I'm Busy Procrastinating

Cats enjoying the spring weather

2013-05-19T13:34:00.000-04:00

You occasionally see cat heads or behinds in my room photos if you look closely, but I don't think I've ever introduced all of my furry friends to you. They are inside cats, but occasionally we allow them to explore outside for a little while. Recently they were enjoying a nice sunny day, and I had to snap some pics.

Domino

Gypsy

Pepper

Noodles

They are the most high-maintenance cats I know, but their cuteness can't be denied. And they are very snuggly. You can't beat a snuggly cat to calm you down and lift your mood. That is ... unless you need to get up to go to the bathroom ... or to eat ... or because you can't reach the remote ... or your phone is ringing and you can't reach it. The things we do to to keep our snuggly cats comfortable!

Are you a pet person too? If I weren't married, I would most definitely be a crazy cat lady.

Hollie

Gloss blue nightstand using oil-based paint

2013-05-02T18:32:00.001-04:00

Well, hello there, friends! I have been vacation planning day and night, but decided it was time to pull myself away for a few minutes to share a recent project with you.

I've painted quite a few pieces of furniture, but in the past I've always stuck with latex paint because it's easy to clean up. I usually use my Wagner paint sprayer, but a couple times I've gone the foam roller route. I've been wanting to try oil-based paint because I know the finish is hard-wearing. And since it takes longer to dry than latex, when brushing on the paint, it typically leaves fewer brush marks because it has more time for the paint to settle.

This is my inaugural oil-based paint with a brush project. And I'm pleased with how it turned out!

Yep, it's the same table, just two different angles and styled differently.

We were handed down an oak bedroom suite that my father-in-law used years ago, then my husband used as a teen. It included a dresser, two twin beds and a nightstand. It worked great in my son's room because a friend spending the night could sleep in the second bed. As Zachary got older, he wanted a bigger bed, so we did a furniture switcheroo.

That left the oak bedroom suite open for other uses. As I've mentioned before, I'm not a fan of a bedroom suite anyway. It's much more appealing to use furniture pieces that have been gathered from here and there.

I showed you last summer my whitewashed nightstand-turned-side table. Remember, I never intended to leave it whitewashed because it's not really my style, but it did sort of fit my former coastal theme. Remember too that the "whitewashing" was really just a coat of primer that I had painted and never covered with a real coat of paint!

For a while I used the table just inside my front door, but it was too short for the space and never quite looked right.

I've been wanting to try Rustoleum's ready-made oil-based paints that Jenny raves over, and those this little table would be a perfect guinea pig. Because I can never get enough blue, I decided to try Rustoleum Gloss Royal Blue.

Working with oil-based paint is a bit tricky because you can't just rinse out brushes or rollers with water. I purchased an inexpensive 2" brush that I didn't mind throwing away, but I also purchased a bottle of
Klean-Strip 1 qt. Green Odorless Mineral Spirits to clean my brush in between coats.

Other than the cleaning factor, the oil-based paint was easy to use. It's not for quick jobs that need more than one coat because it takes about 24 hours to dry before a second coat can go on. But oil is great for pieces that are going to get a bit more wear, because it's a tougher finish. (That's why most trim work in houses is oil-based rather than latex.)

Which knobs do you like best? The colorful ceramics on the left, or the brushed nickel modern style on the right?

This is the first piece of furniture that I painted with the intention to sell it. There are still about 10 pieces waiting in queue in my basement, but who knows when I'll get to them. I did set this table out at my yard sale in April and it had quite few admirers, but most yard sale shoppers want yard sale prices, not makeover prices! When I get more pieces done, I'll investigate getting a booth at a monthly local flea market.

Oh, and I finally found a piece of furniture that works better just inside my entry. It's ... tall .... and more my style ... and was a total bargain. I'll be sharing that with you soon.

Hollie

Crushing on stylist Lotta Agaton

2013-04-25T23:39:00.000-04:00

When I was researching my black and white striped decor post, I stumbled upon a site featuring Swedish stylist Lotta Agaton. She styles both interiors and still lifes, runs her own design shop and writes a blog.

Above is the photo I featured in my post. Who doesn't love a black and white striped pillow? While the decor above could possibly be found in any upscale hipster's apartment, you'll see below that her overall portfolio exhibits a definite Scandinavian theme: simple, white with black accents, layered, fresh, modern yet with a feeling of history.

Here are some of my other favorite spaces and/or stills featured in her portfolio:

Have you heard of Lotta? Which space do you like best?

Hollie

Spring Fling meet-up

2013-04-14T21:49:00.000-04:00

Whew ... I just returned from my second day of shopping, and I'm beat! Today I went with some relatives to IKEA, which is over two hours away, so it's not a pop-in kind of trip. Yesterday I attended the Spring Fling, organized by Gail of My Repurposed Life. She arranged a day of thrifting and also gathered tons of swag from some of the companies she works with via her blog, which she gave away during lunch.

The gang during our lunch break

We went to several thrift stores, and also two indoor flea market-type places. Here are some of the items that caught my eye:

Cute, comfy set of club chairs ready for some updated upholstery

Cute little schoolhouse chairs

I wanted this vintage glazed Hull pottery dish but it was priced higher than I wanted to pay. If it were blue instead of emerald green, it would have been mine.

A Chinoiserie-style plate (perfect for my girl Kimberly's dining room)

White porcelain ginger jars with interesting details

Saw tons of cute chinoiserie-style ginger jars too

I'm a sucker for a mid-century dresser, which is why I already have three in my basement waiting for a makeover!

Painted yellow 1960s outdoor dinette set

I need another lamp like a hole in the head, but this tall white beauty was calling my name

Sweet little antique organ bench

I almost purchased this bamboo cabinet to paint and resell, but ultimately left it behind

They say one man's trash is another man's treasure. I don't know about these, though.

