Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Blooming in January, Really?

I stepped outside for a little bit on Sunday and noticed something a little odd hanging out by the fence:

What the.....Daffodils in January?

In January!  I know we've had some warmer days lately, but daffodils, really??  It was a lovely little surprise. 
By the way, this pic is from my new personal photo a day project I've been doing. I'll share the details later this week.  What kinds of personal projects have been inspiring you lately?


Wednesday, January 25, 2012

A Little Something Pretty

I've been putting off my next post because there is so many more things that need to go on the To-Do list that I'm starting to feel overwhelmed and exhausted and I haven't even started!!  Let's all pause for a moment and look at something pretty.



This is such a warm and cozy room.  I love some many things about it, but let's talk about that spectacular wall of art. I have the beginnings of another art wall in the hallway just off the kitchen that is a crazy mix of styles and color.  I still need more stuff to fill it out but as with most things in my house it's a work in progress.  The image above is such a wonderful inspiration because it shows how disparate pieces can really work together. But it also reminds me of how important the magic of finding just the right pieces that will actually work together is.  I might even be inspired to hang another frame or two.  
What's inspiring you lately?  I seem to have lost my mojo and wouldn't mind a creative shove in the right direction.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Making My To-Do List, Pt 1

It occurred to me this morning that just because I think of things to blog about that DOESN'T been that they have actually been blogged!!  And it's been over a week.  Not blogging can be a slippery slope of continuing to not blog.  It's time to actually write down some of the things swirling around in my head.

What I've been thinking about are all the projects, large and small, that I'd like to do around the Reslus Arms.  As I mentioned earlier, thinking and doing are not the same thing.  But if I make a list that is a start to the doing, right?  So here I go with some of the around the house projects I'd like to accomplish in 2012 (because it's January and we should all make these kinds of lists at the beginning of the year)

1. Organize the Linen Closet
via Martha Stewart, of course

Well, almost all the closets really, but the linen closet needs it the worst.  I need to purge a lot and better organize what I have.  I'll be honest through, no matter how hard I try I can't fold a fitted sheet to look as nice as Martha's.  It is definitely not a skill I have.  Next I'll need to hit up the coat closet, which has it's own set of problems. And I'd also like to tackle the office closet and my Lady closet but I don't want to get too head of my self.
2. Finish the Guest Room!
 
 
After the big switch in the house more than 6 months ago our tiny guest room has acted as a holding area for other rooms during the move, Christmas gifts & wrapping, my growing stockpile of knits that need to be blocked, etc.  Basically, it's currently functioning as a walk in closet for the rest of the house.  I'm determined to make it functional and beautiful before the next time we have houseguests (I think I have until March)  Thankfully, now I have a deadline I can now work towards.  Here's what I need to do:
  • repaint the room - it was dinged up a bit when we moved the office out.  That means actually selecting a paint and then painting it.  After looking at the swatches below for months I think I'm going to paint it my favorite white (Benjamin Moore's White Dove).  Is that a cop-out? Maybe.  But I also really like white and think it will make for a nice little guest room
1/12 indecision

  • Line the drapes and hang them - though I found them way back in September and I've purchased the rods AND I think I have enough lining material in my stash I still need to do the work
  • Make a headboard - I've been waffling about the style of the of the headboard mostly based on my patience and skill level.  Should I attempt what I really want, pushing the boundaries of what I know I can do myself

            or should I stick with something a little more manageable and still really pretty?

Source: houzz.com via Aimee on Pinterest


  • repaint the bedside table, hang some art, find lamps,etc - finish up the room.  There are some big things to do in that little list but I'm getting tired of writing and I know you're getting tired of reading this.
I'll continue the list next time (and maybe even the next time! It's a long list)   In the meantime I'd love to hear your thoughts about which direction I should go with the headboard.  Help me make that decision! 

Monday, January 2, 2012

2012 is Here

Granddad's Cattle Barn
the cattle barn at my Grandparents over Christmas

Happy New Year to you all.  My new years plans were dashed by a sick stomach.  And while I was home alone with the puppy and my knitting trying not to be sad about missing out on all the festive fun (Congrats Emily & Robb!!!) I started making lists in my head of all that I wanted to do in 2012.
We have packed away the Christmas decorations and now I feel compelled to clean out the closets and the office.  I'm starting a new year long photo project (and I will finish it this year!!) and will be starting a new knitting project with my friend Leslie. There are things to be hung and put away.  There are projects to plan. I am hopeful about myself and my work in the year ahead of me. 

Welcome to 2012 friends.  I hope you find it a great one!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Happy Holidays!

ChristmasCard_2011

I'm looking forward to staying warm by the fire with my family for a few days.  I hope you are doing something as equally enjoyable with the ones that you love.  Thanks for keeping company with me during 2011.  Looking forward to a spectacular 2012.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Brush, Brush

Source: flickr.com via Aimee on Pinterest


I came across this image on pinterest last week and now I'm completely enamored with bottle brush Christmas trees.  I don't have a collection yet, but I think i might have to keep my eyes open.  I may have something new for the mantel next year.

Here, someone has amassed quite a collection
I love all the color


And the ones without color too!


And the ones that are flocked and have their own ornaments are beyond sweet


I've read grumblings that I could easily pick up a few at Michael's or Hobby Lobby that could be turned into something.  Maybe if I'm feeling crafty (oh, holiday knitting, will you ever be done???) I might try to create my own magical forest....they do look so cheery all grouped together. 

ETA: apparently I have the start to my collection already!  I just went downstairs and look what was sitting on the mantel

Sparkle little tree 

Thursday, December 15, 2011

A View from the Party

The Husband and I had a gig last night at The Jefferson Hotel here in Richmond, playing for a company Christmas party.  I snapped a few pics of the festivities before things got rolling too much.  Let's take a look at the party in progress:

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dessert!

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My view from the stage
My view from the stage.  I could look straight out the doors to the big tree and across to Mr Jefferson on the other side.  The stage was set up in front of the meat table which made the Husband very happy.  He could gaze upon the roast beef and pork all evening!

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my view overhead while on stage

Ooh, Shiny
ooh, Shiny!

Blond Betty on a Break
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