{the blog}

back in the saddle

I've left you hanging for a couple of weeks and I apologize... I have been burning the candle at both ends AND just got back from a little vaction with my husband.  I've been on the go a lot lately and am about to plant my feet firmly in this office so I can get ahead in order to get away (with peace of mind) once the baby comes.  My sweet intern Julie is leaving me sooner than I anticipated due to her brother's wedding, sorority rush, and an architecture internship in Birmingham that is snatching her out from under me... I could cry.  Friday will be her last day.  Feel free to pray for me... she has been a total Godsend and the remainder of this summer and remainder of this pregnancy without her is not something I'm looking forward to.

Chance and I just returned from Boston and Nantucket... but first...

a quick flashback: Independence Day.  We spent 24 hours in the car over a 5 day period and I managed to survive.  We headed north, waaaay north to Southern Illinois to spend the holiday with my family at my parents farm.  It seems like ages ago now, but it was wonderful.  Here are some pictures.      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More from me later... promise. 

don't pinch me

 

Did you know my friend Annmarie has a lot of Irish in her blood?  She had a party at her house for the big parade that rolls right by her house... the photos are so amazing (way to go Laurie!)... this was my favorite.

Happy St.Patrick's Day!! 

and Happy Birthday Patricia!  (who you may recall illustrated this very house)

merry christmas my friends

It is my prayer that all of my friends in the blogosphere have a very Merry Christmas! 

 

Our little Paisley (that's Penelope above) has recovered very well, we are grateful that her little life was spared.  I'm also very grateful that a kind soul found my wallet today at Sam's Club and turned it in... without a dime missing. 

I expect a bloom from the amaryllis tomorrow. (took this photo last week)

     

Do any of you have this candle?  I received it as a gift last year and LOVE it.

 

I got my wrapping done just in the nick of time.  I keep my ribbon on a pant hanger.. it works great.  I think it was a Real Simple tip a couple years ago.  In Christmases past I've used craft paper, but this year is Polka-Dot Year.

 

So my gifts are looking like this...

 

Spy my tree skirt?  Last year a friend wanted one custom made, and I followed her lead... in colors that worked for my house.  My tree is not set up on that table... the photo is deceiving, just showing you the skirt (and of course it is folded in half in the photo).

 

And our stockings? Mine is the stripe, his is the argyle.

 

In other random news, I finally got these back from dad... my mom found the shades for me- they are called the "Perfectly Lit" - yes ma'am... I'd agree.  Discontinued from Resto Hardware, but here's something similar.  Do you think I have a lamp problem?  I spy 4 on that very table, and if memory serves me right I have 4 more stashed under that table. 

 

Maybe '09 will welcome an Urban Grace Lamp Sale?  Don't tell my husband though, because I might change my mind.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

stick 'em up

Hi... it's me... Paisley.  I'm doing so much better.  Thanks sooooo much for loving on me and those animals at the Alaqua Animal Shelter, mom is sending a check today for $201... she decided to let the comments collect until this morning.  I have not regained enough strength to sing (ahhhrooo-rooo-roo) just yet... but I'm getting there. 

I'm well enough that mom left me at home for a couple of hours last night to go play 'wanna be Bakerellas' with some girlfriends.  She recently helped this friend with a house face-lift... enjoy the pictures, you might get a few peeks of momma's handy-work.

Okay, wait.  Mom didn't really do anything but sit and watch and take pictures.  Which is really unlike her.  She was in a funk... admittedly too tired to participate.  When she got home last night, she was so ashamed that her pumpkins are still out on our front porch.  Is Mom in denial that it's Christmas?  Maybe it's the hot weather that's killing her.  She had on a sleeveless shirt and Birkenstocks yesterday.  And I heard her sigh when DaddyBoy called to inform her Chicago had 6" of snow and they reminisced about the eery, but peaceful quiet that heavy snow brings and how they both love it so.

They baked two box chocolate cakes, then food processed those cakes til they were powdery like dirt.  Mom did help mix in the tub of frosting.  One food processed (baked) cake, one frosting... roll into balls, put a stick in. Dip in chocolate.

