HAPPILY EVER AFTER

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Sunday, March 10, 2013

WE HAVE CHAIRS!

THE CHAIRS ARE DONE

MC did a fabulous job painting them with Annie Sloan's Paris Grey.  They look white, but they are really a light, soft gray.  I did the wax application.  (that's the easy part!)

MC attached black cording around the inside of the backs.  We decided not to put the cushions that were there back.
There is also cording around the bottom of the seats.  This cording is the same that we used as tie backs for the drapery panels.

I am thrilled with the circles!
rug
back of chairs
table



I found a new use for the Lady's Desk 

WINE/BAR





LOOKS PRETTY GOOD!




 MC made a small "change".   He repainted the curtain rod BLACK!  This is the third color!  First white, then gold and now BLACK!  Now,  the curtains have some black accents and it didn't cost nearly what trim would have!!!  Oh, we can be smart little cookies when we need to be.....

Still have to find that POP of color!!!
Patty

Saturday, March 9, 2013

I NEED THIS!

Love our Guest Bath.  We have Kenneth Brown's mirror over the builder's mirror, our neighbors hand made "hand" mirror, and my fun whimsy lamp!
But look there is an eyesore!

Do you SEE IT?




Last week I ran across this little GEM of a product.
I NEED THIS!


BLACK TOILET PAPER

 


http://shop.renovaonline.net/


WOW WHAT A DIFFERENCE IT WOULD MAKE!!!!

It comes from England.  To order two roles, with shipping,  it would cost approximately $24.00!

MC WON'T LET ME ORDER IT!!!!........

Really, don't you think I NEED it???

Disclaimer:  I do not have this as a Sponsor.  I don't have any sponsors.  When I see a product or place I share the information.

ps.....we have added two new features to this Blog.

You can  now type in your email address  in the block at the top right of the page, if you wish to be emailed when a new post is published.

We also, after two days of insanity, were  able to attach the Pinterest Button.  You can now go to my Pinterest Page!  I guess  I better put something on it?

WE WISH TO THANK KATHYSUE, writer of the great Blog Good Life Of Design,

http://goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com/

Without Kathysue's explicit instructions, we could not have accomplished this feat!

Thank You so much Kathysue.  You are truly a Dear, Faithful Friend.

Patty

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

HAVE TO MAKE RESERVATIONS!


WHY WE HAVE TO EAT OUT!

MC and I are literally in the midst of three, possibly four totally different ideas...Epiphanies!

Our biggest project right now.... our Dining Room Chairs.  See MC work!


But wait
Something has caught his eye
Will he continue?
The one thing about MC is that he doesn't always stay "focused"!  He putters from one thing to the next.  Are you still sure you want to "rent" him?

This all started over two weeks ago.  We bought the Annie Sloan paint in Paris Grey  to redo the chairs.  We also searched for new fabric.

Chair
circa 1998
The fabric has held up pretty good over the years.  Just tired looking and the wrong color!


The first fabric we bought was hideous in the room.  In the showroom it was dark gray, at home it was sick green!  It was on sale, so the loss wasn't that bad.  Someday,  someone will want it?

 We  headed out and shopped, again,  for fabric.   We found the sturdy canvas black fabric at Hobby Lobby,  and with MC's 40% coupon it was extremely reasonable.

THE  FABRIC in the FAMOUS  MC  TOGA PICTURE!

 BTW, if you are looking for that photo, that Post has been deleted from the Blog, never to return.  We were "warned"  we really didn't want that image "OUT THERE" !
If you still want one "signed" we can arrange for that,  personally.


 We had a few (36) neighbors over for our Wine Party.   
A few days after the party, our Daughter, Patti,  Son in Law, Mark and Granddaughter, Magz visited.  We needed the chairs for both of those events!

 Monday,  we started to work on  chair "one".  The paint went on very smoothly and I decided to use a  "distress" effect. Might leave it or might paint over it....the jury is still out.

 We bought some trim roping , with this weeks 40% Hobby Lobby coupon!  We decided not to cover the inside back of the chair.  We painted it and used the trim to outline the inside of the back.

   It's still "In Progress"...a Prototype .



We want to get more rope trim for the seats.  But....we have to wait until Monday!  Why you ask?  Because we must wait to have the next 40% Hobby Lobby coupon from this coming Sunday's paper...and Hobby Lobby is closed on Sundays.   No joke!

Oh ..MC just told me he could download  a coupon and use it!!  Good, we don't have to wait until Monday to finish the first chair.

He's out now!!!



