Happy February! January was a blur, wasn’t it?

Last Saturday, I shared the beginning of cleaning out and organizing the Master closet. If you missed that post, click here to see some ghastly before pictures. Though I do have a few more drawers to organize, the bulk of it is FINISHED (at least my side of the closet)! Yippee!

It was a chore sorting through clothes that I haven’t worn in years and finally letting go and donating them. I organized blouses both by color and sleeve length, as suggested by Maggi Heiser, one of my followers who left a comment last week. Thank you, Maggi!

Pants are also organized by color and hang just below the blouses/shirts.

Remember this photo from last week? Here is the before (try not to judge):

And this is how it looks now:

I love my fabric boxes that fit nicely in the shelves. There are 2 different sizes and a total of 20 of them. Each box is labeled which makes it easy to find things, such as bathing suits, bathing suit coverups, small purses, hats, travel items to name a few. I don’t recall where I purchased these but Amazon has an extensive selection.

Affordable racks from Ikea provide plenty of storage for necklaces.

This is one of my favorite closet accessories. A pull-out slide rod for hanging outfits or newly pressed clothing. For less than $20 you can purchase these from Home Depot or Wayfair.

When we were designing the closet, I am so happy I went to the expense of adding a wall-mounted ironing board from Iron-A-Way. It appears they are now readily available from various places online. The quality of this one is very good, plus it is nicely hidden from view with a matching cabinet door.

When we were renovating the house, the only laundry room was downstairs, which is quite a distance from the master closet. Fortunately, our closet is directly above the laundry room, so it was easy to add a laundry chute to drop dirty clothes directly into a basket below. Hidden behind a faux drawer, is the entry point.

Remember this photo from last week?

This is how it looks now.

The jars are from Ikea and are perfect for storing costume necklaces and bracelets, where they don’t get tangled up with another.

This Modigliani inspired painting was done in one of my art classes a few years back. Now that the closet is so clean, it deserved some artwork!

Narrow, flat storage boxes and baskets fit nicely under the hanging rods. This is where I store those holiday sweaters I cannot seem to get rid of and multiple workout jackets/clothing.

I am delighted with my closet progress. I do thank my friend, Ret, who kindly pointed out that this space was a mess and prompted me into action.

Here’s a shout out to Jill at Classy Closets , who was instrumental in creating the closet design. I have used this excellent company many times in other renovation projects.

There is a cedar closet in this area, but I’m a bit “closeted-out” so that will need to be a future endeavor.

Happy Saturday to you! I hope your weekend is filled with relaxation and fun!

Welcome to a new series about the restoration/renovation of our home. I love Before and After pictures and hope you do, too! Though nearly all the major work is done, owning a historic home is a constant, never ending enterprise.

Since this was a massive project, I will break it down into chapters. Please note that these pictures are through the various seasons and some of the original ones were done before digital cameras. Where I could, I tried getting the same angle for the “after” photos.

We love this North Central neighborhood but, at the time, had two small children and a house we were outgrowing. Daily, I would push a stroller down the street and stop and stare at this property. You couldn’t see much from the road. It was so overgrown and neglected. I was intrigued.

When we told the realtor we would like a property with some land, she showed me (my husband was out of town) this mysterious house, which wasn’t publicly listed for sale. I saw it in November and couldn’t stop thinking about it. At the same time, the conversation in my head with myself, kept saying my husband would NEVER go for it. It was difficult to see the bones of the house because it was so cluttered with personal belongings.

Weeks later, I asked to see the house again, with my spouse in tow. When you are married to a lawyer, they can go for hours without facial expressions and I had no idea what he thought of it during our tour. His answer to my question “Well, what do you think? was “Let’s make a ridiculous offer and see what happens”. So we did. The owners countered $25,000 higher and suddenly, we were the proud owners of Bella Terra.

Working with a fabulous architect (Cathy Hayes), we settled on our 2nd choice of contractors (the 1st one wasn’t available for the next 12 months). This contractor told us the project would take less than a year. I figured, at most, a year and 6 months.

