Hello!
When we first decided to move to Dallas from London, I was walking on air. When I left Texas to go to school in Chicago, I never dreamed that I would be leaving it for so long. While I never wanted to live back in my hometown of Amarillo, during the years we lived in Tokyo and New York, especially the early years of our marriage, I longed to live in Texas. I missed the people, the food, the “big sky”, the sun that never disappears for too long. But over time, I gave up hopes of living back in Texas. As my husband’s job has always been on Wall Street, it looked as though we would never live any place other than a financial center. Living in New York, Tokyo and London has been truly amazing, don’t get me wrong. But those places never felt like “home”. I had missed small things, like freshly brewed iced tea in bottomless glasses, the occasional country music song on the radio, and the smell of pinon wood burning in fireplaces. And I had missed big ones – like being close to my family. When we decided to move to Dallas, I was so happy that I teared up constantly because I couldn’t believe my good fortune. The winter and spring that I commuted several times between London and New York was full of joy and anticipation. We were looking at schools for the children, finding a lot for our new home, and beginning to draw plans for our house. Heady times, indeed. I was here when the crepe myrtles burst into bloom, of which Dallas has so very, very many, and the smell was indescribable. Every spring since then, when that scents wafts in the air, I am taken back to that time of great joy and happiness.
So, as this is a new beginning of sorts, the crepe myrtle scent seems appropriate for my first reader giveaway. This has been such a full few weeks for Covetable! First, the post by Cote De Texas, then all the new readers, then some new clients, and all the while behind the scenes we have been working on this new look for the blog. It is not radically different, admittedly, but it does give you some new links and features, and a little bit more of my style comes through, hopefully. Because this feels like the beginning of some great adventures, I decided that it is high time that I preview for you a little bit of what is to come, take a quick peek at what has come before and ask for your input on what you’ve enjoyed reading and looking at, and what things you hope I write about more often. So, please leave a comment and I will be using number three and four sons to fight to the death over who draws the winning comment number. And what will the giveaway be? This beautiful Nouvelle Candle Company candle pictured above, scented with that fragrance so evocative for me – crepe myrtle.
Now for a walk down memory lane. It’s a short one, so no need to grab your sneakers.
This is the photo that opened my first blog post.
This was my “hello” to the blogosphere and it is a photograph of the Tablescapes table that I did in 2007. Frankly, the photos from that event were the only halfway decent ones I had at the time. I was waiting on the professional photographs I had taken of the house to arrive, which they soon did, thankfully. Then, I was able to invite you into my house….
And I began the “Story of a House” series of posts, which is ongoing. And I think probably will be for quite a while, since I am always updating and renewing.
I wrote about gorgeous flowers,
Yummy food,
Shopping,
Primping,
and partying.
Through it all, I have had a blast. And I hope that if you read some of these posts, that you did, too.
So, what’s ahead for Covetable? I’d like to profile more designers. I also want to show you more about Dallas architecture,
some client’s projects I am working on,
some gardens,
and some changes at Maison Mullen and the continuing “Story of a House”.
I am going to be starting a series about “The New Classics”, my very opinionated guide to what I believe is fresh and new, yet will stand the test of time. Look for more “how to” posts on everything from hanging pictures to setting tables to updating photo collections.
So, here’s the deal. You should let me know what you want to read more about, and I will be happy to oblige, if I can. Leave me a comment about posts you liked in the past – and go back and read some if you like – and things you’d like for me to write about in the future. Comments will close at midnight on Sunday, April 25th. The boys will draw a number on Friday morning, and I will e-mail the lucky winner of this truly divine candle. ( if you are an anonymous commenter, I can’t e-mail you, so please let me know who you are…) The candle is really a great shape and size – large enough to stand on its own on a table, pretty enough to put in any room, neutral enough that it will play well with others, and the scented in a subtle but unmistakeable way with a burn time of 160 hours. Here it is again:
Kristin
P.S. You can also let me know what you think of the “new” look. I love input, even if it’s a critical comment. Criticism makes us better, I think.
UPDATE: You can see that the theme is changing almost before our eyes as my technological wizards are hard at work. Thank you, Brent and Paula. Which is VERY nice. What is NOT so nice is that I have a person commenting persistently ( 33 comments and counting) with pornographic links that I cannot seem to block. And I can’t stay by my computer all day to delete them as they come up. So, I am going to have to turn on the comment moderation for this post. All that means is that I will see your comment and need to approve it before you will see it. No big deal. But it will keep the offensive stuff from appearing even for a second. So sorry!
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I am so glad to have found your blog via Cote De Texas! Your home is beautiful and when I read your posts I am inspired by all of the small details that really make a room. Good luck on your new blogging adventure!
