the painted house

Wayback Exclusion

2011-11-29T22:04:00.001-05:00

Wayback Exclusion

The Painted House Has Moved!

2010-03-22T00:52:00.003-04:00

www.tphblog.com

Follow me to the new digs...see you there!

One

2010-03-21T01:01:00.002-04:00

Hot (veggie) dog! One more day... See you there!

Two

2010-03-20T01:01:00.000-04:00

Three

2010-03-19T01:01:00.000-04:00

Three more days. Enjoy your weekend and then please come see me in my party dress Monday. If you're feeling generous, let your friends on Facebook know about the new Painted House that is all about art, house, and all things beautiful (and sometimes goofy). We're celebrating with fun party favors next week--art, giftcards to William-Sonoma and Crate & Barrel and Anthropologie, and jewelry from a local Atlanta artist. Yeah, we're not talking a piece of gum and a wazoo--these are party favors you can use! Come back on Monday to enter! Three...two...one...

Four

2010-03-18T01:01:00.001-04:00

What are you doing next Monday? I hope it includes stopping by the new Painted House for a little look-see, and I hope you find it utterly delightable. I love making up new words. Stop by next week for a chance to win a painting from yours truly or giftcards from William-Sonoma, Crate and Barrel, and Anthropologie. Stop by tomorrow to find out the last giveaway goodie. Oh, goodie-goodie-gumdrops, just four more days! Thank you for spreading the word!

Five

2010-03-17T01:01:00.000-04:00

Cinco dias! I am now counting down on one hand--and each day is one long, bony finger. Monday kicks off the new Painted House, all redecorated and pretty. To celebrate, I'm giving away something for five days. The goodies include a painting, a William-Sonoma giftcard, and a Crate & Barrel giftcard. Check back tomorrow to see what else you could win. And, thank you for celebrating with me!

Six

2010-03-16T01:01:00.000-04:00

Six more days until The Painted House debuts new! Giveaways start on Monday, March 22. It's easy, just leave a comment each day of the giveaways and you are entered to win. Post about The Painted House relaunch on your blog and get four extra entries for each giveaway day. It's shameless, I know--but the more the merrier, right? We're giving away a painting and a William-Sonoma gift card...check back tomorrow to see what other loot could be yours.

Many thanks to Hooked on Houses and It's a Slow Learning Curve for spreading the news.

Seven

2010-03-15T01:01:00.002-04:00

Seven days--one week--until the NEW Painted House! Next Monday kicks off FIVE straight days of giveaways. I've already spilled the beans about one--an original oil painting by the lady of the house. Come back tomorrow to learn what else will be up for grabs. And, if you want to be so sweet and thoughtful, why not spread the word about The Painted House on your Facebook or blog? Please let me know if you do, and I'll link you up next week as a thank you--and THANK YOU. {giant 100% smiley face here}

One. More. Week!

Eight

2010-03-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

(And happy Pi Day to you.)

Nine

2010-03-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

Ten

2010-03-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

The Beginning of the Rainbow

2010-03-10T22:16:00.003-05:00

It was a rainy day today in my corner of Georgia. But as I spent a little time organizing my closet, I discovered a rainbow within reach.

Spring is so close. And with spring comes The Painted House! I am happy to announce The Painted House launches on March 22, with fabulous giveaways each day of the week. My 10-day countdown starts on Friday, the 12th. Please help me spread the word!

Your Sneak Peek

2010-03-08T21:25:00.003-05:00

The hair, folks.

And your other peek...my new painting series. Maybe I'll call it Dialogue. I'm working while the inspiration is striking. I'm even dreaming up new paintings in my sleep, yes, literally dreaming them up! Stick around and I'll give a new painting away during The Painted House launch week. It is small and adorable and full of meaning. You need it. I'll start a countdown soon once I decide which day is official launch day.

Okay, now, do I look younger?

Chihuly-esque for the Home

2010-03-07T21:06:00.006-05:00

Sometimes I don't know how I feel about blown glass. I'll see it in a gallery and think "ooo, pretty," but I walk on. Then other times I'll see blown glass and I gotta keep ahold of my britches. Case in point, the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Artist Dale Chihuly's ceiling installation contains over two thousand pieces of blown glass. Absolutely gorgeous!

Combine his sculptures with clear sunlight and you have Medusa's younger, prettier sister.

While I was shopping 19th Street last week in the Houston Heights, I stopped into Eclectic Home, a decor store specializing in affordable trends. Here you can have your own Chihuly-inspired fix.

The chandeliers come in 30-, 60-, or 90-piece sizes and can be customized with any color combination. Prices range from $1,200-3,800. However, the lights come IKEA-style--you have to put them together. Okay, no big deal, I had to do that with my IKEA artichoke light...but it was only $40. I say, any light that costs $40.01 or more should come already assembled. But que sera.

Assembly required or not, they are pretty.

What color combination would you do?

I'm a sucker for white. This one would sing soprano with that gorgeous gilded mirror I saw next door at Antiques on Nineteenth...you think the kids would help me put it together?

Eclectic Home

345 W. 19th Street

Houston, Texas

713.869.1414

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

2010-03-05T10:51:00.002-05:00

So I'm glad I'm not the only one who cries at the loss of long hair--thank you for your support! But I am quite liking the cut--especially since I keep hearing, "you look so much younger." Thankyouverymuch and we are friends for life. I know it is wrong to cut and be a no show. Let's just say it doesn't look like this:

Mullet and red bowtie. Little Ping-Ping, you are a lucky chica that your Daddy loved you so much.

I've been busy painting and getting ready for the blog (I know, start it already). I am SO excited about getting back to work, but I'm a perfectionist and I want it to be, uh, perfect. At least close to it.

I'll continue posting occasionally until I'm ready. If you get bored, try this maze (courtesy of my 6-year-old):

I'll try to post a photo next week of my shortened locks, and you can then proceed to tell me how much younger I look. Please.

Snip, Snip...Big Changes

2010-03-03T08:31:00.001-05:00

There are a lot of changes going on here. Among the changes, the new blog officially starts up later this month and this:

While it could be mistaken for any number of unsavory objects, that is my ponytail. Detached from my head. Lying on a table.

Years to grow. A moment to snip.

And I cried. Ugly cried. I didn't expect to be so emotional.

Have you ever made a drastic cut, hair or otherwise?

Retropolis, Houston

2010-03-02T16:16:00.010-05:00

The girl and I spent last weekend in Houston, Texas. I feel so jet-setter as we fit in a surprise birthday party, meetings with friends, shopping, and even some eyebrow threading. I dragged my mother-in-law and daughter to 19th Street in the Heights for browsing at Retropolis yesterday.

[photo: Flickr]

A fun way to spend an afternoon is digging through this mammoth vintage clothing store. And, dig you will. This shop comprised of various dealers isn't about editing its stock--but then if it did, you would miss out on the outrageous and gasp-worthy.

The place is decked out for cowgirls looking to dress for the Livestock Show & Rodeo corralled up on the South Loop right now. Sadly there were no boots in my size.

I used to pine for dolls like this at the Motts 5 & 10 in my girlhood town. How exquisitely beautiful I thought they were.

I didn't leave empty handed from Retropolis...

A slinky batik mermaid skirt...that stretches to my toes! What Gigantisaurus owned it before me?

And, then, aloha, how are you?

It's the softer (and more tropical side) of Sears.

I'm going to 80s it up...me, black leggings, and every shade of neon. Hubby says it is my Barbeque Hut dress. He once owned a yellow and orange check shirt that screamed, "I work at Barbeque Hut!" This is so not Barbeque Hut...well, maybe it is.

From Retropolis to the ATL, I'm giving these old duds, a plastic 80s necklace, and a straw purse new life. Do you retro?

Retropolis

321 W. 19th Street

Houston, Texas 77008

713-861-1950

It's Okay...

2010-02-27T09:36:00.003-05:00

It really is okay. Don't fight it. Give in to the love affair.

Get this shirt and other cool artist-made stuff at Hello-Lucky in Houston, Texas. If you aren't lucky enough to make it to Teresa O'Connors' adorable shop in the Heights, order online. For you haters out there, she also has one that says "It's ok to [skull-n-crossbones] Austin."

Art & Family

2010-02-25T06:00:00.002-05:00

My friend Susan recently emailed me this quote. It had me in tears.

...my mother was biding her time, pacing herself until she could achieve her goals. She was a proud and passionate and boundlessly talented woman taking a step back from her artistic dreams and signing on instead for the opportunity afforded my father and our family. It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to embark on a truly unique adventure. The reality of my mother's situation ws that she put a huge part of herself on hold, and hit that reset button for my father, for our family...

She was still an artist, but for four years she was an artist on pause, counting the days until she could hit that button again and put herself back in play. Even as a child, I could sense she was frustrated--like a racehorse stuck at the gate. She kept up with her work in fits and starts, but during that period she was constantly setting aside an essential piece of her identity, and then picking it back up again. In all that time, she never lost sight of her goals as an artist.

Yes, we can be all things at once, my mother told me. In fact, we must. But we must also accept that we can't do everything all at once.

-Mika Brzezinski

All Things at Once

I wipe my wet cheeks and second guess everything all over again. Can you relate?

The New Painted House is Coming Soon!

