Desiree's Mud Room

On a Roll and I Can’t Stop Now!

Friday, January 8th, 2010
Don't mind the seamless green screen---working on a different project

Don't mind the seamless green screen---working on a different project

Three weeks ago I purchased a set of 4 iron chairs to go in my backyard for $39 each.  They are wing-backed in style with great fret work. They need a little cleaning up, a coat of paint and some cushions. Oh how I wish Laura from  ShorehouseChic lived on this coast—she is a seamstress extraordinaire!

Continuing on my roll,  after the holidays I stopped in at a local nursery. I was desperate for all white cyclamen for my front window box.  My decorative cabbage had perished in the frost earlier and I had guests coming over. Isn’t that how it always happens you walk past the dried-up and shriveled plant for days thinking “I gotta take care of that” then your hosting a last minute dinner party and you send your son out into the cold to re-plant.

“Seriously, Mom. Who is gonna see it? It’s gonna be dark and it’s freezing out there,”  said my youngest.  Freezing??? C’mon you don’t know freezing. Try winter in Connecticut.  I did that once and I learned my lesson. The next winter was spent in Florida. I kid you not.Chandelier

“Never-mind that. Plant away—you can warm up when you’re done” I replied, with a chilly tone in my voice.  And here is the part you have all come to know about me and hopefully find it quite endearing—I digress.  So, back to the nursery, I spied a little one light chandelier for $5.  You can’t walk away from a 5 dollar chandelier. It will be perfect on my front porch! 5 dollar tag

So my point is and yes I do have one—I’m on a roll finding the perfect thing for my home at a super cheap inexpensive price!   This weekend Move It Elsewhere is having their once a month sale and I’m going.  I feel like I can’t miss.  I’m not sure what I will find or what I need to transform my living space, but one thing I do know I’m on a roll!

Desiree Looking Left - Lookiloos

White Reindeer A Must See!

Friday, December 25th, 2009
Adult White Reindeer

Adult White Reindeer

Last week I stopped in at Almaden Valley Nursery and spotted the most adorable white reindeer.  This particular little guy reminded me of the real white reindeer up at Mt. Madonna County Park in Watsonville.  We had taken the kids to see them years ago, but I hadn’t seen them in quite awhile.  I wanted to go and see them again. Wouldn’t it be like ol’ times? Doe

“Hey who wants to go see the white reindeer?” I asked very excitedly I might add.  The response wasn’t exactly what I had hoped for. “What? Where is it? Well how far is it and how long will it take?.  The Niners are gonna play today, so I’ll pass on the reindeer thing Mom” was what I got from four different teenage boys. I had one taker,  the husband (extra Santa points for him). Love this one

There were 2 large male deer and about a dozen smaller does.  The males would not come closer for photos…sounds like my household. The does were much more cooperative…also like my household!   I know this has nothing to do with home or garden, but it all started with my little stuffed friend form the Almaden Valley Nursery.  Merry Christmas to All.

Found: One Christmas Angel

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

Christmas AngelThought you were gone. Thought I’d never see you again. It’s been three long Christmases since you were last seen. So glad you’re back! My Christmas Angel.  Angel Wings

I purchased this angel 6 years ago. She is constructed of recycled molding and tin ceiling tiles. She is weathered, rustic and beautiful. She went missing 3 years ago. The same time roughly my oldest son moved back home and re-arranged our garage and attic storage. “No, Mom never saw her. What does she look like again?” said my darling eldest.

Angel Above Clock Niche

Suddenly,  she just appeared in the garage. And no one put her there….Hmmmmm.  Somehow I don’t think I’m getting the WHOLE story. But I don’t care she’s back and my living room feels complete this year.

