Wednesday 30 January 2013

Guest Post: Mirror Wardrobes - Smart Choice For Small Spaces

Hello, dear friends,

Today I am glad to welcome Eva Stephen.
In her own words:

"Hi Happy Turtle Deco fans. I am Eva Stephen and I write for Shop 4 Furniture. Many thanks to my host Irene who gave me a chance to be guest on her blog. With the growing economic pressures, many of us are forced to live in reduced spaces. But it doesn't really mean reduced style. I feel it is good to think about space saving ideas and things that keep style as well. I hope my content about mirror wardrobes help you to save spaces even being stylish. You may see me at Google+ and @EvaStephen1."

If you take a look at some mirror wardrobe vendors’ selection, you’ll see names like: Manhattan, Ruby, Jazz, Charizma, Las Vegas, Bella, etc. The names are not surprising. Mirror wardrobes bring a sense of glamour that “ordinary” closets can hardly match.



Positive aspects of mirror wardrobes

Though the advantages of mirror wardrobes are more visible in small spaces, there is absolutely no reason not to have them in large bedrooms.

First of all, mirror wardrobes are incredibly practical. If you are in the habit of leaving your home and meeting people, whether they are your co-workers or your friends, you probably need a large viewing mirror. Instead of planning a separate corner where you would put it, you can have it right on your closet door. This way you’re saving some space and you’re keeping the mirror exactly where you need it. As soon as you get dressed, you can check whether you are happy with the result, and if not, you can immediately change. Obviously, the closer your mirror is to the wardrobe, the better.

Another great space-saving aspect of wardrobe mirrors is the mirror’s reflection, which gives the appearance of another room residing in your bedroom. Even if you have a very small room, it will visually be twice the size.



 Also, if there is not enough light in the room, placing a wardrobe mirror opposite the window can greatly improve lighting and visibility in that space.



Size does matter

Obviously, it makes a lot of difference whether your closet is a narrow, one-door wardrobe, or if it is spread across the whole wall. Sometimes the size of the bedroom will dictate the size of your wardrobe, but sometimes you have to rely on your good taste.

Though your mirror wardrobe can open up the space and give it an appearance of a much larger room, that’s not good enough if you practically have to stumble around to pass from one end to the other. Make sure your bedroom furniture is not suffocating you.

Modern mirror wardrobe trends

Whether you have a small or a large bedroom, a mirror wardrobe will equally give it a sophisticated look. Of course, not all designs are the same. If you took great care to decorate your home in a vintage style, you’d certainly try to maintain that trend in your bedroom. Wooden frame and an oval mirror shape could be a good choice.



If you are into experimenting with geometrical shapes, you can have the wardrobe door broken up into several different-shaped mirrors, which would give your wardrobe a very glam appearance.

For a clean modern look, you can choose between metal, steel, enameled, simply black or silver frames.





If you like to experiment, there are tinted mirrors that come in different colours and give your bedroom a very chic look.

What to consider when buying a mirror wardrobe

Just like everything else in the house, you’ll have to clean your sophisticated mirror closet. The least you can do when searching for the right wardrobe is to choose according to quality of the mirror’s surface. Make sure it is durable, difficult to scratch and that it doesn’t stain easily. Also, don’t mix styles that don’t go together. Consider the rest of your home and shop for your mirror wardrobe accordingly.


I hope you found Eva's post useful. It certainly includes some great tips to encourage us to see our space under new light.

Let us know how you applied Eva's ideas, and Thank You Eva for sharing your ideas with us!

love, Irene 

The Greek King's wishes for 2013

 
 
This is the Christmas 2012 card of King Constantine of the Hellenes,
signed by him and Queen Anne-Marie.
Pictured are from top left, clockwise,  his son Nicolas and wife Tatiana, youngest son and daughter Philip and Theodora, eldest  daughter Alexia, husband Carlos and family, and Crown Prince Paul, wife Marie-Chantal and family.
 
Happy 2013!
 
 
love, Irene

Monday 28 January 2013

Royal style-Everyday chic

I like women who are classy, a touch individualistic and always put together. I like women who know how to dress for every occasion and according to their function and age.
The pictures I picked today illustrate my point.
I chose royalty because I believe that one of the reasons for having a royal family is to have them serve as an example to the people. Providing stability to the State and controlling the deeds of the government are tops in my list.



