tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9308161897651524192024-03-04T23:06:23.410-06:00~Chandelier No. 4~luxe design + the element of four: a symbol of calmness and comfort~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-44607312555144272822010-03-03T12:13:00.013-06:002010-03-03T13:49:16.920-06:00Sunday Paper $2. Inspiration to Create a Dreamy Closet... Priceless.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-weight: bold;">Dressing is a lot like design... </span>i</span>t's simply decorating your body instead of a room and the 'task' should be all about <i>fun & glamour. </i>You know how you get so much more inspiration when you are working in a beautiful environment, perhaps a gorgeous office? Well, I think we can dress <i>even more fabulous </i>if we feel like we're getting ready in a european boutique.<br />
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This week's <b>Sunday paper</b> was the first one I'd picked up in a while and I'm uber ecstatic about what was inside. Why, you ask? Because of these pretty mommas... and their <b>bargain</b> <b>price!</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhmWAqn9XT4j1Wk3CFVn2qkpDkwPuYtL6IhyphenhyphenTXhRCZg-HtKwuV7A2Mk5O5bY3PVVxQP1aaJ4CxVuH4RqgRNzkAo7_4w7wSyh5VX1LlBiBJ8X0Q26ccIbdn14hTja8nUluI_WOqRS-7r8/s1600-h/DSC_0129P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhmWAqn9XT4j1Wk3CFVn2qkpDkwPuYtL6IhyphenhyphenTXhRCZg-HtKwuV7A2Mk5O5bY3PVVxQP1aaJ4CxVuH4RqgRNzkAo7_4w7wSyh5VX1LlBiBJ8X0Q26ccIbdn14hTja8nUluI_WOqRS-7r8/s400/DSC_0129P.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Inexpensively priced gilded frames are not the easiest to come by (I've been looking!). However these wonderfully ornate frames hardly set me back at all! Michaels is having <b>50% off</b> their entire <b>frame </b><b>collection</b> this week... but wait... here's the best part: They're <b>taking an additional 25% off of your frame purchase with coupon!</b><b>*</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span">~ 16x20 Frame ~</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">$39.99 - 50% - 25% = $14.99</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span">~ 11x14 Frame ~</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">$29.99 - 50% - 25% = $11.24</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNdHam3AY_UuvUBpxmZ9JxtkyOKZC4rwvdWlWsRvvwxcYALDKN2O77La4I5aF9_qcToKzbkIm9VoQ-rEWom3aInTxVDC8E7AAYW5y68EcLPWZlqCfx1kcvztgftkG6oZKeDuzVXSN15s/s1600-h/DSC_0146P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNdHam3AY_UuvUBpxmZ9JxtkyOKZC4rwvdWlWsRvvwxcYALDKN2O77La4I5aF9_qcToKzbkIm9VoQ-rEWom3aInTxVDC8E7AAYW5y68EcLPWZlqCfx1kcvztgftkG6oZKeDuzVXSN15s/s400/DSC_0146P.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The lovely corner details are perfect for the look that I am wanting to achieve.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Originally planning to create customs closets, hubby and I quickly nixed the idea after we realized that the project would be much larger than anticipated and would entail replacing some walls as well as the floors. Although deciding to mark it a project for 'later', I still have not been able to get the image of a <b><i>sexy closet</i></b> of out my mind. <b> Does anyone else understand</b> my closet fascination, or am I alone on this one?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, I've come up with a closet redo, instead of a full-on reno, that will give me the same fabulous feeling a woman <i>should</i> have every day when she gets ready. Since it was all about finding the right frames first, I'm not too far into the project yet ;) I will be sure to post a before and after once it is finished though!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">* 25% off coupon was in this past Sunday's paper and it was also e-mailed to customers who have signed up for promotions. If you aren't registered, you can start receiving future deals by signing up </span><a href="https://www.michaels.com/art/online/registrationForm?cm_ven=2008HomePageEmail&cm_ite=Sign%20Up"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpJbouthE1Jm1i4hkla2k2ck_VwfiGvI6xRlXZXhB7Eh8fyXvKcOegWAdagLrnq1S2KlML3x9wfMow9U1PdmtTqAUB90vRVOYpCALd0bS_BUgt1Yu2z62loHjcqBKbG3Py0-vyGPPwj8/s1600-h/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpJbouthE1Jm1i4hkla2k2ck_VwfiGvI6xRlXZXhB7Eh8fyXvKcOegWAdagLrnq1S2KlML3x9wfMow9U1PdmtTqAUB90vRVOYpCALd0bS_BUgt1Yu2z62loHjcqBKbG3Py0-vyGPPwj8/s320/signature.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">P.S...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">A wonderful reader sent me this pic and note yesterday in response to my post from last week (you can read it <a href="http://chandelierno4.blogspot.com/2010/02/fresh-new-secret-shhhhh.html">here</a>):</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Dear Chandelier No. 4,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Thank you for sharing the floral deal with us last week. I checked with my Kroger and found out they do their markdowns on Mondays. I stopped in yesterday and picked up this Hyacinth for only $4. Fresh flowers will be a staple in my home from now on!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Thank you!!!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuq9Rwzs3J_KzyenqeVZshENeqtVGJAx8CVPHWQAz8R8b4bG6ZRQVNSVfPWH9QJ5Iblg4mMZe1l6ZI9yLmQ8Ydh4z8OXnDFSld7bwiV4j94rcuRq1WmAtCzyqn25ZKVPILm5HYZVenTE/s1600-h/DSC_0744P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuq9Rwzs3J_KzyenqeVZshENeqtVGJAx8CVPHWQAz8R8b4bG6ZRQVNSVfPWH9QJ5Iblg4mMZe1l6ZI9yLmQ8Ydh4z8OXnDFSld7bwiV4j94rcuRq1WmAtCzyqn25ZKVPILm5HYZVenTE/s320/DSC_0744P.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">So happy to hear that someone else is going to be enjoying fresh florals at amazing prices too! Would love to hear more stories of great bargains! Be sure to check with your local grocery store if you haven't yet... and hurry into Michaels this week too!!!</div>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-44626884638428822982010-02-22T09:44:00.004-06:002010-02-22T09:52:53.669-06:00A 'Fresh' New Secret... Shhhhh!Last week I stopped into Kroger (local grocery store) for a quick OJ purchase. This could have been the first time that I've ever gone into the grocery store for only <i>one</i> thing... it's not exactly my very favorite place to shop :)<br />
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</div><div>Well, my karma must have been great that day because it led me into the store for my measly little purchase and down the aisle to the most <b><i>fab deal ever.</i></b> Carts were loaded with discounted ~ <i>way</i> <i>discounted ~</i> flowers. I'm talking about a dozen roses for $1.50 and large bouquets of lilies or snapdragons for only <b>50 cents! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">After sifting through the beautiful stems and giving most of my selections away to the other deal seekers (my enthusiasm seemed to quickly draw a crowd), t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">his was the beauty that stole my heart:</span></b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2b289a9Zsa51lzfDKU6G0JgqXAVKU_q7CXc37F_jsKc6A_HMuIMh_1evQyWn_FPwbJROi1N5bm28myQ8UobbtJOKJE-alU54klLejxFNe36UMm1Hgqj-8BMxH93QhovayLMUxz0BReg/s1600-h/DSC_0060P3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2b289a9Zsa51lzfDKU6G0JgqXAVKU_q7CXc37F_jsKc6A_HMuIMh_1evQyWn_FPwbJROi1N5bm28myQ8UobbtJOKJE-alU54klLejxFNe36UMm1Hgqj-8BMxH93QhovayLMUxz0BReg/s400/DSC_0060P3.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
I have been wanting to add a touch of fuchsia to our living room and, since the perfect throw has yet to be found, this gorgeous number will do the trick for now. Pot included and originally priced at $29.99, it had been marked down to only $4. Hydrangeas are one of my favorites ~ we even used them in our wedding bouquets. Now let's just hope that I can keep her alive! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course I had to head over to the counter and enquire the why's and the when's of this sale. The florist said that there was <b>nothing wrong with the flowers</b> and that they had to disinfect the floral department twice a week which required them to mark down the flowers. Upon further questioning, (I know I know... how annoying :) I learned that this takes place <b>every Thursday and Sunday</b> at our local Kroger!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Fresh flowers in every room for only dollars a week? Now that is this black thumb's kind of bargain! The next time you're in the grocery, you should ask them if they do the same. And be sure to tell all of your besties... just not the whole town ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6G-1EqVLqItu96enUpjfFOQzACQtO4OnLiued85MZBATlwoKfjx5Mtxx9fGnsNby0PGJBqjuDdJFoMa5dI2MxS1jy8UEXpLg0dYX3UDt_7deBIRVne2iQ0QTzEr9KaozGvaIRS2x4O3Q/s1600-h/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6G-1EqVLqItu96enUpjfFOQzACQtO4OnLiued85MZBATlwoKfjx5Mtxx9fGnsNby0PGJBqjuDdJFoMa5dI2MxS1jy8UEXpLg0dYX3UDt_7deBIRVne2iQ0QTzEr9KaozGvaIRS2x4O3Q/s320/signature.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-30236432188137491752010-02-14T13:49:00.009-06:002010-02-15T00:07:50.375-06:00Happy (Last Minute) Valentine's Day!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Who doesn't love Godiva? I mean really, their chocolate is to-die for... especially their dipped strawberries... yum! But up to $7 each... Really?</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Enter DIY version.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Hubby and I are making a formal dinner tonight for Vday and I thought that chocolate covered strawberries + champagne would be a light dessert. (We're definitely not ones to skimp on the steak and shrimp to save room for dessert. Ever.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So ~ in case you are in need of a last minute 'sweet' gift ~ here's the no-hassle, 10 minute, $4 solution. An especially great fix for that awkward "I </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">really believed</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> the 'let's not do gifts this year' discussion!" (Note: This was </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">NOT</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> a problem in our household... Hubby stuck to the rule... I didn't get my zebra rug, or wallpaper, or oversized mirror, or fuchsia throw (I know!!! That would have been </span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">perfect</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> for Vday!). I'm not really complaining though, I actually love that we've never been into 'gift-giving' for Vday.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ok... Grab your strawberries and chocolate.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Any chocolate will do.)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wash and dry berries.</span></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdgIZPUdldhRC2imFuX0dGI9ATdEIZ6QfvnhhcUXbsTD1kdth3nBWT5hcdQVpjUmqXRCvK2FAcKYYXZ9da2qsUrJDnmX9Amc6ns4gaPdRwHtHxHqEfJsF9_0Y82tbiQwcJvlw0MmNalI/s1600-h/DSC_0045P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdgIZPUdldhRC2imFuX0dGI9ATdEIZ6QfvnhhcUXbsTD1kdth3nBWT5hcdQVpjUmqXRCvK2FAcKYYXZ9da2qsUrJDnmX9Amc6ns4gaPdRwHtHxHqEfJsF9_0Y82tbiQwcJvlw0MmNalI/s400/DSC_0045P.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Melt chocolate in double boiler.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTntJOojqBHcUoQ4SJ0FpzqbkALPgN_JelHWltPKCg_iWKKDLgrbrMfE_GVeRXDWfOfs6tTQRibxBxhQtuBMj9xppGdZBj18Tb_YaeD5pw8IcMmYkU3vGz9f6yW1QOyk-FGK9FcEg2ScY/s1600-h/DSC_0051P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTntJOojqBHcUoQ4SJ0FpzqbkALPgN_JelHWltPKCg_iWKKDLgrbrMfE_GVeRXDWfOfs6tTQRibxBxhQtuBMj9xppGdZBj18Tb_YaeD5pw8IcMmYkU3vGz9f6yW1QOyk-FGK9FcEg2ScY/s400/DSC_0051P.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No double boiler... no worries.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I used this fab alternative for years. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ceramic heat-safe bowl + pot + simmering water.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b></b>(Santa just brought me my fancy upgrade this Christmas :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpzcmhRIIAq_75g9ryfcxgerJ08sEt8x15kBsfGf4KNVRT8vBlBkSGoPneLOqAzc1LOgvC8rjO98NE1thzO9-ANe_9kj9hl0cu-dfoPOhyphenhyphenm3UatjhB0qU2cyRm2uQWlBzkm6NVCNG3HA/s1600-h/DSC_0062P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpzcmhRIIAq_75g9ryfcxgerJ08sEt8x15kBsfGf4KNVRT8vBlBkSGoPneLOqAzc1LOgvC8rjO98NE1thzO9-ANe_9kj9hl0cu-dfoPOhyphenhyphenm3UatjhB0qU2cyRm2uQWlBzkm6NVCNG3HA/s400/DSC_0062P.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Refrigerate until set.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tqilKVrjR4TU-ktFQhcpRwtw2Rpt40er_hq0SVDCzLD-u7Z7RZVPyMoctvHgoyvdGWwhm6dkIqp3lV7VpTVVWDjyJcoDkuzRzmdlULHz6cfDGRF8QNTnrpDOiHFxboiK3cBR8s2ZeUU/s1600-h/DSC_0060P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tqilKVrjR4TU-ktFQhcpRwtw2Rpt40er_hq0SVDCzLD-u7Z7RZVPyMoctvHgoyvdGWwhm6dkIqp3lV7VpTVVWDjyJcoDkuzRzmdlULHz6cfDGRF8QNTnrpDOiHFxboiK3cBR8s2ZeUU/s400/DSC_0060P.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ready for a romantic evening in about 15 min flat.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIARHPzmsVhgPTI2pt06KvJkhXKBbN4Bg9T1bVhV1EG-66foNFeL60WVsNG7HWh8jzS0FxGiG7U-tnl_rjs53rq7kLs7iv0FuOLyfSbkwbf7gL_P1PO97ulhNWjuHCqLwSoA02WK8JVYs/s1600-h/DSC_0071P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIARHPzmsVhgPTI2pt06KvJkhXKBbN4Bg9T1bVhV1EG-66foNFeL60WVsNG7HWh8jzS0FxGiG7U-tnl_rjs53rq7kLs7iv0FuOLyfSbkwbf7gL_P1PO97ulhNWjuHCqLwSoA02WK8JVYs/s400/DSC_0071P.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And it doubles as an uber-cheap centerpiece. Score.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdPxsDr84wqRzNIC2jkT2ISZYpyQD5iw8DP4UCy3Uh3-l6y-ObudKWiVp928Ke9z9NpZJp88oV2O6CadSRD4-O-E8gyX3ug3Sg3bPPR2TMIvrzYq2XjYmZQUEZ2NS9PJnfn4klOXdcg4/s1600-h/DSC_0074P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdPxsDr84wqRzNIC2jkT2ISZYpyQD5iw8DP4UCy3Uh3-l6y-ObudKWiVp928Ke9z9NpZJp88oV2O6CadSRD4-O-E8gyX3ug3Sg3bPPR2TMIvrzYq2XjYmZQUEZ2NS9PJnfn4klOXdcg4/s400/DSC_0074P.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ok... gonna go bring the extras to the neighbors. And then it's back to hubby + me time. Whatever you do today ~ I hope it's fab, yummy and fun! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(P.S. I know that choco covered berries aren't rocket science... thanks for reading anyway :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Until next time ~</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Joanna</span>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-4515865347427395792010-02-10T12:52:00.015-06:002010-02-10T13:24:09.758-06:00Before, After... and Before Again??Julia & Julia. Last night, with ultra-high hopes compounded by weeks of anticipation, I settled in to watch this gorgeous true story (two true stories actually... And yes, I know, I'm a little behind on the movie scene.) Even though the movie was <b>fantastic</b> (especially Meryl Streep as well as her character Julia Child), I was completely disappointed with <i>my</i> lack of inspiration following the film. You see, my motivation has always had a deep connection with focus... focus and goal: My productivity's very best friends. I'm just a bit of a compass on crack without these two girlfriends. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>SO... Need focus = Need office... Now.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1c_TAbVrrwMuTWQscKPj2lutF7MsqVRgYqpsSvyKpSDhvOzIexYjIh1ZwAnuqE_u92NjKrYxiLP8AbaitLarC9ZaOcBzh3DXZw1jIBnGPBWUMSmMTtJgnOW2eq343WQW7Pe3LHmjdC4/s1600-h/DSC06590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1c_TAbVrrwMuTWQscKPj2lutF7MsqVRgYqpsSvyKpSDhvOzIexYjIh1ZwAnuqE_u92NjKrYxiLP8AbaitLarC9ZaOcBzh3DXZw1jIBnGPBWUMSmMTtJgnOW2eq343WQW7Pe3LHmjdC4/s400/DSC06590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>This poor little box is the smallest room in the house and had been reserved for a nursery since we moved in last year. Until that time comes, it's been the one room we 'allowed' to sit empty (with this beautiful cube-thing, of course).<br />
<br />
When first inspired by design last November, I got <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">a little </span> <i>really</i> excited (tend to do that) and instantly wanted a space to house all of my design books (ok... my <i>zero</i> books and <i>one</i> measly magazine). A space to be creative and organized. A space to call my own.<br />
<br />
What I couldn't let myself do was spend any moola on this adult play space. After all, it was just a new idea, a new excitement, a non-money-making office :) SO, I gave myself two rules:<br />
<br />
<b>1. Cannot <i>purchase</i> any decor for this space.</b><br />
<br />
<b>2. No decor can be 'stolen' from another room.</b> (Doesn't make a lot of sense to <b>de</b>decorate another space in order to create a design room, does it?) SO, all items used had to have been tucked away <b>un</b>used in a closet. (NOT easy, considering that we've move across the world and back and sold most everything we owned a few years ago... but let's give it a go!)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>BEFORE</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1c_TAbVrrwMuTWQscKPj2lutF7MsqVRgYqpsSvyKpSDhvOzIexYjIh1ZwAnuqE_u92NjKrYxiLP8AbaitLarC9ZaOcBzh3DXZw1jIBnGPBWUMSmMTtJgnOW2eq343WQW7Pe3LHmjdC4/s1600-h/DSC06590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1c_TAbVrrwMuTWQscKPj2lutF7MsqVRgYqpsSvyKpSDhvOzIexYjIh1ZwAnuqE_u92NjKrYxiLP8AbaitLarC9ZaOcBzh3DXZw1jIBnGPBWUMSmMTtJgnOW2eq343WQW7Pe3LHmjdC4/s400/DSC06590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>AFTER</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i5bbdvJmdkWvmV1BEKj9-8PblUXX-fokwPyg_RsSs80IbN1kJ1eIN0OCeV67Tny9IhegDNTvkHcTCcJHR9AKY5qpHRmylbj_Ur08jjqJGqOnM1cTn0AQAxEtaCN_w8cjMCjMnxK2Mew/s1600-h/DSC_0317P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i5bbdvJmdkWvmV1BEKj9-8PblUXX-fokwPyg_RsSs80IbN1kJ1eIN0OCeV67Tny9IhegDNTvkHcTCcJHR9AKY5qpHRmylbj_Ur08jjqJGqOnM1cTn0AQAxEtaCN_w8cjMCjMnxK2Mew/s400/DSC_0317P.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, the black cube-thing got turned into a surprisingly sturdy desk. On the left side, a basket created the 'home' for larger miscellaneous items, and then a few magazine pages were used to hide those items. A fantastic <b>brass </b>(read more about my new love for brass <a href="http://chandelierno4.blogspot.com/2010/01/mixing-old-new-88-guest-bath-redo.html">here</a>) task floor lamp finally found his place in our home. A ceramic and wooden trash can peeks out below... my linen magazine holder files mostly notepads and restoration hardware mags... and two metal oversized leaves add a bit of shape and interest to the squareness of the cube 'leg'.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU88OHEerx6r6bRHJgeFFOh5loYut2Ny8vt3kmBaYWFOOipA8jAyaP81sHDBrwmwCOp0YmvmMzcCTioJHdeGQsh6v14N8UI0rKRiB9QvsBK9xnDB1UGe1Be0j7ugars4ToNNEKhwlKtw/s1600-h/DSC_0303P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU88OHEerx6r6bRHJgeFFOh5loYut2Ny8vt3kmBaYWFOOipA8jAyaP81sHDBrwmwCOp0YmvmMzcCTioJHdeGQsh6v14N8UI0rKRiB9QvsBK9xnDB1UGe1Be0j7ugars4ToNNEKhwlKtw/s400/DSC_0303P.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The other cube houses this fab silver bowl (formally wasn't being used... now in our pantry... you'll understand why soon). I filled it with extra pillow covers, etc to add some color (they were my fabric swatches in make-believe world). I added this off-white frame with linen mat and photo (torn from a PB mag) along with my linen in/out trays too. They may have been empty... but they sure were sexy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMd57uPy9Z_TVPZaF7HpIxlTAnW4Ig8Mx0S_c9845J96a-BHaVkTod_JJNNKtGiL1vhLiD69emFlQr4Wc5yo8aOlndyEZr1rJRCwWmq5W1eoDBZHm73jaOaPPnlN0sHWKSs2-fGLeXU7w/s1600-h/DSC_0301P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMd57uPy9Z_TVPZaF7HpIxlTAnW4Ig8Mx0S_c9845J96a-BHaVkTod_JJNNKtGiL1vhLiD69emFlQr4Wc5yo8aOlndyEZr1rJRCwWmq5W1eoDBZHm73jaOaPPnlN0sHWKSs2-fGLeXU7w/s400/DSC_0301P.