Monday, February 11, 2008

Centennial Subjects

Hip Hip Hooray! This is my 100th post!
The house is getting back to normal slowly but surely. We had very strong winds over the weekend. By noon Sunday, the power went out and one of our heavy wooden English benches blew over.
A few hours later, a 40-foot tree uprooted and is now leaning across my driveway.was fabulous! 60 is a sensational, 70 is sentimental, 80 is elegant, and 90 is nifty… so, I’m not sure what the significance of the 100th post is but I’ve been told it is reason to celebrate. For me, just being able to blog is a reason to celebrate.

I’ve always been a Luddite when it comes to new technology (see www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luddite for more on the subject.) Over the past few years, however, I’ve worked very hard to overcome this disability. In fact, I now can’t imagine life without cell phones, iPods and Wi-Fi!

Anyhow, what we all should celebrate is … our earth.Yes, talking about living a “green” life is trendy but it’s also an age-old problem.

During the ancient Roman Empire, toga-wearing senators discussed the toxic pollution caused by early metal production for chariots and tools.
In North America, no doubt, Native Americans were appalled as they watched the American Colonists dam rivers (causing abundant freshwater fish supplies to dwindle) and clear woods to establish cities (causing led to erosion.)And in modern times, British peers debated how to prevent another Great Smog, like the one that occurred in December 1952 and killed more than 3000 people.

Recognizing the effects of pollution is nothing new and resolving to change our evil ways is as old as mankind. ..but now, it's more critical than ever to do something to save our planet for future generations. You don’t need to go off the grid and produce your own power with solar panels and wind force to make a difference.Small changes in your home, such as substituting inexpensive alternatives to toxic home products, choosing low VOC paints or buying natural materials instead of ones that rely on petroleum, can make a difference.
Today's Home Tour photos prove that Going Green can be stylish!
My friends Hideko and Bob have lived in two different houses since we met. Both were beautiful and earth-friendly.
Born in Japan, Hideko mixes traditional Asian elements with western ones.
Wood, clay and natural fibers star in her decorating schemes.
Her kitchen is unique and "green".
Textures are used to create vignettes.A talented poet and artist, Hideko cherishes handmade items and chooses them instead of mass-produced ones.
She also creates her own pottery masterpieces.

The powder room is simple -- yet stunning. Wood surfaces have been cut and polished to fit Hideko's design, yet they look as if they "just happened".

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***
In case the concept of Green decorating has whet your whistle, Natural Home is a great magazine. Visit their web site for more doable ideas.

41 comments:

Natasha Burns said...

Congratulations Barbara on 100 posts!

Yes going green can be a few simple things can't it. We are on water restrictions here in Melbourne, we can water 2 days a week at certain times but I use the washing machine water instead - little things!

Love that home you featured!

Thanks for the info,
Natasha

PS. I think of you each time I see 'mantle' - it's popping up everywhere and I want to send people to your blog to show them it is 'mantel', lol!

Anonymous said...

Hi Barbara, Congrats on your 100th post...!!! Love all your "GREEN" tips and pictures. Yes, we all have so much to be thakful for. This has come home to me recently. Just to be an American...:)
I'm glad you are all tucked back in your comforts of HOME...

Thanks for the wonderful tour.

Warm wishes,
Dianne

Siobhan said...

A HUGE CONGRATS FOR YOUR 100TH POST BARBARA!!!

What a lovely home.

Siobhan xo

A Romantic Porch said...

Barbara, Thank you so much for visiting my blog and taking time to leave a comment. I've admired you and your work for a long time. I love reading your interesting blog, and today's post #100 is no exception!! Congratulations and have a wonderful day. Rachel

Ruth Welter said...

Hi Barbara, congrats on reaching a 100....blog wise of course. I was so shocked to see how much more I blog now, compared to when I first started. It is amazing to see all the blogs I visit regularly evolve as well.

The rooms are gorgeous, love the style and sleek beauty.

Kathi said...

Happy 100th post. I can't wait to read more about you. I enjoyed looking at your blog. Thank you for stopping by mine. Please come visit again.

Kathi

NeereAnDear said...

Hi Barbara.... I too will congratulate you on reaching 100... blogging posts!!

I love the simple beauty of this home ... sleek .... modern...

