HAIR DAY!!

TODAY I MADE A TREK TO MY HAIRDRESSER. I'M SURE MOST OF YOU WHO GO TO THE SALON HAVE A NORMAL VISIT FOR NORMAL HAIR CARE :) MY HAIR IS ONE OF A KIND & "ITALIAN" I SWEAR THE OLDER I GET, THE THICKER IT GETS. AT TIMES I EVEN TAKE ONE OF THOSE COMB RAZORS & COMB IT TO THIN IT, BY THE TIME I'M DONE DOING THAT, THERE'S ENOUGH TO MAKE 2 TOUPEES, NO KIDDING :)BUT IT GROWS IN THICKER. REMEMBER THE TRESSY DOLL THAT COULD HAVE SHORT OR LONG HAIR BY PULLING IT OUT OF HER HEAD:) THAT'S ME, THE "GIONI DOLL"!
MY BANGS ARE ANOTHER THING. I HAVE MORE HAIR FOR BANGS THAN MOST PEOPLE HAVE ON THEIR WHOLE HEAD, SO I WAS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT A NEW BANG STYLE; I WAS EVEN GOING TO CUT MINE OFF & GET THOSE CLIP ON ONES :) I LOOK TERRIBLE WITH STRAIGHT BANGS; LIKE A SCHOOL GIRL, THEY WON'T COOPERATE! MY HUSBAND DOESN'T UNDERSTAND WHY I'M SO FRUSTRATED, SO I SAY.....LIVE A DAY IN MY HAIR. MAYBE NEXT VISIT I'LL CHOP IT ALL OFF, BUT WITH SHORT HAIR, I LOOK LIKE THE POOL BOY!
JUST A MINUTE AGO, HUBBY CALLED & I TOLD HIM I GOT IT CHOPPED OFF, YOU KNOW TRYING A DAY EARLY APRIL FOOL JOKE; HE DIDN'T BELIEVE ME, SO I'LL HAVE TO GET HIM TOMORROW.
THE OTHER THING IS THAT EVERY TIME I GO OUT SOMEONE STOPS ME & TELLS ME THEY LIKE MY HAIR, EVERYTIME THIS HAPPENS, MY HUSBAND SAYS, OK, WE CAN GO HOME NOW, YOU GOT YOUR COMPLIMENT FOR THE DAY! TOO FUNNY, SOMEONE ONCE ASKED ME WHY I HAVE SO MUCH HAIR :)& IF IT WAS EXTENSIONS; I TOLD THEM I WAS BORN WITH IT & WHEN THEY BROUGHT ME TO MY MOM FOR THE FIRST TIME, I HAD A BARRETTE IN MY HAIR; I WAS BORN WITH CURLY RINGLETS & THE NURSES COULDN'T BELIEVE HOW MUCH I HAD.

SUNSHINE PLEASE STAY ALL DAY

THE SUN IS OUT, BUT IT'S ONLY 43 DEGREES & I'M THE KIND OF GIRL THAT UNLESS IT'S ABOVE 70 I'M ALWAYS COLD :) SO I'M TRYING TO PLAN MY NEXT BIG EVENT, THE MAY GARAGE SALES :) so all you junkin' girls & guys,mark your calendar for may 30th as the whole town is having garage sales, which
i'm in charge of. my yard will be a one woman flea market with architecture,
quilts, furniture, pieces of this & that, whatever i pull out of my buildings,
attic, basement and around the house,keep in mind that it's a 15 room house &
filled with goodies that i switch around & rearrange all the time, after all,
that's my business; stager, decorator, prop mistress, trash to treasurer :) you
won't be sorry you came; trust me neither will i LOL, we'll also be serving food in a bistro style setting, so bring your appetite & maybe i'll even make my famous italian lemonade!COME DOLCI!

