Tracy, you are too cute in striped pants. Who else could pull that off?
Cameo dear, you have been MIA way too long. We need your input on everything!
Colorado girls enjoy your meeting, I am jealous!!! It will be such fun.
Kate, you must chime in more often!!
Carol, you always say the nicest things!!! All of you girls are so encouraging, The validation is not wasted on me!!LOL I love it!
Gretchen, today is a day to remember Dad. He was one in a million!! Eat enough ice cream for both of us since I am dieting.
Girls, I offered to handpaint Gretchen’s Living Room drapery panels. Don’t you think she should. They are cream velvet much like the ones Tracy painted.
As I write this, a carpenter is here installing my olive green glass doorknob in the powder room. yippee!! The icing on the cake.
80 degrees today, husband golfing, think I’ll go find a chair to use as a table. LOL

Sepia…I love your son’s name- Wellington, haven’t heard that one before…and 14 items from Tracy!!! For me, that would be a dream come true! Are they all fashion items? Tell us what you bought, which ones are your faves. I love reading about other people’s purchases. I have the Equestrian Trench Coat, Denim Trench, Mossy Green sweater, Olive Cardigan Sweater, St. Augustine vest, and a few items from last summer that are no longer around. The St. Augustine vest is my favorite…you can put it over the most basic boring outfit, and instantly look smashing. Orderd the persian shirt last week after seeing Tracy wear it in her Tomato soup video, it will be arriving tomorow, can’t wait.

Welcome Sepia, 3 tearooms! wow! Are you retired now? This is interesting to me because I just gave a bridal tea last weekend. I must still have tea on the brain.LOL The young girls loved it and don’t do it very often. Do tell us about it.
I’m with Jenny, don’t know if any of you have noticed but the header Tracy’s blog is using now is the BEST!!!! I love the peacock, of course, and the color combo is fantastic.

Hello to all the lovely ladies.

Virginia, yesterday I saw your post that your birthday is September 17th. Mine is too. I hope all of yours are happy ones.

Mary Ann

First let me say…safe travels DIANE and I read SANDI’s prayer out loud for your Dad….Speedy recovery!
O.k, I’ve been gone all day (Boston for my OB appt….gained 3 more pounds!) and I just couldn’t wait to get home to watch todays video and to visit with my girls! I’m anxiously awaiting my TP box with Modern Trench and Olive Cardigan…REBECCA..thank you for your description of all your goodies…I can’t wait! By the way…while walking around Newbury St. today I got MANY complements on my Mediterranean Tote…REBECCA you and I must think alike, I wore the sash from the Hollis Paisly around my neck today!! It’s the most beautiful piece! Hope your little guy is feeling better! DIANE..I just love GGG! You are too funny! While walking around Anthropologie today (ARTIST..my favorite store, 2nd to TP…you must get into a store sometime!) I kept thinking to myself..this is so Tracy and this is so Tracy…so call it addicted, obsessed, PASSIONATE…what ever I’m completely hooked! KIM..welcome! CAMEO…where are you?? Off to drink tea and wait by the rainy window for the UPS man!
Kisses!!

Kate it was a dream come true because my husband Ben purchased them for me and told me I sooo deserve more! Anyhow… a few gorgeous items that have gathered many comments; opera jacket, gossamer long shirt, emerald tunic, gilded top, crimson capelet (wearing to Philadelphia on Friday), black sequined tunic (wore with jeans and wrapped the gold belt from the gilded top, added a golden/jeweled cross), wallis jacket and so much more. I live in Nashville and the comments are wonderful! It’s as if I came alive. Of course I send everyone to the site! Yes, Artist… 3 tearooms and a small Parisian cafe… lots of fun but after 12 years moved on to poetry/writing. Not quite retired but rewired because there is so much living to do! Spend most days listening to music, painting, crafting, gardening and of course visiting all my new friends on the Tracy Porter site. Oh, off to get the children from school! Wellington is 13 & Wisdom is 11.

Tracy, this is so pretty beside the sofa. I am just loving learning from you. Rebecca, I wore the Equestrian Trench today in sunny but cold CA! Always get compliments when I wear it. I too love the lining, the contrast of colors..I point it out to everyone! The talent and quality of Tracy Porter is just fantastic. I have most of the same items you do, but haven’t worn the Olive Crochet Cardigan yet but can’t wait to do so. I think it will be great for upcoming Spring nights!
Artist, Love this heading too, I love how they change it now and again!

