Tidbit Tuesday :: St Patricks Day Ideas

St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time - a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic.

With St Patrick's Day approaching faster than a leprechaun chasing after a pot of gold, it's time we get into the spring of things and start preparing for the decorating for the holiday. 

No need to get all clover'ed out and splash shamrocks from floor to ceiling. There are plenty of ideas you can do to get your pad prepped for patty's day and here a few:

Add a centerpiece to your dining table or ottoman/coffee table that is emphasized in the green family. Green vases and jars, greenery from your own yard or even faux picked up at the local JoAnn's. Either way, you can go all out without going all gaudy. 

(Anything set upon a gold tray is GOLDEN in my book...PERIOD!)

http://recycledcrafts.craftgossip.com/recycle-green-bottles-into-the-perfect-st-patricks-day-decorations/2011/02/23/

A simple ribbon tacked into place with pearls push pins and placed upon a small saucer (from any local dollar store) will lighten the mood.

Placing Granny Smith apples into a glass vase or jar will add some eye-popping color to any corner.

You can also do this with leftover green ornaments from Christmas. Get out the box of decorations from this past holiday and see what you got to work with that is clever.

And don't forget: If you are entertaining for the evening, nothing screams Happy St Patrick's Day like corned beef and cabbage. 

Corned Beef & Cabbage Recipe

If prepared properly, it'll have all your guest feeling lucky you invited them. 

A good drink I'd like to offer would be the classic Mint Julep. It's refreshing, down home, and sure to be a crowd pleaser. Garnish with a couple mint sprigs (or even a four leaved clover if you come across any) would be festive.

Mint Julep Recipe

Happy Decorating for St Patrick's Day! I wish you all but luck (you'll get plenty of that when you find the pot o' gold :)

2012: The Happy Home Project (basement brush-up)

To anyone else: a basement is a basement. It's dark, dingy, and drab. It's where the cobwebs go to grow and the dust bunnies jump as if in a garden of plush greens. 


Well, my basement is the same. It's NOTHING special and it's all of the above aforementioned. It's where we store things; anything from extra garments, shoes, handbags, toys, ski gear, painting supplies, crafting supplies, the vacuum and carpet shampooer, a pool table that is currently being used for more storage and an extra queen sized bed that we'd love to have guests sleep in but the remainder of the basement makes us too ashamed to even show them that we have a basement at all. Most importantly, it's where I do the laundry. 


It may be my obsessive compulsive behavior acting out again, I do my very best to keep it at bay, however; like the bathroom; I don't see ANY sense in trying to take a shower or clean yourself when the surrounding area is filth. The moment you step foot on the bathmat set outside the tub, you feel like jumping right back in right? The same goes with the laundry. I've literally been avoiding EVER possible instance when I must step foot to the basement and upon retrieving the laundry from the dryer, I quickly scramble upstairs to do the folding as to not get any of my laundered clothes dirty again. (I know! Sounds crazy right? Well, if the shoe fits...and I've ALWAYS been fond of shoes:))


I look at the basement as what it is: its the foundation to this (happy) home. It's the building blocks that holds the rest of the structure (that I work so diligently on maintaining). It shouldn't go without being noted.


So, with NO money at all and no plan to boot...
Well...actually I just went downstairs to retrieve the laundry and started sweeping while I was waiting for the buzzer on the dryer to sound. Sweeping led to dusting which led to cobweb removing and rearranging of almost anything on the floor to get to the dust bunnies which led to moving more things around which led to about an hour of me downstairs (the longest I've ever been down there, especially by myself) yelling to the kids, "I'm downstairs!" In unison I hear, "Where?!" I scream again, "I'm downstairs." I hear the elephant stampede down the first flight of stairs, then the second flight right above my head. Then I see their faces peering through the open door at the top of the last flight, bending down to see me. My son says, "Mom? Why are you down here?," when he really wants to say, "What the hell are you doing down there and most importantly why are you alone?" It's quite terrifying and they were as surprised as I was. 


I only got to roughly 1/16 of the entire space that needs a good overhaul but I'm satisfied with the progress thus far (and even more satisfied that I did it all with things lying about the basement:)

bLaH right?!?! Now you know why I've NEVER been a fan of doing the laundry. I simply have NO inspiration, no motivation, and nothing pretty to look at while I'm laundering the loads. 

And?..

I used some old closet doors to partition off the water heater and furnace and threw some old curtains up behind the units to hide all the mechanical features and the cinder block walls framing the atmosphere. I pulled in an older metal shelf that wasn't being used for anything in particular, gave it a good scrub and placed all my laundering necessities neatly upon it. I then took an old dividing screen that has seen better days. It's so old that the only thing remaining was the actual frame. I used $1 wrapping paper I had left over from a previous project and I simply taped it into place. I will most likely find some fabric to affix into place at a later time but for the moment, this is what I had and it works fine. 