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I'm so glad that we had kept this formally uber-hideous mirror. It was in our 1/2 bath when we moved in. Not only was it <i>painted</i> brass, in its reflection were the brand new brushed silver faucet and granite sink basin that the previous owner has updated. I guess that replacing the mirror was... overlooked? (Did I mention that someone had hung it by screwing directly <i>through</i> the wooden frame into the wall?!) </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Anyhoo, I painted it a light blue (left over paint from a guest room) and simply set it against the wall. (It didn't make all of the pics. Since this was about a 1am-3am project, the paining of the mirror didn't take place until the next day.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">A few crystal dishes and tea light candles, along with a couple of sticks from the yard, added some easy warmth to the black desk with such hard lines. (Well, <i>could've</i> been easy had Tampa not loved the sticks so much!) A sketch pad and my moleskine journal sit atop... oh how I love moleskine.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXzeKzOlsbKp6jU3X2yhAfmao6yKmfSGCm12KqwO-sXFD4IxOleSxCxWv6n9PUv2Oc-m1iaDcTjDmvkSP0I8_uQfn_DUdRQxiZZNFg0kDFbdpBHVXFYy40be9MimgQW9heYUY2EoUWBM/s1600-h/DSC_0317P2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXzeKzOlsbKp6jU3X2yhAfmao6yKmfSGCm12KqwO-sXFD4IxOleSxCxWv6n9PUv2Oc-m1iaDcTjDmvkSP0I8_uQfn_DUdRQxiZZNFg0kDFbdpBHVXFYy40be9MimgQW9heYUY2EoUWBM/s400/DSC_0317P2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This oversized clipboard was my answer to an inspiration board. (Although something more in the eye's view/less on the floor may just be <i>a little</i> more inspirational and reminding.) My 'shag' was an extra bath mat. The throw and pillow were added for extra comfort. I did cheat on one thing... this chair was 'borrowed' from the kitchen. I mean, who has extra chairs in their closets?? Hubby quickly reminded me that, although he loved my room, the chair should probably find its way back to the breakfast table :(</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecalOKhyphenhyphenm-X5D0r9jUdM8tQBMB7Jcal9X9XRm_UmY5E7ZDeEvTwJwCSBYd5GsMwJ1dXUvqyo2ceqD7mRRlljEjQeF2Wxp9R9oaD6WrRGcFhDcgpPlVEqbQcbwdT5xe91cIN-RtDnAErg/s1600-h/DSC_0307P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecalOKhyphenhyphenm-X5D0r9jUdM8tQBMB7Jcal9X9XRm_UmY5E7ZDeEvTwJwCSBYd5GsMwJ1dXUvqyo2ceqD7mRRlljEjQeF2Wxp9R9oaD6WrRGcFhDcgpPlVEqbQcbwdT5xe91cIN-RtDnAErg/s400/DSC_0307P.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ok everyone... say hello to my <i>one</i> design magazine. At least it's a good one! It's paperweight is the top of a glass canister and it sits next to a mini nickel frame and a vase of one of my favorites - hydrangeas, pulled from a bouquet hubby had brought home.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVLt2v5fh0NYov78kshIHRCgBEfTSJw1hApDwU7lfza96KyfLwyZ3J6I_cPweTvJ4yxVrKKSgwpkiVDQsui7Q1s2v3fgzuPlR4m5lPRNQGNRRTUDOhuKbBu-aa7VLUROYCTUUkjOj7_8/s1600-h/DSC_0306P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVLt2v5fh0NYov78kshIHRCgBEfTSJw1hApDwU7lfza96KyfLwyZ3J6I_cPweTvJ4yxVrKKSgwpkiVDQsui7Q1s2v3fgzuPlR4m5lPRNQGNRRTUDOhuKbBu-aa7VLUROYCTUUkjOj7_8/s400/DSC_0306P.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's say hello to the other side of the room too. Another chair was slipcovered (why yes, yes it is a wrinkled shower curtain) and accessorized with a belted pillow and spray of live greenery. Yep, there it is... went too far. The belted pillow I actually dig, but the spray?? Clearly not the inspiration I was going for and thankfully <i>not me. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YdPQLPKAefCU3ObIRQk2aKo5Leh_l2GQJLIMc9GS8-t3I2r6JGz8HgcSmOYADcdFRto_9OKYofntnCg08jj3Oy8BHzscLs33Scj6lK0BJYSCET57xlo5xjGubyBIL1Ll1rZ4gwx7yEQ/s1600-h/DSC_0309P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YdPQLPKAefCU3ObIRQk2aKo5Leh_l2GQJLIMc9GS8-t3I2r6JGz8HgcSmOYADcdFRto_9OKYofntnCg08jj3Oy8BHzscLs33Scj6lK0BJYSCET57xlo5xjGubyBIL1Ll1rZ4gwx7yEQ/s400/DSC_0309P.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And another cube was assigned the role of a side table. This 'inspiration' corner was ready to go with a few more mags, a larger sketch pad, the necessary art supplies, and a pedestal to keep a few more belts on-hand... because you just never know when you'll need to belt another pillow, right?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_zOpC1phvd3PPCuvFo9UtQFFdN4D7iwEf-FdDkIzN0TNwXXPRRQPbGcl4iyocqWJ0eSfxHEe3185KF2wjSfX-9u87PkNqHl8OPh537arrDUGJTAj05HXSSg-WsMzgO77JXQjOSK9qOQ/s1600-h/DSC_0312P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_zOpC1phvd3PPCuvFo9UtQFFdN4D7iwEf-FdDkIzN0TNwXXPRRQPbGcl4iyocqWJ0eSfxHEe3185KF2wjSfX-9u87PkNqHl8OPh537arrDUGJTAj05HXSSg-WsMzgO77JXQjOSK9qOQ/s400/DSC_0312P.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sadly, my office only lasted for about a month. We had boatloads of family come to visit for Christmas and the hubby felt that two guests rooms just weren't enough, we needed three. So, my make-shift office quickly became, well, a not-so-pretty 'before'! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Our other two guests rooms are a little more proper (i.e., real beds, etc), but this masterpiece was basically a fun space for the niece and nephew. Hubby wanted them to be able to have a room to escape to and enjoy some Wii, movies, etc. (Uncle Lou is pretty cool.) He even wanted to get another flat screen, but the Mrs. had to strongly contest this idea and so, he pulled an old box tv from the garage and set it up on two black cubes. I know! Those things are really working hard, aren't they?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>BEFORE AGAIN</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6ItqgnmfIVLt1iJOvdgIW-OBEMnjSqeNCvmbRBIedU6BijmU_-Dhbx6cV39pDU7lGuV0D2MHfdnZMXaWOjBJJO9_iV-A851V3qCdlHLXQ55bDewYG-o17ZK1H92ri_Duv2YDFwu8wQc/s1600-h/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6ItqgnmfIVLt1iJOvdgIW-OBEMnjSqeNCvmbRBIedU6BijmU_-Dhbx6cV39pDU7lGuV0D2MHfdnZMXaWOjBJJO9_iV-A851V3qCdlHLXQ55bDewYG-o17ZK1H92ri_Duv2YDFwu8wQc/s400/DSC_0035.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh yes, complete with a blow-up bed and... what's that... two <b>more</b> cubes acting as night stands. I just couldn't show the other wall. You can picture it though... a box tv, Wii, dvd player, lots of movies and a massage chair. Sounds pretty, doesn't it? If only I had found the time to put up some Miley Cyrus posters. Next year.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The box has sat this way since Christmas and I think that today will be the day to switch it back. Remember... focus needed! Unfortunately, some of the accessories used have now found other homes. I'll have to keep you posted on what ends up in the make-shift office this time. <br />
<br />
<b>I could really really use your help here.</b> Any ideas for other ways to use 'around the house' items? What are the must-haves that I'm going to need in a design office? If I bring myself to buy ONE thing... what should it be?<br />
<br />
Until next time ~<br />
<br />
Joanna</div>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-20548439982135429352010-02-08T15:18:00.002-06:002010-02-08T15:20:16.830-06:00NEVER. GIVE. UP.<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Monday! Just wanted to show you all why there isn't some super -stylish post here today ;)</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I spent ALL day yesterday working on this 'masterpiece' (ha!) instead:</div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFj12Tjq_ayIPHWXBHp4awobtiGfw5FRdFFl6RGxnBNCbkf2Jt1zMyGNyvXIcgoB1diXZgzZwsnEhRTSDabrsNv2VfW7laYZVm5zsG9BzZKSbc6pKAp0Rbq-0ab_DJM87g0wOYiZhYlbc/s1600-h/DSC_0021P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFj12Tjq_ayIPHWXBHp4awobtiGfw5FRdFFl6RGxnBNCbkf2Jt1zMyGNyvXIcgoB1diXZgzZwsnEhRTSDabrsNv2VfW7laYZVm5zsG9BzZKSbc6pKAp0Rbq-0ab_DJM87g0wOYiZhYlbc/s400/DSC_0021P.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Awww shit... <b>that</b> can't be good!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh well... we can just cut the bottom off, right?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YRqM8SFfNJMPiuYODSUHZP_2f8OFiAiukYTTWyHG2fH7PcvwaK40Ola-DFzZJhR0ho0AAELQCNDoc2d3NMP31sgcuampHsqnem5tcRiIOmDbfSdeg531clwryi-Bwfy05b2p1udidOE/s1600-h/DSC_0022P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YRqM8SFfNJMPiuYODSUHZP_2f8OFiAiukYTTWyHG2fH7PcvwaK40Ola-DFzZJhR0ho0AAELQCNDoc2d3NMP31sgcuampHsqnem5tcRiIOmDbfSdeg531clwryi-Bwfy05b2p1udidOE/s400/DSC_0022P.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hmmm... didn't expect it to <b>fall apart</b> too!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>SIX hours later...</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArjhrGSoHUPPsi1XuKW48ie6-f3aU-SRBLm7_sgRvdfuPouiPDeb67gTwuE2PT5tl5qmX3pguXp2twHC0VVk7ILIpjr3Y2f5tUYjyFSA9WAjN18RKmTGO4gMgHg50YlCyUrw2jg-3m34/s1600-h/DSC_0035P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArjhrGSoHUPPsi1XuKW48ie6-f3aU-SRBLm7_sgRvdfuPouiPDeb67gTwuE2PT5tl5qmX3pguXp2twHC0VVk7ILIpjr3Y2f5tUYjyFSA9WAjN18RKmTGO4gMgHg50YlCyUrw2jg-3m34/s400/DSC_0035P.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ta-Da! (Ok ok, I know it's not gorgeous... but at least it was one fine save!)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdga6M7Bhsmu8AvqxZ_EYSLoxw-wSPwqkU33CARdsx1WVWlUkJaES3_NVebSXBvjaxaaLgsPomoQWx4wOxnQ17vx8VX8lRevGckRNvAr8E1haDaPW9nt5Ixq3NLEmCFP7_BDtpfCTCFA/s1600-h/DSC_0036P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdga6M7Bhsmu8AvqxZ_EYSLoxw-wSPwqkU33CARdsx1WVWlUkJaES3_NVebSXBvjaxaaLgsPomoQWx4wOxnQ17vx8VX8lRevGckRNvAr8E1haDaPW9nt5Ixq3NLEmCFP7_BDtpfCTCFA/s400/DSC_0036P.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And at least I got to watch (scratch that - <b>listen to</b>) all of the pre-game talks!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Poor Tampa... It was a tough loss, wasn't it buddy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYJEor75wPmhylzOygRkzMGnhC93flSfLDQ-0qahyphenhyphendFwBqSuAWkqVmtImtswGWWlL5Gg0htFAaxCGC9HEEIhMAhXC-3vheJauZE-kd0Cmp72obBLjc-t73wyOwAJGeUMtTkwoT6UwbFc/s1600-h/DSC_0027P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYJEor75wPmhylzOygRkzMGnhC93flSfLDQ-0qahyphenhyphendFwBqSuAWkqVmtImtswGWWlL5Gg0htFAaxCGC9HEEIhMAhXC-3vheJauZE-kd0Cmp72obBLjc-t73wyOwAJGeUMtTkwoT6UwbFc/s400/DSC_0027P.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Nothing like a floor shot to remind me to cut the chair tags!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Until next time ~</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Joanna</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-45421394378772405822010-02-04T01:02:00.010-06:002010-02-04T02:14:10.378-06:00SUPER BOWL READY! Look Ma... No Cords! (Or cable boxes, or remotes...)Marriage... some people say it's the epitome of compromise. But hey - can't it just to be two people, two minds, two (typically very different) opinions... that come together and form one kick-ass team? So then, it's really not a compromise - just building on each other's ideas to come up with an even cooler one. <br />
<br />
One area of home decor that's sure to call for such conversation between man and woman... the TV. I can easily accept (and actually kinda like... shhhh!) all things masculine when it comes to a good movie-watchin' room... but there's never gonna be any love for cords or cable boxes. Ever.<br />
<div style="text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvoAvdKsSCNjTM3gmfp1VvUepmCzaZRKGSoq400cNRyPK552DdsfQCX3LWBTpyJmiDfyRhho7zfdq_vPsgIzRIWUHMZascjn5eymI-QJTfj011G6FR7pQ8gphMQi0Uxby3-HHqM5N3_A/s1600-h/DSC_0006P1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvoAvdKsSCNjTM3gmfp1VvUepmCzaZRKGSoq400cNRyPK552DdsfQCX3LWBTpyJmiDfyRhho7zfdq_vPsgIzRIWUHMZascjn5eymI-QJTfj011G6FR7pQ8gphMQi0Uxby3-HHqM5N3_A/s400/DSC_0006P1.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Fortunately, my Mr. understood - and even agreed. He was able to hide all of our cords and boxes and he got us down to one (yes ONE) remote that even a blonde like me can work! Here's how:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">~ He cut and wired a new outlet directly behind the TV to plug the power cord in to. We just wrapped the additional length of the cord and tucked it behind the TV.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">~ We then ordered a Sony Wireless HMDI Transmitter (retails for $1,000 - ouch! - but we found one for 75% off on Ebay!). This enables all equipment to run wirelessly (no HDMIs running the to TV). This look can still be achieved without the wireless transmitter, just run the cables through your wall.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">~ Next, the remote of all remotes! This baby is so easy to use and, even better, eliminates your need for a cable remote, surround sound remote, DVD remote, you get the picture.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpx9E2UpXwjch5s6pqDDGXy8Ufo6G1gM0GwoapLM5_c5xSJHrRpg2yVRfChLt-2F4MDnV4L1dPJisvZlwW-nRH1yNANzn0v6MVUqeF2MPPzAR6x2BIPYg9w7AhbYn8G2EzdT0pDZbt_30/s1600-h/DSC_0030P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpx9E2UpXwjch5s6pqDDGXy8Ufo6G1gM0GwoapLM5_c5xSJHrRpg2yVRfChLt-2F4MDnV4L1dPJisvZlwW-nRH1yNANzn0v6MVUqeF2MPPzAR6x2BIPYg9w7AhbYn8G2EzdT0pDZbt_30/s400/DSC_0030P.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Logitech remote - a universal remote that can even control your lighting and heating/cooling... now <b>that's</b> what I call a lazy Sunday!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not only does it eliminate multiple remotes, it also goes through doors! (Magic, I know.) So, we were able to hide all of our equipment in the cabinets... Yay! You have NO idea how happy that makes me. :D</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">No cable modem, or DVR box, or transmitter box, or wireless router showing...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-553RymPqcGmLDvjU7vg4avxuahTLJLyMJWGG4y-toU_v6TzW7KnX8ymEtevbcgVdDlQLNK3hXnoKZ8NWinD-NbyGSx7xkZ5ueayUn_tzkWdxftkpJmUuivz5AvuzG7QIolK-RbK8vI/s1600-h/DSC_0010P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-553RymPqcGmLDvjU7vg4avxuahTLJLyMJWGG4y-toU_v6TzW7KnX8ymEtevbcgVdDlQLNK3hXnoKZ8NWinD-NbyGSx7xkZ5ueayUn_tzkWdxftkpJmUuivz5AvuzG7QIolK-RbK8vI/s400/DSC_0010P.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">No DVD player, or Bose something, or Apple TV component...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAlGf_4z9qBA7oLrPgsX4C3w8zUf6stsSd7dqaoIZn9SaFjfS0Zs-b2ZcaL6TFd6YZYgzz4oPydwpvfQ5bpWud98I8x6JYXDyqY0M-QQXL7xI0BYVOvwH7o5LfqLscURgyAA9NH2qYp4/s1600-h/DSC_0014P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAlGf_4z9qBA7oLrPgsX4C3w8zUf6stsSd7dqaoIZn9SaFjfS0Zs-b2ZcaL6TFd6YZYgzz4oPydwpvfQ5bpWud98I8x6JYXDyqY0M-QQXL7xI0BYVOvwH7o5LfqLscURgyAA9NH2qYp4/s400/DSC_0014P.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">No Monster Power strip, or another Bose something, or Playstation...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7sp5yeskdgPAPxfn_KgA7Th5OBS7DL3TLWAqK34Cflllb3SxT569PXpA2NJyYxOKhFJHGvE1B4DlJp7_nqYI7KBLwW3L0CaE4QoSuLJh_ZeK6kioXg6EnmB7Fwt3937-abkv7l1tBLc/s1600-h/DSC_0012P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7sp5yeskdgPAPxfn_KgA7Th5OBS7DL3TLWAqK34Cflllb3SxT569PXpA2NJyYxOKhFJHGvE1B4DlJp7_nqYI7KBLwW3L0CaE4QoSuLJh_ZeK6kioXg6EnmB7Fwt3937-abkv7l1tBLc/s400/DSC_0012P.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just THIS.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3De5WdIaOu-fkiFIPmEzKs4ePtP-Xxlqg-Ohcax-ht7evbCA5IvXww6ew01bVOuqs8tidN1SLsTwnKMBasrr68n7G8fl_AZ02b-e3u71sSUKYRe2DpuBQHt0e8_gDj1MjYk_pAX2LKvg/s1600-h/DSC_0009P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3De5WdIaOu-fkiFIPmEzKs4ePtP-Xxlqg-Ohcax-ht7evbCA5IvXww6ew01bVOuqs8tidN1SLsTwnKMBasrr68n7G8fl_AZ02b-e3u71sSUKYRe2DpuBQHt0e8_gDj1MjYk_pAX2LKvg/s400/DSC_0009P.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Three cabinets, always closed, hiding away the boatloads of 'essentials', and perhaps in need of some super cute hardware.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next, it's on to 'blending-in' the surround sound speakers. We would have gone with flush-mount ceiling speakers, but we tend to move a lot and wanted to be able to bring it with us. That left us with the Bose surround sound, which came in either black or white speakers. We wanted black for the front speakers that go next to the TV, but preferred white for the rear speakers that get hung from the ceiling. Of course, that wasn't an option. (Hey, Bose... are you listening?) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">SO, it called for a little savviness. We bought the system in black, ordered two brand new rear speakers in white from Ebay, and then sold ours. It didn't cost us any more and the Mrs. got her wish!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjNstk5z0_vlgwjvot4brSizwrQj025LOadpIEo6eU0AKzpDkqxdUEMgBNu_vbRDman-5n2rQo0lHMpjKZbExfiWmgsDpOqK3zOIxOjpRHJ5WEvl76eJ40fy0GSSR3ESzeJMwGMHzjHk/s1600-h/DSC_0019P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjNstk5z0_vlgwjvot4brSizwrQj025LOadpIEo6eU0AKzpDkqxdUEMgBNu_vbRDman-5n2rQo0lHMpjKZbExfiWmgsDpOqK3zOIxOjpRHJ5WEvl76eJ40fy0GSSR3ESzeJMwGMHzjHk/s400/DSC_0019P.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Rear speaker in white blend much betta with the ceiling.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's an example of how to sexify a bedroom TV that only has a cable box to consider. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">~ Once again, the hubby cut and wired a new outlet directly behind the TV to accommodate the power cord. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">~ Then we simply tucked the cable box into the space between the TV and the wall. It rests on top of the mount, so it never slips or comes loose. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cable boxes and remotes these days do not need a direct line of sight, just a proximity; Therefore, most remotes do not have to be directly 'hitting' the cable box to operate. I guess design can thank modern technology for this one! I'd love to do a gorgeous frame around this TV, but that'll have to wait for our bedroom remodel, and remember, this is a post on nixing all things plastic and technical ;)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjW8fic49o5h9S0Eo8v0Qc9W6TrtLQBAe-bkMJehUmySM5sTj10FJsG5jfc1UzYR0qFJqlNN1jguxctS5zh54v6omb-nmp1JCgi3_pDhqNiFa3P3JogHgT6PJqTZgfoKsa-U_kM_XkJ7U/s1600-h/DSC_0176P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjW8fic49o5h9S0Eo8v0Qc9W6TrtLQBAe-bkMJehUmySM5sTj10FJsG5jfc1UzYR0qFJqlNN1jguxctS5zh54v6omb-nmp1JCgi3_pDhqNiFa3P3JogHgT6PJqTZgfoKsa-U_kM_XkJ7U/s400/DSC_0176P.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Without a visible cable box, our shelf can be used simply for decor (and yes, I know that it needs more of it). P.S. Our bedroom isn't olive green, it's just the pic. I'd love to give you a truly beautiful name of the wall color, but that's not an option either. The 'non-olive' walls were pre-us and are next to go!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">And finally, the room that only a woman could ever understand its undeniable <b>need</b> for company in the form of a telly. I seriously spend probably 90% of my at-home time in this room... THE KITCHEN. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I decided a few months after moving into our house that I really wanted some 'company' in the kitchen. I wanted a stainless steel TV but no stores seemed to carry them. Resorting to the internet I found just what momma was looking for: A 20" Stainless Steel LCD Toshiba. Upon further deal-surfing, I was able to order this $750 TV for only $250 from mcmelectronics.com. Score.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMt38axYbx-6QSfBPIoLG0NmaFsewy9b8ZVPDybco0_0uPfQVdolN5LjrHAl81Vg86mnSAmh929KE0b7_L0qg-WtZ1sSt0vL2N26u0wEHExxF_fnY1aw-M1QuxLEjIVYjRG-otaBBZpQ/s1600-h/DSC_0006P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMt38axYbx-6QSfBPIoLG0NmaFsewy9b8ZVPDybco0_0uPfQVdolN5LjrHAl81Vg86mnSAmh929KE0b7_L0qg-WtZ1sSt0vL2N26u0wEHExxF_fnY1aw-M1QuxLEjIVYjRG-otaBBZpQ/s400/DSC_0006P.