 

While the friends dipped those cake sticks in chocolate Mom sipped a cranberry wine spritzer and critiqued enjoyed Christmas cards that had arrived at her friend's house.  This was her favorite.   

 

Then Mom brought up the fact that Christmas is her favorite time of year, and it devastates her that she hasn't gotten her act together on a Christmas card for our family yet. 

 

I know a good eye doctor who could probably fix those slightly crossed-eyes.

 

There is a new kitten in this house... and a couple of kids.  And a lot of talk about how Mom should have a kid, but also a lot of hollering at the kids in this house which makes Mom wonder if she's ready for kids?  They are precious.  And a lot of work.  Mom has a lot of work already... could she juggle a lot of work on top of a lot of work? 

The mom who lives here juggles a very busy (successful and creative) career and kids... this is her motto:

 

Penelope and I like being the kids in our house... just sayin'.

The rudolph pops were getting difficult... so they improvised.  Chocolate dipped cake balls with peppermint sprinkles.

 

A few were "tasted".  Yup.  Good.

More cake pops here.

And of course, the idea came from here.

Happy Holidays!

Play on Playa'

Last night we attended a little holiday soiree at a friend's house... 5 couples, hor d'oeuvres, cocktails, sweets, and games!  It has become a gathering that I look very forward to every year.  The company and food are always delightful... but honestly my favorite part of the evening is when we start playing games.  Last year we made up our own version of The Newlywed Game... we got a little too much info from some, which we were still laughing about this year.  Last night we played my personal favorite Catch Phrase.

If you don't have this game you should add it to your Christmas list.  Ahhh heck, just go buy it for yourself... so you can play with family and friends this holiday season!  You will not be disappointed.  We also played Battle of the Sexes... the men are questioned on subjects like make-up and spices and the women are drilled on cars, tools and sports.  I know, sexism in its finest form.  To make matters worse, the questions for the men are a lot easier than the questions for the women... which they basked in... it's still fun though!

Don't tell my dad, but I bought him Catch Phrase Music Edition for Christmas... if he's reading that's okay, he can't keep gifts a secret either.  He's a big music buff and I know he'll love it! 

Do you have a favorite game? 

 

But do you recall... the most famous reindeer of all!?

     

This morning I look some 'Christmas card' pictures of Joan, her husband, and her boxer pup "Cori"... I don't know which picture is their favorite... but this is one of mine!  It's as though she's thinking "Santa!  Don't forget me!"

One more picture?  Ohhhhkay.  How about this angle... she looks so calm, don't be fooled - my shutter is fast.  The antlers did not last long!

   

 

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

 

my pumpkins are still out and I don't have a fireplace

Bah humbug.  Heaven help me.  I don't know when I'll start decking the halls.  There are two orange pumpkins on my front steps still. 

I've got the Christmas music on... maybe that'll help. 

We don't have a fireplace.  **gasp** I know, it's seriously tragic.  For a girl who grew up with many-ah white Christmases sitting by a crackling fire this whole lack-of-a-fireplace-deal really bums me out.  Do not suggest an electric plug in one from Lowe's, please.  Thank you.  We put our stockings on the newel post.  Santa always manages to find them.

The good news: a girl can still dream. Hang your stockings by the fire at Hable Construction.

 

{thank you Annmarie for the link}

home, home on the range

 

We packed up last Friday and headed north.  My husband thought it would be a great idea to take our 4 and 2 year old nieces with us to Illinois... so we did (I was a little nervous about 10+ hours in the car with a 2 & 4 year old).  We made it a 2 day trip, spending Friday night with our friends Jennie Marie, Carlton, and Emma Hensley.  I wasn't sure if I would remember which house was theirs as we were arriving after dark, but JM told me on the phone "you'll know which house it is when you see it"... I took her word for it...

 

Remember?  It was even lit up!!!  

 

JM, thank you for the hospitality and graciously allowing our mini-travelers to stay in EH's room... we had a blast.  Yummy food and good times!  Thank you!

