COTE DE TEXAS: Two Books By Bloggers and a Revamped Magazine:

Two Books By Bloggers and a Revamped Magazine:

 

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Big changes debuted in the October issue of Southern Living magazine.  Southern Living always seemed to be a “sister” publication to the recently shuttered Southern Accents, and with their new direction,  they might be hoping to attract some of those readers.    But, they also  seem to be going after the younger Cottage Living reader too.    Everything about the magazine now seems geared to a younger demographic, which I think is great.   A lot has changed – gone are the tiny pictures which have been replaced with much bigger ones.  There are new layouts, graphics, and fonts, and there is new editorial content – such as a Recipes Index, a new Small Scale Decorating Projects column,  a Great Southern Drive each month (my fav,)  new columns on entertaining and cooking,  and  there is  “Gardening 101”  for the novice/weekend gardener.    And these are just a few examples of the new columns – there are many more. 

 

 

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The new colorful layouts and graphics.

 

What always attracted me to Southern Living were the decorating stories – but with the small pictures and their typical one or two page stories, they usually left me wishing for more.  This month – the decorating section showcases much longer stories along with the new larger pictures.  My favorite decorating story this month was five pages long!  

 

image My favorite decorating story in this month’s Southern Living was about this cottage.  While most decorating stories in the past were usually one or two pages – this story was five!

 

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 I love what the homeowner did – he enlarged and framed a letter to create instant, yet personal art!

 

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The cottage’s kitchen – I love the sink’s backsplash and wall hung faucet.

 

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Another great art idea – maps!

I’m thrilled Southern Living is changing – it’s all for the better.    If you have been a fan of the magazine before, you will love it even more now.   If you’ve never read it before – give it a try!

 

 

TWO MORE BLOGGERS WRITE BOOKS:

 

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Fellow blogger, interior designer, author, artist, fabric designer – Jackie Von Tobel is a whirlwind.  How she has time to do it all amazes me.   Two years ago she wrote and illustrated Window Treatments, a  sort of drapery bible (available HERE) – but Jackie is not one to sit around and twiddle her thumbs.   Even before Window Treatments was published, Jackie was already thinking ahead to her next book:

 

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And here it is:   The Design  Directory of Bedding by Jackie Von Tobel, available HERE.   In her new book, Jackie again wrote and illustrated it - over 544 pages – a feat that just astounds me!   The book is organized into sections – making it easy to find exactly what you need for either yourself or a client if you are an interior designer.  Published again by Gibbs Smith – the book features all of Jackie’s detailed art work.   Her next project which was borne from her two books is her own fabric line!     I’m hoping Jackie might now take a long, much–needed vacation.  But I doubt that, I’m sure there is something new brewing in her head.   To win a free book, visit Jackie’s blog,  HERE.

 

Some of my favorite illustrations from Jackie’s new bedding book:

 

image Jackie has illustrated examples of headboards – here she tackles iron ones.

 

 

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And here she designed a headboard made of shutters.

 

 

 

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Here Jackie designs slipcovered headboards. 

 

 

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I love this canopy bed, so pretty!

 

 

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And  here is an example of a raised canopy.  Each section is accompanied with a detailed explanation of the designs.

 

 

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Two coronas, ala Jackie Von Tobel!

 

 

 

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And finally, an example of the volume of illustrations – four versions of one neck roll.

Jackie, good luck with your new book !   You certainly deserve it, now go get some rest!!!!

 

 

 

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And finally – today, there is this new book on Michelle Obama.   Soon to be released,  it was written by Mary Tomer who founded Mrs-O HERE, a hugely popular blog all about our First Lady’s fashion sense.   Often compared to Jackie Kennedy who shared Michelle Obama’s love of fashion, Mrs. O is the first First Lady since Jackie-O who has had so many books written about her fashion style.     But, it is this one fashion book on Mrs. O that really captured my attention because it was written by another blogger!   I love that so many bloggers are now stepping out in publishing.  The book is very comprehensive, starting with the young, single Michelle, through her marriage, motherhood, the campaign, and ending with her stay in the White House.   Most exciting are the interviews with many of Mrs. O’s favorite designers.   Mrs. O – The Face of Fashion Democracy is available for pre-order HERE.