REBECCA, THANKS for the description of all the new TP clothing you got! WOW! I may be forced to shop today! hehe Hope that lil’ man of yours feels better soon!

YAEL-your english is perfect!

ARTIST, you are too funny! And also, yes, I may have to hit the button on those linens, for sure. Gotta see that doorknob!! And YES! GRETCHEN,….I do think Artist should paint your drapes….ON velvet!! how divine. LOVE the idea. Go for it!

KATHLEEN, I am definitely gonna have to get Tracy’s book(s)!! no doubt!!

Have a great day to all!

Jenny

Pam – glad to hear your OB appointment went well. Hooray for Griffin’s growing self! I think you will be able to wear both the Modern Trench and the Olive Cardigan right now – no waiting to get out of maternity clothes – they both have fronts that will work for you.
Newbury Street is not the kind of place to take compliments lightly (non-Bostonians: think Rodeo Drive with slushy snow and sand…it’s our version of chic – the fashion mecca of Boston) – glad to hear your TP tote rates with that crowd! I’m not surprised! Too funny that you were wearing the Hollis Paisley belt as a scarf while I was blogging about it! We must be on the same wavelength (but then, I think we all are here, right?). This is one place where it’s OK to be addicted and obsessive – join the club!
Artist – hope the doorknob went on without a hitch – must be gorgeous…and your beautiful handpaintings on Gretchen’s cream velvet drapery panels sounds like heaven to me! Go for it Gretchen!
Kim – no need for a blog address, just type away…I don’t have one either yet (working on that…)!
Sepia – love your words: “create a great day!” Welcome, and to Kim too, and anyone else out there – chime in!

Okay, darling dear ones ALL,

FIRST…..I must give proper credit to the
incredibly talented and classy ARTIST
AND CAMEO. THEY were the inspiration and
biggest cheerleaders in helping me to decide to paint my dining room black. TRACY, you
were, too, but CAMEO sent me pictures of hers, and it’s OVER THE TOP GORGEOUS…..CAMEO, you
must share your pictures…..ARTIST was SO
encouraging too, and they helped me over that
creative bump that we all get into sometimes.
SO, SWEET LOVING BLOGETTES……Just know that
they were my beautiful angels helping me along the way the whole time! AND….it’s far from being done yet, lots to work on still. Okay………
SECOND……YES, to the COLORADO CREW, for Friday at Tattered Cover in HR. It’s not a long drive at all, happy to do it and finally meet my fellow TP durls! We can do Castle Rock
another time and go to The Barn. What time were you all thinking? Are mornings better or afternoon? I have a lesson at 10:00, but could
try to change….Let me know.
SANDI, yes yes yes….you have to be our spiritual leader…I’m absolutely ferklempt after reading your poem. What a deep loving heart you have, and you express yourself so authentically. CAMEO, still no word….are you out there my love?? I’m fretting a little.
Your southern sass and humor are being missed,
please chime in soon!! COLORADO CREW….We all have to wear something “Tracy” to be able to recognize each other. I wish I had those striped pants RIGHT NOW!!!
XOXOX

Good afternoon ladies,
TRACY…….this is an over the top idea,…… MUCH more interesting than an occasional table!!!!… my kind of deal…..I have a beaucoup of chairs sitting around in my home …….so I am going to do this…. TODAY…my love……. Miss you sooooo………LOVE the new items for Spring!!!! GGGOOORRRGGEEEOOUUSSS!!!
Checking in late for me,….. but I have had an interesting morning….. spent the last five hours wearing hip waders in the goldfish pond ….. Trying to get the lotuses, lilly pads, other aquatic plants trimmed up and ready for new growth…and wet vac some of the green, yucky, slime that has collected on the pagoda,……a BIGGER project than I expected!!!!!! ARTIST,……. I need to borrow Mr. Perry from you next time love,……………………………..
KELLY,………sistergirl………whats the deal on Chandy?
SANDI, beautiful prayer for Diane… I do so believe in guardian angels!
KATE,…….. Thank you for chiming in,…..we need to hear from you daily!!!
KATHLEEN,…. I too ordered TRACY PORTER’s Home Style,……. but have not had a chance to crack it open yet…..maybe tonight!!!
REBECCA,……yes, yes, I think olive and turquoise are simply smashing together too. In fact I am wearing turquoise with everything lately……..just can’t get enough of that color!!! …. I found the coolest plastic Ed Hardy turquoise watch at TJ Maxx a few months ago and hate taking it off!……….
Hump day for me……Demitasse will be home soon!!!!
Must go for now…..need to do some consulting with several sistergirls!…… You know who you are…… Have a great afternoon all!
Cameoxoox