2010-02-23T22:03:00.005-05:00

Here we are, friends, just a month away from the relaunch of The Painted House! I've been busy planning and spinning gears. I'm excited and scared and hopeful. You will read here, won't you? Please?

The new TPH (look at me calling it TPH) is the artist indulging in what inspires her, propels her, and delights her--art, design, fashion, food, shopping, travel, all with a special emphasis on the Atlanta area. We're talking all things beautiful. I hope my Georgia girls will hang with me here--everyone else is invited, too! Would you join me in spreading the word? In two weeks we will start the countdown. There will be fanfare!

Until then, many thanks to Shannon working hard on my new digs. Ooo, a new Painted House!

And apparently my husband wants Georgia guys to hang with me, too. Who am I to disagree?

Circus, Circus!

2010-02-22T14:52:00.006-05:00

The circus rolled into town, and--on a whim--we decided to attend the decidedly politically incorrect affair. You know, the circus with its history of exploiting those who fall outside of social norms, prodding caged animals, and stereotyping ethnic groups. Listen, if it weren't for the art of electrolysis, I'd be just another freak show on the circuit. C'mon, kids, let's go have some fun!

On the way I spotted a little lost trapezist on the MARTA...

...and a wannabe hoping for her turn on the bar.

Imagine toting three kids to the circus and being next-in-line when the "SOLD OUT" sign goes up. Spontaneity has its drawbacks. But I really prefer dusty reveries of circus past than the current glitz and glam. Did you get the latest catalog from Anthropologie?

Artifacts, romance, dreamy fun. This concoction is a place where restless nomads with surnames that end in s-k-i defy gravity in feats of stupendous proportions! (Is there anything the Polish can't do? Or, someone who is half Polish? Ahem.)

Sure, it didn't happen that way, but this is a dream.

Georges Seurat dreamed...

As well as Alexander Calder...

Next time I have circus dreams, however, I will be using Ticketmaster to guarantee the dream becomes reality.

Buildings, Brady, & Buckhead

2010-02-18T22:03:00.008-05:00

The homeschoolers and I headed to the High Museum today to catch the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit before it closes on Sunday. While we were there, I had planned to also spend a little time talking about the High architecture with the kids.

On the drive over, I said, "The museum was designed by two important architects. The first building was designed in the 1980s by a man named--"

My 6-year-old son interrupts, "Mike Brady!"

The world renowned architect, Mike Brady.

The seminal piece in his oeuvre.

It is no secret now what we have been renting from Netflix. Oh, Mama had a good laugh over that one. But, you know, the Brady Bunch house has been the butt of too many jokes. I, for one, love it. It is an American classic. Don't you think?

All that art and architecture worked up an appetite so we shimmied down Peachtree to Cafe Sunflower in Buckhead (a second location is in Sandy Springs). If you are a meat lover curious about vegetarian cuisine in the Atlanta area, this is the place to experiment with all-veg dining. The food is fresh, inventive, and delicious!

We started with steamed dumplings filled with cabbage, tofu, carrots, and mushrooms.

I have my favorite dish there, Sesame Chicken, made with amazing soy nuggets and loaded with vegetables. Today, however, I branched out and tried a lunch special: red quinoa stir fry with mushrooms, sprouts, and zucchini on collard greens. I finished with a happy plate!

We rarely order dessert at restaurants, but we always get the peanut butter pie at Cafe Sunflower...and it's vegan! But things do get violent when one shares a dessert with a 4 and 6 year old. I nearly lost an eye, and I definitely didn't get my fair share. Pout.

As we patted our full bellies on the way home, I quizzed the kids on what they had learned. Meier! Piano! Renaissance! Sfumato! Chiaroscuro! Split levels! Dun-nuh-dunt, it's a story of a lovely lady...

Free Compliments!

2010-02-17T21:50:00.004-05:00

Yes, that is me with my beautiful mother and sister. Yes, I am her biological daughter. I'm thinking my abnormal growth has something to do with the shocking amounts of Fun Fruits and Jello Pudding Pops I consumed as a girl. Maybe.

Anyway, my mother, when she had a compliment to share about me that she heard from someone else, would always say, "I'll exchange compliments with you." That's just how we are in our family, folks. She is like a pretty troll at a bridge: she'll give me mine if I give her hers. Hey, Mom, I'll exchange compliments with you!

But, what about free compliments? You know, when a stranger comes up and says something nice about your hair or bag or how well-behaved and perfect your children are (ah, sometimes dreams do come true). When someone freely gives me something positive like this it gives me a little sprinkle of happy in my day. So, why wouldn't I want to be someone else's sprinkle of happy? I try to speak up, stop a stranger in her tracks, and sprinkle the happy when I see something I admire.

Give a free compliment to someone today! And while you are here reading, I'll exchange compliments with you...

Will Cotton Candy

2010-02-16T21:33:00.003-05:00

Do you have any more Valentine's candy left? Or are your heart-shaped boxes only filled with tiny chocolate crumbs...or those disgusting raspberry cream chocolates nobody eats? Well, I have just the thing to satisfy your sweet tooth...

Meet Will Cotton.

Luscious.

Decadent.

Maybe forbidden.

He is an American artist. I haven't seen one of his paintings in person, but I can bet you that I wouldn't be able to resist a taste. Just a lick. I missed his show at Mary Boone Gallery in NYC last February by just a few days. Darn, talk about stealing candy from a child.

He reminds me of Wayne Thiebaud.

I don't remember when and where I first saw his paintings as a girl, but they made a lasting impression on me. Pastel confections casting deep shadows--just what a nauseatingly romantic girl needs to fuel the sentimental journey. And it probably explains why I have a host of cake photos pinned to my image board in my studio now.

Men painting bare women and sweets--you make your own interpretations. Will Cotton says it perfectly in my opinion, "Insatiable."

The Grit, Athens

2010-02-15T06:56:00.006-05:00

I love Sunday mornings that include a trip to The Grit, a vegetarian restaurant in Athens, Georgia. Good food + excellent people watching = a satisfying and inspirational brunch.

Located near downtown Athens, The Grit occupies a historic storefront with interior brick walls. Hipsters with tats, families, and preps in scarves and stilettos pack in for vegan biscuits and yeast gravy--oh, yum!

We always split the breakfast burrito with black bean chili and tofu and a stack of pancakes. You can choose the regular cakes or the "special cakes" of the day. Chocolate and raspberry special cakes with maple syrup were perfect for me and my four Valentines yesterday.

The Grit also offers a killer lunch and dinner menu with lots of vegan options--and you know that I'm a happy girl when I have lots of vegan options...especially when there is a dessert case with options!

Did you have a special Valentine's day? Where is your favorite brunch place?

La Playa...

2010-02-12T15:33:00.009-05:00

With the snow steadily falling right now in northern Georgia, it is hard to believe that my toes sank in here yesterday.

Did anyone tell God that turquoise is the color of the year? Or that it looks fresh with beige, white, and green? I guess He sent that memo a few thousand years ago.

When you crave color and warmth, head to Mexico. Lucky for me it is just a 2.5-hour flight to Isla Mujeres, an island off the coast of Cancun. And lucky for me my dear friend Rachael wanted to celebrate her birthday this month on the beach. Like any good friend would, I packed my bags to join the party.

The Mexican people get color...

...and color...

...that becomes even more beautiful with the passage of time.

Rachael and I rented a two-bedroom condo at the Ixchel complex on Playa Norte. Most of the units are individually owned and are subject to the owner's design tastes and abilities; therefore, while the condo was clean, convenient, and comfortable, it won't win any design awards. You could book one of the hotel-owned rooms or book through private owner on VRBO. It would be a perfect place for families with the tranquil Playa Norte right outside the door. Or, for romance, book a room at sexy Hotel Secreto, where my husband and I have stayed twice.

While Isla Mujeres seems to become more developed every year, I love how it is slower paced and quieter than commercialized Cancun. With my winter wonderland outside right now, it all seems like it was a summer's dream.

Be Kind

2010-02-04T15:11:00.003-05:00

Have you read Layla Palmer's guest post on Lysa TerKeurst's blog? She writes about a stranger's simple act of kindness that buoyed her and her husband during a tough financial time. There is such power in kindness--even in the simplest acts. While I am often entranced by the material beauties of this world, it is the beautiful intangibles that last and motivate me to be more beautiful on the inside. More than a cliche, this truth binds people together in a powerful spirit--even if it is as little as anonymously buying someone coffee or lunch or sharing an unexpected compliment.

Anyway, I connected with the story especially since it is February. February is when we found out my husband had stage 4 lymphoma--two years ago. I had never before seen kindness like we did in 2008. We were changed forever from the power of kindness. That was true beauty. Period. Go forth, my friends, and be good and kind and beautiful.

The Bold & the Beautiful

2010-02-02T20:26:00.007-05:00

It is hard to imagine a day that ended with this...

...and this...
...could have started so horribly. True, my day threatened to be ruined this morning by not one but two vile creatures.

Vile Creature #1: In a way I hesitate to mention this here lest you think that I live in squalor, but we really keep a clean house--anyone who knows me can vouch for that. So...we have discovered that we have a huge, disgusting rat that terrorizes our house at night. I cannot stress enough how much this HORRIFIES me. Yesterday morning I discovered teeth marks in a few of the apples in our fruit plate...on the kitchen counter! And there was one side of an apple completely eaten! And large droppings on the floor. I know, you will never come over to my house again, right? I don't blame you.