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Football nut (Mr.) + Indiana native (Mrs.) = nonstop NFL network lately.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">We went with a swivel and tilt wall mount for the kitchen and are SO happy with that decision. I can position it for easy viewing while I'm cooking away, chopping away or sitting at the table blogging away. The best part? It matches my appliances which just makes me smile :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Since this TV is quite a bit smaller than the others, we couldn't attach the cable box to the back of it. So, Mr. Inventive came up with a super cheap and super easy fix. Two basic brackets, less than $1 each at our local hardware store, mount the cable box underneath the upper bookcase. The cords are ran through a thin white pipe for a less-conspicuous look. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9jjksx-mQiG3O36163H3qXyI9UvyQovgtO0L6bZ_kqcuuXcOaI3qLJzx1MiD_W75o8_02JaPX5GEMDXI62ksCWwd9OC8zlLDQTMhsIqKVuQI2ZCODQHEe2puxYGpsMaW1C1uZJiMnK8/s1600-h/DSC_0197P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9jjksx-mQiG3O36163H3qXyI9UvyQovgtO0L6bZ_kqcuuXcOaI3qLJzx1MiD_W75o8_02JaPX5GEMDXI62ksCWwd9OC8zlLDQTMhsIqKVuQI2ZCODQHEe2puxYGpsMaW1C1uZJiMnK8/s400/DSC_0197P.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>More game talk. At least it's paired with a pretty pic of the 'Welcome to Australia' flowers Lou gave me (in the spirit of the upcoming lovers holiday).</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ok, so now that us ladies are going to have our no cords, no cable boxes, no dvd players, no gazillion remotes... let's at least give our men everything that makes game day FUN. You know my theory, I'm all for classing up any situation. But I don't think that we should ever forego the fun stuff in an effort to be 'design-right'. Sometimes, you just gotta let your hair down when it comes to decorating and party planning... in the interest of a good time. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So let your hubby put out his helmets,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbpl0v-EGjohwm-RUMNy5yFkp25x3__YWUz8CCTwbwoXCehjGydVQw8-QjA2egUVAR3EqAw-NB8juA_XQpMqFleS3awi5Jgn3-4Xkp_He8wIIeszXuXdTPXOz3MsJ2QpGeeQr7rZ_hvM/s1600-h/DSC_0026P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbpl0v-EGjohwm-RUMNy5yFkp25x3__YWUz8CCTwbwoXCehjGydVQw8-QjA2egUVAR3EqAw-NB8juA_XQpMqFleS3awi5Jgn3-4Xkp_He8wIIeszXuXdTPXOz3MsJ2QpGeeQr7rZ_hvM/s400/DSC_0026P.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...grab that 'team-themed' chip bowl,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib92x2JOMSZcqXYJylN66QwXop5GHkVmwz2jMYfIwaLRN_5aGBCj-mS8-qh_m43Pu6qDdjyF5Hhz_PJI4GaJNkIA_jpn9CuknxGIWadrE8HkHfD6hUpvD-D6HfjZ964JbFsR_fPBqmYc0/s1600-h/DSC_0016P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib92x2JOMSZcqXYJylN66QwXop5GHkVmwz2jMYfIwaLRN_5aGBCj-mS8-qh_m43Pu6qDdjyF5Hhz_PJI4GaJNkIA_jpn9CuknxGIWadrE8HkHfD6hUpvD-D6HfjZ964JbFsR_fPBqmYc0/s400/DSC_0016P.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">...aww hell, let him have his homemade Lombardi trophy too - complete with duct tape and all (I know I know, but the big V-Day is coming up... might as well remind him just how cool we are.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzql8C0EKvtNXZB6y9LdLfAIWN41N0OcMGZMNzumteCFDpPuwVbXpOMNMGo-m1DlL6QORCzfFvCrRa286gCoRgNdRm-iQo-eTbddSI9SLSepJ959Y_xlbzjJL46afn5lxGGimXiWzBS7k/s1600-h/DSC_0002P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzql8C0EKvtNXZB6y9LdLfAIWN41N0OcMGZMNzumteCFDpPuwVbXpOMNMGo-m1DlL6QORCzfFvCrRa286gCoRgNdRm-iQo-eTbddSI9SLSepJ959Y_xlbzjJL46afn5lxGGimXiWzBS7k/s400/DSC_0002P.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Be proud of your paraphernalia and just have a good time! Your hubby deserves it. After all, he's worked hard hiding all of those wires ;)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>My Super Bowl prediction: I'll definitely be cheering for the Colts, however I think that the Saints have this one.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Who's your Super Bowl pick?</b></div><br />
My Super Bowl Advice: If you're considering purchasing a TV prior to the big game, I wouldn't recommend. Our pre-game purchase last year dropped $1,000 in price only 3 months afterwards.<br />
<br />
Thanks so much for joining me in my fight to end all public cording. Please let me know if you have any questions and I'd love to learn if you have other ways of 'hiding'. As always, I love love love your comments! <br />
<br />
~ Joanna<br />
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P.S. I will probably leave this post up until after Super Bowl Sunday. Catch ya next week!<br />
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</div>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-60807179789053787142010-02-03T10:59:00.000-06:002010-02-03T10:59:43.448-06:00THERE'S the Velvety Green Chair!<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Helllllooooooo! So sorry for the <i>way</i> long absence... I really didn't fall off the face of the earth, although those who know me best wouldn't be all that surprised if I had... I am a <b>really</b> big klutz! (Remind me to tell you sometime about my oh-so-grand entrance into the Guillaume at Bennelong (THE restaurant in Sydney's Opera House)...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Note to self: The below boots are only super chic if you can manage to make it to your table without tumbling down the 10 steps first. Oh ya, it happened... I landed SMACK dab in the middle of the restaurant, right at the feet of a few other patrons. (Although if you're ever pinched for pennies, this is apparently a great way to score free champagne from a classy restaurant ;)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFT-WglrYX5FWMOGru2SvWIiPmCVxLmNxVlRBSniQ8qaROjMsqxZtM-JKuJWRi6HmiRXNxSBjNxItanHqUApfLSLEX6xqlARi7DdomKBUu87KiNg7RtKzGJD6Ce2L4xm_ABmxTqGiGpDI/s1600-h/DSC_0200P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFT-WglrYX5FWMOGru2SvWIiPmCVxLmNxVlRBSniQ8qaROjMsqxZtM-JKuJWRi6HmiRXNxSBjNxItanHqUApfLSLEX6xqlARi7DdomKBUu87KiNg7RtKzGJD6Ce2L4xm_ABmxTqGiGpDI/s400/DSC_0200P.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Back to the blogging absence... I was actually without internet (AND t.v.... arggg!) for 8 days. I'd like to say that it was a semi-vacation free from all things technical and filled with books and magazines and everything cozy. Unfortunately it was 8 FULL days (and counting) of stress filled phone calls and repairman visits trying to get everything fixed... Gotta love cable companies :(</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Anyhoo... Just wanted to let you know that I'll be posting a 'real post' on here today. It's going to be an instructional post on how to put a sophisticated touch on the oh-so-masculine Super Bowl necessities - T.V., the uber-ugly cable boxes, etc. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">'Look ma... No cords!'</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Joanna =)</div>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-33291912610328748192010-01-21T10:20:00.001-06:002010-01-21T10:22:15.810-06:00Mr. Obvious... Is that YOU I'm lusting after??Although my design style is ever evolving (especially now ~ thanks to my realization <a href="http://chandelierno4.blogspot.com/2009/12/inappropriate-comment-new-leaf-turned.html">here</a>), one thing has <i>always</i> been consistent... my dislike for Mr. Obvious. <br />
<br />
You've met him before. He's the room that takes a theme WAY to far. You know what I'm talking about. That study that houses tons of books (kind of it's<i> job</i>), but then goes on to cover the remaining walls with a bunch of pictures of books and has a book-printed upholstered sofa and images of books on the lampshade... you get the picture. Or that sports theme room that went insanely overboard. We've ALL seen those!<br />
<br />
You see, although some designers may be able to pull off the 'theme room' really well, it's just never been my cup of tea. Instead, I'll try to 'imply' a theme without putting it all out there. Kinda like how all of the girly magazines used to tell us to show a little without giving the whole package away. Anyhoo... I like to try implying the style through less-obvious accessories. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Like this ladder in our library:<br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rIRwMDUqEpXC6zpuBfBeuykdiufJGqbtZB2a1IiYDazg_IwPy0uylldrQsxlcARSIm5owa_ltM-0NKX_Mgb-WLYkMMJi2T-vPH83fb9ju_qoN37HELTiO2cvwIZAxjYLbADo0_HoCE8/s1600-h/DSC_0158_01P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rIRwMDUqEpXC6zpuBfBeuykdiufJGqbtZB2a1IiYDazg_IwPy0uylldrQsxlcARSIm5owa_ltM-0NKX_Mgb-WLYkMMJi2T-vPH83fb9ju_qoN37HELTiO2cvwIZAxjYLbADo0_HoCE8/s400/DSC_0158_01P.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We found it at an antique store outside Sydney and used it as our 'bookcase' while we lived in Australia. It now hangs on our wall below our built-ins. I just love the sentiment and story behind it and it says 'library' to us without being too overt.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Or these photos in our kitchen:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0PElrARF-Ut-oTJKmy4ZiSka0XFuCorH9IzRnnH2U0VYA4LJu_3FGIaZZ6v6MPQH0QSx_Vy7FbiDJlfUFVXoSaMDeOX9cR0hwC5__zp0PUrCNhBR44csE67t52zuKXJ-3Js2FLmJ2_8/s1600-h/DSC_0161P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0PElrARF-Ut-oTJKmy4ZiSka0XFuCorH9IzRnnH2U0VYA4LJu_3FGIaZZ6v6MPQH0QSx_Vy7FbiDJlfUFVXoSaMDeOX9cR0hwC5__zp0PUrCNhBR44csE67t52zuKXJ-3Js2FLmJ2_8/s400/DSC_0161P.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Wagamama... Our favorite casual eatery in Oz. Oh how I miss you Waga.</i><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4E4Gsg8LJkYG7gTr4YVw5Ejo87sz7nprvptTZt3zc9N3SJej2NU2T0Uyc-FP8RYHY_Qx0esc0N0tq-IU3WeMlmCRnSNg_qKzoENkfr-cmAd2PoxfL_Fnb61RcwaXBHZitJbXxmyeUmWc/s1600-h/DSC_0164P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4E4Gsg8LJkYG7gTr4YVw5Ejo87sz7nprvptTZt3zc9N3SJej2NU2T0Uyc-FP8RYHY_Qx0esc0N0tq-IU3WeMlmCRnSNg_qKzoENkfr-cmAd2PoxfL_Fnb61RcwaXBHZitJbXxmyeUmWc/s400/DSC_0164P.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Two of our faves: St. Elmos in Indy, where we held our 'Meet the Family' dinner during our wedding weekend. Bond 45 in NYC, eat there every time we're in the city. LOVE it.</i><br />
</div><br />
We chose pics that we had taken of our favorite restaurants with fabulous memories, instead of store-bought pics of grapes or apples or something along those lines.<br />
<div><br />
</div><br />
At least in all of my design uncertainty, I know what I <i>don't</i> like.... <i><b>or do I?? </b></i> My sister sent me a text this morning telling me how much she loved these pillows that she had seen online. So, running to my laptop I went; googled the store; searched the product name and BAM. There it was... Mr. Obvious, staring back at me. After a few moments of shifty eyes and uncomfortable 'looks', I soon realized that my normal reaction (of instant nausea) just wasn't happening. But what in the world <i>was</i> happening inside me?? Is that... is that <i>you</i> Mr. Lust?? Shit it is! <br />
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Now, I'm a super happily married gal, but... can ya blame me? How can you not lust after <i>this</i> Mr. Obvious? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UTPkOGXju-m_NOqbmBCXusND0swtVf0cFGkisNjeLBznN_wFWSEEMxhTM-2mdLj1KeXGzEFqMOKg5ZalVnwDJeIjmYX38CTmt_QRLcjikmMaqd6oK1P5bdZrRWOEAvWnfzMaivPjpqo/s1600-h/FP805_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UTPkOGXju-m_NOqbmBCXusND0swtVf0cFGkisNjeLBznN_wFWSEEMxhTM-2mdLj1KeXGzEFqMOKg5ZalVnwDJeIjmYX38CTmt_QRLcjikmMaqd6oK1P5bdZrRWOEAvWnfzMaivPjpqo/s400/FP805_1.jpeg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pillows available from Ballard Designs, ranging from $49-$75. Jute/cotton fabric with poly-fill insert included.</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ok, so the popcorn pillow is a little<i> too</i> obvious for me. But check out the movie ticket and film reel... kinda hot aren't they! After several minutes of back and forth, I couldn't keep myself from picturing those two pillows in our media room. That is, until I got another text from my sis and realized that she had meant she loved them... for <i>her</i>. Darn! Hmmmm... maybe she'll trade the pillows for Mr. Lobster. (She's been trying to steal him for years. You can meet him <a href="http://chandelierno4.blogspot.com/2010/01/lesson-learned.html">here</a>.)<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, what's your take on Mr. Obvious (in general)? <b>Is he your type? </b><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">P.S. A sign maybe?? I picked up a catalog last night that I had been sitting untouched for about a week now. I looked at the title and it was... Ballard Design! I had never heard of them or received a catalog before. Two introductions in one day... kinda weird, huh? Anyhoo... I'm thinking of ordering a foot stool from their catalog, but clearly haven't ever shopped with them before. Does anyone know about the quality of their goods? Would love to get a feel before ordering anything.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for letting me share my lust!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">~Joanna<br />
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</div>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-54094896040273134422010-01-20T10:32:00.000-06:002010-01-20T10:32:59.164-06:00Lesson Learned...So you know how you think that you look really fab in something... and then you see a picture of yourself... and you go 'wtf was I thinking??' <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VEZeOSqg9QVLwfzkn1gIlHYGX-Zhc03Y1jDiOV3ejOcdAJfnmbVVZBonlNzG2LFCTa-pwB1BW2mZ7-RGocekSgliQi1I-VAcDP42HtjoECvU1GMtluaB5mWRFOzDGB85G4es6vYj-m8/s1600-h/paris_berlin_2007P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VEZeOSqg9QVLwfzkn1gIlHYGX-Zhc03Y1jDiOV3ejOcdAJfnmbVVZBonlNzG2LFCTa-pwB1BW2mZ7-RGocekSgliQi1I-VAcDP42HtjoECvU1GMtluaB5mWRFOzDGB85G4es6vYj-m8/s400/paris_berlin_2007P.jpg" width="142" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh my dear dear Paris... </i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Multiplying animal prints <b>can</b> be done, but it takes <b>a lot</b> of skill... or a <b>really</b> great stylist. </i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh my, and the jacket... the shoes... </i><br />
</div><br />
Yep... it happens to the best of us... and apparently, not only when dressing our bodies. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Exhibit A<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmIimDGnytA0wr0cbV3ZHP8wldeeTxSAhWzlYz_dob0s5yW94cZiCuAhofLGFeOr2L2_gySQ0Hfb1UjBxzYrXRbHVfI7NVSHmGjQGcHzqWUaFT6NbNFYTm2_-3uDf3JrVAbDBWKfoupE/s1600-h/DSC_0151P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmIimDGnytA0wr0cbV3ZHP8wldeeTxSAhWzlYz_dob0s5yW94cZiCuAhofLGFeOr2L2_gySQ0Hfb1UjBxzYrXRbHVfI7NVSHmGjQGcHzqWUaFT6NbNFYTm2_-3uDf3JrVAbDBWKfoupE/s400/DSC_0151P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The 'after' from Tuesday's post. If you missed it, you can see a lot more pics <a href="http://chandelierno4.blogspot.com/2010/01/pantry-before-after-simple-stylish.html">here</a>.</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i><br />
</div>Now, I know what you're saying... ' THAT super-chic pantry - what's wrong with it ;) ' Well, I <i>do</i> still love it... the organization, all of the canisters, the silver touches, and - of course - my new <b>built-in</b> wine fridge! BUT... after looking at the pics of the shelves... I just feel like it's missing something. Missing a bit of personality, you know, that <b>statement</b> accessory. <br />
<br />
So, now I'm thinking of adding a bit of color and pattern to the mix. I love the idea that Christy from <a href="http://www.alilwelshrarebit.com/">http://www.alilwelshrarebit.com/</a> suggested of papering the back walls of the shelves. I was planning this <i>same thing</i> for my closet redo, but I can surely use it twice in my house, right?<br />
<br />
I'm really loving this Racine wallpaper. I think that the strong turquoise background with the velvet overly of emerald green is just so so chic. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvjeKc7tXYhy5Olg3xK6ObF46FJXG41uFAuaXnVDijn8GgZ0Fb4jLKC3jgssTc2tt3b25s8TcBoY0j0NVVhsExHVR9hAx4Z0-Q7PkyHNNPvBzCwaEdCmqzsIr8oRYR4Iy0e-QoHsKzB4/s1600-h/Racine+Wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvjeKc7tXYhy5Olg3xK6ObF46FJXG41uFAuaXnVDijn8GgZ0Fb4jLKC3jgssTc2tt3b25s8TcBoY0j0NVVhsExHVR9hAx4Z0-Q7PkyHNNPvBzCwaEdCmqzsIr8oRYR4Iy0e-QoHsKzB4/s400/Racine+Wallpaper.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If I go with this or something similar to this paper, I'll add some of our copper into the mix. Copper and turquoise really appeal to me here. Or perhaps I can achieve that color mix with a super-sexy (<i>not</i> beachy) coral and turquoise paper. Hmmm.... copper or coral...<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRpOveI3bnWWQZSUm6RoUoMd-yuPZmxGxXJ2zzkKlByncYBW2zv8-caV418i-5_XD1vrd_OOF_M2Ru3fZObHS0BEE0D3HF808yY4MctcsgVBzmjsf34bnJQB8v6dbIKyc9fpFaAzbZaw/s1600-h/DSC_0180P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRpOveI3bnWWQZSUm6RoUoMd-yuPZmxGxXJ2zzkKlByncYBW2zv8-caV418i-5_XD1vrd_OOF_M2Ru3fZObHS0BEE0D3HF808yY4MctcsgVBzmjsf34bnJQB8v6dbIKyc9fpFaAzbZaw/s400/DSC_0180P.jpg" width="277" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mauviel copper champagne bucket (available at Williams Sonoma)... and Mr. Lobster, another Bayswiss purchase (in Australia)... oh ya, and more jars!</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>So, what's my hard-learned lesson here?? When in doubt (or not in doubt)... always TAKE A PIC. And study it. There's just something about 2D that seems to show us what a space <i>really</i> looks like. It may<b> </b><i><b>f</b></i><i><b>eel</b></i> different and ultra fab in person (thanks to textures that can't always transition into photos)... but it will <i><b>look</b></i> like it does in the picture. (Which tends to be much more honest than our eyes at portraying beauty and style.) So, are your finished rooms the look you were going for?<br />
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Ahhhh.... thanks for letting me have a look back in 2D and have a little laugh! As always... the tufted green chair loves loves loves your comments and ideas.<br />
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Ok... gotta go click away... feel free to send me any of your pics as well!<br />
<br />
~Joanna~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-15423972254272899922010-01-19T07:06:00.007-06:002010-01-19T07:51:13.188-06:00Pantry BEFORE & AFTER: Simple, Stylish StorageA pantry facelift may not be a 'need', but it can definitely be a <i><b>want</b></i>! It's a much frequented space that requires very little time and money to 'dress up'.<br />
<br />