How very 1984!

Why does this exist? Creepy.

Anyone need a lightbulb cookie jar? Anyone?

You are welcome that I didn't make the photos larger on the unicorn and the wolf. Yikes. As much as those scared me, this next find made me smile:

Vintage New Kids on the Block posters. Two of the exact ones I had hanging on my wall in 1989. Memories ....

These items actually came home with me:

This Duncan Phyfe style side table (the top has some stains, so I might paint it gloss black)

Bamboo/rattan wall shelf that will be painted in a gloss red

Two jade plants which I hope not to kill within a month

And the oops of the day:

Notice anything strange?

At lunch the swag was rolling out. Here's my score:

Thanks to the folks from Fish Foam, Krylon, Gorilla Glue products, Filtrete, Rustoleum and HomeTalk!And a huge thanks to Gail for getting us all together. Looking forward to next time!

Hollie

Crushing on black and white striped decor

2013-04-09T04:00:00.000-04:00

One color combination that will never go out of style is black and white. It can go classic or fresh, traditional or modern, and everything in between. One of my favorite ways these two colors come together is with a stripe. I mean, who doesn't love a good black and white stripe?

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13

14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20

Wide stripes, skinny stripes, varying width stripes, on the floor, on the walls, upholstered, sleek ... I love them all! Can you tell? I went a little nut with the inspiration photos.

I've been itching to change up my laundry room. A black and white stripe pattern is top on the idea list right now. Did you see this Kate Spade iphone case on Fab.com recently?

The design marries my love of black and white stripes with my desire for something a little different than the norm. I think it would be fun as a wall pattern. I'm just not sure I'm up for all the measuring and taping required! I probably would paint the entire room white, which would be very unusual for me, then paint this wall in the graphic pattern. Somebody please dare me to do it!

Hollie

{Recipe} Homemade Philly Cheesesteaks and Crunchy Potato Wedges

2013-04-04T04:00:00.000-04:00

Do you know how lucky you are? Food bloggers share recipe after recipe, so they can't all be delectable. But I give you only the best of the best. And I don't give out kudos lightly, so if I'm singing the praises of a recipe, you can be assured it's good stuff.

This time I'm sharing one of our favorite all-American meals. If you're a sports fan, it would be great for a game-watching party!

Philly Cheesesteaks

Serves 4.

2 pounds top sirloin petite steak
4 (8-inch) Italian sub rolls, split lengthwise
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 slices white American cheese (8 ounces)

Place steak pieces on large plate or baking sheet and freeze until very firm, about 1 hour.
Using sharp knife, shave steak pieces as thinly as possible against grain. Mound meat on cutting board and chop coarsely with knife 10 to 20 times.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat until smoking. Add half of meat in even layer and cook without stirring until well browned on 1 side, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir and continue to cook until meat is no longer pink, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer meat to colander set in large bowl. Wipe out skillet with paper towel. Repeat with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and sliced meat.
Return now-empty skillet to medium heat. Drain excess moisture from meat. Return meat to skillet (discard any liquid in bowl) and add salt and pepper. Heat, stirring constantly, until meat is warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low, sprinkle with Parmesan, and shingle slices of American cheese over meat. Allow cheeses to melt, about 2 minutes. Using heatproof spatula or wooden spoon, fold melted cheese into meat thoroughly. Divide mixture evenly among toasted rolls. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes:

Our favorite steak for this recipe is top petite sirloin steak, because it's very lean. It's more expensive than skirt steak or sirloin tips, but we think it's worth the superb flavor. Use what works best for your taste buds and budget.
You can use 8-inch rolls as stated, or mini sub rolls. My favorite rolls are the ones offered fresh in the deli section of our grocery, rather than the commercial brand sub rolls in the bread section.
We've always eaten our rolls room temp. If you prefer your rolls toasted, lay them open-faced on a baking sheet and bake in a 400 degree oven until lightly browned, 5 to 10 minutes.

Crunchy Potato Wedges

Serves 6.

1-2 large russet potatoes (about 1 3/4 pounds), scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch wedges
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup vegetable oil or peanut oil, plus 3 quarts for frying
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Combine salt, black pepper, onion and garlic powders, cayenne, and oregano in small bowl.
Toss potato wedges with 4 teaspoons spice mixture and 1/4 cup oil in large microwave-safe bowl; cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave on high until potatoes are tender but not falling apart, 7 to 9 minutes, shaking bowl (without removing plastic) to redistribute potatoes halfway through cooking. Slowly remove plastic wrap from bowl (be careful of steam) and drain potatoes. Arrange potatoes on rimmed baking sheets and cool until potatoes firm up, about 10 minutes. (Potatoes can be held at room temperature for up to 2 hours.)
Heat remaining 3 quarts oil in large pot or Dutch oven over high heat to 340 degrees. Meanwhile, combine flour and cornstarch in medium bowl and whisk buttermilk and baking soda in large bowl. Working in 2 batches, dredge potato wedges in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip in buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip back into bowl, then coat again in flour mixture. Shake off excess and place on wire rack. (Potatoes can be coated up to 30 minutes in advance.)
When oil is ready, add half the coated wedges and fry until deep golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer wedges to large bowl and toss with 1 teaspoon spice mixture. Drain wedges on baking sheet lined with paper towels. Return oil to 340 degrees and repeat with second batch of wedges. Serve with extra seasoning on side.

Make Ahead: Follow steps 1 through 4, frying each batch of wedges until they are light golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Do not toss with seasoning, and drain and cool potatoes completely on baking sheet lined with paper towels. Freeze wedges on baking sheet until completely frozen, about 2 hours, then transfer potatoes to zipper-lock storage bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, heat 3 quarts oil to 340 degrees and cook in 2 batches until deep golden brown, about 3 minutes. Toss with seasonings, drain, and serve.

