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Look Who Moooooooved In

February 28, 2011 By
Author:  Autumn

I am in love.  Absolutely head over heels in love. Because of my great love for cows, which I wrote about in an entry here, I have been looking for a cow painting for over a year.  There are plenty of them out there, but it had to be special.  I wanted to feel something, to have an emotional attachment.  I looked and looked and looked.  And then…………………..I found her. There is a vendor at Etsy called Roz Art.  She paints cows – lots of them –  in many different sizes, shapes, and colors.  I thought she might be my best chance of finding the perfect painting, so, I watched and waited and watched and waited.  And then, BAM!!! There she was. Let me introduce you to Lulu Belle.  That’s the name I gave her.  Doesn’t she look like a Lulu Belle?  Can’t you see why she had me at “Moo?” The canvas measures 36 x 36 and will be hung on the far wall in our new kitchen.  She will be the star of the show and will be the first thing we notice when we walk into the room.  I can’t wait to have those big, brown eyes looking at me each morning when I shuffle in  to make my tea. Right now I am not sure if I will have her framed or not.  Once we move in, and I hang her, I will be able to make that decision. Roz Art has many other paintings and prints to select from, and they come in a range of sizes.  She will even accept commissions.  So, if you are in the market for special painting, you might just want to check her out. Meanwhile, I’m going to hang out with my new BFF for a while.

Roz Art did not pay me to mention her business.

Linking to Wow Wednesday http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com

Filed Under: Things We Bought, Uncategorized

Bad Brass

February 25, 2011 By

Author:  Autumn

I need your help on this one – really, I do.

As you know we are in the dirty, ugly part of the total remodeling of our new townhouse.  Everything that needed to be has been gutted, new walls have gone up, cabinets have been selected, the bathrooms are almost complete,  the kitchen cabinets will arrive next week , the unfinished hardwood is piled in the family room and acclimating to its new environment, the new HVAC systems are in, and the rewiring is complete. There is dust everywhere, but since we are living in a rental while all of this goes on, the workers have the freedom to be as messy as they need to be.

Meanwhile, my husband decided that we need to replace all of the interior doors.  We really don’t like hollow doors.  For us, the choice has always been solid wood-paneled doors.  Since some of the existing doors don’t meet those specs, they all need to go.  That is fine, but that is not where I need your help.

I am at a loss as to which hardware to choose for these new doors.  In the house we just sold, we had Baldwin brass hinges and French handles on all of our doors.  But, somewhere along the line when I wasn’t looking, brass became a bad brass.  It was labeled as dated, and so 1980′s.  To me, it has always been the classic selection.  When all other finishes seem to come and go, brass was always there in the background being its classic self.  It’s kind of like jewelry.  Trends show up, but pearls are always the safe choice because of their understated classic appeal.

But, here we are in 2011 when we have the choice of oil rubbed bronze, which is my least favorite, polished nickel, brushed nickel, black, brushed brass, and shiny brass.  I also have the choice of oval knobs, round knobs, and handles.  No matter what we choose, I fear that in a few years the look will be, “oh, so 2011″, and the proper hardware is a big investment.  I don’t want to spend a lot of money on a selection that will date our house in a few years.  Case in point:  We built a house 30 years ago and all of our fixtures were oil rubbed bronze, except it was called something different then – antique bronze.  Well, since then it has gone way out of style and now is back.  I feel as if I have “been there, done that” and really don’t want to even consider it as an option this time around.

Glass knobs, in a new version similar to Jordan’s lovely antique glass knobs are available, but I don’t know if the quality of the reproductions is as good as the originals.  Does anybody have any experience with them?

Our townhouse is in an historic part of town and is across from one of the city’s oldest and most historic parks.  Although we aren’t letting that dictate our selections, we are keeping an awareness of the classic neighborhood in mind when we make our selections.  We don’t want to have a culture shock when we enter the door.



So, all of you out there in blogland, could you please help me out by answering my little poll?  I realize there are lots of other options out there, but in order to keep everybody sane, I am limiting the choices.Just let me know what you would do.

Finish
 Polished BrassAntique

BrassPolished

NickelBrushed

NickelOil-rubbed

BronzeBlack

metalGlass

Shape

RoundOval

Handles

Please answer in the comment form below.  Thanks so much.