Emma Hensley hated to see us leave on Saturday morning, we had so much fun!

My mom did not know we were bringing her granddaughters (I love to surprise people)- so when we arrived at the farm on Saturday afternoon she squealed and screamed and instantly started the tea party! Okay, maybe I don't have a picture of Saturday afternoon's tea party, but this photo from Sunday's breakfast will suffice. The terriers like to tea too, maybe it's the "kid height table".

 

Does everyone know that I've never lived at the farm?  My parents bought the farm when we lived in Louisville, Kentucky... it's 2 hours west of Louisville... outside of the small town where my parents both grew up.  My parents sold their house in Louisville 2 years ago, and since then mom lives at the farm, dad works in Chicago and they travel to see each other on weekends.  Just thought I'd clarify because it could get confusing.

 

Chance's side-kick (my dad) had to work until Wednesday, so Chance was on his own... he made good use of his time.  He got dad's 1962 Suburban Carry All running.  Like the gas tank?  He was so excited, and dad could not believe it when arrived home and it wasn't sitting (dead) where it always sat.  Mom told us we could have it if we could get it running.  Dad disagreed.  We'll see.  

   

I never dreamed I'd marry someone as resourceful as that man above.  I am in good hands.  I was thinking about it last week, I honestly think my dad likes Chance more than he likes me! (HA! I'm laughing but it's a little bit true.)

 

So since it was running I hopped in and had my husband take me for a spin. 

 

You've seen the outside of the farm... maybe you want to see a little of the inside?

 

That's Chasey... when it's dinner time (5:00 sharp) the girl stands in the pantry (where her dog food is kept).  Darby and I surprise my parents with Chasey as a Christmas gift Christmas of 1997.

There are lots of blankets and pillows and always a fire in the fireplace.

 

This is the "Prof" that's short for "Professor"... who's real name (officially on his dog tag) "Bird Brown, phD".  The Professor was my dog before Penelope & Paisley.  Then my dad stole him from me.  He is a rescue as well.  A brown dog.  With a name that starts with P.  I love him.  He always thinks it's funny to squeeze his wide-load into P&P's dog bed.  Paisley likes him too. 

The house was built in the early 1800s... this is the dining room... original to the house.

Mom, you can put my name on these pheasant/turkey/quail (bird) plates Darby already has some toile-ish plates. Thanks!

We like dogs.

  Who knew okra was beautiful when dried?  Mom did.

 

We laugh a lot.  I mean A LOT.  Like laugh so hard you think you might throw-up.

My sister brings it upon herself.  (pretend like I just uploaded a hilarious picture of her).

 

Instead I'll show you this picture of her taking a bite of spaghetti in the background.  My family is notorious for getting out the camera once everyone has a heaping plate full of food.  It's not nice.

But I did it anyway.

Some of you may have noticed the occassional comment from my cousin who we appropriately call "Cousie"... well, there she is.  If anyone lives in the Chicagoland area... she's a hair stylist in Naperville (we come from a long line of hair stylists), in fact she cut my hair while I was home.  If you want her info you can email me.  She's like the older sister Darby & I never had... and that's her mom in the background... who is my mom's sister, who is also a hair stylist. 

 

If you know me well, you know that plumbing and door hardware are slight obsessions.  The only thing better than Rocky Mountain is old, original hardware.  Mom and dad kept all the doors original to the house and put them back in after renovation.  Many still have skeleton keys.  It makes me happy.

 

The doors have been stripped... some of them left with crunchy old layers of paint. 

 

That door behind Paige leads to the master bedroom- it's my favorite door in the house.

 

We don't have grass at our house.  The girls take full advantage of their time in the grass at the farm.

 

Nice sunlight huh?  Fast dogs too.  Really fast.

Twin dogs, who happen to match the decor, love twin beds.

 

Daddy Boy talked us into staying one more day.  We complied.  Then he went into hibernation.

 

We spent some quality time with Gram & Gramp (my mom's parents).  We are so thankful for them, their health, and their love.  Gram has lots of fragile little things, yet she's always glad to see her great granddaughters.  I'm sure she was a little worried when Chance started this helicopter game...

