A DINOSAUR AND A WISH

 and a HAPPY, comfortable, peaceful HOME for 2014.

(Words and drawings borrowed, with admiration, from Neil Gaiman)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

           

Favorite Things

It's the week before Christmas, and I won't keep you long. I feel quite organized, but also as if there aren't enough hours in the day for what I want (need/would like) to do. Maybe you feel the same way?
I actually think we should plan special things more often, but on a smaller scale, instead of saving it all up for one day. Christmas often feels to me like a wedding; you plan for months, obsessing over every careful detail, when all people remember is that it rained, they had fun, and you had lipstick on your teeth. It's about memories, not perfection.  

Anyway, this blog is brief, with just a few of my favorite things that I wanted to share in the middle of the joy, peace and panic of the Holidays. Just because.....

 My favorite dessert ever. A Pavlova looks impressive, but is sooooo easy. Promise. Filled with fresh whipped cream and lots of fruit, it feeds a crowd of people. (Click for Recipe).

One of my favorite quotes.

This is one my favorite things, because the seriousness of having a Falconry Companion Kit just makes me laugh.
(from Neiman Marcus in case you needed it ).

No-one can be un-cheered if they blow bubbles! And, did you know that if you blow bubbles outside, and it is 32 degrees or less, they will freeze?

Elvis, Martha and a Notepad

Years ago, I would have given Martha Stewart a run for her money. My Christmas was signed, sealed and on it's way by the end of October. Now, not so much. Like many of you, it is December 2nd and I am scrambling to put together a holiday that is filled with friends, food, presents, Christmas cards, a tree, decorations, and, oh yes, peace and joy!

So, I admit I am a little behind (and I will never be Martha again) but I do have a plan. As always, it begins with a cup of tea and a notepad, the rest is easy....

• Holiday CD blasting (Elvis, of course).
• A list of absolutely everything that is spinning in my head; from paying the electric bill, to ordering that orange thing that I have never even heard of.
• Prioritize the list. (If I don't pay the electric bill the other things won't really matter).
• Put as many things as I can onto my calendar, and out of my head. (eg. Bake cookies on December 14th, call Auntie B, mail off Christmas presents etc).
• Make another list of who I want to buy presents for (with ideas of what I would like to get them).
• Divide the list into on-line purchases, and in-shop. Try my hardest to consolidate, so I am not running all over the place, and paying seven separate shipping fees. (Look for coupons and specials on-line).
• Think of a budget (this will disappear very quickly, but it always makes me feel better in the beginning).
• Eat a cookie, and heat up my tea.
• Put Blake Shelton's CD on, then switch to Aretha Franklin. Go back to Elvis.
• Decide on a definite day, or two (or three) to get all of this done.
• Plan where I will go for lunch, or an extra-nice coffee, in between my shopping.
• Remind myself to be flexible, and expect things to change. (If I can't buy it, find it, afford it, or order it, I'll come up with another idea).

Maybe you write lists as well, or perhaps this is still too early for you to be thinking about it; whatever you do, I would love to hear your thoughts on prepping for the holidays. Leave a comment, or post directly to my Wendy at the Blue Giraffe Facebook page.             

p.s. Am hoping neither Blake or Aretha were offended during the writing of this blog :-)

How to be a Good (not perfect) Guest

I know there is a deluge of posts right now on how to be the perfect host, make the best gravy, and plan a stress-free Thanksgiving, but what about being a good guest?

For some people, the only time they visit other homes is around the holidays, and while the host is rushing around, it's always nice to know that their guests have arrived, are enjoying themselves (and are behaving). Whether you are staying for dinner, or popping in for dessert, here are some ways to get you invited back again:

• Let them know you are coming. If they ask you, answer them; don't wait for a better offer, or until you are parked in their driveway.  
• Always ask what you can bring. If they tell you not to bring anything, ignore them. It's the thought that counts; something they can enjoy/share, but don't have to cherish forever (flowers, plants, wine, pie, cookies, chocolates etc).
• If you want to bring someone who wasn't invited, just ask. (They will always say yes, but ambushing your host is unfair, and makes everyone feel uncomfortable).
• Before you leave your home, make sure you have your phone, the address and phone number. (Just in case you get lost, are running late, or there is an emergency).
• Don't arrive early. Plan on within half an hour after the time they said. (No-one wants the doorbell ringing when they are still in their underwear, trying to baste the turkey).
• Turn your phone off. (It annoys everyone, and you will be talked about later if you are texting under the tablecloth).
• Control the gossip. (Large groups mean lots of ears, and big mouths; you can't assume that what you say will be confined to the table).
• Be aware of how much you drink. It's stressful for everyone if you are arguing with the cat, and trying to unlock the neighbor's lawnmower with your car key. 
• Offer to help, or, at the very least, stand up and move some dishes around. (It's a lot of work hosting, and even if they say no, a little effort is always appreciated).
• Know when to leave. If you're hosts are yawning, putting on their fuzzy socks and turning off the lights, you probably should have left an hour ago....

Too Many Legs

The cardinal rule of design is that if we decorate with what we love, it will all somehow meld together into this glorious pile of harmony. Would it be horrible to say that sometimes that can also be our downfall? Not to shoot myself in the foot here, but if we get caught up in a loop, buying the same things over and over, our home can start to look a little like an uncomfortable theme park.