As a result, we bought a double wide trailer (24′ x 56′), parked it in the back (we have nearly 2 acres) and lived there with 2 toddlers. Unfortunately due to several unexpected problems and an unethical contractor, it was nearly 3 years later that we finally moved in. Remember the movie with Tom Hanks, The Money Pit? Yes, we were living it!

The house was built in 1912 and the previous owners had lived there for over 30 years, with little to no maintenance or improvements. The exterior windows had bars on them. There was no central air conditioning, just 6 window units…..and only one actually worked. Not only was the house filled with stuff, but they had numerous storage containers scattered all over the property. It took 6 months for the owners to clean out the house and to close the real estate deal.

The house has gorgeous architectural features: several arches, window trim, stately columns and a belly band~~the decorative band that bisects the front of the house. Unique bottle green Terra Cotta tiles from Ludowici graced the roof.

The front of the house needed minor repair with exception of all the windows. Long story as to why, but mid-way through the project we discovered we had to replace 55 windows. Of course, since they were originally built on site 100 years earlier, each one was a different size and different sash patterns. Marvin Windows made 55 custom ones to fit the openings, which set the project back by months. Groan.

The front terrace had major cracking in the scored concrete and you can see in the After photo, where we replaced the large damaged sections with Raja slate.

The original main entrance to the house was from the north and south sides of the front terrace.

We left the original configuration but created a front entrance that leads directly to the front door and added a slate path to the porte Cochere.

Whoever designed this house (architect unknown) kept many things in mind. Here are a few of my favorites: The house is perfectly placed on the lot~~large front lawn and nearly 2 acres of privacy. Notice the deep overhangs on the roof. This keeps the heat out during the summer, but allows light in when the sun is lower in the winter. The porte Cochere allows for easy parking without having to go in and out of a garage.

Thank you for joining me today and I hope you enjoyed Chapter 1 of the Restoration Chronicles. I plan on writing a chapter every few weeks to show you more of the project!

Have a joyous Wednesday, my friends! To see more Restoration Chronicles Part 2 click here.

If you enjoy this pin, please share on Pinterest.

This post shared with:

Metamorphosis Monday #600 Between Naps on the Porch

Inspire Me Mondays by My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Charming Homes & Gardens Week 17

Wonderful Wednesday Link Up Party Hammers n Hugs

New beginnings, fresh starts and a time to get life in order is what I think of in January. Two years ago I did a major sweep of the master closet and it was a thing of beauty.

But 24 months later, it’s just a mess. Why is it so difficult to keep things in order? It didn’t bother me until our recent houseguest asked to see the upstairs of our home. When she went into our closet, she said she was happy to see I was normal and it was unorganized. Wait. What? Have I been looking at my closet with rose colored glasses for the last 2 years?

And then it happened. I REALLY looked at my closet and gasped. I’m almost embarrassed to share some of these photos.

I’d like to report that I have organized the entire closet but it has just taken me two days to clean up my scarf collection, shoes and a few drawers. I am not only tidying up, but I am assessing each item to save, toss, or donate. When you make progress, you need to share!

I decided to sort my scarves by category first: Snow/winter outdoor activity scarves; winter casual; winter dressy; silk; cotton; head; bandanas; neck warmers, large wraps and ponchos/shawls. And then I organized by size and color.

The large wraps/shawls are hung on a trouser rack now that is tucked into an unused corner. Big improvement.

I have a lovely collection of silk scarves that were the height of fashion back when I was in corporate America. These scarves are inside a brown fabric box that is labeled and sits on a shelf.

My husband was such a dear to give up one of his drawers for most of my scarves. I am sure he is happy not to see them scattered all over the place.

Snow/winter scarves and my neck warmers are in a basket on a shelf.

Lastly, the cotton/summer scarves, because they have less bulk, are hung on a circle scarf holder and hung on a rod.

Other closet organization progress. This was my underwear drawer before:

This is AFTER!

I don’t understand how you can put two socks in the washer and only one comes out. Where do they go? In cleaning out my sock drawer, I put all my athletic socks in one container since I wear them the most. All the orphaned socks will be discarded when I go through the laundry baskets and dryer, in one last attempt to find their mate.