This is Laurentien of the Netherlands.
She is visiting a school in The Hague, where she read to the children as part of a program to encourage the love of books and reading.


This is the Swedish royal family.
Pictured are from left to right Princess Christina, Queen Silvia, King Carl Gustav and Crown Princess Victoria.
I like the way Queen Silvia is put together. Classic two pieces, in a fresh colour that suits her complexion. Prncess Victoria's dress code is also appropriate because at her age we all want to look more grown up and gain respect. Plus there is talk of the king abdicating in favor of her, so it's a yes, too.



Queens do get to wear their clothes more than once.
Queen Silvia does!
Here she is visiting the national employment agency in Stockholm.


I like kids who are kids.
I absolutely love this photo of Princess Alexandra of Norway with her father and grandfather.
Ingrid is a sweet, happy, beautiful nine year old girl. Lovely.

All images via here.

Athenian Walks: The old toy shop

 
 
 
An oasis of memories.
Our lives alive.
love, Irene

My Athenian Weekends-The simple things








I like what I like. And when I have or am what I like, then I am pleased and do the happy dance.
For me this weekend was about catching up with God. Drinking some red. and then some more.
Friends. Toast. Cozying up with magazines old and new. Meeting with friends, old and new, and sharing love in ways I never thought were possible.
Oh, and a home bred island bunny and rooster that were delicious.

I hope your weekend was carefree and filled with God and the good things in life, as weekends must always be.

love, Irene

Monday 21 January 2013

My Athenian Weekends-January


Goodmorning, dear friends,

I know I am blessed with one of the most beautiful mornings one can see from a window, that of the Acropolis. Its golden glow, different at all times of the day and night is just amazing.

Since we moved to Athens, we have been spending every weekend with my in-laws. It is so stramge how our lives change, our moods shift and once this shift happens everything falls into place and is as it was meant to be.


Soft and fragrant in a grammy hugging way, my mother-in-laws blankets have nothing fancy or modern, they are worn in places , but they smell divine. They are not machine washable but they get an almost ritual wash at the end of the winter and are kept tidily wrapped till the first cold winds of November blow.
At moments like these there is no place in the whole wide world I wouuld rather be.


In my garden, following a few days of rain and wind, the sun came out and the roses are getting new leaves.
I got a pair of pink UGG-style boots, all fleecy and cozy. Funny, my daughter has them in brown but I was smitten by pink.


At an one-day trip to our fome town of fifteen years, I found this, my favorite skirt ever. It is a deep emerald green doubled silk embroidered with pink flowers. I put it on on Saturday and went for coffee-to-go with my sweetheart. I managed to spill some of it on the skirt so I washed it in the woolen circle and it came out nicely. Yummy relief!

This lemon tree is just across my kitchen door. I look at it almost every day. lemon are ripening so slowly and i am thrilled to see them turn a beautiful yellow.
Can you see a little green one popping out , too?

Wishing you a beautiful, blessed week,
love, Irene

Friday 18 January 2013

Happy Pinterest interaction

Besides loving Pinterest and the amazing Victoria Smith of sfgirlbybay fame and Tina aka travelingmama (Demi, you two should meet!), I read this morning on my reader the comments on this post.

 
 
 
{Smiles and clasps hands}
I love it when such positive interaction happens on the net.
 
 
Have a lovely, positive, enriching day
 
xoxo



love, Irene

Thursday 17 January 2013

Guest post: How To Create The Perfect Dinning Set

Hello dear friends,

Adding to my dear Guest Post friends, I am welcoming today William Robinson, an antique enthusiast, with a post on Choosing the Perfect Dining Set.

Selecting the right dining room set for your home can be a difficult endeavour. You want something that will last and that looks beautiful; however, there is often a budget to follow.

Consider the Size

1920's Specimen Marble Table
 

Imagine finding a special table with just the right colour and finish only to discover that it doesn't fit in the room upon delivery. Be sure to measure the room properly or else you could wind up in this unpleasant situation. You also need to account for chair space, as well as space that the chairs can back into as the person rises from the seat. Don't forget about china cabinets, buffets and any other furniture you'd like to eventually add. Let's say that you have your eye on a table that might be a bit too big for the room. Consider switching the dining room with a larger room so that you can purchase the table.