I called the pest guy asap and he determined a point of entry behind our dryer, a little hole to the crawl space. He left me with a trap and instructions to shut the laundry room door. I did as told but also left a little potato on the kitchen counter just to see. To my horror, the trap was empty this morning and the potato was 12 feet away down the counter halfway eaten! My blood boiled to think of that vermin curled up somewhere in dreamland with his belly all full of organic potato. And did he carry that potato? Peeps, this is no ordinary mouse.

All I can see in my head is that creature scampering all across my kitchen counters with his germy underbelly rubbing the granite. It is one thing if it bathed regularly, wore a cute red cap, and sewed me couture while I slept. That I could handle.

But as it is, it is now war between me and the rat. Pest control returned today with a new army of traps, poisons, and various other accoutrements of death. They found another hole under the kitchen sink. Old house, I'd like a few words with you. We are now on day two of complete kitchen closure--no food gets made or consumed here. Eating out three times a day is exhausting, expensive, and icky.

Vile Creature #2: I was still reeling from rat fest this morning while driving to Lenox Square in Atlanta when I glanced over at the person driving next to me violent gesturing. Yeah, Vile Creature #2 was violently gesturing while he was being the master of his domain while driving down I-85, if you know what I mean. Oh, he could have been rigorously swatting a fly in his crotch or frantically scratching an itch in his bellybutton. Maybe he was shaking a can of Coke because he likes the explosion of fizz when he pops the top. But I'm not in the business of giving people the benefit of the doubt today. Nope. If it looks a rat turd on the kitchen floor, it is. If it looks like a one-man show, it is. I was greatly disturbed.

But let's take it a step further, shall we? People harass me for being a germaphobe in public. I don't like touching doorknobs or handles, shaking hands, general interacting with the outside world, okay. But let me paint you a picture. Vile Creature #2 finally reaches his happy finish and destination. He zips up, jumps out of the car, heads for the door. The door, people. VC#2 doesn't keep wipes in his car. There is no sink in that truck. His hand, the very hand, reaches for the handle on the door. And, oh, dear, if he doesn't walk in and shake someone's hand! Am I really crazy for avoiding public door handles? There are exceptions to rules and this is one: this is one mouse to keep in the house--especially during the morning commute.

But the morning soon turned brighter as I finally arrived at Lenox and popped into J.Crew to see the new spring collection. Why do I want all those ruffled shirts and skirts and sweaters? But I resist as I don't want to become known as Ruffle Girl. One or two ruffles in a wardrobe should do.

Imagine my surprise when a salesperson there turned out to be an old schoolmate of mine from college in Texas. It was great catching up. If you are shopping J.Crew in Buckhead, stop in and let Bobby help you out. So cool!

I did leave with this ruffled henley--a salve for my morning trauma.

I had enough time left on my outing to breeze through one of my favorite haunts and picked up a cool brass pedestal and floral painting. The day was really looking up! Now I'm just having a hard time figuring what is important enough to place on that pedestal. I don't think my three children would fit. Nor my husband. Aw, aren't I sweet? Or, I might try to sell it at Scott's...we'll have a booth coming up!

Okay, I'm set for the night. Traps are set. Potato is out. Exterior entry points are sealed. Bring it on, Rat Boy.

Duo Boots on Sale!

2010-01-26T20:21:00.004-05:00

You know that I've gushed about Duo Boots here before, the UK company that sells custom-fit boots. That's a hallelujah moment for those of us with skinny bird legs or pleasingly plump calves. I've tried to buy boots on a whim in stores--but nothing fits. NOTHING! It drives me and the salesperson mad. I first fell in love with these from Duo:

I bought them in 2006 and have worn the dickens outta them. Seriously, I think people are sick of seeing me in them. But, strangers, ooo, they love them. I get stopped all the time about these boots.

I've been pining to buy some more and finally got my chance last year for my birthday. I made up for lost time and ordered two.

Basic black heel and plum suede...because life is a little more fun in purple boots.

If I could take advantage of the sale (and you should!), I would order these ruby slippers--at over 50% off!

And these, too, since I'm dreaming.

I think the price is a deal for a fabulous-fitting, long-lasting boot. Shipping is a bit steep from the UK, but my order arrived in two days! How's that for instant gratification? The only scary part of the whole transaction is: what if the boot doesn't fit right? You have to foot the bill back to the UK, which isn't cheap. This happened to me once. Three out of four boots isn't bad, however. I recommend calling the company once you have chosen your style to get help on fit and size because not all the boots fit the same. Okay, girls with calf issues, go browse!

My Thing for Yellow Peeps

2010-01-24T20:57:00.000-05:00

My obsession goes way back. Yellow + Peep = Love True, sometimes love hurts like when you are hanging from your marshmallow neck (no peeps were harmed for this painting). Or, it is so, so cute when the yellow peep offers a glimpse of your manicured toes.

These Enzo Angiolini shoes (Merry Ann, $79) that I saw at Nordstrom would be kicking it right now in my closet if it weren't for the fact that my pale, veiny feet looked horrendous in these yellow shoes. Gross, I know. Someone with beautiful olive skin, please go buy these for yourself. For me.

So they won't ever be mine, but they did inspire me to try Polyvore for the first time. Finally, I know. Since I'm so 1887 in my computer skills--yeah, not even 20th century--I still haven't figured out how to add these shoes to Polyvore so I'm working with a pair of Christian Louboutins. Not as cute, in my opinion, but you get the idea.

Here you have Homeschool Mom by Day...

And, I Actually Lived the 80s...

To Yellow Shoes for the Missus...

And, Dressing Inappropriately for My Age...

What a versatile pair of shoes. Too bad I looked like Swamp Thing in them.

Biscuits & Gravy

2010-01-18T19:50:00.001-05:00

We've been eating strictly vegan at the house for almost two years now. I've found that I can replicate a lot of our favorite recipes without trouble. I was thrilled when my friend Joy recommended the drop biscuit recipe from The Joy of Vegan Baking by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. Fast, easy, and delicious--which is perfect because a Southern girl has got to have her biscuits and gravy!Biscuits & Gravy--it's the best of beige eatin'!

Drop Biscuits

1 2/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup nondairy milk

1/3 cup canola oil or melted Earth Balance margarine

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and oil or margarine and stir until mixed. Batter is sticky and thick. Drop walnut-sized scoops onto greased baking sheet. Bake until bottoms are golden, about 8 minutes.

****I use whole wheat pastry flour.

Vegan Cream Gravy

1 onion, coarsely chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1/2 cup blanched almonds, without skins

3 cups water, divided

5 tablespoons flour

Saute onion and garlic in a bit of oil until soft. Add onion and garlic to blender with almonds, 1 cup of water, and flour. Blend until almonds are ground and mixture is smooth. Pour almond mixture into saucepan to heat until thick. Add remaining 2 cups water to achieve desired consistency. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.

****Sometimes I use cornstarch instead of flour and vegetable broth instead of water--depending on how I want the gravy to taste. The almonds yield a beautiful creamy color and satisfying smooth texture--you won't believe it's not dairy! (The flecks in the gravy above are from the skins on the sliced almonds I used--I was out of blanched.) The gravy keeps well in the refrigerator for a day or two--just add a bit of water to thin when reheating.

Painting With the Girl

2010-01-17T01:17:00.004-05:00

I wish I loved doing crafts with my kids, but I don't. Am I allowed to say that? Other moms out there rock the crafts with their progeny--I just can't. But what I love to do is color, paint, draw with my kids. It is hard to decline an invitation from my daughter to sit with a cheap tray of watercolors.

My daughter can create for hours. Like a little artist, she will take an idea and explore it in different ways, burning through a stack of papers.

I have sheets and sheets of these types of amalgamated forms. She combines thick line with thin line and seems to enjoy how they play off each other. I think these are absolutely fabulous and a perfect example of why I LOVE children's art. It would feel so unnatural for me to try to make these drawings, yet she does it with the greatest of ease and confidence.
But her absolutely favorite subject is princess with flower, of which she never tires.

My girl, how will you inspire me next?

This Little Piggy Went to Market

2010-01-14T08:26:00.004-05:00

I tagged along with my interior designer friend Holly to the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market on Monday. Friends, it was a good time.
I LOVE these pillows from Bella Studios with such beautiful dressmaker details. I've been loving the chevron pattern so hip right now, and I think that the little blue and white one would be the perfect amount of zig for my zag.

Pottery from Matahari.
Suddenly I'm in the mood for an orange dreamsicle. And, this little piggy dreamed all the way home...

Eddie, Frames, and Tea!

2010-01-11T07:39:00.002-05:00

Here's one way to keep warm in frigid Atlanta: rub shoulders with talented bloggers! I attended the Tea for Two: An Art & Framing Workshop presented by the exuberant Eddie Ross at Larson-Juhl.
There were yummy nibbles and hot tea, presented beautifully.

And, fun people to meet! Look there is Layla from The Lettered Cottage with Eddie. She is as sweet in person as she is on her blog.

Rhoda from Southern Hospitality also drove in from Alabama. I could listen to her talk all day--wish I had a lilting southern accent like that!

