House Project: Shoe Storage

We've been in the house for almost 4 years and i never have proper shoe storage, which translates to wherever i take them off is where they go. Every so often I'll collect them and throw them in the dressing room; sometimes I'll even put them in there nicely, on the sorter that holds only 6 pairs tidily. Generally, though, it's a jumble by the door.

Well no longer! For quite a while I've planned on nailing up some chair rail and hanging heeled shoes off of that. Storage and display! Surely I'll be more inclined to put things away when they have an actual place to go, right?

Unfortunately I can't say where I first heard of the idea to use chair rail, it's been so long, but here's an image, from Living Etc (which I don't read, so that couldn't have been the source.)  Could have been Aunt Martha... here's a link about the article in MS.

I purchased the lightweight not-wood rail, mainly because i liked its design better, though more than I wanted to spend, about $14 for an 8' piece. (Bought 2 rails, cut to 3' which can hold up to 4 pairs.)

Four 3' chair rails, 9" apart.
Hindsight: I should have gone with the unpainted wood. Next time!

My Mostly-Painted Study

Since the other bookcase's order was closed (still not happy about that) I found a quick replacement for 1/3 the price. Super quick (and free) shipping was great but
a) it was a bitch-and-a-half to put together. I believe it was a 2-person job but that's not how i roll.
b) it's cheap. during the shopping portion that's great, but during assembly, not so much.

But it's up, and while less real estate than my bricks-and-boards leftover from college, i'll make it work. (Bulk trash collection was the other day but someone adopted my cinder blocks before it came. Glad they got a good home.)

The color is from Lowes, "pink wink," and i actually brought in a letterpress card i printed to match because i really love the (discontinued) paper:

So, the plan I guess:
-finish painting, maybe Friday evening I'll complete it. I have above and behind the door, above the window, and some touch-ups left. Then of course the door itself, which i'd rather just replace but i can't find what i want.
-paint the trim and door frame. Plain white or glossy black?; ) Probably white. bah.
-paint the wood of my desk chair and an "A" hook (thanks, mom!) glossy black.
-figure out how to hang my collection of framed art and pictures. Over the chaise (aw, there's a kitty curled up on it right now.) i think.
-oh, and most importantly, get myself organized!!

Oof.

I was hoping to have more here this year but have been very busy with the printing. And when I'm not at the day job or working for the weekend job, I'm trying to do nothing. (Nothing sometimes = a beer on the couch while zoning out to South Park. Need to get to knitting again, holidays are coming up.)

But alas.

Seriously, i've "worked" the past 2 weekends, and have 2 more coming up. Longing to sleep in, but with the temperatures the way they've been, even with the portable a/c unit, the mornings are the only good time to print. And there's been a wedding, personalized cards for a photographer in PA, cards for a friend in NYC, experiments, etc.

I do love it though. : )
And am very much looking forward to winter- sleeping in a little, enjoying a nice long morning, and then getting up to go print.

Anyhoo. What has been going on?

I turned XXIX and got sick with a horrible sinus infection a couple of days before so was totally miserable that week, and I even had 3 days off from work to celebrate ME and it was terrible. Then that week my girlie doctor told me she wants me to lose weight, to get back where I was 2 years ago. (If I didn't like her so much I'd call her a total bitch and be looking for a new dr. But a good dr. is hard to find, and she is pretty cool. And okay, fine, she's right. Still.)

But my bday wasn't a total dud: my brother and his Ashley came over to grill dinner and my mom baked a rhubarb crumble. It was a nice dinner but I was just wiped out.

 I have a thing for fun make-up palettes

and am trying out a dry-shampoo for those 

'i really don't want to wash my hair' days.

There's been a make-do area in my kitchen area: an old aquarium stand with a crappy shelf laying on top of it, serving as a little "this is where i keep my tea pot and sugars" area. And yeah, it was probably as bad as you're picturing. But looking on crateandbarrel.com they had this lovely tall and narrow wine shelf thing that would have been perfect... except it was over $500. Bah. And all the bakers racks I'd seen were too country, too 'vintage wine country,' or too traditional - so not us. But then I saw a simple  little white cabinet, glass doors, 2 drawers, would look great in that space... for under $150! Sold! And i got it 2 days later. Crazy fast $1 shipping. : )

Well, then I had to put it together.