Love the old blogs and love the ideas for the new ones.
I like ideas for those of us who are less creative like tablescaping,doing mantles,etc.
I love the new look and I can totally relate to your love of Texas. I am from the east coast. My dad’s side of the family are true Fort Worth natives. We would visit every year. So when my dad got a job transfer to Texas I informed my husband that we had to move there as well. He was a trooper and we have been living here for 11 years. My husband is now working with my dad in their own business and we live in the same neighborhood as my parents and life couldn’t be better. I am glad you were able to come back to Texas. There is just something about the people and the pride of this great state.
As far as content in your blog, my favorites are the “The Story of a House” posts and I loved browsing your “Covetable Finds” on the left side of the blog.
I hope your daughter is on the up and up and thank you for sharing your knowledge and insight!
The new layout is great. I love the calendar with the highlighted dates of your posts, clever, I haven’t come across that feature before. I am so glad I found your site.
Kristin,
I have loved your blog for months and months! When I found it I couldn’t believe that you lived just a short distance away. I understand your love of Texas. I have lived in Ft. Worth most of my life and think it is the most wonderful place to live!
Kristin, I just love all your postings because no matter what you write about your genuine kindness and sweet spirit always comes through. You have many interests and lovely ideas to share and your love of family is always present.
Keep sharing the things you do to your house. I love the ‘Story of a House’ updates!
I just found your blog via Cote De Texas. I am already hooked! The entry was amazing in the post. I can’t wait to use that in my own home. I just can’t say enough about your home. It is gorgeous.
Please feel free to visit me in the World Trade Center, Gallery Six, if you are shopping for a client or yourself. I would love to meet you. You seem like such a lady. That is a term that I am raising my daughter to understand and emulate.
Can’t wait for the next post!
Hi Kristen. We moved about a bit (Chicago, too)…so nice to be within an hour of old stomping grounds. I love it when blogs give a feel for their “neighborhood”, their part of the world. And I love your home. All your plans sound wonderful. Best wishes, Trish
I found your blog through Cote De Texas and couldn’t stop reading. Your house is beautiful. I especially like all of the color. I have a lot of color in my home and it’s nice to see something that is not all white. I especially love the “Story of a House” updates. I am glad you’ll be keeping that going. I can’t wait to see client projects and “The New Classics” . One thing I can say I would like would be more info on the price of things. It would be nice to have some bench mark on what one might expect to pay for a project or a quality piece of furniture etc. I also like resource info and love info on great deals.
Looking forward to the nest post!!!
I love your blog! My favorite posts are the ones showing your house & how you’ve decorated! Would love to see more of that & of the things you do in your clients homes.
Kristin,
Congrats on your work and landing back home. I live close to much of my family (my sister is next door!), and I hear you loud and clear. Right now we have our azaleas and dogwoods in Atlanta, so I can understand your connection to a certain bloom. The laciness of the colors outside right now just does it for me and makes me smile each year. Funny that I didn’t notice it so much growing up here, but as a parent so in-tune with roots for my kids, it just brings me so much joy. I really enjoyed your first post and even used one of your tablescape pictures in a post of my own. Your candid nature is great through the posts, and I look forward to reading about your classics. Great idea, by the way. I’d love to hear what you think is classic in the way of textiles. I feel that linen is always appropriate…perhaps you do, too. Best wishes; the new look is great. Keep it up!
I found your blog through Cote de Texas (one of my favorite blogs). I’m very interested in the story of your house. You inspire me with the many things you do. Your new look is fabulous!
Hello-I’m a new reader.
So far I’ve enjoyed your posts on decorating and how you are able to create a look that reflects your individual style and personality.
I’d love posts on how to design landscapes/gardens that look wonderful from inside your home as well as when you’re walking outside. Also, I’d enjoy reading about internet stores where you can find affordable accessories. I don’t live near a big city but I love to catalog shop for inspiration. Buying out of them isn’t usually an option. thanks! Karen
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Kristen,
My husband and I had the good fortune of being able to live in Amarillo for 5 years. We relocated there and then now to Indianapolis with his job just a year ago. We loved Amarillo so much … it is funny how you can learn to love a landscape that in the Texas Panhandle can be almost literally nothing. I swear the sky is bigger in that part of the country than anywhere else in the world. We lived in the Wolflin neighborhood and bought and remodeled a house there that we truly loved. Your comments about leaving Texas never knowing when you’d ever move back hit home.
Regarding your blog … I appreciate anything you post. With you having 4 children I am amazed at all that you do.
Best Regards,
Sharon
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I have been loving your blog since the beginning.
As for what to write, anything and everything. I would read a post on your grocery list. I am going to be planting crape myrtles this year, I hope I can find some good varieties. xo, MB
Love your blog and would love to see more of your work.
