Attic Route 66

Combining Blogs!!

2011-04-23T15:47:00.002-06:00

Hi to all!! In the interest of shamless self promotion, I have decided to combine my blogs into one. All the great AtticRoute66 auction items, and ShopShelbyLynn clothing will have links on this blog.

Check it out. Personalityispreferred.

I know you will love it!! Ok, I hope you will.

Linky Party Modern Country Style

2011-04-14T10:16:00.004-06:00

I love this pic of an Owl in our Owl House. Oh, and I love my Ghost Chairs. Still trying to decide. Do I sell, or do I keep? Can't decide. Modern Country Style, is doing a linky party. http://moderncountrystyle.blogspot.com/ (I need to learn how to do the hyperlink with just the word, working on it). It is about defining your blog. Now, that I really need to do. So in definition, this blog is a way to show projects, and to shamelessly help promote, and start my great business: Atticroute66 on Ebay and Etsy. Link up. Let's see what everyone is blogging about.

More about Ghost Chairs

2011-04-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

Love it.

Ghost Chair

2011-04-13T14:44:00.005-06:00

Yay, best Goodwill find ever! 4 folding Ghost Chairs. Yay!! Now, to sell or use? That is the question. Made in Italy, possibly the Piretti Castelli Plia Chair. Sorry for the blurry Made in Italy pic. But hey -- look at the chairs. Need a good cleaning, and yes, they have a few scratches, but for the small price I paid, totally worth it.

Happy Spring & Bird's Nest

2011-04-12T16:53:00.003-06:00

It must be spring. Loving this great bird's nest in my apple tree.

Storage Dreaming

2011-03-31T08:41:00.003-06:00

When cruising Apartment Therapy, they have the greatest stuff. I ran across this amazing storage pic. from their Small Cool Contest, the one below is from 2009. I love their small cool contest. Anyway, I love the storage and that it is hidden behind curtains. I wonder if I could do something similar in a garage? Yes, a garage. Small Cool Contest coming up. http://www.apartmenttherapay.com/, click on by.

Easy Above Ground Gardening

2011-03-25T07:42:00.000-06:00

I am looking for an easy way to do an above ground garden. By easy, I mean not building one out of wood. I want it at least 12 inches deep and protected from the ground and ground squirrels underneath.

These 2 have caught my eye. Oh, and also semi reasonable in price.

Trough gardens. At my local farm store are about $75, each. Not bad and good looking.

This amazing wine barrel garden I found via Sunset Magazine, here: http://freshdirt.sunset.com/2010/06/the-ultimate-whiskey-barrel-garden.html.

This serves the Brown-Forman Corporation in Kentucky, where the executive chef Mark Williams serves over 300 employees daily. Check the article it is wonderful, and if you haven't check Sunset Magazine out, it had some great articles on gardens this month on the newsstand.

Dreaming of getting started. Hmmmmmm. Oh, here the barrels are about $35 each.

Which to choose?

Outdoor Dreaming & Dining

2011-03-24T09:12:00.007-06:00

My porch last summer, yep those doors. Need new curtains. I just buy the cheap Walmart polyester tab top curtains in the 2 pack for under $20. These have been outside for several years, and just need to be replaced.

Okay, still dreaming about doing my doors, 'nuff said. Except I love the wood screen door, I have one on the back of my house, but sadly it won't fit my front door. Lucky for me it is supposed to be windy, so no painting.

Garden troughs. I love above ground gardening. Hit up your neighborhood, or not so neighborhood farm store, here they are about $75.00, each.

I would so roast marshmallows in this fireplace.

Beauty. Enough said.

Love the pea gravel, love the raised bucket of drinks. Hmmmm, again at the farm store. No worries.

Enjoy.

Wednesday Inspiration

2011-03-23T07:53:00.007-06:00

Just some Wednesday Insiration to get you thru hump day.

I love art. I have it all over my house. What I love in this room, is the step tables, and the creative couch. Is that 2 twin beds I see? Could be, not sure, but Love it. That's a capital Love.

I love leather chairs. They work anywhere. I also love a true white room. Just painted, okay a year ago, painted my whole house true white and love it.

The image below is from Sunset Magazine. I love the colors. I love the blue/green walls and the brown and leather. Here's the question, do you love or hate the really, really, really worn leather chairs? I am not sure, some days I love, some days I hate.

I love this!! I am still looking for inspiration in my guest room. This inspires me. Hmmm.

I love this look. Of course I would be the one on my hands and knees smelling it to make sure it didn't have any smoke, must, dusty smells. Come on laugh, haha.

Move around some furniture. Repurpose something. Be inspired.

Bottling Wine - Australian Cabernet Shiraz

2011-03-18T09:14:00.006-06:00

The Hubs made another batch of his amazing Australian Cabernet Shiraz, will be drinkable in about 45 days.

Here it is getting ready to be bottled.

A brighter shot of the bottles.

Ready to be moved to the bottles.

Steaming the corks, sanitizes as well as makes it easier to get corks in the bottle.

Fun. Now, to finish the wine room, and other various projects, oh and to think of the garden, and list Ebay. Too much to do.

Happy Friday.

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Strips

2011-03-17T15:58:00.003-06:00

Update: Chipped and nicked at dinner. Oh, well, back to my OPI.

Let me start out by saying I purchased these at my local Walgreens to try. Nothing free here.

I wanted a polish that lasted more than a few days. So I thought I would give these a try. They are $9.99 here, plus tax.

Now I have short nails, so one strip could be used on 2 nails, ie. left pinky, and right pinky. If you have longer nails you may not be able to do this. So for me this makes this manicure $5, since there are 16 strips.

Instructions are self explanatory, and it was really pretty easy. Took about 30-45 minutes. Which I am sure would improve over time.

Now will it last up to 10 days? Or even more than 3? I don't know. But, I hope so.

For colors you are a bit limited, but I liked this #270 Raise a Glass, kind of metallic nude/gold color. Champagne if you will.

Anyone have any luck with these?

Yes, I have short nails. But, I like the look.

Dianne Von Furstenberg's Bookshelves

2011-03-12T10:50:00.002-07:00

I love bookshelves. These great pics are of Dianne Von Furstenberg's bookshelves in her home. Absolutely beautiful. Love them. I think I have found my inspiration to finish painting my bookshelves white. Yep, every weekend I need inspiration to paint. Still haven't painted. But hey, it's another weekend. :).

Enjoy.

Dianne von Furstenberg's Bookshelves.
Sorry, I don't know where the pics are from. Vogue?

Wine Room Riddling Racks

2011-03-10T08:55:00.002-07:00

Ok, so still contemplating painting. Can you tell I hate to paint, ok I like to paint, just hate getting started.

Anyway, found these amazing riddling racks via the book "Downtown Chic", by the Robert and Courtney Novogratz, you know them from 9 by Design.

Back to the amazing racks. I am sure they are vintage, antique, and super expensive.

Now, to figure out how to make these. I need these in my wine room.

Also, in the wine room, we are doing a hanging door, we started that project a year ago, we really need to finish. Now hanging doors, ie barn doors are everywhere.

Can't wait to finish and post pics.

Stretching T-shirts on Canvas - Artist Harry Fonseca

2011-03-09T09:26:00.002-07:00

I love art. Always have. I ran across this Coyote Cafe t-shirt featuring art by Harry Fonseca, an artist I admire, (he passed away a few years ago). I always loved his Coyote series. My favorite piece of his was "Rosie and the Res Sisters", and a lithograph series he did of Coyotes eating Cotton Candy, can't remember the name. Anyway, that got me thinking.......Could this be cut and stretched like canvas on stretcher bars? It would make a wonderful piece of art.

