A Passion for Scrapbooking, Decorating and Shopping

Views of snow fallen...

When I look at snow, I see serenity, calm surroundings and beauty.  All brought to us by Mother Nature. It's just like having a 2nd home in the Grand Tetons, with pretty views such as this:

The reality is the tasks behind the beauty that Mother Nature shares with us.
 

Manual labor.

It has been quite sometime since my guy has had to shovel nearly 2' feet of snow.  It's pretty to look at but no fun to deal with.  

I recently made a request for a White Christmas.  With the cold temps we are experiencing in the Mid-Atlantic region, I think this snow will stick around for a while.  And I may just get my wish.

Wine tour - Northern Virginia...

It's amazing that in a busy suburb such as Northern Virginia, we are fortunate enough to be surrounded by vineyards and wineries to delight our palettes with.

Yesterday, myself and a group of girlfriends went on a tour of 3 wineries which our good friend, Ashlie, coordinated for us through Girls Night Out.  Transportation was arranged and off we went.

Arriving at our first stop, Pearmund Cellars in Broad Run, where we enjoyed our own private wine-tasting in their cellar.  We were surrounded by oak barrels undergoing the fermenting process.

Did you know you can purchase your own oak barrel?  It includes perks like free wine tastings, a case of wine each year during the 4 years the winery utilizes the barrel before turning it over to the purchaser.  Now that is a unique gift idea!

To also see where the grapes are crushed was something I've never seen before in person.

When we arrived at Piedmont Winery in The Plains, my eyes were immediately drawn to the black barn.  Quite a stunning and classic structure.

This is where Girls Night Out taught us the fine art of wine tasting.  How to sip and proper wine-tasting etiquette.  And we practiced with a fabulous bottle of Piedmont's Cabernet Franc.

The setting is very picturesque being surrounded by lovely orchards.

Climbing the stairs to visit the Winery at LaGrange in Haymarket was worth the exercise as our hostess poured delicious wines for us to taste. 

And we were surrounded by luscious greens where folks could picnic and enjoy a glass of wine or two.

You can see the young orchards in the distance.  They planted them 3 years ago and from what I understand, it takes 5 years before they are mature. 

There also was a wedding reception taking place during our visit and I discovered a barbecue pit, which is available at your disposal.

 

I could hang out here all day.

 

One thing I learned, which was a consistent message with each winery we visited, is that they encourage you to open your mind to wine-tasting.  Although their tasting notes may indicate a hint of this and flavor of that, it is your own palette that should decide what you taste.

The more you taste, the more you learn about wine and what you like.  Enjoy the process.  For me, it's an ongoing process.

I went home with a few souvenir bottles of wine and cherished moments having experienced a bit of culture in the world of wine and wine-making amongst a great group of dear friends.

Sunday synopsis...

So much to do, so little time.  We've all heard that expression many times and this weekend was one of those times where this motto applies. 

Thanks to a very neighborly neighbor, we were able to order a wonderfully architectural mailbox post by Mayne Company for our home at a group rate.  And this afternoon, my guy installed it with great ease. 

I am very pleased with the outcome.  And it is a great coincidence that our HOA is conforming to an all black mailbox post and metal mailbox (formerly green).  The black coordinates with our front door and shutters.  We lucked out on this request.

My dear friend, Kitty and I spent a considerable amount of time again at our favorite luxury linen shop, Valerianne, today.  They are having a sale up to 60% off through the end of September.  So who can resist a sale like that!?  I was able to purchase the most adorable house slippers by Patricia Greene for my mom at nearly 1/2 the price as a birthday present and threw in a few gifts for our bedroom. 

Since I am playing housewife tomorrow and taking a break from work for a day, I intend to give much needed attention to our home. 

Lastly, I have a dear friend whose pre-teen son suffered from a brain tumor (fortunately has been removed) and has created some wonderful tees and such promoting her charity with "Brain Tumors Suck".  I believe any type of tumor and cancer sucks.  Anything that shortens the life span of youngsters does sucks even more.  So I ask if you have the means to support this worthy cause, please do so by making a purchase via Cafe' Press and search for "BrainTumors".

