Lee's Hideaway

Breaking Dawn Part 1 Party

2012-02-13T14:08:00.000-05:00

Yes, for those of you who didn't know, I've never been in the closet about my love for Edward and obsession with the Twilight series books and movies. The fourth book was actually my favorite so it was only fitting that I should celebrate the arrival of the DVD with my friends.

First the preparations! I had to have a cake. I mean it was a wedding after all. So this was my version. Okay I used cream cheese frosting which maybe was a bad choice. Because it looks yellow. And don't judge my cake skills, I don't have any. I'm a cookie person all the way. TEAM COOKIE not TEAM CAKE. But I tried. I thought it was pretty. I then printed out Bella and Edward and then printed them again but the mirror image of the photo so that no matter what angle of the cake you saw, you would see them. I loved it.

Here is full view. I know you can see through spots. The cake was red velvet. Which I didn't know that this planet is basically divided in two. Those that love red velvet cake and those that don't. I believe that I have moved to the dark side. I did not enjoy my red velvet cake. It was the Williams Sonoma version cake mix which by their standards should be wonderful. I found it to be dry and rather bland. So many people loved it but I didn't.
Next, the decor.

Okay, so I did buy the lifesize image for the party. I placed it with my lovely Nell Hill Candelabras and white lace curtain over a plain table cloth and ta da!

Here was the small cake table I decorated with cascading small roses.

The theme was bloodsucking so I had to be creative. Found these great cookies that tasted really good on line. Actually tasted like cinnamon. But the hit of the afternoon was the "Blood Punch" Not only was it delicious with pureed raspberries and strawberries but I topped all the martini glasses with sugar crystals. Yum!

I raffled off many exciting prizes!

Thankfully my best friend and sister Terry "fed" right before she came otherwise we would have been in alot of trouble! Hee Hee. (It's all in the eyes!)

With popcorn ready and movie candy we were ready for the movie.

I even chose to dress for the occasion, in white! Hee Hee. It was a blast!

Can't wait until Breaking Dawn Part 2

A Switch Here And A Swap There!

2012-02-08T14:35:00.000-05:00

I have always been impulsive when it comes to decorating. My home is like how I am with my clothing. I dress according to my mood. Some days I would never even think of wearing red! I notice that as the season changes so does my mood for my rooms change. My bedroom has been in a constant changing motion ever since I can remember. These days, I am all about simplifying. Lighter colors, less clutter, less stuff. I've taken so many things down from my walls, and repainted and painted. I like that I'm never really finished because honestly, I think if I were, I would have nothing else to be motivated about. I love looking at a room and after studying it say "Hmmmmmm". My husband is scared of the hmmmm, but I get excited. I am done buying things for the home like pieces of furniture etc, because I don't have room for anything else, so what I do enjoy now is switching things. I have peeled my room away to very little, and my foyer and I thought I'd post a few pics.

So I brought up my favorite antique table that I had in my foyer and used it for my husband's side as an end table. I love it here and so does he.

Excuse Rudy, he always wants to be in every picture. Anyway, we changed our floor rug to a neutral more natural tone.

I placed my antique croched bed spread and my room looks peaceful now and light and simple. I love it. I must say, I'm not too happy about my print on the wall. It's too dark. I also want to paint the frame and make it a mix,bring in a bit of pewter into it. Also my other end table is lower and my lamp is a bit too low. I got the one on the right from Kmart. But they didn't have two. Will have to find one.

This is my foyer now, simple, no tables, and I also changed my foyer rugs to match my livingroom rug. I love it now. It's less busier than before.

February is here . . . Or is it Spring

2012-02-01T13:47:00.001-05:00

So while half the country is covered in snow, here in my little homestead it is 63 degrees and sunny. Incredible! I walked the dogs out this morning without a coat. I don't know how long it will last but I'm loving it.
Since it is February I have to post that the Mother Son Dance at my sons prep school is right around the corner. March 10 to be exact. So I have been shopping for dresses. Every year I think of what I want my dress to be like and then I look. Some people go shopping first and see what catches their eye. That sounds like the sensible way doesn't it? Well it doesn't work for me. When I get something in my head, it's in there until I find it. So although I must have 8 black cocktail dresses in my closet (no exaggeration) I suddenly had an urge for a black lace dress with a coffee colored or tan like slip. I found one that I loved that Rachel McAdams wore to the premiere of The Vow, the movie I posted about. So weird that she had this on. I loved it. Contacted the designer and of course, its not out yet, will be out in a few weeks and is way too expensive. But now that dress is in my head. So I have been searching for the closest feel to it and I found a dress that I really like. I ordered it and I'm anxiously waiting for it to arrive. Let me know what you think?
The first one is the one I wish I could have (Rachel is wearing it.) The second one is the one I bought.

So I'm thinking of going to Joannes and buying a thick black satin ribbon to use as a sash for the middle. I also will wear it with black velvet heels and skin colored stockings, not black.

It arrives tomorrow. Hopefully I will like the fit or I'll have to send it back and then it will be time to start all over again.

A Sweet Story

2012-01-31T13:06:00.000-05:00

So as some of you know I'm a writer. I'm working on my second book with my wonderful editor and anxiously waiting an answer from a few agents who might possibly want to represent me. Hopefully, I have my fingers crossed, and toes.
Anyway, I love a good story. A good transcending, mesmerizing, take me away from home story. Yes I do have a tendency to go for the romantic ones. I could care less about an artsy film or the latest political drama or the top rated "film dejour" I want a movie or story that will provide an escape from myself and transport me somewhere else. I'm a dreamer and a romantic.
Don't laugh, but there's an old lifetime movie staring Jaclyn Smith called I Married A Stranger.
In it she has an accident and looses her memory. She totally forgets her life and her present life and believes she's back in high school. She can't remember her husband or who she is and has no recollection of ever being married. NOTE TO SELF: (I SHOULD TRY THAT)
Anywho, the story is about a husband trying to romance his wife into falling in love again.
The movie may not be oscar wothy but I loved that idea for a premise.
Well a few months ago I read a new movie coming out with two of my favorite people. THE VOW.
I love Channing Tatum, not as an actor but as total eye candy. And I love Rachel McAddams as an actor. I think she's wonderful. The story is almost identical.
It opens next Friday and I am so excited to go see it.
Here are a few photos of these beautiful people.

Can't wait to go see this! My secret little wish is that my book is published and then becomes a movie and people will be talking about it and someone will be blogging about how they can't wait to see it and how much they loved the book.

Oh well, it could happen!

Simple Scones

2012-01-29T17:56:00.002-05:00

So if your anything like me, on a winter's night, there is nothing better than enjoying something sweet with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. Today I made scones. My sons love them and we enjoy them with some of our favorite Strawberrry or Raspberry Jam and a Hot comforting drink.

I am always on an endless search for the best scone recipes. (So if you happen to have one please send it to me.) This is an Alton Brown recipe that I added some sugar and vanilla. I like my scones sweet (not too sweet but enough to compliment your choice of drink.)

Thought you might want my recipe

2 cups of flour

2 teasp of baking powder

3/4 teasp of salt

1/4 to 1/2 cup of sugar (I used 1/2)

4 tbs of butter

2 tbs shortening

3/4 heavy cream

1 egg

1/2 teasp of good vanilla extract

I place the ingredients in my food processor and pulse until I have the perfect dough. Don't over pulse.

lightly dust with flour and form into a disc. Then I used a biscuit cutter to shape. You can also cut them into triangles with a pastry cutter.

Convection 350/ reg 375

Bake for 15 minutes and the sprinkle with confectioners sugar and Enjoy!

Comfort & Joy & Curtains

2012-01-24T16:30:00.002-05:00

I wanted to take a photo of my two newest curtains that I absolutely love. They have brought me much comfort and warmth especially this week when we had the snow and the temperatures dropped in the teens. Below are my family room curtains. My house is an older home and although we have been restoring it and renovating for years, it can be drafty in the winter so I wanted insulated curtains that would keep us warm but at the same time look pretty. These are from Pottery Barn.

I paired them with my older lace curtains that I cherish. I have had these on in the family room forever and in the spring and summer they are the only curtains on my windows.

These curtains are from Curtainworks. I fell in love with them when I saw them on one of my favorite blogs a country farmhouse. She had them in the baby's room and they looked lovely. I had been looking for something like them for quite sometime. She posted where they were from and I went on the website. (I don't know how to do the link where you can just click and go there, so sorry but its' curtainworks. If anyone knows how to do that please let me know.)

Feeling cold always makes me want to eat something comforting for supper. I had gotten this wonderful book from Williams Sonoma.

It's truly wonderful. Today I decided to make my very first chicken pot pie.

Yummy. Not only did I make it in less than 45 minutes but I ate it the minute it came out of the oven and burned my tongue. So I highly recommend that you wait until it cools. But I just couldn't.

I was so proud of the way it came out. Lovely and delicious. The perfect dinner for a cold evening.

I even made the crust from page 248. In under five minutes. But I have a cuisinart don't know how long it would have taken if I didn't. I've never made pie crust without it.

The only thing I didn't use was Tarragon. I bought it and then took it out because the smell of licorice or anise is too strong for me. Don't like it and didn't want to infuse the flavor of it in my stock.

But other than that it was perfect!

Winter's Snow Fall

2012-01-21T11:37:00.002-05:00

Although the trees didn't sport their wintery white, it was a nice surprise to wake up to the white blanket around my home. I wish it had continued but I hear there is more on the way so I probably will get my wish afterall.

I love how the path looks from my neighbors farm to mine.

Our barn from my neighbors side view.

I have come to love the Winter. I had been longing for some snow and today I had it. There is something about being home when it snows, making coffee or tea, I made scones today and it was the perfect touch. For some reason I write more when it snows. My mind is constantly creating as the world seems to be frozen for just a few moments, I can loose myself on paper. It is a nesting, resting and settling down time, to think and listen and do absolutely nothing but enjoy the frozen moments.

New Vanity

2012-01-21T11:19:00.000-05:00

So for a few years now my bathroom vanity had been looking out of place. Our little bathroom in our bedroom had gone through quite a bit of remodeling over the past 17 years. Two times it had been changed, little by little, and inch by inch to get it where we wanted it. I believe it's finally evolved to where it should be. I love it. The vanity is from Pottery Barn. Take a look.

My Baby is 16 Today!

2012-01-16T21:27:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe these photos were so long ago. Sixteen years ago to be exact. I am in awe of time and how it flies and leaves us wondering where it all went.

My oldest is 21 and the baby above is 16 today. I miss my babies. I'm so proud of my Matthew.

Bye Bye Pretty Painting!

2012-01-12T17:05:00.000-05:00

So just a quick little update. Painting sold at 178.00. We did not get it. Our bidding had stopped long before. Se La Vie. . .

Love For The Past

2012-01-10T21:51:00.000-05:00

So remember when I posted about the e-bay painting? William Post landscape? If not go back a few.
Anywho, the auction closes tomorrow. My husband had placed a bid and so far no one has gone over it so therefore it might be mine tomorrow.
One little problem,
I love going to little antique shops. I decided to stop at one yesterday just to take a look. You won't believe what I found.
Okay so this is the painting that we placed on bid on ebay for.

I wanted it for over my bed. It's so serene to me and beautiful. I love the way the tree texture looks and the lake and the frame. Everything about it I love especially the rectangular shape which is more unique than a regular square painting. Okay, got that?
Now here goes the problem.

I found this one at the antique shop. Is it me or are they very similar? The above one "ebay one" is by William Post an artist from Connecticut in the early 1900's. It is signed and in really good condition.

This one is not signed, frame had 2 tiny chips as you can see (which I can fix with wood filler and gold paint, done it before) The scene is a little different but very similar. The painting is older in condition and darker so not as clear as the above.

Well the ebay one received 2 more bids. I was worried that I might not win the painting. The woman at the antique store said the owner of this one would give it to me for 100. The ebay one was up to 120 and there were two more bids placed. I bought this one. Thought to myself, "hey its almost like it and less money and I can fix the frame.

Well my husband told me that he had placed a hold on the painting on ebay with a maximum bid. So far the bids are a few dollars below our holding bid.

So what I"m trying to say is, if no one goes over our holding bid then I'm gonna have 2 paintings that are almost the same. AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! I definitely would love the ebay one it looks clearer and in better condition. I just hate the fact that I spent 100 when I might get the other one.

I'll let you know what happens tomorrow.

Simple Pleasures

2012-01-06T21:36:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite comfort foods, aside from mashed potatoes and blueberry pancakes, is butternut squash. Pairing butternut squash with a little warm butter and some sage is absolutely heaven. I have made ravioli from scratch with butternut squash but must admit pasta is so hard to work and too much trouble for me. I found a simple brand of already made butternut squash raviolis that I absolutely love. I boil them for 4 minutes then cook some butter on a small pan and just when it's about to turn brown I take it off the burner, toss some fresh sage leaves and pour it over the ravioli. Then top with parm cheese and a pinch of garlic salt and I'm in heaven.
Although I love working on a good recipe for my family every now and then I love a short cut, a quick but healthy and great tasting meal. The brand of the raviolis is "Safeway select" which is a generic brand. I find it funny that I have searched for the best through different well known brands, ordered them from italian markets home made and even made them myself with two recipes, one from Martha and one from Ina Garten and my little supermarket provided me with my favorite one. Hope you try it.
Enjoy.
Also had to post this photo of my youngest. My oldest took it when they went this weekend to the winter classic in Philadelphia to see the hockey game between the Rangers and the Flyers.

Love this photo. He will be 16 next week. Simple Pleasures, looking at photos of my sons.

Framing & Printing, What Fun!

2012-01-05T21:53:00.001-05:00

So recently I was looking through one of my favorite blogs, won't tell you which one but its on my list of blogs, has a lovely family and they have a lovely farmhouse in the country. Can you guess? Hee Hee
Anyway, I love how she decorates and has lovely art work in her home, especially one above her bed.
Now for those of you who have been following my little blog, you know how much I adore printing art and framing it myself.