The reason we are eating out or going on Diets!
Our Dining Room looks like this:



Did you notice that I switched out the rugs?  Oh,  tell me you noticed, please.
and....did you see the black ties for the drapery panels???  Old cording that wasn't enough to use for the chairs.

I love our new rug in the Dining Room! It really looks great with the round table and the shape of the chair backs! And...I love the colors in the room!   One would think I planned it!  Ha---- that will never happen.  My "designs" evolve. We bought that rug for the Great Room, and now it's fabulous in the Dining Room.

 The Cowhides?  Where are they?   They  were bought for the Foyer and Hall..

 

But.. I had a great Epiphany....actually saw a picture in one of my mags.  I layered them----- in the Great Room.  Now Lulu and Honey Bell are really together!

ALL NORMAL LIFE AT THE BLH





Curious?  Did anyone notice the strange looking object in the middle of the sofa?  IT'S NOT BLACK OR WHITE !
IT'S PINK !

Had to try a Pop of color in the room.  Everyone and most publications are pushing Color for Spring!  I will keep my Black and White, I LOVE it!  But I will add ONE POP.   I am not a yellow or green girl..they make me look sick! Why would I want to live in a room that has a color that makes me look sick?  Color of the Year or Not?  I do love pink and it makes me look healthy!  The pink object you see is actually a scarf I wrapped over a black and white pillow.  Now,  I have to find a pink INEXPENSIVE throw pillow!

We have another project in the works for our Master Bath.  It has to be worked on in the garage and it's just too cold right now!

MC is also working on a NEW ---------  MC Little People ----figure!  Again, this is done in the garage.

Possibly,  not sure, we might do a medallion or something on the ceiling over the Dining Table.  After we switched out the rugs, I'm not sure I want to do it?

Can't wait to show the Dining Room with all four chairs finished!
Till then,  or in case some Great Epiphany comes to me...
Enjoy,

Patty


Sunday, February 24, 2013

WE HAD A FEW NEIGHBORS OVER!!!

WOW...WHAT A FUN PARTY

MC and I were the Hosts last night of our neighborhood Wine Party, AKA, DWTS (Drinking With the Snobs).  Title given due to the fact none of us know a THING about wine!


The procedure is very simple and tons of fun.


The Host/Hostess chooses the region where the wine of the evening will come from.  Everyone brings a bottle from that region along with a light appetizer.
We "taste", vote,  and TASTE SOME MORE....Simple!
The guest whose wine is chosen as the BEST, is awarded the SASH to wear at the next party!  Oh this is so coveted!

We chose the Southern Hemisphere as the Region!  MC made it easy.  He wanted to do South Africa, but when we looked around the area, we could only find 4 different varieties in a 40+ mile radius of our home! You need a region that has a large variety,  thus giving us all a great tasting party.

Last night 35 of our neighbors were able to attend.  We always have a wonderful bunch.  We try and have these parties every month. This allows all  a chance to attend.  One couple are now Snow Birds in Florida until May, others are cruising the Seas, Rivers and  Oceans of the world,  or visiting family and friends.  In other words not everyone is home for each party.

We all chipped in and bought three dozen wine glasses at the Dollar Store!  These are delicate crystal wine glasses!!!  Got that ...we have $36 invested in these babies!


After the party, the Host washes the glasses  (they all fit in the dishwasher), boxes them up in specially made boxes, (MC made some pretty clever boxes), which will be delivered  to the Host for the next month.  
 The guests take their appetizer dishes and left over wines home!  ...How Simple!

MC and I had the house back to normal in an hour's time!

I was curious about placement ideas and before the party,  Googled "Staging Your Home for a Cocktail Party".  I found some great ideas and implemented a few that worked for our type of party.

It's always a question of where to place the food and wine.  And,  how to arrange seating!

I had decided that all the appetizers would be placed on our 60" dining room glass top table, with the chairs moved out of the way.   This allowed everyone to freely circle the table for their desired goodies!

This idea was #1 on most of the sites I Googled....Gee I should have written a website on that!


It worked PERFECTLY.  Here Sandi is easily maneuvering around!

 This is the perfect place to showoff MC's FAMOUS Penguins made with black olives, carrots and cream cheese!  Perfect for an appetizer, since Antarctica is in the Southern Hemisphere.




We put the wines on the long portion of our kitchen counter.   See the numbers?  As each guest arrives, the Host writes down the variety, winery label, etc. and places a number on the bottle.  There is a chart where all the guests can enter their "vote", by number.....no names...blind tasting!