I don't love brain tumors. but I do love Sundays, particularly when Mondays involve a no-work-day.

Valerianne...

Today my good friend, Kitty and I spent the afternoon visiting Valerianne, a local luxury linen shop.  I've had a desire to visit this shop since I read & posted an article from the Washington Post on the care and selection of linens earlier this year.

Kitty and I were in awe over the display and selection of linens, towels, home accessories, pillows, gifts and fragrances.  There was vintage wallpaper framed ever-so-elegantly and sleepwear to make you feel like a queen.  The fabric selection for custom made duvets, pillows, window treatments and just about anything you can think of for your bedroom is at your fingertips. 

It was extremely gratifying to work with Aimee, the owner of Valerianne in devising a game plan for our respective bedrooms. 

I decided to start with sheets first.  This is where Aimee introduced me to the linens of Anichini.  I selected basic ivory sheets and am very anxious to crawl into bed for my first night's rest with crisp and sturdy linens. 

 

Our bed needs a bit of texture which Aimee helped by selecting this pillow that coordinates with the color of our walls and headboard.

 

Our bed is in need of a duvet cover, which will be the next step I take in the game plan we've devised for our bedroom. 

It was a delightful afternoon spent in the world of linens and I'm glad we had Aimee's guidance and the company of my fellow partner-in-crime when it comes to many things, including shopping for our home. 

Shop The Nest Egg...

One of my favorite local home decor shops, The Nest Egg, is now offering online shopping from a select group of accessories and gifts.  This is a great opportunity for gift-giving from near or far. 

Whenever I walk into their shop, I walk around several times taking it all in.  It is a playground for my eyes and my passion for decor. 

They offer a great line of products, including beautiful lighting fixtures from Currey & Co. (I've long admired this chandelier.)

And furniture from Lort's, who offers a great variety in accent furnishings, is another line The Nest Egg carries. (Don't you just love this wall unit?  It's stunning.)

Sid Dickens collectors will love this place too as there's a wall typically filled with his tiles. 

If you seek interior design services, The Nest Egg offers that too.  The options are endless when it comes to shopping for your home.  Online shopping is definitely one more added convenience. I'm glad to know The Nest Egg is willing to serve us in that capacity.

A star...

Or a sunburst.

Do you follow trends in home decor?

Fads come and go.  I enjoy seeing what's the latest trend in interior design and home decor.  One fad that I love are sunburst / star mirrors.  And although I have not re-hung the sunburst mirror over our bed, I have hung another in our upstairs hallway.

A discovery from The Nest Egg, my eye was drawn to it the moment I saw it.  The bursts that surround it are all mirrored as well as the center.  Something I personally have not seen before. 

Even when the trend moves onto something else, I always stick with what's near & dear to my heart.  In our household, sunbursts are here to stay.

Charleston Forge bakers rack...

Since my last post, I have made time to tend to items that have been filling my head with great anxiety lately. 

One of my ongoing tasks is to purge items that we have not used and/or no longer a good fit for our home.  Which brings me to our bakers rack.

We've owned this piece by Charleston Forge for over 10 years.  When we moved into our current home 4 years ago, we could not find the ideal spot for it.  So it has sat in our guest room, hosting a spot to a hodge podge of items.  Items that I need to pare down but have not made the time to do so till now.

Bottom line - this bakers rack needs a new home.

So I'm sharing this piece here for my local friends in the DC metro area who may be interested in a bakers rack.  I'm selling it for $200, for pick-up only. 

The metal finish is 'Natural Linen'.

And the wood shelves are in a light finish.

The smaller shelves have a groove for tilting plates for display.

And the style is from the Shaker Collection.

It is in like-new condition.  In our previous home it held cookbooks and a microwave.  I love this bakers rack.  And if I could make it fit in our current kitchen, I would keep it.

Click here for measurements.

And click here for price points on pieces on clearance at Carolina Rustica, just to give you an idea.

