Do you ever have one of those days where you are just pooped and resting is the only option? Well, that was me last Saturday with the exception of a long work out at the gym. The day was overcast and must be a drop in barometric pressure, as I didn’t feel like doing anything! So I apologize for not posting last Saturday and look forward to catching up today!

Recent travels

My recent trip to Washington, DC and Old Town Alexandria, Virgina was such fun. Traveling is a breeze (and very clean) and super affordable. The only downside is having to wear a mask. But as with most things in life, we adjust, don’t we?

Many weddings this year are postponed until 2021, but many couples are having a small civil ceremony instead. My son officiated this lovely one which was held outside at the Washington DC War Memorial. With an early morning start time, it was a breezy and chilly day with clear blue skies. So proud of the outstanding job done by Benjamin! And congratulations to Cole and Brooklyn!

We stayed at The Alexandrian hotel in Old Town Alexandria and the location is perfectly close to shops and restaurants. The history is abundant and of course, I loved looking at all the homes, shops and the amazing Halloween/autumn decorations.

Delightful Decorations

Our Nation’s Capitol

Washington, DC is such a beautiful city, for the most part. Unfortunately the rioting this summer has left areas looking like a 3rd world country. It is heartbreaking to see and this destructive behavior is something I just don’t understand.

We also visited the Martin Luther King and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial too. Not very many people present so we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.

Technology and its downside

When I returned I felt a bit like a pretzel after sitting on the long plane ride and sleeping in another bed. Happily I have a chiropractor I love and he does wonders for my alignment. While in his office, I spotted this sign:

Dr. David Welch states he is seeing more 30 year olds with headaches and neck pain. What was shocking to hear is that he is actually witnessing wedge-shaped vertebra as a result of texting. Think about that for a minute.

So just a reminder if you are texting or on your phone a lot, change your posture. I personally find this information horrifying. My neck was gravely injured in a car accident many years ago and trust me, you don’t want neck pain.

The Back Staircase Project

I swear, this is the longest project, but I am making good progress. Here are some sample runners I just received in the mail from Dash and Albert. We have decided on the blue/white stripe one. The goal is to get this project finished this week. However, the rug make take several weeks to arrive.

Charitable Event at Scottsdale Artist School

I am excited to see the painting I donated on the promotional piece for Beaux Arts 2020. Beaux Arts is a fundraising event held every year by the Scottsdale Artist School. This year the event will be virtual so everyone will have a chance to participate! There are so many wonderful pieces of art available for bidding (including my painting above!). If you would like to participate (it costs nothing to register), click here. My painting is under the category 2020 Fresh Paint Gallery among so many fabulous entries(see here). Online bidding will begin on November 7 – 14th.

As much as I love to travel, there is something comforting about being home. The weather is definitely cooler here and we are so excited to turn off the air conditioning and throw open all the windows.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend and Happy Halloween! It’s hard to believe it is the end of October already! Any fun plans for the weekend?

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When we purchased our cabin, the previous owner left a few pieces of furniture. I don’t consider them to be my style, yet it is nice to have furniture already there that doesn’t require moving. This plain, brown dresser is a large piece left behind that we moved into the family room. Placed under the flat screen television it houses all the television equipment and family games.

The Original Cabinet

A few years ago, my daughter and I painted it green, sanding the edges for a rustic effect. We left the top of the dresser the original brown. The drawers in the middle look like 8 individual small ones, but they are really 2 large drawers with 8 small pulls.

The Inspiration

As you know I am trying to add a more Scandinavian/European flair to the cabin (see that previous post here). Since I have never been in love with this piece, the decision to hand paint it made sense. Searching the internet for hand painted Swedish antiques, I am inspired by these photos.

The Plan

Starting with a rather rough sketch, the design and colors are developed.

The actual flower design is inspired by this photo.

Painting the Base

The blue and parchment paint choices for the base cabinet are historical colors from Benjamin Moore. Instead of getting full size quarts, I purchase these in sample sizes from Ace Hardware. The deep red is leftover paint from a previous project. The actual colors names are up at the cabin but if you need them, let me know.

Most of the cabinet is painted blue; the drawer faces are parchment, and the drawer detail is in red. I do need to put on two coats of paint to completely cover the previous green. The hardware appears dated to me and I am looking for drawer pulls that are less bulky and intrusive.

At this point, the parchment looks more yellow and I am hoping to add an antique glaze at the end to tone everything down a bit.

Adding the Detail

Next, I hand sketch the design on the larger drawers. Using my acrylic paints, I select the color combinations I want to use. Any mistakes I make I figure I can clean up later.

