Blogging Statistics

Franki of Life in a Venti cup is off to Vegas for the "Blog World Expo". Imagine a convention devoted entirely to Blogging. And if that is not enough I was amazed to read these statics on the convention's web-site.......

• Over 12 million American adults currently maintain a blog.
• More than 147 million Americans use the Internet.
• Over 57 million Americans read blogs.
• 1.7 million American adults list making money as one of the reasons they blog.
• 89% of companies surveyed say they think blogs will be more important in the next five years.
• 9% of Internet users say they have created blogs .
• 6% of the entire US adult population has created a blog .
• Technorati is currently tracking over 70 million blogs .
• over 120 thousand blogs are created every day .
• There are over 1.4 million new blog posts every day .
• 22 of the 100 most popular websites in the world are blogs .
• 37% of blog readers began reading blogs in 2005 or 2006 .
• 51% of blog readers shop online .
• Blog readers average 23 hours online each week .
  
  The statistic that really captured my attention is that "blog readers average 23 hours online each week". Wow. What do you think of these statistics, and do you think that Blogging is here to stay??
  
  Photo Patricia Gray

Nama Rococo Wallpaper Studios

On my first blog I included this photo of a Nama Rococo wallpaper, but didn't list a credit. I guess I was caught up in the excitement of posting for the first time. Anyway, I know many bloggers have seen these funky wallpapers before , but for those of who haven't, here you go.I have to say that my personal taste is quite minimal. I mean I love looking at a bare concrete wall! Despite that, I do love this wallpaper. Above is the limited edition Chateau 66 in color Hot. What I like about it is that it is sold by the sheet. So for all the minimalists in the world, you can add a fun pattern, without feeling overwhelmed by it.

I also, like this paper called French Dot in color Ooh La Black. So, for those of us who can't deal with a lot of pattern, wallpaper sheets are a fun solution.

Downtown Living Pics

Here are some pics from the Downtown Living tour this past week. I know I am a little late in posting them. I'd like to thank Heather at the Houston Downtown Alliance , VJ Arizepe and Sandra Gunn properties for forwarding these photos.

Its refreshing to experience a very different way of living than I have. I love seeing the cityscape and the interesting people walking around downtown.

Several of these lofts are on the market. I have a link to Sandra Gunn Properties here, who is selling the loft pictured below, and the loft at the top.

Around Town: Brasil

My favorite hang out in Houston...Brasil! I decided to feature this great coffee house after reading Denise Kiggan's post on Freshly Found. Denise posted a coffee house she found in her hometown of Durban South Africa. I would love to see bloggers around the world post their favorite hangouts. Imagine, the world united by coffee!

Anyway, Brasil is a funky and eclectic place; where you find every type of person imaginable. I often go with my husband and son, and sit outside. There are two patios filled with lovely trees and greenery. I also, like to go when I am alone to work on a project or read a good book.

There are two great shops surrounding Brasil. Domy Books and Raye, a designer clothing boutique. All three places are owned by partners Dan Fergus and Magda Sayeg, so they have a cohesive feel.

After all that activity, its probably time for lunch...or maybe a nap.

My Marrakesh

My good blogging friend Maryam who writes the delightful blog My Marrakesh is 1 of 10 finalists in the 2007 Annual Weblog Awards. Please check out her beautiful and inspiring blog about all things "Marrakesh".... and please find your way to click here and vote for her Blog " My Marrakesh".

I plan to visit Maryam's little piece of heaven for my birthday next year and hopefully stay with them in their guesthouse Peacock Pavilions which is under construction. It is a magnificent labor of love!!! They have just planted 200 white rose bushes on the land surrounding this guest house which is set on acres of Olive orchard in Marrakesh. Heaven!!!

Good luck to you Maryam.

PS Katie has also done a posting for Maryam today. Check it out here

Houston Downtown Home Tour

This Saturday is the downtown home tour. It will be held by the Houston Downtown Alliance from 10 a.m-5 p.m. I love having the opportunity to see how other people live.

Yellow Yellow Yellow

The short days of winter are upon us. The time hasn't even changed yet and I am longing for sunshine. Maybe that is why I am having a fixation with yellow. It is still my favourite color. For my fifth birthday my mother asked me what I wanted, and I told her I wanted a new yellow party dress. Even at five I was quite particular. Yellow to me is happy, bright, optimistic. Interestingly enough it is the color that has the longest memory retention.



Who isn't attracted to the fist flushes of spring as indicated by tulips.Photography by David Duncan Livingston

This is one of my all time favourite rooms by Victoria Hagan. I love how she has layered yellow draperies on yellow walls.

Chinoiseries inspired wallpaper. Notice the matching fabric banding on the bottom of the draperies. If anyone knows the source for the wallpaper in this picture please let me know. Above 2 pictures Kelly Wearstler

This is a wonderful pendant lamp designed by Wis Design out of Sweden. The net of brass is reminiscent of a petticoat, which is concealed by the shade of plywood. The net twists around the bulb and creates a warm, golden, flowing light.

A beautiful "tessellation" tile

Credenza designed by the fabulous Tommi Parzinger for sale on 1st Dibs

Magnificent Directoire chairs. Picture via Studio Wellspring

I like the way Interior Design icon, Albert Hadley uses yellow as an accent color for furniture. The above is a room in his own home and the lower picture is his office.



David's Hicks's masterful use of bright acid yellow.

In this picture Jeffery Bilhuber uses a Raoul fabric for the sofa and draperies. I think it is particularly clever how he uses the Raoul fabric for the seat cushions and trim at the bottom of the sofa and upholsters the base of the sofa in a plain fabric. Brilliant Jeffery!

A beautiful all white kitchen with yellow accents. A bowl of lemons is an easy way to add a touch of yellow to the kitchen. Southern Accents In this room Interior Designer Jan Showers has used yellow as an accent color with sofa, lamp and artwork in an all white room.

Jeffery Bilhuber has used National Geographic magazines to get a pop of yellow into this warm and inviting sitting room.

Myra Hoefer Design

Another fantastic room by photographer David Duncan Livingston

What about getting some yellow by using wallpaper in your entry foyer? Designed by Suzanne Rheinstein

Gracie Studio Wallpaper

A beautiful and classic design by David Hicks. He uses yellow sofas and chairs in his design much the same way as Albert Hadley.

A wonderful yellow taffeta ball gown worn by Frances Elkins for her own portrait. Maybe she knew about the memorable qualities of the color yellow.

Please let me know what your favourite picture is.......

Patricia Gray writes about Interior Design inspirations, emerging trends, and the world of Design. While you're here, subscribe to this feed so you don't miss out.