I Think I've Found It!

Busy times these days! I'm on a fund raising committee at my girls school and have been planning the upcoming meetings to organize the event, round up volunteers and get parents to come spend lots of money! It can be difficult in this economy.
Last Friday was my day to spend with my sister and best friend. We could have fun laughing and talking about anything, anywhere..doing just about anything! We love to travel! Suzie has been in the business for many, many years so we have enjoyed many "Girl Trips" with just the two of us and many with friends and family. Last year was a cRaAZzy Vegas trip with about 7 of us. She lined up limos and dinners for us. We were taking our niece out there for the first time and with her looks and all that cuteness in a two piece she arranged some VIP suites at some night clubs through our very accomodating cabana boys! I use the term "boys" loosely..ahh to be 20 something again!! Not really though..I have a wonderful cabana boy (man) here at home. We have a neighborhood pool and he is quite the bartender/caterer poolside. I love a man that can pack a cooler of cheese,sausage,cocktails and juice boxes too for our lil peeps! Can you tell I'm so over Winter and I'm dreaming of warmer weather. Will it ever arrive??
Anywho..on to my "Girl Friday Outing"
My chair project is progressing nicely. I've found a great fabric that replicated the Romo I swooned over and then had chest pains when I was informed of the price. Not having a clue on a good reupholsterer, I now have to do my homework on that. My husband has one near his office so we are going to meet for lunch on Thursday and I'll have my little rescue in tow for them to look over and price out the job.
Here are some photos of our day..I'm still needing to read up on the "Help" header to post pics differently but time has been precious and I didn't want to keep the fabric reveal waiting.
So how did I do comparing the Romo Manderley Fabric?

Sophisticated and Feminine Touches For The Love That She Is!

I was in the area of my sister's office a couple of weeks ago and popped in to say "Hi". We were sitting in there chit-chatting and I can't help but to look around and revamp, update and declutter her space in my head. She recently became president of her travel tour company and deserves a wonderful, creative and efficient space. Susan is a dedicated worker, wonderful mom, wife, not to mention the friend and sister she is to me. I simply cherish her! So I went home and thought I'd figure this Polyvore Site out and see what I come up for her. Oh, what fun!

To help save the budget we would use her large desk and credenza with possibilties of refinishing them or painting them out. Susan has a large window that overlooks a co-workers desk and back.(Awkwardly placed but adds much needed natural light) To give both parties privacy and some separation I would like to use the black and white graphic fabric from Ikea to make banner like panels that can be partitioned closed or simply to breakup the mass of window with a rod and tracking. I first had thought a deep charcoal with suede texture for the wall behind the the desk where the credenza is and the starburst mirror would hang but Janell at Isabella and Max's Room is doing a chalkboard wall for her husband's office and thought maybe that could work for Susan as well. I am simply loving her project! The space I came up with has a look of sophistication and feminine touches through out. The pops of oranges should bring a smile to her face every morning.

I e-mailed Susan my thoughts and she liked it but because her schedule she is not quite as excited to delve into as I am!:( I'll have to work on her!! ;)

I apologize for not putting in links to the above mentioned blog. I'm truly still figuring this all out and hope to learn more of the ins and outs with time. But I do encougarge you to look it up and tour around her blog. It will not disappoint!

Thrown ToThe Curb, Saved By Me

This is my project for our office that is on indefinite hold pending more investigation of fabrics. The hunt can be so fun! But that is a whole nether post when my sister I get together next Friday for shopping and lunch with no children. Hmm sounds delightful! I found a wonderful fabric through one of the blogs I follow, Real Estate Style. It's the Manderley by Romo Fabric, with olives, charcoals and a whole host of other greens. I called around several places and could only find one store that carried it here. So I e-mailed pics and fabric information and was floored by the cost per yard. I'm not a designer so I am clueless and naive on pricing. $166 per yard with an estimate "my little rescue" needs 7 yards to transform it in to the beauty I envision. I'm rethinking this fabric for many reasons. I have in mind now gray flannel and painting the woodwork a more pewter than the gray with a charcoal rub I had first thought. Sounds kind of ho-hum but I would pop it with a funky patterned lumbar pillow. A safe choice if I want to move the chair through out my home over the years.
I have an area rug that went off to the cleaners last week. We put it in storage last year when we got the pup. I'm most likely going to shop my house to get the space to a usable level. I do have my eye on the Ripple leather desk chair in ivory from C&B. Dreaming!! Aside from a lamp or two and prints that should complete the look for now.

My Cast Of Characters

I Have to just jump right in and get my feet wet and learn as I go along. I'm rather old school and with trial and error I'm navigating my way around this web world. It can be fun and yet so much time can be absorbed before you know it. We got our lap top sometime early last year and I must say..laundry and housework in general suffered. I finally got a grip and now have a pretty good balance but I do find on my days off I do enjoy a pot of coffee and my laptop. Today is a perfect day for this activity because of the cold temps outside. A snow storm is in the forecast for later so it's cloudy outside yet the natural light that streams in the Great Room and my little four legged friend at my feet still warms my insides. My youngest girl is going full days now on Tuesdays and Thursdays so that frees up some "Mommy Time". I do have to volunteer up at school at noon so I must stay on task. Hard to do sometimes!
Lets see..I have so many balls in the error regarding decorating...I have several projects started but not completed and some I can't wait to pop the paint cans on! Time and budget have stalled some and reaching a decision is the other culprit. Yes, I'll say it here..I am in decisive! I am going to post pictures of my incomplete projects in hopes to organize my thoughts and goals for the space. That's what I look forward to this blog helping me to do. If I inspire or help someone along the way, well that is just bonus. There are so many wonderful blogs on here, such talented and giving people.
My little gems keep me busy too. I love planning family events, whether it be ice skating, picnics or a simple walk in the neighborhood. My husband always teases me about packing a 5 pound bag with 10 pounds of stuff. But in my defense I cherish my days as a little girl growing up in a large family and I hope to create wonderful times my girls will never forget.
Enjoy your day!
Maureen