SCOUT it out!

Have we told you how much we ADORE The Scout Guide? For those of you unfamiliar, let me familiarize you.... it is an annual compilation of the hottest shops, firms, or whatever "hot" may be for each town who proudly claim themselves as a Scout landmark. "Capturing the best of local" is how TSG describes itself, and this is spot on. If you are heading into foreign territory (which happens to be one of the 25 cities The Scout Guide has claimed) and need a tour-guide, pick up a Scout Guide and you will not be lead astray. 

For us at Circa, it is the most fun week when the new issue releases in Charlotte. But, between issues, we are lucky... there are blogs! The head honchos (out of Charlottesville, VA), recently posted about the power of the Entrance Hall. In this posting, TSG mentions Circa and we could not be more honored! Read First Impressions Count here. There are some beautiful photographs and wonderful pointers on how to set the tone for your home immediately... my how important that is! 

Here are a few of the photos from the entry to peak your interest:

Thanks again, Scout! 

Photos from Dallas

Here are a few much overdue photos from the Dallas book signing. Cindy and Jane had a large following from all over the place- many from Charlotte, Georgia, South Carolina and other areas made up their entourage! Boy did they have a wonderful time!!

 

At the Nasher Sculpture Center

 

The Book Tour Continues!

Most recently Jane and Cindy have taken I-77 down to Columbia, where the beautiful shop Non(e)such was hosting a party. The turn out was wonderful! Thanks to all of you Columbians who joined us and picked up a copy of The Welcoming House, it makes each and every singing so much fun to be able to visit with lots of our supporters! Here are a few pictures from Columbia, as well as a picture from their visit to Memphis, where Garden District hosted another fabulous signing!

 

Lovely food table, serving macaroon's, cheesecakes, cupcakes, ham biscuits and cheese straws. How about that for Southern Hospitality?

 

Our sign with a glimpse of a handful of the gorgeous china Non(e)such sells.

 

We felt right at home with the two Non(e)such mascots! If only we could have brought Sister and Livy!

 

A few guests mingling around the signing station.

Jane and Cindy with Margaret (far left) and Jean (far right), the mother-daughter duo who run Non(e)such. Thank you for a FABULOUS afternoon!!

 

Cindy and Jane in front of Garden District, pre-signing. Thanks to all of you for this event as well! Cindy and Jane adore your shop!

 

 

 

Stay tuned! Cindy and Jane may be heading your way soon. Here is an updated tour schedule. We hope to see you there!!!

 

 

July 16th: Blowing Rock, North Carolina

4:30-6:30

Cocktail Reception and Book Signing with Client's and Friend's

 

 

July 26th: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

6:30-8:30

Private Evening with Client's and Friend's



Eleanor's "Faireytale"

This week we welcomed Mrs. Eleanor Fairey to the office as she returned from her wedding and honeymoon!! Eleanor and William Fairey were married on the 18th in Columbia, SC. Eleanor looked incredible in her beautiful white gown!! The wedding was absolutely breathtaking, a true Faireytale. The old mill near Eleanor’s mother’s house was the perfect setting for the romantic and enchanting ceremony! Even the light rain that fell added a little magic to the evening. After the wedding, the newlyweds honeymooned in Mustique (small private island that is part of St Vincent and the Grenadines). Take a look at some of the breathtaking pictures from Mr. & Mrs. Fairey’s special day!

Create your own Welcoming House

Cindy and Jane were recently interviewed by MaxAvenue Homeowners Club's Locale Magazine. The article featuring their advice and expertise shares their top five tips from their first book, "The Welcoming House; The Art of Living Graciously." Their simple, elegant, and thoughtful ideas are sure to inspire you in creating your own Welcoming House. Enjoy!

Mother's Day is THIS Sunday: May 12th!

Just a reminder to all that Mother's Day is this coming Sunday. In need of a gift idea? We think that a copy of The Welcoming House, would be perfect! Swing by to pick one up- we can even wrap it for you!!

 

 

BIRMINGHAM SHIPMENT!

A truck full of Europe's finest antiques- hand selected by the fabulous Cindy Smith- arrived at Circa Birmingham yesterday. Swing on by if you can!! Cindy, Whitney, Rebecca, Cam and Joe worked hard to get that place looking even more gorgeous than normal (I know- how can it get any more beautiful? HARD. TO. BELIEVE.). Here is proof!

Mary McDonald and more blogging love!