Currently it is for sale in my Ebay shop, atticroute66. I also have a Picasso Lady in Yellow, it would be fun stretched too.

Thanks.

Camping Cots - Beds - Coffee Tables

2011-03-08T08:40:00.003-07:00

Years ago, wish I could remember when, there was a photo spread of Paul Mitchell and his lovely wife at home. In front of their big windows looking outside was an old fashioned camping cot with a feather bed top and a yummy blanket.

I really wish I had saved that pic. Anyway, in looking for some extra lounge type space I recalled that pic I had seen years ago, and went looking. I couldn't find it, but I did find a great idea from Martha Stewart using a camping cot. Use it as a coffee table with trays on top. How great would this be in a small house, then if you needed extra sleeping space, you are ready to go.

I love this idea. Must find somewhere to use it.

Two images below from Martha Stewart. Hey Martha, I don't Ipad or Ipod, but I would love an App to get your mag online, on my HP. Would love it. Just a thought.

Image below is a cot from Wally World (Walmart) for less than $34. I may need that for my guest room, so I can nap.

Cots, fun and functional.

It's Complicated Kitchen Garden

2011-03-07T09:42:00.001-07:00

Still contemplating doors. :( Sorry, can't get motivated.

But, now I am contemplating a kitchen garden like the one in the movie "It's Complicated".

Lot's of work, not sure. Hmmmm.

Doors Again!!

2011-03-04T08:20:00.005-07:00

Saw this photo today and it totally inspired me. You see, I have these 2 old doors that I have wanted to repaint, and they are kind of uneven, and sag. This old door is also uneven, see the bottom, yay, I am not alone, oh and I totally love the color.

Above photo via pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com, Mialinnman.blog.

My old ugly doors below, they originally were a blue/black really deep and have totally faded over time, oh, and the dog did some damage, he passed away several years ago. I really need to do these doors.

The other outside door. Doors are really in need of a paint job.

I am thinking of having them match the house. Maybe that would minimize the look of the non matching doors, although they are quite a bit apart.

I feel spring in the air. Now, do I feel like painting?

Great Finds - Eames Style

2011-02-27T11:47:00.005-07:00

Found this great table at my local Goodwill. It was a song. I mean a song. Ok, $9. So, how could I pass it up. Totally clean, no smell, just perfect. So perfect, I passed it along to my lovely daughter and her boyfriend, and it sits below their mail slot, and looks fabulous.

Love it. A little piece of retro in any room is great.
No burns, no stains, nothing, just totally perfect.

Happy hunting.

Tutu Desk -- Tulle Desk -- Made!!

2011-02-18T06:51:00.003-07:00

This Black and Spiro desk is the one that started it all. I love this desk, and Lauren if you are reading this I would love to make one for you. ;)

Anyway, love this desk.

I have been using this old wicker 2 door cabinet in a room that sees little use except for printing, and exercising. It is ugly. It has been around for 15+ years, and was originally brown, painted white a few years ago. It has held, TV's and everything. When it held TV's I had a thick piece of glass cut for it that I have left on. It is a little rickety but it serves it's purpose. You can see from the back that I cut a place for cords.

But now it is a desk.....

Ok, so it is really ugly.

Having been inspired by Black and Spiro it is now a white tutu desk. I love it. This is the view as I walk by this room and it makes me smile.

How can you not smile. The red bag on the floor is for computers, but I use it as a cord keeper, it keeps the clutter down.

I kept the glass and left the wicker top. I like it that way, and can put pics under if I want.

I left the back side open, because I need to open the doors, and I use it as storage.

An old chair I put padding and stapled fabric to.

The other side of the room is for exercising.

Yep, more exercising and storage. Old houses, small closets.

No pic tutorial. I just took some broadcloth from the fabric store and cut/hemmed to size. Then double the amount of tulle, and cut the tulle into 6" strips. Then bunch and hot glue every 4" with 1" of hot glue. Then, honestly, staple gunned it to the top, where the staples would be hidden. Super easy.

If you could sew, you could sew it and it would probably be faster than hot gluing. But, I don't sew.

I have to say it again. I love it.

Herter's Duck Decoys - Ebay

2011-02-17T08:48:00.006-07:00

Ok, so I didn't get any painting done. And, I haven't blogged in a bit. Been crazy busy, doing what, who knows, just busy. So getting back on task.

Anyway, found these Herter's Duck Decoys and could resist. Just photographed them, and I am going to get them up on Ebay. I can't wait. It get's better, right now auction style listings are free, I have to yell that FREE!!

So jump on over and take a peek.

Painting, ooh, maybe this weekend. Not sure.

Painting Exterior Doors -- Black Doors

2011-01-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely loving black doors. I love them all year long.
So, that begs the question do I paint my doors?
Oh, and yes, I currently should be painting my bookshelves.

Years ago, and I mean years, they were a blue/black, and the dog that did the scratching has since passed. Anyway, the house is old, and the doors don't match, and they kind of aren't 100% square, so, it begs the question....Do I paint them black? Or...Do I paint them to match the house? Hmmmmm.

So embarassing, really needs painting. This is the door that is more out of square than the others.

See how it looks and is uneven. I have tried everything, it is just the way it is going to be on a house built in 1947.

Suggestions? Comments?

Weekend Projects -- Bookcases -- Bookshelves

2011-01-28T08:39:00.004-07:00

At least 9 months ago we painted this room white white. I say, white white, because it is a true bright white. I love it. But, as you can see we didn't do the bookcase. The bookcase is a taupe with a tan interior. The tan matches the steps you see on the floor. The curtains are for movie watching so the surround doesn't go thru the large openings and bounce off the walls. Now that I am looking at these pictures I see clutter. You know that commercial where the dog hides the bone and they sing trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble,.....well I am singing, clutter, clutter, clutter, clutter. However, taking the shelves out are so not an option. Who knows what might be hiding behind that wall. But it would look great. So this weekend I am thinking about tackling the shelves. By that I mean paint and de clutter. Wish me luck.

Hmmmmmm.....

I was thinking about redoing these steps, but now that I see them in the photo, I like them again. Ha ha, who knew?

Weekend projects?

Bees Nest

2011-01-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

This huge bees nest was in our fruit tree. We didn't even see it until after all the leaves had fallen off this year. It was huge. Wow.

Patio Lighting and "Boston" Pizza

2011-01-24T15:39:00.006-07:00

Our amazing portal all lit up. See longer post below.

Probably going to need new curtains this year.

YUM!!

We have an absolutely huge portal. In the southwest it is called a portal. Call it what you want it truly is a back porch. We built it our selves and love it. We use it all year long. Anyway, the other night we had to make our now famous "Boston" pizza again. For those of you that don't know it is pizza made, I don't know backwards. Dough, cheese, toppings, then sauce. If you have never tried it, it is a treat. The cheese melts into the dough and it is yummy. Good enough to blow your diet for. So, I couldn't resist and had to post the pics of the pizza and our outdoor patio all lit up.