Find the Store

Pair Of Chrome Tripod Lamps

Once you have the measurements ready to go, decide where you will shop for the table. General furniture stores provide an array of styles, but you can also visit specialty shops that have antique pieces or country chic pieces to craft your personal vision. Additionally, shopping online allows you to input exactly what you want into a search engine or to browse thousands of different designs from the comfort of your home. When you're on a strict budget, see if any friends of yours are selling tables, or look on websites with sales or check around town for any garage sales and second hand shops. Don’t be afraid to haggle if you have found a table that suits your style and purpose.

Select a Style

Antique Set of 8 Mahogany Chippendale Design Dining Chairs
 

Now that you've focused in on a vision, you can choose your design. Maybe you want a traditional wooden table, or perhaps you plan to opt for one made with some wrought iron parts. If you have only a tiny space, consider a folding table so that you can put it away when necessary. Many dining room tables come with leaves, so they are expandable. When it's just your immediate family, the table is perfect for four; however, when the holidays come around, you can expand the table to fit all of the grandparents and the cousins.

Colours and Decor

Art Deco Walnut Dressing Table with Mirror


Consider the colour palette of your dining room walls. Oaky, wood tables create an everlasting autumn feel with orange walls, whereas a black table brings back flavours of the past with walls that are painted a dusty rose. Add a glass top table and place some stunning silverware on it for a look that truly brings out the modern vibe. It may take a bit of time to find the perfect table and craft the dining room of your dreams. However, once you are finished, you will be able to look back and relish in the beautiful results.

Author Bio:
William Robinson is an antique enthusiast and spends much of his time researching historical periods and styles that interest him for use in modern interior design. He currently works for LovedayAntiques who are an antique dealer in London specialising in antique wooden furniture, Art Deco, modern paintings and sculptures.

All photos by Loveday Antiques

Thank you, William for your post!
 I hope you enjoyed William's post.
See you soon!


love, Irene

Tuesday 8 January 2013

snow spot



what's your quiet spot today?


love, Irene

Monday 7 January 2013

Finding your quiet spot


.


That little dot. That little quiet spot that you sometimes reach and most often long for. Do you have one? I am travelling along with my spots all of my life. I tune into myself and find some comfort and warmth. I listen when I am quiet. I stop and breath and am all quiet inside.

I have fancied myself and painter. I believe it'd be liberating. The big strokes of royal blue, the paint dripping. But i have always worked with words. I must honour them cause they are earning me who I am.

I'd love to travel. Travel more. Be a journalist. A dispatch journalist reporting from some important city in an important country where all the buzz happens.

i think I am in the right place.

i have spent 15 years of my life doing what I should do. By doing what I should do, I discovered what I like to do. And that is writing. and taking pictures. And talking psychology. And reading. And all this needs to come out this year, I can feel the rush of the things piling all these years and being ready now to get a life outside of me. It is my need to be free.

Funny how you find yourself by getting away from it and how you get to accomplish what you are by welcoming yourself into a life you never thought that fit you.

So, I am not a farm girl. Nor a crafty girl. Nor a bekeress. Mush as I love other lady bloggers, like soulemama and anna-maria and cherry, it's settled, for the time being, I'm not any one of them.

I am here. Plain and clear. I have run my distance and now I look at my own quiet little spot.


.


If I have one piece of advice to give, it'll be
Listen to yourself.



love, Irene

Thursday 3 January 2013

Sing: On the bright side of the Street


Hello friends,

I hope your festive season is beautifully unfolding. 
We have been skipping on duties most of this week. 
We slept, we cooked, we visited family. 

Today we watched on TV one of my favorite films, "Father of the Bride". You know how there are films you see again and again and always enjoy? Got me, both "Father of the Bride" films are classics. 

Here is a song from the film I'd like to share with you. 




On the Sunny Side of the Street

Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Just direct your feet
To the sunny side of the street

Can’t you hear a pitter pat
And that happy tune is your step?
Life can be so sweet
On the sunny side of the street

I used to walk in the shade
With those blues on parade
But I’m not afraid
This Rover crossed over

If I never have a cent
I’ll be rich as Rockefeller
Gold dust at my feet
On the sunny side of the street

I used to walk in the shade
With those blues on parade
But I’m not afraid
This Rover crossed over

If I never have a cent
I’ll be rich as Rockefeller
Gold dust at my feet
On the sunny side of the street

Have a great time,


love, Irene

Wednesday 2 January 2013

Happy Start










Wishing you happiness and joy.
Merry 2013



love, Irene

Tuesday 1 January 2013

Happy New Year!




Best buys