The winner of the $100 gift certificate from CSN is …..

#65. Audrey Crisp!

Congratulations, Audrey! You will be contacted by email shortly.

Thanks to everyone who entered and to CSN for another great giveaway!

FTRB has teamed up with CSN once again to give one lucky reader a $100 gift certificate!

Now that spring is just around the corner, how about one of their wood swing sets for the kiddos? Or you can choose something to spruce up your home from one of the million items from their 200+ stores.

For your chance to win, just be an official follower of FTRB through Google Friends Connect (in the sidebar on the right) and leave a comment on this post. For an additional chance to win, leave a second comment if you ”like” FTRB on Facebook. (The Facebook button in the top right hand corner will take you to our Facebook page).

The giveaway will be open for one week until 6:00pm EST, Tuesday, March 15, 2011 and the winner will be announced on Wednesday, March 16th. Good luck!

I am absolutely thrilled to tell you about a new project I am participating in. Room Service Atlanta is an organization founded by two local blogger friends (Dayka and Erika) that will be revamping the interiors of Nicholas House, a transitional shelter for homeless families. The mission of Nicholas House is to provide “a temporary place to live while identifying and addressing the root causes of homelessness, so they never become homeless again.” We had the chance to visit it yesterday, learn about the amazing work they do and see the spaces we will be working on.

This is the room I will be making over:

I’ll be blogging about the project as it progresses over the next couple of months so please stay tuned. I can’t tell you how happy I am to be combining my love of design with community service and I commend Erica and Dayka for creating this special project.

Before I leave you today, I’d also like to introduce you to some new and old sponsors of FTRB.

Pixelimpress makes “seriously cute paper goods” like calling cards, calendars, bookmarks, gift tags, and place cards. Owner Pam loves paper. She loves patterns and colors. She loves modern and traditional. She loves trying to find the unexpected yet beautiful way of mixing all of the above to create a look that’s unique.

METALdecor was created by French interior designer Nathalie Wessier to bring you the simple idea of decorating your walls with metallic designs.  A big hit among the interior designers circle in Lyon France, she has now brought METALdecor stateside.

Katy, an interior design student who loves art, fashion, photography & interior design has launched Pink Mascara, a brand new blog about all things artful, where she shares creative photography and decorating inspiration.

Finally, for UK folks, if you’re in the market for a new bed, Time4Sleep is your source for selection and guaranteed lowest prices.

If you’d like to advertise your blog or business on FTRB, you can find details here.

Merry Christmas from my house to yours! (Here is our tree that I forgot to include in yesterday’s post.)

Thank you for reading and for your friendship and support. See you in 2011!

(Photos: From the Right Bank)

The winners of our final giveaway – 2 subscriptions to Anthology magazine are . . .

#6. Cattie and #84. Sherry! (Who says the last entry never wins?) Congratulations, you’ll be contacted soon by email.

I’d like to say a big thank you to Anthology and the rest of the generous participants in our giveaway series!

We take a break from design today to bring you this:

Yesterday in my exhausted, punchy state, I decided it would be a good idea to put wreaths on my poor Frenchies to pose for a Christmas photo. They were not pleased. If there were a thought bubble above his head, it would say:

And just how long must I endure this humiliation, pray tell?

Okay so it’s not the best idea I ever had. (I’m very, very tired.) How are you all holding up during all the holiday madness?

The winner of Giveaway #7 – an ikat pillow from a Curated Shop is . . .

#8. Melissa! Congratulations, Melissa, you’ll be contacted by email soon.

A big thanks to Capella Kincheloe and to everyone who entered!

Remember our last giveaway (2 subscriptions to Anthology) is open until tonight!

The winner of the Giveaway #6 – the sterling silver stacking rings from My Sparrow is . . .

#6. J! Congratulations, J, you will be contacted soon by email.

Thank you, My Sparrow and everyone for entering!

Giveaway #7 (ikat pillow) and #8 (2 subscriptions to Anthology magazine) are still open!

The winner of Giveaway #5 – an original painting from Fifi Flowers is . . .

#94. Schmidty! Congratulations, you’ll be contacted soon by email.

A big thanks to Fifi Flowers and everyone who entered!

Don’t forget Giveaways #6, 7, and 8 are still open!

The winner of Giveaway #4 – the decorative linen cushion from Natural History is . . .

#7. Huma! Congratulations, Huma, you will be contacted soon by email.

Thank you, Natural History and everyone who entered!

Don’t forget, Giveaways #5, 6, 7, and 8 are still open!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Giveaway #8: Two Subscriptions to Anthology Magazine

Open to U.S. residents.
Open until December 21.
Winner will be announced on December 22.