Big Green Egg - Cypress Grill Pizza

2011-01-09T09:10:00.009-07:00

Pizza on the Big Green Egg -- or our Cypress Grill. Wow, it is great!!
Just delivered and on the porch. Technically it is a Cypress Grill, and it is great. It is a ceramic
grill and we wanted to try pizza on it for Christmas Day. It could be a new tradition, weather permitting.

Still admiring.

Cranking it up and putting on the first pizza. The pizza's got better and better as the pizza stone, and ceramic grill started breaking in.

We used a pizza dough from our local pizza place, and pizza sauce from the shelves of Whole Foods. This first one was a little thick, we started making them thinner. Our favorite pizza was one my Stepmom suggested called the "Boston" pizza. Dough, cheese, then sauce. Wow it was great, yep, sauce on top of the cheese. Yummy. - I forgot to photograph that one, as we were gobbling it up.

My dad helping to adjust the dampers for the smoke and heat.

A small stuffed crust, that I made for our daughter, who was inside watching tv, it was a little chilly, but not bad outside.

The first official finished pizza. It was great. Oh, and we all had a blast.

Recover a Desk Chair

2010-12-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

This chair is in my husband's office. It is ugly, and old. I had some left over fabric that had been used in his office a while back, and thought, let's get out the staple gun.

I did take apart the chair, that took the most time. Then went to stapling.

Free, did I say free! Yep, and much better. When it get's dirty, which I am sure it will, I will simply change up the fabric.

New Year's Top Under $10

2010-12-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

Found this amazing top at the Chico's Outlet, under $10. I wore it for Christmas Eve. I am wearing it for New Year's Eve, and maybe even Valentine's Day. I love it that much.
Best part, is it can be worn down and loose, with a belt, or tied-up at the waist. Tons of options.

Art - Hanging - Unusual - Fun

2010-12-28T09:38:00.006-07:00

I love art!! Always have. All different kinds and styles. These vintage Jean Jansen Lithographs were my husbands. They were done in 1968 and framed in the 70's. They are hanging in my office/work-out room. The frames are worn out, beat up and falling apart. But, I love them none the less. I also like to hang art in different ways. These were hung vertically, instead of horizontally. Gives a different impact.

Tutu art! Who doesn't love tutu art? I don't remember where this picture is from, but I love it. How fun.

Graphic impact walls. Still love them, but don't have any stairs.

Shooting Star Outdoor Christmas Decorations

2010-12-21T14:12:00.002-07:00

The other day while walking on my treadmill, I was reading the 2005 Issue of Martha Stewart Living, and I fell in love with their shooting star decorations. So, I decided to create one for my large tree out front. I am on a corner by a school, and it looks fabulous. Super easy, just bend and light a star, I also added the silver tinsley stuff, for daytime. Then connect the tails and light up. Mine is about 20" for the star and the tails are about 17 - 20 feet long.

My front door is red all year long. This year, I put my topiary patio trees out, some left over garland, and a giant stocking. I change it every year.

How did you decorate for Christmas?

Wine Room - Dreaming

2010-12-18T07:47:00.002-07:00

I will be posting pics of our Wine Room in progress this weekend, or Monday. The hubs is on his way out of town for a football game, and I think I will do some work on it myself. Kind of tired of it just sitting there.

Oh, and the nail head trim is in for my bedroom chairs, so I will be finishing them too.

Lots of projects, busy weekend, I guess I should Christmas shop too, as I have done none of that either. Hmmm.

I will be dreaming of these amazing wine racks. Wonder what they are made of, or were in a previous life?

Fabric Wall Headboard - Done in a Day!! Cheap

2010-12-17T08:47:00.016-07:00

For those of you that follow, you know I live in a house built in 1947. It has the heavy knock off texture walls, and I mean heavy, sucks up the paint. This is a tight bedroom, barely walking distance at the end of the bed, (think it was an old one car garage), so we never really had a headboard. Since I have been coveting the Gossip Girl, gold and cream polka dot one, I decided to make one. This was made for my wedding anniversary, less than $150, and I love it, oh and I made it myself.

You can make it in an afternoon, I did.

Pic below is finished, I just recently painted all the walls white, yes love true white, it is a color.

Not a bedskirt person, so still contemplating that one. The lamps, are from Target, and make great nightstands.

Bedroom before, scary.

As you can see, super small bedroom, window on one side, closet on the other, and super small bathroom. But, hey an on suite bathroom none the less.

I went to Michael's Arts and Crafts, (any craft store will do), and purchased 16 x 20 size canvas, (I have a Cal-King bed), and I wanted it to look like a wall of fabric, measure, and search your canvas sizes.

They were on sale in packs of 5 - I bought 2 5-packs. Oh, and they were the cheap ones. So go cheap.

I went to Target, just love that store, love their Christmas Commercials too, haha. Went to Target, and bought the cheap foam for a twin size bed. Not the memory foam, the old fashioned cheap just foam, foam.

I bought some batting by the role, at the fabric store, and my fabric was commercial fabric on sale. Those costs will vary depending on your fabric choice, my batting was also the wide commercial width. (Can you tell I don't sew?)

Layed it all out to make sure it would all fit, it was tight, but hey it worked.

Then, cut and staple. Boy did my hands hurt, I used just a standard staple gun, I have since upgraded to a more commercial one.

Keep cutting and stapling, and make your corners kind of neat.

All done, now for the fabric. I admit, I did not match all my dots, as mine are small, and I liked the random effect. If this is not for you, then choose your fabric accordingly.

Layed out and ready to cut the fabric.

In the process of stapling the fabric to the backs of the canvas.

A few of them done.

Now, all done, lining them up on the floor, to see which ones I want in which position. As you can see, it appears when the bed is pushed up against it that it is a wall of panels, in reality, the space behind the bottom of the bed does not have any panels. Why waste the money?

Now to attach them. Cheap wood from Home Depot. Just drilled them on.

Flipped it over and placed behind the bed. Pushed the bed up to it. It looks magnificent. I love it. I am going to make one in a black pleather for my daughter. Maybe in time for Christmas. Hmmm, good idea.

Another view. How many times can I say I love it? I love it. I smile everytime I walk in that room, and now I make my bed.

Now for that ugly closet. Maybe some velvet hangers from Costco?

What are you waiting for? Make one.

Wine Cork Wreath

2010-12-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

As you know from my previous posts, we have done a wine/liquor armoire, and are working on a wine room.

Then, I ran across this great wine cork wreath, (sorry don't remember where photo is from). I may just have to make one for the wine room. It is amazing. It looks like it was made from new and not used corks. You can purchase new corks by the bag, at a wine/beer maker's shop. Just look in your yellow pages under "brewing supplies".

Now.....do I make one? I just might.

Department 56 Christmas Houses

2010-11-29T14:15:00.006-07:00

I have tons of Department 56 Christmas Houses. I also, have tons of just Christmas Houses. This year I decided to go less is more and only put out my favorites. It has blossomed a bit, but here are a few pics of some of my personal favorites.

The white house with the trees was a gift in the 1980's from my stepmom and my dad. They hid it under the tree and our dog Sandor, kept pulling at the pillow.

The green San Francisco row house, I carried all around San Francisco, pregnant. Lauren, if you're reading this, someday you have to put it in your house.

I light them with colored lights because I love the glow.

These are on top of our wine/liquor cabinet. No coincidence they are a Brew House and a Wine Cellar.

These are in the front office. Bringing a bit of cheer.

Like I said, just a small sample of some of them. Hope you are enjoying your Christmas decorating.