I met the handy Kevin; and not only is he handy, he's handsy, too...look at him loving on his girl. Gosh, they are cute together.

Here I am with the blonde bloggers Rhoda, Layla, and Renae. The tall girls got hit with an unfortunate beam of sunlight making my tall forehead even taller. Humph. I had a nice visit with Renae who is also another Georgia Girl so hopefully we will see each other again soon!
Eddie presented an informative, visual-laden workshop on how unique framing can impact the design of a space. And when all else fails, hang something small over the bed! We all left with a complimentary print from Artaissance and a vintage botanical from Prints Charming Soho headed by Ari Millner. You can meet Ari at Scott Market each month where he has a booth piled high with interesting prints. I had the opportunity to get to know him last summer when friend Holly and I had a booth opposite his. He's a great guy! And, thanks for the print! And thanks to Eddie Ross and Larson-Juhl for a fun afternoon.

Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself...

2010-01-07T20:13:00.005-05:00

Six months is a long time by the blog clock. Hopefully you've had enough time to forget my Snuggie shenanigans or my gratuitous use of potty talk. Hopefully.

"So, Angela, what have you been up to the last six months before you decided to up and abandon us all?" you ask. Well, thanks for asking...and I didn't abandon you, silly. I've been peeking into your lives and endeavors via my reader--silently watching. Creepy, no? But before I catch you all up, some thanks to those who kept me on their radar in their readers and offered a hearty "welcome back" when my heart started beating again. Thank you! And thank you to my girl Layla for putting the word out, too!

And, one more thing before we roll the film: I'm just putting my toe in the blog pool right now and plan on jumping in this spring wearing a modest one-piece with a brand-new blog launch. So, until then, I'm getting used to the water, posting periodically as I get my ducks in a row. Hey, who put these ducks in the pool anyway? Gross.

Okay, here are six months in a nutshell:

My husband finally gets his office redo. And, the best part: it was a surprise while he was away on business!

We were six days away from closing on this beautiful foreclosed house when we, uh, changed our minds. Sigh. Palladian windows, who needs 'em? I won't tell you how many hours I planned the redecoration of that house in my mind.

In November, I flew out to Washington state for a paying job, yippee! The folks commissioned a total design plan for their church children's wing. That hall is almost a mile long, no joke. This has been a fun challenge for me.

Christmas swooped in and we celebrated bad taste by hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party benefit to raise money for a widow who is a cancer survivor and is raising her grandsons. Nope, you can't borrow my sweater.

We gussied up the cottage for our Christmas guests.

And enjoyed a quiet Christmas at home in our ever-evolving living room. The gorgeous roses are from Walmart--who knew? So, that and homeschooling and finally finishing the last of our major interior projects on this house wrap it up. And, I think there are a few painting in the works in the studio. There is a lot to show! And I've got lots up my pink-knitted sleeve (see Christmas sweater). Thanks for stopping by...it will be fun!

Thump, Thump

2010-01-06T11:00:00.002-05:00

Doctor, I think we have a heart beat.

The Painted House is coming back in 2010!

I hope you will visit me here,

Angela

Doorknocking: Holly & Jason

2009-05-31T12:03:00.000-04:00

My friend Holly had the children and me over for a playdate recently. She and her hubby Jason completed a house remodel and addition about a year ago that is just beautiful. I took my camera and hoped that she would let me share photos here.

Their master bedroom and bath is part of the new addition. I just love how fresh and timeless the bathroom is. Holly is an interior designer and is the mastermind behind every beautiful detail. The framed sea fans are from Scott Antique Market.What subway tiles she didn't use here in the shower are now in the cottage shower--thanks for the extras, Holly! The heavenly blue cabinet is my link to the bathroom--I was with Holly when she spotted it at Scott Antique Market. She had it fitted with plumbing and sinks. Gorgeous!Her house is so serene and beachy--perfectly suited for a former island girl like herself. I helped myself to more photos around the house. Thank you, girl, for letting us peek inside your cottage.

Modern Atlanta Home Tour: Lafayette Drive

2009-05-29T12:02:00.001-04:00

When I drove up to the Ansley Glass House on Lafayette Drive, I was puzzled by the exterior. The photo of the house in the tour guide was different than this traditional facade. What I didn't know was that the front of the house is an original 1910 structure and the back of the house, which was pictured in the guide, is the new blow-me-away addition. Here is where my camera died, but fortunately Atlanta Homes magazine features the home this month--so I can show the rooms my camera didn't capture. The story goes that the homeowners were looking to add a larger window to their kitchen at the back of the house for more light. Soon the project evolved into a completely new addition--and did they ever get their larger window. But they loved the original traditional-styled house, while developing a taste for contemporary art and interiors. Their team of architects and designers proposed this beautiful marriage of contemporary and traditional elements by keeping the 1910 house and merging it with an all-glass addition.

Entry into the house is in the original foyer. I wound through the living room and dining room and past the grand central staircase. There is a classic beauty in these rooms; but there are hints of what is to come in the rooms beyond by the well-edited art and furniture pieces.
Beyond the dining room is another sitting room to offer my first glimpse of the new addition. I'm falling in love. And deep.

The stairs up from this room lead me to the kitchen where the ache began. You know that ache when you find something that is so you but alas is so not yours? And may very well never be yours? That is the ache. But it kind of feels good because I know someone is enjoying it and loving its beauty and appreciating every detail. Details are so, so good. The moment I knew I had found my dream house is when I stood in the kitchen, looked up, and saw this. Oh, the ache! Do you see the guest room there on the mid-level? Within its glass walls is a classic antique bed partnered with a lucite desk.
The view from the kitchen looks out onto the pool and what I suppose is the original guesthouse.
The back of the house is where we find that bigger window the homeowners wanted in their dark kitchen.

There is another new lucious and soft living room off the kitchen--too many living areas in this house for me, but I'd make do.

I'm a wee bit obsessed with this house. If only it didn't tug at my divided heart so--that heart that is half traditional and half contemporary. If only it didn't have everything so perfect for me, then I wouldn't dream about padding through its rooms in my pjs. Well, I know whom I'm calling to design my house if a money tree sprouts up in my backyard.

Modern Atlanta Home Tour: Montgomery Ferry Drive

2009-05-20T20:46:00.004-04:00

When I drove up to this house on the tour, I said, "Now, that's what I'm talking about!" The tour was stepping things up a notch, and I likied (that's "likey" in the past tense, roll with it, please). How spectacular is this house? Cookie cutter? Uh, no.
The living room is divided into two spaces. The art in this house is fabulous.

I'm loving the dining room light fixture. This house has less IKEA purchases than the last house, but it does have these IKEA legs on the dining room table--which was just painted plywood that was signed by the homeowner's friends.
And here are two example of real-deal flat-track applications...no fakers here. A shower door and a closet door.Here is the top level sitting room--where I had a lovely conversation with the interior designer of the house. You should have seen his expression when I told him I had three children as an answer to his question, "Why are you a painter on hold?" It was as if I had said I had the plague. I wasn't offended--he actually made me laugh heartily.
The master bedroom has a sweeping view of the backyard.
And, so, I left this house thinking that I had seen the best. But little did I know what awaited me down the street. Sigh. O, Dream Home, why do you taunt me so?

Modern Atlanta Home Tour: Laurel Avenue

2009-05-20T20:38:00.007-04:00

A week ago I stole away for the Modern Atlanta Home Tour. Let me tell you, Girlfriend was happy as a clam to be toodling around looking at some art, architecture, and interior design. Happy. As. A. Clam. My first stop was on Laurel Avenue. I love that lime green structure on the front walkway.I didn't take lots of photos here, but here are a few...that really don't showcase the space but whatevah. What can I say, I'm a sucker for Strawberry Shortcake. I think I lived my adolescence with Apple Dumpling permanently affixed to my nose. (Inhale!) And as hooked rug art even! Be still my beating heart.

The owner had a very eclectic art collection.
The bath was in the corner of the master bedroom.I fancied this dresser also in the master bedroom.
This little casa azul in the same neighborhood caught my eye as a fun contemporary reno on a little mid-century cottage.

Well, this was my first stop on the tour...and the houses just kept getting better. I'll post two more--the two I shot before my camera battery died (darn!). And, one. O, one. Has a house ever made you ache? I have found my one dream house.

The Cottage Tour: Bunkroom

2009-05-19T21:05:00.003-04:00

Here it is: the last stop on the cottage tour! The bunkroom makes me wish I were a kid again. I love it--but how much more magical would it be to see it through a child's eyes? The "Bubbas" did a fantastic job on these beds--and the kids agree. They love it in there to sleep and play.
The chair came with the house, and Juliet and Ashton helped me paint it yellow. The carpet is the fabulous modular carpet FLOR. This is my second purchase from FLOR--we did an area rug for the kids' playroom earlier this year. There are so many colors, textures, and patterns to choose from and get creative with. And it's easy to use. Love FLOR!
Aren't you glad this is the last time you have to hear this: Pottery Barn Outlet rocks. The ticking stripe duvets cost me $14 each and the red West Elm shams were $5 each. The bottom bunks have removable siderails for small children so there are no bumps in the night! Each bunk is numbered (there is a certain little boy who loves this and a little girl who thinks she must sleep in #3 since she is three). And each bunk has its own light with pull chain. I wasn't having any luck finding affordable lights with switches so I used a basic light bulb socket with a pull chain and fastened wire baskets around the socket--baskets from Hobby Lobby which I painted yellow. This is another favorite feature with the kiddos.
I pasted simple cutouts on scrapbooking paper for artwork. Frames: 50% off at Michael's.
We combined a storage room with the bunkroom and a bathroom to make one whole suite. Here is the storage room before:
And here is the space, reworked, after. I am still in the process of painting around the hooks on the wall. Each square will be numbered "one...two...three...four."
The bunkroom bathroom before:
And, after (mirror wasn't ready at time of photos):
The Bubbas got rid of all the blue bath fixtures--except that blue potty. It stayed around until the very end. I started to joke that it was the cottage mascot, sitting its blue self under the trees and watching the seasons change. The after is simple and clean. I'm thinking of what I could put on the wall here.