Recipe Notes:

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, substitute 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Let the mixture sit 15 minutes before using.
Instead of making the spice mixture each time, it's easy to multiply those ingredients and keep the spice mixture on hand.
The oil can be re-used. Let the crunchy bits settle at the bottom of the pan, then funnel the oil into a jar (quickly before the bits slide in).

Both recipes are from my favorite recipe experts at Cook's Illustrated.

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The combination of the chewy Philly cheesesteaks and the crispy wedges makes for a perfect blend of textures. Serve with your favorite condiments, of course. Some people might like to top their cheesesteaks with cooked onions and peppers, but I'm a minimalist.

Another complimentary side item would be a creamy cole slaw.

Let me know if you give either or both recipes a try! For more mouth-watering dishes, check out my Recipes page.

Hollie

Yard sale this Saturday!

2013-04-01T12:24:00.002-04:00

I am in a purging mood! I have been ruthlessly scouring every room and every closet in our house. Anything that I either don't love or doesn't serve a purpose is out. I've been pulling artwork off the walls, decor off tables, books off shelves, and holiday plates out of the kitchen cabinets.

My motivation is the yard sale I'll be hosting this Saturday, April 6. I don't think I've ever been so excited about a yard sale. My enthusiasm is because any money I earn from the sale is money I can pour back into the house! I'm a spender, not a saver. Good thing The Mr. is quite the opposite! I haven't been working since December and have committed to a part-time volunteer role for the next two years, so our family budget has gotten much tighter. I'm basically not supposed to spend money on anything non-essential, unless I earn the money myself. It makes total sense, but it's so frustrating after being used to having more freedom when I was working. I know, I know. First world problems.

Our old neighborhood, which had over 150 houses, had a neighborhood yard sale every spring and fall. It was so easy just to pull out my stuff and not have to worry about the marketing part of it. In our current neighborhood of five houses, it's a bit more work to drive traffic. In the five years we've lived here, I've only had one yard sale, so I'm due!

I was planning to do one last year but after the tornado devastation that happened in nearby communities last March, I gave away so much to those affected that I didn't have enough left to have a good sale. Luckily I have an unfinished basement with tons of storage room, so anything that wasn't appropriate for donation just stayed on my wall of shelves for later.

In the sale will be a bit of everything, a portion of which is listed below:

Clothing, shoes, hats and accessories for women (sizes S and M), men (sizes S, M, L), and boys (sizes 12-14)
Black men's cowboy hat
Books (adults, pre-teen boys/fantasy)
Kitchen and household misc.
Garment steamer
Queen bedding set (colors are red and beige)
Boy toys (Nerf, Hot Wheels, Legos, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, K'Nex, laser tag, basketball pop-a-shot, and more)
Electronics (three TVs, tons of cables, video camera, inkjet printer)
Tons of home decor in great condition but just doesn't fit my current home (wall art, accessories, toss pillows)
Furniture (porch rocker, patio chairs and cushions, coffee table, iron corner etagere, office chair, stool, kitchen chairs, corner TV cabinet)
Christmas stuff (entire set of dishes, decor, ornaments)

As I unearth and price everything this week, I'll be taking photos of some items and adding them to this post. Come back later in the week for more details!

Edit 4/3/13 11:00AM - More photos below.

Queen bedding set includes 1 comforter (reversible red floral/plaid), 2 pillow cases (beige floral), 2 pillow shams (red floral), 1 bedskirt (plaid), flat sheet and fitted sheet (beige floral), window valance (plaid), toss pillow (plaid)

Edit 4/1/13 6:00PM - Several photos added below. May add more as the week goes on.

I'm also working on some painting projects that I'll display on sale day. They certainly won't be priced at yard sale prices, but it can't hurt to get more eyes on them! I'll share the details on those soon.

If you're in the Southern Indiana/Louisville area and want to stop by on April 6, let me know at imbusyprocrastinating@gmail.com and I'll provide more info. Come buy my stuff so I can buy more stuff!!!

Hollie

{Photography} Dreaming of a New Lens

2013-03-30T04:00:00.000-04:00

I have learned so much about photography in the past year and a half. I still have a long way to go, but just learning how to use the manual settings on my camera was a huge step in the right direction.

I have four lenses right now, each with a different purpose. The one I use most for interior shots is a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II SLR Lens. If you have trouble getting a wide enough shot of a room, it's an inexpensive wide-angle lens that can do the trick. The kit lens I've had since my non-digital Canon Rebel days is the Canon EF 35-80mm f/4-5.6 III Lens. Many of you with SLRs or DSLRs probably have this same kit lens. It's not bad for general purpose stuff.

For distance shots I use the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens. It's decent for portraits too. I'm sure you've heard of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens. Many people love it for portraits and food photography, and the price is very reasonable. It lets a lot of light in, which is helpful indoors. Because it's a fixed lens, you have to move yourself or your tripod, rather than zooming in and out, to fill the frame appropriately. I do have trouble focusing sometimes, so I'm still trying to get the most out of this lens.

I do have one more piece of glass in my arsenal. It screws on like a filter, but it's called the Canon 250D 52MM Close Up Lens.You could spend much more to get an actual macro lens, but it serves the purpose for most of us photography enthusiasts.

All of my current gear is considered entry-level. It has served me well, but since I've upped my skills, it's high time to start upping my equipment too. The equipment I'm dreaming of right now is said to be a great walk-around lens, meaning it's great for many purposes. It's the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens.

Isn't she a beauty? I would love to upgrade both my camera body and my lenses, but if you can only afford to do one, new glass is the way to go. Lenses make the biggest impact on image quality.

