WOW, ANOTHER MAGAZINE

I guess this has been my year and I don't know why....but, on Tuesday I will be honored with yet another feature in a magazine.

It's call 'SHE' and it's out of Kenosh, WI and it's a magazine for and about Women.
Here's the link: http://www.she-magazine.com/index.html

We are going to be in the September issue
Here's the August cover

I'm not sure just what this is going to be all about but they do want to come for the photo shoot of our home on Tuesday so here I go again....oh and she said it will be a FALL shoot this time - seems the issues are opposite of the seasons for me! So it's out with the Geraniums and in with the darker Fall items.

I was also asked to wear something more Fallish rather than summer clothes as I will be in several of the photos and she thougth I MIGHT (a HUGE MIGHT) BE ON THE COVER - maybe....OMGosh, I never got to finish my Weight Watchers - too many parties got in the way and now I'm going to look like one of the Pumpkins! lol

No, it's just that I didn't expect to be in the photos and wish I had dropped about 10 pounds that the camera will certainly put on me.

Last Saturday we went to a cousin's reunion at my husbands cousins (Leanne and Fred's) - it's a yearly thing the last Sat. in July and we each take a turn hosting it. This is the only time WE ALL are together so it's a nice time.

Leanne just re-married two years ago (husband passed away 28 years ago) and she moved into Freds place and totally RE-DID the back yard and it's such a beautiful pleaceful place.

She put in a raised garden and fenced it all in - I just love it.

THE GROUP!

Well that's my story today - hope you enjoyed it just a weeeeee-bit.

I'll take pictures of any tweaking I do over the weekend for the photo shoot - not sure just what I'm going to be doing though...not a lot of time to tweak because we're having all the kids in Sunday for two of our son's birthdays - youngest will be 40, oldest will be 45 YIKES!!!

Anyway - not much time here for tweaking so they might just get what they get.

Have a great one! Oh, and on Wednesday I will draw a winner for my 200th follower and let you know what the gift will be!

Karen

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200th FOLLOWER GIVE A-WAY

UPDATE:
OKAY.....this is just incredible! As I'm tying this and then posted....within that time I got 2 MORE FOLLOWERS....SO I PASSED THE 200th FOLLOWER....so I guess it's time to start commenting NOW!!!!!

ANYONE CAN ENTER!!
I see Judy from THE SPICE CUPBOARD is my 200th follower...thanks Judy.

OH, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!!!! I will need to get ahold of you!!!!

I can not believe that the next follower will be my 200th one!

When I first started my blog I never thought I'd reach ANYONE let alone 200 people thinking I had something interesting to say....now that being said....200 people DO NOT post comments! LOL

I am going to have a GIVE A-WAY when I reach my 200th follower but I'm not sure what that will be - but as you can tell - it's going to be a surprise...EVEN TO ME!

So just leave a comment below when you see I have reached 200 (I'm at 199 right now) and I will draw the name within one week of the 200th follower!

My good computer is in the dr's right now being fixed so I can't upload pictures from my camera to this old computer but when I do I will be able to post more....I'm lost without the good one. How did I ever function with this one although....LOOK...I'M ABLE TO AT LEAST BE ON THE BLOGS AGAIN!!!! And I don't get all those errors!!!!!

This has been just the busiest week for me/us.
Tuesday we had our two grandchildren
Wednesday we did work around here
Thursday Doug and I priced products ALL DAY and that evening we went to our sons for dinner
Friday we had shopping to do
Saturday we had a cousins reunion to attend all day
Yesterday we had a cousins reunion on the other side all day
Today we have to go to that same cousins for fun and chatting and then she's having us all there for dinner this evening
Tomorrow we have our two grandchildren again....SO IT'S GOING TO BE RESTING TIME THE REST OF THE WEEK!

I can't believe that July is about over and then we're into August....when we get into Aug., I feel we're on the downside to summer - we haven't even been anywhere to get away and relax yet either.

I hope you are all having a great summer so far...and it sure sounds like it from all the blogs I have been reading! Lots of Florida vacations going on I see.

HOPE TO SEE LOTS OF MY FOLLOWERS ON HERE POSTING FOR MY GIVE A-WAY!!! AND anyone else too - I love new visitors and comments!