 


The best advice I picked up on one of the websites suggested that all the seating in your main "gathering" area face each other and have easy access to tables. Dah, who would think of that?   For seating,  I arranged all our seating,  facing the coffee table, in a large square.  No angles.  It worked like magic!  We had our kitchen table available for those who wished to sit at a table, but very few did.  The guests were in our Great Room/Kitchen/Dining Room (open floor plan),  where they could easily visit and chat.  Everyone mingled about.  No one was "stuck" by himself !  That was a main point on all the websites.  It warned not to have remote sitting areas so that all the guests, all the time,  were a part of the party!



 THE SASH

 This is a picture of our last and Reigning Winner, Gayle,   until last night.  We will formally SASH our new winner at next month's DWTS

We are now back to our normal crazy life. 
and
We can get to work on our next project.





Thursday, February 14, 2013

HAPPY VALENITNE'S DAY

MC AND I WISH ALL OF YOU THE "LOVELIEST" OF VALENTINE'S DAYS

WE WISH TO THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING OUR SILLY ADVENTURES IN OUR "GOLDEN YEARS".

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
MC AND PATTY


Tuesday, February 12, 2013

NEXT?


WILL HAVE TO ......WAIT....




clue......





Check back ......

Monday, February 4, 2013

GREAT NEWS AND A GIVEAWAY

THIS IS BIG
 THIS IS GRAND

 
I am so pleased to announce to all, that Erica, my Granddaughter, and Brooke,  the editor of  "Inside-Out Design"    have joined forces and are offering  a very unique and clever Giveaway for Valentines Day.

 Please go to Brooke's Post  today to   "READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!"
 HERE

When Erica suggested I write a Blog over 4 years ago,  neither of us ever dreamed it would lead to this!  I have met wonderful, talented, generous, GREAT people through the Blog.  I am overwhelmed and so, so thankful!

Thank you so much Brooke for giving Erica this opportunity!  Your generosity is amazing!

Have fun everyone.  Go to Brooke's Blog. Read --Enjoy and ENTER this fabulous contest!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!  


Sunday, February 3, 2013

FINALLY AN EPIPHANY

I was beginning to panic.  I hadn't had a brilliant idea in over a week!  Then, out of nowhere, it came.

As is usually the case, I was relaxing, doing nothing in particular,  when the Epiphany hit me!

The last two days have gone as follows:

First,  I decided the new,  fantastic Black and White rug in the Great Room, would "fit" the room better if I moved it 90 degrees.  While MC was at a meeting I accomplished this little job!  It entailed moving all the furniture off the rug, pulling and tugging the rug,  then putting the furniture back.  Did it in 45 minutes!!!!  MC didn't even notice.  I had to point it out to him.

Oh I love this guy, some day I'll tell you some of  what I got away with when MC was flying all around the world with the USAF!

Then the "real" Epiphany began!  The Drapery panels in MC's Library complimented the new  rug so well.  "Why not,  I asked myself,  put those panels in the Great Room, framing the sofa and the room.?"   There was no reason to keep the Gold Damask panels in there.  In fact, they  looked wimpy after the rug was added!

Do I need to say more?  THE FUN BEGAN

For two days we have been moving drapery panels.  Not one, is in the same place it was on Friday!

My inventory:

16    White Cotton panels from Ballard Design.  Originally we had them in our first home here.  Friday they were in the Guest Bedroom and the Master Bedroom.  Four panels on each side of the windows.

6     Gold Damask panels that MC "created" with iron-on tape last March. On Friday two were in the Great Room and four were in the Dining Room

2      Blue Ultra-Suede panels Erica made when we first moved in.  Originally the fabric was for a cornice that we were going to hang in the Great Room.  Never was built!  They have been in the Kitchen.

4     Black and White Geometric panels MC made, again with iron-on tape this Fall.  Friday they were in MC's Library.

I put together a  plan of action  and MC proceeded to rehang rods like a Mad Man.

   There is no buying new!  The rules here are set in stone.  When I get one of these crazy ideas,  I have to figure out how to make it work with what I have.  No cost.....MC goes along!

First we moved the Black and White panels into the Great Room.    Had to do this first.  If it worked, then the entire project was a GO.  WOW, they looked amazing.  I can not believe how they brought the room together.  I guess if I were a "trained" Designer, I would have known this from day one!  But I have to learn Patty's way.  One step at a time and I have to literally SEE it.  I  can't imagine how it will look or draw it.  I have to SEE IT!







Also in the mix was the fact this is an "open" space.  All the windows need to at least compliment each other.

This was the PLAN!

The 4 Black and White Geometric  panels in the Great Room. Two on each side of the windows.