Pretty proud of the project. It makes doing laundry much nicer to attempt and it certainly makes me want to get busy on the rest of the area. It's inspiration to a rather dark and drab basement and until there are actual walls or flooring (aside from concrete), the used up dividers, drapes and throw rugs are barely breaking any budget for this basement brush-up.

My laundry room is like life: I'm continuously sorting it out (one load at a time). 

-Fashion-Forward-Friday- ::: Great Finds :::

The Basics : Pieces you can save on

Luckily, when you're wardrobe building, there are many places where you can skimp a tad. It's not about low quality, it's about knowing what should be easy on the budget. 


*Jeans- While, hands down, most people claim to get more wear out of their jeans than any other article of clothing, there is still no need to spend big bucks on your blues. Yes, we all have our favorites that get a lot of use, but we are also fickle and no doubt happier to have more than one cut to choose from- at least a pair to wear with high heels and one to wear with flats. Besides, who needs high maintenance denim? You won't think twice about throwing more affordable jeans in the washer and dryer. 
I scored on a pair of black straight leg jeans from a thrift store this past weekend. 99 cents Green Tag Special and they are superb! SUPERB I say! 


*Pants- Think of them as dinner-table dressing. No one sees your bottom when you're sitting at a table, behind a desk, or even having a tête-à-tête at a crowded party. So why empty out your wallet on something that gets so little attention? Spend on your top. If that's exquisite, it'll keep all eyes up (to your smiling face).


*Skirts- Following the same logic as pants, skirts are the second half of your outfit and are a support for your top, therefore they don't always have to be so pricey. Yet, unlike pants, they have the potential to define you- say, tantalizing in a thigh-high, demure in a dirndl, or powerful in a pencil- so choose your skirt shape wisely.


*Button-ups- (my fav fashion find) These no-frill tops aren't meant to last a lifetime. White is the color of choice for the men's-style shirt, which means its needs to be laundered a lot-and it requires ironing to keep it neat. Therefore, the shirt gets worn out fast. Since it is best sharp and crisp, you'll want to restock often. My favorite cut is from Express and although they can be pricey, I've been lucky enough to stock my closet with one from almost every color in the rainbow including black and white from second hand stores as well. If you find them on sale at Express, stock up on them. They're timeless and classic and can go with almost anything.


*Lightweight knits- Thin sweaters are ideal for layering, so it's advisable to have many in your stable. Because you'll use these as flexible go-to items (over anything, under some things, thrown in your bag in case you get cold), multi-ply, heavy-duty fabrics are not necessary. Fine (and therefore less expensive) wool or cotton works best.


*Tees & Tanks- This is the most obvious are where you can pinch pennies. There are plenty of brands out there offering well-made tees with appropriate price tags. Look for longer styles for more layering versatility. So, when you find the best fit and fabric, stock up!


"If you find something you like, get it in two colors." -Elle Macpherson

2012: The Happy Home Project (More than meets the eye)

As I've mentioned before, upon starting out on this whole adventure, this entire Happy Home Project is about more than just what is aesthetically pleasing; it's about much more than what meets the eye.


Sure, it's apparent, we all want our homes to reflect our personal styles and family behaviors. We like to have things comfy and cozy for nights of snuggling and watching movies and we want our rooms to shine with happiness as our souls do upon entering such said rooms on bright mornings filled with chatter and laughter. We like to update where we can, downgrade where we like, sweep and scrub, polish and primp, and fluff our stuff to the fullest right? (((winking))) RIGHT!


However, when your spirits are feeling low and like they're barely hanging on; like the cobwebs hanging in the corner of the unreachable corner of the tall vaulted ceiling; it's irrelevant the glow that reflects on the walls when the sun shines through. It's difficult enough to climb out of the bed in the morning, let alone make it when you finally do peel yourself from the sheets. 


I'm in that slump. As much as I want to make this Home Happy, I realize it's not about how much effort I put forth; it's about the rest of the family that make up this Happy Home. If I haven't the help of all parties, the appreciation and acceptance from everyone involved in this Happy Home; it's not much a Happy Home no matter what color I paint it or how many throw pillows I throw upon the sofa to cuddle and relax. The candles go unlit, the dusting and vacuuming of the floors goes longer between takes, the pillows are not so fluffed (like my confidence), and the response has been the same. 


It's not the Happy Home when the smiles and laughter are replaced with shattered dreams and endless hopes. It's not the Happy Home I had constituted. It's not the utopia I had placed highly on my most valued (dusted) shelf and let shine in the light and glory of each new day. It's nothing like I had hoped, nothing like I had imagined, and worse than it's ever been and worse than all, there's no sense in opening the drapes in the morning, sunlight isn't seeming to shine here.


