I’ve missed you! I promised you a seascape upon my return to the land of Smidgen.. the island you see above is the Isle of Capri located just off the coast of Sorrento in Italy.We took a ferry across after spending days wandering through Sorrento, drinking in the sites, the wine and devouring plates…
One of my favorite magazines for years has been House & Home { no this is not paid advertising.. I just really love it } I always subscribe and can’t wait to see it appear in my mail box.. the photos, the interior decor are always filled with the latest trends and ideas that keep…
I love your spring mood and decorating. I could be happy with every single thing on that magazine page! The mixed bouquet is sublime.
Ok, now you caused a severe complete meltdown here with the last photo… cannot stand it, it is WAY TOO ADORABLE!
what a cutie pie!
Lovely bed, I am afraid with our very naughty dogs it would get stained in less than 5 minutes. Buck in particular has some type of fascination with rolling on dead organic matter in the backyard. Or at least that’s what it seems like 
Some great decorating ideas, I love your dog pictures, is it a Maltese. I have a special place in my heart for them as we had our little guy for 16 years.
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A great inspiration as always! awesome ideas 
Gosh, what a coincidence! I have spent a lot of time thinking about fake flowers recently. I used to think they were not a good idea but they seem to have taken over my place by stealth, I even added some more over Easter. They have as you say got better over the year. I love the dog’s pillow.
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Lovely! I’m a fan of all things flowery!
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You really know how to make faux flowers look so real! They are pretty and your pictures inspire me to bring some Spring into the house. Love, love, love the pup pillow and looks like the put does, too!
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These decorating ideas are so beautiful and fresh my friend, they add an extra element
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Choc Chip Uru recently posted…Guest Post #6: Lemon Curd Cupcakes
We don’t have that magazine here but we do have one called, ‘House & Garden’. Your faux flowers look very real from my side of the screen. I love your new doggy upgrade and your little pooch looks very happy with the renovation xx
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I’m not really one for print magazines, but I love your photos – you seem to have such a lovely range of activities in them, and that room with the chair and magazine – looks like such a calm, peaceful sanctuary!
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Your post is so inspiring and gorgeous. I will have to do a make over myself!
I have a question. If your site is still .com, why do we still have to sign in?
You’ve such a talent for decorating, Barb, and because of it, you’ve created a warm home. Your day bed could not look more inviting and the faux flowers made a beautiful bouquet. Why, even your pupster benefits! This was a lovely post, Barb.
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I think reading your blog is like reading a copy of House & Home Smidge ! It’s always such a delight and inspiration to make things beautiful.
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I really I’ve that magazine too, I can hardly wait for that edition! Love the spring flowers. That fabric you made your puppy bed looks like Merimekko, very cool.
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I love your decorating style! Bright and cheerful!
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Such colorful spring flowers!
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Thanks, Susie! justasmidgen.com is just my registered url.. and I redirected it to my new .org website? If that makes sense.. thank goodness for Support, they helped me do everything! xx
Oh this is heavenly. My office is so far from flowers and beauty. But I am truly inspired. I have a LOT of editing to accomplish but one positive step in all that I’m learning is trusting that I will make it happen and not beat myself up if it takes a little while- like the rest of the year!
Happy happy spring Smidge xx wendy
I love Merimekko.. a store called Kit sells it.. but they were closed the day I was searching for flowery stuff:)
I am ashamed to admit all this time I thought you hadn’t posted anything new because you weren’t popping up on my WordPress reader, but I now see that’s because you have completely redone your blog. IT LOOKS AMAZING!! So do all these flowers and decorations!
I love how you can change the look of a room so easily!
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Smidge I forgot how much I love your blog! Beautiful post.
Mandy xo
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I really like how you used the cover of the magazine/book to add some flower power — how smart to have something adding beauty just sitting there and also available to browse more beauty inside its pages. Smart. And beautiful. Thank you for the reminder to begin spring in our homes before nature has a chance to come into full bloom.
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Happy Spring to you too Smidge! It really is amazing how some really small changes can really brighten and change the whole feel of a room. Your little puppy is one happy camper after he has a new cozy bed.
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All those beautiful colors – so inspirational. You have a wonderful eye!
Barb, I so wish you could come to my house and flower it up a bit. It’s looking rather drab. Your studio is gorgeous!…Right out of a magazine and your lucky little pup looks quite happy in his newly covered be. Happy Spring…it’s so nice to usher it in.
Beautiful flowers–the comfy dog made me smile!!