And, that's all, folks! Thank you so much for indulging me and for leaving such nice comments. It has been such a fun and exhausting project. Now, I am going to rest and take a break from posting for a few days.

The Cottage Tour: Second Bedroom

2009-05-18T21:11:00.007-04:00

It all started with a vintage yellow lamp.
And then I found a sturdy aqua bed from Pottery Barn Outlet at a price too good to pass up: $400. And because the bed has side rails, it doesn't require a bedskirt--so that is added value to the price! This bed and the IKEA sofa are the two most expensive pieces I bought for the house. The brown duvet cover and shams from TJ Maxx came next, and then the rest fell into place!
The white quilt is from TJ Maxx, but the yellow pillow is custom made from an old tablecloth that my husband's grandmother had put in a garage sale years ago. "Don't sell that! I'll take it, please." And so it has made appearances at my house through the years, but now it has new life on this bed. The similar scale of the prints on the pillow and duvet competes, but I'm forcing it to work. I kind of wish I had done another bolster here instead of the king-size sham, but what's done is done! The round table was my first kitchen table I had when I moved into my first apartment. It is also my first garage sale purchase. About 8 years ago I retired it from kitchen use and skirted it. This Ballard Designs burlap skirt is new--can you tell by the package creases? You think I could have steamed it for photos, huh? Lamp: TJ Maxx. Clock: Sabbath-Day Woods. Tray: Target. White vase: Pottery Barn Outlet. I risked a snake bite by collecting those twigs in a brush pile in the woods, but I was feeling quite invincible after surviving the Great Bear Attack of 2009. I have plans to do a decorative paint application on the wall behind the bed...don't know when that will happen, but it sure looks cool in my head. And, do you love the rug as much as I do? It is one of those happy, happy finds. The facts: William-Sonoma Home rug, $90, 9x12. Remember my Scott Market dresser? Here she is all freshly painted in white and Sherwin Williams Coconut Husk #6111. The mirror started as a custom-made frame that I had left over from my art and design business in Houston. I painted it in Coconut Husk and added a white border. The local glass shop put a mirror in for me. That yellow floral platter on the dresser and coordinating plate on the bedside table are from a parking lot sale that I picked up for $3 for both.

I found the seagrass chair at a local resale shop. Thank you, PBO, for the crisp linen pillow. The birdie painting will go in here--but the cadmium yellow still hasn't dried for me to finish that darn thing! Cad yellow + humid basement studio = excruciatingly long dry times.

Here is the matching yellow bathroom! Isn't it just lovely?

Ha! That's a joke--we all know that this is really a space pod from Dr. Who. Isn't it ironic that the very place intended for getting a person clean can feel so filthy?

Good riddance! And hello, Gorgeous! Sink and faucet: IKEA. Sconces: West Elm. Tile: Floor and Decor. The shower is tiled in Home Depot white subway tiles laid on a grid instead of a brick pattern. My dear drunken tile installer did a horrible job on the mirror inset. There was no way to get a mirror in the hole as I had envisioned. Kenny came up with all these solutions to which I cried, "But that loses the whole design of it! There isn't supposed to be trim or anything there." Details are so important. In the end, the least obtrusive of all the solutions was to trim the mirror in quarter round. I hate it, and it ruins the whole idea. But it is so not the end of the world. Across from the sink is a little vanity area built from one side of the desk unit that was up in the kitchen. The butcher block countertop is from IKEA--a deal at $40-something for a 2x4' piece. Kenny cut it to fit. Mirror: Bed, Bath, & Beyond. Glass bowl and gorgeous yellow oversized lacquered tray: Pottery Barn Outlet for 70% off! Cabinet hardware: Lowe's. The artwork was a spur-of-the-moment idea inspired by the "Keep Calm and Carry On" posters. I picked up the frame from PBO at 70% off, slapped some blue craft paint on a piece of watercolor paper, layered with a umber-glazed piece of scrapbook paper, and centered chip board letters (that I spray painted white) on top. The little duckie is my answer to the crown on the Keep Calm poster.

This room makes me happy.

The Cottage Tour: Downstairs Living Room

2009-05-18T01:00:00.002-04:00

Hubby and six of his Texas buddies just spent a long weekend breaking in the cottage. They hiked, did the sky dive simulator, gambled, river rafted, laser tagged, and go-carted. Sounds like they all had fun except for the snoring at night. Funny how the snorer is the only person who gets a good night's sleep. As soon as Hubby dropped the dudes off at the airport, he met the kids and me for breakfast--and I said "Your turn!" and kissed the kids good-bye for my own fun on Sunday...but I'll report on that later. I've got to finish this tour! Ready? Let's go downstairs.

It goes without saying, right, that this photo is a beforesies? Good. Seriously, the downstairs before was so scary. And there was this creepy perpetual drip-drip in one of the sinks. Shiver. The layout was so strange, too. The stairs led to a long hallway with doors to three bedrooms and one bathroom. And, there was a fireplace in this hallway. We knocked out the wall of the middle bedroom to open it up to the hallway and used closet space from the middle room and neighboring room to garner more square footage here.

And now we have a TV room or den or living room...still not sure what to call it. The color is more saturated than upstairs, but blue is the link for the whole house. Here I've punched it up with some red. And there is white, of course. Do you see the birdie needlepoints? I don't think they look too grandma, do you? And the media console is the one that I bought at Pottery Barn Outlet for $99, discounted from the original price of $800 and now wearing a coat of white paint. The ottoman is one we've had for four years and graduated to the cottage.Faux bois pillows, another PBO find, sit atop the slipcovered Karlstad sofa from IKEA. The sofa is one of the rare pieces I bought for the house new at full retail price. But it's IKEA so we're aren't talking a million dollars here. The lamps are also from PBO--but I bought them two years ago for our other house. The artwork, in a 50% off Michael's frame, is an old hand-drawn map of the original property that was left in the house at purchase.

Remember the mauve wing back chair? I really don't have a thing for wing backs--unless the silhouette is exaggerated in some way. And this chair spans wide at the back giving it just enough of a contemporary feel. I bought the fabric locally at home decor store while they were having a 20% off sale--I think it was $9 a yard. The roman shades in all the bedrooms except one will also be in this fabric. The little wood scrap table is from TJ Maxx, and the pillow hails from Marshalls. The tongue and groove color is Sherwin Williams Underseas #6214.

And that once scary hallway? Not so scary anymore! And now that fireplace makes sense. So far so good on the experimental concrete floors.

Please come back tomorrow for a tour of the second bedroom!

The Cottage Tour: Master Bedroom

2009-05-15T16:05:00.010-04:00

Of all the rooms in the cottage, the master bedroom is still very much a work in progress. It is probably my least favorite room--although, it has parts of it that I love. We created the master suite from the study, space gained from the stair removal, and the existing bathroom. Hubby had the idea to move the wall from the study out into the living room about 20 inches to make the bedroom larger. That was an excellent idea, and Hubby was just so gosh-darn proud of himself. "Really?" he asked, "You like one of my ideas?" So our running joke has been that he will make plaques of all his ideas that I approved, and this wall so deserves one of those plaques. Entry to the room is where the stairs used to be, and that dead space behind the stairs is where we tucked the closet, shower, and toilet. The sliding door opens up to a little hallway with the bathroom on the right and the bedroom on the left. The bathroom before was so yucky--but it was the nicest one in the house.