Karen

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Staycation?!................make it good!

Travel is a mainstay of my life. (why is this underlining everything???) But, time and finances are too. When not traveling for business, these days it is at home during the weekends doing paperwork, massive quantities of paperwork. For the moment I would rather dream of having an at home escape, a garden shed.


Love this one. You can hardly call this a garden shed but maybe a magical structure on water, beautifully decorated and enchanting evening garden house.
This is a treasured clients outhouse turned storage shed. Robin's home is an 1870's ish Italianate Victorian and this is the original outhouse. We created the Chicago street brick surround and miniature garden to nestle it within it's surroundings.



This is a 100+ year old writer's space detached from the main house. Wild about the door/window curved paneled feature. Any of these structures become immensely important within the confines of a thoughtful garden.


I could throw on my wellies, lots of sweaters, light the pot belly stove, hot chocolate, dogs, blankets and magazines


Allow your imagination to soar. ANYTHING MADE OF STONE IS SPECTACULAR. Size does not matter, just the details.


This could be the shed of my dreams too. A perfect potting shed set within the vegetable garden.
Look at that door, the triple eight topiaries, the three dimensional design element near the peak and a cupola.



Some, however, I could live in full time




Stay with me here for a moment, we can all do this, really! Lot size does not matter, Daddy Warbucks is not needed...............Let's take your basic shed, one handy man/woman, imagination, paint, a garden or call Scentimental Gardens for all of the above.
Here is what I would do to this poor soul;

• a tin roof
• shingle siding
• painted to match the color scheme of my home
• remove solid door and replace with french door
• add a huge window to the left of the door
• put wooden shutters on windows WITH SHUTTER DOGS
  
• window box under big window
• trellising on the ends (see next photo)
• add a lantern
• add climbing roses, boxwood.....

Maybe not all at once, but have a plan...............


Elements can be borrowed from this photo to dress up your shed; trellising over shingles, adds dimension and textural interest. How about trim? This is substantial trim that makes a statement. Personally I favor the color scheme too.



Charmingly simple. The addition of this overhang makes all the difference.



The tin roof, monochromatic color scheme, shutters, small front porch.......



Stone again.....sigh......... unless this was strictly for storage a french door would be swapped out



In England, the private chapel, yesssssss, all estates of merit possessed a private chapel!
Today, it resides as a treasured get-away, with faded chintz down arm chairs, ottomans, a tea trolley, dog bed, lace curtains and magazines. (I made the last part up, can you tell I am longing for England?)



Open air, good views



Take one little underused shed, add flea market found columns, one sign, gardens and voila! A charming outpost.



An urban setting in San Francisco. Imagine this setting, which is quite small, minus the garden shed, what would you have? Yes, a beautiful view in San Francisco, but.............the shed becomes an architectural focal point in addition to the function of a garden cottage.




Could you handle this!? The inside of one woman's shed. Composed of mostly found bits which together create a unique haven.



Conversely, here is a more masculine but cozy interior. Below is the artistry of this special garden house.

Look close, to the left, there is my friend Marsha, covering her face. But she is running, running out of her shed to the approaching tray.
What would summer in the garden be without a little getaway cottage and a bit of Lillet on ice with an orange slice served on a tray?
(Yes Marsha you know I am talking about you xxo)

Remember us, Scentimental Gardens, for all your garden needs

Debra

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BLOG PROBLEMS

Hi everyone!

As of this week I have been having internet problems - everything keeps telling me I have a certificate error and other things like that - and mostly on my blog I sometimes can't sign in and lots of times I can't comment .... SO THAT BEING SAID....that's why I haven't been commenting on all your wonderful blogs - it's not that I'm ignoring all of you.

I can't even do a Yahoo search - it keeps giving me DIAGNOSTIC problem errors.

I'm just so frustrated.

Guess it's time to take this thing in to the dr.
Wouldn't you know....I've had it a year on the 4th!!!! So the years warranty IS UP!!!

