cheese + castelvetrano olives + salami via Sunday Suppers
polo at Kings Family Vineyard.
hiking with the puppy…
relishing in the joys of nature….
…enjoying a night by the fire (and smores!).
…and spending lots of quality time with the hubby!
Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone!
I have a strange obsession with old, barn doors, and while I’m typically able to refrain from purchasing them only due to the lack of storage in my home, my heart does a quick pitter patter every. single. time. I see one.
At the Luckett’s Antique Fair out in Leesburg this last Spring (which was amazing, by the way!), however, I came across a door I simply couldn’t resist. It was weathered grey deliciousness…
I had absolutely no idea what I was going to do with it, but I just had to have it, and have it I did. I lugged it home in complete bliss only to stuff it into a corner and have it sit for the next three months…until yesterday.
On a side note, another thing I can’t resist is a good coat or blazer. And this, my friends, is something that I can make room for. While some women have a thing for shoes – yeah, I’ve got a thing for coats. There’s no such thing as too many.
With that said, the only “coat closet” we have is either my own closet (which is now full…) and until recently, a fairly dinky coat rack we had hanging in the hallway:
Something had to give, and I wasn’t about to give up my coat collection.
This is where my Aha! moment comes in – the barn door! Why not turn the barn door into a larger, less cluttered coat rack? So after a quick trip to Lowes, I happily began working on my project.
Items needed:
After removing most of the old, rusted hardware from the back side of the door, I screwed in two D-Rings approximately 6” from each end. On the front side, I then spaced the hooks approximately 9” apart from each other (give or take, I mostly eyeballed it) and screwed them right in with screws included in the package. Easy as pie!
(Beer sometimes helps in the DIY process…)
Unfortunately, leveling the door on the wall wasn’t quite as easy and for this I needed an extra pair of hands (aka The Husband). After eyeballing and marking with a pencil the height we wanted the door on the wall, we went to work measuring and leveling…
First, we measured the full length of the door so we could center it appropriately on the wall. We then measured between the D-rings so we knew where to place the screws to actually hang the door. Then, with a leveler, a couple of stools (aka dining room chairs), and a pencil, we began marking a few points on the wall – and then measured and re-measured (and argued just a little..) to confirm those points. Finally, we drilled the holes at are our measured two points, popped in the drywall anchors and screws, and hung the door. Voila! It was amazingly sturdy and straight.
I think it adds a nice bit of character to the wall, and the space looks much less cluttered! (we’ll see how long it actually stays that way…)
What do you think?
As for the previous coat rack:
I plan on removing the hooks, filling in all the holes with wood filler, repainting, and if all goes well, this will be hung as architectural décor above the French doors in my dining room – pictures of this to be revealed soon!
LINKING TO:
I was wracking my brain with what to write about this morning when I came across the blog of Kelley Moore. Her post struck me quite like a bolt of lightning because this is something I struggle with on a daily basis: being myself vs. what I think others want me to be. And oftentimes, I lose. More than I’d like to admit, I’ve lived my life based off of the judgments of others and this induces such a fear inside of me that I simply continue to bury myself within myself.
A vicious cycle.
(via Pinterest)
I once surrounded myself with fake niceties and cosmopolitans, short dresses and high heels and somehow, lots and lots of money, just to get one leg further up the totem pole. I wasn’t successful by any means, but I wanted to seem successful, because that’s what really matters, right…? I mean, I rubbed shoulders with Jennifer Lopez, I laughed with Patch Adams, I shook the hand of Jane Goodall, and I have Ben Stein’s number in my phone. Isn’t that what counts…?
(Yup, that’s me)
When I moved from the city, away from the movers and shakers, and into a domesticated, country lifestyle, I felt….lost. Who do I perform for now? But I also felt a sense of ease that I hadn’t felt for a long, long time. Finally, I could breathe. Finally I could be myself.
But who was I?
This is a question that I continue to juggle. A part of me still longs for the excitement and glamour of the rock star life, but the bigger part of me wants simplicity. I suppose I am simply trying to find myself between the mediocre and melodramatic, who I want to be and who I think I should be.