Have I told you yet that we're headed to Europe this summer? We've been planning the trip for months and finally booked our tickets a couple nights ago. Yippee! The majority of our time will be spent in Germany, with a day trip into Austria and a few days in Prague.

As you can imagine, I will be taking oodles of photos, so I'm eager to upgrade my gear before then. I've already got a new camera bag (can you guess which one?), with plenty of room for growth.

Do any of you have the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens? If so, do you love it as much as I think I will?

Hollie

Disclosure: Affiliate links included in this post, but my opinions are all genuinely my own.

Poll: Blog name change?

2013-03-28T14:08:00.003-04:00

I need your help! For some time, I've been considering changing the name of my blog. Although some people find the name "I'm Busy Procrastinating" to be clever, I don't know if it's right for me long-term.

I've been brainstorming names for months but most of the ideas I've come up with are already taken. One was scooped up by one of those sites that hoard URLs, and I'm certainly not willing to pay the fee they want to purchase the name from them.

During my brainstorming, one of the names I came up with is The Analytical Decorator. If you haven't figured it out already, I'm a very analytical person. Before I do anything, I complete lots of research, whether it's prior to making many purchases, or prior to starting a project. I rarely just jump right in!

Here's a potential new header:

Whether you're a new or long-time reader, I would appreciate it so much if you weighed in on the potential name change. See ... I can't even change my own blog name without lots of research and consideration!

Please take a moment to make your choice via the poll below.

Congrats to Bend on their collaboration with West Elm

2013-03-24T22:15:00.000-04:00

Back in October I shared my obsession with the Bend brand. Quirky and colorful is just my thing.

I was checking out West Elm's newest products today and spied a new dining table and chairs designed by Bend, exclusively for West Elm.

The Bend Dining Chair is sold individually or in sets of two. You can also purchase the Bend Dining Table with a set of two chairs. They come in white or yellow, and are powder-coated, so they can be used outside. But they would be fun inside as well! I imagine if the products sell well, more colors might be added down the road.

Speaking of more colors, West Elm's adorable Bubble Ceramic Side Table now comes in Indigo Glaze and Emerald Crackle in addition to the standard white. If I had $129 burning a hole in my pocket I might buy one in all three colors. Almost every home can find a spot for a cute little garden seat/side table!

West Elm, if you are reading this, I would be happy to test one out for you. :)

Hollie

I love the game, and now I have a Tetris scarf

2013-03-21T04:00:00.000-04:00

Who can resist the colored blocks of various shapes falling at rapidly increasing speeds? Not me. I was a Tetris-playing fool back in the day.

I'm not a big fan of playing it on my touch-screen phone now, so I have to live out my Tetris fantasies via my clothes now. Enter Target's new Mossimo Tetris Print Scarf.

At only $14.99, with free shipping and 5% off with my Target Red Card, I couldn't pass it up. Mine finally arrived the mail today and I'm stoked. Since I've been threatened not to bring too many clothes on our Europe trip this summer, I figure as lightweight and colorful as it is, it will help jazz up my wardrobe, even if I wear the same shirt several different days. How very European of me.

Target seriously has tons of cute scarves online and in stores this spring. I couldn't find this one at my local store so I purchased it online, but I wanted to buy up half of what they had in the store.

If you see me wearing this one in 93 degree weather, it's not because I have a hickey I'm trying to cover up. It's because I'm being fashionable. (I have a dear cousin/friend who was caught wearing a not-super-thin scarf when we dined on a restaurant patio a couple years ago when it was blazing hot outside. Like sweat-dripping-down-our-backs-even-as-we-drank-cold-beverages hot. And we all wondered how in the world she could have something tied up tight around her neck. Yep, totally covering a hickey.)

Are you a Tetris fan? Have you ever used an article of clothing to cover up something that you didn't want the world to see? Do you know anyone who has had a hickey in her 30s? Spill it.

Hollie

P.S. No affiliate links or sponsorship here. Just loving this product and wanted to share!

Introducing "Joy and Revelry"

2013-03-19T04:00:00.000-04:00

Have you heard about Joy and Revelry yet? It's a new home decor site that recruits "Style Mavens" who have great taste and style to curate collections for users to peruse and purchase.

The founders are design enthusiasts who come from retail giants Williams-Sonoma, Target, Home Depot and Home Decorators Collection. The site just launched a week ago, so they have lots of growing to do, but I'm really excited about the concept and wanted to share it with you right away. Rather than the Style Mavens just picking a bunch of products from a pre-existing inventory list, it looks like they are asked to research and share their favorite products from all over. They provide information about each product, describing why they chose it and/or how you can use it in your own home. It's more personal than the common flash sale sites where you just see a bunch of products on a page. And hopefully the collections will be more inspiring, rather than the same products that seem to float from flash sale to flash sale. Know what I mean?

Here are my favorite products so far:

1. Arbor Lamp, recommended by Bryn Alexandra
2. Maroc Rug, recommended by Reichel Broussard
3. Tufted Settee, recommended by Chelsea Horsley
4. Cadiz Pillows, recommended by Bryn Alexandra

I am completely smitten over that black and white herringbone rug. I discovered it a few months ago and wished that I would have come across it when I was amidst my black and white rug search. Was happy to see it pop up in Reichel's picks.

The site is invite-only, so ...

Hollie

Crushing on Bamileke stools & tables

2013-03-18T14:29:00.001-04:00

They've been around for a few years but I'm just getting on the Bamileke stool bandwagon. Originating in Cameroon and carved from a single tree trunk, they were traditionally used by the king. The criss-cross design is inspired by the earth spider, which is said to play a crucial role in solving problems in the Bamileke culture.