PAM,…. I KNEW,……. without a doubt,…… that you would get compliments on your Mediterranean bag!!!!!……you have GOT TO BE…… the coolest little mama on the planet love!!!!
Cameoxoxo

OH yeah!!

Any more fellow Virgo’s out there like Va.
and MaryAnn? Mine is September 5th!
EMILY, LISA, MALLORY….sorry i didn’t pay attention…..10:00 a.m. Friday….I get so
excited I miss the details….I will change
my lesson and see you all there! I’ll be wearing a Tracy tunic, lime green swirls on
white background, white trim, with jeans.
FUN FUN FUN!!
XOXO

HEELLLLOOO Lovely Ladies…oh how I have missed you all so. Tracy, spending a little R&R in warmer weather definitely makes me feel like SPRING is in the air. I am rejuvenated to come back to gardens and spring cleaning. Missing you all! Here is a little sneak peak of where I am…absolute HEAVEN… http://lifeatbuttercupfarm.com/island-time/ Talk to you all next week:-)

A WARM (((Hug))) to Each of You…
I HAD to take a break from doing the taxes (really I have barely made a dent, but I will get them done in the next few days…I HAVE to!)
I TOO love reading all your comments when your TP-boxes arrive with your ‘goods’ (and boy are they EVER good!)…Last night I finally broke down and ordered a few more things…including the Charcoal Cardigan with the cool zippers, which I have been ‘eyeing’ for weeks now.)and the Loden Tunic.. and the Cerulean Sleeveless Top…(Does anyone own these??…)
REBECCA~ I hope your son will feel better soon. I too, ordered the Olive Crochet Cardigan, (even though the color wasn’t really “Me”… or so I thought)… BUT I was wrong! I am wearing it today and LOVE it~
I am only 5′3″ so I chose to cut off the belt loops and take off the belt.. I love that the long length helps make me look taller. I have it on over drapey black wide leg jersy pants, black boots, with a v-neck black jersey sleeveless top (with built in bra) and three different length long silver necklaces, and a silver cuff bracelet.. and I must say I feel “smashing”!!
I received the Crimson Tie-Front Shirt a few days ago.. and it SO pretty. The color is STUNNINGLY BeaUtiful~~ (it is a bit small through the upper back and shoulders though, if anyone is thinking of ordering it…I had ordered a medium.. you might want to go one size up)
I am quickly building a whole CLOSET-FULL Of luscious Tracy Porter clothes!
By the way girls… what do you think of the new fashions on the site today?… I am in LOVE with the Antiquities Velvet Jacket, and the Scandanavia Wrap Shirt…(might just have to put those on my “Wish List” for my birthday May 2nd .. if I can hold out that long!
Back to face our taxes with a lighter heart after writing to all of you. `~*~*~*~ Sandi
P.S. Thank you for your lovely title of “Spiritual Leader”… I am humbly honored.

In between pick ups and dropoffs for kids after school activities but HAD to share…my TP package arrived and I LOVE that Modern Trench and my Olive Crochet Cardigan!! REBECCA I can wear them both now, just not belted of course, but hey they are soooo hip! I wear black leggings a lot during my pregnancy and the Olive cardigan will look smashing over them with little flats or rain boots today!! REBECCA..maybe that’s where all the Northeast chicks should meet…NEWBURY STREET this spring! I’m so envious of the Colorado girls meeting up!! SEPIA…love your kids names!! ARTIST..I didn’t tell you that while in Anthropologie today I too picked up a beautiful olive green glass cut doorknob and some small pulls to match for our vanity in the powder room…We have painted the wainscotting high gloss black and the walls artichoke green…I’m loving it! CAMEO.and KELLY..I MUST see pictures please!! spdumont@comcast.net I’m loving the black in my powder room! Sounds like you had a busy morning CAMEO…glad to hear from you!!! More later I’m sure….P.S…My birthday is MARCH 20th and I’m asking for the skylark bedding!!!