As Kelley so aptly stated (original source unknown)…
I will be 31 in less that a month, and at this point I’m not where I thought I’d be. And frankly, this scares the shit out of me. I thought I’d be more successful, I thought I’d be better traveled, I thought I’d be throwing interesting dinner parties for interesting people, and I thought I’d be a mother that could do it all. In my head, it’s all worked out: I should be flourishing, I should be an affluent business owner, and people should notice my success. In reality, my shoulda, woulda, couldas are only bringing me down, down, down.
What I am very, very slowly coming to realize is that life is so much more enjoyable when living it for yourself. Not for who you were, or for what others think you should be, or even for who you think you should be, but for who you are at this very moment. Learn from the past and look forward to the future, but live in the present, be true to yourself, and love yourself for it. Yes, love your authentic self, even if that authentic self is currently a floundering and lost soul!
I think Anne Lamott said it best in her 2003 Berkley graduation commencement address:
…here I am sort of bragging about being a dropout, and unemployable, and secretly making a pitch for you to follow your creative dreams, when what they [your parents] want is for you to do well in your field, make them look good, and maybe also make a tiny fortune.
But that is not your problem. Your problem is how you are going to spend this one odd and precious life you have been issued. Whether you’re going to spend it trying to look good and creating the illusion that you have power over people and circumstances, or whether you are going to taste it, enjoy it and find out the truth about who you are.
So go out and seek my dear readers!
When I first began writing this blog, just a few of months ago, I was on a desperate search for a studio, as you may have seen from this post. Not just any studio, mind you, but a space so full of vintage character and industrial charm that simply stepping foot into it would transform me into a state of inspired bliss.
And for a brief second, I actually thought I found it; obviously, the space was being used for storage, but try to imagine it as a blank canvas…
(note the list of dates on the building – these are flood lines! The James River is just a block away…now with a well-built levy, of course.)
Oh, be still my heart! The distressed brick and original wood beamed ceiling (the track lighting is an added bonus!) makes my heart go pitter-patter. The only downfall: location, location, location! While located in the heart of Scottsville (about 20 minutes from Charlottesville), the heart of Scottsville consists of half a block of storefront…and nothing else. Beyond this is farmland, a few gas stations, and a dollar store.
Of course, despite this one, huge downfall, my heart was still set on this little building, but being a bit risk adverse, I decided to test the market with a 12×12 space at an antique mall down the road first. And for once, I can actually say that I made the smart move.
Yep, I sold next to nothing and my little dream of becoming a shop owner went straight to the gutter.
Now, I haven’t fully given up on this dream, but I have become slightly more realistic with it. Rather than jumping headfirst into the unknown, I’m taking baby steps. First things first: find a space to store my pieces!
I’m in the process of closing my little 12×12 nook in Scottsville, which means that all my vintage and furniture items will be finding their way back into my home…
…but have I mentioned to you the lack of storage space in my house? No attic, no basement, no garage, and a shed the size of a hobbit’s home (or a Mattie-Lu size pup…):
It’s cute (the shed and the pup) but the lawnmower and garden tools already fill the shed to the brim!
So, I’ve decided to build a new one. And amazingly, my husband actually agrees with me! We’ll be keeping the shed you see above – possibly converting a portion of it into a chicken coop (more on this later…) – and will build an additional studio shed in the far left corner of the yard. Here are just a few ideas…(click on the below pictures for link to original source)
(I’d build a one level extension to this on the right side, but I love the idea of having a portion of the shed two levels to create a loft space feel.)
We are debating whether to go with the rustic vibe (my husband’s idea) similar to the shed we currently have, or the glam cottage style (my idea…). What do you think?
Lastly, when finished closing up Scottsville shop, I will be reopening my Etsy shop – this is where the shameless plug occurs. Please keep your eyes peeled for the Grand Reopening! Here are just a few items you will be able to find in my shop:
Refinished drum table with matching parfait chairs.
1965 military issued bookshelf (refinished) and misc. vintage items.
Refinished wicker-back French provincial chair.
Cute little copper pot!
Lots and lots of sheet music…
A chippy turquoise chair.
And much, much more. If you are interested in any of the items listed above, feel free to shoot me an email and we can make arrangements.
Cheers!
Somehow, right before the changing of the leaves, everything seems to look exceptionally green. Perhaps it’s the daunting amount of rain we received over the last week, or perhaps the crisper, cleaner, cooler air is infusing new life into the world – or perhaps it’s just me?