Desiree Looking Left - Lookiloos

A Christmas Wreath with Mad Men Style

Sunday, December 6th, 2009
 Mad Men Wreath

Mad Men Wreath

A couple of days ago, I stumbled across a blog out of San Francisco —- Found: Rediscovered Objects for the Home.  (BTW, they also have a shop I’m putting on my list to see).  On this particular day that I “Found” them,  they had created a Mad Men wreath for a local fundraiser.  Now,  I absolutely loved their submission. Not to mention I love Mad MenJim Beam For those of you unfamiliar, Mad Men is an amazing series about an advertising agency in New York during the sixties.  (Shame on HBO for passing on this–but thank you AMC!) Now, being married to an ad guy, I thought “this would make a great wreath for his office.”  I started by sketching it out….what did I need?  Some little airplane sized bottles of booze, a pack of cigarettes—-not just any I needed Lucky Strikes.  My mail man delivered the Crate and Barrel catalog and I flipped through and spotted a martini shaker and martini glass ornaments, perfect.  Then I thought “I’ll check out the Facebook fan page and website for Mad Men.” And let me tell you, what a goldmine!  PopsicleI downloaded Sterling-Cooper’s Portfolio. Popped those babies into photoshop, re-sized, printed them out and attached to retro-looking ornaments (also found at Crate and Barrel).   My glue gun was heated and it was time to assemble.  I have to say, I had so much fun putting this thing together.  The hardest thing to find were those damn Lucky Strike brand cigarettes.  Maybe it’s because I don’t smoke, but I tried my neighborhood 7/11 and Walgreen’s—-ended up at a discount cigarette shop. That is a story for another day.  You know, when you feel the need to explain yourself and pretty soon your head is telling your mouth to shut-up–it was one of those moments.  The wreath was put up over the weekend and I’m anxious to hear what those ad people think on Monday.

IMG_7950

Desiree Looking Left - Lookiloos

Dreaming…Again!

Saturday, November 21st, 2009
My new little investment.

My new little investment.

Two weeks ago I received an invitation for an art show through  Facebook.  Excited to attend, I clicked the appropriate button and put it on my calendar.    Jaya King had sent me the invite.  She’s a local artist, who I had met at an art gallery a few years earlier.  I purchased a piece and I still absolutely love it.

Heading into the Triton Museum in Santa Clara,  I immediately saw Jaya and made my way towards her.  Her  display was so wonderful. I didn’t know what to focus on first. And then, I saw it.  I knew I had to have it.  It’s entitled “Dream a Little Dream”.  It’s very fitting for me.  I tend to live in my own little world.  It’s true.  Ask my mother and she will tell you that every parent-teacher conference the same line was uttered, “She’s a day-dreamer”.  Seriously, how is that a bad thing? Sorry I digress.

I haven’t hung it yet. I just can’t seem to find the right space, so for now it sits on my desk and it makes me so happy as I dream my little dream.

Hooked on Rooftop Gardens!

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Elevated Retreat 1I’m completely smitten with rooftop gardens.  A big city filled with high rises and concrete but hidden at the top of the stairs you find an oasis.  My love of rooftop gardens began years ago watching a very sappy chick flick staring Christian Slater. Bed of Roses is not a great movie, but the garden is fabulous.  I found all of these rooftop gardens at Chicagogardens.com. I am slightly jealous that not only do I not have a rooftop garden but I can’t even have one at my home.  Trust me it just isn’t the same in the ‘burbs.  I’m thinking you have to have a spectacular skyline to gaze at!  I love the cedar deck and the lounge-style furniture from Barlow-Tyrie.  Can you imagine morning coffee with the paper or a glass of wine in the evenings with friends…I can.

Elevated Retreat 2

That built in flower bed is simply gorgeous.  I think I would fill mine with Daisey’s…one of my favorite flowers! This elevated retreat is truly spectacular.

Skyline Terrace 1

Love this!  I love the awning over the dining area. And those flower boxes on the rail. I bet it looks great from the street level looking up.

Skyline Terrace 2

They used cedar decking,  but they also added all weather carpeting.  This is a living room right in the heart of the city!  I live in a very suburban neighborhood, but I’d like to think if I lived in a big city I’d have a rooftop garden like this one.  It looks inviting and comfortable. Just my style.

Mediterranean Oasis 1

And lastly,  I love this Mediterranean Oasis.  The cedar pergola looks wonderful with those billowy white drapes.  Oh the dinner parties you could throw. I’m already working on the menu, yet I don’t have a rooftop oasis!