While I was sent the book for review – I don’t want to spoil it for you by showing the pictures from it, so instead, I have chosen to show photographs of Mrs. Obama taken in the White House – this way, we can combine fashion with interior design! And also, while I know many of Cote de Texas readers are Republicans, I hope you will also enjoy these photos – with the historical and quite beautiful White House as the back drop!

 

 

The Official Portrait of our First Lady, taken in the famous Blue Room, with Thomas Jefferson looking down over the scene.  Here she is wearing her trademark look – a sleeveless Michael Kors dress that shows off her highly toned arms!  

 

 

Here, you can really see a lot of the decorating details in the Yellow Oval Room in the Private Quarters of the White House.  I love the fabric on the chair Mrs. O is sitting on!

 

 

On a tour of the White House, the first couple are shown the State Dining Room.   I wonder if she is examining the curtains?   Look at that molding!!!  Abraham Lincoln is gazing down here – can you imagine living with such art work?

 

Another sleeveless dress in the Blue Room. 

 

 

 

Here, the couple is in the  Diplomatic Reception Room – with its beautiful mural.    Sleeveless again!   George Washington is surveying this scene.

 

 

 

The Green Room – I love these personal, intimate shots of the two of them.   They always seems to be speaking a private language between each other.

 

 

Mrs. Ronald Reagan, another fashion icon, comes for a visit.  Notice the huge blue and white pot, the jib door, the beautiful fireplace and mirror.   I wonder what Mrs. Reagan thinks when she comes back – they must be bittersweet memories since her husband is no longer here to enjoy it with her.  I also wonder about the china – do you think this is the china that Mrs. Reagan designed?  That would have been such a sentimental touch.   I wonder if Mrs. O has designed their china yet. 

 

 

 

 

Another former First Lady visits, Mrs. Jimmy Carter.   The woman in red is the Vice-President’s wife, Dr. Jill Biden.  Mrs. O is so tall – you can really see it in this picture.    What a view!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

The Clintons and the Carters pay a visit to the Oval Office.   I love the rug that President George Bush created for this office, I hope the Obamas keep it.    I wonder what Clinton and Emmanuel are saying???

 

 

Another secret message to the First Lady dressed in yellow.  Do you think she planned to match the curtains here?

 

 

The Blue Room with its exceptional set of furniture.   President John  Tyler looks down on another shared laugh between the two!

 

 

The Governor’s Ball in the State Dining Room.   Do you see Governor Arnold?  I love that the President is pulling out his wife’s chair!  This dress by Peter Soronen was a stunner with the huge pearl necklace accessorizing it.

 

 

 

Off the Blue Room, is the Red Room with another set of incredible antique furniture.   This is the cutest picture!   Even the page is laughing at the first couple. 

 

 

 

 

The Blue Room, the day after the inauguration.   It’s time to update these curtains I think.

 

 

 

The beautiful halls of the White House – he must be rushing her here!  Typical husband!

 

 

Ok –Mrs. O isn’t in this picture, but what a beautiful picture of the Green Room!!  What is he looking at? 

 

 

 

My favorite!    The first President ever to hold a Passover Seder!   Despite all the reports of the Obama’s hanging out with left wing radicals, actually many of their friends and members of their staff are Jewish.   During the long campaign, the tradition of holding a family Seder was started.   Did you know that Michelle’s uncle is also one of the most celebrated black Rabbis in this country?    The very young and very beautiful First Lady Francis Cleveland looks over the Seder held in the Old Family Dining Room.    Maybe they’ll invite me next year!

 

 

To pre-order blogger Mary Tomer’s book on our First Lady’s fashion style, Mrs. O The Face of Fashion Democracy, go HERE.

To order Jackie Von Tobel’s  The Design Directory of Bedding, go HERE.