Hi, As usual I love to read all the wonderful heartfelt comments from everyone. I see that coffee groups are happening…does anyone live in NY? More specifically Staten Island or NYC? I would love to meet with any Tracyista in this neck of the woods!

Tracy
some days i just can’t take the cuteness! Love the side table idea and can’t wait to try the Petit Blue Cheesecake recipe for a party this weekend
Pray tell .. who is the backround music in the video ??
xox

Just received my TP package yesterday…Artisan Necklace…stunning…will go with everything, Bohemian jacket…brocade velvet waistline…divine…..and the lining…gorgeous…Persian shirt…the velvet embroidery cuffs are a sight to behold..!!

Ordered the hot pink and green Fleur pillow last week…..shouts optimism! I love the Lilly Pulitzer prints…so this hot pink and green, how can anyone resist! Instant cheer!

And….. this time there was the most gorgeous card right inside the box that says…”Inspiring Women…..to embrace the beauty of life everyday”….

I-emailed a while back hoping Tracy would design some beautiful ceramic plaques for us to hang amidst our vignettes or prop on a stand with all of her beautiful sayings…so inspirational!

So in the spirit of TP, just couldn’t throw that beautiful card away…and…just ordered several of the large round glass paperweights …bet you already know where I am going with this…the round paperweight fits exactly over the “to embrace the beauty of life everyday”… card that came with the package….well, almost, but hardly noticeable… but we are embracing imperfection….love, love, love, the way it looks….now to find some great antique jewelry to embellish the top…..I can hear my opera voice emerging!

What a wonderful place to come home to. My day has been blessed to the brim. I taught a manners class to 15 home-schooled angels!!! They blessed my socks off. Then, to come here.
SEPIA…welcome! Your life is about to blossom, girl (or “durl” as we say here!).
SANDI…so appreciate the prayer. I’d be a big ole mess without God. Ask Artist: ha!
ARTIST…yes, I absolutely went beserk over this video. Give me decorating/fluffing videos any day!!!!!! I um, have lots of “stuff” and can quite easily shop at home. I’m all about change. “Spring is in the air, tra-la-la-la…” (she sings in opera!).
CAMEO, CAMEO, wherefore art thou???….I would be a blogette she’s consulting with. Yippee. My powder won’t have peacocks (like Artist’s); but it’ll be ME! “I’ve got to be me!” Remember that song? HA!
COLORADO CREW…revel in the time together.
DURLS…I am loving these times together. The blog is God-kissed.

Hello Ladies,

Thank you so much for all the heartfelt sentiments and prayers.
I am overwhelmed with all your kindness, you are the best.
My Dad’s surgery has been postponed until tomorrow 7AM.
Coumadin( blood thinners) level still within the therapeutic range.
Sorry, for all the medical lingo, I believe we have other health care professionals on this site.

Sandi my dear, thank you so very…. much for the beautiful poem. You are very special and I also nominate you as our spiritual leader.
Thank you for taking the time to making me feel better.xoxoxxo

Ladies, I am excited that you also love Anthropologie. It is also my fav, just shopped there last week for some great smelling candles.
Have any of you shopped at http://www.wisteria.com, it is also up our alley?

Take Care to all you beautiful, kind ladies and it is back to making dinner for me.
XOXOXO

Diane

OMG, I just received the Wisteria catalog yesterday and “dog-eared” the page with those pillows!

Durls, another site that you need to look at if you buy for small children is http://www.hannaanderson.com …sizing is European but easy to figure out. Quality is exceptional, always! We have NEVER returned an item and you will have lines for “hand me downs!”

PAM….. So glad you blogged about the door knob. Mine was installed today. As you know it does not lock. We had to use a hook and eye lock like old screen doors used to have…(am I telling my age?)… I am not happy with that but could not figure another way. I plan to paint the hook and eye the color of the door so it will not be as visable. I do not want any attention off that great knob. What is your plan? Do you have a better way? Please blog or email me. xoxo

Susan B…I love Wisteria. I was able to get a wooden fragment there to do a Christmas centerpiece like Tracy’s. It was beautiful and is now in my kitchen. They have also had great mercury glass tea lights. All the type things Tracy loves and does not sell.