I considered purchasing West Elm's well-priced coffee table version when I decided I needed more texture and rustic-ness in my living room, but I'm not a big fan of the feet at the bottom. There are lots of Bamileke stools sold online, both authentic and reproductions, in small and large sizes. Usually they come in natural stain, black or white, but they're fun in colors too. I've noticed them used in both indoor and outdoor locations, and in both casual and high-end rooms.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

Right now I'm totally crushing on the last one above for my living room -- a coffee table version painted in white. Originally I wanted the natural wood, because every room needs several touches of real wood, but now I'm thinking that the white would help balance my new black and white color scheme, coordinating with the adjoining kitchen.

I wish they weren't so pricey, since a new coffee table is not on The Mr.'s high priority list! I'll thank him when it's time to retire.

Have you noticed these stools/tables in home design? What's your take?

Hollie

Follow I'm Busy Procrastinating on Bloglovin

2013-03-16T21:37:00.003-04:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I just found out this week that Google Reader is going away. What the what? I've been encouraged to start using Bloglovin, so I've just started getting things all set up and importing the blogs I follow over there.

For those of you who have already switched over, what do you like about it?

Hollie

{Analyze This} Living Room

2013-03-12T04:00:00.000-04:00

When you see a striking image, do you pause and analyze what it is you like, or do you just smile and admire its beauty? In the fast-paced world we live in, I think too often we don't stop and smell the roses, so to speak.

To remedy that, I have decided to start a new blog series called "Analyze This." I'll dig out an image that makes me drool, and I'll analyze what it is about that space that makes it special.

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This Manhattan living room of designer Laura Day was featured in Lonny Magazine's April/May 2010 issue. Some of you may remember Laura from the old TLC show Trading Spaces, back before there were TV networks focused exclusively on decor and DIY.

Let's analyze this room. What do you notice first?

For me, it's the mirrored credenza with the chevron pattern. It draws me in all the way from far end of the space. Next I notice the large, splashy art on the wall, which is the only real color in the room (other than the red/pink image on the TV). The glass chandelier brings my eye up to the ceiling, where I notice a coffered effect that works around some of the bump-outs in the room.

The lighting is nicely balanced around the room. Each of the three pieces I see are tied in with the color gold, but one is hanging from the ceiling, one is a sconce on the wall, and one is a floor lamp. The pair of coffee tables are tied into the lighting by color.

Neutrals abound in this room, but the various textures keep things interesting. The fluffy sheepskin poufs offer lots of texture, but they also bring in some whimsy, compared to the tailored matching linen sofas.

The wooden side table with three legs plays a couple different parts in the design, other than a table surface. It adds not only a natural wood element, but specifically a rustic element, which helps the room ward off a stuffy feeling. Plus it's just a little silly, and I like that.

I can't neglect to mention the varying sheens in the room. You have the shiny surfaces of the lighting, coffee tables, and credenza. Then you have the matte surfaces of the sofas and rug.

I'm guessing that most of the pieces in the room are new, but I can't say for sure. The black Bergere chair, which ties in to the black chevron pattern on the credenza, is likely vintage or antique.

I can't pin this room down as far as a certain style or era, which is intriguing. It's a little glam, a little rustic, a little mod, and a little tailored. Just the way I like it!

What elements stand out to you?

Hollie

IKEA's Stockholm Rand Rug obsoleted???

2013-03-07T00:04:00.001-05:00

Okay, I'm freaking out. I went to IKEA's website today and do you know what is gone?

Um, yeah. Their ubiquitous Stockholm Rand Rug. Classic color combo, chic design, affordable price.

I checked again. Gone from US, UK, Sweden, Germany. I assume the rest of the countries are the same, although I didn't bother to check every single one.

It had just finally come back in stock a couple months ago after being unavailable for what seemed like forever. Now it's apparently been obsoleted.

Please don your black clothes. It's time for mourning.

Hollie

"Not all who wander are lost" DIY painting

2013-03-06T04:00:00.000-05:00

Have you heard the quote "Not all those who wander are lost"? It's from a poem written by J. R. R. Tolkien for his novel Lord of the Rings.

All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,

A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,

The crownless again shall be king.

Tolkien's quote is often shortened to "Not all who wander are lost," and has been used recently in inspirational or decorative artwork.

My brother and his wife are decorating their first house, and have expressed a desire for more artwork I thought the "Not all who wander ..." quote was quite appropriate for them for many reasons, including the fact that they love to travel. The image I wanted to pair with the words is a hot air balloon. Not only does it represent adventure, but it also represents their marriage, since he proposed to her on a hot air balloon. I found lots of great "Not all who wander" artwork on Esty, but none quite matched with what I was looking for, so I decided to create my own.

I started with a blank canvas from a craft store. I liked the idea of reversing out the words, rather than painting the words on top. I thought it would be more interesting to mix up the letter styles a bit, so I purchased both some ArtSkills Vinyl Letters and ArtSkills Jumbo Alpha Stickers. I used a ruler to space out my letters and keep my lines straight, then placed my letters on the canvas, leaving room for the hot air balloon in the upper-right corner.

I was about to coat the whole canvas with my background color, but then I decided it would also be more interesting to have the word "wander" not only in a different font and size, but in a different color. So I lifted those letters back up and painted a stripe of black. I also wanted to do a test run of my hot air balloon design, so I drew it in pencil first, then went over it with a Sharpie.

After the black paint dried, I laid down my "wander" stickers again. Then I gave the whole thing a coat of sky blue paint. Because the canvas is so textured, it's really hard to get the stickers to stay down. I had to hold them down sometimes, and even then one time a letter moved and I got paint in the wrong place, which I had to touch up.

Here's an up close of what the smaller stickers looked like under the blue paint. (I had already peeled them off the word "wander." You can see some areas I had to touch up later, where the sticker was not sealed to the canvas enough and paint seeped under.)

After the paint dried, I took off all the stickers. As you can see, the hot air balloon outline was visible through the blue paint.

The next step was to paint in the hot air balloon.