And be sure to visit your local book stand and pick up the new Southern Living magazine.

And one last reminder:  if you haven’t already, please visit the Skirted Roundtable HERE to listen  to interior design great Charlotte Moss talk about her life and everything else!  She is so fascinating!

70 comments :

  1. "Despite all the reports of the Obama’s hanging out with left wing radicals, actually many of their friends and members of their staff are Jewish" - actually, I was just reading that 80 or 90% of Jewish people in the U.S. vote Democrat or further left.

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  2. What a wonderful change to Southern Living -- yes indeed -- hoepfully the magazine will pick up the slack left by the notable absence of Southern Accents and Cottage Living! And my stars!! What a gorgeous First Lady -- so gracious and so very elegant! Love the Seder photo too! Thanks for sharing!

    Jan at Rosemary Cottage

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  3. I love the gold frames in the Green Room.

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  4. Beautiful post, Joni. Looking forward to seeing SL - I must say, in every magazine that does it, I hate when they put stuff on the pictures. Put it in the captions for heaven's sake; we can all read. Numbers, arrows, handwriting, I hate it on my tear sheets.

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  5. anon:

    ha! I'd love for you to come to my temple, the oldest in Houston and stand up and say 90% of you are left wing radicals. what a joke.

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  6. Thanks for the great plug for my new book! You're a great friend.....

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  7. This post is exactly why I love you and your blog!! GREAT information, GORGEOUS photos, a FANTASTIC sense of humor and real life. I am so sorry that your clock broke but so appreciative to hear that that stuff happens to other people and not just me. Did your stunning marble counter and nickel faucet escape unharmed? I hope so!

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  8. Hi Joni! I love your blog! I have never read Southern Accents, but now, because of your post, I will. I did want to comment that I just read that the one thing Laura Bush misses about living in the White House is all the world class art...wonderful post with fabulous pictures! thanks Joni...

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  9. It's great to see Southern Living moving forward w/new style.Great reminder about the other two books. My husband went to the White House yesterday! He was one of 21 amateur astronomers to go for a special event sponsored by NASA. Hopefully I'll put up the post tomorrow am. He was within 5 feet of President Obama but he stopped to look through a different telescope than my husbands. He still had a great time though!

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  10. Love the two books you mentioned. Great sketches and visuals. Southern Living is always a great read but now I'll enjoy it even more!

    Love the colors that Mrs. O wears. She's so bold and brave!

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  11. I love this post! The new SL format is an improvement, and those pumpkin cakes look delicious.

    I really love the Michelle O pictures! She has such a great fashion sense and they seem to have such a loving, fun relationship. Getting a glimpse of the various rooms in the White House was fun too.

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  12. I think it's important to recognize that many people enjoy coverage of a gracious First Lady, whether she be Democrat or Republican

    For example, even as a Texas Democrat, I love seeing Laura Bush around Dallas. What a lovely woman she is and so much prettier and petite in person than she appeared in photos!

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  13. Another great post Joni. It's refreshing to read a blog post about the Obamas that actually respects the office of the Presidency. Beautiful photos and great comments as always!

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  14. Love your pictures and writing here, but am one who is not happy with the changes in "Southern Living". I don't like that it seems dumbed-down now with all the arrows and captions, as if we are first-graders. I do love the larger photos. Last month, the most annoying thing ever, "Like it? Get it!" drove me crazy and I hope it's not continued.

    I just don't think every TV channel (such as HGTV), every magazine, everything in society has to be geared towards a younger audience. (I'm 40, btw). I loved the sophistication and variety found in "Southern Accents" and also loved that it didn't look and feel like a Pottery Barn catalog.

    I will really miss "Southern Accents".

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  15. Hummmm, I was visiting the blog to get away from the rotten political world of the FLOTUS.....so, see ya, adios!

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  16. Love your diversity as always.
    What a great article on Mrs.O's gorgeous outfits, she is a beautiful and smart woman, who carries herself effortless.
    The dresses just emphasize this.
    Thanks, Joni.
    Btw. Miss you stopping by....