As one who suffers immensely from allergies... I would love to have wood floors and less dust mites.. even though my shelves of "knick knacks? ? say other wise.... unfortunately living in a rental with carpeting limits your ability to have control over some of those things... the idea of subtle touches... fabrics etc.. is however something that one can do... I like that... thanks for another GREAT! POST!!

HUGS

JO

The Feathered Nest said...

Happy 100 posts, Barbara!!! Your blog is always such a pleasure to visit ~ I wish you many, many more posts...this world of blog is a wonderful place! xxoo, Dawn

Free Art Printables said...

Congrats on your 100th post! I love the green aspect. I am all over that and have been for a few years now...
Congrats again!
Jen R

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Hi Barbara ~ First of all, congrats on your 100th post! This IS remarkable and shows that you have done quite well coming up with posts. I so enjoyed this one and am so impressed with your friend's home. Love the minimalism. A rule I don't live by, but so appreciate the homes of those who do. What kind of wood floor does she have? It is pretty!

I would love to see a picture of all of your cow prints that you have. I'd start collecting those, too, however between my Scotty prints and my landscape prints, there are no more walls. HA!

Have a wonderful day!!

xo
Becky

Donna said...

Congratulations on your 100 posts! I enjoyed the photos, and thanks for the reminder of going green. It's something we should all be more aware of.
xo
Donna

THE HOME THAT LOVE BUILT said...

Good morning Barbara. The photography in this post is great!I've always been inspired by reading the magazines edited by you! I still have most of the magazines! It is such a pleasure to see you have a blog! Brook

kari and kijsa said...

Congratulations on 100 posts! The pictures are incredible (especially that bathroom...fabulous)!

Have a blessed and wonderful day.

smiles, kari & kijsa

PAT said...

Congratulations on your 100th post, Barbara. What a wonderful, thought provoking, beautiful 100th post, it is!

Pat

Cindy Garber Iverson said...

Congratulations!!!! YAY!!!! The 100th post is something celebrate for sure.

I'm so glad you enjoyed dropping by and reading the Rosehaven Cottage blog this morning. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading yours this morning as well. It reaffirmed for me all the reasons why I'm doing what I'm doing in my life and also reminded me of areas that I need to recommit to more. Thank you!

Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage

CIELO said...

Oh Barbara, what lovely post; I enjoyed seeing every photo, the home you featured, the beautiful garden... green green green!... it reminded me of spring, sunny days and lovely flowers... thank you for sharing so much beauty!

Congratulations on your 100th posts!

Cielo

Liz Harrell said...

Happy 100th! What a unique house... it seems you would always be calm and collected in a house that peaceful. I'd just settle for that pond and fish fountain! Gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

Deb said...

Congratulations on yur 100th post. I found your blog through Jenn & Jacqui. Wonderful "going green" tips and photos. Happy 10th birthday to your sweet dog Belgium.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Happy 100th post Barbara!!

I loved the tour of todays home. What beautiful wood.

I have tried to be earth conscious for years. I am dating myself, but I remember going to an Earth Day lecture when I was in 7th grade in the mid 60's!
Penny

Alison Gibbs said...

Barbara, Congratulations on your 100th post.
Great pics and 'Going Green' tips.
Thanks.
Alison

reinaswan said...

Congratulations, wow... I love your photos.

Anonymous said...

Hi Barbara, so lovely to hear from you again! Ok, long posts it is! lol Going green is heavily promoted in Australia and a few changes makes a huge difference. Your friends have a very tranquil home. Love the floorboards. And congratulations on your 100th post, when you stop and think about it, 100 is amazing!! Jenn and Jacqui

Adla said...

Congratulations Barbara...cheers to more wonderful posts ahead.

A Romantic Porch said...

Please visit my blog for something neat for you on Feb. 12! Love,Rachel

Amy-Razz Pizazz Boutique said...

Wow, what beautiful and inspiring photos! We are being more conscious about going green... Thank you for the fabulous and beautiful photos!
:)
Amy

Niesz Vintage Home said...

