erinteriors

My quiet afternoon

2011-11-15T19:11:00.000-08:00

Do you watch Grey's Anatomy? I do. Religiously. Since season one.

In one episode, Izzy walks into an empty ER and says to Bailey, "Its so quiet in here". Bailey jumped and explained how you never say "quiet" in the ER because it jinxes it. (and then, true to form, they get rushed with lots of bloody people, limbs missing- all because Izzy said it was "quiet".)

This is what happened to me yesterday. I had one meeting scheduled, at 7pm, and all morning I thought to myself, "wow, its so quiet today". Ahhhh, key word, quiet. I started doing work on my class schedule for the Spring semester (did I mention I'm now an adjunct instructor for a local college? Pretty sweet, right?) and my cell phone rings.

The voice was all broken up, so I only caught, "Hi...got your name...need help...Saturday". I explain that I can't understand anything she's saying, and then all of a sudden, she comes in crystal clear!

She's having a party on Saturday, received my name and number from her drapery designer I've done work with, and wanted my assistance in helping make her house festive for her party. I setup a meeting with her for that evening...remember, it was "supposed" to be a quiet afternoon.

Keeping in mind, I'm 35.5 weeks pregnant (for those of you who don't do "weeks" that's almost 9 months pregnant.) Daily naps at this point are built-into my afternoon schedule. Because if they aren't, mama ain't happy. And if mama ain't happy...well, you know how the saying goes.

So I finish up my school work, realize its lunch time...then, of course, nap time- see, as I'm writing this, it doesn't seem like a lot went down. But from my point of view, yesterday was the most rushed afternoon of my life. And I'm not exaggerating. My LIIIIIFE.

Because I wake up, and realize I need to feed Jack, then take him for a walk so he can do his bid-ness, then get myself ready (because although I took a shower in the morning, I don't put on makeup these days, unless deemed necessary. Meeting a new client? Totally necessary.) Oh, and I left this part out...my evening appointment was with my husband and a photographer for our maternity photos. So the pressure was on to LOOK good for my initial meeting, but also look good for the photos that would come soon after.

Here's the part where you just have to sit back and laugh a little. Because, for the first time in, approximately a thousand years, a TYPHOON came to our town. (I might be exaggerating, but whatever, it rained A LOT!)

So after I make myself look all pretty, all my hairs in the right place, mascara perfect...I go to my meeting. It went awesome! After, I get into my car, no rain. But it was sooooo dark outside. And then when I realize its too quiet (ah! again, that word!) it starts to pour.

Like buckets from the heavens were getting tossed onto my windshield. It. Was. Horrible. (Thankfully just a few weeks ago I replaced my windshield wipers, just for occasions like this...but still.) And here's the other kicker. I was picking up dinner to take to our friends house (who is a photographer)...the plan was for me to bring Boston Market with me, to thank her for taking our pictures in her studio...and so everyone would eat a good dinner. (And, I'm totally addicted to chicken these days- and you cannot go wrong with Boston Markets mashed potatoes and mac and cheese- can I get an Amen?!)

Well, here's the problem with me picking up Boston Market. There is no drive thru. Yeah. Rain drops the size of grapefruits are falling from the sky and I'm sitting in the parking lot, looking into the restaurant, watching those perfect rotisserie chickens rotate in front of me, and I'm pleading with my hair. It went something like this:

"I know if I get out, and one drip of water gets on you, my cow licks will curl up and I'll look like Carrot Top in our preggo pictures. But if I don't get out, then I can't eat that chicken. And look at that chicken! But I didn't bring my flat iron to fix the cow licks...but if I don't get out now and brave the water, then I can't eat a piece of warm, toasty corn bread." Ohhh screw it- I opened the door and did what my Grandpa used to tell us when we were little, "walk in between the rain drops".

Well, I'm pretty sure that even Grandpa never saw rain drops THAT big before. Because try as I did to avoid them, I was soaked when I walked in. But the smell of that chicken made up for it. I enjoyed my five minutes of chicken scented bliss, until I realized, "crap- now I have to go back out there!"

I am such a tough chick. I grabbed my yummy, delicious smelling bag of chicken, took a deep breath, and waddled as fast as I could to my car. When I got back inside, I did a check of the hair damage. Yup, just as I expected. Carrot Top- just not so red (actually, its called "Sweet Cola"). Fail.

By the time I got to our friends house, the hubs was there waiting for me and although I was soaked, and soggy and water logged...we took great photos together :)

In the end, I was thankful for the new client, the tasty chicken, warm corn bread and great friends we spent the evening with...but I tell you here and now. I will never say I'm having a "quiet" afternoon ever again!

Popped my bubble!

2011-10-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

It always happens. You're at a restaurant, you get your food. Your waitress comes over, asks how things are- but you have your mouth full. It always happens to me, and the worst part about it is that I LOVE being able to tell a waitress, "its awesome!" or compliment how good the food is; but instead I look like a farm animal at the trough.

So today I'm at the bank drive thru. I send off the tube and grab my purse to verify I have my camera (I was heading to a flooring store- and didn't think to verify before I left the house...) So as I'm rummaging through my massive purse, I find a piece of Bubblelicious gum!

(I forgot I dropped three packets of gum in the giant purse a few weeks ago...)

Back to the drive thru. I grab the gum, start unwrapping a piece, pop it in my mouth- get two good chews in and the lady says, "Hi there! Is there anything else I can help you with today?"

Huh, I can't speak right now! All the grape deliciousness is exploding in my mouth right now, making all this saliva and I'm having a hard time swallowing to keep up with production...and this lady wants to know if she can help me?

I swallow big, and politely say, "no, thank you!" (I was so proud I got all those words out!) and do you know what she does? She keeps talking! Asking me if I'd like to switch to another checking account, gain more interest on our savings...

Whatever happened to impersonal banking? You just drive up, send the tube, say thank you and drive away? When did they start talking so much?

Fun finds

2011-09-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween. I don't go crazy decorating our house for the holiday (although if the hubs allowed, I'd throw a few black spider webs up, hang orange lights on the banister and have a carved pumpkin in each room...) but like I said. I don't go crazy, I just LOVE all the eye candy associated with the holiday! (Yup, I went there...)
(You can find the LED eye ball here, from Pier 1)

Lets start with these super cute ice cubes from Crate and Barrel.

I figure, rather than buying plastic cups (which are awesome for the environment) you can reuse these little cubies next year and they make any drink look more festive!

Also, you don't have to use them in drinks, if you had a large, hollowed pumpkin you were using to hold beverages, just fill the pumpkin with real ice and then pop a few of these in to spruce it up some! (Here is Martha's tip on making a pumpkin party cooler.)
Cute, right?

I adore making, eating, decorating and eating (oops, already said that!) cupcakes. So when I see some cute cupcake wrappers, I indulge...but check out this super cute spider cup cake holder from Crate and Barrel!
Now I'm all about killing a spider if I actually see one (well, asking the hubby to, anyway)...but one like this? I'd gladly welcome it on my plate! (Along with a pre-decorated cupcake from Main Street Cupcakes!)

And I'm pretty sure I said it last year, but this year I vow to make and carve some really cool pumpkins and post pictures. I have all these ideas, and it seems Halloween always just sneaks up on me. (Although to my credit, last year we did take a long vacation in October...so that had something to do with it) but this year- I'm doing it!

I've wanted to try this Martha-technique where you spray paint a pumpkin black...Aren't those cute?! I can't find it now..but she had another technique where she put a stencil of a spider (let's say) on the pumpkin. Taped it. Then spray painted it black. Pull off the stencil and it looks like the spider (or whatever solid shape) is glowing...but its really just the natural orange of the pumpkin!

And who wouldn't want to show some Halloween spirit with these buttons from Pier 1?Honestly, Pier 1 has the Halloween mother-load for all things cute and frivolous. Like a reuseable shopping bag (which, obviously you would only reuse it in the month of October...) Cute little zombies and who doesn't need a wind-up glow in the dark skeleton on their desk? I sure do!

Happy haunting!!

Organize- smorganize

2011-09-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

This weekend was all about organizing. It should be known I am pretty anal about things being organized, so when I called in my bestie for help, you know I was beat down.

My bestie, Caitlin, has been in my life forever...or I should say I've been in her life forever (since she's two years younger than me.) Growing up, because we were the same age, Caitlin's older sister and I did things together, but when we got older Caitlin and I realized, "wow, we have a lot in common!" and so, our friendship really blossomed when I was about 16 and she was 14. From there, we've been inseparable.

When she graduated high school, who was there? Me.
When I graduated college, who was there? Her.
When she graduated college, who was there? Me.
When I got married, who was standing one person away from me? Her.

Get my drift?

So when she decided to make the big move from New York to Ohio in the beginning of this year, I couldn't have been more excited. Knowing my bestie would be there to bake with, go shopping with and just sit around and read with; I was all giddy with excitement.

Colleen, Caitlin's older sister and I, talk all the time and have recently both become pregnant. We keep bouncing ideas off each other, things that we like, things that we will never do...that kinda thing. So when the topic of paint colors for nursery's came up, Colleen said, "we are going to wait to buy our paint during Labor Day weekend, because they always have sales on it!". I couldn't believe the DUH(!) moment I had because I don't like paying full price for ANYTHING...why didn't I think of that first?!

Sunday night Caitlin and I were talking and I said, "tomorrow we are going to organize the closet in the soon-to-be nursery, wanna help?" She couldn't have responded yes sooner. And when she showed up yesterday afternoon, we grabbed lunch (to sustain us through the hard task ahead of us) stopped at Home Depot and grabbed the paint (along with the rebate information! Cha-ching!) and came home to tackle the closet.

Here's the thing. It wasn't thaaaaaat bad. I just needed that little shove that only Caitlin could give me. She promptly pulled EVERYTHING out of the closet and said, "what's trash?" It was awesome. From there we made several piles, asked the hubs for some help with things for the basement...made a HUGE Goodwill pile and then tossed the rest. I felt so accomplished by the time my mom came over (to show me somethings she picked up at the fabric store)..."mom look! its EMPTY!" haha

The only thing non baby related in the closet now is my wedding gown (because once things came out from under the bed, they were NOT going back...) which, "technically" is baby related, because without it, the hubs and I wouldn't be married or pregnant...and thereby wouldn't need a nursery.

But what was really fun is that while the three of us girls are looking at my wedding dress, I asked mom if we couldn't make the babies christening gown out of the material. And do you know what she said? "I'd be honored to". YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

So not only is the closet organized (emptied) but my wedding dress will serve a dual purpose now...which makes me so happy because as much as I'd like to use my new nephew's christening gown- I can't get over the thrill of putting our baby into something I wore on the day we made the most sacred vows of our lives. (I just tried to find a photo of our wedding day to show you the dress...but I moved them all to the server, and its off, so I'll post some soon!)

Nothing to do with design, but...

2011-08-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

My husband sent me this link and I had to share it with you.
As the post title gives away, this link has NOTHING to do with design, but if your a dog lover (like me) then you'll appreciate it.

And even if your not a dog lover, just a person with a pulse, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

(If you want to see just how much of a dog lover I am, check out Jack- my dog's blog at www.pugglywuggly.blogspot.com)

Too weird?

2011-07-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to put something fun and colorful over our bed for a while and I found this piece from CB2 the other day...

I just don't know about having that many sets of eye balls looking down at me in bed would allow me to sleep well though...

Thoughts?

Hot dogs anyone?

2011-06-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

So I'm looking through some websites for inspiration for the summer camp program I'm doing this week. I got a teensey bit distracted by this link for "top 10 summer cupcakes" (I know...it has nothing to do with animals, or camp...but whatever)

Well, here's the thing. Check out this photo and tell me you wouldn't have clicked on it too...
I know right?! How CUTE are those cupcakes? I didn't read to find out how they made the burger, but the hot dog bun is a circus peanut (the orange ones...mmm, so gooey and wonderful!) and the actual hot dog is a, drum roll...TOOTSIE ROLL! OMG, I almost died at how cute they were!!

Now I can't wait to make 'em!! (I'll keep you updated on that!)Here's the link for the recipe from Disney's Family Fun website! (yay! Disney!)

Get ready!

2011-06-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

I realized last week that I needed a new desk. And yesterday it was delivered and today I am already more productive than I have been in a while.

Its amazing what a desk can do...

So get ready to hear a lot more from me now that I can access my computer without worrying about spiders, bugs and other "things"...

YAY!

Jumpin' Jack Flash

2011-06-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen the movie Jumpin' Jack Flash with Whoopi Goldberg? I grew up watching this movie and a few weeks ago the Rolling Stones song, Jumpin' Jack Flash, came on the radio and I thought, "darn- I haven't seen the movie in a while!"

Fast forward to last night. We went up to the lake house to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and catch a little time with the fam...when we get home (after a quick stop at KFC- who DOESN'T love their mashed potatoes and biscuits...am I right?) I flip through the channels and, BE STEAL MY HEART, Jumpin' Jack Flash is on! RIGHT NOW!

It had started about an hour earlier...and I'm fuzzy on the very beginning of the movie, but I tell you what...I was so excited to see the movie on air again, I took a shower during a commercial break, then ran back out and dried off when it came back...next commercial, dried my hair...it was awesome :)

In totally other news, the SPCA summer camp plans are rolling along wonderfully! I found out this morning we have kids registered (which is so exciting for me! I can't believe all the work I've done planning and thinking and planning some more...is now actually going to be used on little people! YAY!)

Oh.My.Gaw

2011-05-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

I kept thinking to myself, just before going to sleep, "I need to post something on my blog". Then I'd wake up the next day and repeat my bad pattern. I had no idea more than a MONTH has passed since my last post! If you read Erinteriors and have been anxiously awaiting a new post, here it is! And I deeply apologize for not putting this up sooner!

See, here's part of the problem. I like to add photos to my blog posts. I feel that a post without a photo is, well, boring. No matter how great the text, pictures make it pretty.

I guess this is why I enjoy children's books so much, they have waaay more pictures in them than adult books (yawn!).

So what's happened in a month? I have been plentifully busy with projects (which is such a blessing!) I haven't been making dinner as often as a result of those projects (not really a bad thing, I gotta tell you! Although Martha Stewart might disagree...) The hubs and I hosted Mother's Day brunch at our house (which I really enjoy doing for the mom's. Especially when they get up to help clear the table...and I get to yell at them, "no! Go, sit! Nooooooow!") Oh, we also hosted our first ever Easter Egg-straviganza on Easter eve.

You may be asking, "Erin, who celebrates Easter Eve?" Well, we do (specifically I do.) I love hosting holidays at our house but I don't like hosting the actual holiday (they tend to come with high expectations and lots of grief) so instead, I host the "eve" holidays (except Christmas eve, because that's like, just as important as the big day itself...)

My eve tradition started while growing up, every Thanksgiving eve my family would have greasy burgers and fries. When the hubs and I got married, his family was very open to my family traditions and so I introduced the fam to greasy burgers. (They have been a huge hit for the last six years...) Why stop at Thanksgiving though...I started celebrating all the other eve's too...Easter, St.Patrick's Day (well, actually, since I'm Irish, we celebrate St.Patrick's day on the actual day) Arbor Day- you get my drift...

I feel it allows the family to jump start the holiday 24 hours early and hey, getting together with the family, all in one place, at one time with good food? Who would complain about that?

Kitchen cleanup

2011-04-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

You might remember me saying I was bit by the bug (the spring cleaning one...not a real bug- ew. I just detest bugs and their nasty little twitchy eyes, and brrrr- just sends shivers down my spine thinking about it....) Well, after the laundry room, I tackled the kitchen.

It started small...see, when we got the new stove delivered, the guy said, "you might want to use some soapy water and scrub it down first..." Being the diligent homeowner I am, as soon as they left, I grabbed my trusty blue bucket, filled it with my Mr.Clean + Febreeze amazing smelling soap (I got the Hawaiian Aloha scent, and I tell you what- while I'm cleaning with it, I find myself closing my eyes and imagining I'm on a beach in Hawaii...)

With my soapy-smell-good-bucket in hand, I attacked our new stove. Then I thought, "I should clean the utensil drawer...but dust falls, so I should go to the next drawer as well...."

I pull out the white tray, gave it a nice soapy bath...grabbed all the plastic bag boxes, cleared out all the random things I found (more on that later) and then, for the first time since I think we moved in, I scrubbed the INSIDE of the drawers!

So while the drawers were drying, our kitchen looked like this:
Like my blue bucket? Check out that BRAND NEW STOVE too!! Pretty exciting, hu?!

This might not seem like a "big deal" to some people, but when you think of all the stuff that falls into the drawers in your kitchen, crumbs especially, how often do you really clean 'em out? This got me on a roll. I just kept cleaning because suddenly nothing was "really clean". I'm not exaggerating. Everything. The rim of the drawer box, the front of all the cabinets, the inside lip on the cabinet fronts...yeah, it was awesome! End result, an awesome smelling (thank you Mr.Clean) organized, squeaky clean kitchen and cabinets!

Then I tackled the pot, pan, cookie tray and "all other stuff" side of the kitchen. End result? AWESOME!

While I was cleaning though, I came across strange items that I didn't know where lingering in our kitchen.

Lets talk about the fork shall we? It accidentally came home with me after a GNO (Girl's Night Out) which may or may not have involved the large consumption of alcohol. I'm pretty sure this wasn't supposed to land in my doggy bag, but it did. Now, a better question might be, what the heck am I still doing with it?! I have no idea.

Next up, the Bahamian quarter. Not an American quarter (which we could use here in Ohio) but one from a trip to Nassau. We haven't been to Nassau in over four years. Yeaaaah.

Then the wooden spoon? Not really sure what its intended purpose is. I can assure you I have never used it, I mean, I'd remember that! Looks like something you'd find in The Little Mermaid's underwater locker of human trinkets!

And lastly, the nail. This I actually know where it came from and why I kept it in the drawer. It was given out to everyone at Easter service at our church three years ago. The purpose of it was to show each parishioner something similar to what Jesus was nailed to the cross with. (Kinda heavy stuff, right?) I left it in the drawer so everyday when I opened said-drawer, I would be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for my sins. (This was the only piece of randomness that went back into the drawer...)

Its amazing what you'll find in your kitchen drawers. And just think, I didn't even get to the junk drawer!

Br-br-break down....

2011-04-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

When you watch HGTV, they make it seem as though an entire kitchen was remodeled in an hour. Or, a whole house was reorganized in a half hour (which, is just crazy-talk...have you seen Hoarders?) I wish they'd add little captions to the bottom of the tv show actually breaking down the design process. Something realistic like, "it took a week to narrow down lighting"...

With that idea in mind, I wanted to give you some insight into how a basement remodel I'm working on actually is going...how long things take to get them perfect for the client.

For this basement remodel, I had received the heads up from the contractor of what the client wanted, what their vision was, now it needed to take shape. I met with them on December 23 (just for reference, today is April 1). We hit it off right away (!) and started making selections that night for the project. A huge concern for them was the sound proofing for the home theater. (Turns out, they had talked to 20+ contractors before feeling confident and signing!)

Back to the design breakdown. So after we made our selections, we got a cabinet layout put together, which looked like this:

The clients had made some choices for the cabinetry and wanted me to go take a look and select a laminate top to coordinate. I went out January 5th to see the selections and pull some counter samples I thought would work:

A week later on January 14th, we met to finalize the counter selection, back splash, grout colors and did one more walk through Home Depot (lurv Home Depot!) we ended up finding that night, a kitchen faucet on clearance that was exactly what they wanted (score!) and the new front door lock/hardware they wanted to install before work began. (The new lock was similar to this- it has a keypad which the home owner can program for the contractors to use, rather than giving them a key to their home...and the best part of the keypad, you can also set the TIMES that the codes will work! So if you don't want them in the house until after 8am, you can do that!)

Another week later, on January 21st, we met again to sign off on all the selections we had made (using this great chart which details every selection from paint colors to cabinet hardware to plumbing fixtures to the number of door handles...its a pretty big sheet!) That night I went downstairs and took before photos.
This is the future kitchen area:
This is the future bathroom:
Over here is the future home theater area:

Construction started on January 25th. Every Friday (except when we were slammed with snow, thank you Mother Nature) we had progress meetings; where we got updates from the project manager on what was completed this past week, what is going to be done the following week and how close to the schedule we were. (After all the early Friday meetings, I'd leave and head straight to Dunkin' Donuts!)

After the meeting on the 21st, the next trip I made out to the job site was on March 18th. I was jumping up and down (literally) at how wonderful it looked! When you think about basements, you think cold, dark, damp. Well, not anymore...
Kitchen (check out the cotton-candy ceiling!):
Bathroom:
Living area:
Home Theater:

Pretty awesome right? I imagine I was as anxious as the homeowners when I heard that they just needed to install the ceiling tiles and carpeting (which was delivered on March 28th!) and they'd be done! (insert fist pumping)

This past Wednesday morning (March 30) at 7am the project manager and I were out to do a substantial completion walk thru with the clients. I was so excited to see how beautiful it all came out (and even more thrilled to see the happy smiles on our clients faces!) We went through the clients check list, walked around made lists of things that need to be touched up and then I took photos of the beautiful space!
Kitchen (no more cotton-candy ceiling! How cool is the over cabinet lighting? I think they said this weekend they were going to install the tv over the sink and soon have the candy apple red(!) refrigerator delivered!):Notice the back splash looks like steps!Check out that faucet! That's a thing to remember. It doesn't matter if you got something full price, half price or at a garage sale- if you like it, it doesn't matter how much you paid for it! I love the thrill of the hunt!!

Bathroom: The clients knew they were going to do this renovation sooner than later so they made purchases along the way, like the vanity and floor tile. That's another great tip- if you find something along your travels you like, buy it then! I can't tell you how disappointing it is to have found "the one", walk away from it and spend time trying to find it again...(and you never do, of course- that's just the way it goes sometimes!)

Living area:

Home theater: (I know its empty now...but just wait until the speakers are installed, the screen is up and the black leather chairs are in place!) Oh, and check out the BLACK carpet!

There it is! A behind the scenes look at a real-time project time line. While talking to the home owner on Wednesday morning, she said they started interviewing contractors last March (if you remember, they didn't sign with us until December!)

I hope this shines some light on how long it actually takes to get the project done right. If you are a home owner, interview as many contractors as you need to (and don't feel bad about this! Its YOUR home and YOUR money!)

I also recommend working with a skilled designer (hopefully its me, but if not, just work with one who knows how to LISTEN!) Our job as your designer is to take the load off your shoulders and show you the best products for you. Its intimidating starting a major project, but with the right people in place- it goes smoothly!!

Like what you see and want to get started? Contact The New View Group here!

Drill bit-ness

2011-03-31T13:49:00.000-07:00

In the end of May we will have lived in our home for five years. For five years I've been staring at the guest bath cabinetry saying, "one day, I'm going to add hardware to you...one day!"

Well, one day became today.

It all started about two weeks ago. The hubs and his dad went to the NCAA tournament here in Cleveland, so I had a Sunday night all to myself. What's a girl to do without her leading man around? Shop and eat!

So I went over to Target, and since I didn't have anyone to cook for, I took my time strolling all the aisles. (I mean like, every aisle...) and I came across their cabinet hardware on CRUH-ZA-ZEE clearance! I picked up a 10 pack of knobs for $4.24 and a two pack of pulls for $5.24! Since I didn't want to ruin a good thing, I decided to stop while I was still up (I'm speaking casino lingo now...) and left Target. (Well, not riiiiight then. I mean, I still had time to kill before meeting my mother-in-law for dinner, so I took a quick trip over to the Easter aisles and left with jelly beans, chocolate covered Peeps (omg!) and some other goodies that will reveal themselves on Easter Sunday!)

Ok, back to hardware.

I only had one drill bit, which because its tiny, I'm able to wiggle around and around (and around) a hole sometimes to make the hole big enough. (You follow?) So I figured I'd be okay drilling into the solid wood cabinets.

This morning I get all excited and decide, "Today will be the day!". I grabbed all the essentials and sat down to get down to bid-ness.
I had the drill, tape measure, laser level (which, if you don't have one, buy one. Best moo-lah I've spent in a while!) and a pencil. What more could a girl need?

I start measuring the cabinet fronts, marking the center side to side and the center top to bottom of each drawer front, then used my laser (insert Austin Powers voice) and made sure they all lined up straight (because if they didn't, it would bug me- and since I only get one shot at making a hole in the front...figured it should be exact!)

I marked at first with a pen (then realized that's kinda permanent- I should use a pencil) grabbed a pencil, then couldn't really see it, so I kinda guessed for a little...then made the ultimate commitment with a Sharpie dot!

Once I had all my Sharpie dots in a row it was time to start drilling. (Remember how I mentioned before I only "had" one bit?) Right. I drilled a hole with it, wiggled it about, and nothing. It was too small and aggravating to try and make the hole bigger, so I made a trip to Home Depot (third trip in three days- I'm really glad its less than five minutes from our house!) to pick up a box of bits that came in a variety of sizes. I ended up with a set that has 31 different sizes. (I started to think, where else can I drill now? I gotta break these all in!!)

Alright, now I think I'm all set, so I start drilling and realize how messy this is. I stop, run downstairs and pick up our Dust Buster. (BTW, best invention EVER Black and Decker!) After every hole I drilled, pulled out the Dust Buster, sucked up the mess...this process repeated itself a total of 10 times!

I got my first handle up in no time!
Then came the tricky part...the two "drawer fronts" that aren't really drawers. Drilling the hole wasn't the problem. The problem was getting the screw in the back, so I could attach the pull on the front...

Things went smoothly from there. I drilled the rest of the holes no problem, added the pulls to the bottom two drawers on each side and then sit a road block. The screws were too short. (insert wa-wa sound)End result was this:

I searched high and low in the tool box and my Mary Poppins bag (more on that later) for longer screws. I find some (ta-da!) just to learn the threading was different. Then I get a stroke of genius. I go into our master bath and take a look at our drawers...

See the problem in the guest bath was that the drawer box added another 1/2" of thickness to the already 1/2" thick drawer front. The poor lil' screws that came with the hardware only accommodated for the drawer/door thickness...not the box thickness as well.

Well, when my wonderful father-in-law and hubby installed the hardware into the master bath, they removed the drawer fronts, drilled the hole, attached the hardware to the drawer front, then attached the drawer front back to the box...thus eliminating the extra thickness of the box and the too short screw!

So I did the same thing and it worked like a charm! Here's the end result:
So it went from this in the morning:
To this when I was all done:

If you didn't know...

2011-03-30T06:17:00.000-07:00

The hubs and I are HUGE Disney fans. When we lived in South Florida, it was super easy for us to jump up to Mickey's house and visit anytime we wanted, so now living in Ohio makes it a little hard to house crash Cinderella's castle...

BUT, check this out. The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival has started and guess what?! They have added Pixar characters to their line up! Ohhh how exciting!

Now if we could just fly down for a quick weekend...

Fun finds at ZGallerie

2011-03-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

I know its been a while since I've done a post of 'fun finds'...but here I am again chit chatting about super fun/cute/quirky things I've found at ZGallerie ('cause let's be real, ZGallerie has got it going on!)

Lets start here. I love pugs (we have a puggle, Jack) and these two bookends, pug and dachshund, I just can't get enough of 'em...actually, the dachshund one reminds me of Slinky Dog from Toy Story! I'm pretty sure having this on anyone's desk would make you more productive...and if nothing else, you could bring up your bowling score!

STRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKE!
Sometimes when I sit on our couch, I wonder what time it is. With this rug, I wouldn't have to look much further than my feet to find out!

See, now these are totally practical. Light the candle at one end, then eat your cake with the fork. Perfect ying and yang going on here for me.

I have a thing for cupcakes. Mom got me a babycakes maker for Christmas, and I tell you what- I have been making cupcakes for everything. From celebrating birthdays to celebrating because its Tuesday!(I also like this tea cupcake kit because I gave up coffee for Lent, and now I'm a connoisseur of all things tea!)

And with Easter right around the corner, who couldn't use a cute lil' rabbit?

Ok, if I walked into your house and you had this vase, I would probably say, "nice to meet you, but your vase is looking at me and its freaking me out. Buh bye."Call me crazy, but vases shouldn't have noses.

Now if you had this umbrella stand at your front door, I'd say you were a very practical, fun person and we should be friends!

And last but not least, this luggage tag makes me smile- because really, how many times has that iffy-looking person picked up the wrong bag (and it was yours!)

Domino effect

2011-03-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

You know how they say "bad things happen in 3s". Well, in our house we've escaped this phenomenon for a while, and then it all hit at once. (Because it always hits at once. That's just the way it goes...) Started with our wine refrigerator, then our stove and then our sump pump...all in the matter of two weeks.

Back story: when we got married, we honeymooned in Hawaii and stopped at the Maui Winery. We picked up three bottles of wine for us. One to open on our first year anniversary, one to open on our five year anniversary and one to open on our 10 year anniversary. To keep them fresh, he bought me a wine refrigerator to keep them in. Well, after two years, the fridge died, so we went without one for a while. Now for the story...

For a Christmas gift this year, my mom got us a new wine refrigerator! We were so excited to have slightly chilled red wine again! I rearranged the eating area furniture to include a wine bar now...made it look all bar-ish (with a basket that held the cork screw, bottle toppers...)Oh yeah, I was excited!

I'm a red wine drinker. I enjoy it over white, don't know why...but I just do. So once night I open the wine fridge and see I only have a white left. After the shock wore off, I decided to just be a big girl and suck it up (or, down in this case). I did (it was a pinot grigio) and promptly recorked it, and laid it back in the fridge. I wake up the next morning and find WHITE WINE ALL OVER! I get super frustrated, curse the bottle of white- then swear I will NEVER drink white wine again (because, of course this was the wine's fault!). I cleaned up the white mess and moved about my day.

Throughout the day I noticed the thermostat on the front of the fridge was going up a few degrees. For a day and a half I watched the thermostat rise from a crisp 65 to 80. Obviously the stupid white wine attacked the fridge in our sleep...thus obliterating our wine fridge. (Worst part, because of the spilled wine, it was leaking before I took it back. Our fridge became a total lush.)

Because it was only the middle of February, we were able to take back our drunky-Mc-drunker fridge and decided to exchange it for a fancy toaster oven with preset options and a digital display! (We came home with it and it took me 25 minutes of reading the users manual to figure it out! AWESOOOME!)

Why a toaster oven, you might be asking...here's where the domino effect comes in.

For at least six months, our oven was acting the fool and taking vacations at the same exact time I was trying to make dinner. So, I would have to plan to turn on the oven at 4pm so I could put dinner in around 5- it honestly took more than an hour to heat up to 350. I was able to deal with this for a while...but then the wine fridge decided to take a trip to drunky-Heaven, so the hubs said, 'Lets get a bigger toaster oven, because the stove is a piece of crap'. I'm all in.

Putting the toaster oven on double duty worked out awesome for a while. And then one night I decided to just give the 'ol stove one more try. It was an epic failure of mass proportions. This is when I decided we needed, not wanted, NEEDED a stove that actually worked.

We special ordered it and were told it would "be delivered in about three weeks". I figured, I've gone without a real stove for half a year, I can wait three weeks. But then, only a week after we ordered it, it arrived! TADAAAAH! Maybe our luck was starting to change...Don't the grates look like spiders? I LOVE 'em!!

Alas, our luck had not changed because, based on the scientific law of "bad things happen in 3s"...we had not reached our third problem. And then it happened. On the morning of February 28th our basement flooded. (Insert sad music). Turns out it was because of the massive amount of flooding we incurred the night before, along with our house loosing power, coupled with our backup sump pump battery was dead...resulted in water in the basement. Good news was our neighbors are awesome and lent us a wet/dry vacuum to suck up the water and a fan to circulate the air...but really, it was just horrible. I cried like a baby when I walked downstairs and saw my desk area under water. So that was our third problem, which was solved with a new sump pump

And there you have it, our domino effect. Thankfully the hubs and I smile a lot and laughed when the next thing (and the next thing) happened.

Now we are back up and running on all six cylinders! Thank God!!

Bit by the bug

2011-03-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

I've never understood when people say they are going to start "Spring cleaning". I assume people keep their homes relatively clean year round...so what would make Spring the magic time of year to break out the big yellow gloves and get down to bidness?

The other day I was opening the front door, looked out and saw my neighbor Windexing her glass front door. This made me think, "Gosh, I haven't Windexed mine in a while"...but I didn't want to break out the blue stuff right away (I didn't want her to think I'm a stalker or anything)...so I waited an appropriate amount of time ('bout 2 hours) and then wandered over to our front door, sprayed it down, sniffed the ammonia fragrance that means its "squeaky clean", wadded up some paper towel and went to town.

Wow. It was grosser than I thought. Himph.

This lead me to Windex every vertical surface downstairs. The mirror over the console got a wash...the sliding glass door got washed (and, ew. That was just covered in Jack-snot). Then I started thinking bigger. Larger than just what can I spray Windex on...what else really needs to be cleaned?

AH, HA! The laundry room! (It was around this point I realized I had been bitten by this spring cleaning bug they talk about...)

So the next morning, energized by my new bug bite, I grabbed a bucket of water, a new sponge, moved everything out of the laundry room, pulled out the dryer and looked down at Dust Bunny Cemetery. Apparently this is where all the dust in our house goes to die.

It wasn't too long before that fresh bucket of water was disgusting, had lots of floaters (eww!) and needed to be switched. When I was armed with a fresh bucket, I removed all the dust from the back of the dryer, removed the dryer vent, got all the yucky (but strangely smell-good) fluff out, walked outside and cleaned around the exhaust panel for the dryer...came back inside, dusted more, got another fresh bucket of water and then started all over again on the washer.

And then, while my knees were screaming at me for not putting something cushy under them while doing all this manual labor, I stood up and reorganized the shelving unit!
(This might sound like a boring task to some, but organizing makes me happy...maybe a little too happy.) I grabbed some small plastic bins (the kind one of my friends stacks to the ceiling in her closet, each filled with a fabulous pair of shoes!) and pulled out the labels and Mr. Sharpie.
(I get complimented on my handwriting a lot, and in times like this...I want to pat myself on the back for it...check out those letters! Daaaaang!)

Now, I'm like most girls (women), when I buy something and receive a nice bag (like, from Pottery Barn or Macy's) I keep it. Because, you never know when someone might ask for a nice, sturdy, bag with a handle. (It has yet to happen, but when/if it does, I'll be ready!) So I keep a few on hand at all times. They now have a place of their very own to call home! Right next to the washer! I still have to pick up a decorative hook to hang the big bag on...but for now, they are organized (smallest in the front) and have a home.
Here's some more photos of our super clean, fresh and organized laundry room!Looks like we have a thing for purple floor cleaners, eh?

When the hubs got home that night I wanted to suggest we eat in the laundry room (because it was now the cleanest room 'da house!) but decided that would just mess it up...and I refuse, let me repeat REFUSE to have crumbs in our freshly cleaned laundry room! Although...knowing this fact, I now realized how badly our kitchen was in need of a cleaning...

Thanks Google!

2011-03-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

For fun, I just Googled "erinteriors, Ohio" and was surprised to see all my blog posts pop up. Then something I didn't recognize, an article about the Christmas house I helped decorate!

Check it out here.

They mention Erinteriors room, The Children's room, about half way down!

How exciting!

Vinylmations

2011-03-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

The hubs and I have a small obsession with Disney and recently (in the last few years) they have come out with a new line of collectible vinyl figures. They come in two sizes, 3" or 9", and they are all the same basic shape. Mickey Mouse. From there, they have different artists draw over the Mickey form, creating mini pieces of art.

There are so many different collections to choose from but the most exciting part of collecting vinylmations is that you don't know what your getting. All the boxes are blacked out...so all you can choose is the collection, from there, its all luck.

Our collection started out small, about 7 from our first trip down when they started selling them...from there, it grew...
(See why its called an obsession now?)

So for a while, we were able to display them all in the corner cabinet in the family room...this one:

Well, then it started getting out of control. Vinylmations started popping up in really random places throughout the house. Over the fish tank. On top of picture frames- it was getting to be like an infestation of super cute Mickey shaped things. Suddenly they became less of a "oh, I can't wait to buy more" and became instead, "that one is cute, but where the hell are we going to put it?"

Then, genius. I had a vision. What if they were all on shelves. What if they were organized into a little vinylmation army? (Rather than hovering over the poor fish...) And so I went on a mission to allocate black shelves. (It wasn't so much a "mission" as, just going to Target, finding the ledges, and buying them...)

I knew exactly where the ledges were going to go, around the Mickey Mouse tapestry (which, honestly the wall was needing a little color-love, so this worked out perfectly!) (Notice the large E2 over our front door, that's our thing. We are both named with E names, so we call ourselves E-squared!)

Once the shelves were up, now it was a matter of organizing them. Do we keep the collections together? Should I keep them together by when we purchased them? And then I realized, really? Who am I kidding? They are going to be organized by color and what goes together. Cutest ones in front. Not so cute, back line. Our most favorites (for whatever reason), front line and bottom shelves. Ones that we acquired but could do without, back line, top shelf. In the end, it looks like this:

I feel so relived about moving the small vinyl army into one place, that looks nice, adds color to the wall...and, now there is more space for us to get new ones! (That's probably the best part!)

(And, just to keep you excited about how cute these little vinyl-creations are, here's one of my favorites...Ursela from The Little Mermaid! EEK!)

Brit-Brit

2011-03-10T13:37:00.000-08:00

I used to be a closeted Britney Spears fan...then she shaved her head, had her lil' meltdown, psychiatric hold for a few days...whatever, I quickly moved out of my closet (covered in Britney posters!) and rooted for her. Loudly.

Now even though I have never actually purchased a Britney Spears cd (or download, or whatever the kids are calling music these days...) I sing all her songs, watch her videos in awe and click on her face when a new article pops up on people.com.

So today her newest single "leaked"...

My head hasn't been popping this hard since Miley Cyrus released Party in the USA...

I'm such a teeny-bopper (and I love it!)

Valances

2011-03-07T11:17:00.000-08:00

One of the many perks of my career is making friends with my clients. So when one of my clients had leftover fabric from her window treatments she offered it to me! I was so excited I couldn't wait to go home and make the first stitch.

Well, it took a little longer than I anticipated (just a few years)...but thankfully, this weekend with my mom driving the fabric train, we made valances!

Before we got to the actual train station though (I don't know why I'm using a train reference here, just go with me...haha) we had to grab supplies.

First stop of the day was at Home Depot (my home away from home!) and grabbed a staple gun. (Side note about Home Depot, my mom would rather have a root canal than go to Home Depot. She detests it. I have no idea why...I could spend a very long time there; but she was driving and I didn't want to be left 'cause it would have been a super cold walk back to the house...so our trip was about 7.5 minutes, that includes driving into the parking lot, finding a space, locating the staple gun isle, checking out and leaving the lot. Mom doesn't play.)

Second stop was at a store mom is more comfortable in, Joanns! We got a little side tracked with the food Cricut machine (they were doing demo's so of course we watched for a while...) then put the train back on its tracks, and went back home.

Mom is a pro at all things involving sewing. She taught Home Ec. for the longest time...and while we were at Joanns she bought me some needles and thread to add to my empty sewing kit. (My sewing kit might have been empty- but check out my tool box...that's all I'm sayin'...)

If I had a train conductors hat, I would have put it on moms head 'cause she knew exactly what she was doing. Most of the time I asked, "do you need help?" "what's that do?"

The only time I knew for sure what was going on was when I used the staple gun to adhere the fabric to the piece of wood...

So here's what the kitchen looked like before:
Here's me watching mom work:
Mom using her thinking cap:
And the after:
Close up on the window:

We did this project on Saturday and every time since then when I walk in the house, I smile (big) because I'm so happy with the way they came out!! WAHOO!

Follow the herd

2011-03-02T11:59:00.001-08:00

When you have a driveway that's this long, How do you keep the interest of your guests that have to walk it on a cold February day?

Simple, you have someone make super cute signs to get your baby shower guests excited about what's ahead. My first idea was to cut out baby feet, attach them to signs and have the guests follow the path of feet to the front door. Then I thought, "why reinvent the wheel. The shower invites are a safari theme- what if I made safari themed signs?"

So then I put on my thinking cap. I'd need two sheets of paper, one with a saying on it, then a backside...and some room in between the two sheets so I could put a stick through them so we can put them in the ground...after a while, my brain started to hurt, so I took a step back and went to the craft store.

I found the PERFECT safari paper...and solid black paper to attach to the back- but then I hit the wall. How do I attach the two papers? Laminate them? I kept walking around, thinking, thinking, thinking...I stumbled upon St.Patrick's Day garden stakes that had holographic shamrocks or hats on them. 50% off. SCORE! (I could somehow attach the two papers, then stick the St.Patrick's Day piece inside...) This idea was actually starting to come together!

Then I realized in the scrap booking isle they have 12x12 sheet protectors with two open sides...so if I taped the one open side....EEK!

Then it was time to feel like an evil genius creating something spectacular (think of when the lightning went through Frankenstein...yeah- it was THAT exciting!)

So, to start I used the Cricut to cut the letters (Don Juan cartridge) and attached them to the safari paper with paper glue. Let 'em sit over night.

Then tape the two sheets together, slide the page protector over them, tape the top and insert the St.Patrick's Day garden stake:

Eureka! Next step was putting them in the ground to lead the way to the front door!The last two signs by the front door read

I had a difficult time trying to find safari themed quotes to use...I didn't remember that Mac's web browser is "safari"...so when I typed it in, all these Mac blogs were popping up...error messages...I felt like one of those Bing! commercials!

I ended up with 10 signs:
- Don't feed the animals (which was on the invitation!)
- Follow the herd
- Giraffe crossing
- Zimbabwe 3000 miles
- Passports required
- Rrrrrroaring good time ahead
- Swing on over
- Watch for monkeys
- Its a jungle out here
- Come inside

I was so excited at how well received they were by guests at the shower!

Lions, tigers and bears!

2011-02-22T13:32:00.000-08:00

One of my clients asked me to plan a party she's hosting...and, while I'm not going to show and tell anything until after the party...I've got to say, its lookin' like a jungle in here!

...oh its going to be awesome!!

Photos sooooooon!

If you give Erin a chair....

2011-02-16T11:20:00.000-08:00

For the past four years we have enjoyed a corner bookcase that showcases our Disney collectibles. We got the bookcase from the hubs great grandmother. When I first saw it I thought, "eek! This is perfect. Its so unique! We have a corner that will make a great home for it!" (I didn't even see that it was lime green with a gold crackle finish...I just saw the bones.)

I'm like, an x-ray machine.

It didn't get too far out of the truck before it was spray painted black. I have a trigger finger with black spray paint. That's just how I roll. (I tend to buy several cans of black spray paint to keep in the house, "just in case"...haha)

So the other day we are watching a movie with the fam...and it hits me. We need more seating in here. It was like a bolt of lighting struck me down. DUH!

Here's what the corner looks like now

Since I'm making my maiden voyage to IKEA this weekend (I know...I know...) I've got a list brewing in my head of what I want to look for...how much I want to spend. The requirement I have for a chair for this corner is simple- it must be comfortable. I intend to sit on it UH-LOT so comfy is a top priority.

I'm liking this chair. Its simple. Black. Price, HELLO?! Can you beat $79? I don't think so...but it will have to past the butt-test. I can't wait!
Then I'd also have to have a great side table to go with it...and probably a lamp...ooooooh- this is going to be like the kids book, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie"- ever read it? Yeah...I'm that mouse.

Inconsiderate

2011-02-04T10:41:00.001-08:00

My business is being in peoples homes. Which means, when I enter, I take off my shoes. I'm respectful of the home owners items. Since I don't know if you have allergies or not, I don't wear perfume. I introduce myself, with a handshake, so if we don't know each other, now we have a formal beginning.

So, when we have a service provider come to our home, I expect the same type of service. (Not the whole, perfume thing...'specially if its a man) but you get my point.

We just had a service provider come to our home. He comes in, doesn't introduce himself, puts on the blue booties, asks, "where's this going?". Oh. Bubble burst. Immediately.

Then I see him outside doing work, for about half hour he's out there. When he comes back into the house, he reeks of smoke. My husband and I don't smoke. So it was painfully obvious that he just did.

Here's the thing. I don't care if you smoke; that's your business. But when you are on a service call, is it really the most professional thing to do? Why not smoke in between customers homes? So, by the time you get to your next call, the smell has dissipated a bit?

I know your asking, "so what did you do Erin?" Here's what I did. As soon as he walked back outside, I ran upstairs, opened the window, and FLEW back down to my computer. (I may or may not have been catching my breath when he came back into the house...)

Bottom line, if you're in the business of making house calls, do yourself a favor and be considerate that not everyone smokes, therefore doesn't appreciate you smelling up their home.

Ahhh, I feel much better now!

That didn't last long...

2011-02-02T11:29:00.001-08:00

This morning I changed the blog, again.

Although, I feel I can honestly say this will keep me happy for a while.
(and yes, my fingers might be crossed behind my back...)

New layout

2011-01-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

You'd think, since I'm a designer that coming up with a new design for the blog would have been a simple task. You would guess wrong.

And blogger even tries to take a lot of the pressure off of you by offering a THOUSAND different layouts, styles, backgrounds, fonts, colors...but here's the problem. I'd find something I like...and then keep looking. And, of course, I'd find something else that I liked more...change it...and the cycle played over and over and over until now.

I think I will be taking a leave of absence from the template designer for, at least two weeks. This way I can get used to the new layout, colors and design. This should bring about some peace in my blogger brain!

I can't even begin to count the hours (yes, HOURS) it has taken me to get to this point. Its like when you look in a magazine and they have the "natural" looking models- but you know it took them LONGER to make them look natural, rather than made up...

Guilty Pleasure

2011-01-26T14:22:00.000-08:00

Keeping up with the Kardashians.
Just can't help myself.
It seems when I need something in the background for noise, it fills the silence.

But really, who am I kidding? When its on, I'm sucked in like dust to a Hoover.

Toe tapping

2011-01-19T13:20:00.000-08:00

When I'm sitting at my computer I listen to Yahoo! music. I used to vary between a few stations on their station guide but then realized I'm a coffee shop girl.

So while I'm planning spaces for my clients, my toes are happily tapping. Every time I hear this song, it makes me stop. I just adore Adele's voice and the power behind it.

Here's the work-stopping song. Enjoy!

Oh, and the video isn't too shabby either!! I LOVE the water filled glasses- it reminds me of Jurassic Park, when the glass in the jeep starts jiggling because the t-rex is on the prowl!! AWESOOOME!!

Quote of the Day

2011-01-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

"Getting a woman to do something that she doesn't want to do is like trying to baptize a cat. It doesn't work."

- Dr.Phil

Paint it Black

2011-01-13T12:19:00.001-08:00

If I had to make a list of things I'm scared of, choosing dark paint colors wouldn't make my top 1,000,000,000,000 list. I love dark paint. (And I figure, if it turns out to be too dark or I just don't like it. What did I invest? A gallon of paint? A little time?) Right.

So when we bought our house (it will be five years in the end of May) I jumped right into the dark side. I painted our bedroom "mocha" by Sherwin Williams with an accent wall of "french roast". At the time, it worked.

Then, last year, I grew out of brown-toned everything. (Except my hair- that will remain Garnier "Raspberry Truffle" for a very long time...anyway). So, end of last year (?) I paint our bedroom again, but leave the french roast accent wall. It looked like this: and this is an even ooooolder photo of the mocha + french roast (notice the color of the window sill- that was before 'Operation honey to white')

We got a new comforter and the french roast wall didn't work with the new bedding. It didn't click in my head how to fix it for about two months! Two LOOOONG agonizing months of waiting, and thinking and waking up every morning and knowing it wasn't right, but didn't know how to fix it. And then, it happened.

I was meeting with a new client and we were going over their new home theatre. He heard that "Mouse Ears" (from the Disney line by Behr, at Home Depot) was the truest, blackest-black, on the market- he wanted to use it for the projection wall (around the white screen...) I couldn't help but start to giggle inside. THIS is it! This is what I need to do for our bedroom!

PAINT IT BLACK! (Well, "Mouse Ears"...)

And so, I did.
The rattan backed chair is my Nana's chair that I've had in my bedroom since I was about 15-ish. So realizing that it truly no-longer worked with our bedroom was hard. Thankfully I put a little ring-a-ding into my mom, who just so happened to say, "I need a chair for the corner of my family room"...AH HA! So now Nana's chair is at mom's house, and until I find another chair that will be PERFECT for our bedroom, the corner will remain empty.

I'm just so happy to have the brown wall gone, I don't mind walking past a big empty hole in our room. Actually, it doesn't bother me at all!

(Oh, and if your wondering about the little green blanket at the end of our bed, that's Jack's blanket. Yes, he totally has his own blanket to snuggle with.)

Normalcy returns

2011-01-05T07:02:00.001-08:00

Putting up Christmas decorations all through the house makes it feel so warm and cozy and holiday-ish. But here's a little secret, I love taking it all down. I am such a nut for things being clean, crisp, precise, that when its time to remove it all, I heave a sigh of relief.

And last night, we took down the very last of it. Even though I was horribly tired, at 11 pm I was vacuuming up all the "needles" (we have a fake tree) and dusting the shelves, putting things back the way they should be.

So when I woke up this morning and came down stairs I was so happy to see our house back. Normalcy has returned to our casa!!

'Tis the season

2010-12-24T07:13:00.000-08:00

Every year our town has the Candlelight walk through the town square. Santa arrives on his sleigh, kids are all bundled up, hot cocoa is poured and carols are in the air.

Its a little Normal Rockwell-esque, but totally cute and gets us in the spirit every year.

This was my mom's first year attending Candlelight, so it was even more special! All the sidewalks were lit with candle lanterns (well, just candles in empty milk jugs weighted down with sand, but whatever. For that night they were lanterns!)

One of my favorite parts of Candlelight is the live nativity scene. No joke! Real goats, llamas, donkies...even real little people sitting in the manger!

From the Erinteriors family to yours- Merry Christmas!

Models let me down

2010-12-22T16:48:00.001-08:00

Growing up I always was excited when my parents would look for a new house because that meant we got to walk through models. I was always so excited to see how the kids rooms where laid out (and then go home and try to recreate it in my own room...)

When I got older I'd look at homes differently, from a more functional standpoint. Why is that wall there? Do they really need all those doors? When would you ever need that many lights in your kitchen?

So then I go to design school, get my degree and begin looking for any open model to walk through. To see what some else came up with and to get some ideas.

This afternoon my mother-in-law and I were driving back from a day full of Christmas shopping and the newest development around us had the "model open" sign out front. We put the blinker on, made a sharp left, and walked inside.

This is always my favorite part. The first impression.

Instantly I put the story together:
- The hubs and I just purchased the house
- We are having everyone over to celebrate _____ (fill in the blank)
- Its not "done" yet, but we were so excited to host a party in our new big home, we just couldn't wait to have everyone over- please take off your shoes!
- Dinner smells wonderful, but everyone is too excited to eat, they want a tour and I'm more than happy to be their guide...

Back to reality. We walk inside, get greeted by the nice sales lady and I start to wander through the house taking notes in my head as I go.

Good flow. Weird moldings. Nice choice of carpet, bet that's a super upgrade. Not enough light to work with in the kitchen. What would they anticipate you putting on that counter, a loaf of bread because nothing else would fit...Oh, that's a cleaning ladies dream come true! Who would ever put a light there? What is the point of having a "linen closet" if its not deep enough to actually put any linens in?

As I'm walking around I notice that the novelty has worn off. I'm more upset that this house was actually built/designed/lack-of-designed this way and I must get out.

This is my problem with models, they never are able to live up to my expectations. They tend to fall short in some way, which makes me sad. I don't try and find things that I don't like, I honestly look at the home and think pure function.

She says: That architectural shelf is another upgrade we put in...
I see: a huge dust collector which is not in reach to clean easily (unless you have a ladder or fire truck handy...)

She says: The loft could be a fourth bedroom or, eliminate it all together and have a two story foyer!
I see: A space (that is currently setup as a home office) with two windows that do not open because they didn't think forward enough that if its a loft you might want fresh air. But if its a two story foyer, it doesn't matter.

See? Its really not me. Its the models fault.

(But, I know as soon as I see another "model open" sign, I will be there with my mother-in-law waiting to see it!)

Laughing sooooo hard right now!

2010-12-17T06:40:00.000-08:00

ALAN! ALAN! ALAN!

At the coba...

Need to laugh?

2010-12-17T06:33:00.000-08:00

Its not often that something will come across my computer screen and I literally bust out laughing. Most things will make me smile, or even snort a little. But a good, hearty laugh? Doesn't really happen.

Until the hubs showed me this video last night before I went to sleep.

Which got me looking this morning for other videos of funny talking animals...

Now my face hurts from smiling and laughing so hard! Thank you BBC and your accents. Spot on! Job well done!

Christmas around the house: Day 5

2010-12-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

...now back to regularly scheduled programming...

I grew up in south Florida where, when it was time to buy a Christmas tree, we went to the garden center at Home Depot, or to a field (or empty parking lot) that had a tent and a bunch of trees. We walked the aisles, pointed at a tree, a nice person wrapped it up and we went home.

When my siblings and I got older, we started getting fake trees and filling all the outlets around the house with Glade plug-ins "Fresh Pine". It gave us the look (and smell) of the Christmas tree (without all the annoying needle droppings, watering the tree- or better yet, forgetting to water the tree and then it dies before Christmas...whatever)

So when the hubs and I were setting up for our first Christmas together, I did what I knew, I took him to the garden center at Walmart (we are on a budget) and found a beautiful boxed tree, took it home, fluffed it, got some plug-ins and BAM! Instant Christmas.

His parents however have a different approach to Christmas. A more, traditional, less plastic approach. They go out to a tree farm (where they breed little baby trees into big, tall, strong trees!) and ride a horse drawn carriage out to a field, grab a saw, find a tree and cut 'er down.

I have never "cut 'er down" before, so my first time was a bit of a learning experience. Especially since I didn't understand this lumberjack approach to the holiday. It was all very scenic being led out to the middle of a field by horses wearing jingle bells and snow falling on my face (causing my mascara to run...) but my favorite part came when we were all done, the tree loaded and we got to walk around the cute Christmas store!

The hubs and I wandered for a while. Noticing tons of snowmen, lots of snowflakes, ornaments and Santa's. Then he spotted the mother load. Three Santa's that were all bending one way or another. So, while we didn't end up with a real tree, we did buy three awesome Santa's.

This year when we pulled out the Christmas tree from the bags we keep it in (to preserve the plastic, you know...) we thought long and hard where to put our super unique Santa's. And we found just the place...

So while we might never have a real tree (which I know kills my mother-in-law a little every year...sorry Di) we will always have three wonderful Santa's to remind us of a wonderful tree cutting ceremony!

Fun finds returns!

2010-12-15T12:51:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a break from Christmas around the house to share some finds I've found while looking around online. Enjoy!

I just LOVE these, I would give you a huge hug. A giant pug-hug!

Lets talk about adding some color to your table, eh? I love these rich, jewel-toned plates. (If you're wondering, we have a service for eight...)

Fancy-schmancy salad tongs! I tell 'ya what- if we had these, I might be more inclined to eat salad!

This is a personal favorite of mine. It might be slightly disturbing to some and to others, this will be topping yours (or your recently divorced friends) Christmas/birthday/whenever list. May I present, a very unique knife holder...(oh, and in case red doesn't go with your decor, they have it in black too!)

Happy shopping!

Christmas around the house: Day 4

2010-12-13T09:53:00.001-08:00

The hubs and I are Disney people. Some people grow out of Disney characters, while others (like us) find the more adult side of appreciating Disney. We visit Walt Disney World at least once a year (more often when we lived in south Florida...) and so it made perfect sense when we started our home together that when people bought us things, they'd buy us Disney-things. One of those Disney-things, was a miniature village scene.

When we first got it, we placed it on the mantel along with the fake snow it came with. (Thankfully, the hubs read the warnings- which, this should have been a red flag, it came with a warning in huge black, bold-face letters-on the "snow" and learned it was very flammable...so having it over the fireplace seemed like a recipe for a Christmas bonfire. Ever since we've kept it in a little baggie, labeled "Snow- extremely flammable") ANYWAY, this year when we were setting things up I thought, "where can we put the village, that isn't an obvious place?" and then it hit me!

On the leaning ladder-bookcase! Perfect!

At night when its lit up, I'd love to just jump into the scene with Mickey, and carol with Minnie and Daisy. Just makes me smile everything I see it...maybe its time to plan another trip to Disney...hmmmm

Christmas around the house: Day 3

2010-12-09T06:59:00.001-08:00

The tree topper. Some people have star tree toppers...or use a bow with ribbon cascading down the sides of their tree. Some people use a family heirloom passed down from generations. Some people don't use any tree topper at all.

If you know me, you know I LOVE Lucille Ball. Everything about Lucy makes me giggle. I grew up watching every episode with my siblings and have looked up to her my whole life. She was silly and colorful and modest and smart at the same time. To me, Lucy stands as a symbol of what I want to be when I grow up. A good wife, great mother, smart business woman all the while making people laugh.

Last year my dad gave the hubs and I a Lucy tree topper for Christmas and I could not wait to put her up. (But we had an angel already on the top, so we decided to wait until this year.)

And it was TOTALLY worth the wait. She was a little heavier than the angel, so I had to, uhm, rig-it from falling down...or tipping the tree and shmooshing all my Lucy ornaments, but I got it! (btw ,shmooshing is totally a word; just look it up...) Check her out:

Christmas around the house: Day 2

2010-12-08T07:54:00.001-08:00

Growing up, my parents always made sure my siblings and I understood the bigger picture for Christmas. It was not just a holiday to get together with the family, open presents or play in the snow- it was a holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Every year when we'd start decorating, pulling out the nativity scene was always a big deal. One of the kids would get to hide baby Jesus. (Just go with me on this). So the whole time leading up to Christmas, the nativity would be without the baby.

Why? Because he wasn't born yet.

So on Christmas morning, which ever kid hid the baby, would bring him downstairs, set him in the manger and we'd all sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

It was one of my favorite parts of Christmas. Which might sound funny because you'd think the presents would take the cake, and they were always wonderful...but knowing that it was actually someone's birthday made it more of a celebration!

When I setup our nativity scene this year, the hubs got to hide baby Jesus. (Last year I might have misplaced him...)

Christmas around the house: Day 1

2010-12-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

The hubs and I are HUGE Disney fans and for our wedding we got a huge Stitch statue. (I don't know if statue is the right word...I hear statue and think something bronzed sitting in the middle of a park with pigeons on it. Okay, so maybe its not a statue...whatever it is, its big!) So every year while I'm putzing around the house hanging ornaments here and there, the hubs pulls out the colorful lights and wraps them around Stitch. Here's the result:

There's one in every crowd

2010-12-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

When I was eight years old I knocked out half of my front right tooth. How'd you do that Erin? When I was swimming (I grew up in south Florida) one night, I came up to the side, a little too close, and POP, there went half of my front toof.

My parents took me to the ER, where they looked at us and said, "uhm, you need a dentist..." I'm a little fuzzy on the details, but that night, around 11pm I ended up in a pediatric dentists chair, getting a new front tooth.

I remember coming home with my parents and my brother and sister were both equally impressed that this self-inflicted wound was fixed so fast.

Flash forward to 9th grade, I need braces. Should be an easy thing right. Slap 'em on, get tortured from your siblings for a year and a half, "brace-face", get 'em off and have beautiful, straight teeth. Well, all my teeth cooperated except one. The man-made, front right tooth. It kept turning funny, so my orthodontist had to bend the wire funny to compensate.

When I got the braces off, my teeth were perfect. For like a year. Then the trouble-maker decided to take a turn, and has stayed there ever since.

My bionic tooth held up all the while I had braces, straight through high school, problem free in college and then I get engaged.

Its like the tooth KNEW this was an important time in my life so it needed to make its presence known. Yes, I'm convinced my tooth has it in for me. I go in to the dentist for my 6 month cleaning and part of it pops off. Right there, in the hygienists hand, she's holding part of my tooth. "Uhm, Doctor?"

He re-bonds my tooth, and sends me on our honeymoon.

Again, everything is fine for a few years. But then Easter, '07, my tooth decides to take a vacation while I'm enjoying my Easter basket. So in between bites of my Charleston Chew (ever had one? Yeah...they rock my world too) I realize part of my tooth is on my tongue. Craaaaap.

Fast forward to two months ago, I have strep throat. I'm trying to open the throat spray and its Erin-proof. I use my fingers, nothing. Scissor, nada. Knife, almost cut myself. So I think, "just bite it open".

Here's how I KNEW I was sick- I NEVER USE MY TEETH TO OPEN ANYTHING because I have a man-made tooth. I know my tooths limitations. Did I listen to myself? Hellz no, I use my teeth.

And there it was. Part of my front tooth on my tongue. Again. Now, imagine, I cannot swallow, all I want to do is crawl in bed and sleep for a few days, and I've got part of my tooth on my tongue.

So I go and get it fixed. I hang my head in shame when my dentist asks "how'd this happen, Erin?". The whole time I was explaining to him, I was rolling my eyes at myself, because I KNEW I shouldn't have done it. Whatever.

And now, as I'm typing this I'm running my tongue over my smooth, freshly buffed tooth, because YET AGAIN I busted off a shard on Sunday night (and got it fixed yesterday).

Here's the thing, I don't have bad teeth. I've had fillings in like, two of my teeth and one that constantly needs attention. I'd get a veneer, but then I might put my dentist out of business, and I like seeing him and his staff. They are friendly.

Cyber Monday

2010-11-29T08:37:00.000-08:00

I don't buy into the 3 am Black Friday madness. You will never find me standing outside Target at 4 am, no matter how great the deal is. Just won't happen.

But what will I do? I will sit at my computer on cyber Monday and snatch up wonderful deals for my family. That I will do because a) its warm in here, b) I don't have to wrestle someone for the (fill in the blank) c) I get to have presents waiting for me in a few days at my doorstep! (And that always makes me smile!)

Here's my favorite list for cyber Monday shopping:
Amazon.com (seriously, they have everything)
New York and Co. (because being well dressed should NEVER cost full price!)
ZGallerie.com (who doesn't love a great deal on a ceramic deer head?)
DisneyStore.com (up to 25% off your order + free shipping on Mickey?! Bring it on!)
WilliamsSonoma.com (check out all their free shipping items!)

And there you have it. Now go pick up your own deer head!

Doesn't matter how old I am...

2010-11-17T06:04:00.000-08:00

You've heard people say, "I'm a kid at heart"...but they wear stuffy suits all day, and pretentious socks (which match) and their designer shoes...how can you be a kid at heart, when your socks always match, I'd like to know?

After people know me (some only for a few minutes) and I say "I love everything Disney"...they get it. They get me. It all makes sense; because I live my life as a kid at heart (with a few random responsibilities thrown in there...but whatever).

Take for example kids, they like me. Perfect strangers children will walk up to me, and ask to play (of course I will, ONLY if I get the nod from the parent...) I'm pretty sure it had something to do with my outlook on life: its good.

So yesterday I'm sitting at the doctor's office waiting (because you can never get in when your appointment is...NEVER) and in walks a mom and her little girl. Pig tails high on her head, velcro shoes and in either hand she's got a Buzz Lightyear. In my head I think, "what a cool little girl...she's rockin Buzz!".

I look back to my book and notice the little girl is standing about six inches from me. Just looking at me. I look up, "hi". "Hi!" this simple word started a very long conversation (with a two year old) about Buzz and Woody...and the other characters in the movie. The mom looks at me and says, "Sorry"...I explain that its perfectly okay, I love Toy Story...

Mom tells the little girl to put the toys back and take a seat next to her. Little girl says, "hmmm". Puts the toys down, grabs two books, walks back over to me and hands me the books.

"Here go". And as I close my book because I think, "Sure, I'll read 1,2,3 ABC" They call my name and I get up. "bye" I say to my new friend. "oh. Bye!"

Here's my point, doesn't matter how old I am, I will totally sit on the floor and play with kids, get dirt under my finger nails and watch cartoons on Saturday (and Sunday) mornings. That's just who I am.

To honor my inner child (who often resides on the outside of me) here is the trailer for Cars 2.

Enjoy!

I love me some Christmas, but...

2010-11-15T06:15:00.000-08:00

When I first met my hubby he laid the law down about holiday decorating. "There will not be a mistletoe hung, nor a tree cut down, until December 1. Then you can go wild."

Himph.

At first I didn't understand this and called him the Grinch because I didn't understand holding off on getting into the Christmas spirit. And then I slowly started to understand.

You might remember my post in August about me getting into the Christmas spirit a little early (I bought fantastic ornaments; but hey, they were on super sale!) and then catching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (and believe me, when it came on, I turned on the surround sound and had me a jolly-good-time!) My point is that it all seemed a little harmless in August.

Then stores started putting our all their Christmas stuff. In September. And then, when I was in Kohl's two weekends ago with my mom (checking out their Christmas selections, of course!) Jingle Bells was playing overhead.

So last night the hubs and I are talking about getting some cool socks and he says, "Let's go to Kohl's!" and I realize he's going to complain while we are in the store (that is FULLY decorated for Christmas) about it being too early for the decorations and most of all, the music.

We walk in and I notice I'm talking a little louder than usual; trying to cover the music in the background. Then he realizes what I'm doing. We both laughed, checked out their sock selection (they didn't have what we needed) and headed over to Target...

My point for this post is this: when is it TOO early to decorate or start celebrating for Christmas? Should we wait until after Thanksgiving?

And what about Christmas lights outside? When's too early?

Back in the day...

2010-11-08T06:47:00.001-08:00

I never thought I'd be one of those people who when talking about life, would refer to "back in the day". But I've become one of those people. Case in point:

When I was in college at the end of every class we'd have to put together display boards. Boards that would display my hard work I've put into the class project. Boards that would get me ready for "the real world". Boards that would impress.

To take a simple piece of foam core board and slap some samples on it was not acceptable. These boards needed to become a piece of art. A project all themselves. And they never failed to impress.

But here's the thing, they took forever to create. Thankfully I never had to do it alone. My friend Derona and I were in all the same classes, so we suffered together.

Here's how the process went:
- buy a piece of foam core
- buy a piece of colored Canson paper
- buy spray glue to attach Canson paper to foam core
- Pray (a lot) while spraying glue onto board that it went on evenly
- Pray (again) while positioning the Canson paper to the wet glued foam core board
- Curse when you found a bubble
- Pray that you'd be able to pull the Canson paper off without tearing it
- Curse when you tear the paper
- Thank God that you bought an extra sheet of paper
- Reapply spray glue
- Reposition paper, spread out any bubbles
- Thank God you've completed one board.

Repeat at least four more times.

Yes. We always had at minimum four boards for a class, but typically ended with five.

By the time we were nearing the end of college, we had this down to a science. What started out as an hour event (per board) turned into a mere 15 minute display of fine tuned skills.

Imagine my surprise however when for a current project I'm asked to create a display board. Immediately my mind races back to my spray glue/Canson paper drama; but then I remind myself, "You can do this! You've done this before and nailed it..."

So I walk to the foam core section of our craft store and stare at the blank boards in front of me; begging to be covered in a beautiful colored paper and adorned with stunning samples. And then, something catches my eye. A piece of foam core that has a pre-pasted side.

WHAT?!

Literally, all you have to do is PEEL AND STICK! I almost had a melt down right then and there in the store.

"WHERE WAS THIS WHEN I WAS IN SCHOOL?"

"DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH TIME DERONA AND I COULD HAVE SAVED IF THEY HAD THOUGHT OF THIS BEFORE?"

"I REMEMBER BACK IN THE DAY..." and then I realized I just said, "back in the day". I sobered up, grabbed my board, paid and couldn't email Derona fast enough about my new find. And when we talked, we both made mention of "back in the day..."

Here's a picture of how EASY it was to get my board ready for paper...

And the finished product:

Total time start to finished? About 5 minutes. Kids these days have it so easy...

One for the Money

2010-11-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

Last year I started reading the Stephannie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich based on my mother-in-laws recommendation. I have never laughed so hard reading a book.

I was born in New York and we moved to Florida when I was eight, but a lot of my family still lives in the state. A lot of my family has "the accent". I was able to relate a lot of my family members to characters in these books which made it more "real".

If you are looking for a book to read on a long plane ride- DO NOT get this book. Why? Because the people that are around you will want to sleep, but can't because your laughing will keep them awake. You might get punched. Just a word of caution.

And now they are making the first book a movie! WAHOO!! Here's the cast video; if you've read the books, you will DIE laughing at who Connie is. I cannot WAIT to see this movie. This is my Star Wars. This is the movie I will stay up for if there is a midnight release. (There probably won't be a midnight release...which makes me happy- 'cause I need my sleep.)

Here's the video link. Now go out and read the book. You won't be sorry!

Dr. Seuss you are not...

2010-11-03T05:52:00.001-07:00

It seems that everyone whose anyone writes a book. Every morning I watch The Today show (hi Matt and Mer!)and every morning they are interviewing someone about their new book. Jimmy Carter just wrote another book (his 25th!) and right now I'm watching Matt interview Buddy "The Cake Boss". He wrote a book. Seriously.

Earlier on The Today show, Ricky Martin was on talking about his new book called "Me". Do you remember Ricky Martin? He was living la vida loca, er, 10 years ago...but of course, now he's got a new album coming out so it only makes sense that he'd write a book about his "glory days" (to remind all of us who he is probably) And what's the book about? Lemme look at the title again, "Me". Oh. Right.

Maybe I'm being hard on all these people, I just wonder when these people walked into a publisher did they cock their head to the side (like I'm doing) and wonder, "really? You want to write a book?"

I don't think either Buddy or Ricky will end up being the next Dr.Seuss- in the mean time I might head over to Borders and read the back of the books...you know- morbid curiosity.

100th Post

2010-11-01T06:15:00.000-07:00

Halloween was one of my favorite holidays growing up. Not because of the candy or because of the costumes, but because it was the one day every year I could knock on a strangers door, it would open and I would get to sneak a peak into their home. (The candy was always a huge bonus...)

Some people feel destined to become a singer. Some hope they will be a great doctor. Some wander around in life until their calling finds them.

I have been blessed to know what I've wanted to do since I was eight. I want to design. I want to create beautiful places for people to live and play and eat in. I want to make people smile when they walk into a space.

Being able to use this blog as a means to sharing my passion with people makes me feel good. Some days I get ready to write here and fall short of what I actually want to say. How do I balance my quirky, child-like side with the professional "Please-take-me-serious" side? I'm still trying to figure that out.

In the mean time, I can't wait to have children and take them trick or treating so we can knock on doors together and I can sneak a peak at peoples homes again! hehe

Lets talk about the tiny trend...

2010-10-26T05:56:00.001-07:00

No matter what store I walk into, they have small serving pieces on display. The tiny trend is to have multiple, small, servings of treats for your party. Pier 1 calls this trend "Tasting Party".

I took the bait and bought my own tiny serving pieces and used 'em at a recent party we hosted. One of the treats I made (with the help of my bestie, Caitlin) was this yummy-banana-creation

Pros and cons of making these little portions:
Pros:
- You get to buy the cute little pieces (most of them come with the cutest little spoons)
- Feeling like a real chef, piping the filling into the glasses
- They look so pretty (and, dare I say, professional) when they are completed
- You can go back and have seconds without feeling like a little piggy because the portions are so small!

Cons:
- Because they are so tiny, if you make a mistake, its pretty obvious
- You have to make like 5+ of any one dessert, to make the platter look full
- If you have men at the party, they tend to wonder where the rest of the dessert is
- The glasses don't stack which makes after-party clean up and storage a little difficult

CB2 has some super cute tiny serving pieces too, check them out here.

Organized-shmorganized

2010-10-25T12:44:00.001-07:00

When I'd watch tv and hear people talk about "setting up a menu for the week" or "laying out clothing the night before" or "plan ahead" I always daydreamed I'd be that person.

I'd be the go-to-girl and people would ask me a question and marvel in how I knew the answer so quickly. "What are your plans for Wednesday night?" and I'd be able to answer without batting an eyelash.

I so wanted to be that girl. That uuber-organized girl.

I have become that girl.

We recently took a vacation, and before leaving I had enough time to plan out the week afters menu; this way I didn't have to think when we got home and my brain was still airplane mush.

When I was writing my menu for the week after the vacation I became so proud of myself. I mean, here I was actually taking a few minutes today; to save me a few minutes in a week. That's incredible. That's gold-medal-worthy. That's the new me. I plan.

The hubs and I have always "planned" things. Like when we wanted to get married, when we wanted to get a dog, buy a house, take vacations...that kinda stuff. The big stuff. I always let the smaller stuff just lay. Just be stuff.

Since acquiring more time, I have the ability to plan the small "stuff" now and feel more at ease with daily life. (Not to say I hid from daily life in a paper bag, I just didn't really think beyond a certain point.)

So how'd I do it? Easy. I made a list of what we typically eat in a week. (The list weighed heavily on pizza, tacos and something-chicken)...then I started looking at the weekly circulars from the supermarkets, and planned out our meals based on what was going to be on sale that week. It got pretty from there...and for that, I'm thankful.

If you haven't thought of making a weekly menu for your family; what are you waiting for? Beyond making my life easier (by taking the thinking out of my busy afternoons) it helps keep me on my budget!

So there you have it. The new me. I plan.

This is fantastic news

2010-10-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big Bloomberg reader (by any means) but when something about the design world is printed, I'm always interested in taking a peak...

Check out this article which had me smiling from ear to ear!

Why does this make me smile? Because if buildings are going up, then the need for designers goes up; thus making me smile :)

Happy Friday!

Yogi Bear

2010-10-21T05:25:00.000-07:00

I've always been interested in yoga. I bought a book a few years ago called "Om Yoga" by Cyndi Lee which is a daily guide for yoga. I've used it before over and over again, but always seemed to come up short with my yoga experience.

One of my girlfriends asked me earlier this week, "hey, do you want to come to yoga with me this week?" I thought about the practical side, "should I be spending that money on myself? Or should I use it towards something for the house?" and then I thought, "be selfish. Just do it". So I did.

Last night was my first class and it was awesome. I have no idea what our instructors name was, but it was so relaxing and gratifying. Stretching out on that mat, using my body in a way I've never known I could...

The room set the scene when we walked in. Long and narrow; no overhead lights on (which pleased me; I'm not a fan of overhead lighting...) soft music on, and two short lamps on either side of the room.

If you've ever had an interest in yoga, I recommend you attend a class. I couldn't understand from my book how important it was to breathe. Something so simple, but each movement was based on a breath. Inhale, plank. Exhale, downward dog.

If you want to call me Yogi, I'll answer.

Swoon

2010-10-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

I need four of these. Stat.

Recipe of the week

2010-10-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

Christmas 2004 (?) my mom put together a binder full- nay, STUFFED, with family recipes. Photo copies of my Nana and Grandma's hand writing. Recipes from my aunts...really good family recipes that we (my siblings and I) grew up on.

This morning my dad calls me asking for a recipe. I didn't even know I had the recipe in my binder. (I have flipped through that book so many times over the years, I've lost count!)

Anyway, without further ado, here's the recipe for, well actually, its not named. So we'll call it Noreen's Salad. (After my aunt who the recipe originates from...)

Shallot Vinaigrette
1/4 c sugar (or a little less)
1 tsp. dry mustard
3/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp. salt
5 tblsp. red wine vinegar
1 tblsp. balsamic vinegar
1/3 c honey
3 tblsp fresh lemon juice
4 tblsp chopped shallots (2 large)
1 c vegetable oil
pinch of tarragon

Salad
4 oz. crumbled Gorgonzola
1/2 c dried cranberries
12 red grapes, sliced in half
1 pear, cut into small pieces
1/2 c shelled pistachios (sliced, chopped pieces)

Mix sugar, mustard, paprika, salt and vinegars until sugar is dissolved. Add honey, lemon juice, shallots. Gradually heat in oil and tarragon. Chill. Yields 1 1/2 c.

Spring mix romaine, endive & radicchio- add cheese, fruits & nuts- when ready to serve- toss with dressing.

Happy tossing!

Maybe I'll make this and take a photo...mmmm, PROJECT!

Puggy puppy

2010-09-30T06:10:00.001-07:00

I'm on a domestic-diva roll lately. I had the chicken roasting in the oven yesterday, the smell of onions wafting in the air when I got a phone call from the hubs. "I want one of three things for dinner: Chili's, bourbon chicken or Chick-fil-a". Oh.

So when he came home, I wrapped up the chicken (which, I had to keep taking little nibbles of) and we went to the mall to get bourbon chicken. (We are totally having the roasted chicken tonight!) After dinner we walked into the puppy store.

Now, let me say first and foremost, I don't like seeing the puppies in the cages. It bothers me. I don't like knowing where the puppies came from, because you know it was from a puppy mill (more likely than not)...anyway, putting all that aside, we walked in just to window shop.

And then we saw this super petite little pug. We asked to see her, and sat in the room. As soon as she was set down, she went crazy!! She was so small (to give you an idea, my foot looked like Godzilla next to her) anyway, every time we'd pick her up, all the wrinkles would move to her face and around her neck, so she looked like this little fat teddy bear. We gave her back and drove home.

When we got in the car though we realized what mistake we just made. Jack is going to freak out over us smelling like another dog. So we get home, and within a milasecond, Jack was all over me like white on rice. Sniffing here, there, everywhere.

This is the problem with meeting new animals without Jack with us. He gets into super sniff mode.

As if he didn't follow me around the house on a typical day, this morning he has been glued to my side; its like he's telling me "You can play with other dogs, but don't forget, I'm your one and only"

Help in aisle 5

2010-09-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

About a month ago we were invited to a baby shower for some friends of the family. (I say 'family' like we are the Mob or something...) anyway, they were registered at the typical baby-places; Target and Babies R Us.

We don't live near a babies r us, so I went to Target. Here's the thing about me, I am a closeted baby department lover. Since we don't have children, I always feel funny about walking around just ooohing and ahhhing at all the too-cute baby stuff (like the itty bitty socks. Need I say more?!) so I put on this air of nonchalance, browse as if I have sooooo many other things I should be doing, but secretly keep a mental list of what I like, how much things cost- I have been doing this for YEARS people. YEARS!!

Most people my age spend their time at the gym, or listening to music. I spend my time scouring the baby department in huge sunglasses. (So the next time you see me, don't judge, just keep on walking...)

Anyway, when we got invited to the shower, I finally had a REASON to walk around the baby department. So, maybe a little too proudly, I printed out the registry and gripped it tight while walking those stuffed-to-the-brim baby aisles.

I found what was on the list in approximately 20 seconds, but did I pick it up and put it in my cart right away? ARE YOU KIDDING? Holding that registry in my hand was like a get of jail free card. Suddenly, with those blue papers, I had a purpose for lingering in the aisles. And I milked it for all it was worth.

"Oh, what's this?" and I'd pick up something I've been wanting to read the label on for a while (but, of course, couldn't read the label with my sunglasses on...)

So yesterday was her shower. And while she was opening her beautiful gifts, I got to hold her nephew. Six week old Chase all day. It was wonderful! He was like a personal space heater that made the cutest noises and only required one feeding while in my presence! Ohhh, and those baby noises! You know the noises...the ones that just melt your heart; yeah, he made a ton of those!

One day I know I'll be sick of walking those aisles. One day I know my house will look like those aisles (color coordinated and totally organized, of course). In the mean time, I'll put on my sunglasses and linger in aisle 5.

Open letter

2010-09-17T13:04:00.001-07:00

Dear ZGallerie,

While browsing your website I found some things I want. Bad. Really bad. If you could pass the word that I would really like one of everything listed on your 'accessories' tab. (Especially the shiny silver pieces, like this, this, this, this, this, this oh, and this.) I'd be grateful.

Pretty sure that's all for now. Ok, thanks!
Erin

Obsession

2010-09-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

I have an obsession and I can't deny it any longer. Anything silver, I buy.

The other day I was checking out of Pier 1. I put all the items on the counter and then looked at them. All. Laid out. Sitting side by side. Everything was silver. Two baggies of silver tissue paper (clearance!), a silver plated lantern (clearance!), a crackled silver hurricane (clearance!) and two faux crocodile coasters (silver of course).

That's when it hit me. I might have a problem.

So while I was just pursuing CB2.com I came across these bowls, and to no surprise, I was instantly wondering "where can I put these?"

How cute would those look on the counter with M&Ms sitting in them for a party? Or a big salad served in one? Ooooh boy; see, this is part of my problem. I have too many ideas!

Acorns

2010-09-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posted about the Pottery Barn $14 acorns. And since then, I have been running into acorns everywhere! (Or maybe now I'm just more aware?)

In Joann's yesterday, they had all their fall decorating items 50% off. Which made their box of acorns $5.

Today I was at A.I. Root browsing their fall collection, sure enough! There were little acorns in boxes! They were $9.95.

I must say, having them brought to my attention kinda makes me want some now.

Oh no! I've been bit by the acorn bug.

Autumn Decorating Class

2010-09-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

I get this email a few weeks ago from Pottery Barn inviting me to join them for an Autumn Decorating Class. I jumped at the chance! Free design ideas? Spending time in Pottery Barn? I'm so there!

(I am of the thinking that one can never do too much research, or have too many ideas to pull from. So while, yes, I am a designer, I go to as many classes as I can get my hands on!)

Moving on...

So I go with my mom to the free class. And let me tell you what; it was impressive! The store wasn't opened yet, so we had no interruptions (except this really cute old man who needed to return his tuxedo, but they didn't open until noon; and he couldn't wait that long, so the nice lady from Pottery Barn took his tux, and returned it later for him- awww!) The ladies had two different styled tables to work with; a long one to mimic a mantel or buffet and a round one to mimic a kitchen table.

They were able to pull from all over the store and show us the latest products from their Fall collection. If you have a Pottery Barn close to you (ours was 45 minutes from my house) I super ooper-duper recommend signing up for one!

After the presentation, all attendees got 10% off shopping passes (HELLO!) and while I didn't pick up anything for Fall decorating...I did pick up something else:

Another Martha post....

2010-09-10T17:43:00.000-07:00

I'm in Home Depot the other day, doing my weekly walk through the store when I finally stop and pick up some of the Martha Stewart paint chips.

At first feel I noticed how thick they were. (Quality is important to Martha apparently!) Then I look at the back.

There are two coordinating paint colors there. One is a suggestion for the ceiling paint color and one is for the trim color. (They really thought this through for you!)

And then I notice there is a space to write the room name in. Check the boxes for what finish you'd like, I mean really. A LOT of thought went into the planning for these paint samples.

Best party? They are totally free!

In the corners of all the samples are little symbols which help you pick colors that coordinate throughout your house! How cool is that?!

Go check 'em out and grab a few. She's got a beautiful selection of colors, one my new favorites for fall is Ohio Buckeye.

Growing Up

2010-09-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about being a "grown up" is being able to do what you want. When you want. Caitlin and I have grown up together. She was born two years shy of me...and we've been in each others lives since.

The hubs and I have been together for almost 8 years; growing up with each other along the way.

For Labor Day weekend Caitlin came to visit. I love when she's here, because its like the house is whole. The day after she left, I found myself sitting in the guest room reading (and then taking a little nap) just because I like the way the room feels.

I have been blessed with many things in my life. Having a best friend who is always here, even when she's not here, is one of them.

Fun Find

2010-09-01T06:02:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite things about living in a neighborhood with lots of kids is seeing their chalk art on the sidewalks (and sometimes in the road...). When they draw hopscotch blocks, I can't help put jump through 'em.

When I found this rug at CB2 I pictured it in our foyer. And then I pictured my husband and I hopscotching our way into the house each night.

Open letter

2010-08-31T13:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Honeywell,

It might not be your fault that our a/c is on the fritz again, but your thermostat is the only thing in arms reach for me to curse at.

Hopefully one day our relationship can be mended. (A cool house, would be a great start).

Sincerely,
Hot in Ohio

Bargain shopping

2010-08-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

This morning I received another email from Zgallerie this morning so I started poking around their site, when I came across their Borghese furniture collection. Which, looks rather similar to the Hayworth collection from Pier 1.

See for yourself:
Zgallerie

Pier 1

The lingerie chest from Zgallerie is $899.

The lingerie chest from Pier 1 is $449.

So, if your looking to get a glam look for not a lot of dolla dolla bills...check out the collection at Pier 1!

Coffee talk

2010-08-25T07:41:00.000-07:00

One of my birthday presents was a new coffee pot from my mom. The one I had been using (for the past six years) finally made its way to the big coffee bar in the sky. It took Mom and I about 4 months of planning, trying, looking and research before finding the perfect replacement. We decided upon this one:

The Cuisinart DCC-1100.
Isn't she a beaut?

I've never had my own pot that was programmable, and lemme tell you something; its the way to go. I mean, I still have to set it up the night before (too bad it can't do that for me) but when I come downstairs in the morning, BAM!, its ready for my empty cup :)

If you are in the market for a new one...I'd suggest this bad boy. Its sleek design, takes up almost no counter space. It brews quickly and comes out piping hot...it even has a little clock on it! Awww!

And, I'd recommend brewing your first pot with Harry and David's Moose Munch coffee. You're gonna lurv it!!

Hot in Cleveland

2010-08-23T09:26:00.001-07:00

I might young in years, but when it comes to good tv, I appreciate the classics. I grew up watching I Love Lucy. I didn't understand why none of my friends in elementary school were named Ricky, Fred or Ethel. And even more surprised when my classmates had never even heard of my beloved Lucy.

Do you know what show I'd make sure I sat in front of the tv to watch (before they were reruns?) The Golden Girls. I was like, 6? Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia were my gurls.

When they started passing away and Lifetime would have Estelle Getty marathon days (then Bea Arthur...and subsequently Rue McClanahan) days, my dvr would be full. Hubby would wonder why one of his shows wasn't recorded and then he noticed 32 new Golden Girls. Opps.

So when Betty White's new show on TVLand premiered, I was there, bucket of popcorn in lap ready to get my fill. And I tell you what, IT. WAS. AWESOME.

If you watched the finale this week, then you'll understand the Free Elka shirt. I want to buy this shirt and wear it proudly around my town. I just wonder if anyone else would understand?!

Have you watched Hot in Cleveland?

Birthday sharing

2010-08-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

My birthday was Sunday (August 15th) and I'm always surprised to hear how many people (celebrities) I share my special day with.

Lets start at the beginning. Madonna. Seriously; we share some serious girl-against-the-world attitude. We channel each other that way :)

Ben Affleck. Now, this one surprised me. It wasn't until he was in rehab (in like 2001?) and I was a freshman in college that I realized this connection. That year he was celebrating his birthday on the "inside" and ET was reporting his rehab stint like they would cover Anna Nicole's death...anyway, that was a shocker.

So you'll never guess who else I share my birthday with. Debra Messing! (Grace, from Will and Grace!) I ADORE her! I'm of the belief that Will and Grace should have its own network. Just non stop episodes. I love that show (and thanks to Lifetime) get my fix everyday!

Oh, just did some research; I also share my birthday with Joe Jonas! (OMG! My inner 14 year old just flipped out!) haha- I also share it with Julia Child!

Do you share your birthday with anyone?

Picture of the day

2010-08-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

Awwwwwwwww

We have a puggle, Jack, that joined our family almost five years ago. The puggle was an obvious choice for us since I always loved the squishy faced pugs and the hubs preferred the beagle.

But this picture of a squishy faced pug just makes my heart grow five sizes!

(Sorry I couldn't post a picture for you; its from Flickr)

Continuing to celebrate

2010-08-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

Since I already bought Christmas ornaments the other day, why stop the early Christmas celebrating there?

Comedy Central was playing National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation on Saturday...it might be August, but whatever- I'm all about funny 80s movies!

'Specially one of the greatest movies of all time!

"Is your house on fire Clark?"

Virgin territory

2010-08-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

Today I took my weekly stroll through Home Depot.

Growing up dad and I would always go to Home Depot on the weekends. Mom would always stay in the car (or at home) because, "I hate Home Depot. I will not go in there." And she was true to her word.

I honestly cannot recall ever seeing my mom in Home Depot- Oh wait, there was ONE TIME when we first bought our house and she helped me pick out blinds for the guest room. Okay, so one time in my 27 years of knowing my mom, she went into Home Depot without being drugged, hog tied or otherwise impaired.

I digress. Weekly I'll walk the aisles and see what's new; drool over the chandelier that should be in our kitchen (one day!) and the bathroom cabinets.

Most times I walk in after just having a meeting or getting off work, so I'm a little "fussy" looking. Sometimes, employees will look at me and ask "can I help you find anything?" and I'll say, "Oh, um,no thanks" and they walk away rolling their eyes thinking, "ohhh, she hasn't got a CLUE what she's doing in here!"

Today, I was kinda rolling my eyes at myself. Why? Because of 'burnished clay'.

I have been wanting to repaint the foyer for a while. It is the ONE space in our house that is a virgin to my paint brush. Seriously, every other room has been painted at least once (the kitchen, our bathroom and our bedroom have had "some additional work done")

Now, I didn't select colors for other areas in our house lightly. Oh no. This is a constant struggle I face personally. I can help anyone else with colors for their home. I can suggest accessories 'til the cows come home (and they always come home) but for our home, its taken me four years, about 18 gallons of paint and a lot of spackling paste to get it 'just right'.

Which brings me back to the foyer. One reason I haven't paint it before is its HUGE. Its two stories, so I'll need a tall ladder. And the walls in the foyer blend into the stair case walls...which are also two stories- which is kinda scary since I'm only 5'-4"...and balancing a ladder on the stairs is just asking for an ER admission ticket...so I've waited.

Until now.

Last week I'm taking my weekly stroll through the Depot and stop at the Behr paint display. I already knew what color I wanted to paint, but couldn't find "it"...(yes, I'm one of those people...) So I look at the display case and suddenly, I see it. It sees me. It was magic. I put back the other three colors I picked up because I just KNEW this was the one.

Its taken me a whole week of talking to myself to finally get the paint. But, here's where my silly self and my professional self clash. Instead of just buying the gallon of paint (even though I'm in total lurv with it) I buy the sample size.

So I get home, and I start to trim. Then the trimming gets a little bigger...and then I'm working my way around to the closest corner...and then I realize, paint samples are THE BEST INVENTION EVER! Perfect size for my brush...no big clean up. Got the color across wonderfully...

The hubs didn't know I started to paint "spots" today...so when he walked in from work I was in the kitchen:
him: "Well someone was busy today!"
me: "Yes, I was...I made dinner, I ran errands..."
him: "I was referring to the spots. On the walls. What's with the spotty walls?"
me: "Ohhh, nothing. Just testing it out to make sure I liked it."

I didn't tell him I also "spotted" the upstairs. I waited for him to see it first (why give away the surprise too soon, right?) He gets upstairs:
him: "Hoooooney..."
me: "Do you like it?"
him: "Do I have a choice?"
me: "Uhmmm"

I often feel like Lucille Ball in I Love Lucy. (Who is my absolute IDOL!) "Erin, you've gotta lotta 'splaining to do!"

Except hubby doesn't have a Spanish accent! hehe.

Christmas in August

2010-08-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

Friday I did something I don't think I'll ever forget. I purchased ornaments, Christmas ornaments, in August. When it was all said and done, I had four carts of ornaments.

Now, to my defense:
a) the ornaments were sold in boxes that didn't bend (I tried)
b) they were big boxes ('cause they had big ornaments in 'em)
c) the carts were small (obviously not designed with large purchases in mind. I'm going to suggest they look into Cosco-sized carts.)
d) I'm decorating a 12' tree
e) 'nuff said.

The lady checking me out looked like I had four heads (one for each cart?). "Wow, you're going to have one heck of a tree!"...I blushed and said, "oh, this is only round one". hehe

Thankfully I wasn't alone and had help pushing the carts and loading up the car. The store manager, Nate, and I are now on a first name basis. Actually, when I was in the store a few nights earlier, he gave me the heads up on the ornament sale. Score!

...and to all a good night!

Bargain shopping

2010-08-05T04:56:00.000-07:00

About a month ago I purchased this lamp from Home Depot for my reading corner.

Now, before I go further, I love this lamp. Its cute, functional and does a great job illuminating my pages.

However, I just got Pottery Barns clearance email, so I start looking around their site. And I find this.

And not only is it on sale. But its on sale for $7.99. I paid $45 for mine.

Now, I could feel bad that I didn't save more money, or that I should have waited. But here's the thing, I don't. Haha, I love my lamp- I might love it more if it were less expensive...but I still heart my lamp!

Good thing I found this though, 'cause I wanted to put another one somewhere else in the house...

Happy bargain hunting!

Fun Find

2010-08-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

I guess this could come in handy when you want to hide your habit from your children?

Cheers!

Birthday shopping

2010-08-02T14:18:00.000-07:00

The biggest National Holiday (that's only celebrated in my family) is upon us...yes, in 13 days, my birthday will be here!

I went out birthday shopping today with my mil and got the most wonderful mirror for our foyer that I've been eying for a very long time (and, of course, when I open it on my birthday I will be shocked! surprised! and just as teary eyed as I was when I picked it up today!)

But, since I am who I am, I went to the Tiffany's website to poke around and see what's new. (It would seem the hubs has taken his name off the mailing list. We used to get the catalogs all the time, and I would circle what I liked, and leave it promintely displayed on his desk) Anyway, I came across this beautiful bracelet today.

Enjoy the eye candy!

Vinylmation

2010-07-30T06:57:00.001-07:00

Vinyl-what?!

Vinylmation is Disney's new collectible series. The hubby and I have been bit by the bug since last year and we started our collection for my birthday. (In case you were wondering, my birthday; which is a National Holiday in our house and family; is August 15th!)

Anyway, when we were just down in Disney to celebrate my sisters birthday, we got a little Vinylmation-crazy. We doubled our collection during our four day Disney vacation; going from 13 to 25! hehe.

The pieces we purchased in the parks were all designed by Disney imagineers or designers...but, check out this site of an artist who designed his own!

So here, check out our new favorite collection!

Facebook

2010-07-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

Check out Erinteriors Facebook page!

Wanna be friends?

Staging tips

2010-07-29T18:03:00.001-07:00

If you're getting ready to sell your house, check out these tips for staging your home!

Fun Find

2010-07-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

First, let me apologize for skipping Bargain Shopping yesterday. (I know how sad that must have made you...) You wouldn't believe though how busy life can get some times! (Well, actually, I'm sure you can- however; no excuse!)

To make up for my lack of blogging yesterday, I've decided to start ANOTHER weekly blog topic, Fun Finds! (I figure, since my life was so hectic that I couldn't do one post...I'd add another- yes, makes perfect sense!)

Can I get a "woot" from the crowd? Thank you!

Okay, so I was just poking around ZGalleries website and found these super hilarious Food Face Plates. Who knew playing with your food could look so cute?!

Tray day!

2010-07-27T18:37:00.000-07:00

Have noticed that everywhere you look people are using trays?! (You haven't noticed? Well then you just aren't looking close enough; here. Lemme help you out...) We will start our tray-tour with some reasonably priced pieces...all the way up to less, er, reasonably (?) priced pieces (you know what I'm trying to say, those supa dupa pricey pieces...)

Lets start with a fun one from CB2.com (Crate and Barrels less expensive little brother store...)
- How cute is their scroll red tray? (Also comes in white; oooh! Yes please!)

Over at ZGallerie.com they've got the CUTEST white peacock tray! How great would this look on a black coffee table? Or leaned on your mantel against the wall? Oooh, the possibilities!

Check out Macy's Nambe Handled Tray. As luck would have it, I cannot copy the picture, but trust me. Take a few seconds to click on the link and you'll be in love. Its sleek. Its modern. Its perfect. Ahh, a work of art all by itself!

And, since we are talking about trays today, why not point out a super cute (and functional!) ice cube tray from ThinkGeek.com.

Happy tray day!

Pillow link

2010-07-22T05:03:00.001-07:00

I didn't realize I forgot to post the link to the Pottery Barn pillows from yesterday's bargain shopping!

Sorry!

Here's the link in all its bargain-worthy glory!!

Bargain shopping

2010-07-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

So I'm wandering around some websites to find some great buys for my bargain shopping today. If you read my past b.s. post (HAHA! I didn't even realize the abbreviation was b.s.! hehe; okay, moving on!)

There was a comment (from my oldest friend) that even though the price on the lamp was a "bargain"...it would be hard to convince her hubby to spend $299 on a lamp. I totally agree.

Which is why today's bargain shopping post is an actual bargain that people (like, everyone I know) can actually afford!

Drum roll please...

I found these under the sea pillows from overstock.com and thought, "Gosh, $19.99 a pillow, that's a great price for such cute pillows!" and then I started poking around other sites to see how expensive they were. I hit a wall. I couldn't find another pillow even similar. Untiiiiiiil I got to Pottery Barn's site.

SIMILAR pillows from POTTERY BARN for only, (hold your breath!) $11.99! WHA?!

Now that's a bargain!

Col, show the hubs and let me know what he thinks about this weeks find!!

Did you see "Up"?

2010-07-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the hubs for finding this blog which featured this gorgeous wedding!

Enjoy browsing; I liked the invitation best and thought the little "balloons" on their cake were perfect bite-sized pieces of candy-goodness!

How beautiful was the bride?!

Bargain shopping

2010-07-14T06:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the very first post of Bargain Shopping on Erinteriors! (wahoo!!)

This morning the light bulb went off.

You know when you read Vogue or Cosmo and they have one page that shows that celebrities wear (and the prices they paid) and then a more reasonably priced alternative for the layman?

I figured I would start Bargain Shopping Wednesdays after looking for a floor lamp and coming across identical lamps, with a huge price tag difference! My philosophy, why pay more?

(insert drum roll please)

First lamp is from ethanallen.com. Its their retro photographers lamp; and its funky, vintage-looking and perfect if you have $599 to drop on a lamp. But, since its Bargain Shopping Wednesday, check out ZGallerie.com's studio tripod floor lamp for only $299!!

If you were putting this lamp in your family room, imagine what else you could buy with $300!!

Christmas in July!

2010-07-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

I received an invite from the Design Centre to attend their Christmas in July presentation. And so, I strapped on my jingle bells, turned up 'Silent Night' on the ipod and drove into a winter wonderland on Friday.

It was fantastic!

I got lots of ideas I can't wait to share with you on the blog (when I do them, of course!). Because I got so many awesome ideas, I had to have a little talk with the hubs about decorating this year. It went something like this:

me: Honey, I don't want to use any of our family ornaments this year
him: Really?
me: Yes.
him: Ok.

That's what I love about him; very easy going...its good to be that way when your married to a (self-diagnosed) control-freak. Ahhh yes, to give you an idea of my Christmas plans...think Wednesday Addams.

Swooooon

2010-07-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

So I found this chair at Pier 1 and I start drooling. Then I realize something; I have no place in our house to put this chair. And then, it hits me. Like a ton of bricks.

We should move.

Then I realize, that's a little extreme for one chair. So I'll buy two.

This is when I realize I should stop reading the Shopaholic series because I'm taking after the main character a little too much...

All of this happens within five seconds in my brain.

I walk away from the chair, out of the store, got into my car and drove home. When I walked into the house, it hits me. I LOVE our home. I will never move just for a super sweet chair. (But for two super sweet chairs...)

Cookie of the Day

2010-06-21T12:57:00.001-07:00

If this photo doesn't make you want to lick your computer screen, you might want to check your pulse.
You wanna lick it, don't you? Here's the recipe....

A week behind...

2010-06-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

I usually watch Army Wives; and then record the next week. Well, mama's been a little busy and didn't think after the last episode, I should record the next weeks episode; which left me a week behind.

Well, I had an opportunity tonight to catch up on my missed episode. OMG; so glad I recorded it!

When Michael and Frank are singing to the baby to get her to sleep...HAHAHAHAHAHA! That was fantastic...I just enjoy this show so much :)

Meant to be

2010-06-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

Recently our Target started giving out coupons at random. I asked the cashier one day what I had to do to get one of the coveted random coupons. She said, "uhm, I dunno". "Oh. Okay. Thanks for clearing that up for me!"

Every time I'd check out of Target I'd have my fingers crossed that I'd get one of the magical coupons. (Yes, I started to build them up in my head as being magical- don't judge!) One day, after many weeks of finger crossing, I get one!

HOORAY!

"Buy three Lean Pockets, save .75". Oh. Not as magical as I was hoping for, but at least I've broken the spell. I quickly file it away in my coupon organizer (which, if you don't have one, I highly suggest investing in it...best $1.50 I've spent!)

About a week later, I check out of Target (yes, I might have a slight obsession with Target, but seriously, who doesn't?) and GUESS WHAT?! The magical coupon printer pops out another coupon! Figuring it was another Lean Pocket coupon, I just asked the lady to put it in the bag with the receipt. (If it was as lame as the last coupon, I didn't want to cry in public, I'd rather do it in the safety of my own home...)

So I get home, unpack and look at the receipt and coupon. My eyes bugged out of my head a little. "Free 8x8 Shutterfly photo book, up to $29.99 value!"

WHAT?! I didn't even cross my fingers! This is fantastic! This is amazing, oh gosh, I might faint! I steady myself on the counter, and then realize, now I can print out my portfolio, in a hawt little book...for FREE!

And that's exactly what I did. I uploaded photos, dragged and dropped them in the photo book, entered the code at the bottom of my magical coupon and that was that! All I paid for was shipping!

I couldn't have been more excited when, in less than five days, guess what shows up in our mailbox?! My portfolio! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! It is beautiful and shiny and perfect.

Thank you Target and your magical coupon printer for helping me out when I needed it most! Somethings really are meant to be!

Mothers and daughters

2010-06-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

Growing up we had our biological aunts, and then our parents friends who were such a big part of our lives, that they too got dubbed "aunt".

In high school, my parents became friends with Craig...who married Lynda, who had children the same time my parents did. Uncle Craig and Aunt Lynda have been there for it all...their oldest daughter is my age (I'm the youngest of three) and they have two children younger than me.

When my parents got married, Uncle Craig was one of their groomsmen even!

Since we grew up the street from each other, their oldest and I (since we were the same age) were besties. It wasn't until my family moved to Florida and Uncle Craig and Aunt Lynda's middle child, Caitlin, came to visit my sister for a week.

My sister became really busy during her visit and since it was summer and I was home, Caitlin and I suddenly realized, "hey, we have a lot in common..." and so a best friendship was born.

When I got married four years ago, Caitlin was in our wedding. The night of my bachelorette party, I made my three girls tank tops. My sisters said, "I'm the BIG little sister"...my other bridesmaids said, "We've been best friends since third grade"...and Caitlin's said "We've been best friends since I was in utero".

Caitlin comes and visits the hubs and I every chance she can, which is why our guest room is actually called "Caitlin's Room" (you know, until we have a kid and all...)

Last month Caitlin and her mom (my Aunt Lynda) came to have a girls weekend with my mom and I in Ohio! We took this photo in one of the shops on our town square (yeah, our town has a historic square, its soooooooo Norman Rockwell!)

How fun is it to see the mothers and daughters! I love this picture; the moms in the middle flanked by the kids :) It just makes me smile (oh, and for some reason, neither Caitlin or I is standing next to our mom, for some reason we switched moms for the photo!) haha

McDonald's meets West Elm

2010-06-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

Some McDonald's are getting face lifts! (I hope they don't go overboard like Joan Rivers- oh, while we are talking about Joan...have you seen her new show on TVLand, "How'd You Get So Rich?"...it is WONDERFUL! She's hilarious!) Moving on...

So McDonald's is getting updated, check this out. Looking at the pictures, it totally reminds me of West Elm (which, when the hubs and I took a lil' vaycay to Columbus, OH we went into West Elm and lemme tell you- swoooooon!)

This might sound funny, but my favorite part about the restaurant face lift is the Restrooms sign hanging from the ceiling...I heart that :)

What are your thoughts? Should McDonald's stay old school with plastic benches or branch out to a more modern, clean-line look?

Oh no, please, not another water heater!

2010-05-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

I came home from work today and as soon as I stepped inside the house I said to the hubs, "omg, it HOT in here!" he said, "I know, I just came back from a walk with Jack and realized it was toasty..."

So we look at the thermostat. 83. Inside. Its only 78 outside. Whaaaa?

We made dinner, and while eating realized it was still hot. Like, not getting cooler even though air was coming through the registers. Himph. A call was placed to my father-in-law. "heeeeeelp!"

Basically, we have no idea what's up with the a/c unit not working. I mean, our house is 8 years old. For the first year it sat vacant. Then had a homeowner for 1.5 years. Then sat vacant for another 1.5 years and now we've lived in it for 4. So really, our house is only like 5.5 years old (-ish)...

I'm just praying this isn't another hot water heater fiasco. Please GOD don't let it be another million dollar repair job!! (...and just when I was getting the basement steps to start looking nice....maybe that's the problem, maybe I should leave the basement steps alone. Maybe I'm messing up the houses mojo...?)

Oh Lord...being a h.o. (home owner) is hard and expensive. I mean, when things break, there ain't no body that's gonna come running to fix it (without charging you an arm and a leg anyway!)

Basement progress

2010-05-25T19:53:00.000-07:00

I promised pictures of the basement stair project and here they are:The scary soot-stained carpet (eek!)

Here's a progress photo...this was my first night of work. I got half of the steps uncovered from the terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad carpet, removed the carpet padding and pulled out tons of carpet staples...lemme be the first to tell you if you didn't already know, carpet staples are evil!

And, all the while I was pulling up the carpet, Jack sat at the top of the stairs with with favorite toy beside him and watched me. It was really cute :)

The next day I took off the railing and set it in the foyer. Jack wanted to investigate a little...
Gosh he's cute!

Another project...

2010-05-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

Back in January 2008 our hot water tank decided it was time to act up. We live in Ohio. No hot water, in winter (January no less) is NOT fun. So we call the repair man and several hundreds of dollars later, our tank is fixed. However the mess that was left made me wanna throw up.

The problem with the tank was that our burner (we have a gas tank) was covered in soot. The repair man had to clean all the soot off the burner. And that's where his cleaning skills stopped. He didn't think to put a drop cloth down. Or wear booties over his soot stained boots...so he tracked thick, black soot all over the basement, up the BEIGE (well, it was beige) carpeted stairs, on the hardwood and through the garage.

For two years I have cleaned those steps. I have scrubbed, vacuumed and even steam cleaned them. Nothing lifted the darn soot.

So, Friday night, I decided to take matters into my own hands, literally, and ripped up the carpeting. It was fantastic! Everything went well, 'til I got to the last step (which, apparently the installers used a super strength staple gun) because when I pulled, it finally gave, and I flew into the cement wall behind me. Its cool...I walked away with just a scrapped elbow, but still...

I got half way through Friday night, tearing up the padding and pulling the staples...Saturday I took the day off to watch the hubs play softball, shop with the moms and go out to eat...but yesterday morning I rolled up my sleeves and completed the task! Eek!

Its amazing to me what a difference having no soot-stained-carpeting makes!

Don't worry, pictures will come soon...now I have to paint 'em! I love having projects to work on!!

Swooooon

2010-05-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

Every day I'm at work I walk past this gorgeous lamp. Since like, er, December, I've been eyeing it and in February when we got our new bedroom furniture delivered I knew I had to have it.

You might be asking, "but Erin, it looks just like a regular lamp...what's the big fuss over?" Lemme start at the bottom up on this fine lamp.

First, the base. Its not too big, not too small. Its a perfect size/shape for the area in our bedroom which has been left empty for the arrival of this perfect illumination creation.

Second, the crystal ball just below the lamp shade. Its perfect. When the lamp is lit, it will cast off a beautiful shimmer of amazing light into our bedroom, making it that much more wonderful.

Third, the lamp shade. Can we just say UH-MAZING?! Lets start with the wonderful PURE WHITE color (which so few lamps offer anymore, many are "antique white" or "glacier white", not just pure, not messed around with WHITE!) Then, lets take into consideration the perfect shape of the shade (which matches perfectly with the two already pure white drum shades I have on our nightstands).

Bottom line, this lamp is going to be mine. First I had to verify stock in the computer, then locate it in the stock room...and now I'm just waiting for the new shipment of merchandise to be moved away enough that I can reach it and its GOING HOME WITH ME!!

Eeeek! Pictures to follow!

Basement buddy

2010-05-07T06:52:00.001-07:00

One of my new favorite things is working in my new home office...I've relocated to the basement to have more space to layout drawings and guess what, its HAWT.

But, here's why its my new favorite, because every time I'm down here working, Jack is laying right beside me with a toy.

When I'm down here at night, he's curled up in a blanket on the floor next to me...and during the days he lays on top of my feet...I just love it :)

Even though our basement isn't finished, I've laid down several area rugs which helps give a more "homey" feeling, rather than the gray cement foundation. Its just a cool space to hang out in and be productive.

Oh, and guess what?! I've got a water-feature! You know, some offices have fountains to greet you in their entrance, right...I have my own version of a fountain. Our sump pump! haha...its not the most attractive piece to look at, but I tell you what, hearing the running water all afternoon is really soothing :)

Now Ke$ha just came on satellite, "your love, your love is my drug..."

Too busy

2010-05-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been too busy sometimes that you forget to pee? Well, you realize you have to pee, but your mind keeps moving and your limbs follow and pretty soon you're either in a puddle or ready to explode?

Right, the puddle hasn't happened to me yet...but if you've noticed, I didn't post the whole month of April. Lemme say that again, THE WHOLE MONTH OF APRIL, not one post! WTF?!

"But Erin, what have you been doing to keep you so busy that you forget to pee?" I know your asking...well, work is giving me lots of hours and I'm doing some other things which is awesome! Things are lining themselves up and for that, I'm thankful.

I know this is crazy short, but you know what...at least I posted something for May...haha. So maybe I won't post anything else for the month!

BTW, have you caught the show The Marriage Ref on NBC? Oh gosh, I love that show and the crazy people they have on it...seriously, it makes me bust out laughing every time we watch it :)

Clinique green to Languid Blue...

2010-03-27T13:51:00.000-07:00

So, after I raved about the Clinique green I was going to paint the bathroom, I had a change of heart.

When I'm with a client or talking to someone about their home, its always so easy for me to help them make a decision and give them that extra pat on the back they need for encouragement to help them know they are making the right decision.

I on the other hand become a great big fickle mess with my own house, which is why its taken almost four years for it to become exactly what I wanted. Yes, I said FOUR years. Seriously...

So I went from Clinique green, which, honestly I would have gotten the paint mixed right away except I had an EEK-moment one morning while using my toner. (What does any of this have to do with paint? Go with me...)

The Clinique green I wanted was the green of my face wash bottle. A simple, light, translucent green. One morning I was applying my toner (or, as Clinique calls it "exfoliating lotion"...whatevs) I looked at the "Clinique green" cap and realized I hated that shade of green. And, what if that is the color of my bathroom?

I had a mini panic attack.

I didn't want my toner cap green. I wanted my face wash green. How would the paint person at Home Depot know the difference? Maybe my face wash color green, when mixed with a white base turned into the toner cap green? I couldn't have that. I just couldn't take that risk.

So, I thought. Long and hard about what I was going to do about this green debacle. Because seriously, that's what this had turned into, a freakin' DEBACLE!

I realized that I've always liked blue...not baby blue, but like a light blue with gray undertones. I pulled out my Sherwin Williams fan deck and went to work.

So I pick a blue and then get to work with the accessories and draperies and that TOO was another mess...because I found this panel from Pier 1 that I loved (and since I looked at it everyday, I really talked myself into it...but it had the blue liked and the brown matched the brownie-batter wall color in the bedroom, so it worked) but then today I was in Bed Bath and Beyond with my cousins and found this panel, which I bought.

(Yes, its totally a shower curtain, but its going in a bathroom...and who says just because its "supposed" to be a shower curtain you can't use it as a...throw blanket? I mean, really...rules were made to be broken...)

I was so proud of myself for seeing something, really liking it and just buying it. I know that sounds stupid, but when you're like me...and my fickle-self, finding something and immediately knowing you can't live without it...thats a major milestone in my week!

Now I've got the paint mixed and ready to go too! OMGAW, I cannot WAIT for tomorrow! Pictures to follow sooooooon!