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  17. I love that your post seemed to be out of love for presidency in general. I didn't feel like it was a political piece at all. How wonderful, amazing, and worth celebrating it is to see a gathering of past presidents and first ladies (of both parties) together in elegant, graceful, American style. Thanks for the gorgeous photos.
    As for SL, I've always enjoyed the magazine for its gardening tips and real-life, user/budget friendly, unfussy recipes (many from readers), but often felt like the decorating was a little too "crafty" or "cul de sac model home." I definitely see an improvement and also appreciate the layout. The last issue had two houses I went back to and looked at several times. But I have to agree-- that "love it, get it" thing is irritating-- while I appreciate the price and shopping info (something I miss about Domino), they could do more discreet captions so I don't feel like I'm just looking at an ad or sticker book. Also, they were MISSING source info on most of the items I was curious about. And a little heavy on the Ballard Design stuff.
    Thanks again, Joni!!! xoxo

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  18. love that SL article..George's house is great..very cottage living. I LOVE that enlarged envelope idea and i have some maps from London i have been saving for my boys rooms when they are teenager...now i know just how to do it...so glad SL is coming back..i am still in awe is survived at all.

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  19. Beautiful post, I so enjoyed the pics! Thanks for sharing and ignore the naysayers their just party poopers! Cindy

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  20. I have noticed the change to Southern Living, though I believe it was the predecessor to Southern Accents. The SA was focused on design and the SL was also lifestyle. Thirty years ago, Southern Living was definitely not so interesting to younger readers, it was full of small black and white photos. It was revamped somewhere in that time period, which was when I began to be interested. With this latest revamp, one of the things I missed was the football issue, the All South picks was an issue to which all in my family looked forward. I am concerned about them retaining their unique identity and becoming just another TimeWarner
    publication.
    Paula ~ Mise en scène

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  21. I'm so disappointed in Southern Living. Last spring I cancelled my subscription after buying it for about 15 years. I love the SL magazine of the 90s. Check out an older issue from your local library. The older issues are twice as long. I want all of the recipes and home/interior pages as before. Less travel and more home.

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  22. Gorgeous photos Joni! How do you make them so big? Oh, I remember you explaining it on the skirted RT one day - some special software! ALways worth the wait!

    I love Michelle Obama - think she's the cat's pyjamas. I honestly don't think her style is that spectacular (which I feel bad saying) but I think it's that she looks "put together" and dresses in striking colours. She is a tall, confident, beautiful woman and I imagine she has amazing presence. I guess it is the fact that she doesn't fade into the background or wear the conventional first lady suit that she gets so noticed for her "style". I think the clothes aren't so always so great, but she wears them so well. Which is style, I suppose!

    In that photo of the Yellow Oval room, I wonder what that yellow is??! And someone needs to tell women who wear knee-length dresses to keep their knees VERY close together when there's a photographer around! The fist thing I noticed in that photo was right up the skirt of the lady on the left. haha! Isn't that funny. And then I noticed the ROOM!

    What a beautiful place that white house!

    Great post as always, and after our holiday I am so behind on blogs but catching up on my skirted roundtables anyway!

    xo Terri

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  23. Fabulous post, as usual. I end my read informed, and entertained, and yet you keep a thread on design running throughout. As a Cottage Living reader, I really loved the 'younger' comment, and will check Southern Living out soon.

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  24. I need to check out the new Southern Living. I always love their recipes and new ideas for travel. And of course, I adore Mrs. O!! Both the blog and the namesake.

    Don't forget about Vicki Archer's new book too, French Essence!

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  25. Joni, I came back to see if the SL pics would load for me, and for some reason they won't. Enjoyed looking at the other pics, though.

    If you were in Florida, I would host a seder meal in your honor! :-)

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  26. Loving all the pics - so clear! yes, that appears to be the Reagan china in the pic with Michelle and Nancy, and yes, a very nice touch.

