unexpectedly coming together

We were given a beautiful piece by John's parents. A baker's rack topper thing- which I thought would be absolutely perfect for our new house (this was prior to moving in). But once we moved in...it didn't fit where I really wanted it to go.

Our master bedroom had deep red and tan striped curtains with black out blinds behind them. Since our window is the size of a sliding glass door and faces the east...the black outs are REALLY nice! Also for privacy reasons. The walls in the master are a creamy off white- almost a light yellow. And the carpets are a light grey. Quite the color combination- huh!?

Two delimas - not sure what to do.

We went shopping for a bottom console to put the topper on...we found the perfect piece on our first outing...the two were seriously meant to go together. They look like once big piece rather than a buffet table and baker's rack.

We put them in our dining room- looks great! Now what to put on it...hmmmmm? That was a tough one. In fact it sat empty for a month and probably would have even longer...but last week I received the latest Pottery Barn catalog (full of such pretty pictures!) and its theme was country chic. Coincidence? I think not!

This beautiful layout provided me with the perfect inspiration.

White pottery, baskets, wire metal and glass all mixed into a lovely display. I headed out to Hobby Lobby to see what I could find. In the clearance aisle I found iron baskets in multiple sizes ranging from $1.50-$2.75...PERFECT! I also found a cute pedestal bowl that was white. All will be great for entertaining and use in the dining room.

I also made a run out to the antique mall north of town...no luck but I still LOVE that place!

I came home and started finding pieces that would work. Here's how it turned out.

Now the master bedroom proved a little more difficult. How on earth was I going to make all those colors work?!

I bought a new quilt for the bed- a pretty white and brown toile. I switched out our white pillow cases for red ones that matched the curtains. Threw in some white pillows and a red accent one that previously resided on our big red chair.

I hung an antique mirror over the bed...which at the time was only thing I had that was the right size and not already hanging somewhere. But it ended up being perfect!

Last night I made some silhouettes from 18th century profiles I found via a google image search. One man. One woman. Printed them, cut them out with my exacto and then gave them a light coat of flat black craft paint. I mounted them on some red and creme toile scrap book paper and framed them with some inexpensive mats/frames. Each one now hangs on either side of the bed near our bedside tables.

I really wanted to do something like this in the room...but I don't think it would fly with John. I really do like the old photos informally hanging about.

So I improvised... I recovered my old bulletin board with a brown and white fabric. Found some black and white photos and some sepia toned ones...some recent some old. I scanned copies as to not damage the originals and pinned them to the new bulletin board with pewter upholstery tacks left over from a previous project.

And here it is so far...

On the other side of the room out of view is my beloved black and white buffet...currently being used as office storage and a tv stand. It looks surprisingly good.

Hope you enjoyed that little peak into our home!

Dang girl!

Wow! I've been gone a LONG time...at least it seems like it has been! I've been super busy...same old same old- with the exception of computer problems. My mac went wonky and was OUT OF ORDER for a few days. Devastating I tell ya- devastating! But thanks to the Mac support geniuses - my mac is BACK and so am I!

In the last week I've gotten busy with some little decorating projects around the house. Seriously the best part of moving- bar NONE!

I'm being very selective about my choices...I plan on dying in this house or at least moving to an old folks home from here. And I want styles, artwork, furniture etc that will be cohesive and classic through the years. Of course, I will be throwing in some spunk and spice every now and then in each room...but for the most part I want the house to be us- comfortable, casual, cozy and welcoming!

Our new home sits on a small acreage... and has some country-esk features about it. We have apples trees and two huge lovely garden plots. Our kitchen counter tops look like antique blue and white enamelware. So in some of my decorating I've tried to incorporate a touch of country with antiques and mixed metals like pewter and iron. Interesting, RIGHT!?

Tomorrow I will be posting pix of the dining room hutch inspired by something I saw in the newest Pottery Barn catalog. And a peak into our master bedroom...its coming together quite nicely in an unexpected way!

Happy Birthday Nancy!

From all the grandkids and a few grand nieces! Hope you have a wonderful day! We love you!

Rough

As I was entering appts and happenings into my 2010 calendar from the 2009 one...I noticed that 1/18- would have been my due date for the pregnancy we lost last summer. The date was circled with smiley faces and balloons. I remember thinking how awesome it would be...a little birthday present to mark such an auspicious birthday. But it wasn't meant to be.

Subconsciously its been a rough weekend. I knew this date was coming...but kept pushing it back into those dark recesses hoping that if I didn't dwell on it- that it would just pass and be done with. On the outside I've tried to portray gratitude for my loving family and friends, and the wonderful birthday they gave me! But a migraine last night and moody irritability this afternoon totally set me off. Probably my body's way of saying- cope and quit suppressing.

I have to come to realize and accept that events, trials and cloudy days come for a reason. Whether to teach us in that moment or help us realize a deeper lesson in the months to come. I know that we are part of something bigger and grander. And although it still hurts and leaves us apprehensive about trying again...I know what will be will be. I'm just thankful to be along for the ride!

transition

Its happened! I've lived and breathed for 360 months. 1560 weeks. 10957 days. However you look at it...I'm getting up there!


I don't think this little auburn haired chiquita could have ever dreamed of such a wonderful life! I'm married to my bestfriend. I have amazing children. I have an awesome family. My brothers and I actually love eachother and get along (I don't think I'm the only one surprised with that one!). Life has been bumpy at times- but as I look back, each bump has taught me a valuable lesson.

