Blue Hydrangea

And Another Post About the Kitchen

2013-05-17T07:45:00.000-04:00

Did you think I was finished? Not even close!! But it is exhausting finding and posting all these pictures, especially digging up the befores.

And speaking of before...here we are...

Looking from the kitchen into the dining room. That door was the only way to get from our den and kitchen to the rest of the house. The flow was not great.

This picture was taken from the same spot as the before picture. I know it looks skinny in the picture but that is a double opening into the dining room

Lets look a little closer...

And closer.

The butler's pantry separates the kitchen and dining room.

That's all for now...hope you're not getting tired of the renovation, we are almost finished.

Enjoy your weekend!!

Kitchen Part II

2013-05-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite changes...

Looking at my old sink..sad. So sad

And now...LOVE it. We took down the wall and opened the kitchen up into the living room. I can now see the fire from the breakfast nook and the kitchen finally feels like a part of the house.

Again, old view

New view.

Isn't that so much better? It feels like a whole new house.

Looking to the right...

Looking to the left, happiness everywhere.

Old wall in the living room...

(I have got to get some color on my walls!!)

And the new view...

The rest of my house needs to step it up if it wants to keep up with my kitchen!!!

I Can Make a Decision

2013-05-13T07:48:00.000-04:00

I know after all this desk mess you probably think I can't make a decision..but I can, sometimes. I made a lot of decisions when I redid my kitchen. And I don't think I ever showed you all the pictures. I was waiting for fabric and curtains and blah blah blah, but what the heck, I'll show you what I've got.

Let's first remember the kitchen when we bought the house...

This is the first area I am going to show you, looking towards the window.

See that fancy range, I cooked on that for 7 years!!

Can you believe it??!! Behind the range and bar is a small space that was used by the past owners for a kitchen table, but it wasn't really big enough for us, so we used it to throw everything that we had no place for..it was delightful.

We did try to spruce up a little by painting the cabinets. We didn't want to do too much since we knew a total makeover was in the future. We just didn't know it was going to be so far in the future.

About a year ago we had to replace the range, what a difference...

Then the fun began, we ripped out everything and totally changed the floor plan...and sold the range on Craigslist.
Notice the bar is gone and the wasted space is opened up.

Mirrored cabinets bring me a lot of joy...

These cabinets were Robin Stanfield's idea and they were the whole starting point for the kitchen.

And now this view

Looks like this...or at least it did at Christmas.

It's a start, more pictures tomorrow.

The Next Time I Go to a Ball

2013-05-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

I want to wear this dress. Doesn't Michelle Williams look great?

The dress is conservative, but the hair is a little edgy...love it!!

She is definitely the best dressed out of these three. I like Kate Hudson, but the 1980's called and they want their dress back.

Desk Part ll

2013-05-07T07:33:00.001-04:00

So...the desk saga continues. I thought for sure one desk would come out the clear winner; it didn't. Out of over 30 comments and e-mails it was split 50/50. And just when I was about to make the decision all on my own ...this popped up...

Donna from A Perfect Gray got this desk at an auction and it made me realize that I want something old, vintage, with a little history.

But that takes time and I don't have any more time. Bill REALLY needs a desk at home, so we are moving the desk from our room (that I use, no room for two) into the guest room as a bed side table. That way he will have his own little space and I won't be able to see it unless I really look for it. But now that I have decided to wait for the perfect vintage piece, again, I need a filler..let me present....

Target Parsons Desk

Isn't he cute? And for $39.99 it was a no brainer. BUT it's not sold on the website and the only store that had it in stock was in Charlotte, 4 hours away. No problem, Bill was going on Thursday and was going to pick it up for me. I was really getting excited, until Bill called from the Charlotte store to say they didn't have any in stock.

I have another sister in Atlanta but no luck..I think this desk might be an urban myth. When did shopping get so hard?

Remember this desk?
I fixed her up all pretty and then sold her in my dang booth!! What was I thinking??!! I would do a happy dance if I could get her back. I know who bought her and my desk just happens to live one street over....wonder if she is happy in her new home?