I paint the large drawers first (2 of them) and then continue with the smaller drawers (4 of them).

The Obstacles

So far I am happy with the results. And now I struggle with what to do with the two center drawers. I attempt to paint them in the same fashion as the larger drawers, but think it may be too busy. Do I leave them plain blue? So I sit and stare at my options for a few days.

I consult a few of my very artistic friends and ask their opinion. Whatever I do can be always painted over, right?

The new hardware finally arrives! These Restorers Classic Curved pull handles with rosettes are in antique brass. Their smaller profile will be less dominant than the existing ones. See the link here.

But the sizes are wrong for the smaller ones and I am two short on the larger drawers. What was I thinking when I ordered these? Here you can see the style of the new hardware vs. the old, but the pull is too long. So I wait another 2-3 weeks for the right size hardware.

Adding the Glaze

In the meantime, I decide to paint individual flowers on the 8 smaller drawer fronts and antique glaze the entire piece.

The Finished Piece

So here is the finished piece…..well, I think it’s finished. I am wondering if I should add a red border to the 8 smaller drawer faces? And I am thinking about painting the top blue vs. leaving it wood. Your thoughts?

Once I am certain it is “finished”, I will put a coat of satin polyurethane over the hand painting to protect it.

Now I just need to find a way to hide the television equipment. It is so ugly, right? I do miss those huge armoires where you could tuck it all away and out of sight.

These colors go nicely with the oriental rug in the family room and adds lots of color to the rather bland walls. And I am so happy to have another daunting project in the rearview mirror!

Happy Tuesday to everyone. We are experiencing the most glorious cooler mornings and beginning to have my cup of coffee outside……finally after the hottest summer on record. Yippee!

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Both the dining room and living room have ideal mantels in which to decorate for the holidays and seasons. Typically in October, the dining room mantel is filled with Halloween themed items. But this year is so different than all others. Between the pandemic and the fact that we no longer have small children that get excited over Halloween, my heart just isn’t in to pulling out all the spooky items. It is just a strange year overall. So instead, I am adding a bit of Autumn to the dining room mantel.

Here is the Before of the mantel. To see more of my dining room, click here.

Start with a Blank Slate

I remove all the items and leave the painting, as I hope it will work.

Add Layers

On the mantel, faux fall leaves and cotton branches create a base of fall color and texture. Amazon has a great selection of fall leaves here.

And Height

To add some height, I add two wheat sheaths. I found these lighter colored sheaths of wheat on Amazon and I actually think I like them better. Click here to see them.

Books are always a good tool to use to provide some anchoring or to use as a pedestal for another item. This “set” of books is really a French faux book form cordial set. However, you can use something like this, faux books or real tomes.

Unique Pieces

One of my cherished pieces is this antique carved Virgin Mary and Jesus on an oval pedestal with a glass dome. Adding some faux orange berries really enhances her blue and white gown. This statue is placed on top of the old books.

Seasonal Artwork

I remove the existing painting and bring out an original by California plein air artist, Lynn Winans (1897-1982). With the colors of autumn and known for his landscapes, this painting reminds me of the rolling hills in California. What it needs is a proper frame, but in the interim, I set it on a pedestal.

And then fill in

Using some of my fabric pumpkins, I fill in the empty spaces with their plump shapes and colors. To see how to make these, click here.

A set of brass candlesticks on the left side adds a bit of brightness and height.

The nail that holds the larger previous painting is noticeable. I try to disguise the nail with faux leaves. Do you think the “falling leaves” are goofy looking? Not sure how I will mask that~maybe just some touch up paint and it will disappear. Maybe a mirror layered behind it? Please share your suggestions!

Slowly, ever so slowly, I am decorating the house. It is cool enough here in the mornings to turn off the air-conditioning and open the windows. I am baking more too, but it still feels like summer during the day. Strange weather, strange year.

Enjoy your Wednesday and let me know what you are doing to add fall to your home.

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This post shared with Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday #611

Upon entering our front hall, you see our grand staircase and an antique petticoat table. But tucked in behind the mirrored table, is a wainscoting panel, just to the left of the door to the powder room. Several months after we purchased the house, we discovered that this panel is not permanently fixed, but slides down to reveal hidden storage under the stairs.

The hidden space

A rather ingenious system with a rope and pulley, the panel drops down below the floor level. Painting of baby chicks done by my friend, Jane Horn.

As the panel slides down, you can see the original lathe and plaster construction of our 110 year old home.

