famous movie homes

I have been meaning to do this post for some time, and today I finally sat down to write it.

Occasionally, when I watch a movie, I tend to notice the setting or locations more than I watch the film itself. I especially love seeing homes in movies - I love to see the way other people live, or at least the way I imagine that they live. In fact some movie homes are places that will always stick with me. Here are a few of my favorites:

Tara from Gone With the WindTara wasn't just a beautiful house or a large plantation, for Scarlett O'Hara it was a state-of-mind. It represents everything that she worked so hard to reclaim throughout the movie, so it's no wonder that it is the last place she goes just before the film ends. Unfortunately, Tara was only a Hollywood film set, and not an actual house. Still, I love the look of it's stately marble columns and deep southern charm.

Green Gables from Anne of Green GablesThis home is as important to my childhood as it was for Anne when she first came to Green Gables. It represents a place to come home to, a place of friendship, of patchwork quilts and homemade bread, and a place where a young girl was encouraged to be exactly who she wanted to be. I can picture Marilla sitting in her rocking chair on the veranda; it's a warm summer night, and she's watching the horse-drawn buggies come clopping down the lane.

Cullen residence from TwilightTypically I am an old fashioned girl and I don't care for modern architecture. However, a house is really just some wood and nails until a family moves in, and one of my favorite fictional families is the Cullens. I love the large windows and big, spacious rooms. This house has a light, airy feeling, and not a place anyone would ever associate with vampires. Best of all is Edward's room, which is full of music and memorabilia that he has collected over the years. I would love to spend a couple of hours there.

Karen Blixen's home from Out of AfricaI love this movie, and I love this home. The best part is, is that this was the house they used to film the movie,and it was also the home of the real Karen Blixen (pen name Isak Dinesen) when she lived and loved and worked in Africa. This home represents the sweep and scope of the film as well as the lush wildlife and scenery of Kenya. Some of the best features of this house are the large stone facade, big bay windows, and gigantic wrap-around porch. Someday I hope I can stop in and see this place for myself.

The Owens Sister's house from Practical Magic
I have always loved the style and look of historical New England homes, and this one takes the cake. From the old fashioned windows, to the antique wallpaper, and the hand-carved wood furnishings, this house has it all. Every time I watch this movie I wish I could be an Owens woman and live with my sisters in this big, beautiful home! Once again, this was a house that was built specifically for the film, and when the movie was done it was torn down. Sad! I totally would have moved in...

Blakeney Manor from The Scarlet PimpernelAnd now for the finale! Of course I had to put an English home on my list, and after narrowing my choices considerably (Pemberley was a BIG contender), I decided to go with Milton Manor (aka the Blakeney residence from The Scarlet Pimpernel). I'm not sure I need to sell you on this home, because really, all you have to do is look at the picture and it's love at first sight. Someday I would love to travel back to England and do a tour of this house. Maybe Percy would invite me to stay for afternoon tea?

What is your favorite movie house?

Halloween cards

A couple of years ago, while I was perusing through a local stationary shop, I stumbled upon these darling Halloween greeting cards made by an artist named Becky Kelly. Originally I had planned to mail them to a friend during the holiday, but I liked them so well I decided to keep them for myself. Yeah, I'm selfish like that. Later, I purchased some $1 black frames at Target, and now the framed "art" comes out every Halloween to sit on my shelf. Aren't they darling? I love Becky Kelly's attention to detail, and at times her work reminds me of classic Suzy's Zoo or Mary Englebright. Along with cards, notepads and stationary, you can also find Becky Kelly books, calendars and other paraphernalia. Happy Halloween!

antique shopping with Ann

Last weekend I went with my cousin Ann to an antique show. Ann and I both share a love of antiques, heirlooms, ancient oddities, and vintage paraphernalia (I'm pretty sure we were born in the wrong era). And while we both love all things old, Ann has a special affinity towards chairs, kitchen utensils, and dishes. I, on the other hand, am obsessed with old books and paintings. Of course we often meet in the middle: jewelry, vintage aprons, linens, quilts, and other unique items all get special attention from us both (you can never go wrong with pink, roses or Victorian). It's fun to see her unique style, and I'm sure she gets a kick out of seeing my excitement over different things. Ann would mortgage her home just to buy antique furniture, and that is what I love about her - she's passionate!
After the antique show Ann took me to one of her favorite antique shops in downtown Salt Lake City (just off 900 South) called Moriarty's. I loved their dollar tables and was pretty impressed with their overall selection and prices. I bought some books, sheet music, and even a beautiful art print of a ballerina for only $1! Ann and I also made a D.I. run to buy some books, and by the end of the day I was pretty tired from all the shopping. I was almost home, when I decided to make one last stop at one of our local stores, Nook and Cranny. And would you believe it? There, sitting out in the yard just waiting for me, was this darling shelf! I had been looking for a piece like this for my nursery for quite some time, and now I had finally found it. The shelf was a little over-priced, but because of Ann I had the confidence to barter for a better deal (I got it for almost half off)! I also found these darling chairs for $15 a piece, and while I'm pretty sure that neither the shelf or the chairs are antiques, they are still old and unusual pieces of furniture. That is part of the reason why I love antique items so much - not only are they beautiful and nostalgic, but they were made to last. Happy shopping!