Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Style & Simplicity


If you're not already aware, I wanted to make sure that you know that
Ted Kennedy Watson's first book 
(that I mentioned on the blog back in December) is now in print and, in fact, is in its second printing already!  Yes, it's that good!  

As you'll remember, Ted is the proprietor of  two wonderful shops in beautiful Seattle- Watson Kennedy Fine Home and Watson Kennedy Fine Living.  Ted also writes the delightful blog 
Ted Kennedy Watson where he generously offers gracious tips on how to live a beautiful life. 

When I was looking for a place to photograph Ted's book I knew this vignette I put together over the weekend was the perfect spot since several of the many items Ted mentions in his book, which is 
"An A to Z Guide to Living a More Beautiful Life" 
were all here on the kitchen island-  hotel silver, candles, baskets, white bowls, horn utensils, a bowl full of citrus!
The book is a charming read and Ted's A to Z list is a reminder on how to incorporate beautiful and simple choices into our daily lives and the joy that they can bring when we slow down a bit and are more aware of all the simple beauty that surrounds us.  As Ted says, "Living in the moment, not in preparation for the moment, is my prevailing thought."
Ted shares things and experiences that fill his daily life with beauty and it is his goal that the list will inspire creative ideas in his reader.  Ted says, "Living creatively is not meant to be about money; rather, it is about being creative with the choices that present themselves to you during the day.  It is about being aware of your options and how you choose to view them."
From the book's Introduction Ted also writes, "For as long as I can remember, the minute details of life have been incredibly important to me.  My goal in writing this book is to share with you many of those details and observations so that you may start, or continue, to see them in your own world and relish in them, too.  The details in my everyday life are no more special than those in anyone else's, but by sharing mine with you, my hope is that you begin to see them in yours.  Seeing the small details requires slowing down a bit and being aware of your surroundings."

I could not agree more! 

I am very honored to be mentioned in the book under "People, Places, and Goods I Like, Love, and Adore."
Thank you Ted!

To order the book (and don't forget what a great gift it would make when ordering;)
click HERE.

To shop Watson Kennedy online HERE.

So... go light a candle, put on some great music (I'm listening to the soundtrack from Pride & Prejudice as I type) , and read/order;) a charming book, and relish the moment!
xxojoan



41 comments:

  1. Hi Joan...thanks for the recommendation. I will be sure to check out his book, looks lovely. I have to ask..are you listening to the soundtrack of the first or second Pride and Prejudice movie? I love the music to the second one...especially the meadow scene. I know it by heart! ;) Best wishes on this rainy Wednesday which I happen to be loving...leaky basement and all! :)

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    1. hi Jeanne, Yes, the second one- I love me my Mr. Darcy;) And ohhh, the meadow scene... sigh ;) It is raining cats and dogs here; I keep checking the basement too, so far so good! Might be a good night to watch the DVD ! Hope you are well!

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  2. How Mr. Kennedy sees the world is wonderful and so refreshing. Reminds me of how my Mom sees the world thru the lens of her camera. It IS the little things that make a difference.

    John

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    1. It is indeed John! So nice to see you, it's been a while. Hope you and your wife are having a wonderful NE summer!

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  3. So excited to order this book! Thank you Joan.

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  4. This looks like a must order. Thanks for the recommendation. I have enjoyed you on instagram , my name there is bakersartist. There already was a Dianne Ballard. Funny. Th pictures of Ella tug my heart strings. Hope you are well. xo

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  5. I can't wait to get a copy! It sounds absolutely lovely. xo

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  6. Joan, I just went to Watsons web site and fell in love, I now know where so many of my Christmas gifts are coming from - thanks and I will be ordering his book, I know I will love it since everything on his site I loved - thanks again Heather C

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  7. I just spent the most wonderful time scrolling through the last month or so of Ted's blog. It is so beautiful. I'm sure his book is all that and much more ... a present to me from me, perhaps.

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  8. Joanie, if you say this book is good, then it is GOOD! :) Will seek it out based on your recommendation!

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  9. I am lucky to live near Seattle. I could live in Ted's stores. I have purchased five copies of his book for hostess gifts and thank you gifts. He is brilliant!
    ~Lynne
    w/L

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  10. It's always nice to learn of something in the Pacific Northwest. I will have a look at the links and put this on my list for the next time I get to Seattle. Thank you!

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  11. Hi Joan: I already have his book on my Amazon wish list. I think I'll move it my shopping cart now. I am learning a lot about how to live graciously, and it's truly not about money but more about seeing and creating beauty wherever you go. Thanks for the recommendation. Stay dry. It's been wet here in Burlington, also.

    Bev

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  12. While in Seattle in July, I happened on one of the stores. Great place to browse and I would have bought more if I had room in my luggage.

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  13. It's a book you can return to for inspiration again and again--love it! And can't wait to visit Ted's shops in October on your recommendation, Joan!

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  14. If he mentions you in a book, he must have wonderful taste. I've ordered it. Very excited to be visiting Massachusetts next month!
    Best Regards, Wenda

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  15. Joan, Dan, and Ella: Thank you for a Christmas gift idea. Ordering the book off Amazon, today!
    Cindy

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  16. I wish I could get to one of his shops but will settle for his blog and this new book! Thanks for the tip!!! Hope you are enjoying that gorgeous terrace.