Stencil is Not a Dirty Word

2013-05-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

Katie Ridder brings me lots of joy

Especially her wallpaper

And this one is my favorite, Leaf.

Up close and personal.

And then just yesterday I saw this stencil on Etsy: here

Not exactly the same but pretty close right?

Not your mama's stencil, huh?

Feeling good about this one too...

This might be a good option for a non-commiter like me.

I am tired of living in decorators limbo and I am ready to make some things happen around here. Stencils may be in my future, less expensive and easier to change when my mood changes and/or I get a better idea.

Thoughts on stencils?

Opinions

2013-05-01T07:53:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how many comments and e-mails I got about the desks!! I LOVED reading all your thoughts and opinions. Y'all feel very strongly about desks. And a decision has been made..sort of. Bill is going to Charlotte on Thursday and is going to pick one up for me. I'll let you know which one I choose once it arrives.

But while searching I came across this...

Blu Dot desk at Target

Also in gray for $159.99 on sale

That's the same company that makes the Strut desk pictured here:

The one for Target is smaller, but it is a great option if you like that look.

OK, just wanted to pass on that terribly interesting piece of shopping info.

Have a good Wednesday!!

There's No Place Like Home

2013-04-30T07:50:00.000-04:00

Have you seen Bailey's updated entrance hall?

I can't stop looking at it...it's just fabulous. Aren't you curious now? Don't you want to see the rest of the house? That's what an entry should do, pull you in. My entry says, "What do you want? Go away" I need to work on that.

Here's a little before...

And a close up of the painting by Ashley Longshore.

Love her work and blogged about it here.

See more of Bailey's home at her blog Peppermint Bliss

We Survived!!

2013-04-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

We made it back from Disney happy, but exhausted.

WARNING: Boring post alert....family vacation pictures coming up!

OMG!! So cute! This is in the airport on our way...

Locke was dying to see Lighting McQueen, but when we got there he was too scared to get anywhere near him!! I asked him to please smile and he said he was too scared, so here he is trying to force his mouth into a smile. Thank goodness I didn't pay for a character breakfast...that would have been a total waste!!

Someone was tired but refused to get in a stroller.

Driving the race car...so proud!!

If we stopped for even 5 mins or got on a boat or bus, he was out like a light!!

On the boat back to the Wilderness lodge.

It was such a fun trip, but I swear I am still recovering!!

And we do have one picture of the 3 of us that the folks at Disney took, but I am waiting for it to download.

Oh wait here are a few more...it's almost over I swear!!

That's all folks!!

Glad we went, glad we're home, don't want to go again any time soon!!

Quick Question

2013-04-27T08:13:00.001-04:00

I know it is Saturday and you have better things to do than to worry about me and my decorating problems but as long as you are here....

Which desk would you pick?

First choice West Elm metal parsons desk

Good looking right? Love it here

Or...

CB2 Go Cart Desk

Doesn't it remind you of Jenna Lyons' desk?

I think the CB2 desk gives you the same look as the Strut desk for a fraction of the price plus I need a smaller size.

I would love to get the Go Cart desk and paint it a bright color but I have my giant yellow lamp that needs to play well with the desk so white or metal works...

It looks like a lot of white but I may be painting my walls soon so don't worry.

OK..now what do you think?

Hurry and vote. Bill is in a golf tournament all weekend and I am going to entertain myself by ordering a desk...fun, right?

PS.Yes, I would love to find something cool and vintage but I have been looking for two years and time is up!! And in case this influences your decision the West Elm desk is 3 times as expensive as the CB2 desk...just saying.

Red Rover Red Rover Send Some Paint Right Over

2013-04-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

I found these pictures on my old phone and thought I would share...

This little fellow was at one of my favorite thrift stores....looks a little sad doesn't he?

And he's just so...RED.

Even the brass base was covered in red.

I scraped and scrubbed and shined him up a little and...

Painted him yellow.

Now isn't that so much better??!!

Topped off with a lamp shade from Homegoods, you can only see the dent from the side so don't look too closely.

He has moved into Locke's room and is very happy, as am I.

This Week I Am Loving....

