Time to say good-bye? And what about the holidays this year????

I am not a happy camper as of late.  I know that the holidays are just around the corner and my family is out west.  I have a beautiful home that my husband and I spent almost 20 years making our own.  We knocked out walls, added windows, enlarged rooms, added rooms, refinished floors, changed flooring, added granite etc etc etc...the list goes on.  I have so many good memories here, especially of the holidays. 

 I have a great kitchen where just last year there were pies baking in the oven and out on the patio my husband was cooking the turkey our traditional, family way; on the Weber.  The beautiful island was filled with great dishes of tasty, beautiful delights.

The dining table was set beautifully with  an antique lace table cloth. Christmas eve buffet was amazing. The table looked like a winter wonderland with candles twinkling, and the fire place lit.

Wrapping paper, presents, tired kids who couldn't get enough of Christmas Eve....these are memories my home holds for me.

Summers holidays and birthdays ususally found us out on our brick patio enjoying the weather (when the bugs weren't too thick) and cooking on the grill.  I love my back yard.

It's not that I don't want to move, it's actually the opposite.  I realize there is a new chapter in my life waiting to be opened.  I can't do that yet though.  Closing day so far as I see it, is set for December 30th. (Or as in the contract ...."or before")  I've let the "or before" go because it gave me too much false hope that I'd be spending Christmas with my kids and grandkids.

Even though there probably won't be another holiday celebrated in this beautiful old home of mine, I have resigned myself to let this home continue to love me until the new owner proudly unlocks the door and makes it his own.

This is the view from our front door.  Maybe soon, this will be our last.  I'll keep you posted. 

Nostalgia, American Style and other ramblings.

I arrived home yesterday.  I have to admit I'm going to miss the palm trees and the wide open, blue skies. Autumn definately is in full swing and hoodies, sweaters, and heat systems are on.  A week ago I was in an enviormnment that was in the 90's.  I've had lots of ups and downs looking for a home out west and have realized the real estate market is a jungle. You don't really know who you're dealing with. There were many, many short sales.  There were hardly any privately owned homes on the market.  Here's the deal; One has to have money in hand, or proof of a loan that has already gone through, to actually put in an offer that will have any sort of respectful look from the bank. THEN one must wait at least 2 weeks (if you're lucky) for just a reply.  Sometimes the waiting period can be months.  In the meantime I guess we would need to find a place to store our things and rent a living space.  Geeeeesh!!! Can you tell I'm discouraged?  Well, I have buried a St. Joseph statue by our "sale pending' sign in our front yard and both my husband and I had little chats with Joseph himself. I have done all that I can do and now I'll let go. 



In the meantime, I am still in awe over the beauty that surrounds me.  Here are some wonderful musings for your enjoyment. Thanks to "American Style" by Kelly Kiloren Bensimon, "Real Life Renovating" by Lyn Peterson, "Pottery Barn" hardbacks, and "Organized Living" by Dawn Walters. 

My all time favorite, designer Betsey Johnson....her tademark is doing cartwheels down the runway!!!

Seriously?  Ralph Lauren......amazing!

J-lo has set some pretty amazing trends for the good ole US of A.

Rosie Riviter, the woman who went to work when the men off to war in the big one....WW2

Edith Head, costume designer.

Jean-Michael Baswuiat, known for his 'street' style.

The hippy movement brought people back to quilts and hand sewn garments.

Gotta love Kansas! Those sunflowers take the cake.  Miss Rodeo

Beautiful bo ho. This outfil is a Donald Brooke's design who was famous for his printed dresses.

Maybe this bird wasn't eaten.

We'll need to ask Marlo. (Marlo Thomas)

I don't care what you say, Marlon Brando was to die for. A true hottie.

I love Marilyn to this day.  She was an American beauty and her story was just as amazing as her persona.

AND as Thanksgiving is approaching, I've got to be honest with you. I'm not looking forward to it.  My wonderful kids and grandkids are at least a thousand miles away, and honestly, we can't afford to just hop on a plane anytime we want to spend time with them.  HOWEVER, I have captured some pics of tables, kitchens and homes that might cause you to be inspired to nest.

Shopping in NYC??? Oh yes....Come on Christmas~

Some great shapes and colors for you to ponder.  They remind me of summer.

Holidays in the winter just aren't the same without a fireplace.

With family visiting for celebrations...guest rooms are the best.

There are many things in your own back yard to make holiday's special.

Thinking about my princess Maya, I would love to do her room like this. Just a throw in here. But had to do it because of the color, the fun and the relaxing, natural feel.

I hope you all have a great week.

the anxiety of looking and waiting and some decorating tips thrown in..........

I have been looking at homes to buy. It's difficult because I feel I'm sort of a pain to my realtor.  I have looked at so many and there have been three that have 'called' to me.  By the time we were able to put in any offers, the homes were sold.  So it goes........In any case, there is a home that is in horrible shape inside, but the lot is amazing.  I am in love, totally in love.  It's the feel, it is something that is not visable that calls to me. Something irrational that I can't explain.  But I know it when I feel it.  I looked at this amazingly beautiful home today in our price range; pool and all, but guess what?  There is something I'm not sure about.  So do I or don't I?????