Hugs, to all.
Karen

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Travel Atlanta

Like most urban areas, Atlanta has it's share of neighborhoods, each with a unique vibe. My favorite is VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS, just within sight of downtown. This neighborhood possesses independently owned boutiques, incredible restaurants and charming homes, no cookie cutter look-a-likes or "chains" here.



How about this! Anyone that knows me well knows I am not a big fan of new construction. But...........every once in a while my mind is changed. This new home stopped me in my tracks. and after a while the homeowner came out. Could not hear him but it may have had something to do with wanting to stop me.



Let's examine the details; massive window box extending from edge to edge of the window trim, deep and wide. The natural wood colorway enhances the "rust" tones in the stone.


The window box color also picks up the color of the front door. Repetition of color and patterns are pleasing to the eye. The strong "Hansel and Gretel' theme has factors I love;

-the light fixture is over sized but proportionate to the scale of the home.
-the Tudor inserts all have interesting detail and patterns repeated under the front door side lights.
-the slight upturn at the roof eaves is a touch of whimsy
-the fence! what a fence and it is repeated close up.
-the landscaping enhances without distracting
-the containers and the plantings are perfectly proportioned


Close-up of the details



On a corner lot, here is a shot of the rear/side garden. No detail was left undone with the shed.



A business called Bella Cucina, owned by an visionary woman, has it's flagship store in this neighborhood. Other than the local shop she sells only wholesale; foodstuffs, flavorings and accessories with a Tuscan flavor. Above is a photo of the Tuscan Grill, a new product in the line that grills food over hardwood imparting intense flavors. This item propelled me to jump in and carry a portion of the food and the grills.

Come in for samples, recipes and future parties will include the Tuscan Grill. PS: can also be used indoors in your fireplace!


My favorite restaurant, Parish, in a converted factory. Revel in this New Orleans inspired restaurant, deli and community haven.


Stunning decor. My head is constantly swiveling, the passing dishes and inspired design.



Take a seat at the bar and if you are lucky Christopher Gaither will be at the bar. Christopher will welcome you with southern hospitality warmth and engage you with his witty humor. Allow him to select your wine, Chris hosts the ongoing wine events and is a genius.

(hint, try the J & J grits!)

Note to fellow Chicagoans; the newly opened Wit Hotel at State and Lake has three restaurants by the same group that owns Parish. Can't wait to go, anyone want to go together? Drop me a line!

Debra

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Make Herbal Carpet Deodorant and Freshener

If you have animals or children, live in an area that gets humid in summer, or do lots of home cooking, you're probably plagued by carpets that can smell less than fresh. The following recipe will help you deodorize your carpets and repel fleas and other insects.Herbal Carpet Deodorant Recipe1 Cup rosemary leaves2 Cups lavender (Buds and Leaves2 Cups Baking Soda6 bay leavesCrumble bay leaves,

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NEW DISPLAYS

I have been wanting some display cubbies for my home show in November so I can put ornaments and other small items in them instead of baskets and I can also stack them so people don't have to bend down for items so I purchased one at wholesale last month that had 4 sections in it and asked Doug if he could make me some more - well after much objection he went out and bought the wood and made me some yesterday!

But after starting them I decided if he was actually going to do it then I'd put in a suggestion...lol
I had him make them with 3 sections instead of 4 - so if I have larger items it would be easier to use....so he did and here they are unfinished.

I think we're going to paint them with our house trim paint - it's sort of a sandalwood tan with a greenish hint to it. I wanted them done with our dining room trim paint but he thought they would look too much like the house....well duhhhhh, they're going to be showing in the house like the trim....maybe I'll win, not sure - we'll see!

So I ended up with the 2 he made and then the one we bought which he spray painted black and we don't like so it will get painted the same as the others

A couple weeks ago I won a bingo game on A PRIMITIVE JOURNEY forum I belong to...isn't this apron just adorable???? I hung it on the peg of my mitten box and it really looks cute there. Also included were some grungy tags and grungy cheesecloth - both I can use!

And then on the Country Sampler forum I was in a traveling swap box and these are the goodies I chose from the box before sending it along to the next person....I also took a note pad but don't have it now.

I am going to use the tin molds for some tarts or pantry cakes and I'm not sure where the spools are going.