Mediterranean Oasis2

And after dinner, we would retreat to this sitting area.  The floor here is made of ivory marble deck stone.  It is so warm and rustic looking.  Love it.  Yes, I can definitely see myself entertaining here!

So, this week I’m totally hooked on rooftop gardens.  I’d love to see more…so help a girl out and send me any photos or links to rooftop gardens.  You know I’m a lookiloo through and through!

deseyeright

Case Handyman Holds FREE Seminar

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

case

Case Handyman and Remodeling is holding a free seminar on  kitchen and bath remodeling.  You’ll learn all about what makes a great plan,  trends in design and the all important budgeting.  So if you’re looking to do a remodel in the upcoming year you should stop by the Case Showroom. It’s this Saturday, October 17th at 10:00 am.  You’ll need to RSVP to this event since seating is limited.

Case Handyman and Remodeling

RSVP to 408.323.5300

sanjoseoffice@caseremodeling.com

6155 Almaden Expressway Suite 400

San Jose, CA 95120

Turning Over a New Leaf With PG&E

Sunday, October 4th, 2009

I love to hate my local utility company.  My less than favorable relationship with Pacific Gas and Electric began 10 years ago during the major remodel of our tiny home.  I spent hours and then days trying to get electricity and gas reconnected so we could officially/legally move back into our new homestead.  I cursed PG&E privately.  And then in an embarrassing moment I cursed directly to an employee, not my proudest point in time (I did call back and apologized to the employee).  I also, sobbed hysterically in my front yard to the electrical technician because the gas technician had to cancel his appointment.  During the course of a remodel there are so many choices that have to be made from light fixtures to counter tops but one thing you can’t choose is your utility company.  That week trying to get power to our home was hands down THE worst week during the whole remodeling process and PG&E played a major role.

Fast forward 10 years. I’m attending West Coast Green and anticipating the opening keynote speakers.  I hadn’t read the full list so I was a little shocked to find myself listening to Peter Darbee the CEO of PG&E.  Well,  I was more than pleasantly surprised to learn that Newsweek rated PG&E the greenest utility company in our nation.  PG&E currently uses 12% renewable energy with plans to grow that number to 20%.  PG&E was also recognized for their efforts to control energy demands.  During Mr. Darbee’s keynote, I felt my relationship change with this not so evil, big utility company.  I even felt, dare I say proud that Northern California’s PG&E was leading the way.  So congratulations to PG&E on their greenest utility company rating. Glad that we can both move forward.

Hooked On Outdoor Fireplaces!

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

This week I'm totally hooked on outdoor fireplaces.  I really want one. I've been compiling  a list of all the features I'm looking for in my little backyard oasis. 

I want one that includes some seating around it like this one.

3068606444_169c36dfb5_o(2)

 Look at the good time they're all having!

3068606538_fbf3782749_o

Love the mantel on this one…LOVE IT!

Outdoor Fireplace

I like the stone work on these…

2900585303_85d3017c6e_o

3498489531_6766a0d76f_b

And, lastly I love the Spanish Tiles and that cobalt blue….

3499433556_5f813834c8_b

Which one is your fav! I'd love to hear.

Petaluma Antique Faire: Looki What I Got!

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

Birdhouse - Petaluma Antique Faire: Looki What I Got!

The Petaluma Antique Faire seems like such along time ago. I had such a great time. We started the day off with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Mason’s. All proceeds will go towards putting on future antique shows. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice and coffee! And in a beautiful building. What a way to start the day. There was so much to see. We walked up and down the main strip searching for treasures.

Now, I had a list of what I was looking for — a list of three things, green milk glass, hand railings used to go up stairways and iron chaise loungers. There were a few milk glass pieces but nothing that I had to have. The lounges and the railings were a total bust, but I did find the sweetest birdhouse. I have it on my front porch. I love it there. Now, if my 3 cats wouldn’t “hang-out” on the chairs, I might get to see a bird!

I’ll have an update on my curb appeal enhancement coming in the next few days. So there will be more photos of the porch and the rest of my front yard.

Desiree - lookiloos.com