Anthology is a new quarterly shelter and lifestyle print magazine that takes a narrative approach to its coverage of home décor, travel, design, entertaining, and culture.

It’s beautifully produced, well-written and just what we needed!  Two winners will each receive a one-year subscription beginning with the first issue (pictured above).

To enter, you just need to be a follower of FROM THE RIGHT BANK through Google Friends Connect (in the sidebar) and leave a comment.

To double your chances, “like” FROM THE RIGHT BANK on Facebook (in the sidebar or by clicking here) then leave a second comment here on this post.

For a third chance, blog or tweet about this giveaway then leave a third comment on this post. Good luck!

The winner of Giveaway #3 – the leather ipad/Kindle case from Dewdrop Designs is:

#13. TSL! Congratulations, TSL, you will be contacted soon by email.

Thank you Dewdrop Designs and all who entered!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Giveaway #7: Decorative Ikat Toss pillow from A Curated Shop by Capella Kincheloe

Open to U.S. residents, excluding Hawaii and Alaska.
Open until December 20.
Winner will be announced on December 21.

Decorative Ikat Toss Pillow 20×20 with down and feather insert.
Pillow Face: Schumacher #173100 Samarkand Ikat in magenta, ochre, grape. 30% silk/70% cotton. Pillow Back: Natural heavy-weight linen.

Samarkand is a city located in Uzbekistan located centrally on the Silk Road, the route between China and the West. Ikat is one of the oldest weaving traditions, using a technique similar to tie-dye on the warp or weft. Ikat is seen used in cultures throughout the world.

Capella is an Atlanta residential interior designer and her design specialty is low-key luxury with a California sensibility – for all budgets. She also has a virtual design service, IDESIGN for those not in the Atlanta area. You can find her blog at acuratedlifestyle.blogspot.com.

She also has A Curated Shop on Etsy and she is providing free standard shipping and gift wrap to FTRB readers on regularly priced items through the end of the year.  Just add FTRB (for free shipping) & Gift Wrap (if wanted) in the “message to seller” box and your shipping costs will be refunded.

To enter, you just need to be a follower of FROM THE RIGHT BANK through Google Friends Connect (in the sidebar) and leave a comment.

To double your chances, “like” FROM THE RIGHT BANK on Facebook (in the sidebar or by clicking here) then leave a second comment here on this post.

For a third chance, blog or tweet about this giveaway then leave a third comment on this post. Good luck!

The winner of Giveaway #2 – a $100 gift certificate from Modern Chic Home is . . .

#28. Cara!

Congratulations, Cara! You will be contacted by email soon.

A big thanks to Modern Chic Home and to all who entered!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Giveaway #5: Set of Sterling Silver Rings from My Sparrow

Open to residents of US and Canada.
Open until December 19.
Winner will be announced on December 20.

These stacking princess rings by Amery Carriere are hand made in Amery’s LA studio from sterling silver.  The winner will receive a set of all three pieces in the size of their choice. A $165 value.

My Sparrow is about the things in your life that make it all worth it! We like the idea of being eco friendly while you do it – surround yourself with things that are favorites, that will stand the test of time and are made responsibly.

To enter, you just need to be a follower of FROM THE RIGHT BANK through Google Friends Connect (in the sidebar) and leave a comment.

To double your chances, “like” FROM THE RIGHT BANK on Facebook (in the sidebar or by clicking here) then leave a second comment here on this post.

For a third chance, blog or tweet about this giveaway then leave a third comment on this post. Good luck!

The winner of Giveaway #1 – the Belgian burlap chandelier from Red Ticking is . . .

#91. Leah Moss! Congratulations, Leah! I hope you’ll show us how it looks in your home. Red Ticking will be in touch with you by email shortly.

A big thanks to Red Ticking and to all who entered!

FTRB’s 8 Days of Giveaways continues today with another beautiful prize. It will be posted in the next hour so don’t miss it!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Giveaway #5: Original Painting from Fifi Flowers

Open to everyone.
Open until December 16.
Winner will be announced on December 17.

A framed ORIGINAL painting by Fifi Flowers along with a set of 10 matching notecards. A value of $125.

Fifi Flowers is a painter of whimsy and fun with a Parisian flair. Fifi says life should be full of WHIMSY and FUN… beautiful things that surround her daily life are what inspire her to paint! Art is an experience that transcends all cultural boundaries… it makes us feel!

To enter, you just need to be a follower of FROM THE RIGHT BANK through Google Friends Connect (in the sidebar) and leave a comment.

To double your chances, “like” FROM THE RIGHT BANK on Facebook (in the sidebar or by clicking here) then leave a second comment here on this post.