I will let you know which choice won and what I eventually select.

Take care.

Photos proved by Google.  We were not paid by Baldwin to mention their name.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Florida Room

February 25, 2011 By

Author:  Spring

Believe it or not, our adorable Syracuse bungalow has a Florida room.  At least, that is what we call it.  The room, which is adjacent to the living room, was originally a front porch.  But sometime during the 83 years of our house’s existence, someone converted the porch into a room.  That decision was good, but some of the decorating choices along the way weren’t so good.

We love the area because it lets a huge amount of natural light flood the living room, and it will be a great place for future babies to keep their toys.  They will be close at hand but out of the way of the major living areas.  Another thing we like about the room is that we plan to actually put a daybed in there that could be used as a guest bed in a pinch.

But first, we have some manual labor to take care of.  For instance, the first photo shows the right side of the entry into the room.  You will notice that there is an arched opening.  Well, on the left side of that same opening, there is no arch.  The opening is squared off at a 90 degree angle.  When we have a handiman come take care of some issues in another part of the house, we are going to have him add an arch to the left side of the opening as well.  Note that the paint is not black, even though it looks like it in some of these photos.

Another choice that we cannot figure out and really don’t like is the flooring that was installed.  Instead of continuing the hardwood floors into the room, someone selected an ugly mosaic style tile.  We plan to remove it and add pre-finished hardwoods that match the existing floors as closely as possible.

Since we are all about doing any and all changes to the house that we can handle, based on our skill level, and since the room doesn’t require any quirky cuts, we are going to tackle this project on our own.  We think we can take an installation course at the local Home Depot.

This close-up photo gives a good view of the floor.  Not so pretty, is it?

We don’t think our existing floors will be too difficult to match.

Here is another view of the arched entry on the right side of the Florida room. Again, the paint is looking much darker in this photo than it is.

This gives a good view of the right angle on the left side of the opening.  What were they thinking? The paint color on this shot is much more accurate.

This coffee table is one my husband bought in his bachelor days.  He wants to refinish it, and then we will use it in front of the not-yet-purchased daybed and place two large pillows on this side of it.  We think it will be a great place for playing games and hanging out.

The only other furniture we have is this bistro table and chairs.  They make a nice place to have a romantic meal or just a cup of coffee.

The room is bare right now, similar to a blank canvas.  We hope our vision can become a reality.  We will definitely keep you informed.

This day bed is the style we are looking for.  We would love to find something like it on Craig’s list or at one of the great local thrift stores.  This one is in the West Elm catalogue.

We look forward to tackling this project.  It is one that doesn’t require a major financial investment but will increase the livability and value of our home.

What about you?  Are you planning any house projects in the near future?

Cheers!

I was not paid by West Elm or Home Depot to mention them.  Day bed image from West Elm.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The White House

February 23, 2011 By

Author:  Spring

Do not judge a book by its cover.  When we were house-hunting, we almost didn’t go into the house we ended up buying because we weren’t crazy about  its exterior.  We felt it lacked curb appeal.  However,  we liked the neighborhood and decided why not.  When we went inside, we found a charming, well-loved, and updated home.  We made an offer that evening.

 

Neighbors have nicely asked us what we plan to do with the exterior.  We don’t know all of the answers just yet, but we do know there are tons of stones to be removed from the back yard, lots of plants to remove and relocate in the front yard and a paint job to tackle.  Maybe we’ll add some shutters and window boxes.

Meanwhile, enjoy these photos of our place as it plays the game of hide and seek in the snow.  Can you find it?

 

Do you have any plans for updating your home’s exterior this spring?  Please share in the comment form below.

Cheers!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Dutch Treat

February 23, 2011 By
Every spring we take a week or two to take a bicycle trip in the Netherlands, my favorite country.  It is a magical place with so many quaint villages that I find new things to admire on every single visit. 

During these trips, we often stop in little cafes for a pot of  tea and some  apple cake.  This treat is usually followed by a casual stroll through the streets and stops in some of the shops before we get back in the saddle.
I saw this adorable table setting last year on one of those strolls and had to take a photo.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I love the way the bleached wood on the table complements the black and white table runners along with the white dishes.  The patina on the wicker chairs combined with the pillows all work together to produce a very modern yet traditional setting.