I then outlined the balloon with black paint. From a distance, the purple looked too close to black, so I lightened it and then re-outlined.

Here's the final product, before it got gift-wrapped.

It's not a masterpiece, but hopefully the sentiment came through. :)

Hollie

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Even Martha is a fan of the Lyon Industrial Stool

2013-03-03T04:00:00.000-05:00

You know that feeling when you make a design choice but you're not sure whether it will be a win or a fail? It's exhilarating yet exhausting at the same time.

I was a bit unsure when I bought my Lyon industrial stools for my kitchen island (24" in Wedgewood Blue with rubber feet). Here they are in situ (although I need to update my photo because I have added some additional splashes of blue in the kitchen).

Maybe my uneasiness was due to a couple previous internet furniture purchases (including a set of stools) that didn't work out so well. Or maybe it's because I was looking for the reassurance of seeing them used in other kitchens. While I think we all like to be original, we also find comfort in knowing that someone else likes something we like.

Today I feel validated, because I'm so Martha. Yep, look who used the Lyon industrial stools in her own kitchen?

Granted this was the September 2006 cover of Martha Stewart Living, so maybe I'm so 2006 Martha. But any Martha good. I mean ... have you seen her retro modeling photos? Va-va-va-voom!

Back to the Lyon stools, here they are in three other kitchens.

The juxtaposition of the simple industrial-style stool in gray against the more glamorous and gilded kitchen is interesting. This Los Angeles kitchen was designed y William Hefner Architects, and spied on COCOCOZY.

The stools above are in the kitchen of Apartment Therapy contributor Regina Yunghans. A friend of hers scavenged them from an architecture school that was under renovation. Regina had them professionally powder coated in bright yellow. I've always wished mine were a bit more vibrant blue, so maybe I'll look into powder coating them at some point.

The next two photos are of the same kitchen, but you'll notice a big difference (and it's not the stools).

The first photo was featured on Remodelista in February 2009. The second was published in Midwest Living in September/October 2011. Homeowner Lisa Balke is an antiques dealer, whis is likely how she came across a salvaged church altar which she and her husband converted into their kitchen island. It definitely brings a warmer feel to the space than the stainless steel island did. I assume that was just a stand-in while they searched for something special.

I assume the white stools were powder coated as well, because they aren't manufactured in white. Actually, if Lyon realized how much of a demand there is for bright metal stools, they might re-think their drab colors. Maybe I should give them a bit of a nudge!

Have you ever had an "I'm so Martha" moment, where you felt validated about a choice you hadn't been so sure of?

Hollie

My very own buffalo print

2013-03-01T17:25:00.001-05:00

Friends, meet Buffy.

Bam! Isn't she a cutie?

Yes, her name is Buffy. Don't judge. I'm just making the assumption that it's a she, because I wouldn't want to get close enough to actually make the determination. But even if it's a he, that's okay because a guy that big (and with horns) can get away with a feminine name. Right? Right.

You may recall my fascination with Sharon Montrose's American Buffalo print, and the personal story why. As usual, The Mr. thought I was crazy for my love affair with Sharon's buffalo photo, and since I can't afford a giant version of him right now, I set the idea aside but still kept him in my heart.

I happen to be in the middle of a room makeover project right now, which I will share with you very soon, and the buffalo came back to mind. Sharon's print wouldn't work in the space because hers is horizontal and I need vertical, so I looked on Etsy for other buffalo photo options.

I came across this awesome buffalo photo by Ashley Jones-Wisner (aka ashley1126 on Etsy).

She took the photo at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge in Kansas, and said [Buffy] was so close to her that she had to lean back to snap the picture! While I instantly connected with the photo, it didn't quite fit my needs. However, I had the genius idea to crop it vertically and change it to black and white.

I contacted Ashley and she was really excited and thankful that I helped her see the photo in a different way. She did a custom crop for me and is printing it out in a 20x24 size. She loves the idea so much that she's thinking of adding it to her Etsy shop as an additional permanent option. Fun!

I've decided on a super-thin black frame like this Framatic Fineline, 20" x 24" Aluminum Frame. Designer Emily Henderson tipped me off to them in her post about her favorite ready-made picture frames. My only quandary now is whether to use a mat or not.

If I use a mat, I'll need to have a custom frame built, because I can't find a ready-made size larger than 20x24 in the style I like. The good news is that I found a local framer whose prices are super-reasonable, although I might burn up a lot of gas driving to his remote location! Obviously the addition of a mat would make the overall piece larger on the wall. And large is always good. (That's what she said. Sorry, couldn't help it. I miss Steve Carrell on "The Office.")

If I don't use a mat, I can purchase the ready-made frame I linked to above. However, the overall piece will be smaller if I don't use a mat because the largest Ashley can have printed is 20x24.

I'm leaning toward matting it, even thought it will drive up the price a bit. My only worry is whether a mat will distract from the in-your-face effect I'm going for. If you have an opinion on the mat issue, please weigh in!

Either way, stay tuned for further Buffy developments, and details about the room she will be living in.

Hollie

Inspiration from Ira Glass

2013-02-21T23:16:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I'm discouraged that I'll never be able to produce anything as spectacular what I envision in my head. Do you ever feel that way? It's so easy to compare ourselves to others who appear to be more successful or more talented, or who have better homes. I read other blogs and scan images on Pinterest to be inspired, but occasionally I end up feeling "not good enough" instead.

I came across this quote by American public radio personality Ira Glass today, and it seemed to pertinent to my mental struggles that I thought you might like to read it too.

I guess I'm still in that gap, the phase where I need to get projects completed in order to work through my creative evolution. Thank you, Ira Glass, for letting me know that eventually "[my] work will be as good as [my] ambitions." I'll keep fighting my way through!

How do you fight through those restless thoughts?

