I noticed I haven’t written any “deep” posts for a long time — just little bits of nothing. I’m OK with that. My life lately has been a lot of these little bits, and sometimes that’s a lot better than drama-trauma overload. No soaring highs or belly-flopping lows. Even keel. Steady as she goes. I’ll take it!
So, perfect for the little bits o’ nothing vein, someone in the vast direct marketing universe hit their target (part of it anyway — nailing “interest” if not “income”) and the catalog of my dreams showed up in my mailbox. Addressed to me. Not to “Occupant” or the former owners or, heaven-forbid, Mike.
Everyone out there know MacKenzie-Childs? I’ve known the brand for years, but have only seen bits and pieces here and there in specialty stores.
I was unprepared for the OMGness that is the catalog.
It’s kind of Alice in Wonderland meets cottage garden meets floral chintz extravaganza.
In other words, it’s just for me.
“Oh, I want this!”… “Oh, I NEED this!!”… “OH, I MUST HAVE THIS!” with every turn of the page.
I swooned over the Flower Market Enamelware.
Fit for the finest cakes and scones!
Oh, and this champagne bucket, please. With these glasses.
And while I’m at, why not all of these pretties for my kitchen?
And what about this Queenly garden furniture (off with your head if you don’t just love it).
Not fantastical enough? How about this chair instead?
Of course, I’d need this loveseat and end table to complete the ensemble.
And maybe the Toulouse Goose to mix things up a bit.
And of course my garden would have to be entered through this gate.
And the birds would have to have proper places to dwell.
And the few bits of mail worth receiving would be delivered here.
So what if exactly none of these things fits my budget?
And Mike would probably move out.
I just admire people who go beyond thinking outside the box to actually living and working outside it.
Sit next to me and let’s discuss the possibilities.
Starting with the fact that the Aurora, NY, farmhouse where the magic gets made is a mere 6 hours away from where I sit.
Getaway weekend, anyone?
Who’s with me?
If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.
~ Katharine Hepburn
Writing by Ear 
mel said,
Monday, May 16, 2011 at 9:43 pm
The dishware is fab. You had me… until the furniture. Sorry, it just didn’t look comfortable. Although I’ll bet it hides a multitude of spills from all those adorable teacups. And the Toulouse Goose? That made up for it all. Although I’m not certain what the goose actually IS–a teapot and cup all in one, for one? That’s my best guess…
Do you read Victoria mag? If not, you should.
WritingbyEar said,
Monday, May 16, 2011 at 11:51 pm
Oh, the goose is much better! A table!
http://www.mackenzie-childs.com/Furniture/Tables/Accent+Occasional+Tables/Toulouse+Goose+Table.axd
I used to read Victoria Mag years ago…haven’t seen it in ages and didn’t realize it was still around, since so many of my favorite mags have gone bust.
Of course, I have my Pottery Barn fetish as well — works better in dual-sex households.
boatdrinkbaby said,
Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 9:06 am
OMGness indeed. I want the cake carrier. And I want it badly. haha And the door knocker of the girl on a swing? Seriously adora-wonderful. Thanks for sharing this. Had NEVER heard of them!
Rege said,
Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 1:18 pm
It’s like Christine heaven.
loverofchrissy'scakes&scones said,
Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 2:03 pm
Interesting. Years ago they had a shop in NYC, it was really wild! I think it was on Fifth or Madison Aves…..
WritingbyEar said,
Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 2:09 pm
Yes, it IS my heaven.
They still have a NYC shop and one in Palm Beach, in addition to the Aurora shop.
mel said,
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 10:17 am
WOW, a Toulouse occasional table. It ain’t cheap, but it surely is unique.
Yes, Victoria mag is back and as fancy as ever. : )
robbie said,
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 3:43 pm
I remember wandering through the NY store on Madison Ave. It was set up as an old house with many small rooms and various staircases (and levels). Just wild twisting and turning and discovering all sorts of oddities.
There was a shop in Shadyside that carried the brand. We stopped in to look around and saw a big crazy looking chair that we liked. The sales woman came running over to inform us that Sharon Stone had just purchased two for her house in California and they were shipping that week. We kept looking.
WritingbyEar said,
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 5:25 pm
I should think you’d have more affinity for Sharon, Robbie, seeing as she was born in Meadville and all… 😉