Helllooo Ladies….Finally getting a moment to say Hello! I just returned from asking my neighbor if I could cut some of his DEAD hydrangeas…his response “you like the dead ones too!” Oh Tracy look what you have started…I LOVE IT… TRACY~LOVE this video, but I love them all…I have a little chair sitting next to my desk as I type that was my hubby’s great grandfather’s…it is very low to the ground and the seat is made of straps of leather..it will make a WONDERFUL side table…I had been wondering what to do with it!!

I had to take my little Plum Blossom today to be fitted for an orthotic for her left foot, and I was hit with the “reality” that orthotic shoes are not always fashionable ( after 3 boys shopping for a little girl has been a dream for me!)…well after our appointment we stopped at Marshalls ( a fav of mine!) and we found the CUTEST little silver ballet flats with a big jewel on the toe!…Lucy was so excited becasue they looked just like a pair of my ballet flats that I “Tracyfied” and hot glued a big funky silver jewel to the toe….SO needless to say we bought them and will wear them on days when we are just a LITTLE tired of orthotics!!

CO LADIES….have a FABULOUS day together…what a treat!….I received my Modern Trench today…LOVE IT…my Persian shirt should arrive on Friday…can’t wait. DIANE…praying for you Dad’s surgery in the morning~

Gotta run…off to pick up my little lady from pre=school!! Ta Ta~
xoxo

One more thing…

Artist….and other PEACOCK admirers…The place I am staying in DR has 5 PEACOCKS that roam the property. In the morning the BIG BEAUTIFUL MALE…flies up to my balcony and calls his ladies…a PEACOCK alarm clock…I have video to share with y’all when I return!

Okay, I was fortunate enough to see Kelly’s “black” dining room and what a sight to see. I am so…..painting a room, any room, black whether hubby agrees or not!!! It is simply spectacular!!! She also has a chandy from TP lighting and WOW is all I can say when done!!! You go Kelly!!! I’d spend all my time in that room alone. Cameo, any way of me viewing your room???? rbondowski@new.rr.com. Kelly told me a must see. I’m glad hump day is almost over for you and your beautiful daughter is almost home. You ladies are the most talented and gifted people ever. I learn something every day and look forward to all the sisterhood chatter. Lovely evening to all and CHEERS

Ladies, where have you been all my life??? You are the dearest friends I’ve never met. Your kindness and sincere caring for others is just incredible and very humbling. Not only do all of you, along with Tracy, inspire me to be creative, to live a beautiful life and create my own reality, you all inspire me to be a better person to others. Simply put, you just make me so happy!! Thank you for that and I wish you all blessings beyond compare.

Looking forward to the COLORADO CREW gathering! What fun! Love all the info about everyone’s purchases – it makes additional purchases so tempting – although they are well-informed purchases when made. I love how freely Tracy throws stuff together – it’s fun to watch and learn!

Wendy in Pa…that was so sweet! Thank you for those remarks.
Shawn, I cannot wait to see the Peacock videos!!
Dawn, of course Plum Blossom needs shoes with jewels…don’t we all?
Pam, perhaps you said and I missed it but…when is that sweet pea going to be born? Check you email for a note from me.
Love you all!

Hi dear ones..sounds like a great day was had by all. DIANE..holding you & your dad close to my heart. SANDI..blessings on you for your beautiful prayer for Diane..
So loving todays video..just got home a bit ago & after rummaging through my house, I now have a “TRACIFIED” chair/table in my library..so cool, thanks Tracy.
Happy hump day ARTIST..it’s all downhill from here…and, YAEL..love your Frenchy English!
Wishing all Tracy’s durls a lovely evening…Love, MO

Such a busy day for me and I didn’t even get around to the things I needed to do.
ARTIST,DIANE,SUSAN B. I went to Wisteria’s outlet store in Carrollton, Texas (just outside Dallas) last week and I my heart skipped a beat when I walked in the door. Spent about 3 hours in there and way too much money. I had so much fun and got so many
wonderful things, especially for the garden and back porch.
DIANE please continue to know that we are thinking and praying for you and your family.
WENDY, “Dearest friends I’ve never meet” sums the ladies on the blog up perfectly. It’s such a lovely place to visit each day. Have a great evening all.

