Jib Doors.....

.....a not so modern mystery

Jib doors have been around for hundreds of years, once to hide secret passageways or rooms, but are making a big comeback in modern interiors as well.  While the jib door may still be used to hide a secret room or passageway in today's interiors,  it has taken on a new use to blend in without disturbing the aesthetic of a space - such as if you are fortunate enough to have the luxurious hand-painted wallpaper of de Gournay grace your walls and would hate to take away from its beauty by having a door right in the middle.

Here are a few of my favorites I am currently swooning over.....one day

Traditional Entry by Flushing Interior Designers & Decorators Amy Jesaitis

Photo credit unknown | Image via forpilar

Photo Credit unknown | Image via belle vivar

Photo credit unknown | Pauline Rothschild peering from jib door

Photo Credit unknown | Image via forpilar

Photo credit unknown | Image via belle vivar

Contemporary Bathroom by St Louis Interior Designers & Decorators Savvy Surrounding Style

Contemporary Kitchen by New York Architects & Designers Agencie Group LLC

Traditional Staircase by Asheville Interior Designers & Decorators Alchemy Design Studio

Now typically I would certainly leave installing a jib door to a professional, but if you happen to be pretty confident in your craftsmanship skills involving building and woodwork, then I have found a source for you to attempt to do it yourself here.

I would love to hear how you have used a jib door or would plan to use one in your home - I am definitely adding this to the wish list for a future abode!

Happy Thursday!

What's in your beach bag + GIVEAWAY

Memorial Day is just around the corner, and I am certainly hoping to be celebrating it in sunny Florida along 30A - where are you planning to celebrate?  If you're headed to the coast too then here are a few things you must have for sunning on sugar white sand!

Seagrove Beach . FL | 30A

Seagrove Beach . FL | 30A

Alys Beach . FL | 30A

Now that we have gorgeous scenery - we can't forget our beach essentials....my picks for this weekend are

 

 

Cotton + Quill | Cotton-Voile Scarves

 These scarves from Cotton + Quill are the perfect accessory for breezy beach days - find them here

 

 

 

Cotton + Quill | Beach Bags

 These bright bags are also from Cotton + Quill and are the perfect size for toting all your beach necessities - find them here

 

 

Tilley Hat | R2 Women's Raffia

Also on my list is one of my favorite hats not only for their chic look but also for their excellent sun protection - this little beauty offers a UPF of 50+ which is the maximum sun protection rating...but don't forget to pair it with a little SPF as well!

Purchase here

Mary Kay Andrews | Ladies' Night

And you can't forget a good book!!  I am a true Mary Kay Andrews fan....these little books got me through the frigid winter months of living in New Jersey...I even stayed at her home on Tybee for my bachelorette weekend!!  Find her books at all major bookstores & online - get Ladies' Night here

The Breeze Inn | Mary Kay Andrews Beach Home | Tybee Island, GA

A little throwback to a mini vacation to Tybee with girlfriends - also a must place to visit and not far from sweet Savannah!

And don't forget that beach playlist!!

What's on your playlist??

AND.....since we are so excited about having a LONG weekend + much needed break, we are doing a GIVEAWAY!!  Just follow the steps below ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Perfect Thank You...

It's that time of year again - graduation and of course, WEDDING SEASON!!  So, to all of you who may be graduating, whether it be from high school or college, or for those of you tying the knot, CONGRATULATIONS!! and... I hope you have that stationery ready because you, my friend, will be needing to write plenty of thank you notes in the upcoming months.

There is nothing more personal and meaningful than a hand-penned note, and taking the time to sit down a write a thoughtful note isn't nearly as daunting of a task as it may seem.  I am here to help break down how to write a lovely thank you and help you get through all that note writing during celebratory times like graduation and getting married.....or having a baby!

1 :: Start with a thoughtful greeting

2 :: Begin the body of the note with a thank you - after all this is a thank you note!

3 :: Reference the gift you received and how you plan to use it

4 :: Say thank you again, yes again, and make reference to seeing the gift giver in the future

5 :: End with a thoughtful closing & date!

Follow these simple steps, and you will knock out thank you notes in no time!

Now, in order to write a note, you must have lovely stationery for which to write on...here are some favorites.

For the Fashionista

Cotton + Quill | Vogue Collection :: Hot in L.A. / Coco Liner in Emerald

Get it here

For the Southern Belle

Cotton + Quill | Floral Collection :: Magnolia / Coco Liner in Emerald

Get it here

For the One Who Has it All

Cotton + Quill | Custom Notes

Inquire for Custom Notes here

Quill Notes Tip ::  For the Bride to Be....If having custom notes made for before and after you tie the knot, be sure to have two sets if using a monogram - 1. Maiden Name 2. Married Name (now don't use the married monogram until the knot has been tied...no matter how tempting - it's bad luck!)  Also, another alternative to having a monogram is to have a custom illustration of something meaningful to you - then you can use the custom stationery before and after the wedding and for many other occasions to come!

For Baby

Southern Stationery | photo courtesy of southern stationery.com

Find here

For the Luxury Lover

Southern Stationery | Letterpressed Love (photo courtesy of southern stationery.com)

Find here

Quill Notes Tip :: For the Bride to Be.....Make sure to write your thank you notes as soon as you receive a gift or immediately following a shower - trust me, it will make getting those hundreds of notes finished in record time and take the stress of writing them away!

I hope my lesson on thank you note writing will come into use!  Enjoy and go write!!

"M" is for Monday + Mothers....

Mother's Day is less than a week away, and I don't know about you but I haven't even thought about the right gift to show my mom how much I appreciate her.  

I am here to help you out with the perfect gift guide sure to suit any mother whether she is a cook, a fashionista, a beach-goer, or even an entertainer.

Some Items from Cotton + Quill Featured on the Guide ::

1. Cotton-Voile Scarves {Cuckoo in Marine shown} ONLY $40 here

2. Scented Sachets {Dynasty in Laguna - Rosemary Scent shown} ONLY $20

email sales@cottonandquill.com to order

Sachets In Stock ::

Jasmine

{1} Gigi :: Cerulean

{1} Studebaker :: La Salle

{1} Shishi :: Melon

{1} Hemingway :: Heirloom Red

Rosemary

{1} Dynasty :: Laguna

{1} Hemingway :: Emerald

{1} Dynasty :: Melon

{1} Delahaye :: Runnin' Wild

Lavender

{1} Hemingway :: Emerald

{1} Hemingway :: Heirloom Red

{1} Gigi :: Cerulean

{1} Dynasty :: Melon

3. Baker's Dozen Recipe Cards {Urchin Tango shown} ONLY $12 here

4. Bags {top to bottom}

The Chloe Bag {Cuckoo / Dynasty in Midnight / Orchid shown} $80 here

The Audrey Bag {Dynasty in Orchid shown} $30 here

The Betty Bag {Shishi in Orchid shown} $25 here

5. Stationery Set {Koi / Imperial Liner shown} $24 - $32 here

Folded Notes $24 - $12 here

Not only can you get pretty much all of these items for UNDER $50, they are READY TO SHIP TODAY!!

And, just because I am SUPER EXCITED that I just realized today in Cinco de Mayo, I am offering an extra 25% off all items on the Gift Guide through Mother's Day!

If placing your order via email, 

Mention Code Word :: MOM

If ordering online, discount has already been applied.

Have a WONDERFUL WEEK!!