Home accessories: March 2015

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Foodie Friday and Everything Else

Welcome to the party!

I hope you've had a great week. I'm still taking it easy, but I managed to have a few adventures.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

A Fork in the Marble

If you embark upon a kitchen renovation, you may encounter a fork in the road.

Me, I had a fork in the marble, so to speak. Earlier this winter, I found lovely slabs at a Nashville stone yard. Lisa, my fabricator, reserved four--or so we thought. The saleslady forgot to tag them, and the very next day, someone snagged two slabs. Lisa went to the yard in person and reserved the remaining two. So far so good, right? Wrong.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Renovation Diary Update

Two steps forward, ten back--that pretty much defines the remodeling process. The decisions are extra tricky because I must think ahead about the decor. It's hard to choose paint colors, finishes, and fixtures when I'm not 100% certain about the ranch's eventual style--or colors--yet it's part of the process. If my GC had to wait for me to decide, the house would be shrouded in cobwebs.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Foodie Friday and Everything Else

/Welcome to Foodie Friday and Everything Else.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Ranch Renovation -- Midweek Update

Day by day, the ranchburger has been undergoing a transformation, and I have almost fallen behind with the updates. Medana has faithfully sent photos, and we have been sourcing items via email, searching for the best prices on cabinet knobs, a free-standing tub, and other items. Next week, the painters will arrive, and I'll have more news to report. Let's see what's been going on this week.

Monday, March 16, 2015

Ranch Reno: Master Bath Update

The master bathroom at the ranchburger has been updated several times. More recently, it received wallpaper, sconces and mirrors from Restoration Hardware, new hardware, and new vanities from Lowe's with quartz counters. Sadly, the mirrors were taken by the previous owner.

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Ranch Reno Diary--March 14

Medana has faithfully sent photos of the ranch, and she said it was perfectly fine if I shared them with you all. The kitchen now has a beadboard ceiling, and I love it.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Foodie Friday and Everything Else

Welcome to Foodie Friday and Everything Else.

I'm still dealing with a head injury, but it hasn't stopped me from doing a little armchair decorating. Since I can't visit the ranchburger's work site, Medana has sent photos. Here's a peek at the kitchen.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

A Tablescape for St. Patrick's Day

It's another damp, chilly afternoon in Tennessee, but in my mind, I'm in an Irish pub, singing ballads and making toasts.

May those who love us love us.

And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles,
So we'll know them by their limping.

-- Irish Saying

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Bettyville by George Hodgman

The Novel Bakers proudly present the most unique and unforgettable memoir of 2015:

Bettyville by George Hodgman.

A witty, tender memoir of a son's journey home to care for his irascible mother--a tale of secrets, silences, and enduring love.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Be My Guest: Ranch Renovation Update

Through the decades, the ranchburger's guest bath has been updated several times,with a freestanding vanity, dark brown tile floor, a fresh coat of paint, three Curry and Company sconces, and two stunning mirrors.I loved this space the first time I saw it.

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Foodie Friday and Everything Else -- March 6

Welcome to Foodie Friday and Everything Else. I'm so glad you're here!

March Snow

Winter reminds me of a handsome narcissist, a guy with a beguiling smile and a stone-cold heart.

He knows what scares you, and he loves every minute of it. If my Mimi were here, she'd break off a switch and whip that man proper.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Blossom by Blossom

On this damp, chilly day, I am remembering my gardens. My spirit soars as I think about warm spring days, my hands plunged in the dirt, flowers spilling out of plastic flats.

Monday, March 2, 2015

The Curious Case of the Fake Chimney: Reno Diary

No one knows the history of the ranchburger's faux chimney. Has it always been fake? Or, once upon a time, was it a working chimney, hooked up to wood burning fireplaces? If so, what in the world happened? A fire? Water damage? A remodeling decision?