Whew!! Finally getting a chance to sit down at the computer and check out what I’ve been missing….
Diane- my heart goes out to you and your dad tonight. You have many people praying for you.
Artist- I went by anthropologie to check out your glass doorknob. Oh my! It’s lovely! Bet it looks smashing in your W.C.
Shawn- I can totally relate to your peacock story. My first job out of college was at a public garden that had peacocks roaming freely. The males make that high pitched whinny shriek cat in heat noise that will make your hair stand on end. There were a couple of times when I was totally engrossed in what I was doing and didn’t realize there was a peacock close by. When he called out I almost wet my pants! Almost. I know you are having a fabulous time on your trip.

Soooo, is anyone elses wish list getting longer by the day? Mine is now quite ridiculous. I’ll have one of everything please. Tracy and Co. you ladies have out done yourselves, this Spring collection is divine!! I can’t wait to see what HOME goodies you are going to cook up for us, too. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

I loved this video. I don’t have beautiful chair like that one but now I won’t pass one up just because it’s no longer “functional”. I love that I am starting to see new possibilities everywhere in everything! I think this is why I (and many like me) are so hooked into this blog. It’s wonderful to feel so inspired.

BTW, Colorado Girls, I’m so envious of your Friday date. You’ll have to report back on your shopping trip!

SHAWN!!!!!! …NOOOOO WAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!
Peacock alarm bird???? You are killing me!!! I just yelled to my husband, WE GOTTA GO THERE!!!
….seriously, now I know you are having a fab time indeed!!!
REBECCA… hope your son is feeling better. My younger son is home with the flu…on his third day…I feel so bad for him!!..Giving him lots of TLC!!
SANDI…beautiful prayer…will be with you DIANE, in thoughts and prayers for your dad tomorrow….
PAM, what a fun day you had!!! BTW, I’m the GGG… I have a question for those who have it…Does the Med. tote fit over your shoulder?

Sandi, I own the Cerulean Sleeveless Top…love it!! The color is beautiful..peacock blue, very comfortable and elegant.
Also love Wisteria, I got a wire chandelier to place in a circle of oak trees in the back yard above a circular stone patio for the wedding. I believe it is the same chandy that Tracy has in her great room…the one she decorated with box wood for Christmas… It is fabulous!
Have a great evening.

Mo, I refuse to think it’s all downhill at any time. I shall go out kicking and screaming! LOL
Life just gets easier the older you get. There is more time to stop and smell the roses if you will. How else could I be painting peacocks? LOL

SHAWN, what lovely shots of island beauty – durls, you MUST visit Shawn’s website for a glimpse of where she’s vacationing. And peacocks wandering about?? How lucky are you?!
WENDY in PA – Ditto for me, and thank you for expressing it so beautifully!
PAM, SANDI, other Boston area Sisters: I think Newbury Street is PERFECT for a Northeast get together! Maybe we could schedule it around the next time you have an OB appointment Pam…let me know and I’ll be there with my little Annie (4 months old)!
SUSAN B. – what a GREAT idea for the new card that’s inside recent TP boxes! I will go now and find mine to do the same…brilliant! And yes, Hanna Anderson is great for high-quality children’s clothing – sign up to receive their emails and you will find out about their twice-a-year huge sales ahead of everyone else – their deep discounts, around early June and early December, are worth waiting for!
DAWN, what a wonderful story about the silver slippers! Your little Plum Blossom sounds like such a sweet girl, with her loving brothers…what could be better? I hope the orthotic shoes do their job and then become a thing of the past when it’s time. My daughter had to wear a big patch over one eye every day for about a year in order to strengthen her vision. She was really self-conscious of it, but in the end she was proud to have done it and it did help her. I wish the same for Lucy.
DIANE – glad to know the time of your Dad’s surgery, and I will be thinking of all of you at that time in the morning, and sending prayers and healing energy. Safe travels!
Sounds like many of you are ramping up your wardrobes like me with Tracy Porter fashions! She is singlehandedly revolutionizing our closets, isn’t she?

Cameo – goldfish pond…pagoda…how lovely! I love turquoise too – can’t get enough of it in my home, my clothes – even my DISHES are turquoise! Check out the Glamour Puss pillow Tracy has – it’s a great turquoise with burnished gold accents (in Home Decor under Rugs, Pillows & Throws). I have them tossed around the house and they make me so happy!
ALL – yes, my son is on the mend from a whopper of a stomach bug! Thank you for your well-wishes! He watched the videos for the brand-new clothing with me today and thoroughly enjoyed himself!