2013-04-17T07:45:00.000-04:00

The shorts in the top left corner..khaki and gray tee

Aren't they great??!!

Seen any like this while you have been out and about?

This picture from Kiki's List

Love the color of the chair, the bright yellow curtains against the dark walls, the white table...and a little bit messy makes me feel right at home.

And my new clown shoes

And yes, they are just as bright in person.

But I need them.

We leave for Disney World on Sunday and Disney is not for wimps or people in uncomfortable shoes. And I will probably be carrying Locke after an hour. I meant to train him, you know, build up his endurance but I never even got around to training myself. So the next best thing is cushy new shoes and this way Bill will be able to spot me in a crowd.

What are you loving?

So Stinking Cute

2013-04-12T07:54:00.001-04:00

Do you know what these are?

Phone covers!!!

They make me happy.

I got a new phone so I need a new cover..how will I decide?

I LOVE the dancing elephants but I am not a pink girl...the other three are in the running...

Do you have a favorite?

See more here

A Good Read

2013-04-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

I love me a good book.

Just finished Tell the Wolves I'm Home and LOVED it!! I highly recommend it.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks

2013-04-09T07:30:00.000-04:00

Do you remember the movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks? Well I don't remember much about it either except for the giant glass ball on the end of the bed post. Even back then I was more interested in the sets than the story. That ball has stuck in my head and I have always wanted a giant newel post finial/topper. Here are some I found...

from here

here

Or maybe I will do something like this and not even have a topper....

Too many ideas, not enough time and money.

If I put this much thought into solving world hunger, the world would be a better place.

Have a Seat

2013-04-08T07:45:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Betsy Von B for the tip on these super cute seating cubes.

Much better picture....from here

Guess where I got them??!! Come on, take a guess!!

Walmart!!

Can you believe it? $10

They are slip-covered in an oatmeal, drop cloth type of fabric, which is great, but I think I am going to have new slip covers made....

I could go tribal like the ones from West Elm

Or something a little brighter...from here

There's always the Old MacDonald style

Or maybe furry..who knows. I'll put some thought into and get back to you.

I couldn't find them on the Walmart website, but if you are out and about, check your local store.

Would you recover or keep them as is?

2013-04-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

Well, my readers have spoken and it looks like I need to get a portrait of Locke. Guess I can cough up the money and pay for the painting now or save my money and pay for therapy later...decisions, decisions.

For those of you who asked, Melanie Ponchot painted Cricket's and Clay's portraits. She is based out of Atlanta and I highly recommend her.

You can see her website here.

Clay's portrait is on her site but for some reason Cricket's isn't, so here is a close up...

Cute, right?

It was hard to find rooms that showed children's portraits, but I thought this was the next best thing...dog art. I love how unexpected this is, but there is no way I am getting a painting of Buck!!

Happy weekend!!

Portraits

2013-04-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

It's time - or past time really - to get Locke's portrait made. I did Cricket and Clay's at his age. But...I don't really want another traditional portrait. I am kind of over them. Is that terrible?

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Cricket and Clay's portraits and they bring me joy everyday. I just don't want another one. Poor Locke, that's what happens when you're the third child. So I have been looking for alternatives.

I saw this silhouette in Matchbook Magazine and fell in love. Info here

Something like this might be a possibility.

It might be a good option since one of Locke's all time favorite series is Elmer The Patchwork Elephant.

What about you?

Traditional portraits or something new?

Back to Reality

2013-04-02T07:30:00.000-04:00

We are home from our trip to the Big Apple..so fun, so exhausting!!

Lots to share including my favorite thing in New York..

This fab necklace at Anthropologie

Cool, right? Well the best part is...

That bug is HUGE!!!

I loved it!! I saw it in the window and wanted it bad. I told myself that if it was under $150 I was getting it. Mama needs a treat too.

Sadly, big is expensive...$348. So,so sad...

I did come home with this and we are very happy together.

More about the trip later...

Hope your week is off to a good start!!

(Do you ever feel like you need a vacation to recover from your vacation?)

The Big Apple

2013-03-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

A you read this I am in New York hopefully trying on this top from Roberta Freyman

But more than likely...