COTTAGE LIVING.....HERE I COME

COTTAGE LIVING IS A RELAXED WAY OF LIFE, IT'S MEANT TO RELIEVE STRESS; SO THINK "SIMPLIFY", FOR A SOOTHING EFFECT. REAL COTTAGE LIVING RELIES ON CREATIVITY MORE SO THAN CASH; USING WHAT YOU HAVE AND TURNING IT INTO IMAGINATIVE NEW USES. PRIMITIVE CUPBOARDS AND TABLES WEARING CHIPPED PAINT ARE MUST HAVES FOR COTTAGE LIVING. USING SECOND HAND FINDS ISN'T JUST PRACTICAL, IT'S A GREAT WAY TO ADD YOUR PERSONAL STYLE. I'M AN "OUT OF THE BOX" DECORATOR; WHEN SOMETHING I PLAN GOES AWRY, I REVAMP AND IT TURNS OUT SO MUCH MORE WONDERFUL THAN I PLANNED!
TURNING THE INSIDE OF THE COTTAGE INTO AN OUT DOOR GARDEN CAN BE ACHIEVED WITH PRESSED FERNS IN A FRAME' AND TOPIARIES IN TIMEWORN FLOWERPOTS.
IF YOU'RE A COTTAGE DWELLER WANNABE; YOU CAN GIVE ANY ABODE AN INSTANT MAKEOVER WITH PAINT,
SLIPCOVERS, OR SIMPLE WOODCRAFTING SKILLS. CHAIRS DON'T HAVE TO BE FORMAL OR EVEN MATCH.
A COTTAGE IS NOT JUST A COTTAGE WHEN YOU PUT YOUR OWN PERSONAL TOUCH TO IT. WHEN I THINK OF COTTAGE LIVING I SMELL ROSES AND SEE A PICKET FENCE SURROUNDING THE PROPERTY. I SEE OLD AND PALE TEA DYED FABRIC AND QUILTS, COVERING FURNITURE AND ARCHITECTURAL FRAGMENTS FROM THE FACADES AND LANDSCAPES OF CONDEMNED OLD BUILDINGS THAT GIVES IT A VINTAGE CHARACTER; AND OF COURSE I SEE WHITEWASHED WOOD BEADBOARD CEILINGS AND WALLS, PAINTED WOOD FLOORS OR RUGS MADE FROM NATURAL FIBERS(COIR),AND ADIRONDACK FURNITURE.
YOUR LIVING SPACES REMAIN INVITING WHEN YOU COMBINE YOUR TREASURED FINDS. YOU CAN GO TO FLEA MARKETS AND TAG SALES AND REMEMBER THEY DON'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT. COTTAGE STYLE IS EVOLVED OVER TIME. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY IT ALL AT ONCE; THINGS WILL COME TOGETHER. THE FUN IS IN THE HUNT!
THE GUEST ROOM OF A COTTAGE SHOULD BE NO LESS SPECTACULAR. HOMEY ACCENTS AND COZY NOOKS FOR NAPS
OR READING ARE PARAMOUNT TO A CHARMING RETREAT.
IF YOU DON'T HAVE A HEADBOARD FOR YOUR GUEST ROOM, AN OLD MANTEL SAYS "COTTAGE". DON'T HAVE A BEDSIDE TABLE? A STACK OF SUITCASES DOES THE JOB WHILE PROVIDING STORAGE FOR LINENS.
WELCOME GUESTS WITH A BASKET OF FLOWERS AND HOMEMADE TREATS AND SEVERAL COUNTRY MAGAZINES!



BECAUSE OF SMALL SQUARE FOOTAGE EVERY COTTAGE NEEDS AN OUTBUILDING ... OR TWO! IF YOU'RE LIKE ME, YOU'LL TURN IT INTO A COTTAGE TOO! YOU WILL ALSO WANT TO SURROUND YOUR COTTAGE WITH A PICKET FENCE AND A GATE. I MADE MINE ONE WINTER IN THE BASEMENT AND COULDN'T WAIT TO SET IT UP.
NOTHING STAYS THE SAME FOR LONG AROUND MY HOUSE; TWICE A YEAR I HOLD AN OPEN HOUSE AND PUT JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING UP FOR SALE; WHERE AS I DON'T LIVE IN A COTTAGE, I DECORATE LIKE I DO; IT ALL SEEMS TO WORK OUT. A GIRL CAN DREAM, CAN'T SHE!?

-TIPS ON COTTAGE LIVING-
*OPENING THE WINDOWS ON A NICE DAY RATHER THAN CRANKING UP THE AC.
*'HAVING AN EYE FOR RETRO CHIC AND GOING FOR IT
*BEING SURROUNDED BY THINGS YOU LOVE.

* WHEN BUILDING OR REMODELLING YOUR COTTAGE LAY TONGUE AND GROOVE FLOORING ON IT'S BACK TO MAKE IT LOOK OLD, SO WHEN IT GETS BEAT UP THROUGH THE YEARS, IT DEVELOPS A WONDERFUL PATINA.

*PLASTIC FURNITURE IS JUST THAT-PLASTIC. HIT THE FLEA MARKETS AND TAG SALES AND PICK UP WOODEN ODD CHAIRS AND TABLES AND PAINT THEM WHITE, OF
COURSE! ! (MY MOTTO: IF IT'S NOT MOVING PAINT IT WHITE)
*LET SUNLIGHT FLOOD YOUR ROOMS.