JENNY…I SO agree with you about Tracy’s banners. Every time I click on the blog; it’s such a delight, isn’t it? Tracy once told us there are two artist that do all the stuff on the web. I may be mistaken; but maybe even a mother/daughter team???
HAILEY…Is that right?

I’m sitting here eating ice cream before bed in memory of Daddy on his b’day…enough for me and you sis..JENNY, I’m with you on loving the turquoise and red together. Even with clothing-red with turquoise jewelry, Love IT. BTW, did artist tell you that our grandmother Genevieve was called Jenny? And we call my Genevieve, Genny. Special name to us. And yes I’m taking artist up on her offer to paint my drapery panels…I’m no fool!! As soon as I take them down and have them cleaned they’ll be on there way to the coast for a makeover. YAEL your English is charming! CAMEO, picturing you in waders in the goldfish pond made my day!!

Love this video! Love the color combos and your rug was the 1st thing I noticed and was thinking “where did she get that” just when you said it was inherited and on the wrong side. Awesome!

Good morning lovelies! Thought I’d check in here while I anxiously await todays video! (Secretly hoping it’s the one where Tracy shows us how to curl our hair!) ARTIST….what an ordeal with the doorknob! I read your email to my husband last night…he’s not too excited about installing it! I do think it’ll be worth it though!! The babe is due to be born June 16th…14 weeks to go!! I wore my Modern Trench yesterday in the rain…LOVE IT! REBECCA…Annie! My sisters 1 yr. old is Annie…love that name! Hope your son is better today! Not sure who else is in our neck of the woods besides SANDI,you and I….it would be fun to have lunch outside on Newbury St. looking smashing in our TP attire!DESIREE…I do have the Med. tote and it does fit over my shoulder…it is so roomy and the color is fabulous! SHAWN…loved your photos on your blog! It is so cold here today in New England…who is home taking care of that beautiful farm of yours?? JENNIFER..my TP wish list is growing daily like yours! Does ANYONE have skylark bedding??? We haven’t painted our bedroom as of yet, however, the colors in my aubusson rugs and my handpainted armoire are sage greens and rose. I know that skylark is blue/green…I’m just concerned about adding the blue into the mix. I just love that bedding! O.k, durls…more later..xoxo

Tracy,
I have admired your grey couch since
I saw it in one of your catalogues. Can you tell me more about it?

Hello ladies!!!
Virginia-there are two WONDERFULLY TALENTED graphic goddesses, Vicki and Trish. I have to let you girls know how much fun it is for them to read how much you all enjoy their hard work!

I’m a part of the mother daughter team! My mother is Trish, one half of the graphic goddesses. I was only 4 years old when she started working at Tracy Porter, and I’m so lucky to come to work with her every day! I am not talented in the graphics/technical
area; I stick more to the fashion!

With all this chatter about Tracy’s book Dreams From Home, I have to tell you all a story about that book! I can remember my mom bringing the rough draft of the cover home, and just looking at it in awe, wanting to recreate it myself. So I sat down with my paints, and painted the cover of the book on my own piece of art paper. Little did I know that my mother would bring it in to work the next day, and Tracy would decide to put it as her last page in the book! I was out of my mind excited! Yes, I was only 8 years old!

WENDY~ I’m feel the exact same, how is it possible to feel such a closeness with women you’ve never actually met? I feel so lucky to have stumbled across you all.
SUSAN B. I also kept the beautiful card, and I love your idea of making it a paperweight…perfect!

WENDY, you express the sentiment so well!

HAILEY, I was just looking at the last page of Tracy’s book, Dreams from Home last night and wondering about the story of how that page came to be…whoa…the SAME Hailey, all grown up….and isn’t it just like Tracy to include it in her book. It was beautifully done! I am also excited to be able to tell VICKI and TRISH how much I love their graphic designs…the color combinations are amazing….Tracy’s team is just SO TALENTED! Come out, come out, the rest of you on this team and tell us about yourselves!
Hailey, I made your peanut butter cookies yesterday and I had 3, yes 3 of them for breakfast THIS morning! Calorie wise, I am glad I didn’t put the chocolate on them this time…grins!

I just get giddy when I think how blessed we are on this blog to see the inner workings of Tracy’s team and to find in cyberspace such a wonderful inspiring group!