I am probably riding the Ferris wheel in Toys R Us

or...

Watching my kids stuff their faces at Dylan's Candy Bar.

I had a long talk with myself before we left about how this trip is for the kids and is not a extended shopping trip for mama...

But I hope they throw me a bone and let me do a little shopping...After all there is a 9,000 square foot Anthropologie store in the city.

Can you imagine the joy that would bring me?
Say a little shopping prayer for me!!

People Watching

2013-03-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Can't wait to people watch in the Big Apple...

So hoping to see some famous fashionistas...

The Man Repeller - Leandra Medine

Leandra, may I borrow your coat while I am in NY?

It is exactly what I have been looking for!! I am staying at the Barclay International if you want to drop it at the front desk. Thanks!!

Sarah Jessica Parker...love her!

Mary Kate and/or Ashley Olsen

And the crazier the outfit the better!!

I didn't come all the way from North Carolina to see tasteful, understated dressing. I can see that at home. I need some inspiration, some risk taking...

Hopefully I'll get some pictures to share.

See you soon!!

xoSissy

Going Once, Going Twice

2013-03-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Do you buy a lot of jewelry? I don't. But when I do (or Bill does) it is usually something I LOVE and wear all the time. Like my vintage squash blossom necklace. From weddings to Walmart, I really do wear it all the time.

Perfect for Christmas dinner...

Or a visit with family. Those who know me well will recognize Crazy Bama.

Yes, she is alive and kicking.

Every time I wear it someone always ask where I got it...

Well now you can have one too.

Yep, Big South Auction has a fabulous Squash Blossom necklace in their auction this Sunday.

It's a little different than mine, which is good. We don't want to look exactly alike. (Do I see some shells?)

Info here

When you call or stop by, tell John that Sissy sent you.

I hope someone cute and stylish gets this necklace, someone who will provide a happy home and fabulous outfits.

Good luck!!

P.S. I have heard from a lot of readers that they are unable to leave comments. Let me know if you are having trouble as well, I am trying to figure out what the heck is going on!!

New York Planning...

2013-03-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Busy packing/planning our trip to New York.

I don't want to look like country come to town.

I think I will be OK until I open my mouth. "Hi y'all" doesn't sound very New Yorkish, does it?

I am going to depend on my army jacket, black skinny pants and my favorite booties.

It's a good look.

And I can layer up if it is cold.

There they are...the perfect booties.

Day one down, 3 more to go.

Pictures from: MR, coat

Chic Sneaks

2013-03-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

I told you we were taking Locke to Disney, but we are also taking the twins to NY. We haven't been on a trip in years and now it is one trip after another...crazy!!

Now that everything is booked, it is time for more important decisions..like what am I going to wear. I want to be comfortable and cute. Because really, if you don't feel cute, can you truly have any fun?

I am thinking about joining the hipster sneaker trend.

All the cool kids are doing it...

Even my style hero.

Considering this pair...men's but cute right??!!

White jeans, striped t, fabulous necklace...

Comfortable and cute. Let the site seeing begin!!

You for it or against it?

pictures from, here, here, here and here

The View, Me and Ali

2013-03-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

So, you know, Joy Behar is leaving The View and they need a replacement. I have two candidates...me, yes me. What? I could so handle it. I am all about some celebrity gossip, sharing my opinions, cooking and politics. OK maybe not so much on the cooking and my politics may be a little lacking, but I've got the talking down!!

So Barbara, if you are reading this, feel free to contact me.

On the off chance they want someone with, I don't know, experience??!! What about Ali Wentworth?

So love this girl. Isn't she fabulous??!! And so fun. I know we would be great friends. Unless she stole my job, then I would just have to watch her from afar....like I do know.

She also has great style, her homes have been in all the mags and she is married to George Stephanopoulos. What more could you want?

And she has a hilarious new book out. I have this if anyone wants to borrow it. Let me know and I'll leave it on the front porch for you.

Now what? I am more the idea person, so if y'all could take the ball and run with it, that would be great!! If I do end up on The View I won't forget you!!