The way-long pantry comfortably held the wine fridge (our solution to the limited space issue in the counter-depth fridge); However, it definitely looked like it didn't belong there. So, we decided to rectify the awkward space... and then gave the rest of the pantry a little sprucing too.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>BEFORE</b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOK4cvsW1_gfnFE0eSLikvTnE8j1H1O4q7PMCqd1Ofth_QeA5tN5BwFHOw037EESHf3wmuqDCIVCTvAc2ZrD_x9OG48GCxkcF6whl1WuCc9Qsp8HHJ-VV2Umxm4dzTBfQVz78GR4b8pUQ/s1600-h/DSC_0324P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOK4cvsW1_gfnFE0eSLikvTnE8j1H1O4q7PMCqd1Ofth_QeA5tN5BwFHOw037EESHf3wmuqDCIVCTvAc2ZrD_x9OG48GCxkcF6whl1WuCc9Qsp8HHJ-VV2Umxm4dzTBfQVz78GR4b8pUQ/s400/DSC_0324P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A roomy pantry, but it featured a 'difficult to use' end space thanks to the slant of the ceiling.</i><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>AFTER</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfvExOSE0EFDVjT_ChdJDsS7rVUDshQOxK-Vtz4CH-xXsmzjtVb1Y4zsnfqCF4pMhutWKaBiMGL_gpmPkh0x2hLGmcVa6lAw05N7SeV8h5Mmyuwdp3XrwDv1EnOermkyxVkNTAtHjjx0/s1600-h/DSC_0151P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfvExOSE0EFDVjT_ChdJDsS7rVUDshQOxK-Vtz4CH-xXsmzjtVb1Y4zsnfqCF4pMhutWKaBiMGL_gpmPkh0x2hLGmcVa6lAw05N7SeV8h5Mmyuwdp3XrwDv1EnOermkyxVkNTAtHjjx0/s400/DSC_0151P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Now a sexier space that works much better for us.</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hubby built a custom space with a some sheetrock, 2x4's and a little bit of trim. The project only took a couple of hours at most and anyone can do it (hubby's a business man, not a builder... and I think he did a great job :) A doorway was left underneath so that we still have lots of storage space behind the new wall.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ok, so most pantries don't need additional walls... but you <i>can</i> <i>still</i> create a space that shows off your great style and makes you smile when you enter (which isn't always a given in such a food-related place ;) <br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now, in case you're wondering if anyone will ever see your pantry... they will. I never realized how 'frequented' it was until after we re-did ours before Christmas. Not only were all of our house guests in and out of it all week, but even our neighbors and friends have seen it! The kitchen seems to be a 'gathering spot' in homes these days, and think of how many times you open your pantries and closets when entertaining guests... Scary, huh! Ok, no worries... come join me for some quick and easy fixes:<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>First... CLEAR THE FLOOR</b><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQqEALOjHG06bWfGAJNIg_rTYe1muegwh9zIWZtvlD-THEODQ5FpMOzQwnCxEDHwU6K_sS6onka2zMGPrFF5wc3XW4z2TDm-vFlC7FmgonGLJsBq-PAE3AzzwmH1jFH59re34CBrSlVM/s1600-h/DSC_0151_1P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQqEALOjHG06bWfGAJNIg_rTYe1muegwh9zIWZtvlD-THEODQ5FpMOzQwnCxEDHwU6K_sS6onka2zMGPrFF5wc3XW4z2TDm-vFlC7FmgonGLJsBq-PAE3AzzwmH1jFH59re34CBrSlVM/s400/DSC_0151_1P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Baskets from World Market.</span><br />
</div></div><br />
Baskets are an inexpensive way to organize and fancy-up your pantry. These are great for grouping our paper towels, recycling, potatoes, additional water, shopping bags and grocery sacks (which always seemed to 'crawl' out of their assigned spot before).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Next... CANISTERS</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiVd9fV9ynKPkvDGgTxVVuEChCAQ8psOyvB8rGNXIRDoL7_T0l8U-lSKgAGHYb7QRkyV4ZMy1RHuqUndJPpHRfFbDtzdh0yMKmrM8WJAtWO7nZByKZWIjiSnfvsq-ugw4wHYC7ot8ZAU/s1600-h/DSC_0156P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiVd9fV9ynKPkvDGgTxVVuEChCAQ8psOyvB8rGNXIRDoL7_T0l8U-lSKgAGHYb7QRkyV4ZMy1RHuqUndJPpHRfFbDtzdh0yMKmrM8WJAtWO7nZByKZWIjiSnfvsq-ugw4wHYC7ot8ZAU/s400/DSC_0156P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Inexpensive jars from Garden Ridge.</i><br />
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</div>It was all about sassy storage <i>and</i> making everything easy to find for us. Airtight containers are working great for a hubby that never seemed to close boxes or bags very well before! <br />
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If you're worried about the additional post-grocery work, then only store the items you don't use as often (and aren't weekly buys)... such as baking ingredient like these.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiiOgTxZ4iWK6CNqhdE9AmOwOuXE7xG4Cf-CkJ-Hznt17BteTaq6uPmo1unn8IthD76Ur93-Sn5fUtT1czD-PZezfLUWD0XG5mv37a1Z5e9XoJIls6CH9TQTq5mF0zQ67sJJtEfkmAR8/s1600-h/DSC_0155P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiiOgTxZ4iWK6CNqhdE9AmOwOuXE7xG4Cf-CkJ-Hznt17BteTaq6uPmo1unn8IthD76Ur93-Sn5fUtT1czD-PZezfLUWD0XG5mv37a1Z5e9XoJIls6CH9TQTq5mF0zQ67sJJtEfkmAR8/s400/DSC_0155P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Canisters from Bed, Bath and Beyond... and a few from around the house.</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Even my favorite furry friend gets in on the fun. Guests don't know that their snacks are stored right next to the dog's treats when we keep them in cute jars like these. (And for any of our guests that are reading this... wellllll... you know how much we love ya... AND Tampa :)<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7oLGfwYf71Ft-5QJpHpaVoMgo9PtvYB0lc-GEnCgBVv7KJGVhbXbV03B4DbFIh7Ys4OPztqFMAGLJ32Y1IUvigRn3vlqMsQ0Ym1IR-RCuVEkhdl34UY36mUVJKPiDEUZH7QuzlJmgGI/s1600-h/DSC_0164P2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7oLGfwYf71Ft-5QJpHpaVoMgo9PtvYB0lc-GEnCgBVv7KJGVhbXbV03B4DbFIh7Ys4OPztqFMAGLJ32Y1IUvigRn3vlqMsQ0Ym1IR-RCuVEkhdl34UY36mUVJKPiDEUZH7QuzlJmgGI/s400/DSC_0164P2.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Old glass containers, from Sydney.</span><br />
</div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Warning though... if you <i>already</i> store treats in containers, be prepared for your best friend to be in the way the <i>whole</i> time you're reorganizing! 'Are you going in for a treat <i>now</i><i>???</i>'<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>On to... SHELF ORGANIZATION</b><br />
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</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNee761wya_url7l1TV3d068ElQMhYm239ouSlxKwYmvZzgNt-kA_KICx9RZ36TL9_oSp7OijDjqwMRb7osWshgEl2WZ0r3b_8QJHfDB2wtH3dhSYcV6HNO15PN8usloAp9j-mXfUvRM/s1600-h/DSC_0167_1P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNee761wya_url7l1TV3d068ElQMhYm239ouSlxKwYmvZzgNt-kA_KICx9RZ36TL9_oSp7OijDjqwMRb7osWshgEl2WZ0r3b_8QJHfDB2wtH3dhSYcV6HNO15PN8usloAp9j-mXfUvRM/s400/DSC_0167_1P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><i>Pantry Entrance</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> First, all jars, bottles, etc were grouped together on a shelf and categorized by like items. The 'breakfast shelves' were then tidied up by grouping boxes and similar products. Next, all of the individually packaged granola and grain bars were 'de-boxed' and put into another pretty container. Lastly, the bottom shelf was used for easy-access to our fruit as well as additional storage for some less-used kitchen gadgets.<br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Shelves are done... Now it's time to ORGANIZE <i>US</i></b><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDCV9qcm3xRPSJJ9Bo-EmeLSeMZjsNTfPNvdea689YaJL8MFfHHf0d8xzTj2TmcC4kCNfI3zwbfBllbpPA0G8EGQm_bU8-vrSXB6oddjHvrYlXxzNKgvs41FsIIs4ByitJ9uGthudpJM/s1600-h/DSC_0161P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDCV9qcm3xRPSJJ9Bo-EmeLSeMZjsNTfPNvdea689YaJL8MFfHHf0d8xzTj2TmcC4kCNfI3zwbfBllbpPA0G8EGQm_bU8-vrSXB6oddjHvrYlXxzNKgvs41FsIIs4ByitJ9uGthudpJM/s400/DSC_0161P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Organizers from Pottery Barn.</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We picked up these wall storage and organizational systems to add something pretty <i>and</i> pretty useful to our pantry walls. The top board is great for keeping shopping lists and has boxes for 'To Do Lists' and 'Messages'. It's also a place to scribe the weekly meal plan... which has prevented lots of 'but I had chicken for lunch' comments! <br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The bottom one houses a cork board, and two cubbies... great for storing extra trash bags, pens, etc.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lastly, it's time to CLASS UP the space with DETAILS</b><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKT5i8QwxRRKznp22AeDBJjihhgrxtjjCnYnm9hClUOsylHnmv_Qo9fXzHj-_glSZylT5xTBWun_804QA9nI1Aake7d21sPiiyu4QEMEzj78WMn4D_tUGgSXK6Agg3xVq8dBpAZizqgw/s1600-h/DSC_0160P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKT5i8QwxRRKznp22AeDBJjihhgrxtjjCnYnm9hClUOsylHnmv_Qo9fXzHj-_glSZylT5xTBWun_804QA9nI1Aake7d21sPiiyu4QEMEzj78WMn4D_tUGgSXK6Agg3xVq8dBpAZizqgw/s400/DSC_0160P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Bottle 'nets' from Pottery Barn... on sale for $3.49!</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In an effort <i>not</i> to look like a college flashback... I dressed our less attractive liquor bottles with these 'nets' from PB. We also use them as also a cool way to provide bottled water in guest rooms.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">A hammered champagne bucket and this <i>brass</i> horse bottle opener sit near the wine fridge to offer both a bit of character and functionality. (To fully understand the brass, read this previous posts of mine <a href="http://chandelierno4.blogspot.com/2010/01/mixing-old-new-88-guest-bath-redo.html">here</a>.)<br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrt8dlmB2ajw8jAsT5YHM24oaDjhfSIjVeZz63-2R-2NFgDlRlHNHSE4f7FkcCLQSk3L2i-vUcV3234JUKZt05Qeg07o6oLApBE-h6IKA9bwKkflBareOKdQVRkqj_CZQm-SDhwuAj3ek/s1600-h/DSC_0158P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrt8dlmB2ajw8jAsT5YHM24oaDjhfSIjVeZz63-2R-2NFgDlRlHNHSE4f7FkcCLQSk3L2i-vUcV3234JUKZt05Qeg07o6oLApBE-h6IKA9bwKkflBareOKdQVRkqj_CZQm-SDhwuAj3ek/s400/DSC_0158P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Bucket from Williams Sonoma.</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This 5 light fixture replaced the single and scrawny bare bulb. Originally thinking a pendant light, we instead decided to go with something a little more fun and different.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfIRk55hamQ552moE1r9LImmuHVzCByavweNkHYlkHUu2KiduIZZWVAGfLHvwrKHuP-Kmovj245qEZa1y-VLGQ-NWpIgc5R0M-2cfkB17AymAn14qUog7TbOOBqeB2sGEkquYhSSjiwY/s1600-h/DSC_0173P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfIRk55hamQ552moE1r9LImmuHVzCByavweNkHYlkHUu2KiduIZZWVAGfLHvwrKHuP-Kmovj245qEZa1y-VLGQ-NWpIgc5R0M-2cfkB17AymAn14qUog7TbOOBqeB2sGEkquYhSSjiwY/s400/DSC_0173P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Light fixture available at Lowes.</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next, it's new light switch plates. One switch in pantry = cheap! We love motion lights in our closets... and highly, highly recommend! You can adjust the motion sensitivity and length of time that the light stays on, anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQ0a5CKk4s8l4Qo4W_NeFq2P2tgAM7sNI4HrA6r-jcI7m27WqlJ_a10lKUq6K6gtfW0pWLq3OyfjfJ_3yrKOyl_BtAP8xPq0VvO-uTBXdTU6U-AmUeaAF3lA_2bHn-fyHSIHohbpl0J0/s1600-h/DSC_0175P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQ0a5CKk4s8l4Qo4W_NeFq2P2tgAM7sNI4HrA6r-jcI7m27WqlJ_a10lKUq6K6gtfW0pWLq3OyfjfJ_3yrKOyl_BtAP8xPq0VvO-uTBXdTU6U-AmUeaAF3lA_2bHn-fyHSIHohbpl0J0/s400/DSC_0175P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Brushed silver plate and motion sensor light switch from Lowes.</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It drives the hubby nuts when I buy the oversized cereal boxes that don't fit on our shelves - but what deal-lover can resist the price per ounce of the super-sized Frosted Flakes?! Anyhoo... we came up with a solution to the problem. Well, hubby took the bag out of the box and left it open... hmm. So I came in with a clip... but not one of those big plastic chip clips! There's no place for such ugliness in a new pantry... I just used some cute stationary clips instead.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmETrt2DMRseFu4-Cks2Ctck3XN3saVE0G9rC9xZWXsOC6gycZq7ze53Hh_ZrXEvXcmH7IJX8HxdAGLNonXNT8LPbDApuBz2HWJwWe6Ymqu0bq5ZI6A6hyphenhyphenUhPjtFN9kEOuUzVAR1cCLpk/s1600-h/DSC_0178P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmETrt2DMRseFu4-Cks2Ctck3XN3saVE0G9rC9xZWXsOC6gycZq7ze53Hh_ZrXEvXcmH7IJX8HxdAGLNonXNT8LPbDApuBz2HWJwWe6Ymqu0bq5ZI6A6hyphenhyphenUhPjtFN9kEOuUzVAR1cCLpk/s400/DSC_0178P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Clips from OfficeMax.</i><br />
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</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I grouped together all of our onions on a pastry display stand. You can also use ceramic or mixing bowls.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefqUrOyUj0m6CA3a1rAzR3-Au2U7RUHOXjlVyav2QTvV7EKW5NzcBG5Jkl-9PZOvMnRKw1RBzuE1CJA3wMBZaLRTIM44bY4ZS2lkQ7fxEuKOGT_R73_UuieTmAjckmNkCZvQMIX9mo0g/s1600-h/DSC_0151P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefqUrOyUj0m6CA3a1rAzR3-Au2U7RUHOXjlVyav2QTvV7EKW5NzcBG5Jkl-9PZOvMnRKw1RBzuE1CJA3wMBZaLRTIM44bY4ZS2lkQ7fxEuKOGT_R73_UuieTmAjckmNkCZvQMIX9mo0g/s400/DSC_0151P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i><br />
</div>We added more decor by hanging this oversized silver bowl. (Maybe try using a cutting board if you don't have a lot of depth to work with.) I'm also finding that we're using this favorite piece more often now, as it isn't going unnoticed tucked away in some cabinet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6UlWxL2x5xqeVdXiCw71PH7syi8AJiGQqEm_aH9u8YO_x9VMfNN1YXeA_6g6Vg8AbVQ5D0RZ2OXNfzXuYgVRytJYvVf0cA2NOqi6nfUn6eQy23_8jJr6Dlg_ahcvZ7SjqFrYvnBowNA/s1600-h/DSC_0172P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6UlWxL2x5xqeVdXiCw71PH7syi8AJiGQqEm_aH9u8YO_x9VMfNN1YXeA_6g6Vg8AbVQ5D0RZ2OXNfzXuYgVRytJYvVf0cA2NOqi6nfUn6eQy23_8jJr6Dlg_ahcvZ7SjqFrYvnBowNA/s400/DSC_0172P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Silver bowl from Bayswiss (in Sydney).</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>A closer look at what started it all...</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QSHNG2ei4p_zawdCmsfWRaYy4_9AzOHl_d1cKycY7CU26mYKy_jwocSZatVTTdNC-A7FbkJursMGbKHQbdfcCZR4R-CF_9Plgb3a5xL8cb-qZSuOCZ_9fz3DtRhBK9KY4haYOA4cfRw/s1600-h/DSC_0165P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QSHNG2ei4p_zawdCmsfWRaYy4_9AzOHl_d1cKycY7CU26mYKy_jwocSZatVTTdNC-A7FbkJursMGbKHQbdfcCZR4R-CF_9Plgb3a5xL8cb-qZSuOCZ_9fz3DtRhBK9KY4haYOA4cfRw/s400/DSC_0165P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>GE wine refrigerator available from Best Buy.</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydR_uT09wCrgjWgXWaJAEo7RmPO9bmETWIjDvc_FThgD4D82zDs2XjKcjlxSmfYbKabf3933A6C8orX_yyFA9zb8lvl91n_aV_3_GZIjnJsec9iAcMjZxC3PMlK6Ae5KBoCIW8r2t2IY/s1600-h/DSC_0167P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydR_uT09wCrgjWgXWaJAEo7RmPO9bmETWIjDvc_FThgD4D82zDs2XjKcjlxSmfYbKabf3933A6C8orX_yyFA9zb8lvl91n_aV_3_GZIjnJsec9iAcMjZxC3PMlK6Ae5KBoCIW8r2t2IY/s400/DSC_0167P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>With adjustable and pullout shelves, ours gets used for a lot more than wine! (And it appears to be a little light on the wine post-holidays :)</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>And one final look at our spruced-up pantry...</b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZHnyF7GTLx6K_6dZGPcixiLTIlum0f9iR5YjUGMGS_7z-QfxwdXvIq3j13CLb6py08rqKpYggVHk_t53pSv-p__C0mJZkkYnhFoVcraYDVBXWk1fpSLA7bYcX86Hv_yDCfoePpAKRQo/s1600-h/DSC_0153P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZHnyF7GTLx6K_6dZGPcixiLTIlum0f9iR5YjUGMGS_7z-QfxwdXvIq3j13CLb6py08rqKpYggVHk_t53pSv-p__C0mJZkkYnhFoVcraYDVBXWk1fpSLA7bYcX86Hv_yDCfoePpAKRQo/s400/DSC_0153P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We decided to keep it simple - white, wood and silver - mostly for a nice transition from our copper and stainless kitchen. However, I'm thinking about giving the space a little extra, now that time is more on our side post-Christmas. Maybe adding some copper to the mix... or hubby's idea of a wall-sized stainless steel pegboard, framed in white molding, and utilized for hanging silver baskets or hooks... or creating an artistic feel with lots of pics in oversized mats and thin silver frames. Which of those possibilities are your fave? Any other thoughts or ideas that you have?<br />
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We're happy with how it turned out and now I'm finding myself inspired to 'redo' lots of nooks and crannies to 'customize' our home a bit more.<br />
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Thanks so much for taking the tour. Always love to hear from you!<br />
<br />
~Joanna~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-29280258978480195782010-01-18T10:47:00.002-06:002010-01-18T11:09:13.605-06:00Sneak Preview... and a BIG Thanks!Hi My Friends!<br />
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Hubby and I are settling back in from our vacation and, although laundry is done (gotta love oversized front loaders!), I'm still getting organized and reacquainted with the 'norm'.<br />
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Here's a quick preview of tomorrow's post... a BEFORE and AFTER of our pantry! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FM6R4v8dagC2M8EC8qvpKxl8rZHKT3cmBCAduOJKxFDgPS9mCesVCEREHyTX3KpgcwbAf7OZBsFrf7qYJSkr45hz8xrCQwxWogcqOpqz1WF239qPgzytA36HWnEm2t4rOTanBOnzIhs/s1600-h/DSC_0151P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FM6R4v8dagC2M8EC8qvpKxl8rZHKT3cmBCAduOJKxFDgPS9mCesVCEREHyTX3KpgcwbAf7OZBsFrf7qYJSkr45hz8xrCQwxWogcqOpqz1WF239qPgzytA36HWnEm2t4rOTanBOnzIhs/s400/DSC_0151P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Check back tomorrow for an affordable way to <i>really</i> reinvent a much-used (and often neglected) space.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, a BIG thanks to Blog Awards of the U.K. for highlighting ~Chandelier No. 4~ as the featured blog on their site. Check it out <a href="http://antique-pocket-watches.co.uk/blog_awards/index.php?id=8172">here</a>.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you haven't become a 'groupie' yet you can click to follow at the right. The new light on the block loves your comments!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Until tomorrow ~<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Joanna<br />
</div>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-80491299578239120522010-01-11T22:14:00.000-06:002010-01-11T22:14:17.879-06:00Goodbye Rodeo... Aloha Maui!Aloha! <br />
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Hubby and I are in Maui on a little vaca so, although I had still <i>planned</i> to keep in touch, the wireless internet has not been cooperating very well for me at our resort.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApF0jvJmkIJKBA1x55s82MIHOqH-ufotxv2ZpPxUiLRYahLqv9AtgW6njVqO3zQA-_6TmEabqX2_TGOMbpjDwJLuC9nn6D36sg7zU5NwG-9Lb6F6A6SEVaPBgUinwceQW1ikbKr4MXmg/s1600-h/DSC_0021P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApF0jvJmkIJKBA1x55s82MIHOqH-ufotxv2ZpPxUiLRYahLqv9AtgW6njVqO3zQA-_6TmEabqX2_TGOMbpjDwJLuC9nn6D36sg7zU5NwG-9Lb6F6A6SEVaPBgUinwceQW1ikbKr4MXmg/s400/DSC_0021P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hubby and I on our honeymoon in Maui. (P.S. Previous pic...it's not our honeymoon now :(</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I just couldn't get my pool drink on until I gave you the Rodeo tour that I had promised. (Oh, who am I kidding... 'May I have a pina colada? Mahalo!'... it'll just add some extra flair to the post :)<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Please accept my apology in advance for the poor images... the 'good' camera wouldn't fit into my handbag... and although I am totally game for sacrificing the cool factor for my groupies, fashion trumps blog <i>all</i> of the time!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Getting a tiny bit of a late start the other day (met up with a dear friend in the a.m. in addition to ramp closures and the usual L.A. traffic) landed me on the street of luxe around noon-ish. Now noon may not seem like a late start to a typical shopping day, but Rodeo is <i><b>so</b></i> not typical. The stores close relatively early and then there's the amount of ground to cover. I don't mean blocks or streets...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OKa4CjOaO_-_3DdZJFlU7IuKx1-IjNnH2BWyONP9BCwjtFcKN9KDioKLAJY_TqpsLKKeI0dTBhjFQ03GWNmU07UrslVLMOfYmqP9cz-16D6gEAj1JBrYaV_AejaCHtyofaIpJJAGm0o/s1600-h/DSC06662P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OKa4CjOaO_-_3DdZJFlU7IuKx1-IjNnH2BWyONP9BCwjtFcKN9KDioKLAJY_TqpsLKKeI0dTBhjFQ03GWNmU07UrslVLMOfYmqP9cz-16D6gEAj1JBrYaV_AejaCHtyofaIpJJAGm0o/s400/DSC06662P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Dayton Way is another great street to shop!</i><br />