This is one of the prints I picked after google-ling "peaceful landscapes and other play with words.
It has trees and sheep two of my most favorite ideas in paintings.

I also loved this one. It is peaceful and I love the colors.

So I printed a few out and played with a couple of my frames.

I'm always buys pretty frames either at flea markets, tagsales or vintage little shops or at AC moore, or Michaels. I love doing this. It's so much fun. (I try not to spend alot on the frame, under 20 or if I'm lucky under 10.

So I think I decided on the sheep.

I found this one on e-bay that I'm thinking of using for above my bed. What do you think?

It was on going for 35 dollars, I put a bid in lets keep our fingers crossed.

I love this one. Although the frame has a few nics in it, I think it would love lovely over our bed.

Well wish me luck, hope you were inspired to print and frame. Try it . It's so much fun.

Now you must have a good printer and good printing photo paper, nothing with too much gloss, but it shouldn't be matte.

The smaller the nicer they come out.

And if you get tired of them, no big deal, just pull it out of the frame and print another one. It didn't cost you much.

And thanks to Trina for inspiring me with her lovely painting and blog.

Simplicity

2012-01-03T19:20:00.001-05:00

There is something about taking Christmas decorations down that makes me feel like I'm starting over somehow.

The worst day of the year in my opinion is December 26th. I never really enjoyed the week until New Years because I've always dreaded it. Christmas and December being my most favorite time is difficult for me knowing that I have to wait an entire year for Thanksgiving and Christmas to return.

So when New Years is over I begin to dismantle and put a way. In the process of stripping away the tinsil and glitter I have come to the understanding that, like my home, I too will go through a transformation. A new year and a new beginning. I make an invisible list only seen by me of the mistakes and negative moments in 2011 and vow to learn from them for 2012.

This year I have decided to not only simplify the decor a bit in my home, but also simplify my life a bit as well. I want it to be as stress free as possible. Only good stress welcome. Like cooking for friends, or baking new cookie recipes for my sons, and things like that. I have decided to simplify in every sense of the word.

So I'm writing things down so I can be reminded throughout the year of the things I plan to change.

I plan to. . .

take things a little less seriously

rush a little less

count more than ten before loosing my patience

shop less, try to buy more of what I need than want and have no need for

try new recipes

want to make my own jam (so I can master it for next christmas - want to give my jam as christmas presents

spend more time practicing my piano (I quit my lessons getting harder with my mother leaving her alone and wanted to save some money) I don't want to forget what I've learned

pray more (even though I feel like I"m always praying now)

and try to find the peace in everyday's situations

December, how sweet the sound.

2011-12-28T21:48:00.000-05:00

December 28th, it is almost gone, the sweetest month of all. I shall miss the sound, the smells and the anticipation of the holiest of holidays and my most favorite time of year. I shall mourn your passing until I can again count the days until your arrival. December, sweet December. Thank you.

Tidings of Comfort And Joy. . . A Sweet and Unexpected gift

2011-12-26T22:46:00.002-05:00

So Christmas Eve came and all I had asked for was slippers. That's all I ever want every year, that and if my camera is out of whack I ask for a new one. I can't live without a camera. Anyway, I asked for comfortable slippers. Both my sons gave me slippers. I loved both. They are both equally comfortable and lovely to look at. What more can a girl ask for?
I'm not a jewelry person. I do love shiny costume jewelry that shines and glitters but wouldn't pay more than 40 dollars for it. I enjoy shopping for clothes at Forever 21 or the Gap or Sears Lands End. I like comfortable things. I love home decor but I have no more room for anything else. And we built the study this fall and I probably won't be able to buy another thing for the house before I'm 70 so I am set for a long time. Anyway, I wasn't expecting anything else. Didn't need or desire anything else. Just Peace.
Well my husband handed me a box. A beautiful box. One of those painted boxes with lovely christmas flowers and birds on it, too beautiful to open. When I opened it I found this wrapped in tissue paper.

I found these three beautiful books. Three volumes with my name on it. It was my BLOG.
I had to struggle to hold back my tears (which by the way came back to me on Christmas Eve - My Christmas gift from God, allowing me to cry again. I hadn't cried in over 8 months.)
My blog, the blog I write in everyday, love, vent in, create in, get lost in. My husband had listened to me talk about wanting to have a legacy, leaving something my sons could have for years and years after I'm gone. Well now they will have an almost daily journal of our lives. They will get to know me, the silly me, the deep me, the creative me, the mother in me, designer, writer, sentimental and jerky me.
I could not have asked for a better more beautiful and kind gift. Nor could I ask for a better husband.
I can't stop looking at my blog books. They have documentation since 2008 until present.
He also promised me that every year he'll add another volume.
Ladies, tell your husbands about this or do it for yourselves. I can't tell you how beautiful they are and how amazing it is too look back and read my life in this book. I have logged trips, recipes, experiences, graduations, birthdays, death and joy in these pages. They are all here for me to keep and cherish.
I know that so many of you have such incredible blogs, think about it. You will cherish them too.

Pictures

2011-12-24T16:00:00.003-05:00

1973, Christmas morning. I was 8year old. I have about 6 photos of me on Christmas morning. It's so bizzarre. I take photos for everything even when there is no occasion to take photos I take them. And I have to rummage through every album and shoe box to come up with 6. Most of them are blurry and out of focus and the one that I truly wanted is missing. I had used it a few years ago for a Christmas card and I guess I didn't put it back and now it's gone. I know it wasn't because my parents didn't want to take photos, it was just a different time. Not the digital revolution that we have all been spoiled with. Now people don't even take a second to marvel at, in my opinion, the greatest invention ever. A photograph. Have you thought of it as much as I have? Seriously. How a flash can capture an image forever and display it in a milisecond. Magical! Miraculous! Awe worthy. What makes it so special to me is that life is constantly stealing from us. It's stealing our time, our age, life is moving and changing and the people we most hold dear at some point must go as well. But through this miraculous wonder, we are able to steal something back. Something that we can hold on to even long after the moment, and the person are gone. Although I can no longer see my father in person or hear his voice, I can see him in my photographs. I can't go back to when I was 8 but I have a precious glimpse of a moment, a moment where I was happy. Truly happy. (Although I look like I had been sipping too much egg nog)
Take photos, take of your family, of your home, of your dogs, of your tree. Create memories so that you may leave something behind.

I can't go back to 1973, although deep down I wish I could. But I can document today and the next day for me to look back on and remember when my mind will need a bit of help, or for my children so that they can show their children.

1972, me and my cat. (Don't remember his name)

Wishes for Christmas Eve

I wish that we can look beyond the presents and appreciate the holiest of nights for what it is alone.

I wish that we can find a moment to pray. Yes pray and give thanks for what we have.

I wish that we can feel the excitement that I obviously felt in these photos, that of a young child.

And above all, I pray for peace. Peace in my home, peace in my heart and my families. I pray for peace in your home and families and heart as well.

Merry Christmas.

xoxo

Lisa

The Bookshelves are in. . .

2011-12-23T15:43:00.003-05:00

Rob just started putting his books in them. He has so many, I don't know if they will all fit when he's done. But for now I decided not to wait and take some photos.

I have little wreaths on each valence. Can you see them?

I managed to sneak in two christmas trees. Can you see them? Hee Hee.

Do you see that picture on the bottom shelf? I bought that about 4 years ago in an old shop for about 8 dollars. It's a painting of "The Hunt" Dogs and men on horseback sporting there equestirian red blazers. I loved it and thought, someday, maybe I will have a study to put it in.

I love the color of the couch, it is exactly the green I wanted. It reminds me of Christmas.

Being Overshadowed

2011-12-18T16:45:00.001-05:00

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

Have you ever had the privilege to sit in an empty church? I have, many times. Growing up in a Franciscan community, working as the parish receptionist as a teenager and involved with our youth group enabled me to have many opportunities to rest in the silence of an empty church. It is a luxury that few of us have experienced. But I can say that I have. Today our priest/pastor talked about the annunciation in his homily/sermon. His theme was "to be overshadowed by God."
When someone overshadows someone they completely block out the other. Mary allowed God to do that, so she became engulfed by his presence. He then completed his homily by saying "let us allow him to overshadow us."
There are moments when I can't handle anymore of what the day holds, whether it is stress over a situation or being consumed with worry for my son's, mother etc. . . If you have ever gone through anything intense and have been distracted for a second, a fleeting moment, loosing focus on what is stressful and worrisome? For those few seconds that you have laughed or smiled and forgotten it is totally a freeing experience. That moment of freedom is true peace. I think that allowing God to take over and overshadow us is that of finding true peace in the freedom of letting go. That is why I love a silent house, or a moment of silence, I try to clear my head and realize now that what I was trying to do was what Fr. Birch was talking about today. Allowing God to Overshadow us. As we get older its harder and harder to do. To be still can sometimes be the most impossible task.
Amy Grant's Christmas song "I need a silent night" is about just that.
"I need a silent night
A Holy Night
To hear the angels voice
Through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear
A little peace right here
To end this crazy day, with a silent night."

This Christmas and holiday season, I pray you find time to Allow God to overshadow you so that you may feel his presence in the silence and you may find rest from what worries you. That is all I want for Christmas and what I wish for all my loved ones.

What Makes It Christmas For Me. . .

2011-12-15T13:01:00.000-05:00

Christmas is more than a day or a month. It is more than a date on the liturgical calendar. It is a frame of mind. It is very easy to allow life to diminish the "feeling of Christmas." We might have lost loved ones, or maybe we are going through problems within our family, or financial problems, whatever it might be, it is easy to slip away from what it's all about.
I have a few things that help me remain positive and excited and in tune with the beauty and magical existance, that is of Christmas. It is my most favorite time of the year. I cherish it. When we bought our house one of the determining buying factors was how beautiful it would look at Christmastime.
It is the season where I most feel God.
These are a few things that help me get into the presence of Christmas.
(Remember these are my daily reminders, some are silly and some are just part of my growing up and what I was used to. Adjust the list according to your taste. Hee Hee)
l. Any Starbucks Christmas concoction. It looks beautiful, tastes devine and has tons of whip cream.
I've learned that in life, any warm drink topped off with whip cream will automatically lift your spirits.
2. Winterberries. Any kind. I'm obsessed with them. Has three bushes planted two years ago and the
darn deer have eaten them and left them dry. So upset I don't have my own. I use them for cuttings
in my garland and arrangements. They just yell Christmas.
3. Home made Christmas cookies. In my home, it is not christmas unless you have been baking since
Thanksgiving. I bake and give away, and eat one every day. My home smells heavenly and my
son's appreciate it. They have become cookie snobs. Whenever they see that someone brought us
store bought Christmas cookies, they look at one another and chuckle quietly. As if they are trying to
say, "Really, store bought, our mom makes them from scratch." It's rewarding to hear that.
4. I have to watch Christmas movies at night. We used to watch them all together but now I can't
compete with football and hockey games on tv so I try to watch one each night. My favorite are the
classics. Although Meet Me In St. Louis isn't exactly a holiday film, who can resist when Judy
Garland sings "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" out the window of that amazing old home.
I always have to watch Miracle on 34th, Christmas Story, Little Women and It's a Wonderful Life.
Lifetime and Hallmark have lovely ones as well. Take time to enjoy them.
5. Fresh greens. If you say you don't need them it's because you've never had fresh greens in your
home. Try it. The look, feel, smell is irreplaceable.
6. James Taylor's Christmas Album, need a say more. My favorite holday music and my favorite voice.
7.Winter itself, with a touch of snow just enough to turn everything magical.
8. If I can't have my Holiday Punch every day, its Cranberry Gingerale, the greatest invention since Pez.
9. Fresh cut wood, burning in your fireplace. The smell when I am outside at night walking my dogs is
so wonderful.
10. Any Christmas scented candles and soaps. Williams & Sonoma has a lovely Winter Forest. To die
for. Anything Balsam & Ceder smelling.
11.Correspondence, mail, real Christmas cards in my mailbox. Not an email but a real card. Love it.
12. Santa, what he stands for, himself. I adore him. He is St Nicholas and he brings me comfort and
joy, although I can't look at an authentic santa without tearing up. Always, since I was young.
Love him so much. In my house, we believe, I shall always believe. A friend asked me the other day
what age did I tell me kids. I said "tell them what?" I have never ever said anything to my sons. My
sons are 21 and soon to be 16. I told them I believe, you choose. That was all I said. Done. We've
never spoken on the subject again.
13. A real tree.
14. Entertaining, my yearly Christmas Party where we sing for hours our favorite carols. And being
around my family and best friends along with good food and song.
15. Matt's playing. He plays the piano everyday. I love when he plays Christmas music. It fills our
home with peace.
16. Praying. Everyday, as much as possible.

How Sweet The Sound. . .

2011-12-14T13:02:00.000-05:00

My son Matt is in the chorus at his prep school. The other night we had the Christmas concert to go to. It had been a long day for me and had a lot of complications throughout the day. By five oclock in the evening when it was time to drop off my son for practice before the event later that evening, I was exhausted. Needless to say when I returned home, trying to speed down a dark congested highway that I am deathly afraid of, I was ready for bed. As soon as my husband arrived we got in the car and raced back to the school.
All I can say is that I am so very thankful that I went. It was an incredible night. The orchestra was incredible. Even Radio City Music Hall and all of it's glory could not have dimmed the light these young musicians and singers brought into that chapel. My son, being one of them. I was so proud. Here are a few pics of the night.

The chapel was adorned with poinsettias donated from the mom's in remembrance of a loved one. One of the red ones is for my dad. It was so beautiful.

These are the boys from Holy Ghost Prep.

My Matthew is behind the Microphone on the top row.

This is the beautiful chapel, the home of the spiritan priests.

My son's photos were all behind the microphone, but I could hear his voice in my heart.

Repeat the Sounding Joy . . .