The 16 White Cotton panels would be just the right number to put in the Kitchen, Dining Room and MC's Library.  The White would go nicely with the Black and White in the Great Room.

4 Panels in MC's Room, One panel on each side of the two windows.

4 Panels in the Kitchen,  Two on each side of the windows

8 Panels in the Dining Room.  Two on each side of each window.

 This would keep all the windows in the open area to  two different colors and textures.




The Blue Ultra Suede panels were hung in the Guest Room (The Epiphany Suite),  Those pillows on the sofa, BTW,  are made out of the same fabric!


The 6 Gold Damask panels went into the Master Bedroom. Three on each side.  They are the perfect color.  I really like the way they compliment the chair and the bedspread.


DONE......

JUST TWO TYPICAL DAYS AT THE BLH

Great exercise for MC.  He's been up and down the ladder for two days!!!!!  Thanks Honey!





Sunday, January 27, 2013

A NEW PIECE FROM ERICA

I'm no different than any other Grandma.  I'm bragging and showing off my Granddaughter's Erica's latest piece.
YES THAT IS ERICA IN THE LAST IMAGE!!!  SHE WAS FABULOUS ! 
You can contact Erica through her email to have her make your custom piece!

erica.irisi@gmail.com


   Remember, the first 5 orders for any of Erica's work,  from Patty's Epiphanies receives a 20% discount.

Custom Painting, Girl's Dance Costume, "Memories Becoming Art"

Custom Painting, Girl's Dance Costume, "Memories Becoming Art"
Custom Painting, Girl's Dance Costume, "Memories Becoming Art" Custom Painting, Girl's Dance Costume, "Memories Becoming Art" Custom Painting, Girl's Dance Costume, "Memories Becoming Art" Custom Painting, Girl's Dance Costume, "Memories Becoming Art"
Memories shouldn't be stored away in a box or closet. The more you see them, the more you can remember! This piece showcases a 22 year girl's dance costume, tutu and all! The costume BECOMES PART OF THE PAINTING, creating dimension, texture and depth.

(This particular example is a custom piece, one of a kind, not for sale. All pricing and shipping on this posting reflects estimate pricing for a similar piece in size and complexity. Pricing varies.)

This piece is 22" x 28".

I accept CUSTOM work. First, you choose your special item. Then you TRUST ME to make it into something beautiful (of course, after we have a conversation or two!). I can do all kinds of things!

• Dance costumes (yes, even a tutu!)
• Ballet Slippers
• Christening gowns
• Wedding veils and garters
• Baby's coming home outfit
• Sports jerseys and t-shirts (like t-ball uniforms!)
• Gloves
• Scarves and Handkerchiefs
• ALMOST ANYTHING fabric that has meaning, I can do!

PLEASE CONTACT me to discuss your special piece, the story, where you would like to showcase it, colors, sizing and for a custom quote. I know your piece is special and I want to make sure I know all about the story and your expectations.

Pricing starts at $175 (plus shipping/delivery), with approximately $50 per square foot after the first 1'x1'. Framing also available, otherwise, each piece comes as a finished canvas edge.

My ultimate goal is to do a wedding dress... If I had a place to hang it, I would do my own wedding dress! One day...

More examples to come. Commissioned works are in progress!

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner. 


 Thanks for letting me share!!!! .....Patty 

Monday, January 21, 2013

NO LABELS...PLEASE

WHAT'S MY STYLE?
WHATEVER!

My Style runs the gamut!   Our BLH has it all!  We have incorporated Traditional, Transitional, Asian, a dab of French Country,  and now a big dash of Contemporary!  If I like a piece, I make it work!

It's funny how things turn out!  Ideas, images, you name it, they are there, in my head.   Some stay hidden for years!  This Post is basically about an "image" that has been hidden away for 4 years.  It moved up front a week ago last Friday!!  I have been working on it   (in my head)   .....did have the left over paint project that needed to be finished.  I have to "play" it smart with MC.  I can't put too much on his plate at one time!

 Back to the "INSPIRATION".   When we decided to move to Atlanta I bought an issue of  Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle.  It seemed like the thing to do!  I now have a  renewable 3 year subscription.

In that issue, there was a feature story about a home designed by Margaret Bosbyshell.  I connected with the rooms immediately !


Last Spring, MC and I decided to paint the inside of our Front Door Black.  Remember?   Where do you think that inspiration came from?  You guessed it.  That home!


I never said it was an exact duplicate......The "drop dead" marble flooring is not in our budget!