 Fuuuddddgggge. NOTHING came pre-assembled.

1 cocktail (Pimms & Ginger), 10 minutes of music, and almost all of Gordon Ramsay on Master Chef, it was completed!

And it's perfect. Little (and I do mean little) drawers hold teas and sweeteners, and as it's mounted to the wall, nothing jiggles when the doors open or close. Only thing I need to change- add 1 more shelf (crap, and i was at Lowe's this morning too) so that I can hold ALL my tea things and not have anything stacked. But it looks nice, right? Surprisingly, even T likes it.

Since inviting has been rather busy this month (had to make project sheets to keep everything straight- it's been wonderful!) I've been taking any help I can get. Business Partner's been coming out again, and when photographing and posting in the afternoons when it's too hot to print, these two have been helpers:

The Emma's "helping" cut paper? Uh, okay. 

She also keeps an eye on the computer while I'm out  printing. 

I come in to wash my hands and see her either on my desk or on my chair, supervising. 

 Darcy "helping" me with etsy.com listings.

And see? Been busy, and this isn't even everything I've worked on this month! (But I'm really not complaining. I *challenge* you- let's see how many orders I can handle. Hit me with your best shot. And, uh, the holidays are coming up. Really, they'll be here before we know it! Shop early and you'll be less stressed later!)

Workout & Gardening Fun?

Started working out after work last week. Will be doing the trail 2-3 days (4 miles, walking then adding running) and climbing the emergency stairs at work (29 flights) up and down (and repeat) 1-2 days a week. A few of us from work will be signing up for the Fight for Air Climb in May, so watch out for a fundraising request as soon as i register! : )

With my tax refund I was able to buy new running shoes and so far (having not actually *run* in them) I love them. They're comfy, have lots of cushion around the ankle, and don't make my big feet look like boats. AND they were less than I expected to spend so I was able to get 2 more capri workout pants, 3 more pairs of socks, AND 5 cheap-o plain t-shirts from a craft store. (I'm not spending $16+ on a t-shirt that's just going to get ugly after 3 wears. No thank you.)

The new shoes! $40 at Academy

The rose bushes in the front yard are awesome. Previous Owner cared for them lots, we've heard, and I'm just trying to keep them alive. Apparently I'm doing okay on that front because even the ugly one at the front of the yard is getting 5 flowers, I clipped a favorite peachy one for my desk on Friday, and the big red one has 7 or so coming in. The middle one (another red I think) has so many buds appearing I just can't wait for them to bloom!

My favorite kind of rose from the yard.

Spent a day last weekend de-grassing the "garden" - the grass took over and there was no clear distinction between "rose garden" and "grassy yard." Now you can see the dirt/old mulch. Need to get a little rock border going and throw in some good organic mulch. Problem is, all that costs money! sigh. (Another pro of San Antonio- dig a hole for your plant, dig *up* 20 small annoying rocks you can use. We don't have that here- it's all dirt.) Well, it's at least tidied for now. The border can wait.

And by the front door there's a little garden with the crepe myrtle and some little boxwood things. I'd like to transplant them elsewhere, but for now they'll do. Yesterday I planted zinnias and a few daisies in that same garden; I hope they'll grow tallish so the garden gets some good fun color coming out in between the boxwoods.

Obviously I haven't swept up the mess I made yet!

Okay, Grandma, are you happy there's finally an actual post? : )

Post-Holidays, and in need of a de-tox!

Oh my goodness, the xmas dinners are over. After sleeping for 10 hours last night, I feel rested again. The past 2-3 days have been BUSY with preparations and cookings and cleanings. And now it's the weekend, the wonderful weekend!


Xmas eve we celebrated with my mom, brother, T's uncle, and a friend of mom's and had a super fun time!


Dinner was: sirloin/scallops/shrimp fondue, lefse, salad, bacon-wrapped-stuffing balls, pickle things, steamed green beans, roasted tomatoes and eggplant bruschetta, cheese puffs, brie stuffed mushrooms, and I can't think what else. T's uncle brought sparkling wine, and dinner wine to share- delicious! Plus we had some cocktails/beer before and after dinner.

After dinner we opened gifts and planned on playing a game or two, but by then it was too late for games.