My Mess

Now comes the embarrassing part. This hidden storage area is a collection point for all my seasonal pillows, slip covers for the family room sofa, dining room table leaf and pillow inserts. It is an area that I have been wanting to organize, but as you know, out of sight, out of mind.

After removing all of the items, you can see that this is a rather large space, probably created to provide access to the plumbing to the powder room.

Sorting and Organizing

After cleaning and wiping down this space, I begin to re-organize the contents. Heading to Target, I purchase large plastic storage tubs. Inventory is rather low after the Back-to-School sales, but I start with 6 large containers. Click here for a good selection of stackable plastic storage boxes from Amazon.

Making labels for each box helps with the sorting and organizing. The four different sets of sofa slipcovers takes up a great deal of space.

Since Target didn’t have enough plastic tops for the containers purchased, I keep all the pillows in plastic bags so they don’t get dusty. I utilize all the space under the stairs.

The dining room leaf is placed in a fabric pocket I made with an unused tablecloth. I lean the leaf against the boxes, as it will not fit any other way.

Now when I need a seasonal item, this new organizational system will save time and effort.

Do you have a project that you keep putting off? This under the stairs storage is definitely one that would bother me each season. I am so happy I finally tackled it! To see my recent post about another storage project in the front hall, click here.

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Today, I am happy to be part of a blog hop that revolves around front hall projects!

We all love it when you visit and comment so please enjoy the following DIY Front Entryway Projects. Niky from the House on Silverado jazzes up her front hall for Fall.

Chas from Chas Crazy Creations turns this $1 garage sale find into a sweet side table.

My friend, Andrea from Design Morsels loves the color red and check out this colorful front hall project here.

Tarah from Gramma’s House DIY makes clever use of a space in her front entryway. See it here.

Thank you so much for joining me today! Have a wonderful week!

How exciting to be part of the Traveling Teacup series. My dear friend, Barbara from Mantel and Table is behind this wonderful way for people to have a shared experience through her beautiful pink rose teacup. What started out as a photo challenge back in March, is now a lovely, civilized way for people to connect during this pandemic. This teacup has traveled far and wide and will continue to do so after it leaves Bella Terra. Stories are told and collected and I hope you enjoy this teacup’s visit to our historic home.

The Teacup Arrives

The teacup arrived at our gates lovingly packaged. I can honestly say I am feeling very responsible for the care and keeping of this cup! Look where it has traveled! Carefully I unpack it and feel a need to introduce this beauty to our home and life. Made in South Korea by Hankook China, this teacup and saucer feels a bit heavier than my other teacups. It has a fun circle handle too, so it is easy to hold. Somewhere along the way, someone names the cup, Tessa Rose.

The Morning Chores

To start the day, Tessa Rose tags along with me as I do my daily chores. But like for most guests, we pull out the red carpet. Such a beautiful teacup deserves a silver tea service (in my Store). And of course, fresh homemade apple cider donuts. The cider is made from apples from our tree in the orchard (my first time making cider). To get the donut recipe, click here.

After steeping two Twinings Lady Grey teabags, we head out to the hen house and garden. It is a beautiful morning with temperatures in the low 70s. While taking advantage of having tea while I work, I set up a small table just for me and Tessa Rose. I love how the early morning dappled light adds a slight blue cast to the photo.

Using my treasured linens, the table feels extra special for Tessa Rose. To sit and have a cup of tea listening to the clucking chickens and chirping birds is the ideal way to start a day…..in spite of the chores! To see the recent post on how I store an organize my fine linens, click here.

Into the Garden

Next we look in on the garden. Since I recently planted the fall garden, I am checking to see how the new plants are faring. Unfortunately, the birds got to my lettuces and greens, so a cover is applied in hopes to allow the chewed down stubs to grow again. My trusted companion and shadow, Sox wants to be part of the tea party.

Next stop is the hen house to feed and water the chickens. It’s a bit early but a few eggs are available for gathering.

On our way back to the house, I return garden tools to the potting shed. Here is my chance to show Tessa Rose our unique well tower. This historic structure, built in the early 1900s, is home to the original water well. The building is completely restored with a newer well water system. To learn more about this restoration, click here.

During the morning walkabout, I show Tessa Rose a quick peek at our guest cottage and pool house before we head back inside.

Just Hanging Out

Yesterday was a big baking day! Tessa Rose helps me gather items for my youngest child, Elisabeth. She is a sophomore in college and we hope to connect today so I can give her some goodies~homemade quiche, donuts, sourdough bread, a fall candle and some comfy jammies.