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You know I adore your blog. And seeing that precious dog and these flowers really put me in such a better mood today
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Hi Barbara…can’t remember if you talked about this, but thought you’d be interested as a Canadian blogger: http://www.foodbloggersofcanada.com/fbc-2013/?doing_wp_cron=1365021813.2021329402923583984375
Cheers!
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Really cute dog! We probably need to think about doing some spring decorating, rearranging – some nice ideas here! Good stuff – thanks.
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Love love love this!!! Your flower arrangements are amazing! I thought that they were real! The combinations you chose are very pretty. Seriously, please come over and decorate my house (I sound like a broken record, don’t I?) I’ll send you home with tons of food And I can totally relate to you about ‘over doing it.’ It’s the same thing with cooking. When I got out of culinary school, I thought that adding a ton of cool/weird ingredients to my dishes was the ‘thing’ to do. Then when I finally found my style I realized that less is more. Your style is beautiful Ok, longest comment ever… xx Em
Love this post…all the colorful, springy touches are so pretty. I’ve got to go back and take another look at how you styled your shelves. I have a hard time getting mine just right.
Your dog looks so happy on his new slipcovered resting spot!
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Loving everything about this post! SO MUCH COLOR! You are just one awesome lady! <3
Haha.. you’re so sweet, Sibella, thanks:D
You deserve your own magazine, Barbara.
You’re just that good.
That would just be fantastic:) But honestly, I think everything’s going the way of no print.. so I bet every magazine is online. I can just read my blogs instead of mags:D
So pretty and elegantly feminine…love it!
Today is a fresh new day.. and my kitchen is filled with the fragrance of Gingerbread Waffles { a girl’s got to keep up her strength } I promise you’ll love them as much as we do! While my kids clean the house, After I clean my house, I can get down to decorating our…
Your table setting is stunning. I love the Tiffany’s inspired look – such a pretty shade of blue. I’d love to be a guest at your table Barb – it looks like it’s going to be an incredible event. Merry Christmas to you and all your family xx
I just love your posts…so full of sophistication and in the most accessible way too. Merry Christmas to you and yours…
Fantastic waffles! Merry Christmas Smidge
what stunning napkin rings, I love that idea, sparkles are perfect for this time of year, i hope you and yours have a wonderful day, Many thanks for a fantastic year of blog pages Barb.. c
You are truly an artist! Merry Christmas, my dear friend…I am so glad that I found your blog!!!
What a beautiful Tiffany blue color!! I just love that color! I just posted a Ginger pancake recipe tht I’ve been wanting to try as waffles…these look scrumptious!!
What a pretty table setting. Thank you for your holiday season wishes and the same wishes to you from across an ocean. xoxo
Thank you so much .. I really like you table setting – so fresh … white and iceberg green/blue … plus the silver details – Stunning. Wish you a plentiful Christmas …
Forgotten to say that the gingerbread waffles really tickle me. *smile
Everything is simply too beautiful for words! Elegant, warm, just perfection!
and the waffles sound delicious too! Merry Christmas!
Stunning! Gingerbread waffles???? Oh my yes, please! Feliz Navidad xxxx
This has bought to mind our family gathering on Christmas Day – not that it will look anything like this, just the fact that we will be in a state of total chaos.
You are fabulous and I love the idea of incorporating that lovely shade of blue for Christmas time…I will have to sneak it in! Giggled at the bit about you maintaining your strength with waffles…so true! =)
Lovely post. Lovely looking table. I won’t get to ours until about 3.00 on Christmas Day!
Happy Christmas,
Conor
Beautiful, beautiful colours. I love the napkin rings. And the gingerbread waffles are divine!
Merry Christmas!
Kindly,
Judy
Thank you Barbara! Merry Christmas to you too. Your table looks stunning
Beautiful decorations and yummm to those waffles!!
Hope your Christmas is as lovely as your table and your waffles!
Dear Barb, I am running out of compliments… I just so love your posts, your photos and the whole feel of your blog. Every time I visit I feel inspired to do something great. Thank you for that and just keep writing! Merry Christmas!
Such a simple and stunning idea! Merry Christmas to you Smidge!
Those must be some of the most softly innovative napkin rings I have ever seen . . . love using them! Barbara dearHeart: thank you for the past, and wishing you the best for the present and for both of us for the future when we have to remember to write down 2013 !!
Your table is so elegant, and the decorated napkins rings add such a lovely touch. Thank you for your blog – such a delightful place to linger… Wishing you a happy Christmas, and all you hope for in the new year!