2011-12-11T21:36:00.002-05:00

So My Christmas Extravaganza was a success! I have always been obsessed with Christmas specials growing up. I would watch Bing Crosby's, Bob Hopes, Barbra Mandrell and the Mandrell sisters, and the list goes on. In my mind, (I know your thinking she's crazy) I have always imagined having one. I know how I would start it off too, outside in the snow. My son is about to graduate from college as a film editor and cameraman, and someday, when he's in a good mood and needs money I'm going to get him to film one for me I know it. But until then, my yearly Christmas Caroling Extravaganza is the closest thing. Here's a peek!

Repeat the sounding joy, a line I sing often in my head. If only the moments that warmed are hearts could stay forever repeating over and over to remind us of when we are at our happiest. This is how I feel when I'm with the people I love. Let these images stay forever in my mind and heart.

"Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat repeat the soun- ding joy."

2011-12-08T22:24:00.001-05:00

To all my blogging friends,
Just wanted to thank you for your comments, suggestions and beautiful ideas and words. I love blogging and reading all of your blogs as well and it brings me comfort, hope and joy. I love reading your comments and feel honored to see some of your charming blogs and get a sneak peak at your own little hideaways, your world. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. May you have the loveliest of holidays and the most peace filled Christmas. God bless.
Lisa

Making A List And Checking it Twice. . .

2011-12-07T18:42:00.000-05:00

Okay so today is Wednesday, my yearly Christmas party is Saturday (I usually have 45 to 50 people attending) and Rob is in Los Angeles for the week. When does he return? Friday evening. By then I will have done almost all of my things on my list. Here is my list.
Lisa's List
1. Plan Menu (Baked Ham, Beef Tenderloin in Madeira wine, Pork Shoulder. These are just the main entree meats, not included all the hordevours, sides and desserts I make myself)
2. Go food shopping (Two legal pad pages double rows, front side)
3. Go to party store, buy burners, tins, etc.
4. Decorate home for Christmas
5.Make outside urns with fresh greens
6.Finish Christmas cookies (I send 6 boxes to my sons school and save some for home and party.
Made 5 kinds this year)

The above are all done except for item 5.

Lisa's List for Friday, Night Before Party
l. Bake desserts
2. Prepare all the hordevours (I have about 8)
3. Cut up any veggies or cheeses in advance
4. Charge camera battery
5. Place sing a long books out on the table
Lisa's List for Sat Morning
l. Cook Meats
2. Cook hordevours
3. Set up table with burners
4. Create Coffee Station
5. Create Fondue Station
6. Prepare Punch
7. Check List
8. Take dogs to Petsmart hotel
9. Set up dessert table
10. Set up cheese and crackers and antipasto board
11. Shower and dress before company arrives at 1pm.

I'm exhausted just reading this.

So I've been kinda busy. Made all my cookies and frosted them last night. Took them to school today and gave the boxes out. Made a meal for the family who lost their son. Didn't get to see Anne, but left the dinner on the front porch. It's early evening and I feel like it's midnight. Can't wait to go to bed.
Decorated our Christmas tree on Sunday and Monday of this week.

And thankfully, tomorrow is Thursday. Rob will be home in one day and then I can relax because I will have some help. But by then, I will probably have finished my list.

Finding Our Tree at the Farm with Matt's Help

2011-12-04T20:05:00.000-05:00

So Rob is in L A For the Week and I am solo, planning, decorating, making lists and today finding our tree. This was my first time ever going to get my tree on my own. But thankfully, I knew the salesman. My son Matt.

I gave him a $30.00 Tip after he tied it to my car. What? He's my son! What do you think? Hee Hee.
I was so proud of him.
Just yesterday we were running through this very farm looking for our tree, and Matt was a tiny boy. Now he's a young man, working, with a Saw!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHH!

Deck The Halls! And the bedroom too.

2011-12-02T16:26:00.000-05:00

Had a little left over garland and thought I would use it on my bed. I like that it's simple.

Skating Away In My Mind

2011-12-01T21:35:00.003-05:00

I've often heard people say that one can never go back home. There are songs written about it and poems but I believe that home is always with you no matter where you are. It's a state of mind.
When I was a little girl, I grew up in The Bronx, New York.

James Monroe Projects. I lived in this building on the right on the fifth floor but facing the other side.
I have so many wonderful memories living here, and some scary ones as well. But mostly memories of happy times, holdays, sharing with neighbors and friends. Here is where it all began, where I met my best friends for life, where I had my first kiss, picked up by my first date, photographed the day of my prom and finally, the day of my wedding. This home, prepared me to become the person I am today.

I remember growing up and looking out my bedroom window constantly, wondering how my life would some day be. Never dreaming that I would have my own home away from the only home I knew, and actually have land and a barn? Crazy huh.
Was obsessed with Amy Grant and her life, growing up on a farm outside of Nashville TNN. I wondered what it would be like living away from the Bronx.
Life is strange, and unpredictable.
Here I am, 46 years old, still staring out windows. My scenery is different now. My concerns, needs and wishes have all changed. And life goes on.
I lost my father almost 2 years ago. My mom has grown older, her mind is not well and it can be difficult. I think of that young girl, without a care in the world, wondering, thinking, worrying. And I laugh to think of what I thought was important and worrisome back then.
I look in the mirror and still see her or a glimpse of her, still looking out. Still wishing, wondering, dreaming, worrying.
There is a song, called The river. I've often mentioned to people how that song always tugs at my heartstrings. Don't know why, it's a strange song, but I always listen to it around christmas time. Joni Mitchel sings about wanting to skate away on that river. I have often fantasized about doing that very thing. And then I think about when I was twelve. The next town over from where I live has a small lake called Lake Afton.

This is an actual photo of it. There is a charming little Starbucks next to it where my older son got his first job as a Barista there. Well when the lake freezes my the lake is immediately filled with skaters, mostly guys playing hockey. My sons have been on that ice a few times. It's absolutely beautiful. I feel so blessed that my sons have experienced beauty like this and experiences like skating on a frozen lake. As I child I watched scenes like that in movies. I never imagined I would live near a place like that or even have the opportunity to ever do something like that. But then I did.

When I was twelve I had an amazing experience that I have never forgotten.

I had blogged about it last year but Thought I would repeat the story. Hope you don't mind.

When I was around twelve my mom's friend, who had moved to the country (upstate NY) came down to the Bronx to take us for a trip to her house. I lived in an apartment building at the time and was so excited. The car ride was about an hour and me and her two daughters whom I can't for the life of me remember their names sat in the back of her old cross country station wagon and laughed and waved at cars that passed by.

When we got to her home it was nestled in the woods and the trees were magnificently covered with snow. I think I had my mouth open for a few minutes looking at how beautiful everything was. (Never ever dreaming that someday I would have a home nestled in the trees).
My mom and her went to the kitchen to have coffee and mom chat while the girls took me to the Lake.
They gave me extra scarves and asked me my shoe size and we were off. It was a few minutes away from the house. They had a lot of property and there was a lake nearby. I had never seen something as beautiful. The lake was mirror like, covered in ice. It was sparkly and shimmery and I could almost see myself in it.

Before I knew what was happening, the girls were already skating on the ice. They had given me a pair of ice skates (which by the way when your from the city, they are foreign to you). One of the girls came back and helped me lace them up. Before I understood, I was on the ice being catapulted by my extra long crocheted scarf by one of the girls.
Funny, I don't remember falling much and I must have because I don't know how to ice skate. All I remember was laughing. Laughing so hard that I probably tinkled a bit. But when your twelve, that doesn't matter. I don't remember realizing that the lake was deep, and the sun was strong. I don't remember any feeling of trepidation about the ice and the probability of it cracking underneath my blades. I just remember laughing. No fear, no worries, no regrets. Just pure joy!
There was a moment when all you could hear was the sound of the skates, the blade connecting with the ice, all laughter, and sounds just distant and muffled in your head. I can only describe it as a feeling of ultimate peace. I've often recalled this experience to my mother and she's said "I can't believe you did that! I would have never have let you do that if I knew you had been skating on a lake."
I remember the lake being huge, but then again at the age of 12 most places are huge. I remember the trees were leaning over parts of the lake, branches heavy with snow. I was mesmerized. How blessed was I to have had an experience like that. It was a magical moment for a young girl who spent time looking out her bedroom window, wishing and dreaming. I felt free, like Joni talks about skating away on that river. When things get too stressful, I go there in my head. How I wish I were her again. To feel no fear. To feel no worry, just joy. I want to feel that joy again. I want to loose the fear and find the peace that comes from that freedom.

May you find that peace, that pure joy during this season of Advent and this Holiday season. Thank you for your comments and for taking time to read my little hideaway.

All Things That Glitter, Lisa's Tip

2011-11-30T18:15:00.001-05:00

So I have a favorite decorating tip that I do every Christmas that is a sure fire, knock em dead, OMG! way to wow your company and family when decorating for Christmas.
I started doing it about four or five years ago (maybe longer, not sure) I purchase these glass, and plastic little drops or balls, whichever way they come, and we (my mom and I) hang them on some green or white thread. Depending on what color tree you have. I have three trees, one white, one green, both artificial and then Our official Christmas tree, from the tree farm, that one is real. I use this trick on all of them.
When I go to AC Moore, Michaels or Joannes, they have the plastic ones in boxes, maybe about 50 or 60 for under 5 dollars. The dollar store has the glass ones, which are my favorite and those are for a dollar and change each. Look at the results.

This is my dinning room tree. All this tree has is lights and hanging mixture of the glass and plastic drops. It honestly doesn't need anything else.

You can see it in the back corner of my dinning room. This was taken last year. I didn't take a photo tonight cause my dinning room has tons of ribbon and things I was working with. I don't have the other tree in the sun room this year. I decided to downsize and go with the "less is more approach."

If you look closely you can see the crystals on the white tree as well.

I found this amazing silver sparkly ribbon and decided to add it to my Mary Carol idea on the stairs and to my lantern on the door. It really made it pop!

Now I'm having problems with my camera tonight. UUUGH! I hate trying to figure out cameras. I want someone to read the book and then say "here press this and your good." Anyway, this is my mantle, I decided not to put up the matching wreath that has lights and balls on it and go for a simpler look. I like it! It's not the same as last years. But I think last years felt too much. But this photo is so dark that you really can't see how pretty the wreath is. Sorry. Will try to re- shoot when my real tree is up this weekend. Happy Decorating!

Christmas Decor Mary Carol Style

2011-11-26T20:05:00.000-05:00

So remember when I went to Mary Carol's home ( I love saying that) and I posted about the trip and her fabulous amazing home?

Well I quickly purchased the same candelabra when I got home from Nell Hill's. I loved it but when I put it on my staircase it couldn't hold. My base was so small. So thanks to Ethan Allen, I found this one and my amazing, wonderful husband did this for me. I am so excited!

I bought the lanterns when I was in Kansas as well. I love them so. The house is begining to look alot like Christmas.

Expectations vs Reality

2011-11-25T21:52:00.000-05:00

I have had two equally exhausting days. I know that it's my own fault too. I do it to myself. I create my own expectations and set the bar high for myself, not for any one else but for me. I'm 46 years old and I take care of my mom which is a full time job. She still does things for herself and has good days, but when the bad days come, she forgets alot. So needless to say, my time for me is usually very seldom and precious. Well I had family over for Thanksgiving and then more family over the following day, today. My cousin on Thursday and her family and then today I had my husand parents and brother and sister in law.

So yesterday after making an entire Thanksgiving dinner and going to bed incredibly exhausted, I woke up and did the entire thing all over again. I had wonderful visits with both our families but I spent so many hours on my feet that my back is so beat. After dinner today I had planned on going to Anne's son's wake. I thought, I'll put everything away, run down to the funeral home and pay my respects and come home to go to bed early. Well when we got there around six pm, Rob and I never even left the car. The parking lot was full and the road was cluttered with cars lined up along the roadside
(dangerously lined up along side on coming cars) The line was outside, down the street and back towards the parking lot. My older son had a hockey game and was leaving at 8 with his girlfriend and my younger son and I knew I had to be home before that so that my mother would not be alone.
Rob and I looked at eachother as we drove passed the funeral home. It broke my heart that I couldn't go in. I got home and realized that there was nothing I could do. But I still felt terrible about not being there. I got home and helped Rob clean the kitchen and went up to my mom's room to watch a weekly spanish soap we watch at 8pm. After it was over I said goodnight and came back down to finish cleaning up and putting things away in the kitchen. That's when I remembered that I hadn't checked my e-mail since wednesday evening.
The minute I opened up my email on my computer I had an email from my friend, the one whose father is ill. He had passed yesterday morning. I was and am at a loss for words.
Please keep my dear friend Lisa tonight in your prayers and her dear mother. It is a long and painful journey which I myself still haven't figured out how to travel.
I'm physically and now mentally and spiritually drained after missing the wake and not knowing about my friends dad's passing.

Putting Things In Perspective. . .

2011-11-22T15:27:00.000-05:00

There's a moment when you are confronted with something so devastating that it makes you stop, look and re-evalutate you life. I'm sure all of us have had moments like that. Where you take a look around and think, "that can wait, it's not important."
Yesterday was a very difficult day and I stopped. I haven't been able to cry in months and months, I've lost count but yesterday, I was overwhelmed with emotion for two reasons. Spoke to a dear friend whose father's health is failing. I've known him for a very long time and speaking to her brought back so many painful memories of what I went through not even 2 years ago with my father.
Then, a friend of my son's lost his brother to a tragic car accident on Saturday night. He was 22 and I knew his mother. She and I exchanged christmas cookies and spoke about our favorite things to create around christmas time and Thanksgiving. We debated on different stuffing preferences and although she is not a close friend, she is a woman I came to know and admire her enjoyable and joyous personality.
A mother of 4 who spoke to me about baking pies on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Tomorrow is the day before Thanksgiving and I can not fathom what she must be feeling. I know the debth of my intense love for my sons can not be described. So I can only imagine. . .
It has made me step back from everything and pause.
Pause for contemplation.
Pause for thanksgiving
Pause for forgiveness
and pause for becoming humbled by the unpredictability of life and the force that controls all.
We should all take a moment to pause. . .
I am speechless at the thought of her pain and her families and all I can do is pause and be still.
Let us remember that all in life is but momentary, all preparations, things, family and friends, they are with us for moments. Let's cherish the moments. Pray for this family . . . Pray for Ann.

