London Calling
Fourteen years ago, we lived here, Richmond upon Thames.
Everyday, I would walk all around London. I did not have a car for this half of our experience. Quite often, I would hop on the Underground
It all seems so funny now, but at the time this was my everyday life. The streets I walked looked like this
A woman I met, another American living abroad, introduced me to a beautiful line of unique fragrances (remember this was 1997). They eventually found their way to the states
I shopped for groceries (every 3 days) here
If I was looking for somthing amazing, I would go here
Downstairs is famous for its display of culinary cuisine from around the world
Our daughter was born here
At the Princess Margaret Hospital in Windsor England (by this time, we moved to the burbs). After we returned to the US, our son was born. She is an American Citizen who cannot be President of the United States....and we are not sad about that one bit!
Recently, my husband was asked if we would consider going back....that's it....no major meetings, just something to ponder with "the family". Well, MY BAGS WERE PACKED!! I found schools for the kids, inquired with a close friend about the home rental market in our town, I even thought of a name for my new blog......can you see where this is going? We are not going. Due to "I have no idea what happened", we are staying here.
So, I'm going to continue on with my home goals and see if my friend Lisa would consider giving me her blog title. Do you like change? Does the thought of moving excite or scare you?
Everyday, I would walk all around London. I did not have a car for this half of our experience. Quite often, I would hop on the Underground
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| Via |
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| Via |
I shopped for groceries (every 3 days) here
If I was looking for somthing amazing, I would go here
Downstairs is famous for its display of culinary cuisine from around the world
Our daughter was born here
Recently, my husband was asked if we would consider going back....that's it....no major meetings, just something to ponder with "the family". Well, MY BAGS WERE PACKED!! I found schools for the kids, inquired with a close friend about the home rental market in our town, I even thought of a name for my new blog......can you see where this is going? We are not going. Due to "I have no idea what happened", we are staying here.
So, I'm going to continue on with my home goals and see if my friend Lisa would consider giving me her blog title. Do you like change? Does the thought of moving excite or scare you?
Etsy Elephants
Is there an elephant in your room? I must admit, I am finding myself intrigued by them. I can't decide exactly how to execute it. Here are some of the ones I am thinking about
A colorful bold print, like the one in my powder room
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| TPP Etsy |
A white elephant (I can find out how cleaver my friends are)
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| TPP Etsy |
On the floor, I am usually not a "pair of the same" type
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| Etsy Source |
A pill box, just sitting on a table
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| Etsy Source |
A stool
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| Etsy Source |
This will take a while to decide, but I do love them. I think every room should have a bit of the unexpected whimsy. Do you have an animal of any kind in your room? I would love to know!
Me & Mrs. Jones [Blog Love]
OK, there is no other way to say it...I wish I could paint like Me & Mrs. Jones! It is one of the first blogs I stumbled across....a long time ago. I have been in awe over her techniques from day one. What type of painted finishes? So glad you asked....Old World Charm...layer by layer. For example
This "after"
Started like this
Close up...the depth of color and layers are impressive!
How about this beauty
And the close-up
You can't get this from an aerosol can.
My currentobsession favorite; from this
Layer, layer
More layers
To this
The "Tah Dah"
To read all about this transformation, go here. About a year ago, I painted my china hutch. I am not happy with the finish, it just looks flat (photo to come later this month). When I saw this finish, although I could not do THIS...I did send Stephanie (Mrs. Jones) an email asking for advice. Well, she was so kind and gave me all sorts of tips to add a bit of depth to my piece. I am finally getting around to the make-over. I hope to share the pictures soon. Thank you, Stephanie for taking the time!
This "after"
Started like this
Close up...the depth of color and layers are impressive!
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| Me & Mrs. Jones (this piece) |
And the close-up
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| Me & Mrs. Jones (this piece) |
My current
Layer, layer
More layers
To this
The "Tah Dah"
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| Me & Mrs. Jones (this piece) |
Home Goals
I thought I would take a moment....so that 11 months from now....I could look back and feel great about my attempts, successes, and learning opportunities that my 2012 Home Goals provided. AND, Heeeeeeeeeeeere they are, In no particular order
Finish my dining room. My dining room is the first room you see when you enter my home. I started it years ago, and just lost focus. Recently, I asked your opinion on color combinations for my dining room. Well, come back on January 18th for more on this room! Here is my pinsperation for that room
A farm table with white chairs
A custom cornice, pagoda shaped I think?
Finish my dining room. My dining room is the first room you see when you enter my home. I started it years ago, and just lost focus. Recently, I asked your opinion on color combinations for my dining room. Well, come back on January 18th for more on this room! Here is my pinsperation for that room
A farm table with white chairs
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| Elle Decor |
A custom cornice, pagoda shaped I think?
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| Source |
The all white foyer. I have had this on my mind since last April. In fact, last November, I was still torturing myself dreaming over it! This is the year! Here is my pinspiration for that one
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| House Beautiful |
As long as I am thinking of hallways, I want to make a gallery wall. It would be for the upstairs hallway. I am not as clear on this....so I will continue to stalk scour the net looking for more ideas. This is what I am thinking thus far
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| MyDesignChic via pinterest |
Next on the list, my master bedroom....well....it is not the retreat that it should be. Why? Exactly!! Time for that to change. When we did our renovation, we did not put baseboard moldings in two spots....because that is where the built-ins will go, of course. It has been four years and counting! I have not begun to focus on this. I would love images of your favorite bedrooms if you have any to share!
My last for the list, but certainly not my least important...The Potager Garden. It was my very first post, last spring. I have longed to revamp my existing vegetable garden. I was sure that I would have accomplished this last Fall. Well, Mother Nature had other plans. Two inspirational photos for this one
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| It's Complicated via Hooked on Houses |
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| Sunset |
Here are five BIG projects that I intend on attempting in 2012. Of course, there will be endless little projects...that will probably become much BIGGER than expected! Isn't that the life of a serial DIY-er? Did you make a list for just the home? I'd love to know what's on it.
House Hunting in Cotswold, ENGLAND
Just another cold winter day in New Jersey. It seems like it has been a while since I went house stalking hunting. I usually look in "The States"; Santa Barbara, New Jersey, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard to name a few. Today, I feel a bit more International .....across the pond I go...to Cotswold, England!
I'm not sure if the hens come with the place? Since I am not ready to make an offer, no worries! Did you catch some good ideas to copy?
I'm not sure if the hens come with the place? Since I am not ready to make an offer, no worries! Did you catch some good ideas to copy?
The one that got away!!
I was looking at this plum overdyed patchwork rug from Cost Plus for a long time. I just wasn't sure if the colors would work. I was also waiting for a sale....you know, the "I'll just wait a bit longer" strategy. Well, it looks like I waited just a bit too long....now it's GONE! Not on sale....GONE? I feel like "while you were sleeping"!
This is what is left, the purple one. I know that won't work....although colors do look much different on computer screens. Of course, now that it is gone....IT WAS PERFECT!
When the store opens later today, I will call. Have you ever watched something for a long time....only to lose it?
This is what is left, the purple one. I know that won't work....although colors do look much different on computer screens. Of course, now that it is gone....IT WAS PERFECT!
When the store opens later today, I will call. Have you ever watched something for a long time....only to lose it?