*WHEN COLLECTING FOR YOUR COTTAGE, BOTANICAL ART AND VINTAGE VASES AND TERRA COTTA ARE EASY TO FIND COLLECTIBLES THAT MIX WELL WITH FLORAL FABRIC.
*FOR A RUSTIC COTTAGE LOOK IN THE KITCHEN AND BATH, STICK TO OPEN SHELVING AND GLASS CONTAINERS. DON'T FORGET, NOTHING SAYS COTTAGE LIKE A CLAWFOOT TUB. "'INTRODUCE WHITE FURNITURE. IT MAKES EVEN A BOXY ROOM FEEL MORE OPEN.
*USE WICKER AND UNIFY DISPARATE PIECES WITH PAINT; EVEN PASTEL COLORS SAY COTTAGE.
*TUCK PICNIC BASKETS UNDER TABLES FOR HIDING OTHER DECORATIVE OBJECTS TO SWITCH AROUND LATER.
*ADD OVERSTUFFED PILLOWS IN FLORAL PATTERNS.
'*LAY AREA RUGS TO SOFTEN THE FLOORS AND WARM YOUR TOES.
*REMEMBER .... WHEN YOU START WITH SOMETHING WORN, YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IT GETTING RUINED. '
*COLLECT VINTAGE TICKING, OLD WHITE BUTTONS(I DISPLAY MINE IN AN OLD GLASS ROLLING PIN). OLD VASES, AND OLD JUICE GLASSES ARE NICE TO PUT CANDLES IN.
*WEATHERED FRAMES THAT ENCASE STILL LIFES OR LANDSCAPES ADD TO THE COTTAGE AMBIANCE. "'COLLECTIONS ARE MOST GRATIFYING WHEN THEY ARE SEEN.
* USE EVERY ROOM TO SHOW OFF YOUR PERSONALITY. "'GROUP DECORATIVE PLATES, MIRRORS, OLD LICENSE PLATES AND SIGNS, OR EVEN FRAMED TEXTILES TO MAKE A STRONG VISUAL IMPACT ON A WALL.
*A CHILDS ADIRONDACK CHAIR HUNG ON THE WALL MAKES A HANDY MAGAZINE HOLDER.
*USE IRON PATIO CHAIRS AND TABLE IN YOUR DINING ROOM TO CREATE AN OUTDOOR CAFE EFFECT.
& MOVE OBJECTS AROUND EVERY NOW AND THEN FROM
DINING ROOM TO KITCHEN ETC.; THE EFFECT WILL SEEM LIKE A NEW SPACE!

WHAT A GREAT DAY!!!!

TODAY WAS A GOOD DAY, JUST WHAT I NEEDED TO MAKE ME SMILE :) MY PEEPS CAME OVER,SOME NEW & SOME HAVE NEVER BEEN HERE BEFORE. WELL, THE ONES' WHO HAVE BEEN HERE BEFORE.....PICTURES TO FOLLOW, MUST HAVE THOUGHT EASTER CAME EARLY, BECAUSE THEY WERE IN MY FRONT YARD LIKE THEY WERE EASTER EGG HUNTING ONLY THEY WERE "GUM BALL" HUNTING LOL SO I CAUGHT THE EVIDENCE ON MY CAMERA & ASKED THEM IF THEY WANTED ANY LEAVES TO TAKE HOME BUT THEY DECLINED THAT OFFER. I HOPE THEY SEND ME A PIC OF THE FINISHED PROJECT, CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT :) I WAS TOLD THAT THESE GUMBALLS (FROM A GUM TREE) SELL FOR $3 EA. ON THE WEST COAST, THEY'RE MADE INTO TREE ORNAMENTS; I WOULD HAVE BEEN RICH, AS THESE GIRLS ACTED LIKE THEY WERE MINING DIAMONDS;IT WAS SO FUNNY TO SEE THEM, I ONLY WISH I HAD A VIDEO OF IT.COME BACK ANY TIME GIRLS, THERE'S PLENTY MORE!
THE START OFF OF THE SELLING SEASON HAS BEGUN & I'M PRETTY MUCH WIPED OUT, SO I'LL REPLENISH WITHIN THE MONTH & POST SOME PICS OF WHAT'S AVAILABLE.

