I apologize for the lack of posts this last week. It's been a bit hectic around here!
Charlie and I just arrived back home from Fort Lauderdale where I participated in the Elle Decor panel discussion: Redesigning Design, how the internet is reshaping the design industry. Unfortunately Heather Clawson from Habitually Chic, Gaye Tapp from Little Augury, and our moderator Allison Mezzafonte, Executive Editor of Elledecor.com were unable to attend due to the terrible East Coast weather. But Jennifer Bowles of The Peak of Chic, Stefan Hurray of Architect Design, and I enjoyed sharing our experiences with the audience.
Elle Decor's Executive Director of Brand Development, Ellen Rubin did a wonderful job as last minute moderator!
Thank you again to Elle Decor and to everyone who attended the discussion yesterday!
Although we were only in Fort Lauderdale for 24 hours, somehow Charlie convinced me to take him jet skiing! I guess it was the least I could do, given how hard I was squeezing his hand during our bumpy flight.
Meanwhile, back at home....
Since I'm not a big DIY person (bags of screws and nails, and pages of building instructions like the ones pictured below scare me a bit)...
we asked our friend, Mike Duff, to help us assemble the chicken coop. It still needs to be modified a bit and painted, but it should be ready when the chicks are old enough to make the move outside. Oh, if you need a great carpenter, call Mike: 310.844.5676!
The whole family is amazed at how quickly the chicks are growing. They have doubled in size in the past couple of weeks!
I hope you are having a wonderful week!
xo
Brooke
If you would like help creating the home of your dreams, email me about our design services. You can also purchase many items found here on Velvet and Linen as well as "to the trade" furnishings through Giannetti Home. Email Kelly about the details.
To Subscribe to Velvet and Linen click here.
To Become a Fan of Velvet and Linen on Facebook click here.
Brooke, I am so disappointed I missed this one. I hear it was a great success from Stefan. Yes yours was indeed whirlwind, I am glad someone (Charlie) got to enjoy the sun. Gaye aka little augury
Posted by: Patricia Gaye Tapp | January 19, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Brooke!
Lucky you to have your handsome young man be your escort! We lived in Ft.Lauderdale for a couple of years a while back. Great place...traffice...yikes! Good for you taking Charlie jet skiing, too bad you couldn't have take a day or two more!
xx
Posted by: Renae Moore | January 19, 2011 at 11:22 AM
We are chicken geeks too! But the real reason I'm commenting is to find out what that stone is crushed in the garden. Crushed limestone?
Posted by: A Noble Effort | January 19, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Fabulous honor, wow Elle Decor how exciting that must have been and to have Charlie go with you must have been fun...he sure looks like his Dad getting all grown up. So glad you posted about the chicks I've been wondering what they were looking like and if they have been any trouble in the shower!
Posted by: Kathy | January 19, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Wow what a great honor, Elle Decor is a fabulous magazine. What a cute chicken coop. I had chickens 2 years ago, but I need a better set-up to keep them here in PA during the winter. Fresh eggs are just amazing.
Posted by: Chrissy | January 19, 2011 at 11:58 AM
Hi Brooke,
Congratulations on being part of the panel discussion!
Backyard chickens are big in the Raleigh area--there is an annual tour of chicken coops called "Henside the Beltline," that include some of the toniest areas in town.
I love the coop--is it a kit? If so, where can it be purchased?
Thanks
Nancy W.
Posted by: Nancy Williams | January 19, 2011 at 12:27 PM
Congratulations on your discussion with Elle Decor, shame the others couldn't make it but trust me the weather was bad! Your chicks are so cute, can't wait to see how they'll like their outdoor digs.
Posted by: Acquired Objects | January 19, 2011 at 02:08 PM
Dear Brooke,
I attended the event at DCOTA yesterday. It was fabulous and so were you. I learned so much. I could not wait to go to your blog. I am really impressed that you came home and posted right away. I am really inspired to get my blog decordreamsandschemes.com to the next level. Thanks so much for your tips. So my first task is to go to other design blogs and make a comment....just like you said. Well here I am. I will also try to figure out how to "follow" you.
By the way, your designs are incredible. Wish you were closer.
Thanks,
Marsha, Picture Pretty Interiors, Boca Raton, FL
Posted by: Marsha Koch | January 19, 2011 at 02:16 PM
I love the large chairs they seated you on; I'm sure the discussion was a treat for the audience. I love your new chicken coop!
Posted by: Andrea | January 19, 2011 at 02:19 PM
Brooke, I know everyone present at the Elle Decor event benefited from your comments and insight. What a wonderful opportunity! I wish I could have been in the audience.
Aren't you excited to see your chicken coop coming together!?!?!? Thanks for the update on your new babies :D
xoxoxo,
Ricki Jill
Posted by: Ricki Jill Treleaven | January 19, 2011 at 02:42 PM
I was very excited to see one of my good friends, Lynda, have an opportunity to meet you and get a photo op. You are truly a powerhouse in the field of design. Will you be traveling to Blogfest2011?
