Desiree's Mud Room

All In The Family Jeans

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

IMG_5281Jeans are being used for everything these days from insulating homes to just about a million different crafts. A few years back a friend of mine had made this wonderful quilt using old jeans. It was beautiful. At that moment, I started saving every pair of out-grown, worn-out and not fit to be worn in public jeans.IMG_5279

IMG_5283I wanted a quilt or blanket to take to the beach. I had a great one that somehow went missing. My professional mom guess?—a teenager went to the beach with some friends and somehow that blanket was left behind or left at someone else’s home. And, I’m sure that mom, like me has asked “Who does this belong to? It’s not ours.” And, I’m sure the usual response was ” Huh? What? Ya, I don’t know.”

This is my color inspiration for my denim quilt. I love the pink and coral with denim.  It seemed to be the perfect combination.

This is my color inspiration for my denim quilt. I love the pink and coral with denim. It seemed to be the perfect combination.

I cut the jeans into 6 inch squares. I used left-over fabric that I recently used to re-cover an ottoman to go in between the denim squares. Stitched the whole thing together. I added a small layer of cotton batting and a fun tie-dye fabric for the backside. I’m not a seamstress or a quilter—so I know that how I put this sucker together was very unconventional. I didn’t use a pattern and when something didn’t line up it stayed that way. I love the results. The reason—I look at all those squares and know that they came from one of my kids at some point in their lives. I did save one pair I just couldn’t bring myself to cut up. All four of my boys wore that single pair of jeans when they were toddlers. Let me tell you, those Baby Gap jeans that I purchased back in 1989 for my oldest son, have held up. And, to last through 4 boys now that is some feat!

Desiree Looking Left - Lookiloos

Linking up with Romantic Home.

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Looki: A Shameless Plug!

Friday, June 18th, 2010

69958649_IMG_1326 Here’s a little bit of personal history. I have lived in the Rose Garden Neighborhood since 1989. Our home was a very quaint 3 bedroom 1 bath bungalow style home–and with one toddler it fit perfect. But then another baby and then a set of twins–we needed a little bit of elbow room. We looked at moving but I kept coming back to how I loved this little house, how I loved my neighborhood and how I loved that park just down the street. So, we stayed and remodeled (… that’s a whole other story).

I have always adored this park, even though it was in disrepair for awhile.102054778_zGiYo-X3
My mother-in-law, Joan grew up in this neighborhood.I love the story she told me about how she remembers the day the fountain was installed. One of my favorite photos when I first decided to jump ship and become a photographer was taken at the fountain. This park has held so many memories for our family.

Every June about 7 high schools hold their graduation ceremonies at the park. I know the parking is a nightmare and quite often I’m picking up trash left over from my lawn–but to be honest with you–I wouldn’t trade it for one minute. We have parked our cars on the street to save parking for families we know who have a student graduating. The requests come in via my older kids–so and so’s “little sister is graduating on Tuesday—Mom who has the driveway”? This year our driveway was reserved on three different days and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love hearing the pomp and circumstance playing, the names being called and the cheers! I am anticipating the twins graduating in 3 years form this very spot! So here I am on bended knee—yes really on bended knee asking you to please vote for The San Jose Municipal Rose Garden. I promise to hold my driveway any time you need it! I’m attaching a slideshow of some of my personal favorite photos I’ve taken of the Rose Garden and you need to check out the links to movies my kids have made at the park as well. What would I do without this wonderful space.

So, I am here with a shameless plug. Yes, I know what your thinking “how could she? This is blog-land darn-it full of honor, trust and no shameless plugs”. But it’s not like that–really!

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Here’s the complete slideshow:

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Inspiring Work Spaces

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

Garden Shed ConvertedThis week I’m inspired by work spaces at home.  Somewhere to slip away where I know I would be so productive–errr well,  at least get something crossed off my list.  A place when kids, pets and husband can be heard, but off in the distance so I wouldn’t be distracted.  A place where I can leave a half finished project out without worries of puppy chewing,  kids spilling or husband moving to make room for dinner. Yep,  that sounds nice.  Now, in my mind it would be so organized.  If I needed a pair of scissors–I would know that they would be in the top left drawer as opposed to right now–I think I might have to knock on a neighbor’s door to borrow a pair.  Anyway,  here is what I’m drooling over–work space

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Some Free Time = Home Improvement

Monday, April 19th, 2010

my toolsWhen we first bought our home way back in the ’80’s,  it needed some work. Mostly cosmetic changes to bring it to the current era.  We were house poor–sinking every last cent into the purchase. We–and I really mean I–became a DIYer.  Being young and dare I say naive at the time I wasn’t afraid to try anything. Now, I have no excuse except stupidity. That’s just how I roll. I want something done–I just do it. The husband on the other hand likes to research stuff–make sure it’s the right decision.  So, we come from different worlds.  The husband  traveled a lot in our early years which worked in my favor.  I just sorta got to do things my way–by defualt–since he wasn’t here.

I’d drop him off at the airport and race home to start my project. I knew what the project would be weeks ahead of the trip. Husband would ask “What are you planning this trip”? I’d always reply “Oh nothing much. Just taking care of the kids.”  But he knew better. He just didn’t know what project I was scheming in my head.  I have ripped out  carpets and  sanded the floors and don’t forget that fresh scent of varnish.  Years of wallpaper stripped and walls painted in the course of a week of focus groups. Over the years I’ve tried my hand at just about every home improvement. Some have been successful and others not so much, but there is nothing like diving in and getting dirty.  My husband’s business partner was dropping him off from a short trip and I had a dresser and a nightstand on the front porch drying after I had stripped and repainted, he asked my husband when I was going to fix the roof?  Yes, it became the office joke. But I didn’t care and now, the husband doesn’t travel as much–until next week! He’s going to be gone for 4 days. My mind is struggling to figure out the what to do first. The list is getting longer and longer. I need to prioritize!   I want to do as much prep before so the minute that door closes I can work work work!

Stay tuned–I will be posting my escapades here!  Maybe even a video–Do I dare incriminate myself???  Of course–why wouldn’t I???

*** UPDATE***Darn that husband read this post–Glad I didn’t give any details away!

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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!

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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.

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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

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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