I actually did this a few years ago, and while I knew I was doing it, I didn't think it was a problem. But, apparently, I have a bit of a metal addiction. New, old, worn out, useful or not, I don't really care; I can always find a reason to bring a piece home with me. It can be sanded, painted, lacquered, or just left outside to rust. (I know, I am trying to justify my addiction to you, but there is something about metal that I find very hard to resist).

One day, after I had dragged a rusted garden chair into the Living Room, I went outside (very pleased with myself) to have a cup of coffee. When I came back in, I couldn't believe what I had done; I was surrounded by a sea of iron. The rusted garden chair was the least of it; I also had a rusted coffee table, a rusted end table, a brass daybed, an iron mouse, an iron elf, a terracotta pot filled with old silverware, iron wish stones, and a cast iron lizard. Gulp. There was a lot of metal in that room, and it suddenly felt very cold.

Because the Living Room is my reading/listening-to-music room, I had gradually placed many of my favorite pieces in there, ignoring that they were so similar. I should have known better, but they kind of sneaked up on me when I wasn't looking.

Taken aback by my evolving decorator's junkyard, I reluctantly took out the garden chair (after-all, it could still be very useful in the garden) and replaced it with my favorite 1960's green armchair (gifted to me by my friend, Jenn). I rearranged a few more things, removed the lizard, and made the room feel warm and cozy again.

Usually my home evolves with an idea in mind, but occasionally, like this time, it morphs into something else when I'm not looking. I think it happens to us all, and before we know it we are living with a collection of things that we didn't even know we were collecting.

(p.s. By the way, my addictions are far from over; at the moment, I have three vintage chairs and two stools in my home office, which is far too many legs for a 10 x 10 foot space).

Photograph from Molly-Meg 

TLC for your Plants, Plastics and Gnomes

So, I was washing a big pile of rocks and shells in the sink the other day (as you do) and my mind began to wander to all the other bits and pieces in your home that can (and should) be washed. Whatever your style, from organic to plastic, lots of things in our homes could really benefit from a big bowl of warm, soapy water.
No matter how good a housekeeper you are, dust and grease settle around your home in the most peculiar places; after a while, everything starts to look a little dull, and it is time to give them some love.
Here are a few ideas to get your favorite bits and pieces clean again.....

Plastic Plants: 
Fill a sink, or bath, with warm, soapy water (use dish-washing detergent, or shampoo). Swish around in the water. Rinse, and dry.

Real Plants: 
Take them outside, or place them in a large sink. Use a spray attachment, or a small watering can, to wash all the leaves and flowers with cold water.

Silk Plants: 
Find a bag big enough for the plant. Fill the bag with salt, add the plant, and shake it around. The salt will stick to the dirt. Lightly brush the salt off with a paintbrush.

Nature Collections:  
(Pine cones, rocks, shells, twigs, minerals, charcoal, horseshoe crab shells etc) Most can be rinsed gently in cold water, but not for long, and should be dried as quickly as possible (we once washed a dead starfish, didn't dry it, and days later it turned to mush).

Vases: 
For normal stains, dust and mineral build-up, try a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Let sit for a while, then rinse with warm water. I sometimes use small pebbles with soapy water if the stains are stubborn (raw rice is often recommended, but I find it is not abrasive enough).

Bone China Ornaments: 
Place them on a towel. Take some warm, soapy water and gently wash the ornaments with Q-tips, or a small paintbrush. Pat and air dry.

Cut Glass and Crystal: 
Line the sink with a towel. Wash them one at a time. Scrub with a soft toothbrush to get into the crevices. Rinse in very hot water, then leave to air dry (the hot water makes them dry quickly with (hopefully) no streaks.

Books, Paintings and other things you're not quite sure of:
If in doubt, a dry, soft paintbrush is often the easiest (and safest) way to clean these.

Gnome borrowed (and returned) to http://helpfindmygnome.blogspot.com/

No Peeking in the Windows

So, the house next door to us just sold, after four years of being empty. They appear to be gutting it, and workers are there every day moving and building goodness knows what. I am happy it sold, and glad that the house will be lived in again. It has been neglected for so long, but it has good bones, and is historic; all it needs is a little tender loving care. It will be wonderful for the house to become a home again.

But, I don't have a lot of curtains in my home. I like to see the sky during the day, and am fortunate to have a lot of trees and wildlife where I live. Plus, I tend to have a penchant for hanging other things on the wall, so to add window treatments kind of messes with my design, and can really overwhelm the already existing decorative clutter.

I know window treatments can be beautiful, and are immensely practical, but they are not my favorite thing. For those that remember, when I tried to buy Living Room curtains several years ago, I actually ended up with cream colored blankets and handmade copper curtain rods (which I still have). And, my bedroom has two panels that are too small to close (that was all they had, and they were in the loveliest moss green suede...sigh... Totally ignoring their lack of function, and opting instead for their fickle and pretty looks).