This angle shows the little crowns that sit on the plates.  Isn’t that an interesting component to add to a place setting?  Napkins are tucked into the sides of the crowns, and flatware in black to match the stripes are placed on the sides.

Wouldn’t you feel like royalty if you sat down to a meal served on this table?  This is only one of the reasons I love Holland.

Linking to Table Top Thursday at www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com
Filed Under: Travel

A Baby Is On The Way

February 22, 2011 By
Author:  Spring

My husband and I are so excited to make the following announcement:  a baby is on the way – a baby puppy, that is.  After months and months of research and planning, we are taking the next step in our marriage and adopting a puppy!

We have decided that a German Short Haired Pointer is the dog that will fit our lifestyle the best.  We want someone who can go jogging, camping, hiking and traveling with us and will adjust  easily to an infant when we decide to expand our  human family.  We talked to people and  debated and have decided to get a female.  My husband, who has never owned a dog, was pulling for a male, but I grew up with female dogs and know how loyal and caring they are.

Our little lady will be born in Canada, just north of Niagara Falls, in March and will be ready to come home with us in May.  This breed is known for having large litters, and the breeder feels confident that there will be more than one girl to choose from.  As soon as the puppies are born, the breeder will start sending photos in order for us to watch the growth progress and to start bonding – virtually.

This is the mother “Phoebe.”

We have read several books on how to train a puppy and hope we can pull it off.  When I was little, my parents got a springer spaniel, and she was one year old when she joined our family.  Several years after she died, my brother and I adopted a three-year-old greyhound for our parents.  Both dogs were potty-broken by the time they came to us, so I missed out on that aspect of pet ownership.  Both my husband and I will be rookies in that area.

This is the sire “Dawson.”

As soon as we start receiving photos of the new crop of pointers from our breeder, I will share them with you…….so, stay tuned.Cheers!

Puppies images from Google images.  Phoebe and Dawson images from Big Country Kennels. I was not paid by Big Country Kennels to mention them in this post.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Paris Prints

February 20, 2011 By
Author:  Autumn

I had the opportunity to spend a glorious eight days alone in Paris last spring and took lots of photos of different angles of buildings and statues.  At the time I didn’t quite know what I would do with them other than keep them with my other travel photos on a CD.

 

These are the giclee prints I saw in Ballard’s catalogue.

Well, fast forward to this winter and the purchase of our new townhouse.  One of the features that I love about it is the wet bar located between the kitchen and the great room.  It almost could pass as a butler’s pantry.  The area has a mirrored backdrop and glass shelves that are not my thing, but I really want to work with what I was dealt. We will be replacing the ugly orange countertop and stainless steel bar sink during our current remodeling project.  I am excited to have the bar because it will keep guests out of the kitchen when we are entertaining. But what could I do to enhance its looks?

One day when I walked past the bar, I got the idea of getting some of the Paris photos printed in black and white and framing them in plain black frames.  I thought they might look nice placed randomly on the shelves along with a jar of corks, wine glasses, my crystal wine stopper collection, etc.

These are the six prints that I selected.  I wanted both buildings and statues and both vertical and horizontal.

Well, this week when I was catching up on my mail after being away for a month, I discovered that I wasn’t the only one thinking about Paris artwork.  In the Ballard’s catalog, I saw giclee prints of vintage postcards highlighting Paris’ most popular attractions.  They were priced at $159.00 each or two for $299.00.

Wow!  I was so thrilled to see what the final product would look like but shocked at the price.  Meanwhile, I already had gotten my black and white prints made, and all I had to do was wait for Sunday’s papers and the coupons from Michael’s.  I was able to buy six black 8 x 10 frames and six pre-cut mats for around $44.00.  The only difference in Ballard’s and mine is that their frames are 9 x 15 1/4 inches, which would actually be too large for my shelves.

After buying the supplies, I returned home to our rental, spread everything out on the floor, and assembled them effortlessly.

The first two are finished.  Using precut mats and standard frames made the process go quickly.

Two more are complete.

All six are framed, and it took less than 15 minutes.

They really resemble the Ballard’s giclees.  I can’t wait to move in and display them.  When that happens, I will be sure to post a blog showing the revamped bar accessorized with my Paris prints.


Take care.