A wonderful xmas eve.

Xmas morning there was breakfast (and Santa gifts) at Mom's home, and we played a few rounds of Pictureka. I knew my brother was be a stiff competitor, but T surprised me- he and my brother dominated! Fun times.

Then, a few hours (and no nap for me) later, my dad, stepmom and her son arrived at the house for xmas dinner. I purchased ham and cornbread stuffing from Threadgills the day before so we had that, zucchini cakes, cheese puffs, pickle things, lefse, steamed asparagus, more brie-stuffed mushrooms, marinated mushrooms, and something else I can't remember. After lots of conversation, a little bit of pie, and more sparkling wine, we opened gifts at the tree.


There was a long running argument between dad and my brother about the spurs trading manu ginobili (who apparently is "a bad man"), which was quite funny! Yes, bourbon was involved.

After they left, we (T, my brother, and I) tested out the Santa gift- a fire pit.

Good times. But I am glad it's all over. Now regular life can resume. : )


I hope everyone has had enjoyable winter holidays.
It's such a pretty season how can you not enjoy it?

And, now I need to detox.
As there are some yummy leftovers, I'll start Monday. : )

How do you detox?
I am thinking no sugar, alcohol, breads, fried foods, cheese (sniffle), and go on nightly walks (looking forward to longer days). No coffee, only tea, unsweetened. Proteins will be baked or grilled, veggies will be fresh or steamed, and that will be it for a couple days.

Got any recommendations for me???

It's here, it's here!

The new sofa is here!

So now this is how the living room looks. Much better than just a large entry, but still loads of work to do!

Some ideas are here.

Apartment Therapy Cure Update:
So last week I was supposed to clean the whole house. I didn't do that, but I plan to do it week by week. Tomorrow starts Week 2: The Kitchen and I was on my hands and knees last night scrubbing the floor. I loathe mopping so only do it half-assed, so it needed a good scrub. At Target last night I purchased a large (machine-washable) rug, the same as the one by the door in the above picture, so hopefully that will help keep the floor clean. The cats' food and water now have a carpet-sample as their placemat (maybe they'll get a proper one for xmas?) and I cleaned out their food bowl as well. Ew.
I haven't been buying fresh flowers, but clipping them from the yard. There's a soft pink rose in the front living room and a zinnia on the windowsill in the kitchen.
This week I'm to try a new recipe so I bought a rice cooker (it also is a steamer) at Target and am going to attempt a brown rice california roll this afternoon. Will take pictures later.

Yesterday I got the most fun thing in the mail- a pack of 3 british home magazines from my aunt! Trent kept laughing at me because i was *so* excited! Such a treat!! Thanks, Aunt Teresa!


I'd love to hear from you- leave a comment! : )

Staycation Day 3 and 4

Yesterday the scooter had to go in for its oil change so T followed me up there to drop it off, then we went to his work where I dropped him off and took the car.

Started watching Bleak House...Napped and then headed to the mall that afternoon- decided spending some time at the mall (near T's work) would be better than stuck in rush hour traffic. Exchanged jeans at old navy, got my pupil distance at eye masters (needed to place an order here), unsuccessfully shopped victoria's secret (still in love with their new dressing rooms), went to sephora and walked out with a huge tub of body butter, a small solid perfume and a birthday gift of 3 small lip glosses. How fun!

T and I grilled Firecracker Shrimp, mixed martinis, and watched Elvis. (Didn't Robert Patrick (T1000) play the dad in Walk the Line as well?)

Today, sad that my week is coming to an end, I picked up my scooter (thank you Mom!), finished Bleak House, napped with both cats briefly, and puttered in the kitchen.

I also hung the candle holder in the bedroom


Made an eggplant dish for my lunch; a chick from the produce club told me about it. You slice the eggplant, bake it for a bit until you can bend it easily, then put some ricotta cheese (i added some dried parsley, dried basil, and a little s&p) on it, roll it up (secure with toothpicks), throw some tomato sauce on it, and bake it again. Pretty good! Having leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

For dinner I "made" one of those indian sauce packs from World Market. They're pretty good. This one was a hearty vegetable in coconut sauce. Added leftover grilled shrimp from last night and served on some brown jasmine rice cooked with a few saffron thread, just to try it. As I was cooking T called and said he'd be working late. Bah! Well, I made my plate and sat at the table with Sarah Vowell. Such fun!