Jump forward to a week ago Friday.   That was the day MC and I went to hear Kenneth speak on Area Rugs!  He gave a wonderful presentation.  I learned tons of valuable information.    He stressed that personal taste should always be a large part of  the final decision.  A designer has to "listen", but at the same time,  advise!  A very thin line!

Remember last year when I tried the Flokati area rug in the entry?  It was lush, but way too thick for an Entry!  After it had been down for a few days, we attended a Dinner.  A Dress-Up one!  I had on high heels!  Yes, on occasion, I can still wear them!!!  Long story short.....one of my skinny, high heels got caught in the rug.  I almost ended up on my face!  Out went LUSH......lucky no emergencies!!!  No Rescue Squad!

Since then it has been everywhere.  I don't buy something and not find a place for it!!!  Can't!  MC would have a fit!  For the past 6 months  it has been under the Cocktail Table.  Color, texture---all acceptable.......size,  actually way too  small.  I kept trying to move the furniture,"in to the table"!  I wanted the rug to define our "Conversation Area". 

 I know there are many ways to use  Rugs/Area Rugs.  The most common is a room size rug.  That permits all the furniture to be on the rug, with a generous portion of the rug visible outside the furniture arrangement.  Another,  is to have an area rug placed so that  the front legs of the furniture rest on the rug.  This was the approach I wanted.  Another, the floating rug.  This is used when an area rug sits by itself, usually with a cocktail table on it,  in the middle of a seating arrangement.  Generally what dictates which way you go depends on the room, your furniture, and the use of the space.

In addition, you can layer rugs.  It is very, very desirable to have one rug over another one.  Thus,  if you have wall to wall carpeting, go ahead and use an Area Rug.  It will add to the interest of the room and define an arrangement!    We have wall to wall carpeting and we use Area Rugs!  It works just as well as wood flooring with room size rugs and area rugs as accents..

 When we returned from Kenneth's presentation,  I tried AGAIN to make my Flokati rug work!, No matter how I tried  I could not turn that 5 x 7  Flokati  rug into an 8 x 10.  Believe me, I TRIED. 

  But.... Wait a minute! We were "designing" a Dressing Room!!!!     MC was at a meeting.   I do great furniture moving when he's OUT.....I yanked that baby up.  In less than 5 minutes it was under the Red Bench!  It fits the space in our "Dressing Room" as if a Designer planned it!!!



Whew, the Flokati rug had a new home!  I was safe!

But.......that left the Great Room looking pretty BARE!

Fear not, my little head had those delicious images from 2009 still there!  I dug out the magazine issue and went from there........


 BTW this is a custom rug Margaret had designed for this room.  We both loved the design. This is a huge room!   The space has two large seating areas!  This rug is truly A ROOM SIZE RUG!

I estimated we needed an 8 x 10.  Although I loved Margaret's design,  I also thought the scale of  a  large design would work better.  A small design would be too much with  the busy design of the granite counter tops, the tiles on the back splash,  and all the other smaller geometric pieces in the Great Room.  MC's library is quite visible from the Great Room through  glass French Doors.  The drapery panels he made for his room are a similar print to the pattern Margaret used in her rug.....too much of a good thing!  Needed to rest the eye!

Remember my computer search for chandeliers?  This search was even more intense!     MC was in !  He gave me a teeny, weeny budget!  I think he thought it would be impossible to find, so why not go with it!!!  Keep me "happy and busy".  That's the same theory he used when I wanted to sell our first home here and build the BLH.  He never dreamed our other home would sell,  after living there for less than one year, with a small profit, in 28 days!  And this was 2010!  REAL ESTATE HELL!

I did find two rugs and  we were seriously considering one of them.  They were indoor/outdoor rugs.  The budget was keeping us in that category.  We were about ready to order one..... Then, as if the Angels were looking down, I received notice of a FANTASTIC sale   OHCO     HERE  was having on Monday, January 21st.  They had their area rugs for 75% off with an additional 10% OFF.... THEIR ALREADY WAREHOUSE PRICING!
(which BTW,  their warehouse pricing is half of what I found on line!)




It's black with light gray and white overlapping circles!

and

This is NOT an outdoor rug!!! 

And the reveal!

The lighting, equipment, etc. isn't the best, but I think you will get the idea!  Wouldn't it be great to have a "Pro" photographer at my disposal !






 It certainly adds Contemporary to the Mix!


BOTTOM LINE:


I  STAYED UNDER BUDGET
AND
PURCHASED A QUALITY RUG


All I will add is that this exact rug was on line ranging from  $850 to well over $1,000!!!


 FORGET LABELS.....THE BLH IS A MIX OF THEM  ALL!