Hollie

The natural, easy way to turn your shower head from ick to slick

2013-02-16T04:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever realized just how disgusting something in your house is ... just as company has arrived?

My teenage son is responsible for cleaning his own bathroom. There have been times we've had to school him on exactly what "clean" means, and how to achieve it. But usually I'm noticing the shower walls, floor, and shower curtain. Or the bases of the sink faucet or handles. Or the mirror with all the toothpaste flecks.

But last week, just as an old college friend was coming in town, I noticed the shower head in our son's bathroom. This is the same shower our overnight guest would be using. It looked like this:

Eew. Ick. Yuck. If it's been cleaned in the five years we've lived here, it's been a looong while. I'm pretty sure our son has no idea it should be part of his cleaning routine.

Luckily our overnight guest is a guy's guy, and he may not have even noticed or cared that his shower water was coming out of something not so shower-fresh. However, for my own peace of mind, I had to remedy the situation as soon as possible.

I'm sure you're like me, and would rather not spend your money on expensive cleaning products that are full of nasty chemicals, and don't even work all that well. And who wants to ruin her manicure with excessive scrubbing? (Ha! As if I had a manicure. But maybe you do. I don't want those gorgeous nails to be ruined.)

Enter the miracle product. One so powerful, yet so economical and natural.

Yep, here's all you need:

White vinegar (1/3 cup or more, depending on the size of your shower head)
Baggie or bag with no holes (double bag if you're unsure)
Rubber band, tape, long twist tie, or string

Your contraption will look like this while it's working:

To figure out how much vinegar you need, do a dry run with your bag. Hold it over your shower head and twist it closed. Visualize how much vinegar you'll need to cover the front of the shower head entirely.

Here's how to rig up your contraption:

Pour the appropriate amount of vinegar into a glass measuring cup. Heat up the vinegar in the microwave until it's hot, but not boiling
Take all your supplies, including the heated vinegar into the bathroom.
Pour the vinegar into the bag.
Carefully hoist the bag up and over your shower head.
Twist the bag closed to keep the warmth inside (make sure the vinegar completely covers the dirty part of the shower head) .
Tie the bag off securely.
Let it sit for several hours (mine was about 8 hours but that may have been excessive).

When I pulled the bag off later, most of the grime was floating in the bag. All it took to remove the rest was a damp cloth. The gunk slid right off.

To give my brushed stainless steel shower head a nice polish, I gave it a quick wipe with some dust spray. That step is not necessary, but now it's all shiny and new-looking!

Wow, that was a lengthy commentary for such a simple process. It really is quick and easy. Unlike reading this blog post. Now go forth and clean your icky shower heads.

What are your favorite easy, natural cleaning methods? I'm trying to start using more natural products for cleaning. It's amazing what some of the simplest products we have in our pantry can do!

Hollie

Happy Valentine's Day!

2013-02-14T05:30:00.000-05:00

If you were like me in elementary school, you over-analyzed the meaning of the Valentine cards you received from certain people. Is this his sly way of telling me he really likes me? Since Valentine packages usually have an assortment of messages, I was careful which message I gave to whom, and I wondered if there was any special meaning in the messages I received. Yes, I've always been neurotic.

On this Valentine's Day, I have two messages that I picked out especially for you, my readers. Thanks for hanging out here with me, and for sharing the love!

A special Darwinian Valentine

A sentiment of love for my fellow Downton Abbey fans

Hollie

Recipe: Chocolate ice cream cake roll with chocolate glaze

2013-02-11T13:02:00.000-05:00

When I was young, my mom always let me pick out what type of birthday cake I wanted, and she made it from scratch. Every year I chose a chocolate ice cream cake with mint chocolate chip ice cream. Mmm ....

These days I carry on the tradition with my guys. The Mr. prefers carrot cake, but The Teen loves his ice cream cake. Unfortunately he's not into mint, so we use cookies and cream ice cream instead.

The chocolate cake rolled up with ice cream is tasty as-is, but what makes it decadent is the addition of a chocolate glaze. I'm drooling just thinking about it. Good thing I have some in my freezer right now!

Cake
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus extra to coat towel
1/4 tsp baking soda
4 eggs (yolks and whites divided)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/3 + 1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups ice cream (any flavor)

Spray a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan with cooking spray, then line it with a sheet of wax paper, tucking the wax paper into the corners. Spray the wax paper with cooking spray, then dust with flour. Preheat an oven to 375 degrees.

Combine flour, cocoa powder and baking soda; set aside.

In mixing bowl, beat egg yolks and vanilla with an electric mixer on high speed for 5 minutes. Gradually add 1/3 cup sugar, beating on high speed until sugar is nearly dissolved.

Mixture will be a creamy yellow color

In a separate bowl, with clean beaters, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form (tips curl). Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight).

Tips straight and stiff

Fold yolk mixture into beaten egg whites. Sprinkle flour mixture over egg mixture; fold in gently just until combined.

Mixture will be airy

Spread batter evenly into prepared jelly roll pan.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched near center. While cake is cooking, spread a thin towel out on the counter and sprinkle it thoroughly with cocoa powder. (The cocoa will keep the cake from sticking to the towel.) Once cake is baked, immediately turn it over onto the cocoa-covered towel.

Peel the wax paper off. Starting from the short end of the cake, roll up the towel and cake tightly.

Cool on a rack. While the cake is cooling, set a piece of foil over the jelly roll pan.

Once the cake is cool, unroll cake. (The end you started with should have a roll to it.)

Spread cake with ice cream, almost to each edge. (You may have to let the ice cream melt just slightly so that it spreads, but work quickly so it doesn't melt too much.)

Quickly roll up the cake.

Transfer to the foil-lined jelly roll pan, seam side down. Immediately freeze until the ice cream is solid again.