Not that I run around doing rude and unsightly things in my home (well, apart from Naked Tuesday) but now that we have new neighbors, I have to re-think the windows in a couple of my rooms. It actually makes me feel like my own worst client, because I know what I need to do, but I am metaphorically stamping my feet because I don't want to do it. Still, getting changed in the morning, peering across the trees at the contractors, is making me a little unsettled. Realistically, unless they are about 15 feet tall, with the world's largest telescope, they can't see a thing, but it falls into the "If I can see you..." category of thinking.

I think that window treatments are a bit like deciding what clothes to wear:

• Decide on the occasion (the reason you want/need them). Are you blocking out the light, hiding from the neighbors, or just want something pretty to match the sofa?
• What is it going to be worn with (other pieces in the room). Is your room minimal, busy, colorful, utilitarian, modern, organic, traditional? 
• Check the size (length and width of windows and ledges). Do you want the entire window covered all the time? Do you want an abundant look, or for it be more tailored. Higher than the window, or inside the molding? Do you enjoy cleaning blinds, or are you a once-a-year-in-the-washing-machine type of person? 
• Stick to your budget. If you can splurge on custom window treatments, then do that, but if not, don't be afraid to look at the ready-made items at the larger retails stores. (They have easy return policies, a large selection, and prices are very reasonable).

See, if giraffe's move in next door I'm in trouble....(especially on Tuesday's).

Photograph from The Giraffe Manor in Kenya (definitely adding this place to my bucket list). 

How to Bring Good Luck into your Home!

It's Halloween, and it is not my favorite holiday at all. Having a big imagination does not bode well with being a fraidy cat; I jump at the slightest thing, cover my eyes when the scary music comes on, and am still a little afraid of the dark.

So, in the spirit (ha-ha) of Halloween, I thought I would share some good luck household superstitions, that you may, or may not have heard of... 

• Leave your windows and doors closed on November 1st (tomorrow) it can bring bad luck into your home.
• Carry bread and salt with you when you first enter a new home; the household will never know hunger, and it's pantry will always be filled. 
• When you move out of a house, leave the broom behind. Along with the dust and dirt of your old home, old brooms also carry the negative aspects of your life. 
• A new broom signifies a fresh start in your new home.
• Paint your front porch blue to ward off ghosts. (Ghosts, can’t cross water, and apparently get confused easily). 
• A spider in the house brings good luck (don't kill them), and if a spider builds its web across your door, you can expect company.
• Never put shoes on a table, it brings bad luck. (Shoes as table legs are okay).
• Don’t move into a new place on a Friday, Saturday, or a rainy day. These days are unlucky, and may prevent you from ever truly settling into your new home. Thursday is the luckiest day to move in.
• Never sweep over a threshold, or you will sweep all the good luck out the door. 
• To prevent an unwelcome guest from returning, sweep out the room they stayed in immediately after they leave. 
• A bed changed on Friday will bring bad dreams that night. 
• A frog in the house brings good luck. (It also makes you scream - last year, a toad stowed away in a flat of flowers that my friend had brought me. I found it sitting on the living room floor). 
• A horseshoe hung above the doorway will bring good luck to your home (ends up). 
• If you leave the house for the day, and realized that you forgot something, it's okay to comeback, but you have to look at yourself in a mirror before leaving again. 
• If bubbles appear in a cup of coffee, you accidentally knock over a sugar bowl, or tea leaves float to the top of the cup, money will soon come your way. 
• Sitting on a kitchen table, or counter, will cause a women never to be wed. 

And, finally, run outside after you have read this, because catch falling leaves in Autumn and you will have good luck (every leaf means a lucky month next year!).

Photograph from Houzz

What is Glamping?

Glamping - Pronunciation: /ˈglampɪŋ/  noun 
Early 21st century: Blend of Glamorous and Camping 
 A way to enjoy the beauty of nature without all the icky stuff that comes with it.

Over the last couple of years glamping has become a luxurious, more interesting alternative to staying in a hotel. Unique accommodations have been popping up all over the world, and designers and travel agents have jumped on the trend with full force. What began as a passing quirk, has now evolved into permanent outdoor structures that mimic old fashioned tents and very expensive log cabins.

I love camping (well, apart from snakes, bears, spiders, broken zippers, and heating a can of baked beans over a match and a twig....) but I think glamping would also be a fun thing to do. Kind of reminds me of an old Tarzan movie, where the safari tent was assembled in five minutes, and the expedition involved a walking stick and a furry animal. Beautifully coiffed women arrived with trunks of petticoats, a writing desk and a typewriter, and the men had an endless supply of hot soapy water and cigarettes. I guess it speaks to the romantic in many of us; we like the idea of sleeping under the stars, just not the actual camping itself.

So, I became curious about glamping, and I can really see the appeal. Most owners build their accommodations around a healthy respect for the environment, combine it with a good dose of comfort, and just enough independence to make the guests feel that they are really participating in the outdoors. Of course, they will start the fire-pit for you, warm up the spa pool, and give you a cozy blanket, but you get to find your own rock, roast marshmallows, enjoy the view, and retreat to your (mosquito free) comfy bed when the day is over.

The level of luxury really does vary accordingly, but many of them are well within a decent budget. Definitely more for a vacation than a quick business trip, every place I looked at came well equipped for a stress-free weekend getaway (no longer do you need to navigating your evening with a flashlight, leave a trail of breadcrumbs, and hastily digging a hole in the ground).

