AT HOME WITH WHITE

I have always been drawn to decorating a home in all white.  It is so peaceful and calm,  crisp and refreshing.  In decorating my own homes and spaces I have gone through many, many phases, however I seem to always go back to decorating in the many shades of white.  As I always hear how impractical living with white is, I have found that using denims and linens and cottons has been just the opposite. Throwing white denim slipcovers and linen bedding in the washing machine is so easy!  And with a little cap of bleach once in awhile they always come out amazing.  There is nothing like jumping into an all white bed after a long,  hard work day. I have been working on this home for my friend Sally that was featured in the Journal this weekend so I thought I would add my favorite picture.  We transformed all of her vintage jewels and gems with fun white slipcovers in denims and linens and painted all of the woodwork in white, yes I said it painted all of the woodwork in white.  It gave all of the pieces a totally new look!  Check out the article on line if you missed it on Sunday.

IT'S ALL IN THE PACKAGING

I will totally admit that I am totally sold on items when they are packaged great.  Having studied and worked in packaging design many years ago, I totally appreciate when someone can come up with something new and innovative and use a cool design to do so.  So double bonus when the packaging is great and so is the item inside.  I found these soaps in Chicago and not only was I drawn to the look of them, however the smell and quality is amazing!  They are so moisturizing, (we could all use that right now) and fragrant.  I would have to say that my favorite is the Cherry Tomato and Basil Soap.

A LITTLE BIRDIE TOLD ME

Spring is in the air! Or I hope it is. When I woke up this morning I felt like this glimmer of hope that Spring would be here sooner than later as I heard the birds chirping. I was in and out of the store today and everywhere I went I seemed to hear birds singing and chirping and it made me happy considering the weather we have had lately. The sun was shining and I really feel like Spring is just around the corner. I have always loved birds... (obviously as you can see from the pictures of my own home - I have them everywhere.) I always gravitate to them also when I am buying for the store. Here are some of the birdies that I found for the store this spring.  There are many more to come...

WEEKEND TREAT

This cold Wisconsin weather is making me crave some serious comfort food and I know exactly what it is - French Bistro Steaks or (Hanger Steaks).  It is my favorite thing to order on any menu - whether it be from Balthazar in New York, Florio in San Francisco, Coquette Cafe in Milwaukee or at my friend Mike Mueller's house in Shorewood,  simple and delicious.  As I was paging through my new favorite cookbook, "Barefoot Contessa's Back to the Basics" (which you can of course purchase at the The Home Market),  I decided I would treat myself and take the challenge of making this on my own.  Ina has such a way with food.  Here is the recipe... I will let you know how it turns out.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

This past Sunday, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel featured my very tiny, yet cozy abode.  I laughed with reporter because I am at work all of the time so I am not quite sure where my real home is - my condo or my store.  I just wanted to share this with you if you did not catch it in the paper so you can get a little glimpse of who I am outside of work - at home.

Click on the following link:

At Home with Kate Barrette

SHIPS AHOY!

This season I am so inspired by everything nautical -  anchors, maritime, navy, red, & even spouting whales! It reminds me of the ocean and for some reason spring.  I know it will be here soon. We have already received many new John Derian decoupage pieces with a nautical theme. We are also expecting some great maritime pillows in natural jute with anchors and whales on them. Such a great accent for your home for the spring and summer.  Check out some of new items that we have gotten in and are getting in this spring.

GREETINGS!

Welcome to The Home Market blog!  My (better late than never ) New Year's Resolution was to continually update my website and to become more tech savvy.  Over the past year I have become totally addicted to blogs, everything about them, reading them, finding new ones and even daring to make the proverbial comment on them once in awhile.  I find them to be so interesting and there are so many great blogs out there on the web.  

So hopefully this blog will keep you updated on the information and happenings of life of The Home Market.  Enjoy!