If you are interested, please email me at jeanettesblog@mac.com.

Blooming...

As I muddle through typical winter ailments, I thought sharing a cheery photo taken by my best friend of last year's Cherry Blossoms in DC would perk things up around here.

Those awesome blooms are just around the corner with the peak approaching around the first weekend in April.  It is such a sight to see.

To me, it's the official sign of Spring in this region.  We've even begun some small outdoor projects which I intend to share more on very soon. 

And sandal-weather is not too far off. 

Now that is something to get excited about.

A sale at the Nest Egg...

My absolute favorite local home decor shop is hosting a sale this week, The Nest Egg.  They are in the process of closing down their Brambleton location and consolidating their wares into one shop at their original location in Fairfax Corner. 

I popped into the Brambleton store today and found the ideal table lamp for the foyer.

My entire visit was spent browsing and taking it all in.  Just dreaming up the possibilities of what I'd love to adopt for our home.  I was having a hard time keeping track of what I saw and where it was located because I walked around the shop so many times. 

Some of my favorites were the Sid Dickens tiles (not on sale though) and a classic-style coffee table.  If I had the space for it, it would have been very tempting for me.  Just look at the detail around the perimeter of the table itself. 

I have been told that a visit to their Fairfax location is a must as they have many items on sale as well. 

I'm sorry to see their Brambleton location close but am happy we still have their Fairfax shop to look to when in need to fulfill my hunger for design.

More on the Apple front...

For a smartphone with a camera, this photo is not half bad.

I took this photo with my iPhone, attempting to capture some excitement leading up to the festivities related to the Inauguration that day, while at the same time trying to make my way to work.  (Note:  I took this photo when I was at a complete stop, sitting in traffic.)

You can see chartered buses to the left headed toward DC.  The only traffic I experienced were lines of cars trying to make their way to the Metro parking lot. 

Getting back on the Apple-front, there were some good questions raised about Macs and iPhones from yesterday's post. 

When it comes to software and Macs, you truly do not need to purchase additional software as it comes with the current version of iLife that includes iPhoto, iMovie and Garage Band. 

It depends on what type of software is of interest to you.  For example, Photoshop.  If you are a Photoshop Elements user, you will need to purchase the Mac version for your machine. 

If you would like software that features word processing, such as Microsoft Word, I would recommend Microsoft Office for Mac as it includes Word, Excel and Powerpoint.  This would make the transition easier by having software that is familiar to a PC user on their new Mac.

Apple offers iWork and features software for documents, spreadsheets and presentations.  I have this software on my Mac but really haven't played with it very much to speak intelligently about it. 

For those who have owned a Mac for some time now and is in need of updating it's operating software as well as iLife and iWork, this boxed set is a great deal.

Bottom line is cost for additional software for a new Mac is dependent upon the user.  I went for months without purchasing extra software until I became more familiar with my Mac.  As my confidence began to build, I plunged into Photoshop CS3 and Aperture because of my interest in photography (at a hobby level, I emphasize).

If you purchase a Mac from an Apple Store, they will transfer files from your PC to your new Mac.  Remember though, you must make your purchase at the Apple Store. 

Returning to iPhones, the applications you can download are ones that never cease to amaze me.  Like Shazam, as recommended by my friend Kitty, where you can hold your iPhone up to a speaker where a song is being played and it will identify the song and artist and you have the option of purchasing it from iTunes. 

iHandy Level is an application where you can utilize your iPhone as a level.  I couldn't believe it.  And it really does work.

For shoppers, Target & Amazon each offer an application with Target featuring gift ideas and Amazon providing easy access to their online shop.

TipStar is a great application for tallying up a tip, offering percentages based on the service you received.  It will also help split the bill among a group of guests quite easily.

Wine Enthusiast's Wine Guide is handy while grocery shopping and you decide you want to purchase a bottle of red and would like a recommendation. 

For a quick news fix, I downloaded USA Today.  It's nice if you like to skim headlines and read what's of interest to you.

Price is Right fulfills your entertainment needs when you have some downtime. 