MY JUNKIN' PEEPS ARE COMING TO SEE ME :)

MY GIRLS ARE COMING TO SEE ME SATURDAY & I HOPE THEY BUY ME OUT, SO I CAN MAKE ROOM FOR MY NEXT SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA LOL.I NEED TO CLEAR OUT & GET READY FOR THE NEXT LOAD ;)
AS THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE BOUGHT FROM ME FOR A LONG TIME (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) LOL
YOU HAVE TO COME WHEN I CALL OR INVITE, BECAUSE IT DOESN'T STICK AROUND FOR LONG, THEN THERE'S A LONG SPOT IN BETWEEN WHEN I DON'T LET ANYONE COME OVER UNTIL I REPLENISH :) SO I PROBABLY WON'T BE SELLING AGAIN UNTIL THE END OF MAY WHEN THE WHOLE TOWN IS FILLED WITH GOODIES & MY YARD WILL BE A ONE WOMAN FLEA MARKET! SO I WILL BE PAINTING AFTER MY PEEPS LEAVE SATURDAY & GETTING READY FOR OTHER VENUES.
THERE'S A TON MORE STUFF THAN THIS AS THERE IS ANOTHER BUILDING & THE GARAGE IS FILLED TO THE TOP :)

FINALLY IT'S TIME TO FLING OPEN THE DOORS.........

YES, & I HAVE ALOT OF THEM:) IT'S OFFICIALLY TIME FOR THE JUNKIN'/ CRAFT SEASON AS GREENBRIAR IN WOOSTER IS KICKING OFF THE ANNUAL CRAFTING SEASON JUNKET WITH THE FIRST OF MANY SHOWS TO COME, & ME, I'LL BE HOME WITH DOORS OF ALL MY BUILDINGS OPEN TO SELL TO MY "PEEPS" & FRIENDS. IT'S BEEN A LONG WINTER & WE ALL NEED AIRED OUT A BIT lol. THE BUILDINGS ARE FILLED TO THE BRIM WITH GOODIES & THINGS I DON'T EVEN REMEMBER I HAD. TODAY WAS SPENT SO FAR DIGGING STUFF OUT OF THE ATTIC & EVERY NOOK & CRANNY. AS THE SEASON PROGRESSES THERE WILL BE MORE FOUND AS I CLEAN & PURGE. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HOW EVERYONE FAIRED THIS PAST WINTER; FULLY BETTER THAN ME :)

DECORATING THE CHILDRENS ROOM

TO DECORATE A CHILDS ROOM REQUIRES BEING SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THAT CERTAIN CHILD, WHETHER IT IS A BABY OR TEENAGER.
FOR A BABYS ROOM YOU WILL HAVE TO TAKE IN ACCOUNT THAT IT WILL HAVE TO BE SAFER THAN A TEENAGERS'; AND IT WILL REQUIRE SECURING CERTAIN FURNITURE PIECES TO THE WALL OR FLOOR. A SOFT WASH OF COLOR ON THE WALLS WILL BRING THEM TO TEENAGE YEARS, WHEN THE CAN PUT THEIR OWN DECORATING TOUCH TO THE ROOM.
FOR A BOYS ROOM:
*AN OLD TRUNK LOOKS AND WORKS GREAT AS A TABLE, FOR STORAGE AND ALSO TO HOLD TOYS AND EXTRA BLANKETS AND PILLOWS.
*BLACKBOARD PAINT HALF WAY UP THE WALL, OR BURLAP IS INEXPENSIVE AND LOOKS GOOD ON THE WALLS.
* DECOUPAGE PAGES OF MAPS OR SPORTS MAGAZINES ON THE WALL.
*FOR A GRAFFITI LOOK ON A WALL, STENCILING OR FREE HAND IS THE BEST WAY TO GO. NEVER SPRAY PAINT INDOORS OR APPROVE OF IT. YOU CAN ALSO TAKE FREEZER PAPER OUTDOORS TO PAINT GRAFFITI ON IT, THEN TACK IT UP WITH PUSH PINS.
*IF HE IS A NATURIST, DECORATE WITH BIRDS NESTS, (EMPTY OF COURSE). FRAMED BUTTERFLIES OR BUG COLLECTION. BIRDHOUSES, SHELLS, NATURE BOOKS, BINOCULARS, A MICROSCOPE AND A FAUX FUR FOR THE BED.
*IF HE IS STUDIOUS: OLD MAPS AND GLOBES; AND OLD HISTORY AND SCIENCE BOOKS.
*IF HE'S MUSICAL, HE COULD HANG OLD INSTRUMENTS AND SHEET MUSIC ON THE WALL, OR TAKE AN OLD DRUM AND MAKE A TABLE OUT OF IT.
FOR A GIRLS ROOM:
IF SHE'S "GIRLIE" A PARIS THEME WITH BOAS AND EIFFEL TOWER PRINTS A MIX OF PINK AND MINT FOR WALLS AND BED COVERS.
*A CANOPY WITH GAUZY MATERIAL OVER THE BED.
* A WIRE BIRDCAGE WOULD LOOK RIGHT AT HOME HANGING IN A CORNER WITH A FAUX OR REAL BIRD AND NEST IN IT.
* AN IRON BED WOULD SUIT THIS THEME AND ALSO A COTTAGE THEME.