I love your taste and really enjoy reading your blog. I love looking at beautiful Dallas homes and really appreciate advice on how to make it happen…details on actual paint colors, etc. Also, your family is an inspiration. Thanks.
Loving all of it! But if I have to pick, the Dallas architecture & changes you’re making to your house are what I’m most looking forward to. The new look is great! Thanks for the time you put into this!
Thanks so much for blogging. You and your home have been very inspiring for me. I really love your story of a house updates, decorating advice (how-to) and anything to do with outdoor entertaining. p.s. – I loved seeing your boys lacrosse gear – I have two lax boys as well! Hope they’re having a great season! thanks again Hope Darcy is doing well!
I love the new look! My favorite things on your blog have to be the story of a house! It really boosts me to try and achieve the same standard for our own home. Thanks for all the inspiration.
Hi Kristin,
I am a new reader of your blog (thanks, Joni!) and really enjoy all that you write about. Your home is beautiful and I loved the shots of what it looks like for real (as in, not staged to be photographed, but lived in by your family). I like that you have filled your home with things that have meaning to you and your family and reflect the places you have been. You have a great eye!
Have a great weekend!
Susan
I found through Cote de Texas, and I’m hooked! Thanks for all the inspiration! I find myself going back again and again to your “Story of a House.”
I found you by way of Cote de Texas and I am so glad! I love the new look and the “how to” idea. I am now a loyal reader and am learning so much from you!
Thank you!
Lorin
Kristin, I love this blog and the new look and fresh ideas to come hold even greater promise. You are such a talented presence in the blogosphere. We love your ongoing story of your home AND you precious family…..all our prayers continue for Darcy! Please count me IN on the giveaway…love the LOOK of that candle and can’t wait to experience the fragrance! God bless all!
Hi Kristin…Love your new look. Hey, got a question. Did you take any “behind the scenes pics”
of the photoshoot we had at your home, last October? Let me know. I am about to begin a blog,
about “how to get a home into a national magazine” and am collecting behind the scenes pictures.
Since there are so many of you, on the blogs that I have helped, I figured it was time to get out there.
So let me know. Bonnie Broten, Scout/Producer Meredith Publications
Bonnie,
So glad you are going to take the jump! Come on in, the water’s fine….I do have a photo, maybe more. I remember that my camera was acting up at the time. But I just saw a photo of you and Tria and Janet taken in the kitchen, so I will dig that back up and send to you. So excited for you. Let me know when you are going to “go live” and I can put you on the blog roll, do a feature, you name it.
Hugs to you!!
I hope you will keep updating your content constantly as you have one dedicated reader here.
I enjoy your blog because of your wonderful taste and observations, but because of the warmth you show as you give glimpses into your family life – I especially enjoy seeing the way you arrange objects in a room and display elegance without trendiness. Love gardening, and miss my Texas!
Kristin very exciting! The giveaway is such a treat!! I would love to see you feature more art in your room images! I wonder why?!! Your site is wonderful1
Karena
Art by Karena
Oh my goodness, where to begin…first let me tell you that I absolutely LOVE your laundry room and in case you were wondering I have never said that to anyone before! Your laundry room is…I can’t even put it into words, but let me say that when you posted those photos, I showed them to my husband who then looked at me as if I were a bratty little sister bugging him and then he said, “now I LIKE that”…big compliment! SO in my opinion, post whatever you want, I know I will like it…just want more!
Sherry
Hi Kristin, Love your blog, I have so enjoyed it. So glad you all were able to get back to your home state, as Dorothy says ” there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home”(Wizard of Oz). I’m a Tarheel(NC) by birth living in Alabama, even though it’s not that far away in miles, sometimes it feels worlds away. The candle is so pretty and I’m sure the scent is wonderful! Love crepe myrtles as well, growing up in NC we had a huge old crepe myrtle that grew right up to the roof and beyond. It was the first tree that I learned how to climb(oh, yeah I was in a tomboy stage) and crepe myrtles have that nice slick bark that don’t hurt bare kid feet when they’re climbing it! So Mom had to forbid us to climb the tree, as we then had access to the roof, totally freaking her out to see her babies running around on the house roof! We were wild and reveling in childhood!
Hi I am fairly new to your blog so I haven’t really had a chance to read much yet. I love the look and I love your design style. I am trying to slowly redo my house decorations and think I will be getting many good ideas from you! Looking forward to it!
I LOVE your blog’s new look! I’m really looking forward to your “new classics” and “how to” posts. ~ Denise
Wow! Nice topics, I am looking this type of topics. But I need more informations. I know a New Drafting CAD Site gives away over 100 House plans for free.
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