Christmas Inventory, T minus 5

2011-11-20T18:15:00.003-05:00

So I've been thinking about decorating for Christmas. As much as I abolutely love to, I hate the beginning of it. I hate to haul those boxes from the Barn across into the house, I hate that feeling of being overwhelmed as I look over all my boxes. I decided to go simpler this year. At first I was only putting up our real tree in our family room and our dinning room pencil tree.
But, thanks to Susan. . .

And her Christmas classes (see blog post) where she showcased this years trees and icy white and silver theme, I thought about bringing in my white tree again but this time removing everything that's Navy and just having everything white and silver. (Check her blog on my blog roll)

Thanks to Mary Carol . . .

and her open house in September where she had her house decorated magically in fall and Christmas decor. Thanks to that trip I can not sleep at night thinking of how I can copy atleast 50 things I saw at her Lovely home.

(Please see her blog if you haven't already, it is a must)

I went to the barn today with my husband to rumage through our Christmas boxes and take inventory. Honestly, it sounds easier than it is. The entire upstairs of our barn has boxes only filled with Chrismas decor. Rob was excited because I told him I was thinking of toning things down a bit so he happily agreed to walk with me and help me bring a few things back.

In my mind I know that although I'm only doing the three trees, in my head I'm thinking of doing other things as well. We went and looked through every box. Rob said happily . . .

"We can make two groups. The boxes we are leaving here and the boxes we are taking. It all sounded very orderly. I shook my head as I'm lost in thought scanning my boxes with my laser infrared eyes scanning inside each one right?

"This one staying or going?" Rob asked. "Hmmm, I think going." I replied.

"How about this one?" "Ummm, going."

"This one?" "Going!"

Are you picking up the pattern here?

So out of 34 or so boxes, I believe about four are definitely staying, 3 are maybes and everything else is piled near the staircase waiting to come home.

It was exhausting looking ahead at all the work. Exciting, but at the same time, overwhelming.

I managed to bring back one thing with me which was a garland I had bought in January from Susan's store. I bought it with our new stone mantle in mind.

I couldn't resist and placed it today. Tell me what you think.

I love it with it's various shades of green and many beautiful authentic pinecones. This is all I'm putting in the study for Christmas. I want it to look very simple in here.

As I thanked these two lovely women who have inspired me I need to thank one more who helped me pick everything out in our study. KC, my talented friend.

Thank you my beautiful friend.

A Visit With Friends, Welcoming the Holidays.

2011-11-20T11:47:00.001-05:00

Matt started his new job at the tree farm. Here he is a few years ago, tiny and so young. I can't believe my "baby Matty" has a job and is hauling 15 feet Douglas firs over his shoulder. He came home beat and sore with pine needles everywhere and a rash on his neck from the sap. I am in awe of him.

We had a visit from my "God nephew and Godson, my sister/best friend sons and family. It was the start of the holiday season. The air was crisp, and all was good. It didn't matter that I had rushed the workers to put in light fixtures in the study, picked up the heaviest couch in the world and held it up for what seemed like eternity, mopped the floor at least four times to get rid of the endless dust from the new construction, called 1-800 got junk at the last minute to pick up all the debris outside, cooked and baked early that morning, the time had come, we were with friends and family and all was right.
Funny the things we put ourselves through.

I grew up in the late 60's when the world still respected and set a standard for what it believed was "the norm."
Norman Rockwell, Bing Crosby specials, the Brady Bunch. Everything showing us how things should be. Perfection. I am mixed about whether of not we are better off today than then. This generation isn't familiar with Norman Rockwell, but they are exposed to reality tv and anything that goes against the rules. My sons have been exposed to my passions and obsessions, Martha Stewart contributed alot to my neurosis. But all my mistakes, obsessions, ideals have somehow rubbed off on them. So they too have expectations. I think they believe that "sure mom can pull off two Thanksgivings in two days for two different sets of family with all the trimmings, or decorate the house in a day complete with 6 trees fully decorated while baking 12 pounds of assorted and frosted christmas cookies." I asked for it right?
Well Thursday and Friday we have family coming. I usually decorated Black Friday. Let me rephrase that. . . I live to decorate the house on Black Friday. My feet never enter a store. I am primping garland, and standing on ladders, hooking ornaments and hanging crystals from one of my trees. I am in sweatpants all day, hair a mess, maybe a hint of makeup but I don't care. I am in my glory.
Well this year my husband's family is coming so I have to decorate on Saturday.
Every year I feel the rush, the pressure. Although I enjoy it and live for this time of year, I know I am slowing down.
I love Sundance Magazine, started by the founder and one of my favorite movie stars, Robert Redford. He always writes a few words of inspiration with a profound message. This month for his Holiday issue, he talked about growing up and how his pulse raced in anticipation for Christmas and how on Christmas day, after the thrill of all the gifts and the long awaited arrival of the day of all days, it felt to him like a giant balloon deflating. He then goes on to say( and I'm quoting him)
"Over time I've come to realize that it is in the climb up the mountain that is more rewarding than the stand at the top."
I belive that. I pray that we all appreciate and focus on the climb up in all things in life. That we may strive to perfect our steps and cherish the good and the bad, the perfect moments and the not so perfect ones. For that is what makes us truly human and truly closer to God. That is my quote. Hee Hee.
Peace.

Almost Done!

2011-11-18T23:39:00.002-05:00

Okay so today was a very busy and exhausting day. Even my camera said "Battery exhausted" Hee Hee. I will give you the skinny in a long run on sentence.

Rob got home from chicago today to come home and help me bring the rest of the furniture in the room while we realized that we had to remove all the doors from the hinges because my sweet green couch could not fit through any doors while I helped my husband with my younger son because my older one was at work in nyc trying desperately to fit without being able to remove the couch legs because no one told us they could not be removed and I ran to check one of the doors that was taken off the hinge as I watched it fall through the opening unto the carport and smash into my car while Rob was calling me to carry the couch all the way outside and around to the front of the house while we hoped that it would finally fit through the front door. Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhuuuuuuuuuuuuu! Whew!

Got that.

So remember, there are no moldings yet, can you see where the paint ends? No bookshelves yet, they are being made. There will be wall sized bookshelves covering both openings on either side of the fireplace, in corners and on the other large wall.

View from Rob's desk. Now the curtains are only up for the photo because we don't have the proper rods attached yet because there is no trim on the windows. So we have to wait.

Sweet globe from Nell Hill. Lantens on the fireplace from Feeneys.

I think this will be my favorite place to lay down in front of the fireplace. I love that color green. It is so soothing and reminds me so much of Charlotte Moss's Winter House cover. (As if I didn't blatently copy that) Look at the sweet little plaid pillow in the center, from the Nell Hill store in Atchison.

I didn't put the other curtain because we didn't have another suction rod. The back large wall will be another huge section of bookshelves.

I love that lamp. But I placed the little candles on it and we didn't love it, hence no candles.

We choose the dog theme since our dogs run our home. Those are the little urns from Black Eyed Susan's. Rob said I can use them to put his ashes in. (Being sarcastic and trying to be funny) Big basket by Target.

Curtain is on a small suction rod, it won't look thin like that when it has the proper rod and it will be wider on the wall. I love that chair from Calico Corners, it was a floor sample and I got it for 50 percent off. That throw we bought at the Princeton University store. It's made in Ireland and I thought it would go perfect with the room. Lamp by Susan. Table by Mary Carol Garrity.
So as I promised I posted. Now it's 11:39pm and I am beat. Going to bed. After all. . . Tomorrow is another day.

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like A Study. . .

2011-11-18T10:55:00.002-05:00

Our new floor, Twilight, was put in the other night. Love it. It's simple and has an older feel yet rich color. Our fireplace, I love it so. John & David and Jake, young Michael and young Amos as well worked on it. My three Amish friends. May there handiwork and craftmanship and their love for God bring blessings into my home. May it bring peace to my home, peace from the hands that made it. What a gift! I thank you my dear friends. (I know they check my blog on occasion so this message is for them.) In case anyone likes the colors and wants to use them: Benjamin Moore Davenport Tan for walls and Manchester Tan for ceiling. Also Amish company is Sylvan Stoltzfus. They have a website.

This is me trying to put things little by little in the room without a man around. Moldings are not in, and bookshelves won't be in and window trim until first week of December. Waiting for Rob to get home from Chicago today to bring in the desk and the couch and put up my curtains. More later. Also dog painting, not sure if it should rest on the mantle or be on the wall. Afraid if it's on the wall it might be too high? Don't know. If you have any ideas, feel free.

How Did I miss this?

2011-11-16T18:03:00.000-05:00

KC does it again!

2011-11-16T14:32:00.001-05:00

My dearest friend KC helped me pick the colors for the room. We chose Davenport Tan for the walls and Manchester Tan for the ceiling. I should have waited until the walls and ceiling were wet but I couldn't wait. I love it. It's so warm and deep and comforting. Although most of the wall space will be consumed with built in shelves so what your going to see of the color is going to be a lot less than what you can see here. Around the fireplace there won't be any shelving so that will be the primary color wall. I mentioned that I picked a 7in wide plank wooden floor that is as dark as chocolate and it's called. . . TWILIGHT! Love it. Just like the paint that we are going to re paint the formal livingroom with. It's the Mary Carol Garrity Blue almost exact to what I have now in it. But it too is called Twilight! What can I say? Edward is all around.

There is a heavy piece of sheet rock that is leaning on my fireplace. I tried to move it so that you can see the fireplace but it was too heavy plus I can't lean it on a wet wall. Sorry, will try to get it out of there for tomorrow's pics. Won't be long now! The guy is actually here tonight putting the floor down. If it's not too late, I'm going to take photos tonight of my floor. God willing!

Notorious for Lists!

2011-11-15T16:17:00.000-05:00

So it has become that time again for me to begin with my lists.
T minus 4 days until my best friend visits with her family.
T minus 9 days until Thanksgiving
T minus 10 days until my husband family comes the day after Thanksgiving
T minus 11 days until I begin my Christmas Decorating
T minus 18 days until we get our real tree
T minus 25 days until my Christmas Party

AHHHHHHH!!! By the way, you should know that I live for November and December and without all these things to do that I just mentioned, I probably would be a very sad soul. I swear I should have been born in the 1940 or so when it wasn't embarrasing to admit for a woman that she loved to host parties and to decorate her home and to cook elaborate meals. I love that! Of course I don't want to cook elaborate meals daily or host a party every week. Honestly, it does take a lot out of me but I love it, absolutely love it.
So I walk around with my legal pad jotting down things around the house that I need to repair, change, paint, or something I'm in need of before any of the above occur.
If you have been wondering why I haven't blogged about the study for a week, it's because I'm anxiously waiting for it to be painted and for the floor to be placed. I told the workers about my company in an attempt to speed things up. I'm so excited about bringing my things in so that on Saturday the house will appear ready for company.
Wish me luck. In the meantime, I'll be writing things down on my list.

Happy 46th Birthday To Me!

2011-11-12T22:19:00.001-05:00

Hey I can post whatever I want, it's MY Birthday. Hee Hee.

So what have I learned so far:

I've learned that it pays to be kind.

Giving is so much more rewarding than receiving.

Take time to tell someone something positive every day, you will feel joy.

Worrying only makes me sick and doesn't really effect the outcome.

Lifting up heavy things will always hurt my back.

I can't go back in time and do anything over again so try to get it right the first time.

Never go to bed angry.

Treat your family with love and respect they are the only ones you have.

Eating Barbecue Fritos will always give me heartburn.

The words you say to someone can haunt you after they are gone.

Always be thankful.

Thank you God for a peaceful birthday. My friends and family reminded me that I matter and they care and that is the most important gift. I am blessed.

Candles- Forever Magic and Inviting, BES Class

2011-11-11T21:45:00.000-05:00

Today I went to Susan's afternoon class about Candles. It was magnificent and enchanting. So many possibilities, so little time. I actually helped assist Susan today. It was fun. I bought many lovely things for my home. I am so excited.

I love these branches, they truly look real as if she just cut them down after fresh fallen snow. They were magical.

She showed us how to put various things together like kugels and frosty balls, painted pinecones and glistening and glittery acorns.

Aren't these little glittery acorns just precious. I bought them too! Yeah me!

I absolutely love these frosted snowy candles. I bought one to accent my little foyer tablescape.

These were my absolute favorites. These glistening votives. These are my purchases. I got two of the votives, a frosty candle, those wonderful frosted pinecones.

Look at the detail on these pinecones. Doesn't it look like real snow on the branches?

You can see my purchases here I love the faux bundle of wood too. It's so beautiful. I showed Rob tonight when he got home. Guys don't get it do they?

Letting Go. . .

2011-11-09T17:32:00.001-05:00

Today I felt melancholy.
This watercolor print is hung in my bathroom. Before that, many years ago it's place of honor was in my children's nursery. I have had it since my oldest son was born. My husband bought it for me as a present. So much in my life has changed and I was longing for a more simpler time. I am nostalgic by nature. My life pretty much revolves around looking back, thinking of days gone by. It is not that I live with regret because in all honesty I have very few regrets. I have made many good decisions in my life and for that I am proud.
It's just the letting go that haunts me. I have trouble letting go of sweet times, sweet memories and simpler days. I'm often transcended in my thoughts to my youth, or the youth of my children. I have always been that way and probably will always be.
I miss holding my sons. You know when it was time for their naps or time to put them down for the night and everything else somehow took a second seat to that. I miss that. I would set aside atleast 45 minutes to rock my sons to sleep. Holding them, looking deep into their faces as they drifted off. Playing with their hands and feet gently enough not to wake them. I would rock and whisper my secret wishes for them. Sneak thirty or fourty kisses between rocking and sing to them or hum until they were sound asleep. Even then I would hold them for more time. It was never enough time.
I miss holding them. I miss kissing them just because I could. My days feel like they are rushing before my eyes and I am already dreading the day my oldest will leave home for good. I will never be ready.
Matt will be going to college and I think to myself, how will I cope? The silly things you do without a second thought.
Like: Deciding to bake cookies in the mid evening to give them a treat.
Driving them somewhere even when your dead tired. Sometimes Matt forgets he needed something for school, or a movie came out that he wanted to see and he will casually suggest if we could go not ever thinking I might say yes.
Complaining about so much laundry and putting away so many socks. What will I do when I don't have any to put away? I still smell my son's pj's in the morning and I can smell his scent. That scent that I have gotten to know for so many years. (I'm not talking sweaty soccer or hockey gear, I'm talking clean pjs that he wore after a shower)
I shall miss putting there toothbrushes away, and complaining about them leaving them on the sink. I can't even begin to imagine. Or maybe I've already begun to.
Today I felt melancholy.

