Things I am loving Thursdays and house updates!!

Good morning,  hope everyone is well this Thursday morning. First things first, I am excited to announce the lucky winner of the signed coffee table book, American Houses from my interview with Fairfax and Sammons yesterday. I used random.org and the lucky winner is.......

Drawing #6,677 PRIVATE

American Houses signed book 10th drawing held by The Enchanted Home Completed on Thursday, 30 June 2011 at 10:36:38 UTC 86 entrants, 1 winner

Winner (1)

 1st: sizzleandzoom

 Please contact me via email and let me know how you would like the book signed and it will be on its way to you shortly!

So.......hope everyone is well. I am feeling great and rejuvenated having  been at the beach for a few days, its been fantastic with the blessing of gorgeous weather, an endless seafood fest at every meal, plenty of alone time on the beach totally engulfed in my book and just getting away from a very frantic pace. I start as I always do with my house updates which are a little light compared to previous posts, since I haven't been home for the past few days but these were taken at the start of the week. Wishing you a wonderful day.

HOUSE UPDATES. It was so nice to go to the house to see a battalion of trucks and cars, then to walk inside and see so many men working they looked like carpenter ants milling about. Now THAT'S what I am talking about. It made me see an end to this very long process and realize despite that there is indeed a lot to still get done, we have made real progress and the end is semi near. The family room and breakfast room are near completion and then we get to begin the staining. Beams for kitchen are getting installed on Friday. Trim work continues, plaster moldings have started getting installed in living and dining rooms. Finally the limestone arrived for the covered porch and that has begun as well. So as you can see.....lots going on! I am sure by next week I will have even more to share......

Sample for living and dining of the Parquet Versailles ( a dusty sample)

Finished limestone floor for side door entry

Working on finished ceiling for inside of the porte cochere

Limestone has begun on covered porch

Wet limestone floor in the laundry room

Plaster molding has started in the dining room

Kitchen beams just about ready

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TIME OFF AT THE BEACH. Have been at the beach for a few days of rest and relaxation. And I must say I am my calmest, most at peace and happiest when by the shore. Something about the pace, the fresh air, the gorgeous ocean as a backdrop just lights my fire. I could happily live by the beach year round and very much accustom myself to a slower and calmer pace. Here are a few highlights......

Here is my path that I walked to, to get to the beach....heaven!

Love the beach at sunset...my favorite time

My view.....not too bad!

VOLUSPA CANDLES AND PRODUCTS. Always liked their products and being the candleaholic that I am, have had my share but two of their newer fragrances, I am really loving and not only do they have the candles but room sprays (which I collect as well) and soaps...plus the packaging is so pretty its practically irresistible! Click here to see more.

FIRESIDE ANTIQUES. A favorite hobby is to look at Firesides website. This eponymous store based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana attracts visitors from all over the globe and just celebrated their 30th year!! Having family in Louisiana, they are familiar with this store and its one I hope to make a visit to myself. Their website is brimming with so many fabulous mostly European antiques.....here are a few recent beauties. Click here to visit Fireside Antiques, one of the countries largest dealers in 18th and 19th century European antiques. (and just in case you are worried, they ship EVERYWHERE)

Love these doors!!!!!! Oh how I would love to use them somewhere

Gorgeous french armoire

They also get in a lot of antique statuary

This hutch would be neat in a country feeling kitchen

A GREAT GETAWAY THAT IS "DOABLE'. Yes, I love posting about all the exotic and far away locales that we all love to swoon over. But today its all about a place that's not too far and every bit as luxurious as what I normally post about. While it may lack the ability to help you rack up the major frequent flyer miles that the other locations could, it more than compensates for in luxury. The Cloister at Sea Island in coastal Georgia has anything and everything one could ask for, from a incredible golf center, tennis pavilion, numerous pools, award winning spa, a shooting gallery,private beach, boating, horseback riding, to nature tours and cooking classes. Whew!! I am tired after saying all that. Then you throw in  five star AAA five diamond rating luxury and you have yourself one posh resort. This world class resort truly has something for everyone, have you been? Click here to find out more.

Well that's what I am loving this Thursday! How about you......anything here that appeals to you or something you want to share? Do tell and hope you have an enchanted day!!