Hello friends.  I’ve received a few emails lately asking some very intriguing questions.  Some out of left field, but that’s OK. As much as I value my privacy, I thought I might give y’all an opportunity to get to know me better. 

I’m sure many of you could care less about who I am or what makes me tick.  If that’s you, check out one of my DIY links or click on over to some of my other blogger friends.  I’m cool with that. 

But if you’re curious, go ahead and ask away. 

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As you know, I am knee deep in the remodel of my home office.  In actuality, it’s becoming more of a ‘ladylike library’ and I like that.   Doesn’t ‘library’ sound much more fetching than ‘home office’?  Please indulge me in my brand new fiction.  It’s not a home office, it’s a library.  Shall I pour some tea?

For years, I’ve wanted to incorporate a series of framed botanical prints into some area of my home, and my ‘library’ seemed the perfect place.  I hunted high and low, in used and new bookstores, to find a coffee table book of blooms that I could cut out and frame, much like the designer did for this cover of Home Magazine.  I even resorted to websites offering prints online, but the cost was prohibitive. 

Home Magazine, June 2006

In frustration, I turned to my garden.  I thought if I could photograph some of the lovely white blooms in my own backyard, then perhaps I could make them into something worth framing.  Not a novel concept, but worthwhile nonetheless, and an inexpensive solution.

Here’s a peek at my new wall di

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I’ve recently been asked by several readers what tools I consider essential to be a successful DIYer.  

Now some gals are proud of their closets full of designer shoes and clothing.  (Need I say Mariah?  Kimora?  Eva?  Paula?)  Not me.  Don’t get me wrong, I love clothes, handbags and shoes too, but I don’t have the budget to invest as heavily as the aforementioned celebs. 

In truth, if given the choice, I’d take the chair and chandelier in Mariah’s closet over that shoe collection.  But that’s just me.

But speaking of closets, there is one in my world that I like very much.  It’s not gilded.  It’s not glamorous.  It doesn’t have any shoes inside.  But I’m very fond of it. 

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I rarely purchase clothing from a catalog. I refrain because of the likelihood I will inevitably be paying for return shipping when the item doesn’t fit right. But I was delighted to peruse Boden’s Autumn catalog and see that our friends from across the pond are offering 15% off, and also free shipping and free returns, with a “no quibble” return policy. Hello, you’ve got my attention.

I’m a busy mom who doesn’t have much time to plan her daily outfit. I am drawn to tailored looks, especially neutrals paired with pops of color. For fall, I’m always wearing layers, so look for stylish sweaters or jackets that I can grab to go with my boots, basic denim and cotton tops.

Here are a few items I am smitten with:

Jazzy Trench Coat, 3 patterns, $148:

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I am in the middle of a remodel of my home office.  I originally envisioned elegant window panels scaling the wall from floor to ceiling.  But then I realized that if I am surrounding my window with cabinetry and shelving, then the idea of dramatic curtain panels had to go, well, out the window.  But I still needed a touch of fabric to cover the less than lovely white blinds. 

I’ve made window valances before, one in my kitchen, and another in my kids’ playroom.  So I constructed yet another valance for my home office with the same technique I’ve used before, but this time, I added a soft swag.  I found this curtain on clearance at Lowes for $7.

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For a long time, I have really wanted one of those drying racks from Ballard Designs.   You’ve seen them.  They’re so perfect in the laundry room for drying your delicate clothing. 

I really wanted to save the money and build one myself.  I knew I could do it with the right supplies.  I even drew my own diagram on a napkin.  And I added knobs to the bottom of my design. 

Here’s a look at my final product:

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I am always so delighted to receive your links and photos of the pieces you’ve transformed.  I especially appreciate when you tell me this site has in some small way inspired you.  *blush*

Here are a few revamps that some CG Readers have emailed to me or featured on their blog. 

Sarah C. was inspired by my tree branch jewelry holder to make her own decor from a tree branch for her bedroom.  With a can of orange spray paint, she used a gum tree to create a stunning focal point over her bed.  To me, this looks like something right out of Domino.  I love it. 

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Congratulations to the following three winners of the Tim Irving art photography giveaway. 

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When I was a girl, we lived in a cottage.  In the living room was a built in daybed.  In that daybed, I would bury myself in cozy pillows and blankets for hours while I read the latest Nancy Drew mystery.  It was enchanting.  Some of my fondest memories are there. 

Whether it’s a lazy summer afternoon, or a rainy winter day, I’m still crazy about the idea of lounging in the mid afternoon in a daybed.  There’s something about a bed, out in the open, beckoning you to lie down with your favorite book, with the likelihood that you will indeed, and eventually, drift off to slumber land.   

These days, with two small and energetic children, a nap in the middle of the day is my idea of a serious vacation.  But at least I can dream of drifting off to dream in some of these favorite cozy spaces.   

House Beautiful, March 2009

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If you thought you were getting a juicy discussion on Hollywood’s best lifts and enhancements, I’m truly sorry to disappoint.  This topic is not nearly as scintillating. 

I’m talking about closet doors.  Those standard white doors installed by contractors in every house built in America in the last 15 years.  (That is, unless you can afford those upgraded wood or custom doors that we drool over in glossy décor magazines.) 

As you regular readers know, I am in the process of remodeling my home office.  I have ignored this space for years, but no more ! I’m starting from scratch this time.  A blank canvas.  I realized that before I could hang my gorgeous grasscloth wallpaper (in the most amazing slightly luminescent gray blue, oh joy!), I had to touch up some trim.  And I had to paint the closet doors.  The paint was dingy – yellowed from years of sunlight – and they are the first thing you notice when you walk in my home office.  No. Thank. You. 

Instead of just painting them white, I thought I’d give them a bit of interest and a hint more sophistication.  After all, they practically take up the entire wall, so why not embellish? 

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