Mary Carol's Style

2011-11-05T21:48:00.000-04:00

So when I visited Mary Carol Garrity's home in September I was drawn to the way she placed her art work above door arches and windows. She has sets of prints all grouped together over certain spots. I loved it. Absolutely loved it. These were my favorite areas.

Above her window seat.

Above her entrance to her living room to the foyer was my favorite spot.

So I did my own version of it. Of course my home is smaller scale. But I am happy with my attempt and happy with the outcome.

Anyone interested in those prints, they are from Nell Hill. You can find them on the website under shop and accessories. Reasonably priced for the set. I love them.

November 5, Happy Fawks Day and Happy Anniversary To Me.

2011-11-05T21:25:00.001-04:00

Today is my 23 anniversary. Hard to believe me hubby and I have been married half my lifetime.
Too funny to think about.
These were the lovely roses Rob greeted me with this morning along with my starbucks coffee. Yum!
Our Anniversary falls on Guy Faux Day. For those of you not familiar with Guy Faux, he was the catholic protester who created a huge bonfire to protest against parliament. It has become the day to officially christen your fireplace.
I am thankful for my fireplace, my hubby and 23 years of happiness and blessings.

Black Eyed Susan's Christmas Unveiling! At last!

2011-11-04T17:42:00.002-04:00

Last night was Susan Taylors Christmas Unveiling. Every year she creates these amazing classes where she teaches us how to decorate, create and transform beautiful things. Everything was frosted, and silver and white. It was truly magical.

Susan looked stylish as usual and she mesmerized all of us with helpful creative ideas to transform our homes into Christmas spectacular!

This stunning hutch was once dark wood. Susan transformed it by painting it a soft robins egg blue, very suttle and peaceful complete with sweet chicken wire doors. Stunning!

I love these trees. They were so sparkly and beautiful in person. My flash often changes the color, I hate that when that happens. Like below, this tree looks more gold than silver.

There were birds everywhere, glittered birds and snow covered birds. Icy blue and grey dominated this tree.

Suzanne and Susan made us delicious treats.

This was the very first year that I didn't attend the class with my dear friends KC and Lisa. But I took my friend Michelle with me and I warned her about going. I told her "Proceed with Caution and I wouldn't be responsible for her buying frenzy after attending one of these."
From left to right. Suzanne, Shannon, Susan, Me & Michelle.
We had a fantastic night. I returned home with two large shopping bags of which I immediatley removed all my purchases and hid the bags deep in my garbage bag. Rob was sitting by his computer when I got home. He saw me throwing out the bags and asked me "So what did you get?"
I replied, "Oh just a few little things." He then said, "Those look like pretty big bags." To which I replied as I exited quickly from the kitchen, "Oh they just had too many big bags and were giving them to everyone. Good night."

Update On The Study

2011-11-04T17:27:00.001-04:00

So we have walls now. The sheet rock guys came today and worked all morning. It looks so different now with walls. The stone fireplace is almost finished.

I can't wait until the walls are painted and the built in bookshelves are installed. Hopefully next week.

This is the color we selected.

Benjamin Moore Davenport Tan

Our outside stone is completed. We have such a mess outside though, with all the mud and the equipment it looks really messy. I can't wait until we can clean it all up. So please excuse the mess.

My Son Has A Job!

2011-11-03T14:30:00.000-04:00

We have a beautiful absolutely Norman Rockwell Tree farm across the road from our home. It is where we have gotten our trees for years. I absolutely love it there. The smell, the land, the house and barn is just a true bucolic setting.

Here is Tim and Rob a couple of years ago brining in our perfect find from the tree farm.

Here we are last year picking our tree.

Matt always finds the best tree.

It has become our holiday tradition to go to the tree farm and pick our tree. Well Matthew officially got a job at the farm. I am thrilled. My dear friend KC's son's have worked there for years and she told me about talking to the owner. Matt spoke to him last year and he told him to call him in August. Well he did and in September Matthew went for training. He cut down a tree by himself. I still can't believe it. He will be reporting in for work on Nov 19 at 7am.

I'm so proud of my young man.

At the same time my older son just began his internship at an Editing company in NYC. He is graduating in a few months and hopefully will be working at one of the companies he's interning in.

Life is just speeding by. I'm trying to take as many mental pictures as I can.

So many things to be thankful. . .

Happy 47! To My Sister Sonali

2011-11-02T12:27:00.001-04:00

Today is my sister & bestest friend's 47th Birthday. (I stress 47 because she is older than me by a year. Hee Hee) This month is my favorite month. It's my anniversary, my birthday and my best friend and sisters birthdays as well. We share the same month.

But first, today, I celebrate my sister and true friend Sonali.

I met Sonali when I was 14 years old. One of my other sisters, Alexie, introduced me to her and she said, "I want you to meet my best friend so that we can all be best friends together. You're going to love eachother." And she was right. Now we are in our mid fourties and we are still sisters of the heart and the best of friends.

We have shared good times and bad, joys and suffering, funerals and weddings, we have shared the joy of motherhood, have baptised each other's children and become aunts.

Nothing can compare to the love of a sister. I am blessed in my life to have so many not only beautiful and talented women on the outside, but beautiful women of integrity and faith on the inside who are examples of Jesus Christ to all who know them. She supports me and helps me to see when I'm wrong. She laughs with me and shares my joys and I don't know who I would be without her in my life.

I love you Ani, God bless you today and always. Here's to you a favorite Drink!

With Love. After all, who would want anything else?

Believe It Or Not!

2011-11-02T11:25:00.000-04:00

This was my home this weekend. It did not feel like a few days before Halloween! It felt like a few days before Christmas. It was beautiful but too cold too soon. OMGosh! Our climate is changing so quickly.

Just A Touch Of Stone

2011-10-26T17:27:00.001-04:00

Our home sits on 4 acres, part of a historic district. The 4 acres were actually part of 100 acres belonging to an old school house that still stands. We are also in the Washington Crossing area. There is so much history around us and most of the older historic homes are made of stone. I have always admired them and loved the stone work. That's why when we had the barn built we opted for a stone base.

We had our small perimeter garden edged in stone.

And we also had our patio made with flagstone, and cement pavers that looked like stone.

Our fire place was made with real stone too. Are you getting the stone theme yet?
So when we had the plans for the addition my husband and I decided it should be in stone, real stone, to fit the area and give our house a feel like that of the older homes in the area. Although our home was built in the late fifties, there are homes that are more than a few hundreds of years old still standing with it's original stone work.

Can't wait when I can post the finished product.

Comfort & Yum

2011-10-24T16:41:00.001-04:00

So I had posted about my Beef Bourguignon, the one I made after I got this book that I loved so much.

Well I had been yearning to have some again. I bought all the ingredients this morning and decided today would be the perfect day. After a few frigid nights I thought, nothing better than some comfort food.

It was again, out of this world. I believe it is my favorite comfort food of all time.

I made my home made mashed potatoes and served the Bourguignon on top of it. Here it is in the oven.

My entire home smells like it. You lick your fingers after every bite. Julia knew what she was doing!

Now I am a cook and a baker. I have no problem saying that. I'm not boasting, I'm being honest. I cook everyday of the week, not weekends and I make something different every day, unless I make Lasagna and then that's good for two days. But I'm not stressed or intimidated by a recipe that is labeled DIFFICULT and that is what this one is labeled as. It is! I"m not going to lie to you. Not that it is difficult to attempt, if you follow the instructions step by step, using the exact ingredient she tells you to then you will end up with a perfect meal just like hers. The thing is, and I know alot of people who would just laugh at me and say "yeah right, I'm not gonna do that" is that there are alot of steps. But unless you can't read, or just refuse to follow directions there is no reason why you couldn't do this.

I guess the French's main focus is cuisine because there dishes and sauces take hours. I would say my prep time was 20 to 30 min. My over the stove time was about an hour and then in the oven, this had to sit in it for 3 entire hours. Please use a a pot like the one I used for best results.

Then while it's in the oven you have another 40 minutes of sauteing and cooking the pearl onions and mushrooms and letting them simmer in beef broth with a herb bouquet (you know cheesecloth wrapping of herbs) for 40 minutes.

So this is not a dish that you can start at 2 in the afternoon, nor is it a dish you can begin and then run to Homegoods or talk on the phone to your girlfriend for an hour.

My friend Dawn called me and I actually had to let it go to voicemail because I didn't want anything to go wrong.

Well the final results were perfection!

I truly believe that although this dish is not something I can do every day, because of time, it is a luxury that one can indeed make for their family on a brisk fall day like today. To me I feel rewarded when my son says "OMG" as he's dipping his fork in his mouth.

I actually did go food shopping this morning, (early, 8:30am) did a load of laundry, worked with my editor, made beef bourguignon, helped my mom change her curtains, and blogged. My days are full and I am tired and looking forward to sitting and relaxing, but I feel content to know that I made something special today. You should try it and then let me know.

The Evolution of Taste. . . and the S word.

2011-10-22T12:16:00.024-04:00

I always considered myself someone who had good taste and new enough to create beautiful spaces.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I believed that. Stressing past tense. I should say I THOUGHT I did.
You know that saying "If I knew then what I know now. . . "
Well I'll show you what I'm referring too. WARNING the following documentation might not be suitable for anyone with a design degree. VIEW AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Let's start with my family room. (My older son who is now 21 will kill me if he knew I posted this photo)
Focus on the walls and the . . . uhum. . stenciling. (I always find it hard to say that word. I try not to anymore but apparently I was a big fan of the S word) Take A Look!

Focus on the disturbing green colored walls and the . . . uhum. . . well you know, the S word.

Look at my fireplace, the contrast. It almost looks like a place where vampires would lay to rest avoiding any forms of light. I think Tim's face explains it all.

When I first told my husband I wanted to paint the fireplace white he looked at me like I was insane. I did it by myself one day while he was at work. I asked what to use at Home Depot. They were very helpful. I copied off of Susan's store at the time, her choice of color was a dark grey at the time. I haven't regretted it since. Love it! It's warm and cozy and where you want to lay down with a throw and rest after a long and stressful day.

Okay, are you ready for the next few sets of transformation?

I made this one big so that you can really see the . . . uhum. . . you know. My gosh! What was I thinking?

This is my dinning room now. I picked a Ralph Lauren paisley wall covering and with the help of the light from a Black Eyed Susan's chandelier, and vintage velvet tufted armchairs I bought at an estate sale, the room is just magical at Christmas.

Be still my heart! I did the S word going up the stairs. My walls were a butter but they turned out yellow. I hated it. I detest the color yellow and the entire yellow family.

This was my formal livingroom. (The boxes back there were Christmas Decor. I guess I was getting ready to decorate. AYE this literally gives me pain.

This is the room now. Light fixture again Black Eyed Susan. I actually just changed the lay of out the room last week because where the painting is on that long wall, that's where a french door will be next week to enter into our new study. I wanted to clear a path to walk straight into the Study. (You can see the other lay out on the side bar on the front of the blog.)

I have found that over the years, what makes your home different and unique to you are the small touches you spend time on to differentiate it from other homes. It's basically your favorite things.

Here are some of mine.

This marble table greets my guests when they arrive. I adore it's placement, the candelabra (Nell Hill) my blue and white pieces. I love changing it up too.

I posted about my art finds before. A mother and daughter. The detail and colors in this painting are so warm and rich. I just love looking at this every evening.

This lovely lady I found in Cape May in a beautiful antique shop. She is stunning and elegant. I love her expression. I also love that she has dark brown hair and eyes. (Like me!)

A tiny look into the master bath. Our claw foot tub from 1912. Touches of Lavender.

I love her and where I placed her, inside the small arched nook in my bathroom where I put my towels and bath creams. I found her in a book. I loved how she looked at herself in the mirror. I bought the frame and there you have it! A Masterpiece. (I'm notorious for doing that, printing prints, photos, clipping books and then framing art. I am addicted to it.)

I love glass jars, and colored glass. Reminds me of my Grandmother.

This is my mom's room. I bought the plates and prints from Black Eyed Susan. It gives the room a simple elegance.

This is my favorite Lamp in my home. From BES! It is elegant, unique, and warm. It is more for ambiance than actual lighting but I don't care. My FAV!

In the end what counts is what you think of it. Does it make you happy? Is it comforting? Designer Billy Baldwin said (don't remember it verbatim) In the end taste is about what you like and that something that you truly love will never really go out of style.

Study with Fireplace & Chimney

2011-10-21T13:46:00.002-04:00

It won't be long now! Next week the guys will be cutting through into the house so we will officially have an entrance into the new addition. Here are some new photos. Please excuse the mud! Yuk!

I need a Butlers Table!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-10-20T21:53:00.001-04:00

Am I crazy, schizophrenic or have two personalities? Just a few days ago I blogged about not needing anything and going to live with the Amish. And now my latest "thing" that I'm wanting is a Butlers Table.
If you don't know what that is i'll show you.

Okay let me explain. In my defense I should plead insanity. Insane thanks to my little trip to Atchison Kansas.

So when I went to Mary Carol's home she had this in her foyer. This lovely Butlers Table with an amazing spread. In her books she talks about entertaining and when she does she enjoys greeting her guests at the door with champagne as an elegant surprise.