While all have basic modern conveniences, some are truly swoon-worthy. One place that I found comes with air conditioning, goose-down linens, and an antique bathtub filled with scented milk. Another had a fireplace, a flat screen television, and your own private butler. Others are more spare in their furnishings, but they still have more than the bare necessities, and the settings are always quite lovely.

I can see glamping in my future; it seems like a great way to enjoy a more scenic destination, without having to bring a map and my own toilet paper....

Photograph from Fireside Resort in Jackson Hole 

Confessions of a Messy Office

Sometimes, I write a blog, and never publish it. I read it, and it sounds boring, or too personal, or too big, or too much like a decorating lesson. That's what happened this week; I wrote two, and I liked them, but they just didn't feel right. It was a Goldilocks moment.

I'm not silly, I knew why nothing was working; it was because my office was a diabolical mess. Motivated by the conference that I attended a couple of weeks ago, I had decided to reorganize. What began as a simple clean out, turned into this avalanche of ideas scribbled on bits of paper (lots of them, that I didn't even know I had) countless pages torn from magazines, files that no longer made sense, two old keyboards, a small television that I had forgotten about in the closet (don't ask - the box isn't even opened) and a pile of cardboard airplanes from when my daughter was in pre-school.

Impatient to get going, I did the classic mistake of trying to do it all at once. And, I got distracted. Opening a drawer revealed a pile of decorating goodies that I didn't even know I had, and more notebooks than I could count (well, there were nine actually). They are very pretty, but I tend to use the same, spiral-bound 79 cent notebook for most things; I like it's size, the space of the lines, and the ease of turning over the pages. In this case, function trumps beauty, and I know the pretty notebooks would be happier living somewhere else.

It's been a few days since I started, and I am finally seeing my serene, creative office space again. I realize it is a little bit like the cobbler's children having no shoes (do children even know what cobbler's are anymore?); I am great at organizing (really) and know what I should be doing, but when life gets busy, my office is usually the first place to suffer. I tell myself I can work around it, but I really can't; I juggle for space on my desk, and my thoughts become as scattered as coffee cups.

This happens to us all at some time or another; it feels okay for a while, then you turn around, and you wonder what the heck happened. You swear it happened overnight, but it didn't, you just forgot to notice.
When this happens, which is normal by the way, here is my strategy for coping.....

- I panic.
- Close the door, go downstairs and make a cup of tea.
- Sit in the sunroom, drink tea and look at the trees.
- Make a list of absolutely everything I need (and want) to do.
- Give myself a realistic, generous, time limit.
- Turn on some really loud music.
- Grab a couple of garbage bags, and a box for miscellaneous things.
- Put on comfy, old clothes and bare feet.
- Begin.
- Add more music and tea as needed.
- Stop when I am done.

It's not complicated really, just feels like it for a moment....

p.s. The photograph above is one of the inspiration boards in my office.

Would you like Cheese with that Wine?

People are drinking more. Honest, they are. Not sure if it is an escape from the economic climate, or just a fun, entertaining trend, but I have been in quite a few homes lately that have a bar area. Martini's were definitely in last year, and now it seems to be a mixture of old fashioned hard liquor, straight up, and a heck of a lot of homemade concoctions. People are even buying Moonshine (who knew you could?).

So, whatever the reason, and even if your favorite drink is sparkling water with a slice of lemon, why not get creative, and make your bar area a decorative part of your home? When I started looking for some photographs, I found that re-purposing unused and over-sized furniture seemed to be the most common solution; entertainment centers, televisions and kitchen dresser's were used a lot. Makes sense; some of these pieces are very well made, and no longer used, so why not give them a new life?

One of my favorite ideas is the television set (above). Just the look of it makes me want to smile, put on a pair of high heels, and pour Don Draper a shot of whiskey. So, while I plan my drink-serving outfit, here are some ideas that may make you re-think hiding that funky bottle of moonshine behind the olive oil...

An armoir, an entertainment center, or an old wardrobe. So Easy.

So obvious, it has to be mentioned. Just borrow a shelf from your bookcase. 

A vintage filing cabinet has lots of space for bar and entertaining accessories as well. 

A decorative tray can be brought out when needed, and stored away until your next party.

Still with a retro vibe, this one is new; from Crate and Barrel, it folds up when not in use. 

I love this idea for a vacation home, or a party (anywhere). An old Bread Box, metal crate, or Tool Box would be perfect.

Photographs were borrowed from Pinterest, Tumbler and Pottery Barn.

Decorating + Home = Free Therapy

Do you think they had to wait a long time to get this photograph, or do you think it was a happy accident?
I have to believe it was just a happy accident. Cats are not known for doing what you ask them, so I imagine this is one of his favorite spots to sit.
The sunlight coming through the windows, the plants on the windowsill, and the colorful, comfy pillows on the white bench, just scream warmth and happiness. This room was deliberately designed to be bright and cheerful; almost daring you to never frown, and promising to coax smiles out of even the most curmudgeon of visitors.

I love this home, and it is a great reminder of how we can change the way we feel by paying attention to how we live.

Is it weird to say that I actually consider homes to be a rather inexpensive form of therapy? Think about it; we never have to wait for an appointment, or worry about insurance, and, we have the ability to change most things whenever we want to. So, if ever you feel like you need a little bit of help in the happiness department, why not try some of these ideas in your home first.