Swimming Pool Dreaming - In Winter

2010-11-27T07:37:00.000-07:00

Swimming pool dreaming in the cold of winter. Ran across this at a blogger's site (don't remember which one) and fell in love. It is by Leslie Willamson Photography.

I love the line of plants by the pool. I know, not very practical. But oh so amazing to look at. And, no one ever gets in my pool, so it is now all about the looks.

Now, hmmm, how to get this same feeling? Something to think about over the winter.

Photo above by Leslie Williamson Photography.

Photo below, my pool, wishing it looked as amazing as the one above.

Re-upholstering Boudoir Chairs for Bedroom

2010-11-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

We have had these boudoir chairs since about 1990. They are ancient. As you can see we have put multiple colors of fabric on them, one on top of the other. So, it is feeling like a daunting task. But, I am up for it. Here are the fabrics being stripped off.

Wow, down to the original fabric. Looks kind of sad.

Love the pleating.

Now with the new brown pleats. The fabric you see to the right is for the back and seat. I have a solid gold/tan for the wall back part.

Still pleating. Takes much longer than I thought.

Back of the chair, looking sad.

This project will not be completed until next week. Please check back for the afters.

Candle in wine bottle. Happy Thanksgiving.

2010-11-25T16:44:00.005-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving. My turkey in a bag in the oven. Yum.

Remember candles in wine bottles at all the italian restaurants? Probably not politically correct anymore, but fun to do. I am starting one with my anniversary wine bottle. Love Cakebread. Finding candles that drip is harder than I thought. Most are drip less.

Jennifer Aniston's New Movie

2010-11-24T17:51:00.002-07:00

Jennifer Aniston is filming a new movie "Wanderlust" with Paul Rudd. I am in love with her "Wayne" asymetrical jacket. It is classy, and relaxed all at the same time. I do have to admit, I love her style, both theatrical and personal as well. I could be lusting over this jacket.

Kindle and Bookshelves

2010-11-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

I got a Kindle for my birthday and Love it!! Love it!! Love it!!. Ok, that said, will it affect bookshelves? We have bookshelves in our house, as do most people. Ours has current as well as some antique type books. So, what do you think? Just putting it out there.

Pictures below via Pottery Barn.

I love the large platter with books under it.

I love the crates on the wall as shelves for objects and books.

I love a saw horse desk, and I love the magazine, and bookshelves.

Controlling Cord Clutter

2010-11-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

I hate cord clutter. On my desk, there are 2 laptops and 1 monitor, so I have tons of clutter. Best way to control it, Free. Ha, ha, when I was browsing thru my garage I ran across this old apple crate that someone gave me apples in. It is perfect. And best of all it is FREE. Yay!!

Homemade Pot Pie and Tomato Salad

2010-11-09T13:42:00.004-07:00

It's not a secret I'm not a cook. But, I do make a mean Pot Pie!! I just poached some chicken breasts, (or use leftovers), then shred, add a can of cream of chicken soup, a touch of milk and 1/2 bag of frozen mixed veggies, top with a bit of pie crust, (crust only on top, to control carbs and calories), then bake at 400 degrees, until brown on top. Yum. Costco had the best beefsteak tomatoes, we couldn't resist, and pared with some fresh mozzarella, and basil it was a great meal.

Yes, that is a concrete counter top, we poured several years ago in our kitchen. We sealed it with food grade sealer. We still love it today.

Rotary Dial Telephones on Ebay

2010-11-08T14:03:00.004-07:00

My Ebay store: Atticroute66, has some great vintage rotary dial telephones. Check them out. Great prices and they make great gifts.

Styling Closets. Sex and The City 2 Closets

2010-11-01T12:59:00.002-06:00

After watching Sex and The City 2 on DVD, I was dreaming of Carrie's closet. That will never happen as I have an old house built in 1947. Hey, a girl can dream. So I decided that I would work on styling my closet. I am going to get some new hangers at Target, possible the black velvet, would like a true white, but can only find a cream. For the hubs half (think the old Brady Bunch wall closet, I am thinking wood. I am worried that he would be too hard on the velvet ones. I noticed in Sex 2 that Big's side of the closet is different.

After I style, I will try and post pics. In the meantime, just swoon over these two closets, and the great clothing. Love.

Dollar Store Chili Bowls - Love the Dollar Store

2010-10-19T11:36:00.003-06:00

I love the Dollar Store. And, I am talking true Dollar Store, where when you check out everything is just one buck. So when perusing the other day I found these great white double handled chili bowls, soup bowls, or tomato bowls. I love them, they are just the right size. I keep all my dishes white so I can mix and match, or add to. Now, I need to make some chili, or chowder soup. And, yes that is a concrete kitchen counter we poured in place in our old 1947 home, and finished with food grade epoxy on top. We have to epoxy about every 2 or 3 years. But, I love it.

Blair Waldorf's Bedroom - Gossip Girl

2010-10-10T11:44:00.004-06:00

Okay, so some bedroom love. I love Blair's bedroom. I love the metallic behind the bed, it gives the room depth. Looks like sheet silver metallic. I bet it could be fun to do. If you needed a temporary solution for an apartment, put your metallic on canvas frames and place behind bed.
You know you love it.

Garbage Can Nachos - Homemade Wine

2010-10-06T17:27:00.003-06:00

How do you make your nachos. The hubs and I grilled some steak, his is rare, mine is done, haha. Then added fresh smashed pinto beans, cheese, green chilie, cilantro, and jalapenos. Topped it off with some amazing wine he made. Yep, the hubs made it. He is also working on a wine room. He has made a Merlot, and a Malbec. We had the Malbec with the nachos, it was wonderful. If you don't have a wine aerator check Cost Plus, makes a big difference in reds. What a great dinner. Check back for more on our wine room. How do you nacho?

Halloween Lighted Houses

2010-10-05T14:34:00.004-06:00

I love Halloween. Just starting the indoor decorating. I put my lighted houses down the middle of my farm table. Makes eating fun all month long. What do you do?

Boo, love my lighted houses.

Costco Kitchen Light

2010-10-04T15:27:00.004-06:00

While browsing Costco, and sampling food. You know you do it. We ran across these great Kitchen, lights. $30, and some change. They are stainless steel, and we couldn't pass them up. The before light fixture is below. Couldn't get a pic fast enough, the Hubs took them down, fast.

Crazy things you find at Costco, but fun.

The before track lighting. The Hubs took down fast.

Wine Armoire, Bar Caddy, Liquor Cabinet out of old TV Cabinet

2010-09-20T08:59:00.013-06:00

Finished!! Finished my Liquor/Wine Armoire out of an old TV Cabinet. May need a little adjusting, but I think it is on it's way. I had an old TV cabinet that was given to me by my parents, and I have converted it into a liquor cabinet. What is great is that I can close the doors and everything is out of site. Keep reading below.

Maria Gabriella Brito's Wine Closet/Wine Cellar, below, was great inspiration for my wine armoire.

This great Liquor Bar Cart below was also great inspiration, it looks like an old dresser.
Sorry, I don't have a source for the picture.

My before of the Liquor Cabinet. It is right in my entry and was just a catch and hide all. Normally the doors are closed.

After. Now, since this is borrowed furniture from my dad, I chose not to install anything. However, I am thinking of getting a hanging wine glass rack for under the wine glasses. I think it would add more visual interest, and allow me to store more glasses.

After, the doors actually recess into the cabinet, May need to add a mirror behind that might also give some visual interest. Art on side of cabinet is by Ed Wyatt Artist. (edwyatt.com).