Our Ethan Allen is closing, unfortunately. ( I know I can't get over it!) Anyway, I have been going a few times a week as my friend KC and the other designers have been clearing items to empty the store. I bought quite a few things fifty percent off. AND then I saw this. (above) This lovely brass Butlers table and immediately I thought of Mary's table below. I'm hoping the table will go down under 150 and I will run across the cornfield, roads and highway to go get it. But right now it's too crazy the amount they want for it. ( I can never hide such a long receipt from my husband)

Photo courtesy of stealing it from Lynne's blog. Thanks Lynne. (Hee Hee)

So you see my dilemma. Here I was confessing my sins to all of you (2 people who read my blog)

about my materialistic need to furnish my home and re-arrange furniture and place various objects in a tiny space to create a "table scape". Hey you never know when a professional photographer might decide to walk in to your home and take random photos for a decor book! It could happen!

To quote my sons "Why you need all this stuff? You're filling the house up ma!

Anyway, I apologize to any Amish friend who might be reading this. (They have access to internet and know my blog) My intentions are still true and my admiration and love for them remain the same.

BUT I NEED THIS BUTLER'S TABLE!

Anyone from Kansas know if there is a Nell Hill's Hotline where there are therapists on hand to help you with addiction problems. Like desperately wanting to copy everything from the store, blog, her home, etc? If so can I have the number.

Our Study, Needs & Wants (Set 2 of photos)

2011-10-17T17:23:00.000-04:00

So today my Amish friends put in our windows and finished the roof. It is such an exciting process to watch. I told Amos, one of the guys, that I feel blessed having them work on our land. I honestly can't help but feel embarrassed when I'm around them. I think to myself "they must think of me as a materialistic person." I know that the things that I love, are just things. THINGS. And they live simply depending on only what God provides them with and what they need. I have a strong faith in God and a love and reverence for him but I will admit that I love making my house pretty. I love decorating and creating beauty in my home. I know that in God's eyes that is not important. I truly know that. I also know that if I had to I could live with out it all. Honestly. That family and friends and dwelling in a circle of love and faith are truly what keeps us grounded and fills us with real joy.
But I can't help to feel like I am spoiled and materialistic to them. Life is daunting at times. I want to please God and be a good example to my sons and family and to all I meet. I pray they see that in me. That I am kind, and faithful and caring.
I find that I am fascinated with them and the simplicity in there nature and the strong work ethic they show in everything they do. I would love to experience there life for a time, to leave everything behind and get to know that world that is so close to me but yet so far to my knowledge. (Although truth be told, I hate not wearing makeup, but if I had to I guess I would)
I pray my sons become strong faithful and hardworking men like these young men are, from what I see.
Today Amos asked me what the room was going to be. Was it a bedroom? He asked. I told him after a brief pause, that it was going to be a study for my husband. As I said it I felt shame, I mean in all reality it was not something we needed but wanted. I was quiet after that and almost wanted to apologize for telling him what it was. I know your probably thinking, "She's crazy." But that is who I am. Things like that keep me up at night. I am humbled by their spirit and pray I can be more like them.
These men are humble and kind souls who are perfectionists with there craft. I am so blessed to have had this opportunity.
Here are today's photos. ( I know, your like be quiet already and show us the photos)

This large front opening will be the fireplace. Tomorrow the stone mason comes. Every where around the windows and on the black and below will be grey stones. I wanted it to look period correct. We live in Washington Crossings territory and most of the older homes have parts if not all stone exteriors. I wanted an addition with stone. I can't wait until tomorrow to post more photos.

Don't say it. I know. Power Washing!!!!!!!!!! The problem is we have to find a company that will bring there own water since we loose our water so quickly. (we have our own well)

Everything is really muddy and dirty outside thanks to Irene and due to the construction. But somethings gotta give right. Now this tree (weeping cherry) has lovely pink flowers in the spring. But we are definitely going to trim back some of the branches.
Until tomorrow.

Autumn, With All It's Splendor!

2011-10-16T18:47:00.001-04:00

A very blustery day. Leaves everywhere, but the sun was shining brightly and I decided to take some pics before all the leaves are completely gone.
Also decided to do some baking. Made Pumpkin loafs and my Oatmeal raisin cookies.

Found the last of my flowers peeking at my lens as I walked around taking photographs.

Love how the light came out in this photo. My lovely morning glories saying there last Good Morning.

My Hydrangeas are winding down to the last few faces shining up at me showing off there colors.
Lovely!
"How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days." John Burroughs

Changing Spaces

2011-10-13T21:40:00.001-04:00

Remember when I blogged about my foyer?

Well I made a few changes.

What do you think now? The little boxwood wreath covers my heat box.

The Study, she's a coming along. . .

2011-10-10T18:36:00.001-04:00

So our Amish Friends have been working so hard on our study. I am in awe every time I'm in there presence. I love these kind and hard working young men whose craftmanship is pure perfection.
I can't post their photos but I can tell you that I truly enjoy meeting them and watching them work. I bake for them every morning. They have told me that I am a great baker. Today I gave them my orange and cranberry scones that I made from scratch.

Side opening is one of the windows.

This opening in the center is actually where my stone fireplace will be.

God Willing my next few days of photos will show the quick progression of our new Study. I'm so excited. I'm also so thankful that they are working on it. I find them to be Holy People who are faithful and kind and I pray that we are blessed because of them and there beautiful handiwork.

Friend with Style, Susan Style.

2011-10-09T22:07:00.001-04:00

So I know I have been posting alot about Mary Carol Garrity but in all fairness, before I even knew who she was I was stalking this woman here. Bucks County's own Susan Taylor from Black Eyed Susan's. (Photo courtesy of Shannon's blog - Ducks in a row, who by the way is MIA in the Blog world)
Okay so I'm not in Kansas anymore, but I'm home and I have a great friend who is talented and incredible as well. Through her classes and insight, fabulous sense of style and creativity, she has taught me so much about design and re-invention of a space.
I have secretly (not a secret anymore) copied almost everything from her before I ever picked up a book form Nell Hills store.
Susan had a lovely, charming little store in Yardley and I literally visited once and sometimes twice a week. Susan began to conduct free classes at her store on Thursday evenings for anyone who wanted to come from about 6:30 to 8pm.
Every Fall (and now pretty much all year round) Susan created these intimate classes where she shared design tips, new arrivals in decor, fresh make over ideas for a tired space and much much more.
Her staff always attentive and helpful. We ladies met at the store with enthusiasm and much anticipation and excitement to learn something knew for the different seasons and holidays.
Honestly it became my most favorite thing to do.
Susan moved her store into Buckingham, which is farther away from me but continues to create incredible classes that are informative, fun and enlightening.
Her schedule was just posted on her website and her first class on October 27 is her Christmas unveiling. I tell you I can't sleep thinking about it.
Here are just a few old photos of some of her spectacular events. Can you take it?

(Love this look Susan, Your hair looks FAB.)

So Finally if you haven't experienced BES at it's best, and you live in the area, click on to Black Eyed Susan's blog (in my blog roll) and go to her website and download the class list. (www.besusan.com) I promise you won't regret it or forget it. I'm taking a new friend along this year, Michelle, hope your ready. I can't wait.

Hope my friends Lisa and KC can make a few of them. It won't be the same without you gals.

And to Susan, thanks for being an inspiration and a friend.

Special Delivery

2011-10-07T17:38:00.001-04:00

I just got a package! Look what I just got. I love it! Absolutely love it! Now I can definitely try Mary Carol's staircase candelabra set up for the Holidays.

Comfort Food, Nothing More Comforting

2011-10-07T17:33:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we found out we had lost two family members. My dearest Uncle Gabo who lived in Mckinney Texas (My mom's last living brother) and my father's nephew, my aunt's last remaining child, she lost two others, now George. My mother is extremely sad. We all are and I wanted to make something healing. I had ripped this out of Better Homes about a week ago. I decided to make it today.

I browned the pork chops in a skillet with a little olive oil, dipped them in egg and salt and then home made bread crumbs.

Now the recipe said apples, but it said if you have more time use butternut squash, well I love them both so I used both. So glad I did.

Look at That! Isn't it Lovely! Doesn't it say Autumn and Comfort.

I made a side of egg noodles. Yum. Those are spinach leaves by the way. Loved it! Will make it over and over again.

Called Pork Chops, Apples & Greens

4 boneless pork chops/ I used 5 and went to my butcher and got really thick ones and cut them in half.

3 slices of bread/ I used 5 and then you pulse it in your cuisinart

1/4 cup honey (doubled)

2 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard (doubled)

2 Tbsp. Cider vinegar (doubled)

2 cooking apples, cored and sliced/and or butternut squash

baby spinach (as much as you'd like)

Dip in egg with 1/4 salt then bread each chop

4 min on each side of a skillet with 2 tbs olive oil

(Now I then placed mine in a baking dish and placed in oven 400 degrees for 20 minutes)

The magazine says to serve just after the skillet. I don't eat pink pork, you can do that, I chose to bake them.

Meanwhile in same skillet with drippings, add honey, mustard, vinegar and butternut squash and apples.

(I added a pinch of salt and pinch of nutmeg)

*Magazine said if you use butternut squash to add nutmeg.

Then when they were tender I added the baby spinach for a few seconds and then I poured everything on top of the pork chops.

YUMMY!

Adding A Few Touches Here And There. . .

2011-10-06T19:29:00.000-04:00

So I went to Black Eyed Susan's this week. OMG! Susan has already cleared out a huge section for her Christmas set up. I can't wait! She also posted her Fall Classes. I am so excited. My friend Michelle will be joining me since my dear friend KC is busy with her new position at work. So The first class is on October 27. All you ladies who are my BES friends, make your reservations now. WhoooHooo!
So while I was at the store I bought this sweet round mirror. I thought it was what my table needed.
See for yourself.

So here is the my table again that I switched from my living room to my tiny foyer. So for my friends in Kansas who were asking (I love saying that, I love having friends in Kansas now, the lovely ladies I met through Nell Hills and Mary Carol Garrity) I called about the table, they called me back, a woman named Vicky who was lovely and helpful and worked in the Garrity Encore store. She gave me the dimensions and unfortunately, although it would have been skinnier it was really really long, 65 inches to be exact. Too long! It went towards my stairs. I was so sad. She even said they could order me another one even though that one was sold and they would still honor the sales price.

Love it! Oh Well. This will work. Let me know what you think?

Thanks.

The Wheels Are Turning

2011-10-04T14:59:00.001-04:00

So only a few weeks away before Susan Taylor transforms her amazing space at Black Eyed Susan's into a Winter Wonderland. I can't wait.
So I already started thinking about a couple of things I want to do. I believe this is one of them.

Although my foyer and staircase is not like Mary Carols, here above, I want to place a try on top of my banister and place a candelabra on top. I will do it even if I have to tie it on with a rope!!!!!!!

Gotta do this! Don't you think? Isn't it Spectacular!

Inventory

2011-10-02T18:50:00.002-04:00

So I was moving some things around yesterday. I don't have a huge foyer, which pains me because I have always wanted a large entry where I could put a lovely chair and table and a lovely light fixture. But I have made my own magic and constantly attempt to change things just a bit.

At least once a week I do what I call a "walk through" in my house. Now honestly I walk a million times around my house a day but I'm not always taking inventory.

I look at a room and say to myself "Hmmm, how can I change this to make it look different? Or "What can I add or subtract to make this space look a certain way?"

My husband has always feared those days. He gives me a look when I'm standing in a corner with one finger to my lip and I go "Hmmmm". He knows.

He's also used to going away (my husband travels alot) on a business trip and finding a room painted a different color or a room totally changed around. I have always done that.

More often than not it has been successful. And then there have been doozies! Like when I decided to paint my deck with the wrong kind of paint. Yikes! Did the entire thing. It looked great until the temp reached 85 degrees and the paint started to bubble.

Oh well! Lets not focus on the negative shall we.

So the table you see there (the half moon) is really from my livingroom. I had wanted to purchase Mary Carol's table that I saw when I was in Kansas.

This is the table. I wanted it for that corner of the foyer. This one would fit better. But I believe it's out of stock. I'm going to call on Monday and find out the dimensions.

Anywho, I was rearranging the formal living room when I decided to remove the demilune table out.

I like having a table in the front foyer where I can switch the monthly and season themes so that when my guests enter they can immediately see a welcoming sign of my home.

I moved my little Townhouse table to the corner. I love it here. I placed my favorite blue and white collectables and two lovely blue books that I love. and I am once again enamored with my re-invented, re-configured room.

You should try it! Really. It's fun. A quick fix when you have an itch for change.

Ode to Joy . . . And To Mary Carol.

2011-10-01T17:59:00.000-04:00

It doesn’t take much to create a sharp outdoor fall display, but when your neighbors remark about how great your home looks, you’ll be glad you invested the 10 minutes (tops!) it took. I keep a trio of iron pillars in my garden year round for this very purpose. In fall, I simply top them with pumpkins. If I’m feeling extra creative, I may place a small fall wreath on top of the pillar, then rest a pumpkin into the nest of the wreath. This display is shockingly simple to create, yet looks sensational. Every time I look out my window it greets me like a wave.

So I had posted this photo a few days ago from Mary Carol's blog. Those are her words beneath the photo.

So here are my inspired Urns. I love them.

I love the fact that I got 4 different kinds of pumpkins. I got two white ones that I absolutely love, a pale blue one that I think is my favorite and a traditional orange one. I boughts some leaves and look how lovely they look. Thank you once again Mary Carol. Love it!

PS. Can you believe all the leaves, they are everywhere and it's only Oct 1.

"How Long Are You Going To Stare At That Photo?"