    I think Prez O is looking at presidential height marks on the door jam - "now, where do I stack up". Taller than Carter and Bush, shorter than Clinton and Reagan...

    There was a story on NPR today about a story in the NY Times where someone traced Mrs. O's history back 5 generations, to a slave girl. Pretty remarkable, from slave to the White House in 5 generations. Regardless of one's politics, something for us all to be proud of.

    I can't wait to dig into Jackie's book this weekend. It's ginormous and I emailed her when I received it that I actually teared up at the sheer accomplishment of it.

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  27. I'm back.

    Well, guess what? The pics finally loaded, and I loved seeing the new SL layout. How did he get that envelope blown up to that size? I love that idea!

    Thanks for the heads up...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  28. Joni, indeed Mrs. Obama served Mrs. Reagan on the Reagan Red China. A very nice touch. I think it is my favorite of all the Presidential China. That HIDEOUS gold Clinton Mellennium china is so gaudy. Mrs. Clinton and Mrs. Bush were both very good stewards of the White House. Mrs. Clinton and the committee redesigned the Blue Room and Mrs. Bush's light touch in the Green room honored Mrs. Kennedy's superb taste. Even the Lincoln Bedroom looks fresher and better, but I don't like Victorian at all and think it better decorated in the 1775-1815 periods best.

    Joni, the only Temple you've been in in the last 30 years is South of Waco....confess it.

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  29. Joni,
    This is a beautiful post! I enjoyed the pictures at the White House! What are they gorgeous!!!!

    Thank you so much for sharing these!

    Greet
    PS I have not yet discovered Southern Living in Belgium.

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  30. I love your blog and visit it frequently. Great post, by the way. The White House is so special and I love watching the special on cable each year showing Christmas preparations @ the White House. Wonder if they'll add in some nods to Hannukah this year?! I did notice one photo inaccuracy, though. The shot with the Lincoln painting is not Pres. Obama, I believe it is USCG Ret. Rear Admiral Steven Rochon, who is the Chief Usher. He was originally appointed by Pres. Bush. About 15 years ago, my husband worked for then-Commander Rochon at CG HQ in D.C. He was a wonderful boss and an inspirational leader to my husband, who cites him as one of his mentors early in his CG career. To understand more about the job of Chief Usher, Wikipedia has a good description.

    Maybe the ADM and Mrs. Obama were discussing decorating changes or party preparations?! :)

    Linda

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  31. Absolutely LOVED viewing the photos and reading your comments of the President, the First Lady and the White House! Regarding Southern Accents, I am sick about it's demise, never been a Southern Living reader and must agree with an aforementioned comment regarding the "cul de sac model home" and Pottery Barn catalog aesthetic...chuckle. Although, I do appreciate PB and shop there frequently, just not all at once, in a single room...

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  32. Love this post on Michelle O.--how timely--just when President Obama has received the Nobel Peace Prize. I do not think he "could have done it" without her. At this point in time, I am so proud to be an American and to have the Obamas represent me.

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  33. Great post - I am sure you saw or even posted the new official and residence china Mrs. Bush ushered in just before leaving the WH:
    http://thisweekwithbarackobama.blogspot.com/2009/01/china-time-as-in-white-house-china.html - Personally I love love love the hand painted dishes with the flowers, leaves, etc. The Mrs. O pictures and background shots were just stunning - as an artist I so appreciate seeing the paintings - especially the lovely painting of Mrs. Cleveland (Sargent? I will have to look it up!). And by the way, yes, I love Dan Carither's and his creamware - but for you, well, we all need a change but the blue and white gets my vote - I never tire of it!

    Thanks for the beauty you bring to my life.

    Suzanne on St. Simons

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  34. I really enjoyed this post! Especially loved your sweet comments about the presidens and Mrs O

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  35. I really enjoyed this post! Especially loved your sweet comments about the presidens and Mrs O

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  36. I think Michelle Obama--and her arms--are fabulous. My 7-yr old daughter asked me yesterday why Mrs. Obama isn't the president instead of her husband. "Wouldn't it be better to have a girl president?" she asked.