ROBYN, and SARAH, thank you for sharing your beautiful homes with us…Robyn, what a treat your store is…..how I would like to “stop in” and linger!

ARTIST, VIRGINIA, SANDI and ALL OF YOU original bloggers, your warm inspiring “chatter” has brought so many of us in!

HAILEY…my head is exploding at the thought of being surrounded by such artistry, beauty and JOY since a young ‘un. Durl – do you dance through life? Speaking of dance! Just rec’d an email with a GREAT saying: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about dancing in the rain.”
DURLS…if we do not (someday) meet for a TP&Co. Convention; I may not make it.

Oh! My! Goodness! Just this morning, I was looking at Dreams From Home, and wondered if the young artist who painted the last page could just… possibly… be the same Hailey from this blog! And how about that — it’s the topic of conversation today! (I find myself going back to previous days’ blogs to see if there are any more comments! No, I’m not obsessed, not at all…)
After so many days of figuring out just “what to say” when joining the conversation, I have to break my silence and chime in!
This is such a fun place to hang out — definitely a bright spot in my day!

Virginia- I do dance through life! I KNOW that growing up with not only Tracy, but every other strong women that works here at Tracy Porter has influenced me greatly!
…and what a great saying! I just found one recently … “Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” I love finding great quotes, and then putting them in pretty frames, its just a great reminder of how you want to live your life!!! I actually have one at my desk, i think my favorite quote of ALL time – “Everything seems peaceful when observed with a calm mind”.

Susan- I can’t make those peanut butter cookies very often, they are sooo hard to resist! I’m lucky that they are our tech guy Michael’s favorite kind of cookie, so i can give him most of the batch!

I know that we all here feel just as blessed to have discovered such wonderful, creative, & INSPIRING women to chat with every day. And even if the whole TP team isn’t chatting, they are all certainly reading… and smiling !!!

Have a great day everyone!

VIRGINIA-thank you for your post to me! I’m glad you agreed, as i’m sure everyone noticed…the lovely, gorgeous banner above. Thanks for responding to my post! and WOW! HAILEY, thanks for telling us about VICKI and TRISH! GREAT job, you two!!! I always sit mesmerized first thing looking at the new color combos. I’m not kidding! Since I was 5 yrs. old with my first box of crayons…I’ve loved vivid colors. I’ve never seen a more beautiful, creative banner!

GRETCHEN-Love that your Genevieve is called Genny! and love it was your Grandmother’s name. What a beautiful name!! I don’t meet that many Jenny’s. I’m not short for anything. Just Jenny. How about you, Virginia?

HAILEY!! I also enjoyed reading your post about you growing up with TP. How wonderful to have grown up in such a wonderful, creative environment…and to have such a talented, creative Mom! I can’t wait to get the book and see your infamous artwork!

We’re suppose to get SNOW here today! It is sooooo cold here. Gonna have to get a fire going. A good excuse to stay in my PJ’s all day!

jenny

I have loved all things Tracy since the very beginnings. I kept telling everyone that I found this wonderful artist whose work and style actually spoke to my soul. Now all these years later, we have Tracy’s blog with soulful decorating – I love it!

In my early years of home keeping I went through the everything had to match phase out of peer pressure I think. It wasn’t until I started collecting Tracy items and mixing them with my flea market/estate sale finds that I really found true happiness in my decorating. Now thanks to being inspired by Tracy I have gone back to school to achieve my own design dreams and am getting my bachelors degree in interior design! Thank you Tracy!

If you have naturally curly hair like mine, the secret to great, beautiful curls is to wash your hair at night. Use Joico whip mouse and their curl definer..not too much…then hang your head upside down and blow dry for about 45 seconds with a diffuser, scrunching the whole time. Then, and this is the “big” secret, take the clips that look like “biters”, that’s what I call them, and take different sections of your hair, wad it up and place biter. Then let air dry. I move my clips around during the entire process while reading or watching a movie too make sure I have volume where I need it. All of my friends do this now and it turns out so great. The next morning I spray some Evin mist or just barely get it wet in the shower..place clips in while putting on make-up, remove when done and whalla….you have a beautiful hair day.
And Tracy…please make more shirts with the same texture of fabric and style as the isle of skye shirt. I live in Scottdale, AZ…very hot…and this material is so light…I had 8 people stop me today and ask where I purchased it. You should be getting much more business. thanks, ~andrea mullins