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  17. Hi! I know this is completely off topic, but I was wondering if you could provide information on tung oil for a wood floor. I'm hoping to get my floors looking like yours and I don't know what to tell my floor installer about tung oil. (How much to use, how many coats, difference from polyurethane, etc) any info would be so appreciated! Thanks!

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    1. My knowledge of the tung oil is limited, especially since I haven't researched it in about 5/6 years now and I know new products are on the market. We used Waterlox, but I know there is a pure tung oil (check The Real Milk Paint Co.'s website.) Everything I learned at the time came from researching the internet. I would also check Pinterest, bet there are pins about it. I will say that we made sure that we went with a floor refinisher that was familiar with the product and had used it in the past. It is different from other products and you don' want someone learning on your floors! Good luck.

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  18. Thank you for sharing this Joan. I recently came across Ted's charming blog, and the book is now firmly on my list! I could not agree with him more…..that it is the simple things in our lives that are often the most beautiful and rewarding.

    Greetings from England, and wishing you a happy end to the summer!

    Sophia x

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  19. I L❤️VE his book!!! It is one of my favorites!!!

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  20. Hi Joan, good to hear from you!! I was just in Seattle in July visiting a friend, but didn't get to Ted's store. Maybe next time. The book looks great. I may have to buy a copy!
    By the way, I wanted to mention that we lost our eldest dog, Phoebe, in July. I posted a tribute to her on the blog. Really, really tough, but she never suffered or lost her spirit and for that I am very grateful. She was a special dog and we miss her every day. Thank goodness we have Henry and Ella to keep us busy. Hope your Ella is well.
    Claudia

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  21. Hi Joan, thanks for the heads up on this one. I'm putting the purchase on my to-do list ;-). Hope you two are well!!

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  22. What a beautiful book. I just found your blog last night (love it) while shopping for the “right” white to paint our house. Will you let me know what white paint you used for your house’s exterior? I apologize if it’s in here somewhere but I searched and searched and didn’t find it. Thank you.

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  23. nevermind...found all your paint colors. Delete delete! :)

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  24. It looks like a wonderful book..thanks for sharing!

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  25. Thanks for the recommendation - just received my copy & enjoying the beauty on each page

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  26. Upon seeing your blog post I ordered this book. I had no doubt that they would not have it in our Books a Million here in N FL but I did order it while there. Hoping that they will order it for others as well. I am looking forward to it's arrival. Your recommendation and checking his blog told me I NEEDED this book. Thanks for the rec, I am looking forward to it's arrival.

    Carolyn

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  27. Thank you so much for the heads up! I am heading over there right now. Style and simplicity are the ideas that so many of us have been writing about for ages. I am so glad that they have created such a beautiful book with their special talents and grace. Wonderful! xo, N.

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  28. Recently discovered your blog from a link to your kitchen post on Pinterest and I binged on it over the following couple of days. Just wanted to let you know your home is beautiful!!

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  29. Hellowww NH- Colorado here. Just ordered Ted's book. Was vacillating until I read the forward...SOLD. I LOVE stumbling onto/into a little sparkle, eg Ted's store, your blog!! Happy Fall. Taking a road trip into southern mountains monday (Cumbres-Toltec Train trip...did you ever do that?) SOOO looking forward to some mountain golden light. Cheers-

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  30. This looks like a lovely book! I will put it on my Christmas wish list and hope that a certain husband of mine will get it for me! (Or better yet, my two sons who have just moved to Seattle will get it and something from the shop for my Christmas gift.) Sounds like a good idea, right? :)

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  31. Please, Please, Please Joan--- come back. Even one post a month would be good. I miss you like crazy. I LOVE everything you write. Please. Please... Lots of love from Umbria, Robin

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  32. Ditto from above. Miss you very much.

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  33. I'll have to check that book out. One of my favorite mantras (learned from my wise-beyond-her-years mother) is "Keep it simple." Makes life so much easier and more enjoyable!

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  34. Missing you too! Hope you are having a lovely fall and will return with a post for us soon --Shannon

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  35. Well I have just finished reading your entire blog from the beginning (including many of the comments---mostly to see what your answers were!) spending most of my free moments over the last several weeks. You have created one of the loveliest homes and lifestyles I have ever seen. A perfect blend of warmth and sophistication, functionality and beauty. I have gleaned many ideas and helpful tips that I am already incorporating into my own home. Thank you for sharing your talent and bits of your life with your readers.

    Teresa

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    1. What a beautiful, lovely comment Teresa. Thank you so much. I really can't express how much it meant to me to read your kind words- I even read your comment to Dan.
      So happy you are here.... welcome!
      j.

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Welcome! Thank you for leaving a comment; you have no idea how much your comments inspire me to keep writing- I appreciate each and every one. Comments are moderated by me prior to publishing on the blog, so if you don't see your comment post immediately it will be posted as soon as I receive and read it. joan