    I'll have to check out the new Southern Living. Looks like they made a lot of changes!

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  37. Joni,

    ...second to last picture---why, our President is looking at himself, of course!

    Kathy

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  38. Beautiful post as usual, Joni! Loved seeing all the Presidents together. And the sweet photo of the First Lady with Mrs. Reagan. Something so touching about that.

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  39. i love that you did this post, m'dear. and now i'm coveting that ginormous pot in the photo with mrs. o and mrs. reagan! and i just love what you said about the two speaking their own language - you can really see it in these photos. they're so in love!

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  40. Uber-post, Joni! Amazing how since May 2007, you have evolved into one one of the elite in mingling home and fashion without skipping a beat. As far as bloggers books ... can hardly wait for yours about Houston homes, their owners and resources. Channeling karma that a publisher contacts you soon! Most of all, I appreciate how you haven't sold out to advertisers.

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  41. I think Mrs O looks like a really nice genuine intelligent woman, I really like her!

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  42. Jackie is so talented! I love her illustrations. The cottage is terrif, especially his bedroom! Mrs First Lady O could I have just maybe, say a dozen of you fabulous outfits?!

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  43. You made my morning so intersting yet again...Thank you so very much for such a respectful piece.

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  44. Thank you for the beautiful photos of the White House! Not an Obama fan here nor a Michelle fan - but the photos were beautiful.

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  45. I was so sad when cottage living folded. When editor in chief, Eleanor Griffith, was moved to southern living I was ecstatic. I too feel as if they are stepping it up in a big way.

    oh, and what stunning photos of the White House. I am sure you will be invited next time:)

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  46. The china Mrs. Reagan is eating on = is her own. It's hard to tell in the picture, but it looks to be the red banded china she picked out - remember, she loved red and wore it all the time- so it is only fitting that her china be red banded! And how thoughtful that she is served a meal on her own china. That's a special treat only a few women will ever know. The First Mrs. Bush didn't get to design china, but her daughter in law. Mrs. Clinton did, but not Mrs. Carter. Someone said 1 term Presidents don't get that honor. I wonder if Mrs. Obama will????

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  47. I have loved SL since I lived in Birmingham years ago and think the changes are great. Thanks for a great post!

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  48. Beautiful photos and great comments :)

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  49. I was just at the White House and loved the State Dining Room curtains. I was told that they redecorated as things are worn out and asked if people could buy the window fabric. Nobody knew but they think it just goes into storage. I would love to have that fabric, it is beautiful in person. MB

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  50. I love your blog--just beautiful!!
    I am also so disappointed about the demise of Southern Accents--truly my favorite! I'll have to check out the revamped Southern Living.
    Really wonderful photos at the White House. So enjoy the grandness of it all.
    I will say, though, that just because the Obamas have friends and staff that are Jewish does not negate the fact that he has "hung out" with many left wing radicals!! And, by the way, I think his approval rating amongst Israelis is around 6%.
    Clearly I'm not a fan of the president but I am a fan of the office and the lovely house that he gets to call home.

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  51. Oh how I adore the first couple... they actually seem like they're still in love, what a concept! I actually just did a post on the new art they've chosen for the White House, you might find it interesting as well: http://www.urbanfleadesign.net/2009/10/design-dispatch-mod-white-house.html

    xo Katherine aka. Urban Flea :)

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  52. As a Southerner I have always liked SL. It is so nice to see that they have changed their format. Love the pictures of the cottage. Thank you for sharing such wonderful photos of the first family. I will have to look for the book.

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  53. jonesandjonesabode.blogspot.comOctober 9, 2009 at 7:06 PM

    So sad to see Southern Accents go the way of Domino, Cottage Living, and House and Garden all great chronicles of style. But we're happy to have found your blog with all the wonderful and witty posts.

    We love your piece on the first family and the White House- we're anxiously waiting to see the Michael Smith interiors of the Obama's private quarters. What a breath of fresh air this first family is.