Todays post was a bunch of nothing but I'm trying to stay visible - hopefully I'll have some goodies to post this weekend because I'm going to a craft show in Muskeego at the historical society. I haven't been to a craft show in a couple years....there just aren't many around here.

Have a great day everyone and hope to see some familiar faces here!

Hugs, Karen

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NOT MUCH OF ANYTHING

Hi all....Well not a lot going on here right now...I've been laying low this week doing more sewing - last Friday's long day put me over the edge with my lower back so I'm letting it die down.

I had purchased a gourd garland at wholesale market last month and had it in several places, it finally ended up on my pie safe but not sure if I like it there....I think it's a bit overwhelming, don't you? I think it needs to be on a larger opening.

I tried it on my fireplace but the dark red expanse and the bright gourds didn't work...they jumped off the fireplace - too stark.

So - this is where they are for now.


I also made a new Penny Mat for my website - It's a simple Winter Tree - good for the whole Winter season and also for Christmas - and it's a good 16 inches round....I was going to put tabs on it but decided to keep it simple.


Then I made my Basket of Flowers in black - normally it's in a deep Cyprus Green but I love this in black!

Okay, enough showing off!!!!
Wish I had more fun things to show you all but it has been rather dull here.
No kids yesterday - they went to Sioux Lookout, Canada on a fishing week! Fun!!!!

Have a wonderful day everyone and I'll get over to visit you as soon as I can...I know I have been MIA alot but business calls.

Hugs, Karen

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Home again............

Where did the days go? Seems like yesterday (7/5), I was pulling out of my driveway, trailer in tow and a big YAHOOOOO, down the street. If I was not driving I was walking, sometimes 12 hours a day, head swiveling, mind reeling, second guessing..........

Am I any thinner for all this exertion? No! I am doomed...*sigh*....... But, I loved every second and now the fun part, unloading and "tweaking" the shop, tomorrow! Well..............let's rephrase that, I love the process, the S.G. staff must cringe.

This is a brief preview of my "finds"

Most of my finds are in hot and dusty warehouses, like this.



Dusty and dirty but a true treasure hunt! This beauty was created by a craftsman. The top is unseamed metal, all made by hand. the base is a marriage of metal; column and capitol from a building in Washington D.C. My good fortune was seeing it first.



My dear friend Lisa also maintains a warehouse, and maintain they do. "They" being some of my favorite women in the world, including Lindy and Margaret. All three either re-purpose items to clever effect or shop abroad.

This is my favorite find! See the French signs? Originally used as signs advising travelers where the train on the track was headed next. I bought all 15, great en masse or used as serving trays.



A snap of a pair of footstools, horse and mirror all back in Illinois now.



"Miss Cutie-Pie".
This is Lisa holding up an original Paris street scene watercolor I purchased from her.
She may, make that will, want to kill me for posting this, she will scream "but I was working all day in the hot warehouse!" She is a beauty inside and out.........always



This is fun, a Parisian bread server from a cafe. See the crank handle on the right? There were strings that held the bottom tray and as the bread sold a quick turn of the crank brought the bread level with the top. Today, it is a small console or side table with the addition of a glass top.



From David, another master craftsman. An industrial base from a warehouse (the base needs polishing) topped with a gorgeous stone slab from Europe. Love how he chiseled the edges. Great indoors or out.




This scene is the warehouse of Glennis and Marlene, lovely, lovely deeply spiritual and talented women.

And besides.............they are sooooo thoughtful! Having read my Eddie Ross story about the Pimms Cup, Glennis being British was excited that an American knew about Pimms , bought a bottle and presented it in a beautiful pink pitcher.
And............oh my!!!! included a bottle of Amarula for a night cap, along with magazines (my addiction). Have any of you heard of this? The amarula nut, favored by elephants, grows in South Africa. Apparently the pachyderms love to over indulge and become quite drunk. I resisted that scenario but if you like 'Bailey's Irish Cream', this is ten-fold.




Last, but not least, is my husband Steve.
When my trip is complete, he flies down, loads and secures my treasures and drives all the way home. I know......he is a really nice guy.
As you can see, Steve loves every bit of this................just thought I would share my view every time I looked over!

next post, some of the new finds from the gift show

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