Check it Out ... New at the Shop Link

Look at what's "New at the Shop" in the link above .....

This dish and much more!

Sterling Silver Plated "Victoria" Hallmarked Shell Dish

Now excepting at Gilded Palm on Etsy

The GIF video is not mine.  For original resource, please contact me.

Shades of Pink

     Let's harken back to a time when forbidden love in a romantic novel was descriptive just enough for the reader to imagine the unfolding of the interlude in a delicate and subtle way.  The stolen glance across a crystal and gold laden dining table, the tight embrace on the ball room floor, the delicate kiss on the back of the wrist in a 19th century New York horse drawn taxi .....

Novels like The Age of Innocence, The French Lieutenant's Woman and Madam Bovary give you just enough verbiage to make your heart quicken, your knees go weak and your face flush in 50 shades of pink. 

Most romantic novels take place in a lush estate or castle.

There are tight bodiced jeweled gowns,

sparkling chandeliers,

elegant table settings,

and lots of champagne.

There are secret walks in the garden

or down a deserted city street.

As the moment heightens, there is the biting of the lip ...

the loosening of the hair....

and unlacing of the shoes ....

But, her love is guarded and 

her virtue, not easily cast aside.

Her gown is hung in the closet

and her bouquet of flowers lay discarded on a velvet chair.

A farewell note and the token of love, returned.

She waits and longs for the day of a love that is true and pure.

one day .... some day




These photos and videos are not my own.  Please go to www.oohlalamaui.tumblr.com for original source or contact.  All links are listed above in tabs.  

A New Name (and Look)

Oh ..... this is FUN!  Sometimes you just have to shake things up.  And, this is what I have done at once was formerly called, Ooh La La, Maui!  I have renamed my blog, Etsy shop (link above) and Face Book page to Gilded Palm.  I think it sounds much more elegant.  Elegance and charm is on my radar.  So, stay tuned!

Please don't wake me.  I am dreaming of Gilded Palm

Summer Picnic

Because I live in Hawaii, my preferred choice of "outdoor" time is frolicking at the beach.  However, there is something so special about a picnic lunch, in a grassy meadow on a lazy afternoon.

Summertime begs us to be outdoors.....

where a picnic in an open field or wooded area,

(preferably by a body of water)

encourages us to unwind from our busy daily schedules. 

The more isolated and quiet your picnic spot....

the more able you are to hear the natural symphonic harmony that surrounds you.

Besides your picnic basket and blanket, make sure you bring books, a parasol and rent a canoe if possible.

Some may find solace in the coziness of a blanket thrown carelessly across a mattress of grass.....

and to lay on their back to watch the clouds slowly drift by.

Of course, if you bring your furry friend, you must be active!

And a child will gleefully keep you on your toes.

If you desire exercise, you can always dance!

But the key to a summer picnic, is to relax.

As the day comes to an end, make a toast to Mother Nature....

BUT WAIT!  Before darkness closes in, take time for a leisurely walk and listen to the the rattle of the leaves in the trees,

to the birds chattering amongst themselves 

and the subtle rush of the water as it glides across a path of rocks.

Finally, as the sun rays shoot through the clouds, trees and bushes

and the last bits of sun dances across the water

dip your toes in for a chilly embrace goodbye. 

www.oohlalamaui.tumblr.com

All photos are from my Tumblr blog and are not my own.  Please contact me or go to my Tumblr account if you are interested in the original source.  

Pinterest Pin - Chalk Paint Recipe

http://www.snaptheconference.com/diy-chalk-paint-dresser/

Dear readers.  Here is a recipe for chalk paint.  If you are wondering what is chalk paint and why should you care, well....if you are considering painting furniture and/or home decor, chalk paint is versatile and fun to use.  Yes, fun!  Chalk paint can be used on just about any surface without much prep, if any.  The finish has a vintage look and distressing is a piece of cake.  The furniture pictured below were painted by moi AND without prepping.  No sanding or stripping.  I just cleaned my piece and went straight to painting.

I bought this little caned bottom chair from Salvation Army for $12.  It wasn't in the best shape so I decided to paint it. The wood was very bare and dry. 

I used a 7.8 oz. sample bottle of Valspar paint from Lowe's.  The color is called Desert Fortress in the Summer collection.  Because I had less paint then the recipe called for, I adjusted my plaster of paris and hot water to 1/4 cup each.  I let the paint set for 5 minutes because it seemed a "watery" at first.  F Y I, the yellow lab is my side kick, Ricki.

I love the matte finish of the chalk paint.  This chair would be very easy to distressed but right now, I am liking the unblemished surface.

This was a table that was already painted white and distressed.  For some reason, I was not loving the look.  Since I had some paint left, I pulled this table out of the house to my painting area.  I painted the top Desert Fortress and mixed a touch of blue paint I already had to get this gorgeous shade of sky blue.  The contrast and color screams "sea cottage".

This standing lamp was originally painted a hammered bronze.  It was a regrettable "I really need a lamp, now!" purchase from Lowe's many years back.  With no sanding or stripping, this lamp got a few coats of my chalk paint mixture and voila'.   Now, I love it! 

I think the finish of chalk paint is lovely.  

Finished and sitting pretty now in the bathroom!

So, this pin from Pinterest was a huge success.  I was in "chalk paint" madness state of mind, yesterday.  My husband was concerned I would be hauling out all of the furniture and painting it with chalk paint.  He even feared, if he stood still long enough, I would paint him too!  I have to confess, I have been looking around the house for what to paint next.  But in the meantime, off to try another Pinterest DIY.

Ready to use chalk paint - http://www.anniesloan.com

From Annie Sloan website

If you haven't checked out last week's blog posting of ballerina's, please do.  Hopefully, it will make your heart soar.