I will be spending the rest of the weekend making progress on the balance of the closet. Hopefully there will be a full closet reveal soon!

Have you completed any organizational goals this month? Happy Saturday and enjoy your weekend!

Can you believe that there are only 9 days left to January? I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t properly stored away some of the Christmas items, but have an end of the month deadline to do so. It is hard, however, not to think ahead to February.

There is an abundance of Valentine craft paper leftover from all the years of making craft projects with the children. In an effort to use some of it up, I made this very simple Valentine garland.

The heart-shaped cut out is from Michaels, but you could easily make a heart pattern, trace it and cut it out. Would also be fun to do different sizes.

Line up the hearts in the patterns you like. I used Baker’s twine because of the red/white color, but any string will do.

Glue one heart to the twine and then press the other heart on top. I placed the string to the upper part of the heart, which allows the hearts to hang without flipping.

Decide the distance between hearts and repeat the process.

Let the hearts dry and flatten out any glue bumps.

Hang wherever you need some Valentine cheer!

A quick and easy DIY to make your February sweeter!

Do you have a favorite item or part of your home that brings a smile to your face or a boost to your spirit? These are the things that if you had to move, you would definitely take them with you.

I suppose organizing guru, Marie Kondo would say these items “spark joy”. In the quiet mornings, when I walk around the house with my cup of coffee, I feel so grateful to be in a place I love. Here are a few of my favorite possessions.

The chair above is a grand, old chair. It was covered in some ghastly burgundy material and I am so happy with the lighter, playful fabric chosen for the back. The seat is a neutral linen. Both fabrics highlight the carved detail of the frame. This is the type of chair that when you sit in it, you feel like royalty.

My tulipieries. I first spotted these during a trip to Amsterdam and have always wanted a pair. I purchased them last year from The Enchanted Home and love to fill them with a variety of flowers. They ooze happiness!

The Wedgwood Wild Strawberry tea set was discovered during a shopping trip to Harrods in London many years ago. I remember having sticker shock because I thought the price was in euros vs. the British pound. But I was at the register and wasn’t about to put them back, so I swallowed hard and probably hid the receipt from my husband! Definitely one of those well-worthwhile purchases.

The pastry rack that sits on the kitchen island is the perfect size to break up the expanse of the countertop. Each season I decorate it and it feels unique and rather French. Don’t recall where I got it, but it’s a keeper.

Our duvet cover is Shore Rose by Taylor Linens. Each night when I tuck myself into bed, just looking at this sweet fabric makes me happy. It’s soothing and peaceful.

I found this ornate carving of Mary and baby Jesus in an antique store in northern Arizona. I have never seen one with an oval glass dome on an oval wooden base. I change out the flowers surrounding the statue with the season. It’s hard to get a good picture of the details due to the reflection in the glass, but it’s a beautiful piece and one that I cherish.

My first oil painting. I finally had it framed and it sits on a small easel on the living room sofa table. It was intimidating to take an oil class at the Scottsdale Artist School with master painters, but I like the results.

Our dining room chandelier was brought with us from our last home. Illuminated once by candlelight, we had it wired for today’s use. This would definitely come with us to a new house. It is elegant but not too gaudy.

The antique sofa that sits in our master bedroom was a purchase from the Brimfield Antique Show. Covered in French grain sacks, it was in our barn for years as I pondered what to do with it. Finally, a friend suggested a large houndstooth fabric and voila! It took the upholsterer several months to do it, but I love how it turned out.

Lastly, during a trip to Paris with my dear friend, Susan, I purchased several glass Christmas ornaments. I keep them in a footed trifle bowl on a living room end table all year round. They are so pretty and I can clearly remember that cold day in November when I purchased them and carefully carried them back to the States.

There are so many things I love here at our home, but these items speak to me daily. This year I would like to go room to room and get rid of those things that are just filling space, but do not fill my soul. What do you have in your everyday life that makes your heart happy?

Happy Tuesday, my dear friends!

I stumbled across this 2008 recipe from Simply Recipes and just happened to have several Meyer lemons that needed to be used. I am one of those people who love marmalade~~on freshly made bread with a cup of tea or coffee. There is something so romantic and very British about it.

