Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!

We're headed off to West Texas for a few days, 4 dogs in tow.

See you next week!

Thank You

Thank you all for your well-wishes, they are much appreciated! It was a really tough time, especially right before Thanksgiving. But things are starting to look up now. I realize that doggies can't really compare with children, but when you don't have children, and you've had the same dog for 16 years that you got as a puppy when you were only 19 - it's feels like they're your child. So it was really difficult.

I'm so sorry I've been gone so long, it wasn't intentional. Life just sort of got in the way, with Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping and work (everyone wants their stuff before Christmas, wouldn't you know it!?!).

But I'll be back with those pictures from our kitchen (finally.)

Hope everyone is doing well :-)

Last Week Sucked

I tried to think of a better title than this, but there's really no other good way to say it.

On Friday night, actually early Saturday morning, we lost a dear part of our family. Rascal, my husband's loyal sweet and all-around awesome dog, passed away at the age of 16. While that is very old for a dog, he was in good shape and great spirits until the day before. It was all very sudden, and very very sad. The last couple of days have been among the toughest I've been through - it's been really hard. He's already greatly missed, and always will be. Just looking at the picture above tugs at my heart.

In addition to that, the same night, somebody broke into my old Jeep and stole the radio.

Seriously.

An almost 10-year old radio, from an even older Jeep.

We know it was either the kid or his friends from across the street, as instead of being ripped out, it was carefully taken out without any damage (plus, in our quiet neighborhood, he's definitely into a lot of trouble). Nothing else was taken. It was as if somebody needed a radio for their own car.

I'm sure they don't read my blog, but I'd love to put a sign in my yard that says, "I just want to thank the P.O.S. that broke into my car to steal an old cheap after-market basic CD player on the day my dog died. Thanks for that."

Looking forward to what I'm sure will be a better week...

A Sneak Peek:

Taken from my cell phone (because I have a suspicion that my husband has the USB cord to our camera in his backpack...which is with him in New Jersey!)

Almost done!! Only 8 knobs to go, and some clean-up (of course).

Then - better and prettier pictures. Promise.

I Hate it When This Happens...

All day.

That's how long we worked on my cabinets, and I'm tired.

I thought I would share with you some "before" pictures. And some pictures of what we did today...

But nooooooo.

I can't find the cord to plug the camera into the computer.

And did I mention that I am really tired??

And a bit cranky?

So, once the husband makes it home tomorrow night from his trip, I'll figure out where the cord is, and there will be pictures for everyone to see.

Until then, here's a list of what went down today:

Cabinets and drawers were taken down

Hardware was taken off

Degreaser was applied and all was cleaned

Holes were filled

And lots of sandpaper was used

Tomorrows fun will include primer, cleaning and sanding of the actual cabinet box faces that are inside, and *possibly* a coat of paint!

Later, dearies....

Miles Redd in Veranda

Why hello there......

I managed to make it out of New Orleans in one piece (somewhat surprisingly, with all of the people that were down there, and the seeming rise in crime), and there have been so many things and ideas I've wanted to post about!

1) They should make computers able to take dictation so you can blog while running (mostly walking) on the treadmill. And they should make them affordable.

2) Canadian House and Home is awesome. Have you seen this month's issue? Chris now has a really good idea of something to get me for Christmas - a subscription (although, if he really wants to, I'd take Sarah Richardson's farmhouse too).

3) I'm getting ready to re-paint our kitchen cabinets and swap out the old rusty, loose, and crooked hardware! What I'm sure will be an interesting time starts tomorrow, so look for "before" pics.

But back to my topic for today:
Has anyone else seen the new Veranda (November/December) issue??

It arrived last week, and so far, is the most "Domino-like" to date. I'm not sure that is the best description for it (because it's definitely higher-end compared to Domino), but it definitely feels more like Dara's at the helm now than before.

Case in point - the cover story, designed by Miles Redd:

I love that green with the blue.

And I love this wallpaper.


But this bedroom had me feeling a little sense of deja vu, even though it's lovely....

See???




I guess Miles is just a big lover of scenic hand-painted mural wallpapers with 4-poster beds.


The whole issue of the new Veranda is good, though, and I'm excited to see them continue on the path they're on.


Tune in tomorrow for the start of "Project: Paint Kitchen Cabinets (so they don't suck as much)". Me, my Dad, and I'm sure a few dogs all mixed up with some white paint and satin nickel hardware!

A Few Things....

1) I have been busy busy busy getting everything ready and taken care of so I can go here:

New Orleans! I'll be seeing you tomorrow!

2) This is a sneak peek of some things that are coming after Halloween:

3) Remember to watch out for the candy that's already been partially unwrapped!

P.S. - Go Rangers!!!!!

Office Inspiration Board

office inspiration by Racheltx on Polyvore.com

So, here's the plan (minus the bookshelves which I didn't have a good picture of and am still trying to decide whether or not to keep black, paint white, or some other color).

Dark green walls, white slipcover from Ikea to tie in with the big white desk that is already in the room, side tables in natural stained wood, a big reproduction of a Texas map, accents of silver and chrome, a little bit of plaid, bamboo blinds and seagrass rug...

It's coming together, bit by bit.
(finally)

Is there such a thing as too much plaid?

I think the above photo shows that there is...

However, I kind of like this hallway. I think because there's really nothing else going on - the plaid is it.