Tiffany inspired and oh so beautiful! I love how you took inspiration from something at the store and created your own version. The happiest of Christmases to you and your family!
Your table settings are beautiful, Barb, made even more so by your napkin rings. Nicely done!
Wishing you and yours the very Best of Holidays, Barb!
Lovely waffles and table settings! Happy Holidays!
What a clever use of hoseclamps. Merry Christmas to you and your family
Awwww.. thanks so much for your kind words.. Wishing you all the best for 201-3!!! Have a wonderful Christmas, hon! xxx
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Beautiful! Merry Christmas!
Oh wow your table is just magical! Love the beautiful napkin rings.
Such a gorgeous table! I love the Tiffany colour scheme. The waffles look wonderful!
oh barbara, everything looks so exquisite! totally put me in a winter mood. happy holidays!
So beautiful and soooo creative….I’m sure your children will be too…Merry Christmas to you and your family..Diane
An absolutely lovely table…Merry Christmas.
Waffles? Did someone say gingerbread waffles?!? Oh my
The table is gorgeous, Barb. Absolutely perfect. Merry, merry Christmas!
You add a touch of loveliness to every aspect of Christmas Smidge! Wishing you a wonderful holiday filled with warm memories with the people you hold dear.
What a beautiful holiday table Barb! Have a wonderful Christmas
Really lovely. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
The most beautiful blog i have seen yet.
just wonderful.
Merry Christmas to you
What cute heart-shaped waffles!
Wishing you a beautiful and joyous Christmas Barbara !
Absolutely beautiful!
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas. xxx
What a lovely table and a delicious recipe! A setting for a perfect Christmas morning! Wishing you many Christmas blessings!
Yum! I bet they’re delicious and the table is so well dressed! Merry Christmas!
So pretty, Barbara I imagine your house as a Castle now with gorgeous noble decorations!
I didn’t really understand what the young plant is. I mean what is it, it pleases my eyes. =)
I wish you a belated Merry Christmas to you and your family!
The white on white is so pretty!
What a pretty bird and table settings ! Hope you have had a good Christmas
Love the plants with the little white birdie. Just so precious. Have a wonderful New Year Smidge!
Love that Tiffany Blue – do hope your Christmas was filled with love, laughter and joy!
You, too, Chica! I can’t wait to visit your blog and catch up on your goings on… xx
We did have a busy, but lovely Christmas. I hope you did as well? I can’t wait to visit your blog and catch up on your holiday activities! xx
A visit here is akin to wrapping oneself in a warm blanket on a cold winter’s night.
And that’s all I have to say about that…
Smidge, you set an Exquisite table! Anyone sitting down with you and yours would feel (would Know) that they are in for kind and royal treatment. Your table says You all over it!! Love and Joy to you mi bon ami!! xxoo
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
Welcome home Smidge! I was beginning to wonder where you’d disappeared to. What a wonderful holiday – can’t wait to hear more!
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Welcome back, and thank you for sharing your wonderful adventure!
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I fell in love with Sorrento and Capri when I visited in 1999! Thank you for writing this post and the lovely photos. It makes me so nostalgic!!
Heaven! What a lovely story in pictures. As always Smidge, absolutely beautiful. I love your artistic eye. dreamy
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Absolutely gorgeous blog! I can’t wait to visit Capri after seeing your photos!
Welcome home Smidge! What a magical trip, thank you for sharing it with us. I was transported to Capri and what exquisite keep sakes you brought home with you.
Mandy xo
Have a beautiful day.
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It sounds like you had a wonderful holiday
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It sounds like the ideal holiday. I hope you enjoyed yourself. R x
Welcome home Smidge, and ooooo a lovely holiday! I like the idea of wine and sun and food and meandering. In fact I like that idea lots and could quite happily do it for a living
I’m sure I’d make a great job out of it!
It looks like your scape was a lovely welcome home
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It sounds like you had a wonderful time in Italy. Might a gelato recipe be coming to Just a Smidgen soon? I hope the jet lag is beginning to fade.xo
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Looking forward to reading the rest of your journey and living vicariously through them.
Welcome back! I saw some of your photos on facebook and was wondering when you would pop up back on your spot to say hello… or “ciao”
beautiful shots, including the incredibly beautiful first one
enjoy your home, and relax… we’ll be here waiting for your next post
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Oh you lucky traveler you!