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...I mean the good stuff. Rodeo has an endless amount of selection the sexily drapes every sales floor and window toying with any self-control you <i>think</i> you may have. Toss in a champagne lunch full of great people watching (the people listening is even better!) and you're down to only a few hours of prime shopping!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFnWHfq4U9mmQ_5nF9RNtJHcUc5FvQBGR_SyHEQe4lk8u_cYXHl-SW_Xp_ZZXxYvKfxgOEWLNXUCVncCENGH05z9whhA1p-UfQJ3PORdzKu91TXEWbRCjFteiJf0TUmKeeyKjtqfeqqw/s1600-h/DSC06643P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFnWHfq4U9mmQ_5nF9RNtJHcUc5FvQBGR_SyHEQe4lk8u_cYXHl-SW_Xp_ZZXxYvKfxgOEWLNXUCVncCENGH05z9whhA1p-UfQJ3PORdzKu91TXEWbRCjFteiJf0TUmKeeyKjtqfeqqw/s400/DSC06643P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My first stop (and photo op!) was the Beverly Wilshire. I'd like to say it was the first stop because of my #1 fan's request but, in all honesty, it's just where Victor dropped me off at. And at the front of Rodeo, it's a pretty good place to start your walk. (Note that they're the only daylight photos... shopping <em>may</em> have gotten in the way a bit, but I stuck around to click all of the promised pics!)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWMpgyj6h6-9JuWXsf7XT6CG9FDASlaXc68k5olFjjbLZV6cyJL33bbrwPAgUrU8HJ73Hej6U9aOQ1YkgKU7DLdJPwugXBdCv1YnS_IlR76x64iqJaaH6HSUz9iMauPNJX_WUTW3Eoy4/s1600-h/DSC06636P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWMpgyj6h6-9JuWXsf7XT6CG9FDASlaXc68k5olFjjbLZV6cyJL33bbrwPAgUrU8HJ73Hej6U9aOQ1YkgKU7DLdJPwugXBdCv1YnS_IlR76x64iqJaaH6HSUz9iMauPNJX_WUTW3Eoy4/s400/DSC06636P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A classic marble and brass entry... timeless.</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWT-J8nWXUw_Sjqp4_YT99KQx_Zc8dnYYEJT_42eoPwQbPhr6F6fcXRRVJmqbnNVVblmIH1SwrydWGKaUcvte4G6tAhRc_cGPdRiQIux6QV-4HAa_LFEN4ZJqi_SVTnYISkOLw1KEfy14/s1600-h/DSC06638P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWT-J8nWXUw_Sjqp4_YT99KQx_Zc8dnYYEJT_42eoPwQbPhr6F6fcXRRVJmqbnNVVblmIH1SwrydWGKaUcvte4G6tAhRc_cGPdRiQIux6QV-4HAa_LFEN4ZJqi_SVTnYISkOLw1KEfy14/s400/DSC06638P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Looks kinda like the fire escape Mr. Gere (or Richard REAR as my naughty grandma used to call him) climbed up to rescue his princess doesn't it... was she living at the Reg Bev Wil all along?</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next it was on to the most important part of the trip... boutiques, boutiques and more boutiques! It was such a fun day, full of great conversation and even more amazing shopping!<br />
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Prada boasts a 'doorless' entry, which creates a light and airy environment in an otherwise high-end store... definitely makes you want to stay all day! With no storefront sign, you're sure to miss it if you don't know where it is! (FYI, it's right next to Gucci :)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKigY5EnxYjVzb2eJFqEe5YbSDDHDofoqLNNzg68ser-325vggA6kBR0Ciy9r9T-NMpRU22V-6xebiWt7RBsWgWBuYrRvCIzwwIrAb1rLnaizs3qhxakYkfn45gBPnszpWRF_lNP9DmY/s1600-h/DSC06653P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKigY5EnxYjVzb2eJFqEe5YbSDDHDofoqLNNzg68ser-325vggA6kBR0Ciy9r9T-NMpRU22V-6xebiWt7RBsWgWBuYrRvCIzwwIrAb1rLnaizs3qhxakYkfn45gBPnszpWRF_lNP9DmY/s400/DSC06653P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The doorless entry reminds me of a concept much used in Australia. Many restaurants and flats offer windowed walls that fully open to the outside (more slide open, some fold). We used to have ours open all of the time and plan to incorporate this design into a pool house one day.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After I got my fill of catching up and shopping, I took another stroll to admire the gorgeous architecture and ~ what else ~ chandeliers!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This Cartier chandy is reminiscent of the Queen Anne style, marked by its crystal arms. I just love the power of its size... sure to catch your eye from stores and streets away. A minimum 3-story entry would be needed to stylishly support this much chandelier.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBN50D3lqpTLkgfp8jWkyCtsN1z17w35Afsm2o8KI9gz0BUwQ8B443hwbhEqF5IAVuGR580Nh7n14Q_9e5x-K1M5BXpZnNBGi6sti-kI-0qddUQLHYJXnRxdD1Ww7ZDCS4gJA7ySl3M8/s1600-h/DSC06655P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBN50D3lqpTLkgfp8jWkyCtsN1z17w35Afsm2o8KI9gz0BUwQ8B443hwbhEqF5IAVuGR580Nh7n14Q_9e5x-K1M5BXpZnNBGi6sti-kI-0qddUQLHYJXnRxdD1Ww7ZDCS4gJA7ySl3M8/s400/DSC06655P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Or how about this perfect mix of retro and glam. Traditional crystal extended from a chic black frame. In such alignment with the beautifully tailored yet funky Dolce and Gabbana style.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVacIvC5dMYWE-RroSQ_fDDUg2w7eXxsAbwRURQwjmiG7tHEySdzyMifXqrMwO5hWxUR-U4pawaerh7Dm1JG_tIghI4CRwhxls-SKmAOj4LSeowEYAAJSnXGxlMwMOfU7xfmfTbGWg5k/s1600-h/DSC06647P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVacIvC5dMYWE-RroSQ_fDDUg2w7eXxsAbwRURQwjmiG7tHEySdzyMifXqrMwO5hWxUR-U4pawaerh7Dm1JG_tIghI4CRwhxls-SKmAOj4LSeowEYAAJSnXGxlMwMOfU7xfmfTbGWg5k/s400/DSC06647P.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">After I finally pulled myself out of the crystal trance, I headed back down the street to take a look at the Ferre building. The late Gianfranco Ferre, best known for both his original take on fashion and his sophisticated white shirts, actually received his degree in architecture. His love for design translated beautifully into perfectly tailored garments. Which could be why so many interior designers have a love for personal style and make such great fashionistas too ;)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZPmF9RB7ic0oJrRbzDi1R1C9DYO-Z_GWPUVY_coaWjwhC6dPxpupG2swT5ht27-NCUTq5jXNZrWcoK6A1RIaRblur-2n_kO219OL4w2jxg6mym5RBRzla6u34flJtsD_Qqhh9PIe5N8/s1600-h/DSC06641P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZPmF9RB7ic0oJrRbzDi1R1C9DYO-Z_GWPUVY_coaWjwhC6dPxpupG2swT5ht27-NCUTq5jXNZrWcoK6A1RIaRblur-2n_kO219OL4w2jxg6mym5RBRzla6u34flJtsD_Qqhh9PIe5N8/s400/DSC06641P.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sculptures, like this one that stands proudly in the middle of Rodeo and definitely becomes the focus, can create such a statement within a space. A well chosen piece within an entryway can set the mood for your entire home. Or add an unusual piece to a room for an element of surprise. You can even go with a small sculpture and highlight it in a bookcase, on a shelf or on a table - which enables you to display a bold piece of art without an overly 'loud' effect. Which look would <strong>you</strong> prefer: An <em>understated</em> piece ~ perhaps small and ceramic ~ or a <em>statement-making</em> piece ~ such as a large entry or room centerpiece?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4SoySmFMnyguybpmnuKYmbHtNAIEH2eE_4ppwLO3j_JTLCvYhRmKaaSiIgqOG_6CdwnufEqOSHiUJbLSapRAawwDdDkC0TpW2CY7eB1BDkfbb7eSa6L1TRNp8hvV4sRxPV7yf3ACDwM/s1600-h/DSC06659P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4SoySmFMnyguybpmnuKYmbHtNAIEH2eE_4ppwLO3j_JTLCvYhRmKaaSiIgqOG_6CdwnufEqOSHiUJbLSapRAawwDdDkC0TpW2CY7eB1BDkfbb7eSa6L1TRNp8hvV4sRxPV7yf3ACDwM/s400/DSC06659P.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">As my car was driving off and I was saying goodbye to such a gorgeous street, I caught a glimpse of design that I had just planned for my living room a few days ago - these two potted and well sculptured trees flanking Bvlgari, but soon to be framing our living room windows. I think that it's such a sophisticated way to add an element of nature to your room. Do <strong>you</strong> prefer the organic feeling of free-flowing plantation ~ or the clean-lined look of a well-groomed tree or shrub, such as a topiary?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdz-54ev59OnEfxiJTntwLS1zvVd7Ps6ySduJne0CHEg3Ck-PfVIHNhb6R72ZbLojRslUlwSMyI1rYQeAbmez9burygSoyLlqhzgI0on6ls8eW6pudnQ-lHe8HgssI4w1lSrYO1KCIQEw/s1600-h/DSC06668P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdz-54ev59OnEfxiJTntwLS1zvVd7Ps6ySduJne0CHEg3Ck-PfVIHNhb6R72ZbLojRslUlwSMyI1rYQeAbmez9burygSoyLlqhzgI0on6ls8eW6pudnQ-lHe8HgssI4w1lSrYO1KCIQEw/s400/DSC06668P.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you for joining me on our Rodeo Drive walk. I had a great time and left with lots of patent, some really cool snakeskin and even a little... BRASS!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Much love ~<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Joanna<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Note: Since obtaining wireless internet is a real challenge here, I will wait to post again until this weekend. Be sure to catch the upcoming posts, as they will be <strong>full of BEFORE AND AFTERS!!!</strong><br />
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</div></div>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-57266464922136505282010-01-05T18:43:00.004-06:002010-01-05T18:50:42.493-06:00Chandeliers in the Sky... HERE I COME!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Only one street can line their medians with chandeliers... and it </span><i><span style="font-size: medium;">not</span></i><span style="font-size: medium;"> be a total shocker.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEp7r6XRVEVJ7R05GJlyTtzBFOLhcSbc705AetIEKMVI8QRuZwcpZhc6s1pAd1325pve4bqNSsuOkmolKF3qQvBorqeD3VyJkRPTCPXrw6zXjNtvVNMe6e7KFMSWdjhGFU_2DRb23Mpg/s1600-h/DSC03778P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEp7r6XRVEVJ7R05GJlyTtzBFOLhcSbc705AetIEKMVI8QRuZwcpZhc6s1pAd1325pve4bqNSsuOkmolKF3qQvBorqeD3VyJkRPTCPXrw6zXjNtvVNMe6e7KFMSWdjhGFU_2DRb23Mpg/s400/DSC03778P.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yep, you guessed it...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTVAqJquE8I-oxLCMeLpYV5fJ_3M62FluwZ7kHfDIb5gD1xkFG78hv8h_jODf3TpDD5YhCvsQe7CPd9ZSIu8rnVouI1gS7lb0aGUXCBj5PRYp3GK8rh6YyL1MkI7-rIVyGbT5XJrKDlg/s1600-h/DSC03771P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTVAqJquE8I-oxLCMeLpYV5fJ_3M62FluwZ7kHfDIb5gD1xkFG78hv8h_jODf3TpDD5YhCvsQe7CPd9ZSIu8rnVouI1gS7lb0aGUXCBj5PRYp3GK8rh6YyL1MkI7-rIVyGbT5XJrKDlg/s400/DSC03771P.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I took these photos on my first trip to Rodeo... and stood out like a <i>complete</i> tourist, but no shame here! I mean, miss a photo op of those chandeliers for the sake of preserving the cool factor? No way! <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Fortunately (or <i>un</i>fortunately), the excitement wore off before my second trip to see the stars... so, the hotel kept the camera and I kept my dignity. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, today I'm flying out and heading back <b>rubbernecker</b> <b>style! </b>Camera in hand, tomorrow I'll be hitting the stores (ok, maybe won't be pulling out the cam <i>in</i>-store but at least the street!) 'tourist' style. Wait! What's that... click! Ahhhh... the crazy things we do for our blogs :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowYPy8gMip37NOLLgHjptNO8hYQ_h2N3uw_Za8Q-iPnsVjEiJl3tnHJTMPG5NjYY8Sp_CUvaf65l6QDkCi6Wj98fZVt1P4snRukAsrV6WWfW0abeXm3B1Y0s2Pcl8df2jw4S_eQlbvVE/s1600-h/DSC03790P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowYPy8gMip37NOLLgHjptNO8hYQ_h2N3uw_Za8Q-iPnsVjEiJl3tnHJTMPG5NjYY8Sp_CUvaf65l6QDkCi6Wj98fZVt1P4snRukAsrV6WWfW0abeXm3B1Y0s2Pcl8df2jw4S_eQlbvVE/s400/DSC03790P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Another 1st trip pic... Told ya, I was a <b>total</b> tourist! Ha ha!</i><br />
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The stocking surprise from my hubby was a shopping trip down Rodeo. Not too bad a gift-giver, eh? So I was thinking... it would be even more fun if I brought you all along for the strut! Anything in particular that you wanna see? <br />
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Check back for my next post... full of cool pics and hopefully some even cooler purchases. Don't fret... I'll be sure to include a little swanky architecture and design for us to fantasize about... Who knows, maybe I'll even get some key inspiration for my living room remodel! (More on that to come later this week :)<br />
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So excited to bring you along!<br />
~ Joanna<br />
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</div>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-86893023531158643632010-01-04T00:37:00.027-06:002010-01-04T03:53:48.384-06:00Mixing Old & New: An $88 Guest Bath Redo!Expecting a full house over the holidays came with a full list of projects. My super sweet hubby had already spent a month or two of his very limited 'non-traveling' time helping me check off my many 'To Do<i>s</i>'. By the time that we got down the list to the guest baths, I'm pretty sure that it went, 'I'm <b>done</b> with projects until after Christmas. Can we please enjoy the season?' So, guest bath #1 went from a remodel (originally needed new fixtures and a new vanity, which also meant a new floor) to a super-quick, super-cheap redo. Yay... isn't super-cheap the <i>best</i><i>!</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioXMgkEbkzLasIlXbJkp46rVisNKMIaaDeNsASTeqzUk2K_MaIvCQoqijJTQ6QHtx3GucfZkg-Bde9s81LKKKP5mKClq9pSNxIweABmw7q-0g1fAG6a3VvAM99Fe8iR1ilv75_fcufHM/s1600-h/DSC_0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioXMgkEbkzLasIlXbJkp46rVisNKMIaaDeNsASTeqzUk2K_MaIvCQoqijJTQ6QHtx3GucfZkg-Bde9s81LKKKP5mKClq9pSNxIweABmw7q-0g1fAG6a3VvAM99Fe8iR1ilv75_fcufHM/s400/DSC_0332.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Before</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;">Brass. Can it scream 1989 any more loudly? My original idea was to replace all of the 'old' with the light and shiny 'newness' of brushed or polished nickel. But once we decided to forego a new bathroom for now, I had to work with the circa 'Home Alone' decor and </span>embrace<span style="font-style: normal;"> the brass. Rather than attempting the impossible and 'hiding' the fixtures, I bought </span><b>more</b><span style="font-style: normal;"> brass... if you can't cover it ~ then make it look planned!</span></i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">$88 later...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuSBvCbZFhqYA55Uy0FHZWGUVfQ8DDTkgPdPzOQ9jEkdxGuDp-QmxEOMMJi7qxkeg0zhZY_sfqIIke-4CY10vUsd1wndRVh0Z2UR3WbSr54pWD7B5X3cHwcYKEZ4ErY5dudNzGEKGqg0/s1600-h/DSC_0004P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuSBvCbZFhqYA55Uy0FHZWGUVfQ8DDTkgPdPzOQ9jEkdxGuDp-QmxEOMMJi7qxkeg0zhZY_sfqIIke-4CY10vUsd1wndRVh0Z2UR3WbSr54pWD7B5X3cHwcYKEZ4ErY5dudNzGEKGqg0/s400/DSC_0004P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>After</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Color choice was very specific. The vanity top has a beautiful yellow hue to it (can you sense the sarcasm?) and I desperately wanted to 'hide' it as much as possible. A mix of Sherwin Williams Dutch Cocoa, Swing Brown, a hint of Hot Cocoa and... Voila! Deciding to create a custom color, I bought a sample for $5 which ended up covering the entire room! (I had to paint the walls with a 3" brush because roller was soaking up too much paint. This took 8 hours, but was totally worth it since it only cost 5 bucks!)<br />
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We added hardware to the formally blank cabinet doors and drawers and also to the medicine cabinet. I found the ceramic and glass hardware (with brass detail, of course) on sale for $2.95/each...what a steal! All six knobs only cost $18!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9K130tdXcCXQ64wLsspAGmrJsK9LsNy5i4U8ZNKoCpc19222ZGoENS7JKCmIZABhuuBVLdceYxLDIX3xXywD83-ZPSfCdPLHfNKUimYx5HTBhC2-cVgz-LoKuPRcFrwYbnppUw3Ra7A/s1600-h/DSC_0033P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9K130tdXcCXQ64wLsspAGmrJsK9LsNy5i4U8ZNKoCpc19222ZGoENS7JKCmIZABhuuBVLdceYxLDIX3xXywD83-ZPSfCdPLHfNKUimYx5HTBhC2-cVgz-LoKuPRcFrwYbnppUw3Ra7A/s400/DSC_0033P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hardware from Anthropologie.</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;">Changing the dirty plastic outlet and light switch wall covers to new brass plates gave the room a 'more solid and complete' feel. Metal or ceramic covers are an inexpensive way to add a bit of extra flare. The total for all three plates was around $21.</span></i><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FbzkwU1kekAxhrs8gv1qhDovVuy_yd-jfKp0SQQP88_vAjVx9HIGuKtvZ_5YN_GvEEasgVwFxEJna9bjokTjW6v4_V0LvKmQCOH6JQSZQOUP92LQ1c0XdoTFBrO2_ottr2v98jVFkow/s1600-h/DSC_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FbzkwU1kekAxhrs8gv1qhDovVuy_yd-jfKp0SQQP88_vAjVx9HIGuKtvZ_5YN_GvEEasgVwFxEJna9bjokTjW6v4_V0LvKmQCOH6JQSZQOUP92LQ1c0XdoTFBrO2_ottr2v98jVFkow/s400/DSC_0147.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Switch and outlet wall plates from Home Depot.</i><br />
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I decided to put up this shelf for added dimension. Although still sold in-stores, this one was scored for $20 at a Pottery Barn outlet! The bathroom already donned a brass towel bar; However, this fancier $9 'find' with ceramic detail tied in the Anthropologie knobs. The hand towel we already owned and I pulled the books from hubby's library...shhhh!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGCRhIammWpYQm2vABL4o3eHVM2qeW_f74jjaiTRajT-dtDVHv78NEx7f6T4u7v4k9mFb833kWg_vnGz-Rmn_9ktXm4faVXLhrLM0OKN32MrG3Vm7CD-wIUPgpqmYobBMH6PyQWDPZ4c/s1600-h/DSC_0137_1P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGCRhIammWpYQm2vABL4o3eHVM2qeW_f74jjaiTRajT-dtDVHv78NEx7f6T4u7v4k9mFb833kWg_vnGz-Rmn_9ktXm4faVXLhrLM0OKN32MrG3Vm7CD-wIUPgpqmYobBMH6PyQWDPZ4c/s400/DSC_0137_1P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>'Crown Molding Shelf' from Pottery Barn available in antique white, black or espresso (24"-48" sold for $45-75). The new towel bar is from Restoration Hardware.</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;">We already had all of the shelf accessories, with the exception of the $5 bath sponges from Target used to the fill Restoration Hardware glass canister. (I used existing Bath and Body Works body butter, etc to fill the other canister. Ideally, I would use bars of soap or perhaps an idea that you might have ;) A bit of 'winter comfort' was added with the oversized cinnamon sticks and the vintage santa photo, torn from one of our Christmas books.</span></i><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDSG51AzfnA08m2Zgd2w0C0rZWjsYEv-zQnlWXnybsdIARNrZD4HNXnEdKU4VonJgCrD4DtqnUmy33sRsJDBTEVHujFrJRt-YALfh2T-sG4E3m4yGRE_ibQqEVbwLBwPPB-BEhjPwoEc/s1600-h/DSC_0135P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDSG51AzfnA08m2Zgd2w0C0rZWjsYEv-zQnlWXnybsdIARNrZD4HNXnEdKU4VonJgCrD4DtqnUmy33sRsJDBTEVHujFrJRt-YALfh2T-sG4E3m4yGRE_ibQqEVbwLBwPPB-BEhjPwoEc/s400/DSC_0135P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sponge, puff and loofah from Target (sold as a set for $5). Antique white frame with linen photo mat from Pottery Barn (marked down to clearance a few months ago, may still be available in some stores). </i><br />
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Searching and searching for mini topiaries to flank the mirror with no success, I came across these mini trees and <i>loved</i> them. The symmetry of 'flanking' seems to add poise while the lack of structure in the fullness of the branches keeps the look soft and 'livable'.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkf67NeJ23u3XgsyE_dUYOllgu7fseEnN0xR4t3bZZpV5Eg8oWMCyAh6_mcLx8cU5g5yIfjk78zH9EEkBiQrkGf4pJ9pMWNu0jGvob3nmLz7JMb9pE09GA-lMK5EzYnB0oYSfKLPQIJs/s1600-h/DSC_0008Pcrop2final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkf67NeJ23u3XgsyE_dUYOllgu7fseEnN0xR4t3bZZpV5Eg8oWMCyAh6_mcLx8cU5g5yIfjk78zH9EEkBiQrkGf4pJ9pMWNu0jGvob3nmLz7JMb9pE09GA-lMK5EzYnB0oYSfKLPQIJs/s400/DSC_0008Pcrop2final.jpg" width="324" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mini pine trees from Lowes for $7 each. Ceramic pots available at Target starting at $5.</i><br />