Glaze
2 oz. semisweet chocolate baking squares, chopped
1.5 Tbsp margarine or butter
3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar
1.5 Tbsp hot water
Sprinkles (optional)

In a small saucepan, melt chocolate and butter over low heat, stirring frequently.

Remove from heat; stir in powdered sugar and water. Stir in additional hot water, if needed, to create a drizzling consistency.

When ice cream is re-frozen, remove cake from freezer and drizzle glaze over cake, allowing excess to drip down sides. (You can use a small rubber spatula or spoon to help spread the glaze around.) Shake sprinkles on top, if desired.

Return to freezer until glaze has hardened. Once glaze is hardened and ice cream is re-frozen, the cake can be served. To make a better presentation, loosen cake from foil and transfer to serving platter. (This step is optional, but the glazing process is messy and the cake looks better if transferred to a clean dish.) You may need to let the cake warm up a few minutes at room temp before you can cut it into slices.

Tips:

A stand mixer will make the cake batter process easier. I use my stand mixer for the egg yolk mixture, but I use my hand mixer for the egg whites mixture. This is partly because I don't have two stand mixer bowls, and partly because I like to have more control when working with the egg whites.
If you want to save a step, you can go ahead and freeze the cake roll on your serving platter rather than on the foil. I don't like the messiness of the pool of glaze (although I certainly do like the taste of it!).
Once glaze has hardened, you can pipe icing on it if desired

Are you drooling yet? Let me know if you try this out!

Hollie

Tinkering with our living room layout (part 2)

2013-02-05T14:27:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone who voted on my living room layout options, and to those of you who made other suggestions. At your request, I have tried a couple more options.

Layout #4 uses just the larger part of our sectional, opposite our two chairs and side table in the same position they used to be. Then I set our new white bench on the end, across from the fireplace.

It's a very traditional layout, and I'm a fan. The bench doesn't quite fit on the rug (just barely the legs on one side), so that's making me feel a little uneasy, but maybe I'm overthinking it.

Visually, I think this layout is very appealing. We lived with it like this for several days, and we did miss three things about the full sectional. First, only one person could lie down to watch TV. Second, it was not as comfortable to sit together and watch TV, because both of our necks would be turned to the side. Not a huge deal, but just different than we're used to.

Layout #5 is just like our original layout, only we pulled the sectional out from the wall about 18 inches.

I know that pulling it out from the wall was supposed to help create more intimacy between each side of the room, and floating furniture often works. But in the case of the giant black blob, I think it just makes the sectional look more overpowering.

To review, here are all the layouts together:

(As you can see, my paint color photographs very differently depending on the time of day and the white balancing. And apparently I never edit it the same twice. Oops.)

Voting is open once again. Obviously things feel differently in person and our family will know what is most comfortable to us, but I am interested in your thoughts and any additional ideas!

Hollie

Stylish camera bags for both women and men

2013-01-31T00:08:00.000-05:00

Is it time to upgrade your camera gadget bag? Perhaps so, if you answer "yes" to one of these questions:

Has your equipment stash been growing and you're busting out of your current bag?
Are you tired of carrying around an ugly black nylon bag emblazened with your camera manufacturer's logo?
Do you want to go incognito, instead of screaming to passers-by, "I'm carrying expensive camera gear!"?
Would you prefer to have a bag that matches your personal style?

There are many options on the market, to suit every taste and budget. Some are decidedly feminine, whereas others can work for either men or women. Here's a roundup of my favorites:

1. Kelly Moore - 2 Sues Bag in Raspberry, $199
2. THEIT - Bossi Bag in Studded Black, $199 (Canadian)
3. Jo Totes - Betsy in Teal, $109
4. Silhouette Bags - Silhouette Camera Bag in Chestnut, $129
5. Epiphanie - Ginger in Slate Blue, $164.99
6. Ona - The Chelsea in Cognac, $369
7. SHUTTER | bag - Heirloom in Black, $339.95

1. Kelly Moore - Kelly Boy Bag in Brown, $199
2. Ona - The Union Street in Smoke, $289
3. Backpacker - BBK-1, $44.59
4. Copper River Bags - Voyager in Serengeti, $156.95
5. Epiphanie - Austin in Black, $194.99

These types of camera bags are basically purses, messenger bags, and the like, outfitted with a padded insert inside, which is there to protect your gear. Another option is to create your own by purchasing an insert, which can fit into any bag you like. Inserts are available in many shapes, sizes and colors. Search for them on Etsy, Amazon, Ebay, or many other online retailers.

Padded Insert by Darby Mack Designs on Etsy

See anything you like? If I didn't include one of your favorites, please share it in the Comments for other readers to check out!

Hollie

I'm Busy Procrastinating

Cats enjoying the spring weather

Gloss blue nightstand using oil-based paint

Crushing on stylist Lotta Agaton

Spring Fling meet-up

Crushing on black and white striped decor

{Recipe} Homemade Philly Cheesesteaks and Crunchy Potato Wedges

Yard sale this Saturday!

{Photography} Dreaming of a New Lens

Poll: Blog name change?

Which name do you like best for my blog?

Congrats to Bend on their collaboration with West Elm

I love the game, and now I have a Tetris scarf

Introducing "Joy and Revelry"

Crushing on Bamileke stools & tables

Follow I'm Busy Procrastinating on Bloglovin

{Analyze This} Living Room

IKEA's Stockholm Rand Rug obsoleted???

"Not all who wander are lost" DIY painting

Even Martha is a fan of the Lyon Industrial Stool

My very own buffalo print

Inspiration from Ira Glass

The natural, easy way to turn your shower head from ick to slick

Happy Valentine's Day!

Recipe: Chocolate ice cream cake roll with chocolate glaze

Tinkering with our living room layout (part 2)

Stylish camera bags for both women and men