* A PASTEL CUPBOARD TO STORE GAMES AND ANYTHING TO KEEP THE CLUTTER HIDDEN.
*SCRAPS OF DIFFERENT WALLPAPER ON ONE WALL MAKES A FOCAL POINT FOR A HEADBOARD EFFECT.
* OVERSIZED PILLOWS FOR THE FLOOR FOR WHEN SHE GETS COMPANY AND SLEEPOVERS.
*PILES OF DECORATIVE PILLOWS ON THE BED FOR WHEN SHE'S TALKING ON THE PHONE OR DOING HOMEWORK; OR A BISTRO TABLE AND CHAIRS FOR HOMEWORK.
* A BIG AREA RUG FOR WHEN SHE LAYS ON THE FLOOR, ALSO TO MUFFLE NOISES; I KNOW HOW TEENAGERS LIKE TO JUMP AROUND AND DANCE!
* A CHAIR COVERED IN A CHENILLE BEDSPREAD; WHICH ALSO MAKES CUTE CURTAINS AND SO MUCH THE BETTER IF THEY DON'T MATCH!
FOR A BABYS' ROOM:
* SHELVES ABOVE WINDOWS TO KEEP THE NOT YET TOUCHABLE
THINGS OUT OF REACH.
* A BOOKCASE TO STORE BABY CLOTHES, DIAPERS, CREAMS AND BATH PRODUCTS. IF YOU WANT TO HIDE THESE ITEMS, PUT A CURTAIN ON A ROD OR WIRE TO THE FRONT OF THE BOOKCASE.
* IF YOU'RE UNSURE ABOUT WALL COLOR, STICK WITH A CREAMY PALETTE AND ADD COLOR IN OTHER WAYS SUCH AS BEDDING, CURTAINS AND CHAIR COVERS.
* ADD JUVENILE PEEL AND STICK DECALS FOR AN EASY SWITCH WITHOUT HARMING THE WALL.
* LOW BOXES FOR UNDER THE BED OR CRIB FOR STORAGE AND A BED SKIRT TO HIDE WHAT'S UNDER THE BED OR CRIB.
* A DAYBED OR ROCKING CHAIR FOR THE MOTHER THAT JUST CAN'T STAY AWAY!
* A LARGE RUG OR WALL TO WALL CARPET FOR WHEN HE BEGINS TO CRAWL AND PLAY ON THE FLOOR.
* A MUSIC BOX TO LULL HIM TO SLEEP.

FINALLY!!!!!

I FINALLY PAINTED A WHOLE BUILDING FULL OF FURNITURE, I WAS WORKING ON FUMES :)I STILL HAVE A FEW MORE PIECES TO PAINT, THEN IT'S OPEN HOUSE TIME & I'LL LET MY PEEPS GO THROUGH THE BUILDINGS & DRAG OUT STUFF. ALOT OF GOOD STUFF, QUILTS, COUNTRY BOOKS, TABLES, CHAIRS....IF YOU NEED IT I GOT IT OR IF YOU WANT IT, I GOT IT!!

COUNTRY CHIC, BY THE COUNTRY CHICK .... (THAT·S ME!)

THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE INTO THE COUNTRY LOOK HAS A DREAM OF WHAT YOUR PERFECT COUNTRY HOUSE SHOULD LOOK LIKE: WARM AND INVITING WITH A SENSE OF COMFORT AND STYLE THAT COMES NATURALLY.
THERE ARE NO BOUNDARIES TO THIS DECORATING STYLE.
IT'S AS APPROPRIATE FOR A LAKESIDE CABIN AS IT IS FOR A NEW YORK TOWNHOUSE, A GARDENERS COTTAGE, OR A CALIFORNIA BUNGALOW.
THE FOCUS IS TRULY ON YOUR PERSONAL STYLE WHICH GIVES YOUR HOME IT'S UNIQUE LOOK. MIXING AND MATCHING COLORS, MATERIALS, AND FURNISHINGS; THE OLD WITH
THE NEW, FINE ANTIQUES WITH WONDERFUL "FINDS", SHOWS YOUR DECORATING SENSE. ONE OR TWO INTERESTING COLLECTIBLES CAN TRANSFORM A ROOM INTO A PERSONAL SPACE.
THE HEART OF A COUNTRY HOME IS THAT IT'S COMFORTABLE FOR THOSE WHO LIVE THERE AND EMBRACES THOSE WHO VISIT. EVEN IF YOU LIVE IN THE CITY, THE MOST URBAN HOME CAN HAVE COUNTRY ALLURE.
THE USE OF COLOR FOR COUNTRY STYLE IS A COLOR PALETTE OF NATURAL PIGMENTS AND DYES;(THINK EARTHY). MONOCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEMES WORK BEST IN A ROOM WHERE YOU WANT TO UNWIND, VARIANT SHADES OF THE SAME COLOR WILL GIVE YOUR ROOM SOOTHING VISUAL INTEREST WITHOUT DISTURBING ITS CALMNESS.
FABRICS ARE ALSO NATURAL: LINENS, WOOLS, COTTONS ALL OF THESE HAVE A HOMESPUN QUALITY.
WEATHERED WOOD AND STONE ARE ALSO NATURAL MATERIALS THAT GIVES A COUNTRY HOME APPEAL. EVERYTHING IN MY HOME IS THERE BECAUSE I LOVE IT, NOT BECAUSE IT'S FASHIONABLE OR BECAUSE I NEED IT. I ALSO I DON'T BUY ANYTHING THAT I WOULDN'T PUT IN MY OWN HOME; IF SOMEONE WANTS MY KITCHEN TABLE, THEN I'LL SELL IT; AND I WON'T HESITATE TO PULL SOMETHING OUT OF MY HOME TO FURNISH A CLIENTS WHEN I DO ROOM REDOS. SOME THINGS IN MY HOME HAVE PRICE TAGS ON THEM FOR THAT VISITOR WHO DROPS BY AND NEEDS SOMETHING FOR THEIR SELF OR A GIFT FOR SOMEONE ELSE. BY USING MY HOME AS A SHOWROOM IT GIVES PEOPLE AN IDEA OF HOW IT CAN BE DISPLAYED.
MOST OF ALL WHEN DECORATING WITH ANY STYLE, YOU NEED TO HAVE A LITTLE FUN AND INJECT HUMOR INTO YOUR HOME; AS I DO IN MY OFFICE WITH A SIGN THAT READS: "I'M A SCHIZOPHRENIC AND SO AM I"! SOME THINGS IN LIFE YOU HAVE TO TAKE SERIOUSLY. HOME DECORATING ISN'T ONE OF THEM!



CALM COUNTRY LIVING IS THE HEART OF SHABBY CHIC COUNTRY STYLE OR "SHABBY CHEAP" AS I CALL IT. SUBDUED DECORATION, WORN AND PEELING PAINT, FADED FABRICS, AND TATTERED LACE EVOKE AN EARLIER ERA.
ELEMENTS OF SHABBY CHIC: *AN ANTIQUE GAS STOVE *GLASS DOORKNOBS
* WOODEN TRUNKS AND AN IRONING BOARD IN THE KITCHEN SERVES DOUBLE DUTY AS A SHELF WHEN NOT IN USE.
* AN OLD RAKE HEAD HUNG ON THE WALL, SERVES AS A UTENSIL RACK FOR HANGING ITEMS.
* VINTAGE BUTTONS IN A JAR OR FRAMED.
A WEATHERED WHITEWASH FENCE.
* COBBLESTONE PATHWAYS THAT LEAD TO THE GARDEN.
* HANG A LARGE WREATH ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE. '" OLD METAL WASHTUBS CAN BE STUFFED WITH PLANTS AND HERBS.
* "SHABBY" STYLE BIRDHOUSES IN THE GARDEN ADD A TOUCH OF WHIMSY.
* A ROCKER ON THE PORCH IS A FRIENDLY GREETING.
SIMPLE COUNTRY IS FARM FRESH AND COMFORTABLE WITH HANDCRAFTED AND FOLK ART ITEMS. TIN WARE, HOOKED RUGS, PILLOWS AND QUILTS. THIS STYLE CAN BE WORLDLY AND DELICATE WITH CHINTZ, CHECKS AND PLAIDS .IT CAN ALSO BE DOWN-HOME OR RUSTIC.
ELEMENTS OF SIMPLE COUNTRY:
* CRINKLE BROWN WRAPPING PAPER OR TAKE APART GROCERY BAGS AND USE AS WALL PAPER , THEN SPONGE PAINT.
* BOXES, TINS AND RUSTIC STYLE CANDLES ON SHELVES.
'* USE VINTAGE PICKLE JARS OR AN OLD CROCK TO HOLD KITCHEN BAKING UTENSILS.
AS WITH ALL DECORATING ASPECTS RELAX AND HAVE FUN!