Now we have a tongue and groove wainscot about two-thirds up the wall painted in a custom mixed color at Sherwin Williams. The first purchase for this bathroom was the copper sink from Ebay for a good price--but ended up costing us more in the long run for all the specialized plumbing fixtures we had to get in oil-rubbed bronze, the only finish I thought would go with the copper. I cursed that copper sink many times during the last few months and growled at Hubby for it being his idea--"no plaque for you!" But it all looks great now--even if the sink is a little small. The sconces, towel racks, knobs, and sink faucet are from Lowe's. The marble countertop is a piece of a scrap from a stone yard. The cabinet is custom built--since our original plan to use a part of the kitchen desk here didn't work out. The roman shades for the window and bedroom windows aren't ready yet.
Hubby found the refinished 1921 clawfoot tub locally for $800. There are less expensive new soaker tubs out there, but by the time you add the cost of labor and materials to build the surround for those types of tubs it would be more than $800. Plus, we didn't have much room to play with in the space. So we saved money and we have loads of extra charm with cute little clawfeet. The little bamboo table is from an antique mall. I love how the full-length mirror opens up the small space.Opposite the tub is a roomy shower--which was a source of drama for a few weeks with our drunken tile subcontractor. A different man saved the day and redid the shoddy work. We tried to get by without a shower door here to save costs, but too much water splashed to the floor no matter how careful I was bathing. And, Hubby! He is like a little chickadee in a bird bath in there--feathers all ruffled and a-flutter, flinging water hither and yonder. So, we installed a frameless glass door. My friend Holly had biscuit subway tile leftover from her house remodel that she sold me for $30--but it wasn't enough for any of our tile projects. I decided to use it on the bottom of the shower, below the mosaic band, mixed randomly with bright white subway tiles. Only bright white tiles are above the mosaic band. It gives the perfect vintagey feel to go with the bright white tub and the warmth of the travertine floor. The travertine floor and the tile mosaic (mixed stone and glass tiles) are from Floor & Decor in Atlanta, where we found great prices. The travertine was about $2.50 a square foot. The special tub faucet and shower fixtures are from efaucet.com. The toilet is tucked behind the shower. We hung one of the kitchen upper cabinets above the toilet for extra storage. My cabinetmaker made a matching door for the upper cabinet to match the Shaker door on the new vanity.

Leaving the bathroom you cross the little hall to the bedroom.
Here is the room like it was before as the study.
Unfortunately upon entering the room you immediately see this techno monstrosity. "Hubby, I know you love having the TV, but don't you think it looks hideous?" His response: "It looks perfect." There you go, spoken by a true man. I don't believe in TVs in the bedroom but since this is a rental, I conceded. Since we practically gutted the house, we could rewire for wall-mounted TVs. And, thanks to TJ Maxx, I have this cool blue cabinet to hold the cable receiver and DVD player--the less black boxes to see the better! I'll admit, I do look forward to watching a movie with my sweetie curled up in this super comfy bed--but only on vacation. I don't want to fall asleep to Jon Stewart every night at home--even if he is adorably hilarious. The light fixture is from a consignment shop. The master bed. Headboard: consignment shop, painted by me. Euro shams and duvet cover: IKEA. Blue quilt and bedskirt: Target. Blue and white houndstooth bolster pillow: custom made. Bedside tables: Target. Swing-arm lamps: Pottery Barn Outlet, $14 for the pair. Rug: Ballard Designs Outlet, I stalked a woman for it. The swing-arm lamps--they seduced me with their price. While pretty, they weren't really in the direction I wanted to go. But $14 for both? I had to. However, it still bothers me that there is so much frou-frou white in here and so much linear bronze in the bathroom. I'm working on what I can do to tie the two spaces together here. The little oil painting is almost 20 years old. I did it when I was fourteen. Am I really getting this old? Sigh. There is a slipcovered blue houndstooth chair in the corner by the closet, but no angle of the camera could make that space look great. The room just needs more stuff. But the bed is so, so comfortable.
Well, you've seen all of the main floor. Let me take you down the stairs and get ready for the downstairs tour next week. Before:
After:
Just a touch cheerier, you think? Instead of descending to your doom, you happily want to see what is around the corner now. The large picture is a framed topographical map of the area--left in the house in a roll when we bought. I carefully ironed out the creases and put it in a $25 Michael's frame. I used other old surveys of the house to make a few drawings featuring local flowers, dogwood and mountain laurel. The vertical landscape is an antique mall find for $10, and framed in the corner are vintage postcards from the area--almost 100 years old and only $15! And, yes, another set of antlers--thanks, Dad! I love this frame I found at another antique mall. I tossed the Victorian print that was inside and used a mat I already had. The problem was that the mat was off-white and my other mats were bright white. Nothing a can of flat white spray paint can't solve. The art is another survey map that I painted butterflies on.The light fixtures in the stairway and in the little master suite hall are from Shades of Light. Remember when I promised excruciating detail? Well, I'm delivering, right? Thanks for coming along. And to think, there are still two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living room to see! More cottage tours on Monday!

The Cottage Tour: Living Room & Kitchen

2009-05-14T19:35:00.010-04:00

Thank you all for such kind comments on the last post--I would thank you all individually if I weren't spending a majillion hours loading photos. But it is all in the name of fun! Thank you for sharing my excitement with me, truly. Let's go inside, shall we? Come on in--and look! The inside of the front door is natural wood--the Bubbas should be happy, right? We turned a coat closet into a little niche by the front door. Even tiny houses should have a nice entry. I don't want to stare down a closet door! And get used to that little vase of rhododendron--I moved it a.l.l. over the house for photos. I love me a splash of color.

Remember how the living room looked before?

Oh, wall-o-windows, I love you.

When we started the remodel I had a vague idea of how I wanted the house to look. I knew I wanted the space to be light and bright to counter the beautiful wood ceilings and floors. But since we had a very small budget to furnish and outfit the place, I just let whatever I found first be my decorating guide. This green chest was an early purchase at an antique mall. I love its scale and color--a piece that I didn't have to paint, o-glory-day! So, green with some blue and lots and lots of white--a design color palette was born! Chairs: Scott Antique Market, newly slipcovered. Pillows and mirror: Pottery Barn Outlet. Candleholders: TJ Maxx.

We did the one wall here in the living room in horizontal tongue and groove for texture. I love it! Ask Kenny how much he loved painting it. (All walls are Sherwin Williams Natural Choice 7011.)The sea grass rug is from Pottery Barn Outlet--8x10 for $90. The awesome and unique two-tiered cypress table cost $35--and I almost didn't stop to check out the little shop on the highway. I'm usually glad that I stop. You never know what you will find. And, there's my $10 Pottery Barn sofa newly slipcovered. The green wing back chair by the window is my Spoiled Princess chair. When I was about 12 years old my daddy and I were passing through the furniture department at Dillard's when I spotted that gorgeous wing back covered in forest green moire (it was the late 80s, people, roll with it). I would love to have that in my room, I probably cooed--you know, to go with my Laura Ashley comforter set. Before I knew it, Daddy had paid for it and set it up for delivery. I had it recovered four years ago in a fabric that just happens to coordinate with the cottage's living room.

And here is a lesson for you: it is usually somewhere else cheaper. My "it" was a dainty little water lily candleholder that I saw at Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic boutique in Atlanta. I loved it but didn't want to pay $20 for it. Then recently I found it at Marshall's for $3.99. A little clay sculpture my son did fits perfectly inside.

A simple fireplace with spectacular stone work wears a whitewashed tobacco basket. We are in flavor country, after all. Tobacco basket in the cottage: sure! Lighting up tobacco in the cottage: no way, Jose. And, there is a baby gate there at the stairs, courtesy of Grandpa, to keep all our tiny guests safe.

To the left of the fireplace there used to be a stairway to the attic. In the beginning we had dreams of turning it into a bunkroom for six. But we had to run the air conditioning unit up there and install lighting for the main floor. Plus we needed the extra room to make a decent-sized master suite. Look at all that dead space behind the stairs! So the stairs are gone...

...and there is a sliding vintage door instead--the entry to the master bedroom. Remember how I faked a $400 flat track with a couple of $3 hinges at Home Depot? Still feeling smug. And, the kids love this door. Before:

And, after: I love how open and bright the space is now. It is sparse and uncluttered, which does my soul so much good.
The kitchen before:And, after:

We kept the bottom cabinets--thank goodness, a cost saver! And coated them in Sherwin William Svelte Sage 6164. There really isn't that much countertop space so going with Silestone wasn't a huge expense. We trimmed even more off the countertop cost by having a 1/2" profile and not having a backsplash piece. I so wanted to cover the refrigerator and dishwasher with cabinet panels, but we were unsure of the process and we didn't want to ruin brand new appliances. There is a company that custom makes panels to fit any appliance, but what we would spend on that we could upgrade to nicer appliances. So in the end we went with a better, though still modest, refrigerator; but the cabinet surround makes it seem much nicer than it is. The stainless steel island top is from IKEA, which we paired with a custom-built base. The bar stools, pendant light, upper shelves, apron sink, and faucet are also from IKEA. On the other side of the refrigerator are three rows of shelves from IKEA painted Svelte Sage to hold drinking glasses. White subway tiles and drawer knobs and pulls: Home Depot.

The upper cabinets found new homes in the master bathroom above the toilet, in the pantry, and in my laundry room at home. I love the look of the upper shelves instead of cabinets. I would only do this in a full-time residence if I had plenty of storage elsewhere for my kitchen stuff. But here I can put pretties and practical stuff. This tray from an antique mall was the inspiration for the front door paint color. And, I'm the person who buys the big wooden ball at Marshall's--I love it in the urn!

Antique malls are fabulous resources for original art. This magnolia oil painting has such a wonderful palette and sweet amateur quality about it...and, it was a deal! The bowls are from TJ Maxx--my go-to place for inexpensive white kitchenware. Candelabra: a furniture consignment store.

To the left of the kitchen was a desk with glass-front cabinets. We used one side of the desk downstairs in the bathroom, and Kenny used the upper cabinets in his basement.