Hi Barbara,
Congratulations on your 100th post!
Quite a milestone. :)
Thanks for introducing me to a new word...Luddite, was it?
Well, it describes me to a tee.
I gave in to the pressure of a cell phone just last year. LOL

Regarding the damask print linen fabric you asked about...I got it at Hobby Lobby. It was 30% off last time I was there (reg.29.99yd). If they don't have a store in your area, give me a yell and I'll pick it up for you.

Kimberly :)

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 100 POST. I LEARNED ABOUT YOUR BLOG AT "A ROMANTIC PORCH". YOUR PICTURES ARE BEAUTIFUL AND YOUR COMMENTS ARE INTRESTING . I WILL BE BACK. KEITH

Celestina Marie said...

Barbara, Big Congratulations on your 100th post. Time flys when you're having fun!!
Doesn't take much to make a huge difference when going green. I always enjoy my visit to your blog.

Celestina,
La Rea Rose

Anonymous said...

Happy 100 Babette!~xo

Unknown said...

Yea! 100 posts! I really have been amazed at this blogging thing. It's like a vapor! Once our fingers hit the keyboard, 100 is a hurdle but hardly the finish line. I'm approaching 200 and it has been like breathing.

Thanks for your comment on Tasha Tudor. I enjoyed the pieces Victoria did with her as well. When I was searching for artwork, I found an older museum quality black and white photo of her nursing her newborn. I didn't know it existed; however, she looked so natural.

I'm looking forward to the completion of your book project!

Best Blessings, KJ

Unknown said...

P.S. I love natural wood; especially when wood is allowed to identify with it's roots—as in Hideko's decor. Shabby Chic has it's place, but I'll take real wood any day. Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos!

KJ

Gail McCormack said...

Congrats to you Barbara on everything!!

Anonymous said...

Barbara- Thanks for stopping by my blog. How nice of you to visit! Congrats on your 100'th post and all the neat things you are involved in. I'll be looking forward to your book coming next year! I thought you looked familiar... I keep up with the cottage magazines! I'll check back on your blog - love all your decorating ideas and the homes you feature! THanks again- Vickie

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on that 100th post. We used to have a heavy English bench too - but I never saw it blown over!

I live in Melbourne (like Natasha) and we have severe water restrictions here.

I am a journalist with a background in newspapers and magazines - and I do a bit of writing as well.

Karla Cook @ Roads to Everywhere said...

Congratulations on 100 posts! Great pictures!

Thanks for visiting my blog. I hope you'll come again soon!

Susan Tuttle said...

What a super post - thank you for these healthy reminders and info.

Congratulations on your 100th. post!

Thank you for your kind comments on my blog.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Susan

NeereAnDear said...

Ok ms Barbara .... I have to ask... what is that "thing" in the first picture with the sparklers in it? I tried to figure it out by making the pic larger and noticed what looked like chocolate drizzled over it? It almost looks like a type of bread? Do tell!!

HUGS

JO

Anonymous said...

Dear Barbara,

Congratulations on your 100th post! What a pleasure it has been to have you with us in Blogland! Here's to your next 100 - I know they will ALL be inspiring and great fun to read!

xo,
Kim

Jasminé said...

What a beautiful blog.
Congrats on 100 posts.Thank you so much for the nice comment on my blog.
Jasmine

Judy's Vintage Collections said...

WOW! 100!
I have just started a blog and I am learning how to get it all setup. I did remember you from your picture with the dog. I like dogs and love to see people caring for them. This past year I have lost two to old age. It was hard to give up a true animal friend. I have a yorkie and part poodle inside my home and a golden retiver mixed with chow backyard dog. They are so sweet and so loveable. I did enjoy reading your blog book. I will be checking back again to see what you have written. I came by to visit from another blog.(Gail McCormark) She had you in her favorites. When I saw your picture I said, I know that girl. Your home is very pretty. You have fun and have a wonderful time in writing and taking pictures.
Hugs to you!((((Barbara))))congratulations too!
a new friend,
Judy

Susie Q said...

Happy 100!!

I do love all your green tips...we are not as GREEN as I would like us to be but we are working hard to be the best we can be. Bill is a huge believer and has been for a long time.
It truly takes just a little for each of us to make a huge impact! Thank you for your posts on this!

I adore that house you showed...the bath is to die for!

Again, happy 100!! We are so glad you are here in this world of blog!


Hugs,
Sue