(Nope. Pup – aka Ms. Mattie-Lu Poo – seems to be enjoying the oncoming Fall weather as much as I am!)
For me, the coming of Fall definitely pulls at the soul. I love summer, but so often it can feel stifling, sticky, hot. But Autumn, oh sweet Autumn! It brings with it a sense of freedom, a cleansing of the air that feels fresh and carefree. As William Cullen Bryant stated so well, Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile…
…and I couldn’t agree more.
The impending Autumn has not only infused life into the world around me, it also seems to have infused this life into me – a spark that I so desperately needed. Yeah, let’s just say that it’s been a rough month. I’m looking forward to smiling again!
Tell me, what is your favorite season and why?
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Speaking of smiling, I must share with you my favorite room from last Monday’s question: What is your go-to design style and why?
Jessica, over at Jess in Belgium, sent me a link of this Stockholm apartment and I simply can’t get enough of it! This is what Jess said…
I grow equally enamored and frustrated by what I would call a eclectic design style. I never seem to be able to make up my mind. At least a few things are constant: I am not afraid of color, I love comfort and seem to fall back on the fact that a little bit of simplicity goes a long way. I saw this photo on Dustjacket Attic some time ago and keep coming back to it as a favorite. I love the few touches of both fancy (the chandelier, the chair, the green curtains in the second room) and character (the personal decorations in the bookshelves, the well-placed plants, the simple wood floors). I love the scattered touches of green and blue. But most of all, I love the windows. Once I eventually get the courage together to buy a house, windows will be a must.
Here’s more of the eye candy:
(Love the little fireplace!)
If I could create an apartment that exemplifies the current season; the end of summer brashness combined with the fresh, natural quality of fall – this would be it. It’s simple, crisp, yet eclectic and bold in all the right places. I love the natural light, the large windows, the vintage touches…
But there are two things that really get me:
1. The touches of green throughout – it brings the outdoors in and immediately puts a smile on my face.
2. The bay window area in the living room. It creates a clean, light, and airy feel to the space and then….
BAM! A dark, bold, in your face pattern. The juxtaposition is incredible.
Jess, thanks so much for sharing! The rest of you should head on over to her blog – she’s got such a fun and quirky perspective and I just love reading about her European adventures!
As mentioned in my 30 Things to do Before I Turn 31 list, within the next month, I plan on hosting an End of Summer Soiree for my fellow neighbors. I’m actually terribly excited to do this, as it’s been a while since I’ve hosted anything beyond a few family gatherings, and since I have yet to meet a few of my neighbors, I want to make sure I get everything down to a tee!
I’ve decided to go for a simple summer garden theme with a rustic pop of color to bring in the last rays of summer while still celebrating the coming of my absolute favorite season! Yep, that would be fall. The crisp, fresh air, the cool breeze, the turning leaves, and the sweater styles….ah, be still my heart! It is comfort at it’s best.
And it is right around the corner. Where did the time go? Now, with only a couple of weeks to prepare, invitations are first priority!
I’m a huge fan of the printed invitation (which I feel is a bit of a lost art in this day and age), so with just a little time, recycled card stock, twine, and fresh herbs, I hope to throw together a very simplified (and non-wedding) version of this:
(sweet and simple!)
Now on to the menu! I must admit, I am not the best cook in the world, by a very, very long shot. But I do love putting together finger foods, which is exactly why I love hosting a good cocktail party over the (dreaded) dinner party. Not to mention, foods in miniature are simply adorable! And cheese…who doesn’t love cheese?!
Here’s what I’m thinking:
Delicious, yes?!
And finally – my favorite part – the décor! I definitely want to maintain a soft, summer glow while bringing in the earthy and rustic palette of fall. However, I also want to add a nice pop of color that truly infuses a happy, celebratory mood. Since tones of fuchsia and burgundy are the new “in” colors for the fall season, I think this would be the perfect fit…
(Napkin from here, image via here)
So what do you think – is this a party you would want to attend?
One of my favorite, go-to, easy-as-pie crafts that I can’t quite get enough of is stenciling. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it instantly adds character and personality to any room. Most importantly, it’s easy on the wallet!