Now we have a cabinet on the desk wall to hold all the dishes. The paint finish is original, but I did paint the inside walls Svelte Sage. And, yes, those are actual antlers from a once-live deer hanging in the kitchen where I cook vegan. Is it not hypocritical that I didn't kill the deer and that my father-in-law killed it long before I started cooking vegan? 'Cause I really think it looks cool here...and I probably did eat some of its sausage. Where is this post going, folks? Thanks, Dad, for the loan! Isn't it hard to believe that the amazing view is just on the other side of this wall, hidden by a depressing covered porch and paltry window?Now this is much better! Let's take advantage of what God has designed here. The windows were one of the single best things we could have changed--and they actually were quite affordable. I think each of the large windows was about $125-- from Lowe's, during a 20% off sale. But ask Kenny how much fun they were putting in.

A table for eight. The bentwood chairs are from Scott Antique Market--$20 each plus the cost of white spray paint. The parson chairs: IKEA. I scored the wooden dough bowl cheaply at an antique mall since it has a crack that is secured with a metal plate--only adds to the piece, if you ask me.

Remember the table is our old picnic table that I bought for $30? I had a vague idea of a paint finish, but just kept adding layers of colors until I liked what I saw: wisps of dark aqua whitewashed and aged with umber.

Ah, the last photo of the night. My arm is about to fall off. Tomorrow we will look at the master suite! Thank you for humoring me. And, I'm playing along with Julia at Hooked on Houses today--see what everyone else is hooked on, too. Me? I'm hooked on being done with this house!

The Cottage Tour: Exterior

2009-05-13T20:46:00.010-04:00

There once was a forlorn and forgotten cottage sitting in the woods, waiting for someone to breathe life once again within its walls.
Then one summer's day a tall and slightly gangly girl creaked open the front door for a little look-see. That is when its heart began to beat again.
Thump, thump.
Our little ugly duckling...
...is now a swan.

Every corner shows evidence of the hard work done. I can't begin a proper tour without first giving proper thanks. Thank you to our co-investors, Mom and Dad, who let us just take the ball and run with it in faith. Thank you to Nelson and Pablo who did so much dirty work at the start to get the dream rolling. Thank you to Kenny, Terry, and Greg who worked in snow, rain, wind, and freezing temperatures and made my visions reality. Thank you to my children for their patience with me. Thank you to Hubby for enduring my stress and all his workable ideas and his hard work. Thank you to our amazing babysitter who stayed late so often so I could work. Thank you to serendipity for the wonderful finds that fill the house...but, really, I whisper "thank you, Jesus" when I find that perfect something. I just don't work alone in this. I believe God enjoys shopping Marshall's as much as I do--ha! Thank you to God for a unique opportunity when I was coming out of a tumultuous time. What a blessing to us and others this house promises to be. On with the tour!

When I first laid eyes on the house, I knew it could be precious. But it was the view that was the deal clencher. But the porch was so, so sad.
There was a lot of head-thumping to solve some spatial issues here.Now, there is no better place for dining. Screens keep out uninvited guests but let the mountain breezes in.
The table is from Lowe's, which I spray painted white. Remember the aqua chairs from Scott Market? The white wicker end chairs are also from Lowe's (they also come in a pretty French blue). The large glass candle holder is from Pottery Barn Outlet--you'll be hearing lots from her on this grand house tour. And, up above is the chandelier from our kitchen remodel.
I bought the wicker loveseat at the end-of-season sale at Home Depot last October. I wish I had bought the chair then, too. I searched and searched for just the right pillows--but didn't want to spend a lot. I finally decided on two throw pillows at Crate & Barrel. But then the next night I just popped into Marshall's and found four throw pillows, a chair cushion, and a loveseat cushion all for the price I paid for the C&B pillows. Guess who is going to be making a return! The feeling is more beachy than mountainy here on the screen porch--but that's okay. The cobalt blue garden stool is also from Marshall's. And I found on our property this piece-o-tree that is on the floor.
This picnic table came with the house, and it was in just as bad shape as the casa. I gave it a good cleaning and slapped some gloss oil paint on that baby. Now it is a nice buffet for dinners on the porch. The TJ Maxx lamp was originally for the master bedroom--until it got displaced by the monstrous TV Clayton put in there. The two side chairs were also left with the house. I'm looking for something big to put on the table in front of the meter. Until I find that certain something, I propped an old window that Kenny gave me behind the table. Tell me if I am violating some code here, please. So the tally in this picture? Table, chairs, window: free!
And, a beat-up urn is perfect for holding sidewalk chalk!
Now, about that view. The back of the house is where it's at.
A deck, a hot tub, a grassy lawn, flowers...

Clayton saved the original grapevine and now has it climbing the new arbor.

Much better than it was before.The swing remains--now between two trees. Thank you to Kenny for this idea!

I see myself and three kids on here a lot--hope it can support us all.
There are supposed to be two Adirondack chairs here, from Lowe's--but one came broken.
Now that all the work is done--hooray--I'm ready to put my feet up for a bit.

Come back for the beginning of the interior tour next post! (But, holy cow, did this post take hours!)

The Cottage Project: The Test Drive

2009-04-13T01:00:00.002-04:00

We broke in the cottage this weekend for the first time! We arrived on Friday afternoon with our bags packed...and hours and hours of cleaning to do before we dared walk barefoot. But by bedtime the place was clean and feeling like home.

I realize my sneak peek last week was kinda lame. Blog readers are going to all kinds of lengths to get the 411 on the cottage--even sending a spy in my midst on Saturday with orders to take bootleg photos of the place. Well, Mrs. T, I hope this satisfies your curiosity--ha! I can't wait to swap vegan recipes with you there in person someday!

How about a little beforesies first? Remember:

So it isn't finished, but here is the living room at the moment:

Yep, that's my $10 garage sale Pottery Barn sofa. Of course, it's not $10 anymore--but it is still way less than buying brand new, and I have a perfectly fitted washable slipcover. I pre-washed all my fabric before taking it to the upholsterer--that way there is no shrinkage when I wash the slipcovers. The rug was a steal at Pottery Barn Outlet--I love you, PBO. Remember these chairs from Scott Antique Market? I scored that seersucker for $7 a yard. I had the workroom make the pillows for the sofa. Since I went with an inexpensive fabric and simple design, it was just as cost effective to go with custom-made pillow covers...with little wooden buttons. The green trunk was a must-have that I found at a Dallas antique store right before Clayton and I married. It has traveled to all our apartments, a duplex, and houses. It has always held my childhood momentos--school notes, yearbooks, etc. Now all that crap is sitting in my dining room with no place to go.
I'm so happy with how the lighting turned out in this space. The house has some unique lighting challenges with the beamed ceilings. I begrudgingly spent hours trying to solve the problem. Then I met Kathy. Oh, thank you, Kathy, for helping me light the house without lighting our budget! And, now look down at the end of the room. See that door to the master bedroom?This is one of my favorite parts of the house: the sliding door. And, excuse me for feeling so smug about faking a flat track here. I so wanted to do a flat track that has all that fancy hardware with exposed brackets and wheeliegorounds, but we all know that wheeligorounds don't come cheap. In fact, wheeligorounds will tie your hands up and stuff dirty socks in your mouth and grab your wallet and rip up all your cash right before your incredulous eyes. That's just how they are, little punks. Anyway, just the hardware starts at $400! Well, that is nonsense. So I ordered a standard rolling track that fastens to the top of the door. I bought two black $3 hinges from Home Depot and had Kenny screw them at the top as well. He painted the track black, and now it looks upon casual glance like a super cool flat track! The gate handle is just another cheap score at Home Depot, too. And, to top it all off, the kids think this sliding door is the best!The door itself is an old slab I picked up at an antique store. The kids and I were driving by when I spotted it out front rotting in the sun. I sanded and painted and painted and sanded until I was finally happy--using paint I had around the house that happens to go perfectly in the space. I do want to add a little aged patina to the hardware soon. The door and the hardware all cost about $150. Yep, I'm feeling smug. The house isn't completely finished yet, but we were comfortable there this weekend. Oh, glory day, we have running water! But the bathrooms are in all stages of completion: we could shower in this one but not in that one, we could pee in this one but not that one, we could take a bath in this one but don't you dare in that one, and you can pee in this one but it doesn't have a toliet seat. You get the idea? Anyway, I didn't care as long as I wasn't using this anymore: Oh, P-U! Horrible memories.

Bluesy Woosey: A Before & After

2009-03-31T22:56:00.003-04:00

First of all, remember me? I'm the lady who writes this here blog. I've been gallivanting, painting, fellowshiping, reprimanding, and cleaning. I've been working at the cottage the last three days--no computer time.

I have lots to share, but here is a quickie since I need to get to bed:

There once was a sad little early 90s chair--maybe late 80s. I suggested to friend Erin to buy it, "It will be great! I promise!" Our first plan was to paint it bright yellow. But it soon became clear that it was feeling blue. I love the transformation. This chair makes me so happy when I gaze upon it at her house. It is the perfect little accent chair.
What do you think?

A Day at Scott's

2009-03-13T21:35:00.006-04:00

So there I was with my SUV loaded with 22 black shutters and one wrought iron planter, heading to Scott Antique Market at 8am. Turns out Holly's booth was way too small for my pile of peeling shutters, so we decided to get rid of them creatively. I wasn't banking on them to fund my children's college education or anything--honestly, I would have given them away. But there is no harm in making a little easy money.