Okay one last after, then some close ups.

The wine holders are free from Trader Joe's. You just go in and ask and you can take any you want. What a fun way to store wine. You could also just stack in a corner if you wanted, use your imagination.

Just a close up of the wine box from Trader Joe's. The 1044 Merlot is our wine label. We also made 1044 Malbec. We are currently building a full wine making room inour Garage, pics of that to follow.

Wine glasses etc. I may install a hanging wine glass holder under neath for visual interest.

Okay, what are you repurposing and working on? Let me know.

DIY Wine Armoire

2010-09-15T08:24:00.000-06:00

I saw this image over at Love Where You Live's blog, http://www.thegreenplum.blogspot.com/. It is Maria Gabriela Brito's Wine Cellar, Wine Closet. It got me to thinking, as I have no extra space in my 1947 house, where I could do a wine area. Like Maria, we too collect wine, and art. She has a new business Lifestyling by Maria Gabriela Brito.

So, I went looking for an extra closet, which I do not have. My husband is currently working on a wine room in our garage, as he makes wine, but not finished. So I still have a need for a wine cellar/closet/cupboard. See below....

This armoire, cabinet, used to hold a TV at my Dad's house. He sent it over here, and it was an entry catch all. See all the stuff it is catching. Well, I moved some wine glasses in it and it was immediate love. Stop by tomorrow for the finished project.

A project in a day. I love it. And, who doesn't have left over armoire's from TV's?

Dressing up Container Gardens for Fall

2010-09-14T07:21:00.000-06:00

I wish I had more time. Truth is, I don't always have time to garden. So, when fall comes, and my pots are starting to sit empty, I fill them with rocks, and free pine cones from down the street. Our neighbors have trees that drop pine cones, so I walk by, take my plastic bag, and load them up. Then, at the end of the season, I burn them in my outdoor fire pit.

What do you do to spruce up your container gardens?

Needs quite a few more pine cones. I only picked up a small amount the other day.

Decorating a Porch for Fall

2010-09-13T14:11:00.008-06:00

I can't resist a linky party. So, 2 posts today. Pure Style Home is having the linky party, http://www.purestylehome.blogspot.com. The link is Decorating your porch for fall. Here in the southwest, we are still using our hot tubs and pools, but the nights are cool, down to 65, with highs in the 85's. So we are just barely thinking of fall.

Anyway, to start my decorating, I always put out my Chiminea, sometimes, with candles, sometimes with small logs of pinon. Always great for somores.

These hang on the outside of my portal, you can view them from the ditch, where people walk over an acre away. Got them at the dollar store, and used the grapes, because my husband makes wine, and we do grow some grapes.

This one has an faux apple in it. The things you can find at the dollar store.

As the flowers die out, because they don't like the cold evenings, I fill the pots with rocks and pine cones. I need to go down the block and get a couple more bags of pine cones from my neighbors tree. This pot sits by my hot tub, and kind of hides the plugs.

I tie the curtains back with orange and brown ribbon which takes me thru to Christmas.

This is just a small start. Thanks Pure Style Home for the linky party.

Layering Artwork - Displaying Art - Styling Art

2010-09-13T08:17:00.000-06:00

The pic below is from Carrie Brandshaw's Apartment in the HBO series Sex and The City. I love the layered artwork on the console. I also truly love the chair on the right, the leather Mission Chair.

This brings me to layering art. I love art. Really love it. I have it layered on my fireplace mantle in my front living room when you enter my home.

This is a fun layering of art. I have a picture of our dog, painted by my Mother-in-Law, an etching, the tree photo is by my daughter, the horses by me, and the two Serigraphs on the right are by artist Ed Wyatt. Love the look of layered art.

Here is a pulled back view of my fireplace mantle.

Outdoor Light Fixture Indoors

2010-09-09T07:19:00.000-06:00

I have a long pass thru dining room. It sits in the middle of my home. On the left is the kitchen, you can see the glass tiles peeking thru. On the right bedrooms, and straight ahead thru a huge arch is the family room. So we walk thru this room, all day every day. Years ago, I spent a fortune on a long skinny table at Pottery Barn, that runs the same way the original hardwood floors run, and I have loved it forever. Worth every cent. Recently we redid the old overhead light fixture, and I came across this outdoor light fixture and hung it indoors. It is heavy and fun, and displays a great pattern across the dining room walls when on. Yes, it is hung very low, and that was by choice.

What are you using differently, or repurposing?

Coffee Table - Ottoman - Red Chairs

2010-09-08T09:00:00.005-06:00

Emily A Clark is having a coffee table linky party. I love a linky party, so here are my coffee tables. If you haven't checked out her blog, it is wonderful. http://emilyaclark.blogspot.com.

What do you use for a coffe table? I use a copper top table in my front room, and an ottoman in my family room.

My house was built in 1947. It has a small entry front room as you can see in the photo. We use brown leather in both that and the family room, as you can see thru arches from the entry/front to the back. It gives a little more continuity. Not very easy to photograph, but as you stand at my front door, there are hugh cove arches that go to the dinning room, kitchen, family room, so you get a glimpse of all the rooms.

So in this front room is a copper top coffee table and side table. I love this room, it is perfect for greeting guests, reading, relaxing, just about anything.

You guessed it. The family room, and the Johnny Pole which I hate, but it holds up a clear story roof, (any suggestions?). We use an ottoman in this room, nothing on it, but our feet, although it is a favorite spot to lay down. The red chairs are a crazy favorite that we love too.

I guess I should have closed the laundry door, but, oops.

Thanks for stopping by.

Where do you blog?

2010-08-30T14:40:00.004-06:00

Yes, this is the pleather desk from the post below. But, I couldn't resist a linky party. http://www.centsationalgirl.com is having a where do you blog linky party.

This is where I blog. It is in an L shaped part of our family room. and I love it. I also love the amazing view of our 3/4 of an acre outside the window. I not only blog here, (yes, I need to blog more), but I also do my Ebay and Etsy. I am trying to work full time on my Ebay and Etsy, to help my daughter with college. Yep, empty nesters, and way under 40. But, enjoying her in college and the empty nest thing too. We do have a room at the front of the house, but it gets such poor internet service that I don't use it. The Hubs home offices in the back of the house, shouting distance away. We are currently re-doing his office and pics should be up soon. We are also doing a wine room. Pics to follow. So come back, relax, and see what we are working on.

Old Farmhouse Table to Stylish Desk

2010-08-23T10:27:00.006-06:00

My finished white pleather desk top. And my great view outside my window.

The farmhouse table top before. Still useable if I change my mind and don't want the white anymore.

I had an old 1980's farmhouse table. You know the kind. The wood top and white legs. Not huge, 48"x30". I have been using it as a desk. However, it didn't feel very elegant. So I ran over to my favorite cloth store and picked up some white pleather. I know, you think I am crazy, and the white pleather is more of a gray white. But I love it and I love the results. I simply wrapped it around, stapled and cut. I love my results and I love my new elegant desk. Any projects you are working on?

What I wish my Guest Room looked like!!

2010-08-12T17:11:00.002-06:00

I saw this while browsing the web. I don't know where it is from. I really wish my guest room looked like this. I know, it's not beds. But those 2 chaise lounges look comfy and inviting. I would sleep in them if I was a guest. You?