Last week was a big week in Charlotte. Not only was it the High Point Furniture Market, it was also the Mint Museum Auxiliary week! Circa is fortunate enough to be able to sponsor this wonderful event, which allows Cindy and Jane to introduce whomever the guest of honor/speaker is at the Symposium. This year, it was the talented, beautiful, hysterical, LA based Mary McDonald.

 

 Her work is bold and classical, with unexpected twists.

 

 

She recently wrote a book, Mary McDonald: Interiors, (which can be purchased in the shop! and for you out-of-town-readers here). This is what she was lecturing on and my-oh-my was it inspiring and amusing, all at the same time!

 

After speaking to hundreds of Charlotteans, Mary and a few of her friends from LA, joined all of us at Circa for a book signing. It was so fun to have her and to show her and friends around our studio! Thanks to all of you for coming! We certainly loved having you and hope you will visit Charlotte and Circa again soon.

 

 

Pictured above: Mary McDonald (center) with Jane to the left in yellow, Cindy to the right and (some of) the Circa gang.

 

 

I was sent, just yesterday, one of the most lovely blog write ups we have received yet! If you have time, I hope you will follow this link to read some of Wyoming's based designer, painter and blogger, Tawna Allred's posts. I especially love her most recent post on Jane and Cindy's book. She is enjoying it just the way Jane and Cindy had hoped people would. And spreading the joy the book is bringing her on her fantastic blog ain't half bad either. Thank you, Tawna, for your sweet words! We see alot of that "Southern Hospitality" you speak of within them.



Shipment has arrived!

It is always a tricky thing to try and get a container here on time. Containers, like just about everything else in this industry, seem to run on a slower time frame. So, we were not shocked to hear that we would be receiving this gorgeous shipment late. It was shocking to hear, however, that the reason for the delay (the second delay, might I add) was due to some soil in the bottom of an old, beautiful pot that was believed to be "contaminated." Whatever that means... regardless, we have received our shipment finally and MAN was it worth the wait!!!!! Hotel silver that gleams; gilded antiques that make your jaw drop; carved wooden lamp bases that you want to run out with; all of it is breath-taking. And like every first-day-after-shipment-day, tomorrow is the day that you want to come see us. It will be worth every second. Even if you can't treat yourself to any of these pieces, you must steal away some time to stop in. Your eyes will be grateful.

 

Unable to swing by? Not to fret- remember our online-cataloge is updated as quickly as possible to make all of our pieces available via Internet.

 

Here is a look at where we are so far in the unpacking process...

Livy wondering home through the mess...

Lunch break inside of our fort! Nothing like Zoe's!

 

AWESOME table and chairs. I can see this in the mountains.

Our favorite pottery

 

Unpacking accessories in the Design Studio

First complete room!

 

Another view- just love this banquette and those frames!!!

More pottery- perfect for everything. From the oven to the table! And check out those cool green lamps.

 

Our amazingly talented Arevat quickly whipped this table cloth together for us this afternoon. I wouldn't mind taking it home with me... along with all three of those GORGEOUS carved stone vessels.

 

Of course I wasn't able to capture it all... but I guess I have to leave something a surprise for yall, right?!?! Come see the rest tomorrow! We can't wait to listen to your eww's and ahh's. 

Two Times Now Yall

I don't even know the Cuban shuffle, but yes, I just quoted it. This is because I have been rather slack with blog posts, I feel like, and here I am- blogging TWICE in one day! But, this just couldn't wait...

 

Southern Living's May 2013 issue features a two page spread on our very own, Cindy Smith! In the article titled "Organic Modern," Southern Living shows a gorgeous outdoor setting designed by Cindy, which utilizes many different textures to create an outdoor room that is comfortable, beautiful and perfect for entertaining. The magazine gives you tips, to create the look on your own.

 

Of course, we would always be more than happy to help in any way possible!

 

 

 

And, if you can't get info of this design, you can see more of the house in Jane and Cindy's book: The Welcoming House

 

Snap Shots from Palm Beach and Birmingham Book Signings!

The Palm Beach and Birmingham book signings were a great success! Many thanks to our wonderful hosts and to all who were able to attend.

 

Palm Beach: Jane on the right with dear friend and hostess, Anne.

 

 

Palm Beach: Jane Schwab photographed with three party goers.

 

 

Palm Beach: Jane and Cindy with their husbands and hosts of the night

 

 

Birmingham: Jane Schwab in the yellow

 

Birmingham: The authors hard at work signing books!

 

 

Beautiful bar at Circa Birmingham

 

Circa Birmingham

 

 

Circa Birmingham