I can't wait to settle and start putting my lovely belongings into my new abode.  I love putting things together and creating what I love to create; personality. There is something that comes alive in me when I am able to have free range and go at it all out.  Here are some suggestions that seem to work in all styles:

1. Go organic.  Meaning; cotton, silk, linen, wool.  You can never go wrong with natural textiles. Curtains, area rugs, pillows are always richer when organic.

2. Go organic. Meaning; copper, iron, silver, wood, and anything found in the earth for furniture, chachkas, and wall decor. 

3. Color: If you wear the colors and you love them on your body, you will love them in your enviornment.  This is a rule that never lets me down.  It works.  One tip though, on your sofa, and other bigger pieces; unless you love a certain color (mine is red) and you're totally confident that you will never tire of it, then use it for the larger pieces.  Otherwise, stick with a neutral you love, something more subdued.  There are neutrals in everyone's taste range.  Huge bursts of color in your accessories, like pillows and drapes, add the right amount of fun and drama. 

4. Prints: My personal opinion; I shy away from major prints on larger pieces. However, I've been known to  go a little crazy when I add prints to smaller items or area rugs. 

5. Plants and flowers: I used to be dead against (no pun intended)  fake stuff in this department, but my viewss have changed. (Change is so inevitable.) I  found some great little plants at Ikea that look exactly like the real deal.  Also, I found some flowers at a fea market that are fake that honestly look real.  They add so much life and color.  I am a member of Costco and Sams mainly because of their great selection of live flowers.

6. Add funky:  Meaning ; add something whimsical that really makes you smile.  Me?  I love numbers and letters, old street signs, vintage game boards and wrought iron things that I can hang on the wall. Every adult has a child inside. Add that fun piece or object that you alone know about and let the world see it in your home.

7. What's your special 'thing'?  I love mirrors.  My sister has a fascination with clocks.  You may have a love affair with chairs, pillows, pottery, paintings, whatever.  Incorporate that into your space  and you will love being home. A good rule can be taken from that old bride's saying, "something old, something new, something borrowed something blue".  Well, the "something old, something new" part for sure, and maybe even the something blue will be a good rule for decorating. Let your heart speak to you when you see something.  You'll know, and you'll be happy you listened.

In this time of econmical "challenges" everyone deserves a beautiful space to come to, to settle down in.  Everyone deserves a place where they can sit, relax, look around their space, sigh and feel all is well, and life is beautiful.

I love all the organic elements in this room; the wood, the iron, baskets...thanks Restoration Hardware catalouge!

Whimsical baskets, lampshades and wreath...gotta love it.

Well, that's about it for now.  I can't wait to make my new home out west where the weather is warm and the people are happy.  For now, I'm looking.  See you later ,stay beautiful, happy and full of  joy for life.

Some more great stuff

Thanks to Restoration Hardware Catalouge for their great staging.

Shauna's dining table.

Restoration Hardware Catalouge

Restoration Hardware Catalouge

Restoration Hardware Catalouge

Shauna's dining room

My funky new chair.

Shauna's very vintage hooked rug.

Redoing rooms

Thanks to Zinnia's on 7th and Indian School Road, Phoenix, where we found most of these awesome treasures.  If you're in the area, you should go by and see all the funky, beautiful things at amazingly great prices!

Always mat and frame kids artwork for a colorful wall.  The top sculptural piece was probably one of my favorite finds of the day.  Love this!

This was/is Shauna's favorite.  I love it and Shauna knew, from the moment she saw it that it was 'hers'.

The words above the tv say "cowboy up", and they're made of iron.  I think this too, was a favorite of mine.  Under the words is a wooden game board.  We both loved the visual this gives.

This is what I bought for 'me', although I'll store it at Shauna's.  It's an old black wooden tool box/chest. I love the brass handles and the size of the box.

Love the curtains.

Shauna's living room is so inviting. The lamp, lamp shade and pillow were more finds on our shopping day. The lamp shade is pure silk; the picture doesn't really give it justice.  I found a sort of polka dot pillow, but when Shauna saw this, well, the polka dot was gone.  I love this one and it fits best.

The chair in the corner is another buy for me that Shauna will keep for me until her dad and I move out here. It's a great plastic and cloth chair that swivels. I fell in love.

The painting was not a find, but an original by Shawn, Shauna's other half. I love it and hope he does one for me someday.

This is an architectural piece that Shauna already had. I think it's amazing.

A cozy reading area in the living room.

Will being himself in the kitchen.  What a guy!

Was able to shop with my daughter downtown Phoenx and loved it. We found some seriously amazing shops on 7th and Indian  School Rd.  Wow.....so much there I even bought some things for my new home when I finally move.  Whenever that may be.  So, above are the pics of Shauna's new rooms....well new to her.