2011-09-27T22:21:00.001-04:00

So aside from cooking, taking care of my home, driving my son places, laundry, ironing, taking care of my mom, food shopping, taking care of two dogs, taking care of my garden, being a mother to two sons and a wife to a husband who has his own buisness and travels alot, manage two blogs, learning how to play piano and having a lesson once a week (don't wait until your 45 to do this like I did) and trying to get my books published, working with an editor and attempting to have quiet time before it's time to sleep again, my favorite thing to do when I'm relaxing is look at design books and/or magazines for ideas on how to decorate my home and make it my sanctuary.
Aside from anything Mary Carol Garrity has published, Carolyne Roehm, Post Wordly Martha (when she was humble Martha with only a few books) (Okay scratch that, she was never humble Martha)
I love looking at Pottery Barn Catalogs, Frontgate catalogs and Ballards Home Decor and a few design blogs that I follow. These are some of the things I look at and to be honest, they make me crazy! (In a good way)

Last year after looking at these magnificent tablescapes and holiday decor I decided, since I wasn't having my yearly Christmas party due to my father's recent passing, to make a "Harvest Dinner" for my sisters/friends and their families. I have seven women in my life that I have known since I was about 14. We have been friends ever since. I call them my sisters. So I thought alright, I want to do something different. I want to have a sit down dinner. "What?" Rob said. (My husband)

Now we are talking 40 people sitting down at a table in one room.

You know that we did it. With 6 long 8ft tables. Then I decorated the tables beautifully with candles and matching festive leaf decorations and lovely plates that I ordered from Pottery Barn, and the glasses and the silverware. Kaching! Yeah, I know. But looking at these teasers, I like to call them, drive me crazy.

Take for instance the yearly Frontgate Catalog that comes every year to announce the Christmas Season. It makes me crazy!!!!!!!!!!!Look at this! Don't you want to do this?
Who doesn't. Now I don't have a huge home nor do I have monster high ceilings, but I have managed to fit 8 trees in my house, most of them fully decorated.
Ahhhh! I'm tired just thinking about it. After all it's only the end of September. But today, guess what came in the mail. You guessed it. Pottery Barn and Frontgate's teaser catalogs with these lovely tablescapes and room decor previews.

I have every frongate Christmas catalog saved. I go through them every year. I save a few Pottery Barn as well that have a holiday theme.
I look through them over and over, during my quiet times, usually late evening around 11pm.
And if that's not all, and if your like me, Mary Carols Two Christmas books are a must have and to seriously die for them. Often my sons have said to me, "How many times are you gonna look at the same book?" Funny. But that's what I do.

Look at Mary Carol's Dinning Room all decked out for the Holidays! Aye, note to self, change all the chairs to white now.
It's crazy what happens to me during the "Holiday Tridium" I like to call it. October, November and December.
Yikes, this weekend it all begins again. . .
Oh well, it could be worse. I could be into something scarier, like politics! Hee Hee

Planning for My Fallscape

2011-09-26T18:06:00.001-04:00

So I cut some of my Hydrangeas today. Oh Gosh! Is there anything more beautiful. I love the Autumnal colors most of all. (Until I see the purple and blue and pink hues again in the summer)

Be Still My Heart. Look at these blooms. There are sage and cranberry colors. Incredible!

I'm going to wait until my front urns are a little dry and then I'm going to do this for the month of October.

This is from. . . (You guessed it!) Mary Carol's Home. I'm thinking I'm gonna put a leaf wreath down first and then place the pumpkin in the center. Lovin it!

Alas! We have begun.

2011-09-26T15:03:00.002-04:00

They finally began demolition, construction this weekend. We started the process for permitting the Study in November and we are in September now, and we just broke ground. I thought this day would never come.

Our home has gone through of lot of changes. From the addition of the front porch, to creating a screening room (home theater) in our garage, adding a carport, expanding and remodeling the kitchen, adding a sun room, creating a back deck and patio and our latest addition was adding a barn.

I always felt that our home lacked symmetry. We needed another room on the right side to balance it out. Thus began our plans for the study.

That was always on our wish list, but finally, after breaking an important pipe today leading to the septic (yikes) we are on our way.

I have had my furniture waiting in our screening room for two months. I ordered it in January thanks to Ethan Allen's New Year's sale and my friend KC.

Any time I change a room or create a room I always keep a folder of swatches, photos, paint swatches, torn pages of the EA catalog as my design notebook. Here are two things I had in it.

For all my Kansas friends, this is a couch from Nell Hill's store. (Mary Carol Garrity)

I had this picture solely for the fabric. I wanted Rob's study to have that Plaid, Ralph Lauren feel. But in my mind I wanted a green couch like Charlotte Moss's green couch on the cover of Winter House book.

I have memorized this book in my head. I loved that couch ever since I saw it. The look, the exact hue, the texture, velvet of course and I thought "Perfect". Although I wanted a tufted velvet version of it. Found it after it was too late and I had bought my couch. But I'm fine without the tufting. My couch is gorgeous and velvet and exactly that color. Love it.

Anywho, back to the plaid. So I had my window treatments created in that plaid look (pretty close) from Calico Corners. They are elegant and masculine. That's what I wanted.

The kind of room the men would retreat to, to share conversation along with a glass of cognac and cigars. (Truly though, I hope no one smokes cigars in there! Hee Hee)

The other photo I had was a photo of a Ralph Lauren Study that I loved.

Now I know this is pretty full and mine won't be like that. But just look at it for a moment. The touches of plaid with the rich leather. The roaring fire in the fireplace. The accents of dogs and animals in the room. A few touches of orange against the cinnamon of the leather. Wow! I would look at this photo for hours. Together with my pieces of furniture, accents I have picked up at Nell Hill's store and Black Eyed Susan's and Ethan Allen, the Holy Trinity of design, I believe I shall achieve a similar feel and look.

We are having built ins like the ones in the photo. I ordered a lovely warm honey colored area rug to go over the refurbished wide planked wooden floors that we are having put in.

I purchased a warm orangey, honey velvet tufted chair that I can just see myself sitting at with a warm throw reading one of my favorite books by my Black Eyed Susan lamp on my Nell Hill table.

I can't wait until I can post actual photos of the room. All I have today is a deep hole outside. The room is going to be sunken in from the Formal Livingroom, so you will have to step down in order to achieve that high ceiling look. The rooms will be separated by a single french door.

We are having a stone fireplace built that will glow and crackle in the evening light. I have taken so much time in decided what was going into this room. Every piece, lamp, accent, table. I'm so thankful that my husband is one of those easy guys that just nods and says "whatever you think honey."

"If you like it, that's fine."

Remember he's the one who flew with me all the way to Atchison Kansas to meet Mary Carol Garrity, my mentor and most favorite designer.

I also want to find something like this to hand on one of the built ins.

I am also interested in doing something like this on my bookcases.

I love that painting. I do have a painting already here just waiting to be placed on top of the fireplace.

So I promise to post new photos once we progress. I can't wait!

Happy Birthday My Bestest Friend, Rudy

2011-09-19T15:42:00.000-04:00

Today I took my precious boy to the vet because he has really bad ear infections. Today is His Birthday! He is 5 that's = 35 in dog years/people years.
He's been there for me through my dad's stroke and passing and our other dog's passing. He feels my pain and is always there to remind me that I am truly loved. He is an angel of God. Happy Birthday my boy.

It Feels Like Autumn on Sept 17

2011-09-17T18:18:00.001-04:00

I woke up today to a chill in the air. We had turned off our air conditioning and pulled out a couple of thin long sleeve sweaters. I pulled out my shawls and pashminas and throws which I adore and embraced the change in the air.

I love making fires. Love the smell the crackle the way my house smells when the fire is roaring. Love to see the flames dance in my dogs eyes as they stand at attention, mesmerized and humbled by the fire's power.

I love baking. I bake constantly in the Fall. From cookies, to pumpkin desserts and pumpkin breads, pies galore.

It's a time to nestle. Nestle with a book, a movie or play a board game. We are big on board games.

We are more indoors so we find time to talk more and do more things together which I love.

I love the colors that Autumn brings and the blanket of leaves that covers our land. It's beautiful. I do hate to say goodbye to my garden but I know it's there time to seek a sweet slumber and regenerate and prepare for another spring. I don't like the dark, hate that the light goes so early. I miss that I can't sit on my porch for long periods of time. But I do enjoy using our fireplace outdoors and we toast marshmallows and make smores.

Every season has it's beauty and every season brings a healing within it's change.

Another Look!

2011-09-14T12:48:00.000-04:00

Here are the lanterns I bought and brought back form Mary Carol. I should have bought the candles there. I just couldn't carry all the stuff on the plane. Now I have to find the candles to fit. But I love these. They are flat on the back. So they fit nicely anywhere.

Here is a better shot (from her website) of the dinning room. Lovely. Too bad you can't see the navy color called TWILIGHT on the walls. OMG is that not perfect for my house or what. TWILIGHT get it? So I have this same color almost but it's a Benjamin Moore color in my formal living room. You can see it on the side of my blog. We have to repaint because the new addition will be cutting through the living room and my painter said I needed a matte finish and not the gloss I have now. So I'm just going to order the Twilight since it's almost the same color.

My Favorite shot of her Amazing Foyer. I so wish I had this much room in mine and stairs like this. AHHHHH! I would be hanging garland every week. Love it!!!!!!!!!!!

So in her family room or study she has these curtains. I love it because they are almost the same as mine for my study. Fletcher Tartan from Ralph Lauren. Felt a kin to her!!!!!!!! Again, great minds . . . Hee Hee. Don't get tired of seeing her photos. Please if you haven't gotten her books, get them all. All of them. Now, get up and go.

Breaking Dawn Part 1 Sneak Peak, If Your Heart Can Take It!

2011-09-13T21:31:00.003-04:00

I can not stand it! It is going to be amazing. Can't Wait!!!!!!!!!!!!

HGP Red Mass

2011-09-12T12:08:00.000-04:00

Holy Ghost Prep had it's yearly Red Mass to start off the school year. My son Matt sang in the choir. I was so proud.

Black & White Fall Touch

2011-09-12T12:04:00.000-04:00

Came home from Kansas and immediately did this!

I'm Not In Kansas Anymore. . .

2011-09-10T14:32:00.002-04:00

Now I know why Dorothy was clicking her heels together saying" There's No Place Like Home."
Because she must have gone to MARY CAROL GARRITY'S OPEN HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!

I Went, Everyone!!!!!!!!! Okay, so sit back and get ready cause this is going to be a long post. Complete with photos and play by play details. Ready!
I had one of the best experiences ever thanks to my husband and the Gorgeous Ladies from ATCHISON KANSAS.

Okay so for those of you that are not in my loop . . . (hee, i'm lucky if 4 people read my lil blog) Anyway, l was able to go, thanks to my amazing husband, go to the mecca of all meccas, the birthplace and home of my number one favorite designer and author, Mary Carol Garrity. Funny one of our dear friends who lives in Los Angeles and checks my blog from time to time told me "Why are you going to Kansas?" And I mentioned her name and she said, "Oh yes the woman you blog about all the time." I thought it was funny. Anyway, along with the surprise of my trip I had to deal with a very important factor that usually prevents me from taking trips. The fact that "I AM TERRIFIED OF FLYING."

So needless to say, this was a major feat for me. I used to fly all the time. I even flew with my son who was 7 at the time by myself to London to see my husband when he was shooting a commercial there. I don't know where that girl went or who she was but I want her back. Now I'm 45, two sons of 21 and 15 and I think why can't I be fearless. Anywho, lets continue.

Okay so I must confess my two flights (by the way for someone who never flies to have 2 flights in the same day is absolutely torture.) were peaceful ones with very little turbulence. I found it easier to look out the window and see when we were near clouds there was turbulence and when we were over or under it stopped. I understood that but I still felt the extreme, chest tightness and palpitations.

Okay so as soon as we got off the plane this is the first thing I saw.

For someone from the north east, one is not used to these signs and places. It was so odd to me to see that. Although in the past two years Newtown PA has gotten many tornado warnings but never anything major and I've never actually seen one.

We got in our Hertz rental car in Kansas City Missouri and drove 48 or so miles into Atchison, Kansas.

The landscape was very pretty, flat and green and so many corn fields. I live across the road from a corn field and thought Newtown had a lot, there were alot. I loved that every where you looked along the highway there were lovely yellow sunflowers. Hundreds of them. Although you can't see them here. I was trying to take photos while I was driving.

So we get to Nell Hill's store (one of three) in Atchison and I felt like when I used to take my boys to toys r us when they were little and all they did was squirm in there pants excited and dance around through the aisles not knowing what to do first. That was me.

I didn't want to start looking in the stores because I wanted to go see Mary Carol first and her home more than anything. I thought to myself, if I go to the stores I'm gonna start shopping and go crazy and not be able to focus and I want to get to her house first. My husband said "why don't you peek first and I'll wait here and tell you when the bus comes and we can really look after." He had a few phone calls he had to deal with from work. After all he took the day off to escort me to a all women's field day. Poor guy.

So I peek and the minute I walked in I walked right back out. Thought "no way!" I can't handle that now. And there are three stores mind you."

So we waited for the bus which was about a five minute wait. Lovely driver who was very kind, but then again everyone is kind in Kansas.

We got on the bus and I sat in the second seat. Only because the first seat was taken. Rob looked at me and smiled and said "okay now don't make a big deal when you get there okay. Don't tell everyone that we flew all the way here. Don't make a scene."

Okay so you have to know this about my husband before I continue. He is an introvert with a capital I. What's ironic is he's a successful film producer and and film production company owner. Moxie Pictures. He is used to traveling all over the world. He has offices in NYC, LA, London and is constantly speaking to lots of people.

He hates making any kind of scene. Isn't that funny. Now he was referring to the past week where I had blogged about Mary Carol and my possible trip and my fears and I had sent the link to Mary on her facebook page. A day later I received so many wonderful well wishes and prayers from wonderful Nell Hill fans telling me all would be okay, please go and blog about the trip.

Little did i know that anyone would remember.

Be still my heart! So we pull up to the home and there it was. On a hill in the sunlight and partial shade. I could hear the violins in my head and the angels singing as I approached her steps. And yes! There were the lanterns I saw in her post all decorated for Autumn and welcoming us in.