AllRecipes is handy if you are grocery shopping and are attempting to come up with meal ideas in a flash.

I've downloaded two grocery shopping applications.  One is Shopper and the other is Grocery iQ.  I haven't played with it much as of yet but hope to put it to good use very soon.

And to locate the closest Metro in DC, I downloaded DCRails. 

The possibilities are endless.  And that is what I love about technology.

I did say if I were given the opportunity to chat about Apple and Macs, I would welcome it with open arms.  Well I hope you welcome it too because I have gone on for too long on this topic.

As a cautionary statement, please know that I am no expert when it comes Macs & technology.  I am just sharing my thoughts and suggest that if you are truly interested in moving to a Mac, please visit your local Apple Store.  They are always anxious to help.

Signed, your Mac-lovin' friend.

For your viewing pleasure...

Change is Gonna Come...

performed by Betty Lavette & Jon Bon Jovi at the Lincoln Memorial last weekend. 

In my early career days, I was told change is something we can always count on.  As much as I like my routine, they were right....change is something we can count on for the rest of our lives.

A decorator for the White House...

If you follow interior design closely, you may know that Michael Smith is the interior designer that has been selected to work with the Obama's decorating the White House. 

And I can see why they selected him.

His style is traditional and classic.  And his work is currently featured on House Beautiful's website.

It's a style I admire and am intrigued by what he will do with the decor within the White House.

I do like mirrors.  I have a mad passion for mirrors.  And I like the mirror Mr. Smith used in this room.

I'm a big fan of traditional design which is why I enjoy Traditional Home Magazine so much. 

I follow politics on a modest scale but I find interior design even more intriguing.  And this is one topic I will be following within the White House.

Carol Wingert & the Queen

...as in the Queen's Ink.  I have never been to the Queen's Ink in Savage, Maryland but will get my first taste of this paper arts store on Sunday when I take Carol Wingert's class.   She's teaching all weekend - The Love Book,  French-Flavored Junque Book and Metal Easel Flip Book.

I look forward to checking out the store and having the opportunity for continued inspiration from the oh-so-talented Carol.  My hat's off to Carol as she is traveling from warmer climates to the lovely winter weather of the mid-atlantic region.  And if it is as cold as predicted this weekend, long johns are a must!

I hope you will join me and my friends this weekend for some creative fun.  The more the merrier = more body heat 'cause I think we will need it!

Garage & Matilda - a sale or two...

There are two kinds of sales I'd like to share.  One, I've updated the garage sale with a price reduction and added a couple Brighton items.  I'm full of energy right now, so I'm purging my heart out. 

Second, I have a friend who has shared her addiction to Matilda Jane Clothing with me.  Have you heard of Matilda Jane?  If not, check out their blog, website, and the Home Grown 2008 collection.  Their method of selling merchandise is similar to Stampin' Up!, CTMH, Longaberger, etc.  You get the idea.

Lately, whenever I see Marirosa, she is wearing a stylish yet casual outfit from Matilda Jane (as well as her 4 year old daughter).  And every time I share how much I love it and that I'd like one too.  In response, Marirosa reminds me to wait for the Fall catalog party she will be hosting.  Lots of new and exciting things for girls like us as well as little gals like toddlers and pre-teens.

In the meantime, I purchased this outfit thanks to Marirosa:

Then I see Marirosa prancing around in these sweats.  Stop it already.  I can't take the cuteness any longer.  I'd like a pair, pleeeeze!

Well the time is almost here.  The fall line (Sack Lunch) is available for preview on August 23 and Marirosa is hosting an online/catalog show from August 25-September 10.  And she's offering some special deals in the range of photo sessions for the locals.

I'm itching to see what the new fall line will be. If you are interested and/or have any questions, contact Marirosa directly via her blog.

And if you become a big-time admirer of Matilda Jane Clothing, you can blame...I mean thank Marirosa.

Hunt Country...

It's a place...it's a design style...and it's just down the road from me. 