There actually are quite complicated stencils out there that require time, a steady hand, and lots and lots of patience, but I, of course, lean toward the very uncomplicated, instant gratification kind of stencils. Yes, that’s much more my style…
I actually sold all of these pieces and plan on making many more in the future, but you can make your own with just a few, simple items:
I tend to see stenciled art everywhere – and I love it, knowing that I can create my own. Even Décor Steals’ “deal of of the day” today was a stencil piece that I (and you) could easily recreate!
So, now that you have this effortless craft fresh in your mind, what phrase do you plan on stenciling? A few of my favorites are:
“Be calm & carry on”
“Think happy. Be happy.”
“Ooh la la!”
“It’s always worth it.”
And of course,
“Farm Fresh”
Enjoy! 
Today is exactly 30 days before my 31st birthday and for the first time in my life, I actually feel a bit anxious about it. Oddly, while most of my friends dreaded turning 30, I reveled in it. So why would turning 31 be any different?
Let’s just say that somehow, I thought I’d be further along now than I was at 30. Frankly, I have no idea what this entirely means, but it’s a thought I continue to have. I suppose I have a sort of “Life List” floating about in my head that I mentally check off as life goes on. And lately, I feel like I’ve checked off so little!
So, in honor of my upcoming 31st – and perhaps to ease a little anxiety (or possibly create more…), I’m going to create a 30 Things to do Before I Turn 31 list:
While much of this list is simply a to-do list, I actually do feel inspired and hope to knock this list out of the ballpark over the next month. I’ll be sure to keep you updated!
Why hello my lovely readers and once again, I do apologize for my brief absence. I realize that lately, I seem to be slacking on the blog front – I had hopes of writing every single weekday since the conception of this blog, but life – and the occasional curveball – seems to think otherwise. Most recently, my mother came into town…
I know, I know. It sounds like a lame excuse and frankly – it is! I’ve read blogs in which the blogger will religiously post Every. Single. Day. While on vacation, while frantically trying to finish a thousand other deadlines, even while at the ER, pre and post surgery. (My excuse doesn’t quite make the cut, does it?)
I do love blogging. I really do. I think I’m simply trying to find the right balance of business and pleasure, of too much or too little. How much of myself do I share? How much time do I spend researching and browsing? How often should I compare myself to the millions of other blogs floating around out there? And how much (or little?) precedence should I place on my own? Furthermore, I very much enjoy writing in the moment; I love sharing my thoughts and feelings within the moments I am thinking and feeling them. For me, this is what creates the connection between you and me – an instantaneous sharing of experience. Sure, I could feasibly build up dozens of draft blogs to publish at any given moment – when I’m on vacation, when I have visitors, when I’m ill and exhausted, or simply when I don’t feel like writing for no reason at all – but some how, perhaps a bit irrationally, this would makes me feel dishonest…
I suppose I simply want my writing to come from the heart, from some sense of passion, and from raw emotion. And while I often struggle with this, it is an ideal that makes blogging so worthwhile to me.
*As mentioned last week, I’ve decided to base my musings off of a certain Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair style.
What is your go-to design style?
Lately, I’ve been really trying to narrow down my design style. I think I now have so many contradicting thoughts and ideas in my head, my style is becoming a bit chaotic. When my husband and I moved into this house a year ago, I had a clear vision – I wanted the modern country farmhouse, the Pottery Barn look-alike…
(Yes, I actually have this coffee table!)
Of course, once I realized the hole Pottery Barn created in the wallet, my style shifted to a sort of rustic shabby chic – I was drawn to the chippy paint, the distressed woods, and the flea market (cheap!) finds.
(*Sigh*)
I even went so far as to fall head over heels for the full on shabby and dreamy whites…
…but quickly realized that with a dog, a cat, a husband, and the klutz that I am, myself, I would never be able to maintain the clean, crisp, whiteness of it all.
Obviously, I’m still drawn to all of these things, but recently, I also find myself taken in by the colorful, the bold, and the glamorous.
Incorporating bits and pieces of all of these things, I’d like to define my style as “Modage Cottage” (for all you folks that may have been wondering about the title of my blog!) – a mix of modern vintage (“Modage”) with the light, breezy comfort of cottage living.
Now if only I could get my own house to look like this!
So how about you? What is your design style – eclectic? Mid-century? Dark and dramatic? Pink and girly? Email me a picture of your favorite room that defines your style, give me a brief description why, and I will share my favorites next Monday (be sure to include a link to the source).