I came across these while pulling some pictures for an inspiration board for our office (yes, we're still slowly slowly working on it - but remember, the tortoise finished the race!).

I know it's such a cliche, but I really do love me some plaid in the fall and winter.

How about you?

Friday

Black wingback chair.

Cowhide rug.

Perfect nook for reading on a pretty fall day (that is, if you're not outside enjoying it!)

Have a great weekend!

Who Needs a Cat?

When you've got this little guy killing mice in your backyard??

Yes, he and the chihuahua tag-teamed a little mouse who was trying to live in a bag of mulch. The mouse put up a little bit of fight, scratching Charlie's nose in the process, but ultimately he didn't win.

You should have seen their faces afterwards. Charlie and JJ just looked so pleased with themselves, so (dare I say it?) proud!

They finally got one. After months of tracking and chasing and barking.

Okay, must get back to work now....

I Got Nada

...but some pretty pictures that make me happy it's fall

Who Will I Be Rooting For?

Hmmm....

That's me, with my two besties - my little sisters.

It wasn't always like that. When we were all about this age, despite my cute angelic smile, I didn't really like them all that much. You know, having to share and stuff...

But now that we're all grown up, how could I resist these two??

Love them.

Go TCU!

What a Sham

I made some pillow shams for our bed recently, and am pretty proud of how they turned out:

(please excuse the wrinkly duvet... it was just pulled out of the linen closet!)

I have the tutorial posted here, if you'd like to make your own.

I'm so glad that it's Friday! It's been one of those weeks, you know, where both of your shoe laces break? (I heard that one this week, so evidently it's been one of those weeks for other people too.)

Have a great weekend!

And the Winner Is...

Congratulations Linda!!

Linda, I know you said that there were two different ones that you liked, so email me and let me know which one you want!

Thank you all for entering!

2010 Historic Fort Worth Designer Showhouse

I came across this slideshow and article by Rob Brinkley on our local PaperCity website. It covers the 2010 Historic Fort Worth Designer Showhouse, which is the old 1966 home of Eddie and Fran Chiles.

Designed by architect A. Quincy Jones, the house is gorgeous and modern. It's original interior decorator was Billy Haines, and the home still retains lots of original hardware and finishes.

Even more impressive than the Imperial Dishmaster above is the handpainted wallpaper below, which is in the entry and part of the living room. Original?? It was here when Fran Chiles moved out...

So pretty. I love hand painted mural wallpapers. Sersiously, I think you could stick anything in front of them and still end up with a gorgeous room.

Below is another view of the living room, including its Fortuny pendant light and strange and somewhat morbid poster art.

Dining room. Loving the wall-treatment here too, although it's not original. You can see a picture of the original here.

The view from the upstairs dressing room is beautiful. Not a huge fan of the blue chairs or lamp, but again - that backdrop makes almost anything look good.

Fran Chiles was a memeber of the Republican National Committee, and the Chiles' close friends included Ronald and Nancy Reagan who stayed in this room when they came to visit.

That is a Billy Haines' designed elbow chair there by the bed

The study area in Eddie Chiles bedroom. I like the rug and the artwork. The built-in shelves are nice.

The back of the house, showing the pool.

Look good to you? The house is up for sale for only $7 million through Kay Day Real Estate.

The home tour is on through the 24th, and you can learn more about it and the designers who participated here.

AND DON'T FORGET!! My giveaway for a Dash & Albert throw ends tonight, and the winner will be announced tomorrow!

*all above pictures by Rob Brinkley, here

Are You Ready for a Fall Giveaway??

Today's giveaway is generously being sponsored by CSN Stores! If you haven't been to their sites yet, you should definitely go check them out - you can spend some serious time there. They have literally everything, I think, from furniture like a platform bed to home accessories, linens, and stuff to stock your kitchen with!

So, what is it that I'm giving away today?

If you win, you will have your choice of any one of the Dash and Albert thows offered on CSN's site.

Don't you love all the colors and stripes above??

With Fall and Winter coming up, I could totally see myself all curled up on the sofa, or in my favorite chair, with one of these. They're all cotton, and the weight is perfect to keep you cozy on those chilly nights.

They come in so many different colors and stripe patterns, it's so hard to choose!

To enter:
Go to their site HERE and look at all the throws, and then come back and leave me a comment with which one is your favorite!

That's it!!

**Edit** Silly me.... I forgot to tell you that this contest will be open until Tuesday night at 10 PM CST.

I'll draw and announce a winner on Wednesday morning!

(Please make sure to check back, and leave your email so I can contact you if you win!)


Good luck - and have a great weekend!

Business Plans

You know how somedays you're just left a little uninspired? With such a plethora of pretty rooms and information out there on all the other blogs, I sometimes feel like I'm just repeating the same things - which is boring!

So, I thought I'd share with you something I've been working on. I've been working on starting up a small home business making dog beds and dog collar covers (because, you know, I have a little knowledge about dogs). I'm nearly ready to get it up and running, so I've been thinking of packaging - tags, bags, labels and cards.



I am kind of liking kraft paper. Cardstock for notes, boxes for the collar covers...

Tags - round or square? Maybe both??

I'm still considering iron-on labels for the beds. Yes? No?? Too cheesy?



I'll share more about the beds a little later, once I have some more to photograph. But here's a preview:

Another thing I've been up to?? Setting up an awesome GIVEAWAY!

Be sure to check back Friday for all the details.