 

The girls love Uncle Chance.  Feelings are mutual.

 

Paige was interested in the binoculars.  I wonder what she saw.

 

Yours truly above on the right.

 

We also took a couple of hours to visit with Mimi (dad's mom) and learn a little more about our heritage... we aren't the only identical twins, Papa (dad's dad) was a twin, and so was Papa's grandmother! 

   

Mimi as a child.

 

Papa's mom... Effie Ellen.

On Thanksgiving Day we headed to my great aunt, Mary Jo's house.  Over the river and thru the woods we saw some beautiful farm land.

 

Oh and did I mention my sister has a son too, who we did not offer to take with us (for obvious reasons like I can't feed him), but who later joined us?  John Martin, cutest boy in town.  He cries a lot, but he's so darn cute it's okay.  He also has a smile that will melt your heart!  I had pictures without the paci, but the paci is so cute...

 

So, back to Thanksgiving Day... in addition to all my relatives who I love so much, there was a new addition this year... and I'm not talking about the cutie above, although he is precious.

 

Holy snorgle-lips.  A tiny terrier.  I die.  I could not take it. I went crazy.  And to think my Great Aunt Jo had this phenomenal vintage green sofa in her basement made it all the better.

Brace yourself for terrier time...

 

A puppy makes everything more fun!

 

If Penelope & Paisley had only known their new cousin dog was going to be around, they would have come along too!

 

He's about 10 weeks old, a Jack Russell, who remains nameless.  They called him "JR" for Jack Russell, but I think a P name like Piper or Poncho would be cute.

 

I got 6" cut off my hair.  Finally.  Thank you Cousie.

 

We all took turns.  Kind of.  Well, maybe I should say... I shared the little man with everyone.

The good thing about a black and white dog is they look good on everything... which makes it harder to keep them off the furniture, your lap, etc. Here's Cousie again...

 

His real owner is below in the middle, my cousin Brett.  Brett if you get tired of the puppy, call me.

 

I love my family.  I am so blessed and grateful for them.

 

We don't have very many pictures like this so we took one for good measure.

 

Cousins, wait make that: a first-cousin on the left and a second-cousin on the right.  Love them.

 

There was lots of baby-kissing, frisbee-throwing, and tree-climbing too.

Mimi and Morgan...

 

There, of course was a lot of laughing.  These three are cousins by marriage.  Darby's husband, Cousie's husband, and my husband.  Not sure what they were laughing at, sorta scared to even ask.

 

 

My sister makes her children's clothes.  It's insane. These persimmon featherwale corduroy numbers had patch pockets in olive gingham and a ruffle at the bottom of the pants in the same fabric.  She doesn't sew for others... although she could make lots of money, and get lots of gray hair if she did. 

My sister and I ventured out of the house on Saturday for a little shopping.  She's not much of a shopper, she never has been... which has always annoyed the ever-living stew out of me.  She was always "that girl" sitting with the old men on the bench at the front of the store, pouting because she was ready to go.  Well, we hit a few spots she liked that I happened to like too.  I have not been to a Jo-Ann's fabric store in a very long time.  Here's what I fancied:

 

Its jute upholstery webbing.  Random?  I think not.  There's a girl on Etsy who makes bags and purses and uses this for the straps.  It reminds me of my own purse straps.  I didn't buy it.  But I might. $.89/yard.  Not sure why I didn't buy it... but I did not.  Could be cute banding on a table skirt or roman shades. 

 

Okay, so I couldn't resist.  These vintage Ralph Lauren boots were at one of my must-stop antique malls (in the middle of nowhere).  They had never been worn.  The price tag on the bottom (original) said $485.00.  I paid less than $100 for them.  Now, I fear I won't wear them.  I worry it was a weak moment purchase.  It was one of those "if the shoe fits" moments, and they are a 7.5 (they fit).  I love them.  They remind me of my Frye ones that are shorter.  We'll see. I may put them on ebay.  PS- that's my new sofa in the background... I'll tell you more about it later.  Cute linen kick pleat, right?  I spent a few hours resting on that sofa last night and came to realization that I LOVE IT. I was fearful at first it was an impulse buy, but last night confirmed for me that it wasn't.  The boots, however may be another story.