Louis Chair

2010-07-15T09:17:00.002-06:00

I must have a Louis Chair. I have been loving them since Kim Kardashian had one at her Parson's Desk on the Kardashians. (don't judge, I love trashy tv). I love the one below. Sorry, don't know where the image is from. But, I must have a Louis Chair, really 2. One for me and one for my daughter. Pairing them with a Parson's Desk. I have been scouring Craigs List, Consignments Shops, everywhere, and not a one to be found. Still looking.

Fountains in the Pool

2010-07-09T14:08:00.007-06:00

I love fountains in pools. So when my pee-boy fountain was unused, I decided to have him pee in the pool. I know, some of you won't find this funny. But I do. We have an above ground pool, put in ground and we love it. Now we have a fountain for it. What crazy stuff do you do for your pool?

Great idea for a fountain for a pool

2010-06-22T07:29:00.000-06:00

Went to a builder's open house the other day and snapped this amazing pic. The fountains weren't turned on, as it was too windy. The flagstone style bench, is just a flag veneer, it holds the pumps, etch for the two pots on either side that shoot out water when turned on, into the pool. I saw this a year or so ago, and when the builder was holding it open I went back. That is an amazing idea. I have an above ground pool, inground and would love a fountain. I am thinking 2 large pots at the end, no need for the bench etc. as the pots can hold the equipment. Hmmm, I may need to figure this one out. Would look great for the pool.

New Haven Homes, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Barrel Chairs Redone!! Refinishing Chairs

2010-06-21T10:19:00.008-06:00

The Barrel Chairs are Done!! Hooray!! See below.

Taken apart, washed, sanded and dried.

Sprayed with Kilz to eliminate any stains or odors. Hey, they are vintage.

Spray painted black. Some of the cane is missing, I just left it that way, gives it character.

Finished with great fabric my daughter picked out. After all they are going in her apartment.

They look so great with her butter colored leather couch, and she has a black throw, and some damask pillows, like you can see on the floor in the other pic. Love these chairs. They have even survived their first party.

These were a great find for $70 for the pair, and with all the paint and fabric my total came to $120.00. So that made them $60 a chair, you just can't beat that. Love Craig's list, great find and great chairs. What are you redoing?

9 By Design Bungalow Hotel

2010-06-01T09:19:00.004-06:00

9 by Design Season Finale tonight!! Love, Love, Love that show. I have to admit, I have watched each episode more than once. Just love it. So imagine my thrill when I ran across the pics below at: http://www.scandinavianchic.com. Such a great blog. There is also an invite to the season finale, so If you are in New York, you should so go to the finale party. But, for those of us not in New York, we will have to pop some popcorn and enjoy on our DVR, or as it plays on Bravo.

Spoiler alert, the photos below show the Bungalow Hotel that will be shown in tonight's episode.

All photos, Sixx Design, and scandinavianchic.com.

Remember when they were talking about the flags for each bedroom?

Remember the trip to look at all the wood? Oh and how about the leather couch redo. Yum.

How about the cow pattern couch redo. It is amazing. Loving the extra large Queen too.

Enjoy the finale. Great show.

Repurposing Rattan Barrel Chairs

2010-05-17T08:04:00.006-06:00

So I found these chairs on Craig's List. 2 for $70.00. Now to repurpose them for my daughter. The photos below show some ideas. I will post more next week. We have picked the fabric, it is a black, white, yellow and gray flower print, gorgeous.

So when watching 9 by Design, they are doing an office and they repurpose barrel chairs. Yep, barrel chairs.

Then, Saturday when I was watching Sarah Richardson, (yes, I am hooked on great design shows), Sarah repurposed a barrel chair for her kitchen in her Farmhouse.

Ok, now I am hooked on redoing barrel chairs.

Images below from Etsy I believe. I am sorry, I don't know where they are from. But they are great!!

Sorry I don't know where the great images above are from. But they are great.

Grass and Swimming Pools

2010-05-12T09:12:00.000-06:00

We have an above ground pool, put inground. Sounds strange but that is the way they do tons of them here in the southwest. Nice thing is if you no longer want it, you really can remove it and fill it in. We have cobblestone rocks around ours to prevent diving, etc, but I am thinking of letting the grass grow a little closer. I love the look below. I do bet the grass clippings fall in the pool. I am ready for summer. You?

Johnny Pole - Support Pole

2010-05-11T08:28:00.000-06:00

Ok, so we have a very ugly support pole, (yes it looks like a stripper pole) in our family room, and yes, it is in an odd place. No, it can't be removed or moved. Well, moved but cost prohibits it. So what to do with it, and the clear story windows above, that are old and ugly, covered in the photo. Hmmm.

Any suggestions?

This below is great looking, a little fancier and probably more expensive than I want. But, I like the color.

Photo Wall or Door - Post-it Photo Paper

2010-05-10T08:21:00.002-06:00

I love photos, and love to change photos around. Thought this was so cute when I saw it on Apartment Therapy's Small Cool Contest. My daughter was looking for ideas and we were checking their blog, because it is Small Cool time, and she gets to rent a small apartment, now she just wants to make it cool. But, I digress, I fell in love with the pitures over the fireplace. How easy that would be to create, and how fun. I also found that Post-it makes a photo paper that you can print on that is removable, and repositionable, just like a good old fashioned post-it. I think I will have to try it, or suggest it to her.

Now that I have talked about Post-its. I need to watch Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion. (Only some blog readers will get the pun).

Enjoy.

Chalkboard Paint -- Great Ideas

2010-04-28T07:17:00.000-06:00

Ok, I know, how many posts can you do on Chalkboard Paint. But I love it. I have been collecting and saving these images for a bit, so this is it, my final post on Chalkboard Paint. Ok, maybe one more you never know. But, what great ideas below. How do you use Chalkboard Paint?

Sorry I don't know where the above image is from.

Image Curbly.

Image Style at Home.

Image Pure Style Home.blogspot

Image Country Living.

Image Cooking Lite.

Image Architectural Digest.

Image Apartment Therapy.

Padded Headboard -- Fabric Headboard

2010-04-27T08:56:00.004-06:00

Ok, so this is the headboard that started it all. I love Gossip Girl, a guilty pleasure, although this season, not quite as good. So I love Serena's Bedroom. I love the polka dot padded headboard. Gotta make one for my bed. I have just an old bedframe, and no headboard. So I'm gonna do it. I think. At the bottom of the post is a great instructional site on how to do this, as well as the allthingsthrifty.com, who has a great post on how she did hers. Enjoy.

"Serena's Bedroom" Gossip Girl. Photo CW Gossip Girl.

Love the blog below. Great instructions on how to do this headboard. So if you want a padded wall headboard, you can do it.

Photo and great instructions at: allthingsthrifty.com. Great Blog Too!

More instructions on how to make a padded headboard: http://www.jonathanfongstyle.com/decor/wallpanels.html

Enjoy.

Gossip Girl -- Blair

2010-04-26T20:01:00.000-06:00

I love Gossip Girl. Love Blair. You?

Sex and The City 2 - Sarah Jessic Parker

2010-04-16T07:25:00.000-06:00

Can't wait for the end of May. The new Sex and The City 2 movie comes out. Haven't decided, but may have to tackle the midnight showing.

Sarah Jessica Parker is promoting the new movie and is on the cover and inside of the May issue of Vogue. Enjoy.

All photos, May Vogue.