For a third chance, blog or tweet about this giveaway then leave a third comment on this post. Good luck!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Giveaway #4: Decorative Linen Cushion from Natural History

Open to U.K. residents only.
Open until December 15.
Winner will be announced on December 16.

The winner can choose from one of these two cushions. Although written in German, the letters were found in a market in France and dates back to the late eighteenth century.  They have been printed onto luxurious pure Irish linen and backed with métis (a linen and cotton blend). The plump feather-filled inners have been double-stitched and made from the highest quality cotton in our workshop in Scotland. Measures 43cm x 43cm. An £80 value.

Natural History is a carefully curated and eccentric collection of treasures for the home, ranging from perfect stocking fillers such as elegant leather entomology notebooks and a decadent range of body care to antique German grainsack cushions and chic linen wall hangings.

To enter, you just need to be a follower of FROM THE RIGHT BANK through Google Friends Connect (in the sidebar) and leave a comment.

To double your chances, “like” FROM THE RIGHT BANK on Facebook (in the sidebar or by clicking here) then leave a second comment here on this post.

For a third chance, blog or tweet about this giveaway then leave a third comment on this post. Good luck!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Giveaway #3: Leather ipad/Kindle Case from Dewdrop Designs

Open to U.S. residents.
Open until December 14.
Winner will be announced on December 15.

This fabulous snake embossed cowhide ipad/Kindle case by Dewdrop Designs has been featured in both House Beautiful and Travel & Leisure and now one can be yours! An $80 value.

Dewdrop Designs offers custom made sustainable yet luxurious paper and leather gift items. Look for its creator Gillian Stevens on the Martha Stewart Show this Friday!

To enter, you just need to be a follower of FROM THE RIGHT BANK through Google Friends Connect (in the sidebar) and leave a comment.

For a second chance, “like” FROM THE RIGHT BANK on Facebook (in the sidebar or by clicking here) and leave a second comment.

For a third chance, blog or tweet about this giveaway and leave a third comment. Good luck!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Giveaway #2: $100 Gift Certificate from Modern Chic Home

Open to U.S. residents.
Open until Monday, December 13.
Winner will be announced on December 14.

Modern Chic Home offers a blend of beautiful, unique and fresh finds for your home, in addition to great gift items and personal accessories. We believe your home should reflect your personal taste and style and add inspiration and happiness to your everyday life!

To enter, you just need to be a follower of FROM THE RIGHT BANK through Google Friends Connect (in the sidebar) and leave a comment.

To double your chances, “like” FROM THE RIGHT BANK on Facebook (in the sidebar or by clicking here) then leave a second comment here on this post.

For a third chance, blog or tweet about this giveaway then leave a third comment on this post. Good luck!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Giveaway #1: Burlap Chandelier from Red Ticking

Open to U.S. residents.
Open until December 12.
Winner will be announced on December 13.

One lucky winner will receive this gorgeous burlap chandelier from Belgium, as seen here on Apartment Therapy.

Founder Pamela Robinson found happiness during her always-too-short Parisian flea market respites. She had a gift for finding the most fantastic vintage fabrics–red ticking–and amassed them for sport. Years into collecting a mini vintage mercantile in her home, she realized she could corner a very special, personal market in home décor. Her spot-on style didn’t hurt, either. With that, Red Ticking came to life in the Madison Valley neighborhood of Seattle.

To enter, you just need to be a follower of FROM THE RIGHT BANK through Google Friends Connect (in the sidebar) and leave a comment.

For a second chance, “like” FROM THE RIGHT BANK on Facebook (in the sidebar or by clicking here) and leave a second comment.

For a third chance, blog or tweet about this giveaway and leave a third comment. Good luck!

It’s time to start thinking about Halloween, right?

This year, there’s a great way to enjoy the holiday while also giving back.

The FEED Trick-or-Treat project is a FEED/HSN partnership with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF in honor of the 60th anniversary of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. HSN will be donating 100% of its profits from the “FEED Trick-or-Treat” bag to UNICEF. Moreover, for each bag purchased, HSN will donate $3.50 to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to support micronutrient supplement powder programs which help children under the age of five with a high malnutrition risk.

By carrying a FEED Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF bag, you can help spread the word and play a role in helping feed a child in need. The bag costs $13.20 and is available exclusively at hsn.com/hsncares now through Halloween.

FEED Projects is one of my favorite charities. It’s a simple and effective idea: every “FEED Bag” sold provides school meals for one child for one year through the United Nations World Food Program. This is the bag I have:

Visit the Feed Project site to learn more.