Feeling Bored:
Take all of your books and cd's off the shelves. Go through them, listen to the music, read a few chapters, and put away the ones you no longer like very much. Reorganize the shelves.

Stressed out:
Light a candle. Did you know the simple act of striking a match, and putting it to a candle, relieves stress?
Open the windows and doors. Bringing fresh air inside will flush out all those weird toxins that sit around our homes (doing bad things that we are all told about, but nobody quite understands).
Vacuum. It doesn't require any fine motor skills (I get clumsy if I am stressed) the noise will distract you from whatever you are worrying about, and your house will be clean.

Tired:
Have a room, or a space, where you know you can always take a nap, meditate, sit and look out the window, or read a book. Try to keep it clutter free, as neat as possible, and have an emergency napping kit waiting right there (a blanket, a book, a favorite photograph, music, a pillow, a souvenir of a happy time, a pencil and paper....).

Overwhelmed:
Do just one thing. Choose something small (and manageable) that overwhelms you in your home. Write it on your calendar, and allow yourself twice the amount of time you think you may need. Don't stop until you finish. eg. sort through one junk drawer, go through the mail, or fold one load of laundry.

Cranky:
Distract yourself with something physical that takes some thought, effort and energy. Move the furniture around - don't worry about whether or not it will look good, just move it around and see. Paint a room, a floor or a door. Take all your pictures/photographs off the wall, and hang them up in different spots. Organize a closet, pantry, office, laundry room, basement or garage.

A bit Blue:
Go through your home, and try to get rid of a few things that you don't like. Store them away until tomorrow. Find things you really love, and put them where you can see them. If nothing else, try to make sure your main living areas look like you are happy, and your home is taken care of.
Even if your heart isn't in it, it is a bit of a "fake it 'til you make it" scenario, that does wonders for your emotional well being.

After I wrote this, I thought it might seem like a strange post, but, a home is the place where we choose to live, not just a beautiful, complex formula of colors, shapes and symmetry. Why not allow it to nurture us as well?...

Photograph borrowed from Fresh Happy Home

Quotables

I have friends who can quote something fabulous at the drop of a hat; they even know who said it, and what they say is always appropriate to the occasion. I admire them for this, and I try to remember them, really I do, but two seconds later I couldn't tell you what it was that was so memorable. 
I have quotes scattered around my office, but if I wasn't able to see them, I often wonder if they would still inspire me?
Quotes, are tidy little morsels of words that magically make us stop and wonder, secretly wishing we had thought of them first. Here are a few of my favorites to start off your week ....

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” — Henry David Thoreau

           “Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous.”
                                                                       — Bill Moyers

“Decorate your home. It gives the illusion that your life is more interesting than it really is.” - Charles M. Schulz 

“Design is an opportunity to continue telling the story, not just to sum everything up.”
 —  Tate Linden

       “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”
                                               — Pablo Picasso

"One should never be the oldest thing in one's house." - Patsy Stone 

“Have no fear of perfection — you’ll never reach it.” — Salvador Dali

                     "Good design is a conversation.” – Zahid Sardan

".. our objects, bibelots, whatnots, and knickknacks-say the most about who we are. They are as honest as a diary."    - Charlotte Moss                      

                            "Be thoughtful, not weird..."  - Jonathan Adler

“Home is the nicest word there is.”   - Laura Ingalls Wilder

How to Draw on your Walls

When my daughter was little, I was constantly cleaning the walls (okay, well not really, but I should have been). I know lots of mothers who had an entire arsenal of cleaning equipment, and spent a lot of time chasing down the messes, and researching the best way to get colored marker off the refrigerator door.

My (lazy?) solution was always to give my daughter places where she could paint or color, without me worrying, and without stifling her creativity. If it was sunny outside, I would put her in a bathing suit, and let her paint anywhere she wanted to. It didn't matter if paint spilled, or if she went off the paper; she could add dirt and worms to her art, or paint the grass all day long if she wanted to.

Inside my house, I would use masking tape to outline several large shapes on the wall. She would color inside the tape, and when we peeled it off, she had drawn on the walls, and I had new artwork. Every few weeks I would paint over them, and give her new ones to fill in.

After a while, I wanted her to have more space, so, I used chalkboard paint on my walls. Admittedly, this may not be for the neatnik, or a clutter-free home (it will smudge, and can look quite messy) but it is still definitely one of my favorite options for children of all ages.

As life went on, the chalkboard wall was constantly used, but my daughter still needed actual paper to draw on. Most children want to draw or paint with messy abandon, and a small, neat piece of paper is not their preferred canvas. So, I decided to buy one of those giant rolls of newsprint paper that attach to the wall. She could tear off as much as she wanted (by herself, any time) draw anything at all (any size), and having unlimited sheets of paper gave her an immense feeling of freedom. (We would pin it across the wall afterwards, and she would marvel at the sheer size of what she had created).

Of course, I realize that not every home can be covered in chalkboard paint, and some parents may object to painted worms in the backyard, but there are other ways to keep your walls clean, and your child creative:

• Consider using a bold, darker color in every room; it will look clean for a lot longer, won't be as tempting as white, and unwanted drawings will just seem like abstract patterns on the wall.
• Compromise, with a decorative and creative statement that you all can enjoy. This Picture Frame Wallpaper (above) by Graham & Brown is perfect for any room of the house (use a lot, or a little).  

