Gruene, Texas

Establish in the 1840's by a German Family

I usually visit Gruene, Texas once a year while visiting family in the Hill Country of Texas.  I love this little quaint town with a long history.  I grew up spending my summers at my family's vacation home on the Guadalupe River.  I hiked, explored, shot off firecrackers, tubed and watched tubers all summer!  I watched my uncle and cousins play pool at Gruene Hall.  Gruene hall has never closed even during the depression and when all the other family's businesses went under.  The floors are worn and full of life with metal patches scattered here and there.  More on the history of Gruene

The Stage at Gruene Hall

There is a cute wine tasting porch with barrel tables and misters (it's hot in Texas)

This is an Antique Store now but was the Mercantile Building built in 1904

 I always find some great trinkets every time I go!  I bought these old photos of buildings.  I thought I would start a collection.

This has always been a favorite

The General Store has fudge, candy, t-shirts, Texas sauces and jellies, toys and an old fashioned ice cream counter.  

I usually load up on jalapeno jelly

The Gristmill

 We always stop for lunch or dinner at the The Gristmill or the The Gruene Mansion Inn.  A margarita and a view of the river is a great way to rest from the heat.

Buck Pottery

 We go to Buck Pottery every year and I usually can't resist buying something. My sister-in-law loves it and adds to her collection every year!

This little bowl is my latest purchase!

The bowl is fired with a marble so it melts and then when the glass starts to cool it cracks.  It's pretty and it's the new resting place of my coffee spoon.

This little town is full of life and worth a day visit! ~Brandy

Excessive

Sorry, it's been so long since we've blogged. It's been a busy week with it being the last week of school.  This blog post by Jen Hatmaker sums it up nicely.

http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2013/05/30/worst-end-of-school-year-mom-ever

A King's Life (great blog post)

ok now back on topic...
Wealth is relative.  It can mean different things to different people.  You may consider yourself wealthy if you don't have bills to pay but you live modestly.  Or you have alot of bills to pay and you live beyond your means.  Excess is also subjective and can be defined differently.  One person may consider having a collection not excessive but it may be to someone else.  It's truly about balance, self awareness, and not comparing yourself to anyone else.

There are a few books on my summer reading list that deal with the topic of excess.

7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, 

by

 

Jen Hatmaker

More or Less: Choosing a Lifestyle of Excessive Generosity, 

by

 

Jeff Shinabarger

Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion 

by

 

Elizabeth L Cline

Even though I love design and a well styled home, it doesn't mean it has to cost a fortune nor have an abundance of stuff.  I believe an experiment or study of where I am being wasteful or excessive will be a good way to keep myself in check.  I am a big believer in getting rid of stuff and using my best stuff so I enjoy it.  I don't like having my expensive china or crystal locked away, never to be used.  I like watching "Hoarding" shows because I am completely perplexed at how someone could live that way.  It makes me go throw something away too!  My wealthiest clients, in terms of their bank account, are the ones that live in smaller more modest home, nice and quality but not a mcmansion.  

I would challenge you to do some reading too and see if you are living excessively.  Also, here are some previous blog posts that might help! ~Brandy

Living in a Small Space

Simple Living

How to achieve a timeless design

Inspired by the Military

It's Memorial Day and it's a day to reflect on the sacrifices of so many.  Thank the veterans you know and help support them.  

Some great charities to give to are....

A friend a mine works for the Boot Campaign.  It's a great charity and you can get some really cool boots too!

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/#

There are many ways you can incorporate the military style or artifacts into you home.  Here's a few inspirations ....

Military green color palette

This is a great definition of Campaign furniture

Proenza Schouler, PS1 Small LeatherTote Bag, Military $1,995

Add a military blanket

The Gap, Camoutiliy jacket, $69.95

Restoration Hardware, MILITARY CHALKBOARDWORLD MAP, $575

Camo Wallpaper

Cot and Tent 

Stephen Kenn Loveseat $3,400

Restoration Hardware, RICHARDS' CANVASSECRETARY TRUNK, $3,435

This Flag is mine.  My Father gave his life in Vietnam.

 ~Brandy

Simple Living

We live in a time of consumption, brand, status, etc.  We want more and more that we really can't afford.  There are many people who live beyond their means.  You don't have to spend a fortune on your home. It can still be beautiful even if it's not stuffed to the brim.  It can be very freeing and calming to living minimally.  It's not everyone's taste but it maybe worth considering.

Here's some ideas of how to live simply...

soothing bedroom

 Sometimes having the absence of art or things makes a space beautiful.

Few accessories and the large field of color in the art makes this space simple

The neutral color palette and few accessories & furniture makes this space simple

Light walls & small furniture makes this room simple

The lack of art on all the walls helps to bring focus to the Fireplace

Again neutral color palette and a few textural items makes this space simple

 So you can see that not filling every space, wall and shelf, you can still have a warm, comfy home.  Minimal doesn't have to just be modern.

Below is a great example of a beautiful room that can be edited to be more simple.  Just taking things out of your space, things you have had a long time, bored with or cheap can give you a new fresh look.  You can sell those items and re-invest in your home or put in the bank!

BEFORE -Timothy Whealon's Living Room via House Beautiful

AFTER editing

What was changed?

These are the items that were removed...
1 - Lamp
2 - Centerpiece (it gives focus to the art and chandelier)
3 - wall sconce
4 - Art
5 - Move this table in front of banquette
6 - Ottoman
7 - Chair
8 - Flower arrangement (removing this gives focus to the other arrangement)
9 - 2 stools

So let's say you sold these items - you can bank $1,200+  and still have a beautiful room!

What are your thoughts?  Do you like the edited room better? ~Brandy

Lamp Love

Robert Abbey, Mary McDonald Santorini StripesBuffet Lamp $375

These are my favorite lamps...hope you enjoy!

Robert Abbey, Kinetic Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp, $283

Horchow, Crystal Table Lamp, $250

Arteriors, "Sabine"Desk Lamp, $535

Arteriors, Ella Natural Wax Carved Wood Table Lamp, $434

Arteriors, Flynn Mercury Black Reactive Glass Table Lamp, $457

Crate & Barrel, Cleo Table Lamp, $319

CB2, Fujiya floor lamp, $249

Jonathan Adler, Black Trousdale Lamp, $995

West Elm, Turned Floor Lamp, $349 (great alternative to the JA Lamp)

Stray Dog Designs, Sandy Glass Lamp, $400

Stray Dog Designs, Cooley Floor Lamp, $850

What's your favorite lamp? ~Brandy