I do like to visit Hunt Country, in particular Middleburg, Virginia.  The shops are quaint and the restaurants are fabulous.  I can escape the suburbs for more rural, traditional areas in a matter of minutes. 

Of course this entry is going to lead to home design styles, as in Hunt Country.  It's not a style I follow very closely but one I do admire.  Although I do follow along a more traditional style in home decor (a category I presume Hunt Country falls into), I'd like to think our home and my interest in design is eclectic.  Taking it all in as far as interiors go is what I like to do.

There are 2 books on this very topic I am interested in perusing:

Hunt Country Style that showcases homes in this style and discusses it's design origins (Middleburg, VA).

and Equestrian Style: Home Design, Couture, and Collections from the Eclectic to the Elegant.  This book shares the equestrian way of life. 

Both of these books may seem high-end in style, but it never stops me from gaining inspiration regardless of the expense of such spaces.  What tickles me most is when I take an idea from high-style design books and magazines and express myself to suit our budget. 

If you admire French Country, Mid-Century Modern, Swedish Neoclassicism, Hunt Country, or any other style, my suggestion is to explore all design resources.  You never know where your next source of inspiration will be.

Always remember, the options are endless.

Bold color...

I think what this chair needs is some bold color.

And I found this bold colored pillow and coordinating throw at Target tonight.

In celebration of this find, we set off fireworks (can you see in the background, outside the window?).

Actually, it was our community's celebration they hold every year in the neighborhood.  We're fortunate to have a direct view of the fireworks display.  And we can expect an even bigger show of fireworks on the 4th of July.

If today's weather on the East Coast is any indication of what we can expect in July, it is a guarantee that I will be watching the fireworks display next month again from my air conditioned craft room. 

I hope your Saturday has been an enjoyable one.

A whole bunch of stuff...

I have this terrible habit of buying a home decor item, not thinking about how I plan to incorporate it into our home.  I buy it because I like it and worry about where to put it later.  It's not a great way to operate when it comes to decorating, in my opinion. 

The unnecessary purchases begin to multiply.  And some pieces fit in, even if it ends up somewhere in our home that I did not expect to use it.  For example, I purchased wall shelves from Brocade Home because I liked the design.  And possibly, it may work in our powder room.  Well it didn't work out as planned.

Six months later...I am looking at the shelves again today and realized I have the perfect spot for them.  In my craft room:

The hard part is determining what accessories to add to the shelf.  It is definitely a work in progress.

I do have more home decor pieces, some tried and true...just grown tired of.  And there are some that didn't work from Day 1.  It dawned on me recently that I should include these items with my craft supplies I am purging and selling at the upcoming Get Croppin yard sale.

If you are a local seeking great deals on craft supplies and a few home decor items, then the yard sale is the place to be next Sunday. 
 
While my guy (whose passion is history) views every series of John Adams on HBO today (it began at 1pm and the last episode began at 9pm and he's still watching it), I spent most of the day today clearing out my craft room and filling-up our garage with items to load up my car with on Sunday. 

It's a good thing I'm purging because I'm expecting a Stampin Up! order any day now.  ;)

Carol's creative world...

It started when I found her blog.  Then I discovered a book she co-wrote on Artful Memories.

I missed an opportunity for an up-close and in-person creative session with her at Creative Escape last year.

Her very elegant and classy Christmas album wowed me and I got the chance to purchase the kit and put it together.  I recently purchased her latest book she again co-wrote with the equally talented Tena.  Talk about the wow-factor.  Altered eyeglasses and accompanying case.....how incredibly neat.  We now have the opportunity for more inspiration via Big Picture Scrapbooking, where Carol will be teaching a class over the summer. 

And she is now coming to our hometown to personally inspire us at our LSS.  I'm very excited.  She's teaching one class on Friday, June 22 and two on Saturday, June 23.  Plus she is going to crop with us Saturday night.  What more can we ask for.   

I heard there is room for more.  And our LSS should be receiving some of the original samples of the class projects for an up-close review.   

I'm looking forward to the event, meeting Carol and adding a journal entry to my "Inspired By" album.  I was inspired by Carol Wingert today... 