And when cleaning the kitchen tonight I was noticing little things that I really love about it:

My cute little spice jars, $.99 at world market

Knife rack

Liter of olive oil, garlic, onions and pepper, next to the stove

Little corner lit by the margarita night light

Bedroom Paint Color

Went to Lowes Sunday morning to get landscape timber for 2 gardens. Had the big cart loaded up with 12 pieces and asked an employee where I could get it cut. He said I can't- they're too big for the saw! How dumb is that?! Not only would I have to cut them at home (I don't have an electric saw, and i'll be damned if i'd do it with the handsaw.) but I'd have to get them home, and they won't fit in the car at that length! So... guess I can't build my gardens any time soon. : (

Bought paint instead. Decided that if I paint before my "vacation," I'll be able to spend that time decorating, so... Wheeled the tv in the bedroom and put on BBC's Pride & Prejudice, which I haven't watched in ages, and still have it memorized.


My "helper"

He was crashed out the entire time!

With the flash, it looks like a watered down latte

Finished painting before the end of P&P. Had paint leftover so started on the dressing room.

Moved things around since everything was moved anyways.
Put make-up and a mirror by the window.

Ran out of paint; will get more this week.

(Color is Olympic's Earl Gray)

Moving Day has Passed

They arrived on the tow truck, were unloaded on the driveway...

Then when friends came over, we spent the next 5.5 hours trying to get them inside the workshop. It was not easy but it was successful!

The Workshop is Coming Along, Part 2

So, Saturday is the Big Moving Day, involving a tow truck and a cherry picker or mini-forklift.

Here's the workshop so far:
Composing stand in foreground. Stone (storage/work table) will go against window-wall and composing stand will be at the end of that, in the middle of the workshop.

This is the corner to the right of the window. 2 type cabinets, miscellaneous type in clear tackle boxes/bead sorters, and a bunch of envelopes and regular supplies. If you're as big a dork as me, this is pretty exciting stuff. Wheeee!

Old semi-broken type drawer is hanging on the wall holding all the cuts. Shelves next to it hold paper-swatch books, miscellaneous tools, items listed on etsy, and samples to mail out if requested. (Come on, admit it, you dig the craft paper wrapped boxes. I knew you would!)

2 type cabinets, 2 shelves holding furniture, 1 holding ink. Everything else has a home, I just can't put them away until the press comes in. Which will be soon enough!! Sunday morning, while it's cool, will likely be spent in here. Go figure! : )

Busy, Productive, Nice Weekend!

Busy weekend. But great weekend. Found this picture- i love the colors. Especially the walls. That's what I want the bedroom to be like.

Need to decide on the wall color b/c for my birthday I'm taking the whole week off and plan on decorating the bedroom. (Am also thinking of painting the kitchen a purple!)

Went to the mall to butt-test the sofa i'd been considering online, and WOW was it comfy. I'm in love. Now the plan is to save up some money, and next time it's on sale, offer cash and try to get either a discount or free shipping, cos money now is better than money later. Right?

Got another bag of produce from Hill Country Produce Club:
T was quite happy to see the corn. I grilled them with dinner, just brushed w/ olive oil, on Sunday. He DEVOURED it.

As I'm not a big zucchini fan, and didn't know what to do with it, I went to thekitchn.com and ran a search. Settled on Curried Zucchini soup. YUM! It's for lunch this week. Of course, when it was time to puree the veggies, i find that my food processor crapped out (need to call Kitchenaid...) but remembered the immersion blender that's been in T's trunk for 4 years? It worked.

Also made Lasagna and realize that i need a larger baking dish. My lasagna was piled higher than the edges, which made for an ugly, but still tasty dish. It's T's lunch all week, plus 4 extra servings! The recipe is not very healthy, but I figure the first time, I'll follow it, and the 2nd time I'll make it my own.

After cooking, I decided to rearrange the living room. I like it. It feels more connected to the rest of the house. I like that I can sit on the couch, turn my head slightly and see out the window, and see that large hall-entertaining area. Better flow. Darcy likes that he can lay on the back of the couch and stare out the window. Emma seems unsure.