Honestly, no matter how much you try, children will always want to draw on walls; so why not give in, make up your own rules, and just let them..... 

Design your own Details

My sister alters her clothes herself; if a top is too long, she will cut it, if pants are too big, she will adjust them, and if she doesn't like the buttons, she will sew on new ones. This seems normal to her, but when she first suggested I manipulate a shirt to suit my shape, I was a little scared. I thought you bought them, and wore them. Not being a seamstress, it never occurred to me to change them myself, and a tailor seemed like a luxury that you kept for special occasions.

So, last week, as I painted matte black nail polish over a bright silver buckle on my belt, I realized that what she was doing, what she had taught me, was what I actually do all the time with my work. We tweak it. We work with what we have, and we make it fit (creatively, of course).

It got me thinking about all of the things in our homes that we can tweak ourselves. Not big DIY projects, but small adjustments that make a difference, and make our homes a bit more personal. One of the things I get told quite often, is that clients don't want their house to look like everyone elses; they cringe when they show me the generic print that came from the wall of a popular retail store, but they bought it because they liked it, and it fit the space. (What they didn't like was that their neighbors also had the same print, the same size, with the same frame).

As someone who once painted her entire sofa with coffee (to create an antique finish, of course), I thought I would share with you a few easy things that are not as drastic as painting your sofa, but will still make a significant impact to normal (generic) everyday items.

- Knobs, hooks and other hardware: If shiny metal, consider using sandpaper to make them less new, and buff them with dark stain to age them. Try nail polish remover to remove some of the coating, and let them age naturally. If you want metal to look more modern, try high quality colored nail polishes (the colors are far more interesting and varied than metal paint. Plus, the brush is perfect for small surfaces).
For wood hardware, stain, paint, polyurethane or distress, depending on your style. Decide the look you what you want, then make it happen.

- Generic paintings and photographs. Change out the frame with something unexpected. If it is a fancy painting, get a simple frame, and vice versa. Buy an extra large mat (or several in different sizes) and create a big frame around a tiny picture. If it is an inexpensive print, try altering it a little with random paint splatters, a light wash of another color, or a little bit of crackle paint. Be unpredictable.

- Lampshades: Add buttons, felt polka dots, or upholstery trim with a hot glue gun. I have even painted them before, and although it works, it does alter the light that it gives off, so be careful if it is a task light. Have fun with this, and treat it as an inexpensive accessory.

- Appliances: Buy replacement knobs, and drip plans in different colors/metals. than it came with (usually on-line, and very inexpensive). Appliance paint I haven't used, so will leave that up to you (I know one person who had a terrible time with it, and a few others who had great success with it).

Whatever you do, never assume that what you have is what you have to live with; like clothes, many things can be adjusted to suit you and your style. A generic budget doesn't have to mean that your home is limited and boring, it just requires a little bit of creativity. But, I wouldn't advise painting your sofa with coffee - it took ages to dry, I never got rid of the stale coffee smell, and, well, I admit, it was just kind of weird....

Design "Do's" for Every Home

Helping people in fall in love with their homes, is something that I never, ever get tired of doing. Over the years, I have learned to look at spaces with a certain amount of detachment; we all have different tastes (and budgets) and what we like should be respected, and is very personal.

Knowing what I do, friends have sometimes said that I should “Ignore the mess”, or “Please don’t say anything, I know that my living room needs to be redecorated”. When they say this, I can honestly tell them that I don’t look at their homes that way. If they want my advice, I will gladly give it, but to poke holes in the way that someone lives, without an invitation, is never welcome. Besides, who am I to throw stones? My home is often in a state of flux, or, at the very least, looking well-loved.

That being said, I have found, that there are some general guidelines that apply to almost every home, regardless of style or budget. Here are five of my favorites:

• GIVE EVERY ROOM A PURPOSE: Use the room for what it was intended, or, create a new use for it. Whatever you do, don't use it as a storage room for Rubbermaid boxes, Christmas ornaments and a broken Futon (unless it is in fact a storage room - even so, please get rid of the broken Futon).
• HAVE TABLES WHERE YOU NEED THEM: Apart from filling out the design in a room, they are practical pieces of furniture. Where else do you put your coffee, book, snack, remote control, flowers (feet?).
• SHOW US WHERE YOUR FRONT DOOR IS: Every visitor should know how to find you. Make the door, and the way to get to it, obvious. Nothing worse than standing there, trying to figure out where to go.
• REMOVE ANY DEAD PLANTS IN POTS: Truth is, every home (I think) needs organic things in them (other than the people and their pets). Stems and mulch from a deceased orchid will make you feel depressed. 
• PLEASE THROW AWAY THE FUZZY TOILET SEAT COVER AND LITTLE MATCHING MAT: I realize that this can be one of those automatic home purchases, and I am not squeamish at all when it comes to cleanliness, but do you actually close the lid, sit on the cover and put your feet on the mat? Do you have men and boys using your bathroom?  ’nuff said.

Photograph borrowed from the Huffington Post

...