Meyer lemons are a hybrid of a regular lemon and an orange. The skin is thinner and it is sweeter than a regular lemon. With this recipe, please note that you cannot substitute regular lemons for Meyer lemons.

If you live locally, Whitfill Nursery on Glendale Avenue is selling boxes of gorgeous organic Meyer lemons. With only 3 ingredients, you can have your very own fresh marmalade. What is also important to know is that the ratio for this recipe is 1:1:1, which makes this a simple recipe to use with any quantity lemons.

The recipe calls for 2 1/2 lbs. of Meyer lemons (about 9 lemons), 6 cups of water and 6 cups of granulated sugar.

After scrubbing the lemons clean, and discarding any damaged ones, I prepared the lemons by cutting 1/4″ off from both ends.

Working one lemon at a time, cut the lemon in half lengthwise and then cut the lemon half into several segments, lengthwise.

As you cut the lemons into segments, if you can, pull off any exposed membranes.

When you get to the final segment, cut away the pithy core. Remove all seeds from the segments. Reserve the seeds and any removed membrane or pith. You will need these later.

Cut each lemon segment crosswise into even pieces to make little triangles of the lemon peel and pulp until you have 6 cups of chopped lemons.

Put all of the seeds, membranes and pith you removed from the lemons into a bag fashioned out of two layers of cheesecloth or a muslin bag. I used my nut bag (from making almond milk). This is now referred to as your pectin bag. Typically one would add store-bought pectin. Since I had never done this before I was curious to try it~who knew this would become your pectin?

Place the lemon segments and 6 cups of water into a large, wide pot. Make sure it is NOT aluminum which will leach. Place the pectin bag in the pot with the fruit pulp and secure it to the pot handle. Make sure the bag is below the surface.

Bring mixture to a medium boil on medium high heat. Let boil, uncovered for about 25-35 minutes, until peels are soft and cooked through. Remove from heat.

Remove the pectin bag. Place the pectin bag in a bowl and let cool until it is comfortable to touch. Once the pectin bag has cooled to the point you can handle it, squeeze it like play-doh to extract any pectin. You should be able to get a tablespoon or two more from the bag. It has the consistency of sour cream. Return this pectin to the pan with the lemon mixture. Notice how I used a latex glove to protect my hand from any residual heat.

Measure out your sugar (6 cups) and add to the pan with the lemon mixture.

Heat the jelly mixture on medium high and bring it to a rapid boil. Secure a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Make sure the thermometer doesn’t touch the bottom of the pan. The marmalade may take anywhere from 20 to 35 minutes or so to be ready to pour out. Please note that mine took a lot longer than 35 minutes. I think my lemons were extra juicy.

Testing the marmalade to see if it is ready can be done either on a plate or a spoon. I placed spoons in the freezer and when the mixture reached a temperature of 220-222 degrees F, I placed the marmalade on a frozen spoon and cooled it on a plate in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

When the jelly holds its shape (and doesn’t spread out), it is ready. When you push the jelly with your finger, it should wrinkle. If it is not ready, keep testing with a spoon. It took about 4 or 5 tests, before my marmalade was ready.

While the marmalade is in its second cooking stage, rinse out your canning jars, dry them and place them, without lids, in a 200 degree F oven. They should be in the oven at least 10 minutes before using them.

As the time approaches for the marmalade to be done, boil some water in a tea pot. Put the jar lids in a glass or ceramic bowl and pour the boiling water over them to sterilize.

Once the jelly has reached 220 degrees F or its “wrinkly” stage, remove the jelly pot from the heat. Carefully ladle the jelly into the jars, one at a time, leaving 1/4 “ head space at the top of the jars for a vacuum seal. Wipe the rims clean with a wet paper towel. Place the lid on the jar, securing with a jar ring. Work quickly.

Allow the jars to sit overnight. You will hear them make a popping sound as the vacuum seal is created. The jelly will firm up as it cools.

I love the fresh, tart/sweet flavor of this marmalade. Now I need to make some fresh, warm bread!

For the complete recipe, please click this link https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/meyer_lemon_marmalade/. Happy Saturday!