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Simple accessories rest on the countertop, with an emphasis on our guests' potential needs. This square glass jar holds an abundance of cotton swabs - more than a month's stay would need! (Oh well, it looks cute ;) I think that a candle and box of matches is usually a good idea in bathrooms too.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;">This was my 'splurge'... A door knob and lock <b>soap </b>set, on sale for $9.95 at Anthropologie! Ok, so $10 isn't exactly a big splurge, but I <i>did</i> have a few extra bars of soap at home that I <i>could</i> have used. Just didn't want to pass this up though... it would have been one of those things that you can't get out of your mind... so you go back to get it and it's gone! Whew! Glad that I 'took the plunge'... I think that it's my favorite part of the room now!</span></i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A drawer of essentials portrays additional comfort for our guests. Extra bath accessories from around the house provided this 'home' for cottons pads, a couple of bars of soap and some extra matches. These marble tumblers and the soap dish were also clearance finds at PB a few months ago. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I threw in some extra cinnamon sticks for a subtle yet festive linen closet scent. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">And an evening candlelit bath takes the stress away! (When can the host hop in there?)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cbo0Bneoc1aJHEONnjJTaY5o_KWO65AQKJ067K1NPRB1D9FV1l0PFIf7wQkXm7FGXYxi7cb9yjANYSV0xePqvquVW1WRa0NN7LtmKMHlFFE9V2Hy6yMpLtNVNS68FeidBgcPN-_uXz0/s1600-h/DSC_0045P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cbo0Bneoc1aJHEONnjJTaY5o_KWO65AQKJ067K1NPRB1D9FV1l0PFIf7wQkXm7FGXYxi7cb9yjANYSV0xePqvquVW1WRa0NN7LtmKMHlFFE9V2Hy6yMpLtNVNS68FeidBgcPN-_uXz0/s400/DSC_0045P.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">One last look at our new 'old' bathroom...<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now that I have more time on my hands, I'm thinking about changing up the decor and <i>planning</i> out the bathroom theme. Maybe adding a touch of lace? Or some clocks (perhaps a 'guest back-home time vs. vacation time' display)... hmmm... guess my dining table can give them up since New Years is over. What would you do?<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks so much for embracing the brass with me. I would <i>love love</i> <b><i>love</i></b> all of your suggestions and ideas!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Until tomorrow ~<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Joanna<br />
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</div>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-26290179581356280332010-01-01T23:59:00.002-06:002010-01-02T01:26:59.886-06:00'About Me' ~ A New Year, A New MeA <i>new year,</i> full of reflection and resolutions has gotten me pondering... Who am I? Up until now I've been a cute little tufted green chair, watched over by this saucy black chandelier. For some reason, the 'about me' was a little too much when I started this blog a month ago. Perhaps it was too definite, too permanent. Or maybe it was way too small of a space. I mean really, 30 years of what makes me <i>me</i> wrapped up into this tiny little 'about me' box? No wonder it felt like such a daunting task! <br />
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Well... Today just seems like the perfect day... Meet me.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hubby and I heading to St. Elmo's in Indianapolis, my hometown.</i><br />
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The velvety green chair is finally bursting at the seams to open up and say hello. I'm Joanna. A one-time big city working gal who has recently gone ~ dragging my patent and suede stilettos all the way ~ to being a stay-at-home wife in suburbia. Before we moved to Texas a year ago, we were living in Sydney and I was working on my next big promotion at Gucci.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfhto0MfSl4irsGLDxmKNpnVzRjLzPSA0-kHIHyB1MJeiV1DJES7yh2sqMAdXhZojuM0w1R4ophT_FIYjaCjBCaSdbHq_ELRSyJFSsChaJodkKaJJxbuQj5G5wx24MIRbm4WMUJwDBbc/s1600-h/DSC_0078_2P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfhto0MfSl4irsGLDxmKNpnVzRjLzPSA0-kHIHyB1MJeiV1DJES7yh2sqMAdXhZojuM0w1R4ophT_FIYjaCjBCaSdbHq_ELRSyJFSsChaJodkKaJJxbuQj5G5wx24MIRbm4WMUJwDBbc/s400/DSC_0078_2P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Me during a visit to the new 5th Avenue Gucci.</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Life was good. City living meant a host of bistros and restaurants only steps away from home... concerts and jazz festivals... a short ferry ride away from beautiful beaches... a trip to the santuary for kangaroos. But most memorable... it meant work. You see, over the past year I've missed a lot of aspects of our city living days but, interestingly enough, I've found that what I miss most is <b>work</b>. I've worked as long as I can remember. With a house of seven people and one teeny-tiny bathroom, it was pretty easy to catch the working bug growing up.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbFdRLzRf_xPfpAkhsohFyIcO-tYNKKcI9IxculTGEhukukvTTxRYZDAwi9QH-0eyf2GPq4YkMfXy3xH4YRS7ccIRox6QPVgzUzpm2p57CSi-7aoNa92j8-PxMoQ6wlNp3sgwGlafImU/s1600-h/DSC01676P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbFdRLzRf_xPfpAkhsohFyIcO-tYNKKcI9IxculTGEhukukvTTxRYZDAwi9QH-0eyf2GPq4YkMfXy3xH4YRS7ccIRox6QPVgzUzpm2p57CSi-7aoNa92j8-PxMoQ6wlNp3sgwGlafImU/s400/DSC01676P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Feeding the roos on a trip with my sis to Queensland. </i><br />
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</div>This past year has been a roller coaster of personal acceptance. On one hand, who is that lucky girl in the mirror? No alarm clock ringing in her ear, no boss that she has to woo... Instead, a wonderful new home <i>and</i> nine months of pool weather a year. <br />
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But wait a minute, who IS this girl in the mirror?? A girl who always <b>loved</b> to work... the sense of accomplishment that came with each promotion... the personal significance that accompanied the 'task' of dressing the likes of celebrities like Elton John and Jason Statham. Without strategic planning and profit goals and organizing VIP client events... who is she now?<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9u-050r7IPOY-REkZDXZtqyOJEPcFxEAyDSeezDJmlUkGy3mBv-qtLxsjRAybiVvjhQ94xIP8KxAG9LUWl0n9KE1bsC-Ae9ncY3j7-CP_WL6zTPGB2CjJv0IH_0TEANeOaex_xzAuBw/s1600-h/DSC05534_2P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9u-050r7IPOY-REkZDXZtqyOJEPcFxEAyDSeezDJmlUkGy3mBv-qtLxsjRAybiVvjhQ94xIP8KxAG9LUWl0n9KE1bsC-Ae9ncY3j7-CP_WL6zTPGB2CjJv0IH_0TEANeOaex_xzAuBw/s400/DSC05534_2P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><i>With old friends at my final Gucci party.</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Although sometimes a little distorted, the mirror is starting to reflect this 'other woman' more and more every day... this woman who was actually <i>wanting</i> a sewing machine for Christmas... who almost traded in her Christmas shopping trip for wall sconces (<i>almost... </i>I came to my senses!). A woman who has rekindled her long lost love affair with <b><i>all</i></b><i> </i><b><i>things creative</i></b>. Oh how happy I am to make her acquaintance! <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">But this post isn't entirely 'About Me' - more importantly - it's about who I would like to become. Call them resolutions, call it constant evolution. I've always loved how Charles du Bos put it: 'The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.'<br />
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What I have (finally and<i> thankfully) </i>realized is that <b>I <i>can</i> engage in my creative love affair and keep my relationship with work alive! </b>Happiness and security... it's so nice to have you back!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A preview of an upcoming before and after (Hey Tampa ~ Good thing we decided not to name you Waldo... could you be any more front and center in my shots? Love ya!)</i><br />
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</div><b></b>So here is where the next chapter begins. I would <b><i>love</i></b> for you to follow along and help guide <i>Chandelier No. 4</i> as I transition from dressing people to dressing homes... have a go at becoming an interior designer... and start another business venture to be announced later this year!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">~ Joanna<br />
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</div>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-12493116213666352132009-12-31T02:14:00.000-06:002009-12-31T02:14:52.411-06:00Just in Time for New Year'sBetween a very busy Christmas and an early January vacation that just can't come soon enough, New Year's has snuck right up on me. We've decided to welcome the new decade in a low key fashion... a candlelit dinner with the hubby and perhaps a good start on one of my favorite Christmas gifts: Underbelly season two.<br />
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If we change our mind (yep, we're kinda last minute people... good thing our friends are too!), I'll definitely go with a casual dinner centered around a 'Counting Down' theme. Grabbing a few things from around this house, I put together our New Year's table this evening.<br />
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</div>To establish the 'Counting Down to 2010' theme I included a few clocks and watches from around the house. Borrowing this brushed silver Pocketwatch Clock from a guest bedroom was a cinch. By pairing it with our stainless steel Bloom Candleholder, available from Georg Jensen ($100 for a set of 2), the well-lit countdown becomes an eye-catcher at the end of the table.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pottery Barn Pocketwatch Clock available in bronze, nickel and pewter finishes and in a variety of sizes. Ranges from $29-$59.</i><br />
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The clock theme is extended down the table with this espresso wooden clock with silver accents borrowed from our bedroom. Part of the fun in using multiple clocks will be setting them in the time zones that your distant friends or family will be celebrating in... Nothing beats celebrating the new year more than once! A layered effect is achieved with this Vera Wang vanity box. It has been left partially open, allowing the vintage gold pocket watch - a family heirloom - to make its presence.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0jzbvrTn5BHyao5T7yqFtOrB8z1Voh_Iq9MxjFATRhkSmifVfiXkzUoYqzdQOo63giT3l6QxirhuAn1BBwsy3FpkqRICZUsicJ5_OAwSsaZtv3MUnO-2ZuRadACNOqOfj3D4_CVD_zI/s1600-h/DSC_0084P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0jzbvrTn5BHyao5T7yqFtOrB8z1Voh_Iq9MxjFATRhkSmifVfiXkzUoYqzdQOo63giT3l6QxirhuAn1BBwsy3FpkqRICZUsicJ5_OAwSsaZtv3MUnO-2ZuRadACNOqOfj3D4_CVD_zI/s400/DSC_0084P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Although this clock is no longer available from Restoration Hardware, they do carry the Federal Alarm Clock - a very beautiful square clock similar in size and sold in either oil-rubbed bronze or nickel finishes for $49.</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Pictures of past New Year's celebrations will lend to great conversation... reminiscing of the good old times... evolving into discussions of new year's resolutions! Illuminate your photo with the Georg Jensen Lilia Candleholder ($90 for a set of 2) that I used at the bottom left-hand corner of the frame.</span></i><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVmLvO03cyLe9b5QQVDameHnKa9eKmcRfOja4O4g52oAojTQC_Ai7xwiPy5hn9z0fjzlcDFEqvjPlChhtCybV2E6fgcKpicOFRQ4rVR_6kfvqsgF29s8vkqPMuBC1B-cJ8uukCcUBu8k/s1600-h/DSC_0072P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVmLvO03cyLe9b5QQVDameHnKa9eKmcRfOja4O4g52oAojTQC_Ai7xwiPy5hn9z0fjzlcDFEqvjPlChhtCybV2E6fgcKpicOFRQ4rVR_6kfvqsgF29s8vkqPMuBC1B-cJ8uukCcUBu8k/s400/DSC_0072P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Picture frame from Myer in Sydney, Australia. Any 8x10 nickel picture frame matted for a 5x7 will be a great start for the centerpiece. Photo of Lou and I (complete with my party hat!) celebrating New Year's 2006 in Atlantic City.</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Layer your frames with both portrait and landscape photos to add visual difference and interest. Two similar yet unidentical frames are ideal. Use the same metal finish (nickel, brushed, etc) with other points of variety within the frame. Or, use matching frames in different finishes. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H05HJNkniI37x07ZOpej8brsk0pMH80LtU2dTKmyxgeluo4rQ3npcGDXbbNexXnYQPtIq46R-bOGGrNEdwXZWoClXvvMtuVGbAu4Es8vePqp_LDXs5g107jIJgbZv2eascb2oCmPyME/s1600-h/DSC_0070P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H05HJNkniI37x07ZOpej8brsk0pMH80LtU2dTKmyxgeluo4rQ3npcGDXbbNexXnYQPtIq46R-bOGGrNEdwXZWoClXvvMtuVGbAu4Es8vePqp_LDXs5g107jIJgbZv2eascb2oCmPyME/s400/DSC_0070P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Jubilee Pearl frame from Lenox sold at Macy's in a 5x7 or 8x10, $72 or $86 respectively. Lou and I took this photograph of the fireworks spectacular off of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on New Year's Eve, 2008.</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Another point of difference can be old versus new. Using both our vintage champagne glasses and new champagne flutes adds interest and varying heights. Different centerpiece heights can also be easily achieved through varying either your candle holder heights or that of your tapers. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9c0hYxDMwy1-iNH3ETPdUgXT-0_z8BprG5mBqmUQ6_2pVjQipoVMb7AgFBeh5BAl0y9lNCkhQGlXN8PLSTQzMz3IcqGJig8yEfbTxkhd2Mgacq32JssQ68ldP42u1d_ouqfNbK1qR2w/s1600-h/DSC_0079P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9c0hYxDMwy1-iNH3ETPdUgXT-0_z8BprG5mBqmUQ6_2pVjQipoVMb7AgFBeh5BAl0y9lNCkhQGlXN8PLSTQzMz3IcqGJig8yEfbTxkhd2Mgacq32JssQ68ldP42u1d_ouqfNbK1qR2w/s400/DSC_0079P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Waterford Colleen champagne glass (left) has been discontinued; However, pieces can still be found on websites such as replacements.com. The Waterford Colleen Encore flutes (right) were purchased at Macy's ($60 per glass).</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Finish off the 'Count Down' theme by replacing traditional napkin rings with watches. Old and new watches in any metal will be beautiful. Even a metal face on a black or brown leather band could be cool and uber-large watch faces would be very chic. I stacked our silver chargers (Hotel Silver-Plated Chargers, Pottery Barn, $34 each), Lenox dinner plates (Lenox Solitaire White available at Macy's, $40/plate) and the Williams Sonoma Home glass salad plate. The silverware, our 'refined casual' (Reed and Barton), is wrapped in Lenox 'Laurel Leaf' napkins (Macy's, $7.50 each).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXwYnTmdBQiW9ro3jIhyphenhyphen100S-r7aCG5TUerhciydzm9qbHCSGUpVc6bbdKyh-ECxEhKnY9CIrPfCJhfhH5U2sZ-5xu8321nL8GLYdcigSJ1uiAw1lgC0mFmdckSMQUGf3UJpqk0mLMQw/s1600-h/DSC_0058P3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXwYnTmdBQiW9ro3jIhyphenhyphen100S-r7aCG5TUerhciydzm9qbHCSGUpVc6bbdKyh-ECxEhKnY9CIrPfCJhfhH5U2sZ-5xu8321nL8GLYdcigSJ1uiAw1lgC0mFmdckSMQUGf3UJpqk0mLMQw/s400/DSC_0058P3.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXwYnTmdBQiW9ro3jIhyphenhyphen100S-r7aCG5TUerhciydzm9qbHCSGUpVc6bbdKyh-ECxEhKnY9CIrPfCJhfhH5U2sZ-5xu8321nL8GLYdcigSJ1uiAw1lgC0mFmdckSMQUGf3UJpqk0mLMQw/s1600-h/DSC_0058P3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Bringing out more of the 'old' with this vintage white gold watch, another one of Lou's family heirlooms.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTW_ql_SHdJ15R-LsfeQEn1Ssq6z4n8mtq9NAAb57OkDoZDPkXitjWqklVowJ_NthyYFie99-gp_JM7isFiCBs7wwHbEM-Tmq3nXN-MgLSxHBpBwiaT2E9z65fqVefI5HF8uwvbNvyjU8/s1600-h/DSC_0059P2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTW_ql_SHdJ15R-LsfeQEn1Ssq6z4n8mtq9NAAb57OkDoZDPkXitjWqklVowJ_NthyYFie99-gp_JM7isFiCBs7wwHbEM-Tmq3nXN-MgLSxHBpBwiaT2E9z65fqVefI5HF8uwvbNvyjU8/s400/DSC_0059P2.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I softened the strictly-silver table by adding some vintage yellow gold watches too.</i><br />
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The clock is ticking, but don't fret... pulling your table together will surely take less time that it took to read this post. Just go grab all of your table clocks and watches... some picture frames and candlesticks... and you'll have put together a new year's themed table in no time!<br />
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And, if you cannot find the 'right' pieces in your home, just make a dash to your nearest Pottery Barn for these amazing clock plates. They're an easy and cool way set the mood for a fab new year's dinner. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOrT4N2K33blbBx6H7xBjT_YM6qPPKvcAbf2dSP4rbGJ5PWDUwu2cRfhCEmDKjCs3KrN73unaBi-pOro57v3yw0QdhjVBGte_0BaFeng3CL8iZ8otyzSMd_YAa9zo9G-8dLhHohc8v3o/s1600-h/img46l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOrT4N2K33blbBx6H7xBjT_YM6qPPKvcAbf2dSP4rbGJ5PWDUwu2cRfhCEmDKjCs3KrN73unaBi-pOro57v3yw0QdhjVBGte_0BaFeng3CL8iZ8otyzSMd_YAa9zo9G-8dLhHohc8v3o/s400/img46l.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Picture from PotteryBarn.com. Plates currently unavailable online, however can still be found in stores. The 8" plates come in a set of four. (The Roman Numeral plates are my fave.) 4" bowls also sold in a set of four.</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whether you plan to have a low-key New Year's over an intimate candlelit dinner and a bottle of champagne (ice bucket below from Williams Sonoma) or you ring in 2010 in Times Square, I hope that it's done in great style! <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGklQEFEMvPP7XPm9ZWfiq8ni8nP70RTGJ_b26cI8QKs3dB6cUyEbYYfuXN1K7hiE9oOJpRSeyv66ba6Kao7hP_P_pXaGIiNouBCvkU1oVPswWGFqDfZ8Bcwwj8b-u-Rl_nmkNW-7NZts/s1600-h/DSC_0111P2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGklQEFEMvPP7XPm9ZWfiq8ni8nP70RTGJ_b26cI8QKs3dB6cUyEbYYfuXN1K7hiE9oOJpRSeyv66ba6Kao7hP_P_pXaGIiNouBCvkU1oVPswWGFqDfZ8Bcwwj8b-u-Rl_nmkNW-7NZts/s400/DSC_0111P2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until our next rendezvous ~<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Joanna<br />
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</div>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-54598246637266253402009-12-28T22:11:00.001-06:002009-12-29T01:42:12.068-06:00Farewell to the Griswold's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Our first Christmas back in the states was the quite the family affair. This year was my first time hosting a large holiday gathering (hence the long posting absence!) and we couldn't have asked for more. It was so much fun spending six days with our families. My sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew came to stay as well as my hubby's mom, her friend Steve and Lou's brother Tony. So, including our doggie, we had a houseful of ten!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tFX93cPUDDjxYkNOBMBXXYPF7nZDmrqdAIjwzALlYV6XJWwm-z04t9SOmUGeMQuhbxc6rghKMPcISrTuWGKqgxsQiMpyl2EDmc4fhszJotGVf5fvPJVsAJ0dKP3MzUV1Ly8XkdMy1ds/s1600-h/DSC_0021_2_2_2P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tFX93cPUDDjxYkNOBMBXXYPF7nZDmrqdAIjwzALlYV6XJWwm-z04t9SOmUGeMQuhbxc6rghKMPcISrTuWGKqgxsQiMpyl2EDmc4fhszJotGVf5fvPJVsAJ0dKP3MzUV1Ly8XkdMy1ds/s400/DSC_0021_2_2_2P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This pic makes me laugh so hard! Such a typical shot of our fam. Wanting a 'posed and planned' shot... Instead, getting me with maybe 4 hours of sleep and no make-up, Lou before he even brushed his hair and 'wait, hang on... come here Tampa... sit boy... take the pic, wait, NOW!' Ha ha ha!</i><br />