 

Vintage "wall pocket" as my mother informed me.  $8.00, I bought it for my kitchen.

Plaid fabric.  I liked it... in a Burberry sort of way. It was at JoAnns (Burberry would probably be offended). It would make a cute throw for an old tufted leather club chair, and I'd wear my Ralph Lauren boots whilst sipping espresso in front of the fire, and I'd be wearing round tortoise shell eyeglasses, with my sweater around my shoulders.  Oh, and I'd have my hunting dogs at my feet.  Are you laughing?

 

Vintage picnic baskets.  I was noticing them everywhere.  This is something I would collect and then my husband would secretly give to Goodwill when I wasn't looking.  I need no more collections.  But I liked them.

 

My mom and dad have an office in town, and this big "deer" as Morgan called it (actually an elk) hangs on the wall over dad's desk.  If it were to fall, it might be the end of DaddyBoy.  When I asked mom where it came from she started laughing uncontrollably "he bought it on ebay".  In his defense, he is a game hunter, and has bagged an elk or two, but not this particular one.  This is the kind of thing DaddyBoy does that cracks us up.  I wonder who "delivered" the elk, UPS or Fed Ex?

 

Chance and I had lunch at Hadley's... an old diner in town.  My Papa used to have coffee and lunch there almost everyday. I adore the floor pattern, the greek key border, the old diner stools, the aluminum foot rail... all of it.

 

The food was good too!

Holy-never-ending-blog-post... is anyone still reading?  I promise, it's coming to an end.

 

There they are... the two that make going "home" so much fun.  Circa 1987?  My mom in a sheep sweater and my dad in a zig-zag number with a big mustache.  I am always grateful that they haven't killed each other yet and that they are still married.  Thank you for a wonderful week of rest, laughter, good food, vintage shelter mags beside my bed, hot tea, good games of Catch Phrase, antiquing, and everything in between. 

Love you,

your favorite younger daughter

(who wants some of that furniture out in the barn and in the shop in town)

hot diggity dog

 

Paisley roasting by an open fire at home on the farm. 

Thanksgiving was wonderful!  Re-entry into the working world is not!

It also does not help that I am suffering from a sinus infection.

I'll be back soon with some Thanksgiving photos and some inspiration!!

For now I am headed to the doctor's office.

b. wise papers :: classic with a modern twist

It's almost that time of year again!! Oh how I love the holiday season!!  I'm gonna let you in on a little secret... my uber-talented friend Alston of B.Wise Papers is already 100%  on top of fabulous holiday card designs! 

 

Worried about the environment?  All cards are printed on 100% recycled/50% PC paper using soy + vegetable based inks, and the printing facility itself is 100% wind-powered!

 

The goal of B.Wise Papers is to create an online boutique for photo cards + the convenience of internet ordering + a designer's personal attention to each order.

 

She describes her style as "classic with a modern twist," preferring clean lines and simplicity in her designs.

 

There's a little special on B.Wise's fantastic designs this week (10/27-11/02)... FREE GIFT LABELS!  

A complimentary set of 24 personalized gift labels [2.5" circle] with any card order placed the week of 10/27 - 11/02.  No coupon code needed; at checkout, enter the style name [holly, noel or xoxo] and the wording for the label in the "comments" section.  A proof of the label will be sent along with the proof for the card. 

 

If you like to kick it up a notch and desire something really darn cute and a little more custom... check these out:

   

Oh yes, I don't blame you for wanting to snorgle their little terrihuahua faces off... me too!  Alston custom designed these darling labels just for us!  (I know... it's so Hamilton & Meg of us.) She can design them for you too... for information on custom work you can contact Alston directly at alston [at] bwisepapers [dot] com

That's not all... she blogs too:

 

Now BE WISE people, go dig through your pictures and pick out your christmas card photo, and order your cards next week so you can get the 24 free labels!!