Now, I have always known that when one visits a home it is a polite gesture to bring a hostess gift. My mother taught me that and I always have in the past. So why wouldn't I do it now. A week before I searched and thought to death, "What can I get a Lady who epitomizes style and has created the most beautiful home environment? I don't know!!!!!! Ahhhhh! Think about it. I wasn't going to get her something for her home. Duh!!!! Then I remembered one of my favorite little shops in Newtown. David J.Witchell Salon has a second floor where the owner has lovely items that are one of a kind. I have bought dresses and accessories from her in the past. I went last week and looked at her beautiful things. I love shawls and wraps, always and have bought a few from her. I glanced at a table with lovely beaded ones and I thought of Mary Carol and the times I've seen her photographed with a pashmina or a shawl and thought "she must like them too." Little did I know she absolutely loved them as much as I do. (Great minds think alike.)

So I purchased a beautiful chocolate velvety one with small black beading.

I had forgotten to buy a sweet little bag to put it in until the last minute the night before my trip. I couldn't do anything about it but put it in a small simple plain white bag.

Well Rob knew I had it in my bag and I think it made him nervous that I might make some kind of "Lucy" scene (I love Lucy) Often I feel like Lucy and Ricky when it comes to us.

Anyway he said "You might not even see her. There's a lot of women, so don't get upset if you don't see her."

Well I'm thinking, yeah that's a possibility but if I know Mary Carol, she will be there. After reading all her books and knowing them verbatim, her hints, her style, how she loves to meet and greet her guests at the door, why would this be any different.

Yeahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! I was right! (Please excuse how I look. Why did I wear that blouse that got so wrinkled with me squirming on the plane, and my hair frizzed to oblivion as soon as I got off the plane. I had to put it in a clip. Can you see my eyes, I didn't sleep well because I was a mess about the flight)

But there she was, She is so thin and lovely and young looking and absolutely gracious and beautiful. There is my pathetic little bag.

So when I climbed up the stairs and followed the line of women (by the way my husband, one of two men and hundreds of women) all of a sudden we hear this lovely voice saying "Welcome to my Home"

She came out and we all smiled like the fans that we all are. She actually greeted everyone personally that came through her door. Wow!

So I said "Hi Mary Carol, I never visit a home without bringing a hostess gift." She was so happy and kind of shocked that I had something for her. She immediately grabbed it and I said "please excuse the bag, it is a mess, I had it in my purse for the entire plane ride."

TA TA TA TUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So that's when Mary Carol said,

"Oh my Gosh are you Lisa from Pa?" Suddenly another lovely lady walked from the foyer onto the porch and yelled "Is that Philadelphia? Is she here?"

OMG! I felt like a celebrity. I can't tell you how it made me feel to know that Mary Carol said that and that her lovely friend greeted me that way. Well simultaneously both of the women hugged me and greeted me, congratulated me for getting on the plane and made me feel so welcome. Then they greeted Rob and thanked him for bringing me. For someone who hates scenes, he was blushing and extremely happy at the attention.

Here I am in Mary Carol's exquisite Foyer that has been photographed in all her lovely books.

Then the lovely lady whom I feel terrible because I forgot her name, grabbed Rob, who hates taking photos, and took this photo of us. I love it.

I couldn't believe I was there. I had seen these rooms in the books for so long and now I was standing in them. (Okay I'll be quiet for a bit and post just photos and then I'll continue)

One of my favorite spots, if I lived here.

Lovely powder room

This little tree was where it all started for me. When my friend Lisa showed me the christmas book where this little tree is featured. Lovely!

I'm so bummed, my photo of her kitchen came out without light. I didn't see it until after I had left. But you fans, know from the books what her kitchen looks like, it's just like that. Beautiful!

Look how sweet the tree looks from the other side of the dinning room. This is the walkway to the sunroom and out door patio.

Love her sconces.

Here is Mary Carol opening the gift I gave her. She told me to come back around and meet her before I left because she wanted to open it with me there. How sweet is that! Miss Manners Award goes to. . .

She's holding up the shawl but you can't see it. It was too dark. But I can't complain two photos with Mrs. Garrity. Yeah!!!!!!!!!

Okay so after the house tour, we went to the stores. I first went into NEll Hill (mostly Christmas) Unfortunately I couldn't take photos, the amount of women that were in the store was alarming. I couldn't have taken a photo if I tried. But it was beautiful and filled with Christmas spectacular ideas. My favorite!
This is her second store which is on the same street. Garrity galore! This was Fall and Halloween and lovely furniture. There is a table there I want to get. Note to self: Call Monday

Okay so if you don't know already LANTERS ARE THE NEW BLACK!!!!!!!!!

LANTERNS LANTERNS AND MORE LANTERNS. I bought two of these amazing flat lanterns that you can put on the windows and walls and doors.

This is the front of the Nell Hill Store that has the Christmas decor.

Now when I was leaving Mary Carol's home Rob and I went back to say goodbye and Mary Carol said "please don't leave until you go to the Briarcliff store" It was 12 miles from the airport. We had some time to kill before our next flight and we were planning on getting a bite to eat. OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!
What was I thinking? Did I think that seeing Nell Hill's two stores in Atchison was it? Was I overwhelmed at the amount of decor and beauty I saw? No way. Oh my stars! This was incredible. It was huge, enormous, gigantic. It's like a double decker Ethan Allen and then some. Rob looked at me as we pulled up to Briarcliff Village and saw this massive building with the name Nell Hill on it. I almost screamed! So Take A Look!

This looks just like my Wally, A king Charles Cavelier.

I bought those lanterns that are above the mantle.

To Die For!

My Love For Gingham is overflowing. I have a lavender gingham chair in my kitchen.

View from above, the upstairs looking down.

At the end I left like content to have seen so much beauty. There were no words to describe how fun and beautiful and creative and inspiring my day was. Thanks to my husband, Mary Carol, the pilot and God. I am humbled each and every day by the blessings he has given me.

The Things I Put Myself Through. . .

2011-09-08T13:17:00.000-04:00

So it is the afternoon before I am leaving to Kansas City. These are the things I'm thinking of:
- The weight of the plane
- What the F keeps it in the air?
- Tap it twice when you get in (I always do that)
-What if it gets hit by lighting?
- Will I be flying in a storm?
- Can't we drive? 18 hours. I love being in cars. I can do that. Why won't my husband do that?
- 40 minutes subtracted from 2hrs and 50 min is. . . (All flights, I subtract 40, 20 to go up and 20 to go down. Don't ask, it brings me comfort and peace of mind)
- God please no turbulence please no turbulence.
Help!!!!!!!!!!
See to someone who doesn't have this phobia, I might sound silly and petty and you might even think this is funny. For me my chest gets really tight, my shoulders and neck are stiff, my hands hurt from gripping the seat. I won't go to the bathroom, I have palpitations and get a terrible stomach ache.
Now you might be saying "So why the heck are you going?"
Exactly.
But it's Mary Carol Garrity's once a year open house and this is her 30th anniversary.

Lovin The Lanterns!

2011-09-07T12:54:00.000-04:00

So Mary Carol posted on her blog how she decorates with Lanterns all year round. I absolutely loved it. I took my lanterns and bought some ribbon and I made these for my front door. Love them!

Although I have such a glare on the door. I'll have to have my husband take better photos. I wanted to put them on the edge of my steps but decided this was the best spot to keep them away from any rain. I bought that beautiful gingham ribbon (my fav) and I'm thinking of doing the same thing with my sconces but have to get more ribbon. I will have my hubby photograph my wreath which matches with the lanterns.

I also resurrected my last year's beautiful wreath and placed it on my fav black door. Hmmmmm! Been thinking about my front door. Thinking about painting it black? Don't know. We have a signature red door in the front ever since we moved here. Food for thought!

Well to all my Mary Carol friends, say a prayer for me. Rob got the tickets! Were leaving Friday morning. AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Atchinson here I come. (God Willing and I survive the flight)

I'm terrified! Help.

Labor Day Weekend 2011

2011-09-02T22:16:00.001-04:00

the Fall is lurking, it's creeping in

i can feel it in the wind change

i can smell it in the ocean air

summer is waving it's hand

i watch it and wave back with hesitation

i beg for it to wait

wait for me

to spend a few more days

walking

swimming

resting

basking in the warmth of it's sun

but she is ready

she is leaving me

fall is nearby

she lets me know with a chill

that she is close

I am at our home on the beach. And I lowered my sleeves today as I walked outside from dinner. I can smell the air changing. Even the light is changing.

After Irene last week our beach has receded and a few dunes are gone. Thankfully no damage to our home.

I can't explain it, my adoration of summer. I always feel melancholy around this time. The strange thing is I love the Fall. But I still feel a great sense of loss when Summer comes to an end.

Look at this spectacular light. You can't say it isn't mesmerizing. I am at peace here. This weekend I will walk along the shore and have my time alone with her majesty. Although we continue to come weekends and days here and there throughout the year, it's never the same after labor day. I tend to personify the beach, the ocean, the sea. I believe it feels a loss as well to know that I will be far from her side. So I walk and talk in my mind, telling her how much she means to me. I let my feet feel it's sand and I breathe deeply it's air knowing that it will be a very long time until I feel all of it again with the same intensity and strength, the same warmth and the same power as in the summer.
She knows my secrets and my innermost thoughts and wishes. I respect her and fear her yet am invigorated and empowered by her greatness. I am humbled before her and drawn to her mystery.
Thank you for another Summer, another season, and another time to re-energize. I stand in utter amazement and total awe and am blessed to have such a privilege to be here with you.

Oh Mary Carol, Why do you do this to me?

2011-08-29T22:28:00.001-04:00

Growing up I've had many obsessions and loves. When I was twelve I wanted to be an investigator (duh! a.k.a Charlies Angels) When I was 15 I wanted to be a professional ice skater (although I've only ice skated once but I was convinced I could do a triple axle due to a pair of comfy socks and an overly waxed floor. When I was sixteen I wanted to be a model. And I did for two years (about ten fashion shows) but never got anywhere or did anything. When I was 18 I wanted to be in a band. (And was for many years, Salvation - A christian Rock Band.) I was in college and toyed with journalism, nursing, writing and then teaching. Now at 45 I am a writer (have always loved writing) because that continues to be my passion and hopefully soon I will be able to say I am a published author. But one of my biggest and latest passions is for decorating and creating in my home.

For years I have followed Carolyne Roehm and adored her books and her flair for finer things and gardening but truth be told, Carolyne has always been a tough goal to reach. I don't have famous antiques from Paris, nor do I have homes in Aspen, Connecticut and NYC. I am not a socialite nor am I a gazillionaire. About two years ago, my dear friend Lisa introduced me to someone that would soon change my life and knock Carolyne off of her pedestal.

Mary Carol Garrity, above, is my newest and most favorite. Thanks to Lisa and her love for Christmas (I have truly met my match when it comes to someone who loves decorating for Christmas as much as I do when I met Lisa) We met one afternoon in Starbucks (another mutual love) and she pulled out this beautiful red and book that she held very carefully in her hands. Almost the same way Indiana Jones held the sacred artifact he so longed for. I carefully cleaned the table and made sure my hands were clean before I handled her sweet book. She told me "Okay Lisa, I'm going to warn you, this is going to change your life." Okay so maybe not in those exact words but I have a flair for the dramatic.

I began to look through it, page by page and sighed at each photo and each preciously written description. AHHHHH! She was right! I looked at her, fingers pressed on the spine of the book, unwilling to part with it and listened as she graciously said "You can take it home and borrow it for a few days." OMG!!!!!!! I was thrilled. But I didn't. I could see how important this book was to her and all I could think of was if something would happen to it I would die.

Instead I rushed home, told Rob and we ordered one on Amazon and it came in two days. Not only did I order that one but I ordered the next six or seven too. Honestly, honestly and once again, honestly, these books, this woman has changed my life. I read them over and over and never get tired of looking

at the photos of her home and her stores.

Here are a few for your eyes only.

Okay so once a year Mary Carol, the woman I told you that changed my life. The woman whom I have memorized every part of her house that has been photographed and know pretty much all the tips she has written down about. Okay you with me? WEll once a year Mary Carol, you ready!!!!!!!!! Has an open house. . . AN OPEN HOUSE!!!!!! Do you know what that is? That means she lets you go to her house, walk around in it, meet her face to face, talk to her and then if that wasn't enough, she lets you buy stuff from her three stores. She has a huge tent (this year in her own back yard) selling her furniture, accessories. You name it. Check out www.nellhill.com or Nell hill on facebook. Mary carol also has a blog. I have a link to it on my blog.
Well last year I said to Lisa and to Kc, okay we are going next Sept. We talked about it briefly but I fantasized about going. All sounding pretty great right? Except for one minor detail.
I am terrified. TERRIFIED! Of Flying and Mary Carol lives in Atchinson KS. So time passed and Kc nor Lisa could go. My dear husband Rob told me "I will take you." I know right! How can you resist! Me and Mary Carol with a camera. I could take photos of everything, buy stuff, walk through her home, steal a lock of her hair. (Did I say that?) Sorry! Anyway. I am torn. My fears are bigger than me. Don't know what to do. Plus we are in the beginning stages of construction. My sons offered to stay with my mom and take care of things but I am screaming for answers. I worry about so much. Don't know what to do.

This is her home. Above. Ahhhh!

The Calm before the Storm

2011-08-26T13:10:00.001-04:00

For those of you who truly know me, you know that I have an obsession with the sea and the beach. I am empowered by the ocean and feel most alive when I am by it's side. The smell, the sound, the feel all mesmerize me into a peaceful state of being.

But as much as I admire, worship and am fixated with it I also respect it's great power and strength. I am fearful of it's mystery and am humbled by it's magnitude.
We are getting ready for a hurricane and although I am away from the ocean at home, my sweet dear home in Cape May remains close to my heart. We are six blocks from the beach. It was evacuated last night and my husband and I were planning to go today to close everything properly. Now the island is closed.
Dear Lord, bless my home and all those homes that are in arms way of the hurricane force that is about to arrive. Keep all those who live by the sea safe from harm and cast your shield over all who have no other place to seek shelter and safety. Amen.