Painted Red Rocking Chair

2010-04-15T14:11:00.003-06:00

I love repurposing old furniture, etc. This great red rocking chair used to be white. It was from when my daughter was young and had been moved room to room, (she is in college now). Anyway, white really didn't fit any of the rooms. However, I use alot of red as pops of color in my home. Even have red leather chairs in my family room (one of my favorite purchases). So I decided to paint this a Cherry Red. It is your standard off the rack spray paint from Home Depot, really called Cherry Red. Took 3 cans and a good 24 hours of drying time. But I love it. It is in a guest room, with the big Teddy Bear.

Since Spring is Springing all over the place, what kind of DIY are you working on?

1947 House Fireplace Mantle

2010-04-14T10:53:00.002-06:00

So our old house has old fireplaces. This one in the front room is painted a flat white. It has a Ralph Lauren Brown Suede finish on the mantle, as well as on the floor. I have also put a mirror in the firebox to reflect the light.

How have you decorated your mantle?

Clustered Pictures on Fireplace Mantle.

Stainless Steel Contact Paper -- Portable Dishwasher

2010-04-13T09:37:00.002-06:00

Currently in use, haha. So this old 1947 house with the L shaped kitchen has no room for a dishwasher. Ya, I could take away what undercounter space I have, but no, I have space on an empty wall, and that is where the portable dishwasher lives. For those of you not familiar with them, they roll around on wheels and hook up to the sink. Well most of the kitchen has been redone, (tomorrow and following days post), but I had to pick up another portable, as my old one broke. If you have never priced them, they are pricey, wow, so on to Craig's List. Watched Craig's List for about a month and this beauty came up. True I would have rather had the solid black but, hey for $150.00 and pretty much almost brand new, I'm all in. So I ran down to my neighborhood Home Depot and picked up some Contact Paper that mimics stainless steel and put it on the front. Now the only question left, is do I paint the sides black, like all the stainless steel appliances are? Or, maybe the grey/green that my kitchen is? Or, maybe even black chalkboard paint on the side that sticks out in the kitchen to leave messages? Hmmmm, not sure.

But, the jist of this post is, if you haven't checked out the Contact Paper section in your Home Depot, you should, they have some great stuff. You don't have to be stuck in the 1950's, you can turn it up a notch.

Oh, and for those of you wondering, I am not the only one in the world still using a portable. Saw an episode of Divine Design, and Candace Olson took and old kitchen, repainted the cabinets, put up some bead board, stainless appliances, built an island and sliding into the island was a portable dishwasher--believe it or not. If I had room for an island, I would steal that trick, but alas, no room for an island, it does however fit perfect where it is.

Have a DIY day.

Red Desk

2010-04-12T08:03:00.002-06:00

I love this cute little red desk. I believe the image is from Pottery Barn. Any old desk can be painted in a great Red color. I recently painted an old rocking chair that had been in my daughter's nursery (previously peeling white paint) a bright cherry red. It is great in a guest bedroom. Look around, what are you waiting for? What can you repurpose?

Thirtysomething -- Cashmere Mafia

2010-03-29T10:10:00.002-06:00

I will be away until April 12th.

I am enjoying Thirtysomething and Cashmere Mafia on Netflix instant streaming. What are you enjoying?

Cinder Block Gardening - Happy First Day of Spring

2010-03-20T10:15:00.002-06:00

As anyone who reads me knows, I have an old cinder block house built in 1947. Well over the years we have removed cinder block fences and stacked the bricks at the back of the property an acre away, behind the barn.

Over the years, my neighbors have taken quite a bit of them. However, I have quite a few left. When planning this years garden, (minus the ground squirrels) I was trying to figure out how to do raised. The cost was a little overwhelming until I stumbled upon the idea of cinder blocks.

I have those!! Yay!! Or Yeah!! Now all I need is some wire for the bottom, (to keep out the squirrels), and dirt. I can haul the dirt in our truck.

If only it wasn't snowing in New Mexico today I would get started. When it dries out a bit I will post a before pic of my project, and try and get a during and after.

I love this one below, because it has a wood ledge and looks very clean.

I should be able to make 2 really large ones, similar to the ones pictured here.

1947 House and "Johnny" Support Pole

2010-03-19T17:11:00.003-06:00

I live in an old 1947 cinder block house. Which I love. We have been lovingly restoring and fixing for years. I love to change and redo. The one thing we hae that we haven't changed is an old metal "Johnny" pole that is in the family room. Ok, friends call it a "stripper" pole which it is not. Any suggestions? I saw this great picture, can't remember where and saved it to my computer. I don't think I could use the silver, but maybe a copper color would work. Don't know about the top, hmmm..... Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Happy St. Patrick's Day Green Chalkboard Paint

2010-03-17T08:20:00.001-06:00

I love chalkboard paint. With St Patrick's Day upon us, I decided to show Green. I have been dying to do more chalkboard paint in my home, just looking for space to do it. I am a list and note person, so chalkboard paint really appeals to me. You?

Dallas The TV Show -- Outdoor Dining

2010-03-16T08:25:00.000-06:00

Running across this image reminded me how much I love eating outdoors. It is an outdoor shot from the series Dallas. I loved watching them eat outside. I loved the whole show. Now this makes me want to eat outside. I think I will have to add some yellow to my outdoor decor this year in honor of Dallas. I was thinking orange, but yellow might be fun too.

Creating Your Own Headboard

2010-03-15T08:07:00.002-06:00

We have a very odd shaped Master Bedroom. I think it used to be the Garage. It is long and skinny. I have been wanting to make a headboard for quite some time. Then I ran across this tin roof headborad and thought how cute. However, I do worry about the rough edges. So when I was wandering my local Lowes, I ran across this tin backsplash stuff. It is made to look like tin, it comes in colors and it is plastic, yes plastic. Looks real, easy to put up and cut, so it may do the trick.

Or, I will go with a bold color wall. Still thinking. Any ideas?

Accent Walls - Wallpaper -- Paint

2010-02-24T12:38:00.006-07:00

I love accent walls. They can be either wallpaper or paint. Loving these great photos. Enjoy.

I am sorry I don't know where these photos are from.

HGTV 2010 Dream Home Tours

2010-02-10T04:52:00.000-07:00

Living here along Route66 I was thrilled that this year's Dream Home is in New Mexico. What I wasn't thrilled about was that to tour it you must drive on a bus and pay $20.00. Really, that's a little steep in this economy. Oh, and did I mention we are in New Mexico, not California or New York. Call me cheap, and I know it is for charity, a school in the East Mountains, but hey $20 per person, I'll pass. I guess I will just have to tour it on TV. For those of you that get to go live, enjoy.

Clipboards for Organization

2010-02-09T04:30:00.000-07:00

I love the idea of clipboards for organization. When I ran across this pic (can't remember where), I fell in love with it. You could display photos on a wall, or kids artwork, or simply ideas, or appointments. 2010 is the year to get organized.

Turquoise Bookshelves

2010-02-08T13:51:00.001-07:00

Wit turquoise being the color of the year, I just couldn't resist this image. What fun. Turquoise bookshelves. What a great pop of color. Would you dare do it in your home?

Sorry, I don't know where this image is from.

Curtain for Laundry Room

2010-02-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

Loving my Laundry room find!!

When browsing my local Big Lots for nothing in particular, I ran across a shower curtain that said "Laundry" all over it. Now, why a shower curtain would say "Laundry" all over it is beyond me, but I needed something that size and color for my Laundry room to hide the water heater. Imagine how thrilled I was when it was only $1.00. That's right, one dollar. What a great way to spend a dollar.