Lifelines in person...

The anticipation of meeting someone who inspires you is always a thrill.  And it has been a while since our voices met, and soon we will meet her in person. 

Creative inspiration is coming to our hometown in June, as our good friend Tammy just confirmed it.  Carol Wingert will be providing great creative vibes at our LSS to those that seek it.  And if you are seeking it, please stay tuned as to when registration for her classes will open.

In case you do not know this already, Carol has co-authored 2 books with Tena Sprenger.  One of which was released last year and the latest is due to be released very soon (I have it on pre-order).  I am always amazed at what you can do with art and photos, and I tell ya, Carol and Tena are wonderful creative souls and provide the inspiration I crave.

Note your calendars, palm treos, blackberrys, daytimers, coveys, dayrunners or whatever form of calendaring you use.  I understand this creative weekend with Carol will take place during the Great American Scrapbook convention on June 22-23.  Stay tuned to our LSS's website for more on this.

It was a Be Jane of a day...

Home improvement is something I have become very passionate about. And I'm learning to conquer my fears of doing it myself by taking-on small projects around our home, like our coat closet project. Last night, my passions were reinvigorated when I listened to BeJane's presentation at the Capitol Home & Garden show. Motivating and encouraging women that home improvement is not to be feared and is something we all can do if we set our mind to it. Of course motivation is key. I was most excited about getting the opportunity to meet Heidi and Eden and sharing the enthusiasm we have for our homes and for home improvement. Who would imagine that a group of women would be discussing miter saws, stud finders and drill bits. It was all fun and intriguing for a gal like me to meet those that inspire you. And BeJane is a big inspiration to me. And now I am even more inspired having acquired this great pink tool belt!

Capital Home & Garden Show...

One event I do not want to miss is the Capital Home & Garden Show at the Dulles Expo on February 22-25.  I enjoy the ideas, inspiration and the ability to consult with home improvement specialists.  Mostly, it's eye-candy for my decorating soul. 

And what I'm really excited about are the ladies of Be Jane will be there as well as Vern Yip, who is from McLean....had no idea. 

I recently purchased Be Jane's book and love the concept of a home improvement/repair book for women.  You also read stories of women and their home improvement projects and desires for future projects. 

After reading this book, I feel like I can take on just about any home improvement project.  And working with tools is so empowering.  I'm even looking forward to playing with my hubby's new miter saw. 

It's raining, it's pouring...

Rain seems to be the hot topic in the DC Metro area these days.  I've never had to take my sunglasses on and off so many times while driving these last few days.  One minute the sun is shining and the next the rain starts to pour. 

And if you really want to get a flavor of this ordeal, please read a great synopsis, including photos, by Kelly E. on her blog. 

Staying dry is an understatement right now.

Enterprise...

Last weekend we took our nieces and nephew to the Air & Space Museum near Dulles Airport.  It was an incredible experience for them and us.  My nephew and hubby were in awe of having the opportunity to see a space shuttle.  Unfortunately we were unable to walk through it. 

And my Dad joined us and shared stories with his grandkids about Neil Armstrong and other history-makers from his era.  My nephew wanted to know if Lance is related to Neil.  Sounds like a reasonable question to me.

I had taken many pictures but soon learned that my flash is not strong enough for the low light at the museum.  Gotta get a new flash!

My interest in planes is not very high on my list but I enjoyed watching my hubby, Dad and our nieces and nephew interacting with each other.  And what a great opportunity for these kids to learn something from their Uncle and Granddad.  It was very heartwarming, indeed.

Will it or will it not...

SNOW?!?!  Predicting accumulating snow in DC is always a challenge for meteorologists.  They've reached the point where they do not like to commit to how much or how little we may get.  We've had quite a mild winter thus far and now they are predicting snow on Saturday into Sunday, possibly mixed with rain.

As far as I'm concerned, it can snow a foot.  I will be content hanging out with my friends, cropping away. 

Bring on the snow, Mother Nature.  I'm ready for it.