Mr. Gooddwill Hunting
Posted by: Mr. Goodwill Hunting | January 19, 2011 at 03:34 PM
I bet you had a great time working with the Elle panel. It's such an honor to be one!
Posted by: EFT Manual | January 19, 2011 at 04:46 PM
The chickens make me laugh! Congrats on the Elle panel!
Posted by: Wendi Chandler | January 19, 2011 at 05:36 PM
I know that the Elle panel was so much fun.
Brooke, the chicks are just adorable!! I could just squeeze them.
Hope your week is going well.
Terea
xoxo
Posted by: Splendid Sass | January 19, 2011 at 06:29 PM
glad your panel went well! hope to see you on one in this neck of the woods soon! (westweek, maybe?)
Posted by: maison21 | January 19, 2011 at 07:36 PM
Sounds like the Florida trip was a success all the way around!! I think I've mentioned that our next door neighbor has chickens. They started in the basement with incubator lights and now live outside in a charming coop. They are really adorable - my daughter is totally smitten. They have lost several however - unfortunately one or two to a local hawk!
Posted by: quintessence | January 19, 2011 at 09:37 PM
I can't wait to see how to chicken coop turns out. And, congrats. Only wished I had been there!
Posted by: Cindy | January 19, 2011 at 10:02 PM
Hi Brooke, Glad that you and Charlie made it back safe and sound and that you didn't break Charlie's fingers. As for the new babies: adorable!! Do they have names yet? Have a great day tomorrow. Mary
Posted by: mary | January 19, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Hi !
I'm glad to see your success in work with Elle Decor. I'm impressed.
And your chickens are lovely !
xo
Anci
Posted by: Anci | January 20, 2011 at 12:59 AM
So great, would love to have been able to hear this talk...any you tube moments? Elle should post it!:)
Posted by: The Zhush | January 20, 2011 at 04:56 AM
Isn't being a female something...from flying, to jet skis (which, by the way, I LUV) to chickens...what a topsy, turvy wonderful life!! franki
Posted by: Franki Parde | January 20, 2011 at 04:59 AM
Congratulations Brooke! Sorry to hear I'm not the only white knuckle flier...I love your little chickens!!!
Posted by: LiveLikeYou | January 20, 2011 at 06:56 AM
Brooke, YOU ROCK!!! Congratulations!!!!!
Posted by: Ivy Lane | January 20, 2011 at 07:37 AM
Loved hearing about your Elle decor panel trip-congratulations,how Handsome Charlie is+can't wait to see finished coup those baby chics are just adorable. xx peggybraswelldesign.com
Posted by: peggy braswell | January 20, 2011 at 08:42 AM
Wish I could have been there! I'm certain everyone there learned so much!
Posted by: traci zeller designs | January 20, 2011 at 09:43 AM
would have loved to have heard you speak!
your coop is looking great, and love any and all photos of baby chicks!!
you're a fun mom to take Charlie jet skiing!
joan
Posted by: for the love of a house | January 20, 2011 at 01:32 PM
Congrats, Brooke. My son didn't have enough notice to get there, sadly! I know you were wonderful. The chicks are adorable!!!! XO, Pinky
Posted by: Pinky | January 20, 2011 at 02:13 PM
Brooke:
So wish I could have been there. You were in my thoughts all morning and I know Elle Decor loved you as did your audience! Lucky for Charlie, he surely looks very content in that red jet ski!
oxox
Posted by: Mary Anne Herring | January 20, 2011 at 02:27 PM
I'm sure your talk for Elle Decor was fabulous! Can't wait to see what you do with the chicken coup. Love those baby chicks!
Posted by: Marianne - Style For Living | January 20, 2011 at 02:30 PM
How exciting...very impressive and well deserved!!
Posted by: design chic | January 20, 2011 at 03:28 PM
Brooke,
Congratulations on a successful Elle Decor panel discussion...would have loved to hear the discussion.
The coop looks like it will be wonderful and well designed, no surprise. The chicks are so cute.
Glad you are back!
Karen
Posted by: Karen | January 20, 2011 at 09:21 PM
Just back from Paris and am so happy to hear that all went well! Oh my, I think that I would have been nervous without the others there too. Bravo!!!
Posted by: Heather Robinson | January 21, 2011 at 11:29 AM
Hi Brooke: I see the Bianchi's have worked their chicken magic on you. Of course Dovecote Decor approves of chicken coops.I will watch this process until I decide whether chickens are for me or not. Fresh eggs are my favorite food! I heard great things about you in Fl. I hope the flight tips helped.
Best,
Liz
Posted by: Dovecote Decor | January 25, 2011 at 07:14 AM