I quite possibly should have started on the basement, fixing it up here and there, scattering some throw rugs over the cold concrete floor and plugging in a fluorescent lamp with a snake neck for altering the mood in the corner of the room and placed myself down there (in peace). That way the sun would only be possible to shine through one small corner window that is covered by clothing racks. That way I could step foot on the floor and relate the coldness to that of the heart of others. That way I wouldn't be able to nail pictures into the wall to surround myself with smiling faces, only scotch tape them to the cinder blocks to showcase the jail cell I currently reside in. It makes complete sense to me and although that might be fine for others to live with; this Happy Home(Maker) might need to find some new digs to fill with happiness. 


It's nothing that is set in stone, nor can be done overnight; but the thought is burning bright like the vintage lamp that currently resides in the upstairs family room (where no family resides). We currently spend our days in our separate spaces of the house, no talking over the dinner table because "dinner is meant to be quiet"???, and no doing homework at the dining table because it was supposed to be fixed when we moved in and later broke apart again and crashed all the dishes to the floor, breaking everything in its path; including the spirits of 4 small children who were shaken with fright and startled with surprise. 


That table has 4 legs, one leg is off balance and just rests there and lets the other 3 legs do the work. If someone (or something) taps the alignment of that leg within an inch, it'll all come crashing down. I wanted to glue it. Why not?! They make glue stronger then the wood itself. It would signify the solidarity of the table, add some oomph and strength and live to host another dinner. However, that was a "silly idea"-to put it kindly. "It will get fixed." Yet another thing being spoken and then left floating about in the air like the dust filling the room since the furnace filter has yet to be replaced. (It's been purchased already ((thank you))). <<<>>> 


That table is a trademark to the family that resides in this Happy Home. It takes all of us to stand it up, working together to support the strength of the table top that is this family unit. One person falls down, gets out of whack, off course a bit and the entire top comes crumbling down with everything that was piled upon it. However, the other 3 legs stand strong. They're attached, they're firm and they do their job to the fullest. They stand tall, they stand proud, they support. 


Looks as though I might have to listen to myself and glue that damn leg ...OR get a new table altogether.


I haven't decided yet. Either way, that bum table leg has to get a complete overhaul or it'll find itself out on the curb Monday with the rest of the trash. It needs all your thoughts and prayers. Pray for the leg. It needs the assistance, the support, the strength and it has proved it's not possible to do it by itself. 


Thanks for the support!


Until next time...enjoy your Happy Home; big, small, contemporary, or country. It is what you and your loved ones make it to be; try to keep it Happy :)

2012: The Happy Home Project (Dining Room Chand)

H8 2 Decor8? NOT ME! I'm obsessed and although I've been out of commission (errr...staples) these past few days, have no fear! I am back in gear!!!


While enjoying my favorite part of the day---romantic evenings huddled around the dining table after the hustle and the bustle of the days routines have settled down nicely like the meal set neatly upon the table. All 4 children settled in, ready to get to their storytelling about the days events. The stories and the memories are always wonderful. The light fixture hanging above the dinner table?...not so wonderful.

It has good bones, a nice sprawled out design that can easily light the entire dining area but the orang(ish) color had been peeling and flaking off this old fixture and I was NOT having it!

And clearly there is no sense in updating and making the rest of the space presentable (yet functional) if this gawd awful fixture is old and dilapidated. It had run its course and it was time to bring it back to light. 


So...
I got to work! 

Some light sanding and some mild soap and warm water got them in painting condition.

And while the first coat of paint was drying, Jaxon and I made banana bread and while it was baking in the oven, we laughed and giggled to pictures we posed for while nestled on the kitchen floor. 


I've finished up with the second coat today and hung the final project. Not a dime was spent to update the 'lier (used excess paint from my inventory;) 

I can't wait to see it lit (in the grand golden hue it is) when the sun falls neatly upon the late afternoon. 

Slowly but surely becoming a Happy Home?! .... I think so :)

I hope that each of you enjoy the rest of your week and have a joyful, fun-filled weekend with family and friends (in your Happy Home no less)

"A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams."
Cheers to your happy home! (and yes, I have a glass of champagne in my hand) I deserve it. 


On to the next project...

-Fashion-Forward-Friday- ::: Ultimate Classics :::

The Timeless Staples


Once you have your closet essentials down, it's worth stocking up on pieces that will always look great, no matter the trend du jour. Think versatility, longevity, and everlasting appeal- the clothing that style setters from Catherine Deneuve to Kate Moss have always relied on. 


*White Tees: They are the all-American standard. You'll always find uses for basic tees, whether atop denim on weekends or with a dressy skirt for a sporty edge. They're also the ground work for layering.


*Cashmere Cardigans: As a part of a sweater set or in a longer V-neck grandpa cut, a button-up sweater offers the most adaptability- perfect with a pencil skirt for work, sexy at night with nothing underneath or as a cocktail-dress topper, and a great layering piece for casual days. Classic colors- camel, navy, black, and gray- will get more wear than brights or patterns.