Rolodex - Organizing 2010

2010-02-04T13:10:00.001-07:00

My goal this year is to get totally organized, and clean out the garage. So I am starting with a hard copy of all pertinent information. I am using a good old fashioned Rolodex, just like the one below. All names, addresses, phone numbers, and passwords, then put in a safe place. Easy to add or subtract from, no fuss, no muss.

How are you organizing for 2010?

That Touch of Mink -- Automats

2010-01-29T08:57:00.004-07:00

I was thinking the other day about the Automat in That Touch of Mink. They were so cool and cutting edge in their day. Now it is all vending machines and such. I wonder if there are any places where there still are automats? Probably not. Enjoy.

Love these old vending machines. Sorry, don't know where photo is from.

Vintage Paperdolls for Download - Betsy McCallhttp://tpettit.best.vwh.net/dolls/pd_scans/betsy_mccall/index.html

2010-01-26T09:50:00.003-07:00

Do you remember Paper Dolls? I do. I could spend hours dressing and changing their clothes. Well paper dolls are back. The link below will take you to the 1st 10 years of Betsy McCall and her clothing. What a fun winter activity. Or print it out as a decoupage project. Either way tons of fun. All you need is a printer, plenty of ink, some old file folders (to glue her onto for stability), or you can go by your local print shop and get a heavier grade white paper to run through your printer, either way, make some memories.

Link below for Betsy McCall paper dolls.

http://tpettit.best.vwh.net/dolls/pd_scans/betsy_mccall/index.html

Old Movies - Bell Book and Candle

2010-01-25T02:11:00.001-07:00

Love this grouping of images from Bell Book and Candle, sorry don't know where they are from. But notice the turquoise in the pillows and the back wall, as turquoise is the color of the year for 2010.

Love the pale turquoise curtains, and the gold tan accents.

I love old Movies!! This Sunday, what a treat, Bell Book and Candle is on Turner Classic Movies. Although I have seen it, I guess, I forgot it started at Christmas. I just love everything from Kim Novak's wardrobe to the great 1958 sets. With turquoise being the color of the year, I was pleasantly surprised to see the interiors are done in a tan and pale turquoise. The turquoise accents are on the pillows and some walls. I love the sheers that separate the shop from her living space. So if your bored, check out Bell Book and Candle, fun movie.

Old Doors -- Old House -- Habitat for Humanity

2010-01-21T04:21:00.000-07:00

Although I love the color of this bathroom. It really is the old door to the right that I am blogging about. Ooooh, and the rusted medicine cabinet. I have an old house with old doors. I wonder if it would be appropriate to have an interior door like that? Hmmmm. Oh, and the old medicine cabinet. Those are easy to find. We have a Habitat for Humanity Outlet here that has old medicine cabinets like that. It is a great resource for old home finds. Check to see if you have one in your area.

Vintage Pyrex Nesting Bowls -- What do you mix in?

2010-01-20T11:35:00.002-07:00

What do you mix in? I actually bought a set of these at an estate sale years ago, yes I even found pink. My parents had the turquoise set. I love them. I use them for all sorts of things. I even serve in them at parties and they are always a hit. I do however, have to convince my husband not to put them in the dishwasher, as it kind of ruins their finish. So now, I am on a hunt for a set for my college student. What classic color to get her? Hmmm. They were cheaper a few years back. Now on Ebay, they are a little pricey. But, I am going to hunt her down a set. May be a great excuse to hit a few of the antique shops around here just in case there is a set hiding. So what do you mix in? So retro, so fun.

I don't know where this picture is from. Sorry.

Turquoise Shutters

2010-01-19T15:20:00.001-07:00

Since Turquoise has been dubbed the color of 2010, I couldn't resist posting this picture from House Beautiful, with the great turquoise shutters. Living in the southwest, and on Route66, turquoise is a staple color here. Not the trend. But, I had to do a quick post about it. So, are you going to add a little turquoise to your life this year?

Wallpaper Clock

2010-01-15T07:55:00.000-07:00

There is something so retro about wallpaper. I found this over at copycatchic.com. This is Anthropolgie's wallpaper clock for $128. Check out the alternate universe below.

Alternate universe. Target Clock picture $59.
Thanks Target for making it affordable.

Finding Replacement China

2010-01-14T11:34:00.003-07:00

All the family dinners are done. The Holidays are over, and you now need replacement china, because some of yours got broken. Look no further. Check my Etsy store, as well as my Ebay store for replacement china. Or, get some new to mix and match for Valentines Day, or Easter.

Repurposing a Side Table - Red Pottery Barn Side Table

2010-01-13T07:52:00.001-07:00

I love the red side table from pottery barn. (Image from Pottery Barn). I have an image of a table below in my house, that I am thinking of repurposing, in maybe red or black.

My Pottery Barn style table. I am thinking of repurposing it in a black or red.
What do you think?

Latillas as Curtain Rods - Latillas (Wood Poles)

2010-01-12T11:17:00.005-07:00

Old houses come with their own special and unique challenges. This house built in 1947, has cove ceilings, as well as large windows, not fit, or truly square, for the standard blinds, like mini blinds or the cellular shades. So, what to do? We are here in the Southwest, so we used Latillas, pronounced, La-te-yas. They are used for the ladders you see leaning up on houses, etc. So we bought some, and sanded them, so they were smooth, and then used them for curtain rods. They were about $7.00 a piece, which is way less expensive, than poles of this length $108". I also like the way that they let the drapes hang loose and casual. So look to your hardware store for odd items to use as curtain rods. If you live in the southwest, try a latilla.

Mad Men Bar -- Armoire Bar - Make Your Own

2010-01-07T08:25:00.009-07:00

While perusing Pottery Barn, I ran across these first three pictures of bars. As always I immediately thought of Mad Men, and how there was a bar in every house (pics below of bars in Mad Men and Rope). So it got me to thinking about an old armoire that was made to hold a TV that is in storage here at the house. I wonder if I could convert it into an Armoire Bar? Might be something for my January renovations. I can't help myself, every January I set about redecorating and renovating, not spending tons of money mind you, just repurposing. Oh, and it always involves rearranging. Maybe a bar like this will get included in my repurposing. If so I'll post pics. Hopefully this gives a little inspiration.

Above pics Potterybarn.com.

Sorry I don't know where this picture is from.

Picture of interior apartment in Rope.

Mad Men.

The Egg and I - Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray

2010-01-03T12:21:00.002-07:00

I love old movies. Especially ones about fixing up old houses. This one is from the Ma and Pa Kettle series. It is called "The Egg and I". It is starring Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray. It is a true classic. Great classic Black and White movie. Great story line about two city slickers that move to the country to start their own Chicken Farm. It is tons of laughs. If you have never had the chance to see it, you should take a bit and enjoy it.

Happy New Year 2010

2009-12-31T05:27:00.000-07:00

Make 2010 your best year ever!!! Please be safe this New Year's Eve.

Magic Bullet Blender

2009-12-28T10:28:00.002-07:00

Yeah!! I got a Magic Bullet for Christmas. Yes, I wanted one. I have seen the infomercial tons of times, and I think it is a hoot. Already made the Frozen Margaritas. Next, the Frozen Berry Sorbet. Then on to the low cal Bean Dip. Yeah. What crazy gift did you get that you really wanted?