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  54. Wow, there was so much goodness to take in with this post! Can't wait to see the changed of Southern Living in person with a new copy. The books sound fabulous...I just added all three mentioned to my Amazon shopping cart :) Plus, I'm in obsessing over the blue room - stunning!

    Have a wonderful weekend,
    xo,
    Crystal

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  55. Great post!! I have loved SL forever. When I was a newly wed I could not afford to buy SL, but I worked at a doctors office and would take them when they were going to be thrown out. I would look at them and dream of the homes. Well we did bulid our dream home and the plans came from SL.
    Really enjoyed the pictures and comments on the first lady.
    THANK YOU...

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  56. Beautiful post! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

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  57. I am one of your Republican readers and while I do not agree w/the policies of this administration, I will admit they truly seem like a loving family. All that to say, Michelle would look so much prettier if she would stand up straight! I would say that if she belonged to my party :).
    PS - this is anonymous b/cI can never get my google identity to work!
    Kathy

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  58. What fantiastic pictures, both of the White House and of the Obamas. Truly stunning. Both!

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  59. Love your blog, thank you! Just popping in to second redsoxmom's caption correction.

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  60. The magazine looks incredible. I too, love longer stories than the typical one or two page ones. It's funny you mentioned using maps as art. In one of my recent posts, that's exactly what I did on our family room. I took an old Paris map and framed it and it added an instant focal point to the room.

    I just designed a new product, my French Bucket Tote. I can't wait to see what you think of them!

    Have a great weekend,
    Aimee

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  61. Hi Joni, I am missing all your wonderful posts. I was able to open your blog and a few others today. When I'll have a better connection I will read all your past posts (even if it may take a month). I will try to listen to Charlotte Moss...wish me luck with the connection (yes I am still in Italy! and since I am not staying in Hotels or sleeping at the airport...I do NOT have wi-fi). Ciao

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  62. Joni,

    What an lovely post - so fun to see all these pictures of the Obamas. I had to laugh - I was looking at that picture with Bill Clinton (is he scoping out Mrs. O?) - and then Arnold checking out her rear end (or maybe his eyes are just closed?). Loved the photos - my favorite is the one of the Obamas in the red room. I am coveting that big blue pot! Thank you, yet again, Joni, for your generosity with those of us who love your blog.

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  63. Hi Joni,
    thanks for the latest updates of the White House and it's interiors.....no magazine over here is even close to your pictures and text...and yes I agree the curtains in the Blue Room need a total make-over!

    You must have a splendid source......I guess.

    xo

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  64. great pics of the Obama's! Also I too am loving my new Southern Living!! Glad they could take on the Cottage Living vibe a little bit!

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  65. Fabulous pictures Joni! I am so glad you featured SL like this. I had let my subscription run out, but now will pick it back up.

    Thanks so much!

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  66. The lady in the picture of the oval office is Princess Maixma and her husband Prince Willem Alexander from here in Holland. She is a beautiful and gracious woman. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures. Julie in Holland....

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  67. This was one of my favorite posts ever! Thanks so much for sharing the lovely photos of the Obamas and the White House.

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  68. What a fabulous post...thanks so much for sharing! I clicked on the "Mrs. O" blog - and its pretty terrific, too. So many blogs and books...so little time!

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  69. 1. I don't admire someone just because they have fashion sense.

    2. Why Jewish people vote Democrat is an enigma. No one supports secular or religious Jewish people more than conservative Christians. Further, the D.party does not support Israel whose families are being forced out of their land and homes in "exchange" for peace. Yet peace is never granted, only further demands for land - why does the D. party not support protecting this people who are being violently attacked and discriminated against???

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  70. I'm so glad I found this post. I have been looking for information on the sconces over the bed on the last page of the Southern Living story you featured. I've looked all through the Southern Living website but no luck! If you have the magazine still hanging around I would be thrilled if you could post where they came from! Also if you have a magic wand and could make them under $100- even better! ;)

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