Michelle, who was also hanging with Holly today, helped me in my endeavor that surely must go against all rules of the Scott Antique Market. First offense, we swiped a flatbed dolley at the front of the building to haul the shutters. "Swipe" is really an unfair characterization of what we did. We borrowed.

Second offense, we cruised through the building trying to sell the shutters to other vendors at rock bottom prices. No luck there so we headed outside. Let me just say this, Michelle is awesome. The girl could sell a Snuggie to an Ecuadoreno. She's good.As we pushed and shoved the dolley through the gravel, huff-huff, she called to vendors while doing her best Price Is Right girl pose, "We have shutters for $5--anyone want them?" Six here, two there. Then a man who absolutely wasn't interested said, after chatting with charming Michelle for a minute or two, "If you can't find anyone else who wants them, I'll buy the rest from you for $50." We heaved-ho two steps then asked ourselves, "What are we doing?" They're yours, sir!

We responsibly returned the dolley, brushed our hands, and returned to Holly's booth where I marked $25 each on the two remaining large shutters. This was an interesting turn of events: I had been at Scott's for an hour and I was $90 richer. But that didn't last long...

I found this for the cottage. It has crystals that hang from the bottom. It's a little frou-frou, but I think it will work nicely in the entry. Plus it was lots cheaper than the lighting fixture I planned to order from a catalog.
And I found these.
Just looking at these fills me with joy. The color, people! I stopped in my tracks. I inspected and sat and walked around them. The tag said $50 for four. I would have paid that. But it pays to contemplate, furrow one's brow, and hesitate. "I can do those for $40 if you want them." Heck, yeah, I want them. Their new home will be the screened porch at the cottage. Trust me, those plastic chairs will make that screened porch.And while I did have a shopping list today to focus on, I was easily distracted by a booth stuffed with vintage clothes. It is a weakness that I don't get to indulge very often. So I indulged. And so I give you my two new summer dresses.

This one bears the tag "Alfred Shaheen Hawaii." Thanks to Google I've learned that he was one of the leading manufacturers of Hawaiian fashion post WWII. Now I have my own Shaheen for the small price of $10. My ghostly pale skin, free.The small tag on this dress says, "Barmon, art styled, fast color." I'm not sure of the age--the silhouette looks 1930s to me, but I'm no fashion expert. I just know I loved it and hoped it would fit. I won't lie, I needed Clayton's assistance to get it off. And while that may sound like TMI, it is not sexy when one is standing there trapped in a garment up at the armpits, arms straight in the air, pleading for someone to help inch the dress off. Thankfully this brown gem made it past my linebacker shoulders intact and will go to the alterationist next week pronto. Ah, a good day! Girlfriend time, good deals, and fun, which all made for a happy mommy even when I had to change that explosive diaper after dinner. Sometimes Mommy just needs a little time to be a girl to be a good mamacita.

I'm hooked on vintage junk--see what everyone else is hooked on at Hooked on Houses Fridays.

Hooked on Holiday House Tour!

2008-12-14T20:02:00.007-05:00

Fellow friendly blogger Julia is having a holiday house tour at her place. I would love to show you around my festive Christmas living room with a sparkling and bedecked fresh tree and stockings hung with care. Wouldn't that be nice? But instead my living room is jammed packed with furniture we are storing for the cottage. Even if our living room was as usual, I would have a little one-year-old Destructacon dismantling every bough and branch within his reach--which has lead to this sad affair: A fake tree plopped on top of our buffet in the kitchen. It looks like the tree in the breakroom of the local ball bearing factory that the annoying office temp threw together--you know, the office temp who wears snowman earrings with her snowman sweater? That office temp. To console myself and save my Christmas soul, I strung up a little cheer in the dining room: A chandelier dripping with sparkle, pearls, and ribbon.A little from the top. And more piled like jewels in the middle.The more the merrier.Don't forget to see more holiday house tours at Hooked on Houses!

Hooked on Houses: House Tour Party!

2008-08-05T06:13:00.005-04:00

If you are visiting from Hooked on Houses, welcome to The Painted House! Now, let's nose around some houses...

When my husband's mother was in town to help during his June chemo, we took a little time off the cooking and cleaning for a girls' day out at a show house in a new Tuscan-style neighborhood. I took lots of photos for inspiration for our mountain cottage. There are lots of ideas to be had for my version of rustic cottage chic on the cheap. And one room even awoke the inner 8-year-old in me, prompting me to action in our guest room. What little girl can resist a canopy? Not me!

I love the open shelves in this kitchen. I am so taking down the upper cabinets in the cottage kitchen and doing this.

Slipcovers in the dining room, of course!

I plan to interpret this vanity cabinet for one of our bathrooms.

And, the bedroom that inspired our guestroom.

Our own guestroom has lacked window coverings since we moved in a year ago. Windows or doors are smack in the middle of all the walls, which prevented me from placing the bed flush against any wall. The room is our catch-all for all our displaced furniture. It also doubles as a nursery for the baby. It was fine, I suppose...

{yawn}

But now, it gives my pink JC Penney's French provencial canopy from my youth a run for its money! I went tailored instead of ruffled on the valance just to temper the feminity a little. And, now, the bed cleverly conceals the window right in the middle of the room--but it is no loss of light or view since the window only looks out to our dreadful carport.

Valance and panels are a nice fit for this 1950s house--and they block out a lot of light for slumbering bebe.

To keep things from getting too traditional or serious, I painted the chandelier in aqua. This was just a cheapy fixture I bought at JC Penney for my painting studio in our old house.

I had the headboard made back in the "old days" in Houston for our master bedroom. We since upgraded to a king bed but kept some of the same decorative pillows, but I didn't want our room and the guest room to have the same fabrics--so it sports a slipcover now.
Anyone want to come for a visit now? I promise no cooking, no washing dishes, no babysitting while I take care of Hubby because, oh yeah, the cancer is GONE! Praise God!

Visit Hooked on Houses for more house tours. And, remember to wipe your feet at the door!

Open Studio, 27: The How-To Edition!

2008-04-08T20:44:00.011-04:00

The Painted House has moved! Please visit tphblog.com.

We were slinging paint in The Painted House today...which means it was a good day. The kids and I worked on our collaborative piece--now called Partly Cloudy, a name inspired by my son's preoccupation with the weather and decidedly a little pessimistic but whatevah.

As I have mentioned here before, I love children's art--and I'm talking art by children who haven't been told to draw something or that the sky has to be blue and the grass green and don't forget to draw a plume of scribbly smoke coming out of your house's chimney! I'm talking pure color, no inhibitions, beauty of line for line's sake. This is best, uh, exploited with very young children. C'mon, harness their care(FREE) creativity and get some real original art up on your walls!

This is simple and when you are done, your friends will gasp at your chic painting, thinking you have blown your children's college savings on a real Cy Twombly. Anyway, most of us can't afford to buy original art by those narcissistic, moody creatures called artists--hence why we artists are all starving, such is our plight. Thankfully, my walls are bedazzled with paintings from every major period in my favorite artist's oeuvre...uh, me; but otherwise, I would be in the same predicament. Spend $1000 on a sofa or $1000 on a painting? No wonder we artists are dirt poor.

So this is what you do to have a beautiful abstract expressionist painting ready by dinner:

1. Get a large canvas--the larger the better to make a bold statement and fool everyone that this is hi-falootin' art. Or, do a series of smaller canvases to hang together. Get the gallery-wrapped canvases so you can hang it without a frame and have that I'm-so-cool contemporary art feel. Dick Blick online has great prices on canvases--the cheapest ones are fine. Just make sure to get the ones with a deep profile, meaning the canvas sides are at least 1 1/2" deep.

2. Next cover the canvas in two or more colors. Regular house paint would be just fine--that is what I use. This step just ensures that all the white gesso, or primer, is covered on the canvas and gives a nice base on which to turn your kids loose. I let my son help me with this step to take advantage of his serendipitous gestural marks. He painted the orange and I came in with the pink around his marks.

3. Now lay the canvas down on the floor with a box of cheap non-toxic oil pastels. You can do what I did and put it in the formal dining room where all the fancy-schmancy stuff is and let the kids go crazy. I cooked dinner while they scribbled and doodled to their hearts' content. At first Ashton stated that he was drawing a toilet (what?) in an apparent channeling of Marcel Duchamp, but he quickly changed his direction and began weather "imagery" (scribbles). Whew. A combination of older kids' art, who are usually obsessed with realistic imagery, and the lines of a toddler would also be great. And, not only did I have an original painting in the works, but I also had peace and quiet while I cooked dinner. Genius!

My view from the kitchen while I cooked seitan and roasted lemon-dill potatoes.

4. When the kids finally get bored with the activity, you can either hang it as is or do what I do--refine and enhance their beautiful child-art innocence. Sometime in the near future I will go over it with oil paints to isolate/enhance their gestures and lovely passages of line within the painting. If you don't mind a little mess, you could also give your kids some cheap brushes and acrylic paints--those little craft paint tubies (Delta Creamcoat, etc) work fantastic. Lots of colors for little money. (Cheap seems to be a theme here!)

Voila! How great is this? Toddler art is all about color, line, and gesture. I could stare at this for weeks and still find new passages that I love.

Detail.