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</div>This past month was filled with LOTS of work and sleepless nights preparing for our house guests (it was <b>so</b> very worth it). We wanted to do a lot a finishing touches to our house since we had only lived in it less than a year. I also tried to personalize everyone's Christmas away from home as much as possible this year while our only 'child' right now is Tampa and I had a little more time on my hands.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGO5BCEt63B5XaPUuW3_-qJroaGeZTqGmqKoXtxM8Cky9sLe-jJb0hgxbKB_kQ7wD_0OgxdNHVMNsILbldQYbw2maD0rfE50g7V23c4Jhyphenhyphen1iMG4scnS9X4IsOFTefwrMPq1SA8ierXC4/s1600-h/DSC_0064P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGO5BCEt63B5XaPUuW3_-qJroaGeZTqGmqKoXtxM8Cky9sLe-jJb0hgxbKB_kQ7wD_0OgxdNHVMNsILbldQYbw2maD0rfE50g7V23c4Jhyphenhyphen1iMG4scnS9X4IsOFTefwrMPq1SA8ierXC4/s400/DSC_0064P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hand-sewn stockings that I made for everyone...ten in total! (Notice who's stocking is first... spoiled, spoiled, spoiled ;)</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks to my wonderful friend and neighbor, Jen, I was able to use her sewing machine (since I didn't own one) for a large part of the making of the stockings. Besides replacing buttons and repairing seams, I had never really sewn anything. The fabric that I chose was Christmas sheet music and I went with quilted backing and made velvet cuffs. Choosing to use an ivory silk cording gave them a more 'finished' look. Wanting to personalize the stockings in a fashion other than the usual monogramming, I decided to go with silver frame ornaments (these were from Restoration Hardware). I replaced the red ribbon that came on them with the ivory fancy-edged ribbon for a style more similar to the stockings. Fun black and white photos were then put in the frames to identify each family member's stocking.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid87111v-834TubK6xYhjqiRFjitqFZvlj61QYyKjiDHP0FUAyGXX_sKyw72GfZUbZF-kwShzRYmMDu6_h4pD1aVwQ3g0TTaWH5xNuxsoC0HdO4NnOYndh9z6P2axmYPzd7J_fXz1Rv9s/s1600-h/DSC_0068P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid87111v-834TubK6xYhjqiRFjitqFZvlj61QYyKjiDHP0FUAyGXX_sKyw72GfZUbZF-kwShzRYmMDu6_h4pD1aVwQ3g0TTaWH5xNuxsoC0HdO4NnOYndh9z6P2axmYPzd7J_fXz1Rv9s/s400/DSC_0068P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Steve in his temple, the Eagles stadium and Tony taking in the sights during a trip to visit us in Australia. </i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Food was a main event throughout the week. Other than an evening out for Texas BBQ and a farewell Tex Mex lunch, all of our meals were homemade with lots of fun and good times in the kitchen (except for the clean-up... not as much fun... maybe next year we'll trade-in the china for chinet ;)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXIIhmy9CI6c69IZ8So_30IXGvgTB-6iAbJiNOKmb0KBiX6pFCNkW7yZMSGBShBTlZR-qDpUpwKY2cv4vezpfenSbxPPOoMedrz7kdQ2bndOk8KaOGcH_WovmPLcklEwQB0LkH-AgaCc/s1600-h/DSC_0032P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXIIhmy9CI6c69IZ8So_30IXGvgTB-6iAbJiNOKmb0KBiX6pFCNkW7yZMSGBShBTlZR-qDpUpwKY2cv4vezpfenSbxPPOoMedrz7kdQ2bndOk8KaOGcH_WovmPLcklEwQB0LkH-AgaCc/s400/DSC_0032P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>With cute reindeer plates like these, why would I have wanted to use Chinet this year? I got these from Pottery Barn a few years ago and I believe that they still sell them in stores. They came in a set of the eight different reindeer and we also have the large Rudolph platter.</i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Lou and I have a long-standing tradition since our very first Christmas together that we were able to share with our families this year. Each year we buy our gifts for each other ahead of time, wrap them and place them under the tree before Christmas. Then, on Christmas Eve, we go 'Santa Shopping'. It has always been a really fun time and gets us into Christmas spirit overload right before the big day. So this year, we shared the experience with the family and they LOVED it!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkuLfwuWQ81WRk2mGOJlrDED7BkpDBUPxssMkLotc3bhiXNgFmReD5wOkHqxfua6mMrjR0Qr9CcBywUyMakCr7F5lfZt0rFZIeLCedN8bxSdqLcnV5F7Wq__7w98fMfuWQn-PZMUOZd0/s1600-h/DSC_0041P2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkuLfwuWQ81WRk2mGOJlrDED7BkpDBUPxssMkLotc3bhiXNgFmReD5wOkHqxfua6mMrjR0Qr9CcBywUyMakCr7F5lfZt0rFZIeLCedN8bxSdqLcnV5F7Wq__7w98fMfuWQn-PZMUOZd0/s400/DSC_0041P2.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We started the day with a big Christmas Eve Brunch.</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H6h9D9hqerHNZ0HVQLkbDFtbJUvN_RFyN0Q1plr3pcDmdAwPPfdBobYBqTSTVl_wHzmu8WcHxuC7vKERODuksVz1WKFicjt5TG7JJWi6DNN766cyKScqSPnWyZaOfZNyKJXpBVd2_hc/s1600-h/DSC_0031_2P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H6h9D9hqerHNZ0HVQLkbDFtbJUvN_RFyN0Q1plr3pcDmdAwPPfdBobYBqTSTVl_wHzmu8WcHxuC7vKERODuksVz1WKFicjt5TG7JJWi6DNN766cyKScqSPnWyZaOfZNyKJXpBVd2_hc/s400/DSC_0031_2P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My hubby found some great orange-cranberry and white chocolate bread at Hubble & Hudson. So we whipped up some french toast and pork roll (a yummy New Jersey meat) and had lots of specialty syrups for the family to taste. </i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELWwEhnWbdm5IKJp6JZP7ebZaqdbPGzyyQrdKF7TGEdeq5psejG5mYWdJLfB4aNjBXGjedHvGAy2ILwfawXDq3VQmR4gd_hPis8uFiovcoCeX2km14wNTx87z_zLAuefM7B4hv1YztuQ/s1600-h/DSC_0048_2P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELWwEhnWbdm5IKJp6JZP7ebZaqdbPGzyyQrdKF7TGEdeq5psejG5mYWdJLfB4aNjBXGjedHvGAy2ILwfawXDq3VQmR4gd_hPis8uFiovcoCeX2km14wNTx87z_zLAuefM7B4hv1YztuQ/s400/DSC_0048_2P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mimosas are a must in our family! I wasn't able to squeeze in the time to concentrate on our dining table centerpiece, but I do really like the uber-tall candles. I picked them up at Hobby Lobby for super cheap. They're quite a bit shorter here than they were originally, as we burn candles <b>all</b> of the time! </i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">After breakfast, we all headed out to Market Street to go Santa Shopping. Santa presents cannot be 'pre-determined' or 'planned' gifts. Since the 'real' presents are already bought, there is no pressure during this shopping trip. If you see something that you think someone will love, you buy it and it's 'from Santa' (which also lends to the 'no pressure' atmosphere... no one knows who bought the gift!). Our pressies from Santa have historically always been our favorites gifts.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then, that evening, we put up our Santa tree, a.k.a Lou's dream tree. Filled with the old-fashioned colored bulbs, santa ornaments and silver tinsel - it <b>was</b> tacky but it made us feel so warm and fuzzy on the inside. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL0mHvGMmiAukLe_ws4rsC97h8n4X7hpE4KKmINBghxIKIb8vJtSZK9DJ_1_zJOxUJgURdVCw7M-CnMV4iFT1c8Obq1yrK3ere9ALoK0DvpmlJpQf8nrKnfvo4dBkGQXALrw_shwVcFA/s1600-h/DSC_0040_2_3P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL0mHvGMmiAukLe_ws4rsC97h8n4X7hpE4KKmINBghxIKIb8vJtSZK9DJ_1_zJOxUJgURdVCw7M-CnMV4iFT1c8Obq1yrK3ere9ALoK0DvpmlJpQf8nrKnfvo4dBkGQXALrw_shwVcFA/s400/DSC_0040_2_3P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The more the merrier... and messier! This was the skinny artificial tree that we used before finding our love of real trees. Scrawny it may be, but we filled it like it was a big ol' fat tree! (A couple of elves actually hid a strand of lights from Lou because although there wasn't <b>any</b> more room, he kept trying to add <b>more</b> lights to the tree! Shhhhh... mum's the word on the identity of those elves.) We ordered this Santa-inspired tree skirt from Crate and Barrel post-Christmas last year and got it for a bargain!</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">After the tree was set up all of the 'Santas' split up and wrapped the gifts from their Santa Shopping. The presents had to be wrapped in Santa paper with Santa tags and no pretty bows or decor, just fun and messy wrapping.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioGmmKkCUa_bvH_r6QIdkGHJheFAeYGwbfMtnLu7rCAjHm7NLxPGiIaJOqhGlRuCNl_P44Y9WvvnfEusq6VcEPnEzfb4Hzp_jm6l7iyJi1nWBu_fNPfz3-SNGNOrLWQW49XwUL_KCm1w/s1600-h/DSC_0091P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioGmmKkCUa_bvH_r6QIdkGHJheFAeYGwbfMtnLu7rCAjHm7NLxPGiIaJOqhGlRuCNl_P44Y9WvvnfEusq6VcEPnEzfb4Hzp_jm6l7iyJi1nWBu_fNPfz3-SNGNOrLWQW49XwUL_KCm1w/s400/DSC_0091P.jpg" width="257" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Brother-in-law, Jeff, getting into the Santa fun. He was using my favorite Santa paper... old-fashioned Santa. Poinsettias are not my favorite, but they are an easy way to add a lot of holiday cheer to a room. We went with an off-white poinsettia in the 'beach' guest room to keep it light and airy.</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeFKx-VgzB2KecE-6lb7WGS64X-hPAYR9iUY2dJTYvTr09hAvZfshvx15XPU-BkQ3dF87NWNk4M93_7eWq_HOldZaxhEVvvKPZxJqf10yGXLxb3UfXbYi9b08A10ZxwknvNYamzRK7rE/s1600-h/DSC_0039P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeFKx-VgzB2KecE-6lb7WGS64X-hPAYR9iUY2dJTYvTr09hAvZfshvx15XPU-BkQ3dF87NWNk4M93_7eWq_HOldZaxhEVvvKPZxJqf10yGXLxb3UfXbYi9b08A10ZxwknvNYamzRK7rE/s400/DSC_0039P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This ornament was one of the few other Christmas details that were added to the beach guest room. It was an easy an inexpensive way to throw in a touch of casual holiday decor. I just hung it over the frame of this mirror that I had whitewashed.</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">After all of the little elves had gone to bed, Santa came! It made for a long but <b>really</b> fun night for Santa.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8_SmnW_TvZFniF5lZ8jtvMvK-DgqLKZCvFYbVbHaCbgI12R3QEtAUK0av4U6Vx6JgnhXXHGgnI-MsMqD6BEDUQuKfZdrpA3gh5zMH59Po9sTj29R0zQs0o-3L76UYshb4FeE_xNMPiM/s1600-h/DSC_0120_2_3P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8_SmnW_TvZFniF5lZ8jtvMvK-DgqLKZCvFYbVbHaCbgI12R3QEtAUK0av4U6Vx6JgnhXXHGgnI-MsMqD6BEDUQuKfZdrpA3gh5zMH59Po9sTj29R0zQs0o-3L76UYshb4FeE_xNMPiM/s400/DSC_0120_2_3P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Santa filled all of the stockings with lots of goodies (Note to self: Although the long skinny stockings are the look I was going for, wider stockings would be much easier to fill!)...</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7SbI4et6BCd4S0ve0KsajpVwxNaBtMaQLziMXqVO7_XQ475FifPVWC5lNbkYGylQM07N6wYXuTV54EIhqEhD1a312HXrUUY5b0XCUP5nBxYBKAavduY3rENRBActXnWkAYMk55m1uYE/s1600-h/DSC_0099_3P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7SbI4et6BCd4S0ve0KsajpVwxNaBtMaQLziMXqVO7_XQ475FifPVWC5lNbkYGylQM07N6wYXuTV54EIhqEhD1a312HXrUUY5b0XCUP5nBxYBKAavduY3rENRBActXnWkAYMk55m1uYE/s400/DSC_0099_3P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Next, Santa checked the presents under the 'pretty' tree...</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIw3PmjIufkk3Q1vE8teBu-YX2KGUEIuENeG3I51SRzHNZoWEq8ZBUeZ3HjKyZgdXFsAPEAxY3twuZSfyhyjMF_QjzbjNhig4i4PqPo1H5XllCPMxLishUNEUQubAX-UUfJch9IOoCxIA/s1600-h/DSC_0102P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIw3PmjIufkk3Q1vE8teBu-YX2KGUEIuENeG3I51SRzHNZoWEq8ZBUeZ3HjKyZgdXFsAPEAxY3twuZSfyhyjMF_QjzbjNhig4i4PqPo1H5XllCPMxLishUNEUQubAX-UUfJch9IOoCxIA/s400/DSC_0102P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And transferred all of the gifts that were on our sleigh to under the tree.</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0X2TqwHm9rjrdz5-ojujmfxM9z1iSWLr1HjfW7my3fXc1R2jiiR9hdcGWzQ6UMlLGdCYeA7n_q2YNj6Ybhkwk5YJvtaqTLJxES4KqdqyMV_FzqyPaakm6HcvU1-Obfg_rMiSr7uacRs/s1600-h/DSC_0109_2_3P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0X2TqwHm9rjrdz5-ojujmfxM9z1iSWLr1HjfW7my3fXc1R2jiiR9hdcGWzQ6UMlLGdCYeA7n_q2YNj6Ybhkwk5YJvtaqTLJxES4KqdqyMV_FzqyPaakm6HcvU1-Obfg_rMiSr7uacRs/s400/DSC_0109_2_3P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Then, Santa headed upstairs with the sacks full of Santa presents and put them under the Santa tree...No need for straightening or 'perfecting' this display... it's all about the hodgepodge! I just love all of the different Santa wrapping papers and crooked tags. </i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiCinOef6-uroWLLg6HdP7nQdvCkq0qmaR8iIoNHYXT2iSPBud9K9LwaJkhoEvUF81f_6L4WZQyIMjZYKCKO6wOyklNz7KGVsGFzM9-hkXzXvg2r-ujhkcnySAGjNzQaTiZNXLUOgcRQ/s1600-h/DSC_0119_2_3P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiCinOef6-uroWLLg6HdP7nQdvCkq0qmaR8iIoNHYXT2iSPBud9K9LwaJkhoEvUF81f_6L4WZQyIMjZYKCKO6wOyklNz7KGVsGFzM9-hkXzXvg2r-ujhkcnySAGjNzQaTiZNXLUOgcRQ/s400/DSC_0119_2_3P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Then Santa put all of the candy canes (even some for Tampa) on the tree. This is an old tradition from my side of the family. </i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEmiU5yx07U4z56c5ouuulD3dfLt7EabXi0IeaOBgBtbS33PZVnl4gkkAkYADOSAB9UOVSRCdZiQbny1hSwbKKe8aHtLkw5kLP3TluV044DYHc8lzKMo4Ba4yLeo6K_5J2Q3IWfOUzMU/s1600-h/DSC_0112_3P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEmiU5yx07U4z56c5ouuulD3dfLt7EabXi0IeaOBgBtbS33PZVnl4gkkAkYADOSAB9UOVSRCdZiQbny1hSwbKKe8aHtLkw5kLP3TluV044DYHc8lzKMo4Ba4yLeo6K_5J2Q3IWfOUzMU/s400/DSC_0112_3P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Finally, Santa had a few cookies and milk (ok ok, this year it was champagne... it <b>had</b> been a really long day for Santa;) and left a note for the family. I love our new Christmas cookie plates. The rectangular one is a vintage-looking nutcracker plate from Williams Sonoma. The large round dish has a winking Santa with a cracked effect. We got this one from Pottery Barn and the design also comes in a large bowl and a set of four small plates.</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>CHRISTMAS MORNING!!!</b><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We started the morning with stockings... Lou's family tradition. (Either that, or it was because he had put a 'big' gift in my stocking :)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmVlOdgI7py-GWZgR-foRccJujzjmVDak6mXxaerHWJzJE5EaOORjFYq6RnZ13xb4gcp6MTt0ctFsqTpCJaQ6zgTim32HAQ4S1WuOo7lv9IrNAZrXWNUya89jIxfISp8JOfkhOp2iJTI/s1600-h/DSC_StockingsP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmVlOdgI7py-GWZgR-foRccJujzjmVDak6mXxaerHWJzJE5EaOORjFYq6RnZ13xb4gcp6MTt0ctFsqTpCJaQ6zgTim32HAQ4S1WuOo7lv9IrNAZrXWNUya89jIxfISp8JOfkhOp2iJTI/s400/DSC_StockingsP.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Everyone loved their stockings and we took our time getting into them!</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">After my grabbing a Vixen plate full of my mother-in-laws famous crumb cake (and a mimosa of course), we headed upstairs to see what Santa had brought.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUc9m_-pIDXQgIFcdeX_1vTakZ1PaB3CiExg8HgpIu4X5rWhxZnsTcqpyuFdT3Gy6eq5QrUbirjjZskDM8cx1RmdPFVrpUL0ScIVG-f4aIVtvoQET3pJLZm4pmB5rR-DnIIaKveq_6LS4/s1600-h/DSC_0037P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUc9m_-pIDXQgIFcdeX_1vTakZ1PaB3CiExg8HgpIu4X5rWhxZnsTcqpyuFdT3Gy6eq5QrUbirjjZskDM8cx1RmdPFVrpUL0ScIVG-f4aIVtvoQET3pJLZm4pmB5rR-DnIIaKveq_6LS4/s400/DSC_0037P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A few Santa gifts for everyone really got the spirit going!</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVKVBOZnl_PHrbuRrIii7Hh9295AAZw5QMPBq2z3oX3KdVAGWHpLcvC_HnyN0o0m3B9EIj8Ec0m3qkrsFx-qyH7XJV8NbYRtCs19rF8evlZ4wYXZv88s65XV_nApxhoeXp5S-yI-pn4c/s1600-h/DSC_0114_2P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVKVBOZnl_PHrbuRrIii7Hh9295AAZw5QMPBq2z3oX3KdVAGWHpLcvC_HnyN0o0m3B9EIj8Ec0m3qkrsFx-qyH7XJV8NbYRtCs19rF8evlZ4wYXZv88s65XV_nApxhoeXp5S-yI-pn4c/s400/DSC_0114_2P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My niece, Emma, was the 'passer-outter'. Awwww... a 'Santa' used my favorite paper again!</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Once everyone was in Christmas spirit overload (Santa shopping was a HUGE success!) we headed back downstairs to open the other gifts.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGogwfKKOxQVYVR8QE2P4url1Cm8OuKcf7ATQlbcGn8sKNQDyi4GlPep9_HkHiku2k4S5J_c2W6paeUa3EdNwQYGDDGNr2KaLcn63hPZPgmPT_KbwUZH59248InN-OKmdnljrFCoL0Js/s1600-h/DSC_0633P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGogwfKKOxQVYVR8QE2P4url1Cm8OuKcf7ATQlbcGn8sKNQDyi4GlPep9_HkHiku2k4S5J_c2W6paeUa3EdNwQYGDDGNr2KaLcn63hPZPgmPT_KbwUZH59248InN-OKmdnljrFCoL0Js/s400/DSC_0633P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Tampa caught on quickly! He was such a good puppy on Christmas Day. The oversized ornaments that you see in the foreground are from Pottery Barn. They come in three different shapes and we decided to go with one of each. For added texture, I used a reclaimed wood bowl to put them in and added a few springs of berries for color.</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlVDzVHZkVB7DPcXb57Q7RkP9NtkNxMG2OicjMsjEXgmxmnQTDf9a2oiyi41GFCzLu2GHoc_toVGudqbQjV3ILp46aaucIUqKD89toZ-aD52IUl1zbyu-UDLq3UzzkJXSf7YgxUz16Hs/s1600-h/DSC_0113P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlVDzVHZkVB7DPcXb57Q7RkP9NtkNxMG2OicjMsjEXgmxmnQTDf9a2oiyi41GFCzLu2GHoc_toVGudqbQjV3ILp46aaucIUqKD89toZ-aD52IUl1zbyu-UDLq3UzzkJXSf7YgxUz16Hs/s400/DSC_0113P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lou tearing into a gift from me with a little help from Tampa. Tunes occasionally provided by my nephew, Landon, created a nice backdrop for opening gifts. The sculptured bush in the background is real and stays throughout the year (provided my green thumb doesn't turn black again!). Lou strung it with white lights for some added festiveness. The front door had a eucalyptus wreath hung on the outside and the cubby of windows above were adorned with lots of berries sprigs.</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>4 1/2 Hours Later...</b><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdH_vSgTWwY_0KLIM56IfU73H-0waxalZv4NcHR00bIsVICH3PmVWKc0EXC47-kGpRnWTsvhqLygAREqxyozs_zj-mj23jKsvQtMVxqGqlv5Z5pTOTQPJIDSKlWtfTY51O-9w8XWjS5E/s1600-h/DSC_0061_2_2_2P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdH_vSgTWwY_0KLIM56IfU73H-0waxalZv4NcHR00bIsVICH3PmVWKc0EXC47-kGpRnWTsvhqLygAREqxyozs_zj-mj23jKsvQtMVxqGqlv5Z5pTOTQPJIDSKlWtfTY51O-9w8XWjS5E/s400/DSC_0061_2_2_2P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And a nice big Christmas mess! (Please excuse the drapes pulled shut... it was a very sunny Christmas morning :) Can't wait for all of those Craftsman boxes to be put to good use by my handy hubby... I'm thinking a girlie room complete with built-ins for my new sewing machine! Thanks sis!!! I <b>so</b> already know what my first sewing project is going to be.</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Much more important than presents and the gift-giving spirit ~ the week was filled with lots of great family time, laughs and - of course - food!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySCc5wbIU1LlH7phB0KUE_NUDoHVUtbwfe3kAb9zyEBla3MagGDeXFTzQhWafVI4yKAj4_X0lHqJc8V0i-CuUy9_FyHSeoQfV6GImonanXeahaDFafm77GGG8iVYWEmiJwnW2_PlPm30/s1600-h/DSC_0126_2P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySCc5wbIU1LlH7phB0KUE_NUDoHVUtbwfe3kAb9zyEBla3MagGDeXFTzQhWafVI4yKAj4_X0lHqJc8V0i-CuUy9_FyHSeoQfV6GImonanXeahaDFafm77GGG8iVYWEmiJwnW2_PlPm30/s400/DSC_0126_2P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A Guitar Hero play-off. Sorry for your loss, honey, my nephew <b>is</b> in a band though.</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMvZQJVEiJMrutDF4aHR1o946UYW-fTpuAYrIjTo-w9iWfv-rZ8urroa7Erje_v5cSQ2Jh-w4wiTwRu5jDMlU2Xn7hzfMraCuM7XAz3HHnSd8Sp45AKYZHackLax27-qqspBXzu6EZXc/s1600-h/DSC_0155_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMvZQJVEiJMrutDF4aHR1o946UYW-fTpuAYrIjTo-w9iWfv-rZ8urroa7Erje_v5cSQ2Jh-w4wiTwRu5jDMlU2Xn7hzfMraCuM7XAz3HHnSd8Sp45AKYZHackLax27-qqspBXzu6EZXc/s400/DSC_0155_2.