Linking to The Lettered Cottage

 

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I was not paid by Ballard’s or Michael’s to mention them in this post.
Filed Under: Projects

Let the Games Begin

February 18, 2011 By
Author:  Spring

One of the ways my husband and I like to spend time is playing board games.  I know.  I know.  It might sound old-fashioned to some, but we love the way we can spend time with our friends, catch up on each others’ lives, have some drinks and snacks, and get a good competition going.  It’s a great low-budget way to spend an evening entertaining.

Two couples from out-of-town spent last week-end with us. During the day we enjoyed all of the snow and sun and went snowshoeing.

After we spent some time outdoors, the weather turned on us.

Since the temperature dropped and the sun was no longer shining, we thought it would be fun to go home, sit in front of the non-working fireplace, and play games.

These are some of our favorite games.

I also prepared some easy snacks and served beers, brewed by my husband, and we had a great time. 

How do you like to entertain your friends on a cold winter night?

Cheers!

Thanks to Karen for the snowshoeing photos. Snack photo from atl grocery delivery. I was not paid by any of the board games companies.
Filed Under: Uncategorized

Let There Be Light

February 16, 2011 By
When Jordan and her husband moved into their charming bungalow, they had a rude awakening.  Like many older homes, the number of electrical outlets are limited, and there are no overhead lights.  So, they needed lighting, pronto.

 

The first thing on my “Mamma-do” list when I visited them recently for a week of decorating aid was to help with lighting.  Like most young couples, they are working within a budget. So, the first place we went was to a local thrift store and bingo, we hit pay dirt.  We found four lamps, and with my (ahem) over age 55 discount, we snagged them all for around $10.00.  One of them was  cream-colored ceramic and only needed a new shade.  It was perfect for the guest room.

 

 

The next three were brass and dated, but the wiring worked just fine.

 

 

We decided that one of them would be perfect for the black buffet in the dining room. But first it needed a pop of color.  Jordan decided a bright apple green would be perfect.  She selected leafy green by Rustoleum.

We gave the lamp two coats of paint, and bam, it was perfect.  The next addition was an adorable white shade from Target.

The final two lamps were also a tired-looking brass.  We decided to spray paint them both with oil rubbed bronze.  It worked perfectly, and afterwards, they looked as if they just stepped off the store-room shelf.

With the addition of two new shades from Target, they were ready for center stage in the living room.

And just like that, there was light.

Take care.  (Hope you don’t mind the repeat of this post of my former/defunct blog.)

Linking to WOW Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Unfortunately, I was not paid by Target or Rusoleum to use their products.

Filed Under: Before and After

Food Fast

February 15, 2011 By
When bicycling through the remote mountains of Laos, it is easy to build up a hunger.  One of the things about cycling is that you need energy – lots of it – which means you get have to eat  much more than normal.  Many calories out make us need many calories in. 

However, this is a problem when  cycling through humongous mountains and remote primitive villages without a shop or restaurant within a hundred miles.  But we didn’t have to worry.  Our fantastic bicycle guide, Chit, came well-stocked with noodles and fresh vegetables to make soup.  The Vietnamese call this type of concoction pho, but the Laotians simply call it noodle soup.

Chit also brought along a camping stove, a cute little folding table with bright plastic chairs, glass bowls, and chop sticks.  The van driver carried all of these items along with a cooler of cold drinks and went ahead to have a little picnic site organized by the time we pedaled there.  We felt so pampered sitting around the table placed on the lightly traveled mountain roads and eating our warm and nourishing meal.  Take a look.

Our little lunch stop is set up on the rarely-used road.  What you don’t know from this photo is that two of us fell over the edge of the road while sitting in our little red chairs right before this was taken.  We were okay, and I didn’t even spill my soft drink.

Here is my broken chair.  I really don’t weigh that much, do I?


This little camping stove worked perfectly for cooking our soup.
 

Chit used this little basket to carry the fresh vegetables and seasonings which included very hot, hot peppers which we didn’t eat.  We thought mint was an interesting addition along with the tomatoes, spring onions, lettuce, cabbage, and rice noodles.  Broth wasn’t available, so he cooked everything in water, and we added lots of soy sauce.

 



Ahh!  Lunch is served and the colors are beautiful.
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Filed Under: Travel
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