win·try/ˈwintrē/

Adjective:  Characteristic of winter, esp. in feeling or looking very cold and bleek:  ”a wintry landscape”.

So, we’ve been having a blast despite the freaky weather and it seems that when it really matters, the sun has been shining…well mostly.  We’ve been attending local parades & rodeos, block parties & BBQ’s, dining al fresco whenever possible and taking evening dips at Chico.  We’ve been training our horses and going for rides on the ranch.  We are enjoying the lazy days of summer, but mostly each other and although I love this time in our lives, I sometimes wish I could turn back the clock and cradle my babies in my arms once again…

So here’s my {not so lil’} Cowboy, Sam at the Wilsall Rodeo where our family spent an awesome Father’s Day.  Ain’t he a cutie patootie?  And be sure to check out my new western site & blog at www.susannsaarelthewest.com.  I’ll be posting Wilsall Parade & Rodeo images real soon!  Yee Haw!!

I have always believed in personalizing one’s space…in making a house a HOME and in “living with what you love”. To that end, we mix antique furniture with new, family heirlooms with our twins’ ceramic vases, and fine art paintings with family photos, many of them simple snapshots. Framed photos sit on the piano, my writing desk, in my husbands office, on our bedside tables, and in the kids’ rooms. They hang in the library and along the walls of our well-traveled hallway. The images tell the story of our lives as a family from the 1930′s photo of my husband’s parents, to photos of Doug & I at our wedding and on our honeymoon, from our twins’ baptism portrait to my fave photo of the kids running carefree along the shore during a Caribbean beach vacation. Our children can view their complete family history on our walls!

Alas, in many homes, walls are empty. Walls just begging to be adorned with family photos and artwork. Perhaps due to lack of time, decorating savvy or both. Decorating with photos does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. The photos do not have to be professional images. Most of us have more photos than anything else in our homes…stuffed in boxes, drawers, closets and attics. Wouldn’t it be fun to spend an afternoon with your kids looking through them all, pulling out the ones that truly “speak to you”, framing and hanging them? Wouldn’t your family love helping you bring that big blank wall or empty hallway to life?  Well, there’s no time like the present!…Pottery Barn is now offering 20% off their Wood Gallery Frames.  For less than $200 you can create a stunning wall portrait collection that will make your family proud!!!

Here are a few more inspirational ideas for decorating with photos you may already have:

“Avalon is, alone of his more than 20 major residences, the place Ted Turner doesn’t hesitate to call home.  He spends more time at Avalon than anywhere else. “ — Steven M.L. Aronson for Architectural Digest, July 2004

Notice how the end tables in this room are filled with framed family portraits for anyone seated to enjoy.   The photographer and stylist for this spread convey Ted’s love of family by posing him next to a tabletop of my sepia-toned portraits elegantly displayed in sterling silver frames.  Clearly, Ted has mastered the art of  “living with what you love”, as written about in yesterday’s blogpost.

Stay tuned for future posts on ways to decorate with family portraits, beyond placing framed images on mantles and tabletops for those of you who prefer a more clutter-free look.

So, just to give you a little background on my journey as a photographer and the concept behind The Boutique Salon, I thought I’d share with you this little promo video I created…just a little sneak peek of what’s to come.

I’d love to see you at the Grand Opening…and remember, we’ll also be hosting a Matilda Jane Trunk show for the 3-day event (the trunk is already here and let me tell ya, the clothes are darling!). Again, here are the details:

WHEN:  Friday, April 16 from 6-8 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 11-3 pm

PLACE:  119-1/2 West Park, Livingston (just above the Mexican Restaurant)

Bring your friends!

Most impressive was Nichole’s comprehensive program, her 247-page workshop workbook, her awesome giveaways and incredible sharing.  She even shared one of her favorite models with all 24 of us one afternoon…her beautiful daughter who wore a gorgeous Victorian cloak custom-made by a local costume designer and seamstress.  I am definitely going to have to have one of these made…don’t you think?  So here she is in all her winsome glory…Miss Little Red Riding Hood…

Thanks again, Nichole!

I am  proud to introduce this unique collection of image cases and jewelry in sterling silver and 18 carat yellow gold.  These cases, lockets and frames are designed to become precious heirlooms that hold close to us the images that mean so much.

Photos courtesy of The Fine Art of Family.

Feel free to make an appointment to come by the Boutique Salon to see them in person or visit the “heart & home” section of my website to see more.  I’m sure you’ll be as enamored with them as I am!