No, this isn't a post about ants, or weird critters invading your garden, it's about the other visitors, the friends and family who stop by when you least expect it.

Where I grew up, this happened quite a lot. Life was a little more impromptu; appointments were rarely made, and there was usually a cup of tea and a biscuit involved. We had long afternoons of catching up, and lots of time forgetting about all the other things we were "supposed" to be doing.

Now, I find I still do that with a lot of my friends; a cup of coffee turns into three hours, and a quick hello is spent discussing politics, the newest lipstick, or just picking a big bunch of flowers.

This month, I had several unexpected visitors on my doorstep. My friends know me, and nothing makes me happier than to stop what I am doing, and spend time with someone I care about. One morning, I woke up to a beautiful purple hydrangea on my doorstop. My friend couldn't stay, but I ran out in my nightgown to say thank you. It was the loveliest way to start off my day! Other times, I have been surprised with vegetables from someones garden, and, earlier in the year, I got warm, fresh-picked strawberries.

Usually we find time for a cup of tea, or at least a chat on the doorstep, and it reminds me of what I want my world to be like; it is comforting, nourishes my soul, and makes the difficult pieces seem a whole lot sweeter. If it is a planned visit, I will try to make a cake, some quick scones, or run to the farm market for something sweet. Of course, this can't always happen, but as long as I stop what I am doing, and make people feel welcome, the effect is still the same. (I never want anyone to think they are interrupting my day, tapping my feet waiting for them to leave).

I think, if you find the world is becoming to busy, and you're not happy about it, it is nice to try and focus on spending more time with other people. Invite a dear friend for cake (even if you've never made one - give it a try) or talk to that person that you always see in the supermarket.
I became friends with someone once next to the tomatoes. I told her I really liked her dress, and we started talking about vintage clothing and flea markets. We exchanged email addresses, and quickly became shopping friends.

When you invite more people into your life, it can help you slow down, and appreciate what you have. Studies show that we are becoming less connected, and much more impatient with each other. Dropping off an unexpected gift, or sharing a cup of something, won't solve the problems of the world, but it will definitely lower your blood pressure, and increase your happiness quotient. (Health and happiness, what more do you need? .... )

Lemonade Scones are a favorite New Zealand classic. The photograph and recipe are from Fresh. I find that original, fizzy lemonade (Sprite etc) or ginger-ale, work best. 

Worth the Wait!

Like so many people, and for no particular reason, I love different shapes; whether it is a table, a mirror, or something that I just haven't seen before, I like things that are a little "off", a little unusual. With character. The problem with this, if you want to call it a problem, is that because they are one of a kind, when I see something, I almost always have to get it.

I never regret buying what I love, but I confess that I do have things that have been constantly moved around my house for over 20 years, just because I like looking at them, but were never quite sure what to do with them. One of my favorite things is a pair of vintage light fixtures; oddly shaped, I could never get them to fit anything modern, but I adored them just the same. All I really do is put them on a pile of books, or use them to fill a space. I still enjoy them, but I always feel a little sad that they no longer have a real purpose. I imagine their previous life to be in some cheap, art deco hotel, being turned on and off  while people smoke cigarettes, drink scotch, and ponder the rise and fall of the stock market.

One day, while my light fixtures were just sitting on a shelf, our downstairs fan broke. (Well, it broke with 14 teenage girls turning it on and off during a birthday party sleepover). I had always hated the fan anyway, but I needed to get it fixed, as we did use it during the Summer months (or, more often, when the smoke alarm went off near the kitchen). As the electrician replaced the part, I glared at the fan I hated, and began to wonder about replacing it, or, at the very least painting it. Honestly, it had about as much character as a pre-chewed blob of gum, and I couldn't believe I had allowed it in my house for so long.

As I replaced the plain, white glass I remembered the vintage light fixture sitting on the shelf. Never imagining it would fit, I promised myself I would go and buy a new fan, but first I would just see how the vintage fixture would have looked.
With a little encouragement, and a smaller bulb (I may never get it off) I got it on.
And, I have loved it ever since!

Summer Road Trip

To me, Summer seems to be one of those times when we try to capture a different American Dream; we suddenly want to create the perfect BBQ, drink strange, frozen drinks with our friends, and watch the children run through sprinklers on a perfectly manicured lawn (stopping occasionally to eat a red Popsicle, say "Thank you", and smile lovingly at their doting parents).

We are inundated with photographs and commercials, showing us snapshots of a pretend family, and implying that we only have a few months left to grab some fun; that now is the time to whisk up a laborious, homemade, special hot sauce, go camping with the neighbors, and (inexplicably) take our dog on a long road trip to find the zombie brewery that we saw in the "Weird NJ" magazine.

So, we plan the BBQ, and we find the zombie's, but we decide to buy the hot sauce. Our days aren't as perfect as the photograph in the magazine, but we find some new places to visit, get the garden in good shape, and we try to spend more time with the children. Life is like that; a jumbled mixture of ideas that get thrown together and sifted through. We can't do it all, but we can always figure out a way to do some of the fun stuff.