Whoops, I am not anonymous I just hit the wrong button. WB Smidgey
Oh Smidge, what a gorgeous post!! I have to ask – was the floor actually bumpy and wavy, or was it flat and the waviness was an optical illusion?
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I was also at Capri a couple of Springs ago… and so disappointed. Maybe I just want to go everywhere I visit, back in time, as well – about 50 years? We took a boat and did the grotto… nothing like I expected. Everything was so commercial. No big men in white suits with white fedoras and large cigars. Where did they go? The romantic place is gone. The commercialism is left. But, I had to go. Would I recommend it? No. Only if you live there.
Valerie
Barbara, please consider joining The Canadian Food Experience Project. It is on my site. I will include the link, though usually don’t do that in comments. http://www.acanadianfoodie.com/2013/05/06/announcing-the-canadian-food-experience-project/
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Welcome home my friend and thank you for sharing your trip! All I see is beauty everywhere it is so exciting
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Welcome home Smidge! What a wonderful vacation. I have always wanted to go to the coasts of Italy. I’ve been to Rome, Florence and Venice, but this area is certainly on my list. It looks just wonderful! And it sounds like you had a great time. I love the photos. Thank you for sharing. Oh and it’s been nearly 15 years since I’ve been and I still crave the gelato!
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Bonjourno Smidge! Welcome back. I am sure you never wanted to leave Italy. Your photos are gorgeous but I know it is difficult to capture the easy pace and slower relaxed style of visiting Italy. The leisurely lunches with food and wine and then more wine. The beautiful walks on the cobblestone streets. I love all of your photos and really like your seascape ideas in your home. Your home looks like a cozy place to be and now you brought al little inspiration from Italy with you too. I can’t wait to read more of your upcoming posts. Take Care, BAM
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Welcome back! What a fantastic holiday destination. I can just imagine how much there would be to see, taste and buy! I bet your luggage was bursting on your return. Love your table setting xx
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Looks like a great trip!
Welcome back!
Barb,
What a great article about your travels to Italy. I love, love, love the mosaic wave tiles!!
Thanks or sharing,
Sally
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Welcome back Smidge! It’s been awhile.
I’m so jealous of you. Capri looks beautiful, just as I have imagined. Hope to be able to see some Italian coastal towns soon.
looking forward to more photos and updates from you..hope you are coping well with the jetlag!take care!
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Great memories. We used to go on holiday to Positano quite often. The irony is that in this poorest part of Italy is home to some of the wealthiest tourists in the world. The prices on the Amalfi coast are are as spectacular as the scenery:)
What a wonderful place Barb! And your deco is fantastic
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Liz and I are jealous jealous jealous.
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Welcome home .. didn’t even know you were gone – wonderful gallery of photos – I have been at Capri … stunning place and it gives you great legs with all the up hill walking.
I don’t agree at all with the tiles .. I get seasick when I look at them – and I been more or less at sea for 35 years .. only seasick twice. Looking forward to see and read more about your journey.
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It’s really good to hear from you, Smidge! You were missed! Your travels to the Isle of Capri is a wonderful boon to well-being! I love the photos and can only imagine how refreshing it must have been. I think you’ll be enjoying the memories of this trip long into the future. That’s the kind of travel I most appreciate. ox
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My dearest, I am delighted that had this spectacular trip! Wish I could send you some gelato to ease the return, but I trust you’ll find some such medication in an un-melted state soon. Welcome home! xoxo, Kathryn
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What a divine trip. I love your taste.
Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful pictures with us. So gorgeous. I absolutely adore the waves tile floors too. So unique and pretty.
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Welcome home, Barb! So glad to have you back safe and sound. Having been to both the Amalfi Coast and Capri, I cannot wait to hear all about your experiences there. As it is, I’m grinning ear to ear.
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ahh, welcome back traveler. so happy to see you! your sea-inspired tablescape and the colors you choose and the reasons…these sing to me too. just truly lovely to see you home, refreshed, renewed. i hope you’ll gentle your way back into the life you left. (and such pretty images, Barb!)
Barb, your vacation sounds wonderful. It certainly was beautiful, judging from your photos. As for that hotel floor, it’s definitely artistic, but I’m not sure I could walk on the wavy design (I felt a little seasick just looking at it
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What beautiful photos…and I’m sure equally beautiful memories….Diane
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Thanks for sharing pictures of your trip! They are lovely. What a beautiful trip and I do love the pictures taken from the ferry. The vintage shops look like fun.
Welcome home and thanks for sharing your trip.
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