I have been asked numerous times "What do you want for your birthday?" I honestly don't want for anything. I am so content and happy with all that I have!

Sooooooo.... Now this dark haired mama, grown and mature, is pleasantly awaiting the next 30 years.

bring. it. on.

belated love and happy wishes

One of my FAVORITE nephews had a birthday this weekend. And I swear I didn't forget. I kept telling everyone we should call him or google talk him...but as it is the way with our crazy hectic life we never got around to doing it. Never fear my little man- I mailed your package out this morning!

BUT I wanted to be sure that pucca's friend knew we LOVE him and hope he had the best bday EVER!

Neverending

You would think that by moving into a larger house (compared to our previous one) that it would be easy to unpack, find homes for everything and decorate. But its not.

Some things that I have discovered in the last few weeks:

• Some of my favorite pieces from the old house don't fit with this house.
  
• I find myself asking "Why did I pack this and move it?"
• Opening a box and immediately shutting it again- not wanting to deal with the junk drawer stuff. You know the stuff that you should probably keep because someday someone will ask for that little twisty screw thing that went to one thing- and you have to have it or it doesn't work.
  
• Making a house a home. It really is a lovely house...and slowly by adding our things i.e. furniture, photos, artwork etc...its starting to become a really lovely home. I guess I never thought about the time in between.
  

A house becomes your home by adding your personal touches. I've hung new window treatments...which seems like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference. Another thing that makes a huge difference is paint. BUT I'm not allowed to paint. Because I'm really really bad at it! I start out with the best of intentions and totally focused...but I'm very impatient and want results NOW. Painting isn't quick...it takes time and patience- which I fail at! I've specifically been banned from painting any room in this house.

So I had to work around that little hurdle and still make our house more us and less of the previous owners.

I went to a Uppercase Living party at Jess's and ordered this really cool vinyl wall decal. I wasn't sure where I would put it- I ordered it before we moved. During the unpacking- I came across it. During last week's snow days- I decided to put it up...in our bedroom.


I wasn't sure what John would say. I was pretty sure he would hate it. So I didn't say anything. He came home from work and went upstairs to change. UGH - moment of truth. I heard him coming back down the stairs and quickly busied myself at the kitchen sink with my back to him. He came up from behind and gave me hug. He put his head down next to my ear and whispered "You scared me for a sec- I'm glad that's not paint!" He gave me another squeeze and kissed my head.


wheeeewwwwwwww! I think the fact that it isn't paint and that its in our master bedroom- who really goes in there anyway...really helped the situation.

here it is....

Its in a corner that is totally bare and needs something like an oversized comfy chair. Someday...

borderline

two weeks of Christmas vacation was ENOUGH together time...considering we were stuck indoors the entire time. In fact we were snowed in - in GI town. They closed the interstate and wouldn't let you leave the county! TRAPPED! I say- TRAPPED!

Mother Nature has a nasty sense of humor! After two days of lovely bliss (the kids being back at school and I somewhat getting back to unpacking)- she ruled with her iron fist and brought the arctic weather smack down on the midwest. I think the whole county is reeling from this crazy weather!

Our high today was supposed to get to 0. Tomorrow we get to look forward to a high of -4...craziness! Don't even get me started on the windchills...-30...are you kidding me!

So we are once again home bound. shut in. stuck. Finishing up day two of school being cancelled...using up our last snowday allotment.

I love my children, but wow- the last few days have been rough. Lots of fighting. Lots of whining. Lots of tantrums and sassiness. Pucca has been sabotaging her sisters- picking on them while they sleep. The twins have been making bedroom rules deliberately associated with Pucca (for example: No girls whose name starts with C and are 6 yrs old)

We've played games, played the wii, played around with kwynnie's new sewing machine, rented movies (thank you appletv!) and now its quiet time. Well- actually I've locked myself in my room..I needed a few minutes. But now I hear arguing and tears...so I need to sign off!

Please! oh Please! Mother Nature take pity on all of us and bring on the SUNSHINE! If not the sunshine...then at least temps fitting of some outdoor time!

Resolute

hmmmm- well since I kept/accomplished exactly - COUGH- none of my resolutions from last year...I resolve to resolute nothing. Come what may this year...I'm determined to make it the best it can be!

Speaking of the best...my new car! woohooo! Sadly Ms. Bessie Vanne was totaled out and sent to salvage. sob. Time for a new Bessie.

This one is black...so I called her The Black Bessie (add dramatic inflection and make sure to use 'THE').

I drove The Black Bessie home from the dealership savoring that intoxicating new car smell, staying 20 feet behind all vehicles and gripping the steering wheel with white knuckles whenever a car was attempting to pass me. Finally, I pull into the drive way- we were home. The Black Bessie and I.

The girls come running out to meet their new taxi shuttle, climbing in, claiming seat positions and checking out compartments.

"Do you wanna go for a spin?" I ask.

"Heck ya!" was the replied in unison.

As we're pulling out of the driveway, Pucca asks "So what's her name?"

"The Black Bessie" I inform her.

"Oh, well, I don't think that's right. You shouldn't say black!" (obviously confusing black as in race with the color black...or at least that's what I thought)

"What should I call her then?" I asked Pucca- thinking I knew exactly what her reply was going to be.

"Goth Bessie" she says all matter of fact.

Well ok.

Our new car is Goth B...but we lovingly call her Bessie.