Finding meaning in the fluff

I've been having a hard time coming back to blogging after the Sandy Hook story occurred. That tragedy hit us all so hard, as it should have, and every time I started to write something about my holiday decor or parties or presents, I just felt wrong, as if I was ignoring something that really was far more important.

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Although tragic events are never well-timed, my kids only had four days of school left before winter break, so I have spent the last few weeks at home with them savoring their energy and holiday excitement. And yes, there were lots of decorations and table settings and entertaining going on, but as I scan my camera roll the only pictures I took are of my kids....sleeping, being goofy, finishing a 5K on New Year's Day.

The Sandy Hook tragedy and my lack of desire to write about the topics I'm usually really crazy about (i.e., my house, your house, someone else's beautiful house) brought to a head something that I struggle with in this job of home decor.  Even though I don't necessarily agree, I often realize that sometimes this line of work can be construed as fluffy.

I've been thinking about this "fluff factor" a lot and it made me recall a conversation I had with a client that I ran into at a party last year. We had worked together on remodeling her family room, and in the process we decided she needed to paint and spruce up her closet and master bath. It was really just a simple project consisting of paint and replacing a few light fixtures and cabinet knobs, but she gushed about how happy she was in her new spaces. I confessed about my fear of fluff on the job front, and she completely disagreed.  She said, "I'm the CFO of a company, and I can tell you that I very rarely make people happy at my work. What you do is meaningful and helpful. I wish I could get paid to make people happy!"

This is something I really want to focus on in 2013. And it's something I truly believe. Your surroundings should inspire you and make you feel good. This gives meaning, depth and substance to the fluff factor.

From what I understand, the students from Sandy Hook will begin school next Monday, January 12 at another school within the district.  I have heard from other bloggers that their school PTA is planning to create a Winter Wonderland at the school by decorating the hallways with snowflakes made by children from all over the world.

{source and DIY directions -- if you need them!}

My kids made some over break, and it's not too late if you and/or your family would like to make some and send them out.

Send all snowflakes and donations to:  
Connecticut PTSA 
60 Connolly Parkway 
Building 12, Suite 103 
Hamden, CT 06514

For me, this project is the perfect blend of using beautiful decor to make people feel comforted and welcome. And that is meaningful fluff for sure.

The Christmas Tree Art of Compromise

In our house, the tree is the ultimate symbol of compromise. We all have our issues...meaning our preferences on how the tree is procured, how it is decorated, and how long it hangs around. And then there is the reality of how it shakes out every year.

On the day after Thanksgiving, my kids long to be the family in this car. They want a tree that we chop down in the woods, while drinking hot cocoa and singing carols. Sounds fun, so we tried this approach one year. We headed for the foothills, but got horribly lost on the way to the magical Christmas tree filled forest. By the time we agreed on where to park and set out on our quest for the tree of perfection, the kids were starving and cold as was the hot cocoa we brought along. We soon realized that every tree looked like it had auditioned for a Charlie Brown Christmas. Yes, whining ensued, and a lot of it was coming from me. None of the trees was quite right. Disillusioned and freezing, we left the magical forest, probably the only car leaving without a tree tied to its roof. We drove straight to Big Lots in suburbia, and paid $45 for a tree that met our (my) stringent requirements. We got it home and in the stand. In the light of day a friend remarked on our tree's bluish green color. We soon discovered it had been spray painted! Really? Does the pursuit of the perfect Christmas tree have to be this complicated?

So for the kids, it has less to do with what the tree looks like and more about how soon it goes up (Black Friday preferred), and the seasonal beverages we are enjoying. (Can you relate?) In fact, as long as they can drink egg nog while we're decorating it, they don't really care about the tree's overall vision. Lesson learned: keep the kids happy with hot chocolate and egg nog. Done.

Now for my husband, I do believe he was tortured in some past life during the holiday season. He totally embraces the spirit of the season with charitable acts and a festive demeanor, but when the boxes of decorations are brought up from storage, the complaining begins. He loathes the Christmas decor. I learned early on in our marriage that I can count on him for lighting and for spiking my egg nog on the night we decorate the tree. So it probably comes as no surprise that his preferred Christmas tree comes in a box, is pre-lit, gets set up on December 23rd, and taken down on December 26th.

As you can imagine, I'm a bit more particular. While I'm not eager to jump in the car on the hunt for the perfect tree on Black Friday (I'd rather be eating leftover pie), regarding the tree, I do have issues. They involve height paired with fullness and now, after the Big Lots debacle, I can add natural color to my list of criteria. As for decor, I would love a tree that has an overall style and color palette. Something like the one on this cover...