Next we head up to my art studio. A recent request from a friend to donate one of my paintings for a charitable event is a bit of a surprise. I need to pick one, frame it and hope someone will want to buy it!

Tessa Rose keeps me company throughout the day. She is by my side as I write more blog posts, pay bills, sort and organize mail and pack for a trip out of town.

Day is Done

After a busy day, and in the true Mantel and Table tradition, I thought I would try my hand at an evening cocktail with tea as an ingredient. Using my brother and sister-in-laws’ honey, chamomile tea, gin and fresh lemon juice, we make the Birds and Bees. This refreshing cocktail recipe is from Juan Coronado from The Bazaar, South Beach.

With a long day behind us, Tessa Rose is washed and packed away for her next adventure to Portland, Oregon. Many thanks for Mantel and Table for allowing me the chance to participate in this wonderful teacup adventure! Bon Voyage, Tessa Rose!

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So last night, I was thinking about all the things that make a house a home. This started when I was admiring my lamps in the master bedroom at our cabin. I was relentless in hunting down these lamps, which literally took weeks. I first saw them in a photo (above) of a Sarah Richardson bedroom.

Who remembers the television show, Sarah’s House back in 2014? Sarah Richardson is a Canadian designer and at that time, I was a big fan and loved her style. Rich in fabrics and textures, her bedrooms are dreamy and colorful. Both Sarah Richardson and Candice Olsen were all the rage before Joanna and Chip Gaines.

When the lamps arrived in 2 BIG boxes, I was so excited. So every time I turn on the lights by our bed, I am reminded of how determined I was to purchase these lights. Our master bedroom cabin is on the large size and the scale of these lamps is P.E.R.F.E.C.T!

Luckily, Paulo Bracket Light TOB2201 designed by Thomas O’Brien can still be found through Circa Lighting and through online searches.

The brass arm is articulating and therefore you can pull the light closer to you if needed. The barley twist leg side table is one I found at a thrift store. Someone had waxed and chalk painted over the beautiful wood. It took quite a while to get it back to its original patina, but it is definitely another special piece.

The basket below the table (since there are no drawers) holds my reading material, hand cream and other night time necessities.

Back to Sarah Richardson….So I haven’t seen her work in a few years and I do not believe she has a current television show. Thanks to the internet, I looked her up and boy, has her style changed. She is now more minimalistic and modern. Surprisingly, in one of her videos she is using lots of IKEA pieces. Though her spaces are beautifully orchestrated, I find them lacking the warmth and interest from her previous style. But to each’s own, right?

So what elements make a house a home? For me, it is furnishing my home with pieces I love. That there is a story behind each one. The pieces do not belong to a set, but have unique features and qualities. They vary in age and style but they work together for me.

Like this picture. My mother found this four poster bed on the side of the road for sale for $4.00. It was painted red and she and I stripped it back to its original wood. This was my childhood bed and now it is in my daughter’s bedroom at the cabin.

Or the quilt~which I found during a cross country driving trip. It was in an old antique store black with dirt. I carefully hand washed it in a bathtub of Ivory Snow before I finally saw the beautiful complex stitching. Or the Ralph Lauren sheets that I paid for with my first big promotion. The Laura Ashley rug is from my very first house in Connecticut ~back when Laura Ashley was a thing!

The painting of the pink roses is mine~done in my first year of taking art classes. So many memories in one small room!

There has only been two times in my life where I used an interior designer. When I was a corporate executive, I was traveling a great deal and depended on others to pull my home together. I can honestly say I have no connections with the items they purchased. There is no story to be told except my memory of paying them for their services. Finally, after many years, I have removed several of those pieces and replaced them with meaningful ones.

Maybe my home and cabin aren’t magazine worthy, but they are filled with antiques, vintage, unique pieces and glorious memories. I can recount with nearly every item, where I got it, the life stage I was in and how it touched my heart.

When you look around your home, what do you see? Cherished items and wonderful memories? Or a perfectly staged home that is magazine worthy? Or both (lucky you!)?

I know some people would say that you shouldn’t get so attached to “things”. But they are more than that to me. These items spark wonderful thoughts and memories of all the different phases of my life. When I see the houndstooth sofa in the above picture, I see my teenage daughter Elisabeth, giggling and plopping down on it.

Could I let go of all of them? Yes, because the feelings and memories remain in my heart. But these cherished items help tell the story of my life and my family. And that is worth clinging to.

If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to share on Pinterest. To see more pictures of our cabin, click here.

This post shared with Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday #610