MAKEOVER GIVEAWAY!

              I am excited to offer this gift........to one of you. An exterior makeover of your home!

Never would I have imagined that having a blog would become such an important facet of my life. The giving and sharing of readers and fellow bloggers, the connections and friendships made have truly been life changing. My hopes for this giveaway is to extend a thank you for joining me on this journey.

              Does your home reflect you?            

                          Are you excited when you pull into your drive? Does your heart skip a beat?

Or do you sigh, knowing that someday your home will become the home of your dreams, but where to start?

We can help. Don't you love before and afters? Let's walk through the steps and finish
with the contest guidelines. This home is a "before". little curb appeal......nothing to set it apart.

Instant drama! The addition of color, removing dull foundation plantings and expanding the garden, the style of garden and ornamentation is a perfect blend. Repeat house or trim colors into the garden.

Here is my shop prior to purchase. This building is on a busy thoroughfare that i travel on constantly. When the Realtor attempted to describe the building I was at a loss.......I never "saw" it. A drab dark brown with the ever present overgrown foundation plantings.

The dreams for this Queen Anne soared. We had the opportunity to showcase our life's work. The hand rendering above is our format for presenting a design, a three dimensional pen and ink.

The gardens are in as drawn and a fence was added. The color? Well....let me state that I would never paint a home in these colors but a shop? It pops!

Before of a New Orleans 'shot gun' home.

After.   I would refer to this as a restoration; the basics remain but are restored

Before, 1970's ranch

After! A renovation; second story added, front door moved, new windows, new siding, tin roof and observe the lighting fixtures; perfectly in proportion. Ever notice that lighting fixtures are usually too small in scale?

Step one:  Identify the existing architectural style. If lacking, case in point......decide what style is buried within or what style you wish to emulate. 

A mistake when building is the love of too many architectural styles.....you could end up like this.  ;-)

Victorian Italianate

Storybook Cottage.......drool!

Southern Federal Colonial

Traditional limestone. Notice how the landscape and ornamentation is one with the house.

Arts and Crafts Bungalow. Love how the fencing introduces what is to come.

Classic cape cod; symmetry, shutters, brick walk, hydrangeas................

Cotswold cottage

English Tudor with exquisite details

Greek Revival

Folk Victorian

 

Prairie style; Frank Lloyd Wright

Louisiana Tidewater

Country French

Mid-Century California.
Take notice of the "marriage" of home and landscape. When designing gardens we look up at the structure for inspiration. If you are designing at a desk looking down onto a blueprint, those details can be lost.

If uncertain, here is an excellent guide to hone in on your architectural style.

One of our clients before renovation. Far left, one dormer over the garage. Center, concrete walk to over grown yews shielding the front door. Far right. older picture window and more overgrown yews. Blue shingle siding, worn shake shingle roof. 

Like? I love this home! All yews......gone! Addition added on both sides, see the extra dormers? New siding, great color, new roof, windows ( the picture window is gone), fresh landscape, concrete walk was removed to make way for a vintage street brick walk

Excellent books for inspiration.

For this contest I asked three bloggers whom I admire to assist in the judging and help select a winner. I am certain you would agree with me; these women have exquisite taste

Michele of My Notting Hill.
The business owner of a Management consulting firm in Washington D.C. and self-described "interior design fanatic". Michele transports me to places undiscovered and delves into topics not previously considered. Classic and elegant.

Deborah of Boxwood Terrace.
Corporate by day, design enthusiast by evening. Her posts are sumptuous! Am particularly fond of her "virtual renovations",  her eye for detail and for the art posts. My new favorite artist is Sarah Lamb, introduced by Deborah.

Lauren of Pure Style Home...."pure style is simple, beautiful and fun". This young Mother has her own interior design firm. One of her philosphy's I adore is "our homes should embody us".  

Lauren and family's home as purchased

Restored after.
LOVE the grey paint.....it picks up a colorway in the stone, offset trim in bright white. The addition of the trellis ties in the white trim and creates a focal point.The landscaping is fresh and crisp.

Would you choose orange for the door? Notice how it too ties in with the stone and gives a hint to the designer within? Lauren is a rising star in the design world.

Our home when first purchased.
UGLY 1970's powder blue aluminum siding, white painted crumbling fireplace, overgrown yews, aged roof, moldy awning.......sigh.......... BUT, it was love at first sight!

 

Many years later; blue siding GONE! Wooden shingle siding, stained, new fireplace, yews....GONE, replaced picture window , built an overhang over the doors, added heavy white trim at all corners and of course landscaping!

The new overhangs have faux bird house entrances.
ps; the boxwoods were full and lush, Cooper the Corgi runs in and out.........perfectly defoliating the lower limbs

Color! Makes a huge difference, choose wisely. My favorite source for color inspiration is Maria at Colour me Happy blog.

Another great source

Ornamentation;   Shutters, furniture, lighting and containers are the frosting on the cake.
Keep your homes style and colors uppermost in mind when choosing.

So.........here is the Giveaway.................

• email one photo only of the front of your home
• include a short description of your hopes and dreams
• You can live anywhere, worldwide
• This has a value of $600.00
• Michele, Deborah, Lauren and myself will choose one home to receive a makeover
• Once picked I will send you a five page questionnaire. Included will be email interviews, I will have a load of questions!
• Stephanie Fania, our in-house artist and I will begin the pen and ink rendering with the changes discussed. 
• You will receive a completed drawing mailed to you with ornamentation and landscaping suggestions
• Color recommendations
• Included will be a list of sources
• Send your photo, the giveaway ends February 24th!

                                                     

A friends warehouse before

After; our rendering
Headed towards Charlotte? Visit Thomas Hoke!
125 Lane Parkway
Sailsbury, N.C.
704-467-3456

                                             FIVE FAVORITE DETAILS

Carefully chosen paint colors

LOVE shutters! But the real thing...............sized to fit the window should they ever close (that may never happen), shutter dogs, authentic hardware, dimension (they are not flat against the wall)

Landscaping that is complimentary in style and colorways

Appropriately scaled lighting

Ornamentation that additionally compliments in style and color
My best!
Debra

                   NEXT POST.......NASHVILLE GARDEN AND ANTIQUE SHOW

LATEST SPRING COLLECTION..... PLANTS 2010

January 31st in Illinois; sunny, freezing, snow on the ground........

However, just returning from the 'Mid-Am' horticultural show for the industry, excitement builds with the new introductions available in Spring 2010.

Here are some of my favorites;

LILAC 'BLOOMERANG'

• Repeat, YES, repeat bloom on and off  all spring until frost....plus they are fragrant
• Zone 4-7,  4' high,  full sun

HYDRANGEA 'INCREDIBALL'

• Improved 'Annabelle' meaning strong beefy stems that WILL NOT FLOP!
• Massive flower heads in full sun  to part shade
• Zone 5+, 4-5' tall

HYDRANGEA 'INVINCIBELLE'

• This is major, a PINK MACROPHYLLA HYDRANGEA!
• From the Annabelle family, not only pink but near continious blooming.
• Zone 3-9,   3-4' high (good in containers) 

 

SUN PATIENS registered

• As the name suggests, impatiens for the sun, or shade arrives in many colors
• Thick showy petals and dark leaves
• Drought tolerant

WEIGELA 'RAINBOW SENSATION'

• Fragrant spring flowers are a magnet to Hummingbirds  

• Compact and very hardy  

• I love the foliage color of variegated chartreuse, green and pink which will stand out all season

 HOSTA  ' BLUE IVORY'

• Maintains a true blue splash all season
• Thick leaves are slug proof
• Low water needs!

 

FIVE FAVORITE TRENDS

Succulents
   Low maintenance, gorgeous colors,  major texture

GREEN ROOFS

  And Chicago leads the trend. We have the most green roofs in the world for the third consecutive year running.

 

 

 Permeable surfaces; any surface that is not concrete or asphalt and allows for water penetration.

 Lose the Chemicals. Each of these "trends" will receive their own post in the future and this is a BIG topic. Here are two quick points

1. I used to tease my Father-in-law...."Mr. Chemically Crazed".....that he could get Parkinson's Disease. His entire life was devoted to which chemical would solve every problem, in massive doses.He did and lost the battle.
2. My own garden has it's issues; weeds, bugs.........but i have allowed an eco-system to evolve and a multitude of birds and beneficial insects have naturally kept the destructive bugs at bay.

 PS: bunnies NEVER bother my gardens, naturally. Can anyone guess my secret?   

 

 

Living walls....indoors and out

I could not say we are perpetually charming  ;-)  and try we do........but as a full landscape design/build firm, our aim is to always
"make your soul blossom"

NEXT POST.            I am so excited to extend a huge give-away, $600.00 value!

Who is eligible? Do I have to live in Chicago?  No, everyone, living anywhere is eligible
Any hints?  Yes, it is a service we already offer.... Your home and a makeover

                                                       Stay tuned...................

                                                                xxo   Debra

MEET.....THE ARTIST

Meet Patrick Roullier. An amazingly talented artist, all-round nice guy and a treasured friend.

 

Raised in Michigan he now resides in Chicago. Patrick is a local master schooled in many art forms

 

His art is yummy.

Let's take a look while I introduce you to this dear man

                                                       tole tray in equestrian theme
 
The arts were instilled from earliest memories. And in advance of their times, his parents rarely bought new, scouring flea markets, yard sales and second hand shops. The altering of an existing piece was a way of life.
  Father;  photographer
  Mother;  painter
  Grandfather;  woodworker
  Grandmother;  tole painter

                                                   hand painted mural

His Aunt Jackie was the component in propelling him to consider the arts as a career, "do what you love and let the money follow."

close-up

Graduating in Scientific Illustration from the school of the Art Institute in Chicago plus biology courses at Roosevelt University he planned on entering the Medical Arts.

                

                                           more hand painted panels

During schooling he worked at Chicago's Oriental  Institute doing maps and other archeological renderings, pot shards, designs, tombs and various artifacts.

            In a home in Naples, Florida


Exquisite topiary on lined wall

                                                  gilded cabinets

A major life change occurred at age 19 when Patrick was mentored by Anna Chiara Branca renowned watercolor and porcelain artist....Mother of Allesandra.  At Branca design he became interested in doing highly detailed work, botanical renderings and studying the masters. As a true apprentice he began by washing brushes, sanding and priming as Ms. Branca introduced him to the world of interior design and the history of European decorative arts.

                                                   hand painted mural

                                                            up close

Branca's design studio made a a life altering impression..........creative people and artisans could indeed make a living in the arts.

                                                         composition and plaster

Until the latter part of the 19th century it was common that plaster was used decoratively inside a building. Primary materials could be lime and sand plus animal or plant fibers for strength. Later adding Portland and gypsum replacing traditional lime.

tole lamps

 Next step......Frederick Cooper Lamps, painting traditional tole, faux wood and faux marble on thousands of surfaces. Patrick had the opportunity to provide custom work for Mario Buatta but the ultimate was creative license in developing a line called 'Anderson & Roullier' lamps.

                                           hand painted chest

At night he assisted an elderly lady, Judith Brubaker whom pushed Patrick into wood. Learning wood finishes, french polishing and gilded gesso. On his own he practiced throwing pottery and sculpture.

                                                               painted floor

                                               mural      Geneva, Illinois

5th;   What artists have influenced you?

Patrick Roullier;  Ghram Rust, Issabelle Oneil, Jocastas Innes,
                              who have instructive books.
                    John Fowler mostly for his resourcefulness and polished feel.
                    Albert Hadley, Billy Baldwin, Jed Johnson and Charlotte Moss
                    "I LOVE the Colefax and Fowler book!

                                               Painted and  'Japanned'

The term 'japanning' is a process of heavy lacquer almost like enamel paint. Originated in India, China and Japan as a decorative coating for pottery, reaching Europe by the 1600's. This is a costly and time consuming process achieved in many steps.

1) numerous coats

2) heat dry each layer

3) polish to a smooth glossy finish

                                                     painted furniture

5th:   What type of projects are you currently working on?
PR:   Continuing experiments with painting wall papers.
          Chinoiserie of the 18th century
          Deconstruction of traditional motifs to create a more modern custom look for clients

                                                           cache pots

Striking out as an independent artist was now within Patrick's grasp. A buzz began in town........the now closed, Urban Gardener in Lincoln Park.........had an artist creating hand painted cache pots of incredible detail. Each was different, over 200 designs a year, a real collectors item. Not yet knowing Patrick I used to stalk this shop, well maybe 4 times a year. "Who is this artist?" I would inquire, casually, nonchalant. "Sorry we do not divulge that information."

I could not blame them, my motives were not pure..........I wanted this artist for my shop, making trays.

Many many years later an artist was referred to us for an event at the shop. Trusting my friends recommendation, the day of the event arrived as did this sweet and charming (and very cute) gentleman, portfolio in hand.........IT WAS HIM!

This is my personal favorite. Look at the detail, the colorway, see the "faux" moldings!

                                                     mural  ala Zuber

In France hand painted wallpapers were the rage since 1797. Of all the French wallpaper artists Monsieur Zuber was the "creme de la creme"

Before photography this was an upper crust decorative art craze depicting far away lands and periods long lost.

 

                                             hand painted mural within molding

                                                       the details

                                              delicate grain over custom made stencil

 

                                                           detail

Not everyone is a fan of such high gloss techniques. Personally it resonates with me reminding me of England where most exterior doors and interior trim work have this sheen.

Another example of 'Japanning'. The ceiling detail replicates the pattern in a rug below.

                                                            up close

                                                         

                                                   hand painted furniture

A subtle form of 'faux bois' in the style of a Swedish Manor home.

Afraid of heights?      Look out below!     

                                                   hand gilding wall papers

The partnership with Urban Gardener eventually set Patrick on his course of total independence. Having met so many designers, relationships were set and he was on track to an enviable position; busy, freelance artist.

                                               trompe l'oeil ceiling medallion

                                             gorgeous dove in a a patina of age

                                                  Lovely   

In my business I am surrounded with artists of immense talent.............it is the rare individual whom is both artist extraordinaire AND a responsible business person. Patrick is rare indeed!

One of Patrick's long standing clients has him decorate her home for Christmas every year in elaborate detail.

AND............every year the thousand's of ornaments are striped and REPAINTED by Patrick for the years new color scheme and theme..........imagine that!

As I finish this post would love to share some photo's of Patrick's he forwarded from a recent inspirational trip to Paris. The Landscape Designer in me is crazy for the photo below

As soon as I find the right components; basin and possible cabinet, we are brainstorming my next projects; two bathrooms. Tell me what you think..............as we narrow this down
1) powder room..............our family tartan.........Denny. The vintage basin would be a french iron wall fountain
2) full bath;  walls in the look of worn and aged leather. hammered nail heads, nail portion removed and glued to the wall in a pattern, all to replicate vintage traveling trunks.

Remember this?      My foyer...........BEFORE

AFTER;   Faux bois paneling. Looking for an art lamp above the pictures to add a warm glow

 

All free-hand. Guests arrive and want to know when I paneled the entry, then have to stroke the walls as they cannot believe it is hand painted. I am so crazy for faux bois I am thinking of asking Patrick to paint my Mini-Cooper like the vehicle below

Had to throw in some element of folly! :-)

Love you Patrick!

contact him at;  proullier@rcn.com 

 

This man is someone else I admire for his over the top talent........Eddie Ross! I know, I know you are rolling your eyes thinking "what is her obsession with this guy?"

NICE BEYOND COMPARE,  TALENTED in many realms,  INSPIRATIONAL and GIVING

"Why is she writing about him again?"..................EASY he needs your VOTE!

If you have not heard, there is a big contest at Bloomingdale's in New York. Elle Decor has asked Eddie and Jaithan to represent them and decorate one of the big windows. AND.....it is a CONTEST! Two others are involved,  Apartment Therapy and Bloomingdale's themselves. but hurry! contest ends Jan. 28th.

Take a peek then go here to vote. Let's help our friend, and maybe yours too, We are discussing a visit with Eddie and Jaithan to Chicago late April (ish)

xo

Debra

Bringing Back the Goods!

 

I am back, back from my favorite adventure...........hitching up my trailer and heading south.

Meeting up with old friends, returning to favorite haunts, seeking new ones. Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky........with a sense of freedom and excitement.

What will I find? The unknown is part of this grown-up treasure hunt!

Not a fan of chain restaurants except for this one.............my southern heritage; grits, a honkey-tonk jukebox blaring and a cast of characters. The sighting of the first Waffle House signals my arrival in the South. There is an intersection in Georgia with one on each side!

First stop, the Atlanta gift show and my perpetual favorite is Mark Sage's showroom. The muted color palette, organic materials and over-the-top creativity. Don't you just love the three chandeliers over the table?

My dear friend Richard is an artist in concrete and my craving for anything "faux bois" is more than satisfied. In the center is a console in the shape of tree trunks with a removable top. The "wood" surround was gathered from my woods at home by Richard. He has also created a garden bench in the same mode by shortening the legs.

More faux bois; a free standing planter on the right and an incredible planter on the left.

The details are impressive, crazy for this owl of his.

Nearby is a sweet heart of a man, Dave, another artisan of great merit. How about this table with a zinc top?

This bench is a study in old fashioned craftsmenship. Notice the thickness of the top. I cannot conceive of the geometry involved in perfectly balancing the angled legs on the massive top.

Some pieces are a study, in sepia tones or black and white, allowing your eye no distractions but the beauty of the lines.

Here is Dave's table/island back at the shop. (note to self; take a photography course)

Love this buffet.........circa 1850's, limed oak, Provence........with lovely details.

In the shop.

SCORE!
Leather settee, England, circa 1880's, perfectly aged, mint condition

The perfect tobacco patina.

Then, a magical evening............hosted by Steve McKenzie, President and CEO of the renowned Larson-Juhl in conjunction with Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar who were in town for a framing event at the Larson-Juhl campus.
An event I would not have missed but an important 85th birthday party brought me home early.  I had the very good fortune to be included in the dinner at JCT Kitchen along with bloggers attending the event.

JCT Kitchen is a sophisticated four star restaurant featuring "Southern Farmstead Cooking". Think grits, again, and shrimp........the best, ever! If in Atlanta, highly recommended.

Our engaging and gracious host, Steve McKenzie. I was shocked to discover that Steve had once lived in Geneva, Illinois.......we had many stories to share......

The darling Eddie Ross with Jennifer of Peak of Chic.

"My Crush" Jaithan Kochar (he already knows that). On the left is Rhoda of Southern Hospitality and to the right is Jen of Fiddle Dee Dee

Hiding is Marian of Haute Travels, a fun blog!

Group Photo. As we said good-bye Steve and staff presented everyone with a lovely gift, beautifully packaged. This man is a gem of whom I hope to know further. THANK YOU STEVE!

  Back on the road..............the adventure continues..............one never knows what you will see or find.
Case in point........wait, it gets worse

Yes, that is what you think.....some of you still stumped?  Look closer, see the hooves, see the decal.....bottom right?

Yep, 'THE MOO MOBILE!' Available for proms, weddings and yes, it also claimed.....funerals!

The newly freshened shop.........what? still reeling from the funeral thought?

  I get on obsessions, for unknown reasons. This trip was string;  hemp, cotton, twill.........love the organic nature of these spools.

The other frequent find was nudes, always classic, always timeless. This is an original.

The same multi-talented artist works in many mediums and styles. Here are his bee-skeps on burlap. Take note of the top "hanger" crafted from chain.

 

Know what these are? Actually there is a pair............one for each side of the window. Am mad for "shutters" indoors. Did you guess?
Chicken ramps! yes, (sterilized) chicken ramps turned shutters. But I took it one step further.

With the addition of these sconces, vintage elegance and major texture!

  One of my favorite discoveries was this already framed vintage German chart (Mary, you are a genius!). Something I learned from Steve of Larson-Juhl is the popularity of framing objects. His website features "recipes" of inspiration.

     

Details of a limed chest from France, circa mid 1800's.

 

Partial to this leather chair as it is handcrafted by two girlfriends (there is a pair).........I realize my good fortune to know so many talented people. Their artistic talent brings a flavor of individuality to my business.

Mushrooms by Richard

FUN!

Oooops! I will be in trouble again.......posting this photo......Sister could not make this trip, ........but everyone asked for her!
      

Next stop........NASHVILLE!
There is still room............hope to see y'all!
And yes............Sister will be there
xxo
Debra

HONEST SCRAP a n d RANT

Those of you that are long time bloggers are familiar with the "HONEST SCRAP AWARD'. The premise is  a fellow blogger suggests your blog and you are to tell 10 things about yourself that most would not know about. Then I am to suggest 7 bloggers to receive the award. Having trouble with the latter, this has been around so long everyone I researched had already participated.

Being a new blogger I am late to the "party". Deborah of Boxwood Terrace, whose blog I LOVE suggested me.

So here I go................and honesty................no problem. Deep dark secrets?......still are :-)


When I was twelve a life altering event took place, my Father died suddenly on a ski slope, I was with him.
No, no, I am not courting sympathy nor drama but to share how that shaped me into the person I am today. Learning at an early age that life is fragile and to be savored, I found the quote below that mirrors my thoughts as if I wrote it.

1)  Adventure Sports

I earned my skydiving professional license and a portion of my income from "jumping". A life metaphor is  "leap and the net will appear"

 

Within 498 dives I have leapt from a variety of planes, helicopters, a hot air balloon, into water and at night. My favorite was into the puffy cumulus clouds. Did you know they are filled with tunnels? And that you could wend your way through? PS;  that was in my youth

 

Scuba Divers License; colorful fish, manta rays, eels, sharks, octopus...........but my favorite was the manatees. Living in murky springs and rivers, I was going along one day hoping to spot one. Suddenly the feeling of not being alone enveloped me, looking to the side was a form then an eye..........a mother manatee was right next to me, baby in tow. Dare I reach out to touch her, she was a mother after all? Not being able to help myself, I touched her, then kept touching her and before you know it she is bringing the baby forward..............heaven! These gentle creatures are endangered.  

 

Fencing; a life long passion. It wasn't till I was in my thirties that I found a club to learn the sport. Fast, elegant, similar to a moving breathing chess game. here are a few fun facts;

• while fencing all of my cellulite disappeared!
• most of your sparring partners are men
• there are many fencing scholarships that go unclaimed.
  

2) Will always try to take my own path and never fear getting lost
I was a dismal candidate for the corporate world. Yes there was a fear of starting my own business and leaving the "safety net" but I have never looked back.

Getting lost in the car.........have made great discoveries, shops to explore, new scenery, inspiration and a life long friend.

3) England. Nothing new to those that know me..........but feel as if I once lived there, feel complete and at home there.

4) Enjoy alone time. Mind you I LOVE people, am in a people pleasing industry..........but being alone means; recharging, regrouping, seeking new inspiration..........thinking.

5) You want me near you in an emergency. Yes, have been tested, many times, I leap into action, without forethought. Once I was in a large hotel and in the middle of the night heard a woman screaming in the hallway, blood-curdling screaming. Immediately jumping up I ran out, I was the only one. Fortunately it was a break-in and her purse was snatched, the thief was gone and she was physically ok. 

6) Mad for Dogs, actually ALL animals but have a soft spot for our loyalist companions.

7) Want to go on a trip, call me! I live to travel.

8) Men in kilts! So far my husband is not cooperating..........can you imagine? And if the man in a kilt is playing a bagpipe watch me make a fool of myself.

9) Laughter. Deep belly busting laughter, being silly, getting ridiculous. My favorite partner in crime here is sister.......... only problem, she reminds me, is I "forget" when to stop :-) .............and what on earth would we do without our women friends??!!

10) Faith in God. The comfort of knowing He is there, my reminder to be a good person and to trust in Him.

Now, onto my RANT, it's a local issue...............so if you do not want to stay, know I warned you

I am having an affair..............

Yes, you read that correctly.........I am having an affair...............I want to scream about it

Because my heart is breaking. And since I shared so much above I might as well keep going. But really, it is not what you think............the affair is with my home and with the village I live in.
Didn't you think Bunny Williams book My Affair with a House, was the best title?

I am passionate, vocal, obnoxious even on this topic because my home and village are threatened.

I live in a village named Wayne, Illinois. Wanting to live here came first, the house second. Wayne has a remarkable history and most that have moved here enjoy the story, love open space, preservation of land and tradition. What I did not know was that I would have to become a rabid fighter of "progress". You know the sort; massive subdivisions, shopping malls and strip malls everywhere in the surrounding cities. These necessitate more traffic and new roads.

One battle that is ongoing but picking up surprising speed after four years of silence is a classic case of the city next door, St. Charles, wants a bridge over the fox river. Countless and expensive studies have been paid for but with a slant...........they do not want the bridge in their community and find every reason to eliminate other prospects all the while paying and hiring their own firms for results.

Why am I so worked up? The traffic for this two lane bridge will spill through our village's only east west road.  Our much larger neighbor will no longer admit their future plans, which was at a previous meeting, showing the bridge becoming a four lane and then our road needing to go to four lanes. On those engineering plans my home is gone.

When we moved here I saw the potential and possibility; 4 acres, an 1856 home in need of love and attention, space to build a barn, gardens beyond reason. Our families thought we fell from grace but we knew what this home could be and has become...........slowly restoring ourselves with only one room remaining.

 

bridge  (noun)

• link or means of approach
• structure built over an obstacle
• a connection, a means of coming together
  

Instead we have a classic David and Goliath story. The city versus the village. I do not dislike St. Charles, I own a business there, shop there and seek entertainment there. I have clients there, family and friends. So I am fighting and asking for help.

The road in controversy. I would like to share other pictures of our village, all photos along this road.

When I started this blog it was not to have an activist format, hardly! Of course it is a tool to enhance your business but I wanted to talk about design, indoors and out, people and places I discovered, a recipe..........a tip

I had no idea I was entering a new world I would become passionate about. Friends have developed around the world, ideas exchanged, support and inspiration galore.

So my 'rant'has become public as I feel helpless and feel fear.

Oh, did I mention that less than two miles to the north a four lane bridge is under construction? Can't we wait St. Charles to see how that turns out versus spending 30+ million? Did I mention that forest preserve will be taken?

I apologize to my long distance readers..........do not mean to bore you with local issues. But I do wonder, "have any of you faced this problem?", any success?

If anyone wants to add your voice. St. Charles has given us until 12/31 to deliver comments.
Wayne would love to hear from you too.

So, I will try, along with many on both sides. Am not afraid to try but will admit to fear in defeat.

To all my readers...........thank you for reading my rant. Thank you sincerely for subscribing to this blog and for your friendship extended. I am excited about 2010, many great topics formulating. My best wishes for everyone in the new year!

xxo  Debra

IF I RULED THE WORLD...........

Yes, If I ruled the world...............this would be an international holiday..........The first day of Winter!

 

 

I know, few would agree............so guess it is best I am not in charge........

The business person in me can take a deep breath.......Christmas retail is nearly over, thank you dear customers!

 

A wild sense of freedom! 

 

I can stay home if I choose......oh, I will still be busy, think closets, drawers, massive quantities of paperwork (remember that snap of my office?), magazine pull-outs to organize.....a year's worth.  Friends to catch up with, live, via telephone and on blogs.

 

I may take a walk with my dogs

 

My gardens and clients gardens are at rest

 

This is a great time to look at your gardens..............really look.................is it interesting this time of year? Enough conifers, architectural elements, winter containers, berries, textural barks?

Here in the Chicago region, winter is nearly 6 months of the year. When I step outdoors or look out my windows I still want lovely views.

How about when you and guests pull up to your home/grounds, are you greeted with visual interest?

"When I no longer thrill to the first snow of the season, I'll know I'm growing old."
by Lady Bird Johnson 

I love a good snow, I see magic, I see sparkling diamonds, I see animal prints (whose could they be?). The architecture of trees, the curves of a bench, beaming lanterns, the lines of a gate.........all are enhanced with a mantle of snow.

It is sheer romance. Ever notice how the sounds of life become muffled and still?

Do you dream of far away castles, roaring fireplaces, hot soup and crusty bread, down comforters?
(Frau, is Germany magical right now?)

"A snow flake is one of God's most fragile creations, but look at what they can do when they stick together"
by   Anon

I am going to enjoy my new CD by Sting, his lusty collection of songs for winter

I am thinking of what this year's diet will be........sigh.........

Shortly, I will depart for my semi-annual buying spree and the shop will get a clean fresh look when I return with my new treasures. Come and see after January 12th.

My new book collection is staring at me.......The Shack,   The Help,   Why my Third Husband will be a Dog :-)    A Way of Living by Pia and Simon Pearce

I promise to keep the bird feeders full and interesting  

 

 See, smell and hear the season, maybe taste a snowflake........you never know what you might "see". Case in point.........Turtle Doves!

 

"It's a frequent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace"  
by Agnes M Pharo
                                                MERRY CHRISTMAS!
xxo
Debra

             The trip to Nashville with us is filling rapidly, we would miss you!   Here are the details.

HOLIDAZE

 

What a world wind.............Christmas retail, decorating a home for the Christmas walk, winter containers......a virtual haze. But, I am grateful. Grateful to be busy and blessed with wonderful clients

 

 

Time is clicking.......... loudly. Clients are all cared for, family and friends are not. Eleven days before Christmas........how did that happen!?

    Will I buy cards, send them?   probably not

    Christmas gifts? Not a one!   yikes!

Until that last moment of madness I wanted to share with you some of our projects

LOVE creating clients winter urns. The beauty of "planting" this season is that once complete, they are truly complete. No waiting for them to grow, watering, fertilizing, pinching.........FINISHED, instantly.

We use many faux's, apples, berries.............

Never use styrofoam, they will explode. But hard plastic will last for many seasons

Faux rose hips

Large oval urns were filled with red twig dogwood, pulling in the color of the roof

Have window boxes? Never leave them naked!

The variegated leaf is faux holly. Real holly turns black quickly.

Yellow twig dogwood for a garden of blue and chartreuse.

A stately manor's urn hosts a double juniper tree. With each season the base changes, the juniper tree remains a constant.

The base has a variety of seeded eucalyptus, silver fir and blue berried juniper repeating the elements of above

Back to the blue and chartreuse garden...........we repeated the yellow twig dogwood, faux white berries with blue toned "greens" and yellow seeded cedar

Massive bronze containers match the color of this homes outdoor lanterns.

Yellow and red berries.....yes, faux!. A popular berry is 'winter berry', do not bother.........as soon as it gets cold they too turn black.

On another note I was inspired by a post from friend Eddie Ross. Hosting a contest, Eddie suggested that readers submit their examples of wreaths created with a wire hanger and ornaments. Go to his post of December 12th to see the final submissions, vote for your favorite and view his instructions. Isn't this gorgeous!

PS:  Watch a repeat of Eddie's HGTV special 'Celebrity Holiday Homes'......I am partial, Eddie's portion is the best!

Onto that inspiration...........I pulled from the shop boxwood balls ($7.00 each), double sided satin ribbon and a few other bits

Open the hanger and spear the boxwood balls, use an odd number. Fill the hanger formed into a circle, re-twist the ends to form a hanger and tuck down, below the boxwood balls.

Hung from one of my fav pieces...........a lantern from New Orleans, split. One half frames each side of a window.

Turquoise ribbon and a vintage looking skate.

Without the skate, I added a turquoise ornament garland

Back to our Christmas house................if you recall from our previous post, the theme was turquoise. To my surprise, blogger friend Maria of 'Colour Me Happy' responded that Pantone designated turquoise as the color of 2010, yeah!. If you get a moment visit Maria's wonderful blog.

 

Utterly exhausted I may not get to a tree for our home. BUT if I did, what do you think of this design? Fueled by all that caffeine VOILA! Great use of diet Mountain Dew cans..........now that is going "green!"

But.........now that I am unwinding think I will indulge in this treat my husband found

A mix of chocolate AND red wine........divine!

'Christmas Gift Suggestions'

To your enemy, forgiveness
To your opponent, tolerance
To your friend, your heart
To your customer, service
To all, charity
To every child, a good example
To yourself, respect


by Oren Arnold

  xxo
Debra