Or these...

I realize these are depersonalized with more emphasis on matching the decor of the room than imbuing the spirit of the season. Am I that shallow? Well, maybe a little, but don't judge me too harshly because our tree usually ends up looking something like this.

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This tree is live, and it's decorated with love, and that's a happy compromise. I'll post pictures of our tree (when we finally get it up!)

What are your Christmas tree preferences in your family?

If you want to truly love where you live, please contact me about design services.

Happy Thanksgiving

Steve and I have been hosting Thanksgiving at our house almost every year since we got married which makes this the 16th year. It started as an orphan type Thanksgiving and has evolved over the years to include single friends, newlyweds, babies, cousins, grandparents. It's never the same guest list twice, and we always have tons of food (leftovers...yum!). Many guests are wise to the fact that we always have at least 2 turkeys. One in the oven to "smell" like Thanksgiving, and the other in the deep fryer outside. This year, we threw a third in the mix, a smoked bird. Every guest has their preferred flavor of cooked bird, and each style has its fan base. So it's most likely that our smoked style will make a comeback next year alongside the roasted and fried varieties.

While Steve is busy preparing his birds, my mind is wandering to table setting. This year, we had a mix of cousins, grandparents and aunts and uncles, so we decided to bring some whimsy to the table with this little turkey pinecone craft which was the brainchild of Steve's sister.

We had ladylike turkeys...

Turkeys with goatees and Saturday bed head...

And turkeys at the kids' table...

We have lots to be thankful for, and are happy to celebrate with family, friends, delicious food and a cranberry mojito.  

Cheers, and hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving too!

pull up a chair

Are you finding yourself extending invitations for dinner over the next few weeks, only to find that the guest list exceeds your seating scenario? Never fear, we’ve compiled a list of inexpensive folding chairs so there’s room for everyone to pull up a chair.

For your Bali inspired holiday dining experience, this bamboo duo fits the bill affordably and might just have an extended life as a romantic table for two on your deck, patio, balcony, come warmer days.

Image courtesy of Target.com

For a more traditional vibe, this reasonably priced pair gives you 15 different fabric seat options so your can blend these babies right into your existing set. I’m digging the lattice patterned back.

Image courtesy of HomeDecorators.com

If you’re feeling more contemporary, these blow molded white chairs are priced to perfection (although you need to buy a set of four). Hey, anyone know what blow molded means?

Image courtesy of cymax.com

This set of four folding chairs in mocha is affordable, sleek, and stores easily. Isn’t that exactly what folding chairs are supposed to be?

Image courtesy of walmart.com

If you’re fortunate enough to live nearby an Ikea, these “Jeff” folding chairs are a steal. (Sadly, they’re not available online.) At these prices, you’ll be able to afford so much stylish seating that some complimentary guest is sure to ask you to host again next year.

Image courtesy of Ikea.com

This lovely option is pricier, sure, but it’s solid wood structure and lacy back make a simple and elegant statement.

Image courtesy of ballarddesigns.com

With all of these options, you can afford to be that gracious host or hostess who says, “The more the merrier!” at your holiday gathering this year. Cheers!

If you want to truly love where you live, please contact me about design services.

baby, it's cold in here!

Below freezing temps, school cancelled and ice on the inside of our mail slot. Brrr….!

We’re staying in our pj’s and working on Valentines today (or at least for the next 15 minutes).

{Clearly we’ve been so busy that there’s been no time for brushing hair. }

{At least one of us is dressed and ready for action.}

Yep, 15 minutes have passed, and we’re on to Scrabble Junior. What are you up to today? Hope you’re staying cozy, wherever you call home.

my old georgian...a labor of love

Gosh, I love this house, and miss it too.  A labor of love, to be sure, this Georgian beauty was my first experience in home ownership.  It wooed me away from our urban digs in Chicago into a life of simple pleasures in suburbia.  On the day we drove out to look at the house, I said to my husband, “Over my dead body will we be moving to the suburbs.”  By 5:00 that evening, we were cracking open beers and toasting to the contract we had just written up with our realtor on this gem.  

Diamond in the rough is actually more like it, if the rough means covered in juniper bushes.  We ripped them out, did our first landscaping projects, updated the single bathroom, painted, wallpapered, refinished the basement just in time to discover I was pregnant. How do kids know not to show their tiny faces until the work is done?  Is this all part of a grander labor and love connection?  When we were found out twins were on their way less than two years later, we started our big renovation over doubling the size of the house and adding the side porch.  Has an impending birth motivated you to renovate?  Do tell!