Although I don't like the idea of saving my fun for Summer, I do see that for some people it is the best, guaranteed way to plan their down time. Almost like forcing you to relax, without feeling (too) guilty. Some people still find it difficult, and even their relaxing seems too exhausting for me. They look for gadgets and "things" that will make their Summer easier, and save them time. Honestly, I get tired just looking at them (never mind reading the directions on how I am supposed to use them). I prefer to try and use what I have, or do without; I tend to luxuriate in my lazy days, and keep things as simple as possible.
But, if you are someone who is less lazy than me, and your heart flutters at the thought of the newest widget, then you still have a few weeks left to buy one of these time-saving lovelies.......

Pig Tail Food Flipper:  This, I am putting first, because I know I would be the person who would misunderstand the directions, and flip my steak onto the lawn. Surely tongs are easier? But, it comes in a nice, wooden box, so would be a lovely gift.
Hot Dog Forks: Another easy way to quickly lose your food on the grass, but, it would be great for roasting marshmallows, and making S'Mores.
Doggles: Perfect for protecting your dog's eyes on those long, hanging out the window, road trips.
Outdoor Chair with attached table, pockets, drinks holder and more: Perfect for the beach, outdoor concert, patio, camping, or even your favorite bachelor's Living Room.
Meatball Grill Basket: I have heard that this works very well, and it looks very cute, but it seems like a lot of effort to get twelve piddly meatballs (and I can't even imagine cleaning it afterwards).
Barbecue Dining Boat: Just to see if you were reading. This has a built in grill, a retractable umbrella, and seats ten people. (But is it worth $50,000? Personally, I would prefer the Hot Tub Boat at $42,000)
Beach Towel with speakers and a pillow: Why not? Great for your backyard, vacation by the pool, or the beach (compatible with most music sources).
Ice Cream Insulated Bucket: To me, this is the best one on the list. Sharing optional.

Decorating Funnies for your Weekend!

Let's face it, creating beautiful, happy, comfortable homes is what I absolutely love to do (and I do take it very seriously) but, decorating homes also has a really funny side to it.
I can't take credit for any of these cartoons, but I do hope they make you smile....
                                                                                                                  Enjoy your week,
                                                                                                                                    - Wendy

Controlling Collections

They say that the world is divided into two types of people; those who collect, and those who don't. I never thought of myself as a collector, but I do know that I accidentally accumulate things, and I am sometimes reluctant to let some of them go.

Never a fan of sameness, I tend to like things for all different types of reasons. I buy necklaces for their uniqueness, used-worn-down pencils (not sure why, but they always make me smile), photographs of people being happy and spontaneous, and old childrens books (I love the stories, the care with which they were created, and of course the words...). I also like to see, or use what I have, so I don't buy something unless I really want it. I guess it still counts as a type of collecting, but I rationalize that if they are labors of love, and in neat little categories, then I am not really a collector.

(Sometimes, when I am having a moment, the word collector conjures up visions of a Star Trek Convention, with grown men wearing plastic, pointy ears, waiting for Captain Kirk to sign their original lunch box from 1969). Although I am a big fan of William Shatner, I don't fall into this category of collecting. If you are a person who does, then collecting is probably a constant quest to accumulate everything connected to your favorite subject or hobby, and where you will put it is a secondary thought in the process. The fun thing about this type of collecting is that it is never-ending, and the joy is definitely more about the chase than how you intend to display it in your home.

Some collections often start out as gifts. We might notice that a friend likes to drink tea, so we buy them a new teapot for their birthday. She loves it so much, that we decide that surely she would like three even better than two. Before we know it, other people have noticed, and they are thrilled to give her a gift that she will automatically love. We remember that she always wanted to visit Paris, so we order a Parisian teapot for her online. Before you know it, it has become a bit of a gift-giving game; we discover the wonderful new world of teapots, and we present her with a new one for every occasion.Years later, she still looks at them fondly, but realizes that all she really wants is a cup of tea (made with a teabag) not 57 teapots scattered throughout her kitchen...

Whatever may have prompted you to collect, here are some thoughts on living happily (and decoratively) with your favorite obsessions:

- If you don't absolutely love it, store it, sell it, or give it away.
- Be realistic. Don't hang onto it just because "it may be worth money some day". It may, but will you, or your children, ever really sell it?
- If it's very important to you, label and date, or catalog, each item when you get it.
- Choose one or two areas in your home for your collection; a shelf, a room, a basement, a wall etc. Don't expand these spaces as you collect; just pack away what doesn't fit, and rotate the items every now and again.
- Be creative, not formal, with your displays. If it is something small, consider piling them in bowls, jars or boxes. Layer items on shelves, instead of lining them up like soldiers. Not every single thing has to be seen completely at all times.
- Don't be afraid of change. If you are getting bored with your collection, store it away for a while. If you miss it, bring it back, if you don't, then don't.
- Store it properly. If it is worth taking up space in your cellar, then take care of it, and invest in proper containers and packing materials.
- If it is useful, use it.
- Tell your friends and family, kindly, if you are getting tired of collecting something. They won't know unless you tell them, and no-one wants to give (or receive) gifts that are no longer appreciated.

I have to confess, that sometimes I buy fruit just because I like the way they are going to look in my cast iron bowl. Perhaps this could be called a temporary collection? Would love to hear what you collect. Drop me a line, and I will post it on my blue giraffe Facebook page.