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A nice little fire and heated pool (can't wait to get that gas bill....eeeek!) kept us warm on our late night swims. Love the look from the guys - 'Come on! Enough with the pics... can't we get back to our cannonballs?!'</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LyUQYXBhjuLGtLhlQ6SevusuarNavOopi6jWHv3bn33rT5_1u4jVWxm4gxTBmB_nPMypv1T5jVsDoU8vXSZCgZdTEoBZapxExCEBuxVMkVecW5Iq9qU2CdQ_gJHWfQz8uhNM7_RPdFA/s1600-h/DSC_0146_2_2P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LyUQYXBhjuLGtLhlQ6SevusuarNavOopi6jWHv3bn33rT5_1u4jVWxm4gxTBmB_nPMypv1T5jVsDoU8vXSZCgZdTEoBZapxExCEBuxVMkVecW5Iq9qU2CdQ_gJHWfQz8uhNM7_RPdFA/s400/DSC_0146_2_2P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>More games and yet another win for Landon (I bet that one hurt my previously undefeated Monopoly hubby). The game board came from Restoration Hardware and it makes for a really nice display when not in use.</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not sure where my sister, brother-in-law and I were in these fun game pics... oh that's right... we were holding down the fort in the kitchen!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJGeGBbl6z2HoEv1nHJ4KCHdEd9LHXddoEbWhX8qXTnpkSuUECkX2sQyEyexKDQctgOk8F8Zc6PVA3vttNI3wK1fwIXXm-hEFnKeViIm4Ew4RL1jHyfBU_kNzBfFNiverhCDEi6IvgMA/s1600-h/DSC_0082P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJGeGBbl6z2HoEv1nHJ4KCHdEd9LHXddoEbWhX8qXTnpkSuUECkX2sQyEyexKDQctgOk8F8Zc6PVA3vttNI3wK1fwIXXm-hEFnKeViIm4Ew4RL1jHyfBU_kNzBfFNiverhCDEi6IvgMA/s320/DSC_0082P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mmmmmm... cranberry-pear chutney... and Tampa taking a break in the background.</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Basting the bird. We ended up with so many cookie plates this year that we didn't need the silver stand in the background. So instead, we stored some copper cookie cutters on it to tie-in my copper pans.</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDIMa5m26GYQIug6lRuDwldgEOC1kuN8xyoVi32ROt4IzMZMmxp0yqdCwUhPAT6GVO2pOFvn05FkqvsSiAHAltJcNDb6ej_HrbLGtikeePh-Vd6hrDx_8nCNAeNLM0qopzzEIHsO4HZk/s1600-h/DSC_0120P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDIMa5m26GYQIug6lRuDwldgEOC1kuN8xyoVi32ROt4IzMZMmxp0yqdCwUhPAT6GVO2pOFvn05FkqvsSiAHAltJcNDb6ej_HrbLGtikeePh-Vd6hrDx_8nCNAeNLM0qopzzEIHsO4HZk/s400/DSC_0120P.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>In our home, we believe in using our 'nice' things and who cares if they get broken (fyi, only three things got broken this year... oops! ha ha). We also don't like to 'control' the kitchen... the more hands the more fun! So, the kids played a big part in the table settings which gave a warm feel to the sometimes not-so-centered place setting. I think that they did an awesome job!</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoSJOSmLohr-2sghu_mslxfm8SUp7JKqWTueV1q9ItQX-eJn0_2kwDnnUHr4m9oAm_0ZwSVr2stMt3hpHSnO-OM-U20g8UGBcOCEKLWIDG0er2Jeyr70LzHd1jOUuu8CfeQ3mCdzjEP8/s1600-h/DSC_0163_2P2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoSJOSmLohr-2sghu_mslxfm8SUp7JKqWTueV1q9ItQX-eJn0_2kwDnnUHr4m9oAm_0ZwSVr2stMt3hpHSnO-OM-U20g8UGBcOCEKLWIDG0er2Jeyr70LzHd1jOUuu8CfeQ3mCdzjEP8/s400/DSC_0163_2P2.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The farewell dinner with our families. What a crazy group of peeps! Looking at this photo is making me really want to get the matching sconces soon! I'm debating between the 2-light or 3-light sconces which will flank the mirror. Any suggestions/opinions?</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">So the last family members left early this morning which leaves me and my hubby with a very quiet and empty house - and a sick dog :( ... but finally some time for blogging! I plan to write many more design posts and I'll be updating the blog a couple of times per week. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for letting me share our home and old fashioned holiday with you. I hope that you are having a wonderful holiday season with your families.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iF1tu6WOj6rGW_h8C56e2alEzSYx_TCwl8nBdGswdqZyUhxhWla4jVz3Vr9dQDcicsTC49FRGU3WGaFsTmjOXSvfrxXfQNIicPtygHPJxs5hpvq-WS8whBWr2okw_o9pPRX7Houl2eA/s1600-h/DSC_0125_2_3P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iF1tu6WOj6rGW_h8C56e2alEzSYx_TCwl8nBdGswdqZyUhxhWla4jVz3Vr9dQDcicsTC49FRGU3WGaFsTmjOXSvfrxXfQNIicPtygHPJxs5hpvq-WS8whBWr2okw_o9pPRX7Houl2eA/s400/DSC_0125_2_3P.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Until our next rendezvous ~<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Joanna<br />
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</div>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-24422423138165400982009-12-10T03:40:00.008-06:002009-12-10T03:51:52.597-06:00Real vs. Fake: Finally a Woman's Opinion on the Matter!<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span style="font-family: Times;">Everyone seems to be pretty set in their opinion on these types of matters. So I was wondering, what about faux Christmas decor vs the real deal? </span></span><br />
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I used to be a 'fake' girl myself. I had this beautifully large pre-lit tree with faux pine cones and all! It was too big to bring with me to Australia, so we downsized to this smaller artificial tree for the first couple of years there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8soh2pXNGb-c5He_WITsA0itcHeyzfovbKIj2IcwEC5fc2YpaKM5sMa4kAU3oOQvcfknN-MnEDK5Tpa_1xV47dS0FmTV-8xt74hWoljJ0bLtNhj2XlMC7qGj9gRfnRXCR8iIgGfloUQw/s1600-h/DSC03638_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8soh2pXNGb-c5He_WITsA0itcHeyzfovbKIj2IcwEC5fc2YpaKM5sMa4kAU3oOQvcfknN-MnEDK5Tpa_1xV47dS0FmTV-8xt74hWoljJ0bLtNhj2XlMC7qGj9gRfnRXCR8iIgGfloUQw/s400/DSC03638_2.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>We loved our view of Queen St. (in Brisbane) so much that we didn't seem to miss a big tree!</i></span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then last year my hubby (the king of great surprises) came home with the cutest REAL tree ever! My very first real tree!!! He and our good friend Chip had been ALL over Sydney and surrounding suburbs looking for a real one for me (Christmas tree farms are apparently not a hot commodity in Oz). Finally they found one! It was well, the only choice. But it was an awfully cute choice ~ a short little fat thing. I was SO surprised! <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3OkUoedRLRd1Xu10KD7tAUQ0MJGnvjoPh2tmJa6TBg_Wly8pFr7e47MQUJhAQ7ByWsdJO6LTNBo9pqwv0lyeUV9dOAxCkFtXS97v-KjxxFlnCLBHU3wOTU18ULBG6IMy1kWDRwY1NH8/s1600-h/DSC_0111_9_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3OkUoedRLRd1Xu10KD7tAUQ0MJGnvjoPh2tmJa6TBg_Wly8pFr7e47MQUJhAQ7ByWsdJO6LTNBo9pqwv0lyeUV9dOAxCkFtXS97v-KjxxFlnCLBHU3wOTU18ULBG6IMy1kWDRwY1NH8/s400/DSC_0111_9_2.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>We decorated it all whimsically. 'Real' seems to bring out all the fun!</i></span><br />
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</div>I have to say, after now having both, that REAL is definitely the best for me! Mmmmmm, the smell... the look... hauling it home... it's all so fun and festive. When it came to picking out our tree this year it was a no-brainer for us. Real and TALL (sorry last year tree!). I wanted a nine footer so we went before Thanksgiving to ensure that we'd get first pick. (Don't worry, we're not your typical retail store... we stored it in the garage until <i>after</i> Thanksgiving!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFszSLcGQkV8GUJFXTGdmWM-_bOQCwM83mkxtTwZvkLRmYsUkziWZFLa0yVZVXA-D_NYfN_kqdjMcaK82xeP3tgpYSq0R8NZ5W7vfs08d2LL24OhaV-qwS_rN9N-8GU0DE80X0LqbH3A/s1600-h/DSC_0193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFszSLcGQkV8GUJFXTGdmWM-_bOQCwM83mkxtTwZvkLRmYsUkziWZFLa0yVZVXA-D_NYfN_kqdjMcaK82xeP3tgpYSq0R8NZ5W7vfs08d2LL24OhaV-qwS_rN9N-8GU0DE80X0LqbH3A/s400/DSC_0193.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ahhhhh... it's just the right tree for us! Not too big, not too skinny. We went with a red and silver theme for the ornaments. It has exactly 100 ornaments on it now, which still isn't enough! Charcoal dupioni silk drapes normally dress these windows; However, we decided to try red for the holiday! I was nervous about this (too much red + too much green = too cheesy for me), but we went with a dupioni silk again which kept the sophistication of the room. The 'red' drapes are actually a dark henna, which is a much richer shade. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7KenRCgJS_AYjEJMbMJClHpF1KEg1WoGqFa-0xRwC3Qxa6guRMUA3rlyPpbw3wAWI_sK52knd-kMJZ53M9wDsExrgS3a_RquLwn0NfvevSUeJh4gxvXYUjL4R7GFHN2AXYQrMFlfDxM/s1600-h/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7KenRCgJS_AYjEJMbMJClHpF1KEg1WoGqFa-0xRwC3Qxa6guRMUA3rlyPpbw3wAWI_sK52knd-kMJZ53M9wDsExrgS3a_RquLwn0NfvevSUeJh4gxvXYUjL4R7GFHN2AXYQrMFlfDxM/s400/DSC_0190.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We also went with real garland this year. I love that I get to choose the length! Most artificial garland that I was looking at came in only 6 ft strands. We purchased this garland at Lowe's for just under $7 for 20 ft! I was so excited that we decided to buy 240 ft! I put it up the weekend after Thankgiving and (with the exception of actually putting it up) we haven't seen many needles laying around at all!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgcOuCJB46BLA6zEBF6cHscEk6ZU6yBq1m4_sU1fv5PC6gjYTZSe9lF7WHr7XxNGB6DiaFch7yu3MD_cGBJSFrfAdpmTSXI4YmT_qaAH5IjbGWDrXC-3212UM_UUD0vto3WG8X0fNbYM/s1600-h/DSC_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgcOuCJB46BLA6zEBF6cHscEk6ZU6yBq1m4_sU1fv5PC6gjYTZSe9lF7WHr7XxNGB6DiaFch7yu3MD_cGBJSFrfAdpmTSXI4YmT_qaAH5IjbGWDrXC-3212UM_UUD0vto3WG8X0fNbYM/s400/DSC_0196.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The garland is very 'workable' and you can easily re-wire it to suit your design needs. I preferred to 'let it do its own thing' here and look a little messy (a.k.a. natural!).<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKskJ5V_3EuUG9stztwV2gzeaVj59J8DnnuIvTNFIfydNIpWtmyffUmm4WHQG5ejyYRlK5cvUwmXGRlfEaiePGjoctl_I9_dvkhyphenhyphenY96w2qmQvrbd_kLTaUZl9mqvTS1CfhpqHmAQTyEY/s1600-h/DSC_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKskJ5V_3EuUG9stztwV2gzeaVj59J8DnnuIvTNFIfydNIpWtmyffUmm4WHQG5ejyYRlK5cvUwmXGRlfEaiePGjoctl_I9_dvkhyphenhyphenY96w2qmQvrbd_kLTaUZl9mqvTS1CfhpqHmAQTyEY/s400/DSC_0177.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The staircase railings were draped (instead of wrapped) with garland for a no-fuss feel (and a no-fuss effort!). I love that the chandelier lights up the garland and that the garland sort-of frames the chandelier.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7o9sghDcAnezIqR2P0AQ7_F7qpBnQC-ElnEjVxKYzDO2BsTTqWS1qRQvN0Jlu6chXvELP_SZ_FDK6A3GpNMl7wWi2GCzXY2AKIZBL1ztyTttFcf7l3pmZVSD0fqz44OwF8NVO2mcD2c/s1600-h/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7o9sghDcAnezIqR2P0AQ7_F7qpBnQC-ElnEjVxKYzDO2BsTTqWS1qRQvN0Jlu6chXvELP_SZ_FDK6A3GpNMl7wWi2GCzXY2AKIZBL1ztyTttFcf7l3pmZVSD0fqz44OwF8NVO2mcD2c/s400/DSC_0190.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Here's a view from the inside. Say 'Hi' to Santa! Everything appeared smaller in this pic...he's actually pretty huge! It's a canvas from Pottery Barn and probably my favorite Christmas decoration in our home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApeYVYYJMHA-yQ2JM5YofFBLLfPMSxJBE9WHMnfcATRIAQzi1n37RWyyYwU23-b9VppGnV7Mk-dNhoBsnlmpMqacoH3jlDScR8KBED5IvsFIVJZ-Ym9LnkF33i4JZDQo_l8eK9Y5XjYI/s1600-h/DSC_0221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApeYVYYJMHA-yQ2JM5YofFBLLfPMSxJBE9WHMnfcATRIAQzi1n37RWyyYwU23-b9VppGnV7Mk-dNhoBsnlmpMqacoH3jlDScR8KBED5IvsFIVJZ-Ym9LnkF33i4JZDQo_l8eK9Y5XjYI/s400/DSC_0221.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Live pine can also add some warmth to an otherwise formal room. Here I've tossed some extra strands into a wide vase and paired it with some berry branches. (Yes, yes... I know that my table needs some serious work! Just wanted to throw something together using the extra pine. I decided to save this and all of my 'fun projects' for next week. Any table decorating ideas that you would like to share would be great!)<br />
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</div>The buffets also got an extra accessory. I just love how thick and full the live garland is!<br />
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</div>And of course it's floor-length! I'm so happy with the look and feel of our 'real' garland that I think it'll make its way into our home every year!<br />
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</div>The <i>only</i> downfall with the tree is its 'shedding'. Luckily I have a dog that likes to shed a lot too... so pulling out the vacuum a few times a week isn't out of the ordinary for us!<br />
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</div>And one last close-up of the tree branches. Now if I could just find a way to do 'real' berry branches!<br />
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What's your take on real vs fake? Thanks for listening and letting me keep it 'real'! <br />
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Until our next rendezvous ~<br />
Joanna~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-9333714155693069262009-12-09T13:36:00.002-06:002009-12-31T02:21:09.796-06:00Night Light Needed...Check back later tonight for today's post... Nighttime lighting needed! Here's a little preview...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNSVMPgR_NRHsQsu9kZx2QtovCsVS31NZFiM32264iooZ5VTW7eVIt2mKxs9WW0k06sikRGuPafW9-rTJvNfl8cG2VkNf_By-wWdGhyBxwxHfSHieOJnCWtBOfH5xcLy0KJTPeiOMLco/s1600-h/DSC_0050.JPGP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNSVMPgR_NRHsQsu9kZx2QtovCsVS31NZFiM32264iooZ5VTW7eVIt2mKxs9WW0k06sikRGuPafW9-rTJvNfl8cG2VkNf_By-wWdGhyBxwxHfSHieOJnCWtBOfH5xcLy0KJTPeiOMLco/s400/DSC_0050.JPGP.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930816189765152419.post-53331164982618140892009-12-08T23:18:00.020-06:002009-12-09T18:03:45.289-06:00Inappropriate Comment = New Leaf Turned<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was several months ago when one of my husband's employees had flown into town and my hubby brought him by the house before dinner. He gave him a quick tour while they were here. A few days later Lou (my other half) mentioned that said employee told him that he thought our house was cold. What? Really? Wow! (Ummm, yes, he still has his job.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now, to give us a little bit of a break... we had <i>just</i> moved from a two bedroom unit in Sydney into a house four times that size in Texas (yes, everything really <i>is</i> bigger here!). So, even though we had furnished it we were still buying a lot of decor. Also, he had only seen the first floor which is definitely more formal. (Lesson learned for me! Sometimes guests only see a couple of rooms...do they reflect your style accurately?)</span><br />
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</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>A much more 'minimalist' time in Oz.</i></span></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7b23kP6Rj933dT_4ctgfg2wckpHyGCTGj-o9PfnJX4ohnDDRphrphq0F8U2IfN7YPfyMMycpIqsq0JEf1hB62-_azDBfl0OegNWbnh3YqTXQXZ3fegSXQUpehlXaPwSeCJJSO0MFSrTw/s1600-h/n1146360318_30350842_1034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7b23kP6Rj933dT_4ctgfg2wckpHyGCTGj-o9PfnJX4ohnDDRphrphq0F8U2IfN7YPfyMMycpIqsq0JEf1hB62-_azDBfl0OegNWbnh3YqTXQXZ3fegSXQUpehlXaPwSeCJJSO0MFSrTw/s400/n1146360318_30350842_1034.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Move-in day! A little more space to decorate now ;)</i></span></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIGpRp3rXIpnDFdvp0UVn7i-hp96m1lGzuo8Z7AAhMnxrtio5Owb88IGWGMcN-kRJmCRokVRS7PU9J-VUlPssq-e-r9ZFi9SzXBX7bpKTWhumjjWqBG-ape7btxf4mnFMBLcCjXFRAKs/s1600-h/DSC_0803_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIGpRp3rXIpnDFdvp0UVn7i-hp96m1lGzuo8Z7AAhMnxrtio5Owb88IGWGMcN-kRJmCRokVRS7PU9J-VUlPssq-e-r9ZFi9SzXBX7bpKTWhumjjWqBG-ape7btxf4mnFMBLcCjXFRAKs/s400/DSC_0803_2.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Why did we moved again? Oh how I miss this view from bed!</i></span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">I had always been very satisfied with the look of our home - if I do say so myself ;) - until this ill-mannered comment shattered the 'decorator' inside of me. My hubby and I have very different tastes which seemed to harmonize well when combined.<br />
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He is early-twentieth century New York. The essence of vintage leather, brass lamps and a general library-esque feel similar to this restoration hardware photo:<br />
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</div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ2sJ9DuZq3n8q_HIRdgrooOslmU1lPCj7y7BwACJYX_5pWgzSqCbj-MveFboaAT3rqSThI_RnPmfA3DNRfNkfXnqTIgRw3HLNm34XK4lPb2bbQuYsLnEACM_YfDG1MKcIff2MkvzDaQ/s1600-h/fall09_34x35_living_kensington.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ2sJ9DuZq3n8q_HIRdgrooOslmU1lPCj7y7BwACJYX_5pWgzSqCbj-MveFboaAT3rqSThI_RnPmfA3DNRfNkfXnqTIgRw3HLNm34XK4lPb2bbQuYsLnEACM_YfDG1MKcIff2MkvzDaQ/s400/fall09_34x35_living_kensington.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am more ornate and opulent - creme leathers, silk drapes, minimal color and lots of crystal - all mixed with the clean lines of modern Italian. I used to gaze for hours at all of the beauty in photos like this one from Schonbek. Aside from the obvious masterpiece in this room, there is also such beauty in the staircase - a rich contrast between the espresso handrails and the creamy white base highlight the ultra-clean lines of this well-designed structure. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgu82VGOojcqrPOqA7TUYLRtpGadjrXmRz6BGhaVKsvGX52KbxUzXSRpzE6kRlrUXsDI-Cwd2vEzFtT-S24v3DEIAs7kmv_QlbrnmDeV44Izh24YOFoWTef_d1VhmTgZZGkHYU5W8-oKs/s1600-h/room43photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgu82VGOojcqrPOqA7TUYLRtpGadjrXmRz6BGhaVKsvGX52KbxUzXSRpzE6kRlrUXsDI-Cwd2vEzFtT-S24v3DEIAs7kmv_QlbrnmDeV44Izh24YOFoWTef_d1VhmTgZZGkHYU5W8-oKs/s400/room43photo.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Anyhoo... this comment really got me thinking. Was our home really uninviting and cold? So I started seeking design info and inspiration from all sorts of places and there I found it... a fun new love. I've realized a lot so far in this process (but let's save most of those details for another post... gotta let the newbie have some ideas up her sleeve for those 'blank' days ;)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Sda4BiBDrw1C27fqhxeqCxa3B3mudvKBNv9j6DKpUrTzvy9ZZxOPs3ju96JEHGeiy_hSh-02eG-nolyfFER4_tTXax7XFFYOustl_Nb2446G013Rk0ZIw7HQh24sVfGdBYi7WBwqR2U/s1600-h/bookshelf-table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Sda4BiBDrw1C27fqhxeqCxa3B3mudvKBNv9j6DKpUrTzvy9ZZxOPs3ju96JEHGeiy_hSh-02eG-nolyfFER4_tTXax7XFFYOustl_Nb2446G013Rk0ZIw7HQh24sVfGdBYi7WBwqR2U/s400/bookshelf-table.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">W</span>hat a cool piece to organize my design books from designer Josephin Hellstrom-Olsson.</i></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mainly what I realized was that we had been 'decorating' and not 'designing'. Our rooms hadn't been thought out well enough and they were missing the element of comfort. More importantly, I realized that we can<i> add</i> the element of comfort and still keep our style! (Too bad we already spent all of the 'design' money 'decorating'...oops!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">So now I have the fun job of redesigning many recently 'decorated' rooms! Stay tuned for lots of before-and-after pics and our crazy lead up to Christmas. Here's a little preview of what's in store for us this season...</span><br />
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</div></div></div>~Chandelier No. 4~http://www.blogger.com/profile/03042222459533927564noreply@blogger.com1