S*P*R*I*N*G

OK, EVERYTHING IS READY TO BE PAINTED, ALL GATHERED, READY TO GO; CAN'T WAIT, THIS WEEKEND WILL BE A MARATHON OF PAINTING, DIGGING OUT MORE FINDS, PICTURE TAKING. I REARRANGED THE NEW SUNROOM, PICS ON THE WAY. THE ROOM STILL ISN'T FINISHED, JUST NEED TO DO A FEW MORE THINGS TO IT :) CAN'T WAIT TO TAKE OFF THE PLASTIC & PUT IN SOME INSERTS & WAINSCOTING. THE CAT TRIED TO CLAIM IT YESTERDAY, IT WAS QUITE WARM IN THERE; CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE MY FIRST CUP OF TEA THERE :) IF I CAN SIT STILL LONG ENOUGH.
SO MANY BIG PROJECTS THIS YEAR, I HOPE I DON'T RUN OUT OF MONEY OR STEAM.
HAVE I MENTIONED THE SALES STARTING UP......MORE PROPS YAY!!!!!!!

WORDS TO PONDER

Enthusiasm is the great hill-climber

COLLECTIBLES UNDER $10

PINCUSHIONS
SKELETON KEYS
BUTTONS
COLORED GLASS
SHELLS
LETTERS (wood,metal)
Playing cards
Glass candle sticks
Swizzle sticks
Dish towels
Pictures
And with the gift of haggling a lot more can be had under $10; come with me & I'll teach you how :)

QUICK FIXES FOR AN OUTDATED KITCHEN
PURCHASING NEW APPLIANCES CAN SPRUCE UP A KITCHEN FAST
REPLACE APPLIANCES YOU'RE NOT USING SUCH AS A DISHWASHER WITH AND REPLACE IT WITH A WINE COOLER
REMOVE WALLPAPER & PAINT
CHANGE CABINET HARDWARE
COAT THE CABINETS WITH AN ANTIQUE GLAZE
ADD FAUX FINISH TO THE WALLS
PAINT THE UPPER PART OF THE ROOM IN AN ACCENT COLOR

WORDS TO PONDER

Why do they put pictures of criminals up in the Post Office? What are we supposed to do, write to them? Why don't they just put their pictures on the postage stamps so the mailmen could look for them while they delivered the mail?

SPRING IS HERE IT'S OFFICIAL!!!!!!

I ALWAYS SAY SPRING IS HERE WHEN I SEE THE SQUIRRELS & HEAR THE SONGBIRDS IN THE MORNING WAKE ME UP :) BUT IT'S REALLY OFFICIAL WHEN I SMELL SKUNK, VIVA LE SKUNK, PEPE LE PEW

WORDS TO PONDER

If a turtle loses its shell is it naked or homeless?

COMMON DECORATING MISTAKES/ OOPS I DID IT AGAIN

THERE ARE SEVERAL DECORATlNG MISTAKES YOU CAN MAKE WHEN TRYING TO
PUT TOGETHER A ROOM HERE ARE TEN OF MY TOP FAUX PAS:
1. NOT DEFINING YOUR PRIORITIES SUCH AS DETERMINING YOUR NEEDS AND BUDGET.
2. AN UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATION AREA: THE IDEAL SPACE IS "U" SHAPED, MAKING SURE THAT YOU CAN SEE THE PEOPLE YOU ARE SPEAKING TO AND ABLE TO SPEAK WITHOUT SHOUTING.
3. YOU DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE TO PLACE FURNITURE AGAINST THE WALL. YOU CAN BRING IT OUT OR CORNER A FEW PIECES AS LONG AS IT'S NOT IN YOUR WALKING PATH.
4. A ROOM THAT IS OFF BALANCE IS ONE THAT HAS HEAVY FURNITURE ON ONE END AND SMALLER DELICATE PIECES ON THE OTHER; BALANCE IS THE KEY.
5. FURNITURE OF DIFFERENT HEIGHTS CREATES A "ROLLER COASTER" EFFECT, CAUSING THE EYE TO TRAVEL UNCOMFORTABLY UP AND DOWN AROUND THE ROOM.
6. A ROOM THAT LACKS COHESION IS VERY CONFUSING. BY USING "PAIRS"-OF CHAIRS, LAMPS, END TABLES IT WILL NOT LOOK BORING.
7. IGNORING THE FOCAL POINT OF A ROOM; WHETHER IT'S A FIREPLACE, AN INTERESTING WINDOW OR VIEW, A LARGE PAINTING CAN BE A MISTAKE. ONCE YOU'VE DETERMINED THE FOCAL POINT, PLAY IT UP SO IT ATTRACTS THE EYE.
8. IMPROPER USE OF ARTWORK SUCH AS HANGING IT TOO HIGH OR SCATTERING IT ON EVERY WALL MAKES THE ROOM LOOK BUSY. ARTWORK SHOULD BE HUNG 3 INCHES BELOW WHAT YOU WOULD FEEL IS NORMAL "EYE LEVEL"-AND ONE WALL SHOULD BE BARE TO GIVE THE EYE A PLACE TO REST.
9. INEFFECTIVE USE OF ACCESSORIES. SOME PEOPLE THINK THEY HAVE TO DISPLAY EVERYTHING AT ONCE. MY THEORY IS TO DECORATE A ROOM AND REMOVE ITEMS AND STORE THEM IN TRUNKS, SUITCASES AND ROTATE THEM EVERY THREE MONTHS OR MORE.
10. USING LIGHTING INCORRECTLY. GENERAL LIGHTING SHOULD BE DIRECTED DOWN WHERE NEEDED ,RATHER THAN UP TO THE CEILING SO THAT IT
ILLUMINATES THE ENTIRE ROOM WITHOUT PRODUCING SHADOWS OR PRODUCING TOO MUCH GLARE.