I’m also delighted to welcome a new sponsor here at FTRB.

Discover METALdecor, a collection of exquisite modern aluminum wall stickers designed and manufactured in France. Get inspired and sign your walls today at www.metaldecor-usa.com.

Wow, this week just flew by. Can you believe it’s fall already?

It’s been a busy week for me and from what I’ve read, everyone else too. Coming home from a trip is always great but there’s the inevitable backlog of things to do. So, those are my big plans for the weekend. But first, I’m off to meet a friend for lunch and a little wine tasting. Yup, wine in the afternoon. Just like the good old days in Paris! (See why nothing gets done around here?) What about you? Have any fun plans?

(Photo: Saipua)

Greetings from Rio! I know I’m not supposed to be here but I wanted to let you know about a few things.

First I made a couple of guest appearances this week. I guest blogged at Down and Out Chic with an installment of Orange Crush for Christina who got married earlier this week (congratulations, Christina!).  Also, my monthly post at Seattle Homes & Lifestyles is about my latest crush, checkered floors.

Second, I wanted to tell you that there’s some very exciting news coming on Monday from one of my blog friends. I’m about to burst but I’m sworn to secrecy.  All I can say is you’re going to be just as excited as I am when you hear it!  The announcement will be made on Design Sponge and as soon as the news breaks, I’ll link to it on Facebook and Twitter.

Alright, that’s enough from me. The beach is calling!  Have a great weekend and be sure to tune in for more great guest bloggers next week!

There was a problem with the feed this week which has now been resolved. If you subscribe via email, your emails should display properly starting with tomorrow’s (25 August) post. If you are viewing FTRB through a reader and the posts are not displaying properly, please click the “refresh” button. Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience!

I’m over at a Diary of Lovely today where I answer Helena’s questions about some of “My Stuff.” Yes, Paris come up once or twice. (Surprise, surprise!)

If you like anything you see there, Helena gets all the credit. She found most of the pics based on my answers and put together the collages. (And she did a great job too, I might add.) Hope to see you there!

(Photo: via Flickr)

Yesterday I learned that we lost Marija, the lovely blogger behind Holding Court, this past weekend. She was visiting Atlanta with a friend and was driving back home to Chicago when she was killed in a car accident. I’m shocked and so devastated for her family.

Marija was one of the most supportive and genuine bloggers in our community. I considered her a friend in the blogging world where friendships can often be tricky. I know many others did too. She had a kind word for everyone and was always generous with her knowledge and time. (She was going to be a guest blogger here next month.) I’m even more heartbroken because we had been emailing each other just the day before, trying to get together before she left Atlanta. We just missed each other. And now she’s gone.

She leaves behind a devoted husband and two beautiful, young children. Please keep them in your thoughts. If you’d like to send your condolences, please go to Holding Court where her husband Cory has written a beautiful tribute.

We will miss you so much, Marija.

The winner of the $100 Gift Certificate from CSN is . . .

#149. PS-Erin!

Congratulations, Erin! You will be contacted soon.

Thanks to CSN for another great giveaway and to everyone for participating!

I hope you won’t mind a little departure from the usual today. Something’s been on my mind lately and I felt like I just needed to talk about it.

Over the last few months, I’ve been becoming more and more overwhelmed here, not with writing this blog (I post every weekday and it comes very naturally to me) but with everything that goes along with blogging. I feel like I spend way too much time online and not enough on real life but on most days, even that feels woefully insufficient. I just can’t seem to stay on top of all the blogs in my reader everyday, leave comments on the blogs I visit, answer all the emails, keep up with Twitter . . . not to mention having to deal with content “scraping” and other unpleasant matters surrounding blogging.

One thing I’ve done is to cut back on commenting and using that time to visit more blogs.  That’s allowed me to keep up with more of you, which is a good thing but then, I feel badly that I don’t leave enough comments. So, obviously it’s not a perfect solution. I realize that everyone is busy and pressed for time these days so I’d like to ask fellow bloggers out there how you manage. And particularly those of you with kids and those of you with kids and full-time jobs, I’d really like to know how you do it all. Please share! I’d love to know how much time you spend working on your own blogs, on visiting other blogs and leaving comments, etc.

I know that in the end, it’s just blogging and there are far more important things going on in the world. But blogging is a big part of many of our lives and I’d love to hear your thoughts. I hope we can get a good discussion going here so thanks in advance for your input.

And let me also take this time to thank you all for your time – for your visits, comments, links, and kind emails and for subscribing, following and supporting FTRB. It would not be what it is without you.

*Don’t forget to enter the $100 CSN Gift Certificate Giveaway this week!*