*White Jeans: A more glamorous take on the basic jean, these clean pants are effortlessly cool. All they need is a cashmere V-neck on top for a jet-set aura. They even work in the winter paired with a cozy knit or fur.


*Shift Dress: Think Jackie O's simple, pared-down, but polished style. The minimal frock couldn't be easier to wear- working with a blouse or a tee under, with flats or pumps- making it a no-brainer for every woman's wardrobe.


*Trench Coat: It's the ultimate symbol of chic- loved by woman young, old, curvy, slim, conservative, or edgy. It's a versatile piece that is at the same time practical, glamorous, and cool. Whether you wear it over worn-in jeans or a fancy dress, you're sure to look sophisticated.  






 





 







It is not my intention to make this post entirely about Jackie O or her endless and timeless  style, however, I started searching and couldn't simply find one picture to post of this iconic fashionista. And?! She deserves a little bit more of a write up than I am currently capable of, and although she has been covered endlessly and praised upon everywhere; I figured the pictures do the most judging and Jackie O's got it!!!


Now?! Have a wonderful weekend where I hope you enjoy dinners in (or out), event hosting (or attending), cocktail tasting (or downing), and may you always be dressed the n9nes in any occassion. Because?!...you deserve to be!


Happy Friday and Have a Great, well dressed to impress Weekend!

2012: The Happy Home Project (Downstairs Living Area Wall)

We're completely snowed in & it's absolutely great! I have all the children filling the house with lovely sounds consisting of "I'm bored!" and "What are we going to do?" as if I am the ringmaster and in charge of orchestrating this circus. 


I was the type of kid that you'd put me in a room by myself with a pencil, a piece of paper, and anything I could use for a straight edge and I'd be occupied for hours upon hours. I'm still that way come to think of it. Nowadays it's like kids have lost their imagination sometimes. I don't mind showing them though; gives us more time to spend together AND makes the world seem to slow down for a bit while seeing the world from their eyes.


Upon deciding to paint a portion of the living room wall that was (you guessed it) left in despair, I threw all the pillows and cushions off of the couch to make easily accessible to the space needing a face-lift. Imagine having to show the children how the pillows and cushions could be used for many things if they only used their imagination a bit. "Like what?"- it appears I must be the brains and fun behind this operation as well huh? Gladly! 


After getting them to engage in fort building, dog piling, puppeteering and wrestling to their hearts content, I slowly proceeded stepping backwards and got to work on the wall that needed work.

(Clowns in my circus)

Here is a look at the wall that needed work (which is exactly what I have named it upon moving into the house). I'd say, "I might get to work on that wall that needs work," and I'd continue to roll around in bed; making every possible excuse not to exit the egyptian cotton hug I am always wrapped up in.

Today, while being snowed in, I figured it was the perfect opportunity to get started since I had the extra paint and the frog tape left over from the previous painting gigs.

It's not as though it needed an entire face-lift but the patches I have grown accustomed to since being in the house really have no place in my life, especially on walls I see every day. 

So, I got out the supplies, and got to work!

I didn't have enough paint leftover to do the entire wall 2 coats and that would make my downstairs living area entirely too dark and gloomy anyhow. I simply taped off the area I wanted highlighted and covered the spots with a symmetrical square to accent some artwork I wanted hung.

And wah-lah! In the words of Alicia Silverstone in Clueless. "Not a total Betty but a vast improvement." Not to mention very inexpensive and took me approximately 2 hours (drying time between coats included).

I will eventually frame out the rectangle with some basic black trim to add dimension. I might even add some small black shelving (2) to add some candles and other small treasures we have from my husband's home land of Greece for additional detail.

(and I'll replace that lamp that sticks out like a sore thumb)...but all in due time! :)

Snow is fine by me so long as I have something creative to work on while stuck inside all day. I managed to color (with crayola) a self-portrait of myself and surprisingly enough it was actually ok. Sophia says, "You are killing me! Is there anything you CAN'T do good?!" I replied, "Do well Sophia...Is there anything I can't do well? And the answer is NO. If you enjoy doing whatever it is you are doing, you will find you will always do it well." And it really is that simple. (I didn't start in on a deep conversation about being a perfectionist or OCD- I figured I'd better wait to open up that much. She'll figure it out soon enough on her own anyway.)

I'm behind a week in the Happy Home Project it would appear to the outside world. I haven't posted anything for last week that was done around the house and that is due to the fact that I ran out of staples for the project I was working on. I had to put it in the garage until I can get to Lowe's. It really drives me up a (freshly painted) wall to start something and not be able to finish it but I know it will get done, again, all in due time. 

Simply put: "Too many trials I have personally known, I'm trying to give my kids a happy home." :)