WORDS TO PONDER

If nothing sticks to teflon, then how do they make teflon stick to the pan?

WORDS TO PONDER

Each moment of the year has its own beauty, a picture
which has never seen before, and which shall never
be seen again.

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF :)

while sitting in my office peering out the window i saw some thing on my studio roof; a white cat with the bluest eyes you've ever seen,(i keep binoculars handy); i just wanted to reach out & pet it, but the cats that come here to eat & sleep are feral & i do say i am the pet whisperer, so my challenge is to pet one; they do eat my food after all, so they can give me just one quick pet can't they :)

SPRING MAY COME EARLY :)

I JUST HEARD THAT FOR THE NEXT 3 DAYS IT'S SUPPOSE TO BE NEAR 60, YAY! IM GOING TO FIRE UP THE AIR COMPRESSOR & LINE UP THE FURNITURE & FLAIL MY ARMS IN A WHITEWASH HAZE :) & HOPE NO CATS CROSS MY PATH, BECAUSE THEY'LL ALL BE WHITE LOL. REMEMBER THE SITUATION I TOLD YOU ABOUT THE WILD CATS LIVING UNDER MY NEW SUNROOM DECK; THEY TOLD THEIR FRIENDS & NOW I HAVE 2 OF EVERY COLOR, LIKE NOAHS ARK, I LOVE IT & REMEMBER MY HUBBY DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THEIR CUSHY LIVING CONDITIONS; HE DOES NOW; YOU KNOW, I NEVER GAVE HIM MUCH CREDIT FOR BEING A GOOD DETECTIVE LIKE ME, BUT HE FOLLOWED THE CAT TRACKS IN THE SNOW ONE DAY & HAD A FIT. I TOLD HIM TO LOOK AT IT THIS WAY, IF THEIRS ANY MICE, THEY'LL GET THEM :) BUT THAT WAS LITTLE CONSOLATION TO HIM, BECAUSE HE KNOWS IF I SEE A MOUSE I'LL CATCH IT FIRST :)REMEMBER ONE OF MY NICKNAMES IS "ELLIE MAY" AFTER THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES LOL & I TOLD HIM THAT ANIMALS ALWAYS LEAVE IN THE WARMER WEATHER, EVEN THE BABY SQUIRREL LIVING IN THE GARAGE, HE DIDN'T BUY THAT EITHER!
SO IT'S ON TO WARMER WEATHER & GOOD THOUGHTS & A FUN SUMMER OF JUNKIN' & PAINTING, MY PASSION,WELL, OTHER THAN ANIMALS :)

WORDS TO PONDER

SOMETIMES WE STARE SO LONG AT A DOOR THAT IS CLOSING THAT WE SEE TOO LATE THE ONE THAT IS OPEN

WORDS TO PONDER

A bend in the road is not the end of the road, unless you fail to make the turn.

S*P*R*I*N*G

IS SPRING FINALLY AROUND THE CORNER; AFTER ALL IT IS MARCH, ISN'T IT :) I AM SO ANTSY TO GO OUT & PAINT, I HAVE A TON OF STUFF TO PAINT; FURNITURE & SMALLS. I WAS EVEN OUT PAINTING IN THE REALLY COLD WEATHER, I JUST COULDN'T WAIT; I EVEN PAINTED IN MY SUNROOM & MY HUSBAND SAID I WAS GOING TO BLOW UP THE HOUSE WITH THE FUMES LOL. I GUESS I'M STILL ALIVE TO TELL THE STORY.