the happy living Blog

putting fires out : a swanky fire extinguisher

I have a confession to make.  Many times when I am using our range I leave the oven or the stove top on after I am finished cooking.  Tonight I left the broiler on.  Luckily I had to put my piece of salmon back in the broiler because it wasn't quite finished.  The second time I took it out I remembered to shut the broiler off.

Thankfully we have never had a fire, not even a grease fire.  I am beginning to think my luck might run out and we had better get a small fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen.

HomeHero sells pretty cool looking fire extinguishers that I wouldn't mind putting in my kitchen prominently.

They also sell a 2 in 1 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm.

Sexy.  I know it's not so fun to think about these things but isn't it better to be prepared?  You can purchase both of these products at Home Depot.  Be safe.  And remember to turn off your ovens. :)

Design on a Dime presented by Real Simple

Today and tomorrow, Real Simple– along with co-chairs Maggie Gyllenhaal, designer James Huniford and Real Simple’s managing editor Kristin van Ogtrop -- are hosting the fourth-annual Design on a Dime charity event to benefit Housing Works, the nation's largest community-based AIDS-service organization.

The kick-off party was yesterday (sorry I didn't get this up sooner) and today and tomorrow's events are free and open to the public.  It is being held at the Metropolitan Pavilion at 125 West 18th Street, NYC.

During the event, thirty top-tier designers—including Sills Huniford, Thom Filicia, Charlotte Moss and Jamie Drake—will create breathtaking, one-of-a-kind room vignettes. People will be able to purchase the items in the vignettes at 60-80% off the retail price and all proceeds from the sale will benefit Housing Works.

Founded in 1990, Housing Works provides housing, medical care, job training and other lifesaving services to homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.

Shopping for a cause.  I like that.

quilts and miniature quilts

Ever since I was in architecture school I have been mildly obsessed with quilts.  My family is not a quilting family.  We are great sewers, seamstresses and pattern makers, but unfortunately I don't know a single quilt was ever made on either side.  My whole thesis project in my last year of school was based on the idea of the quilt as the journal of the family and how the house also became a record of the family.  I made these paper quilts early on.  It combined my obsession with quilts and paper into one activity.  I was lucky to marry INTO a quilt-making family and we have two quilts handmade by the boy's granny and aunt.  But enough about me.

I was at the Traditional Home Show this year and came across Kate Adams' miniature quilts.  Oh my.  They are gorgeous.  And really mini!  The designs and detail are amazing.  You should check them out.  She has a great gallery of larger and small quilts, patriotic designs, samplers and Amish patterns.  These below are either 9 inches by 9 inches or 7 inches by 9 inches.  Enjoy!

a programming note

I am not sure if it's typepad or my email but I am not getting copied via email on all comments.  I tend to either reply via email when I receive the notice from typepad or comment in the actual post, but I am now replying to all comments in the posts.  Just an FYI.

peace.

recent travels: Warroad, MN and Baltimore, MD

Pretty much in one weekend I made it to Warroad, Minnesota and Baltimore, Maryland.

Thursday morning I flew out to Minneapolis, took a twin-prop plane up to Warroad, spend the rest of Thursday and most of Friday touring the Marvin window factory with a bunch of other architects, then flew back down to MSP and arrived back in Philly at 12:30 AM on Saturday morning just as the boy was arriving home from Atlantic City.  I unpacked and then repacked on Saturday morning and we mozeed on down to Wilmington, DE to grab some lunch and then on to Baltimore for a one-night stay. 

Warroad is not the most exciting place on earth (neither is West Chester, PA for that matter) but the people there couldn't be nicer and the tour of Marvin Windows was mind-blowing.  I love seeing how things are made and this was way better than the Herrs Potato Chip Factory tour.

I haven't been to Baltimore in over 14 years.  It would be an understatement to say it has changed.  We took the water taxi around the harbor and walked around Fels Point.  We ate at an amazing tapas restaurant called Pazo in the East Harbor/Fels Point area.  Did I say it was amazing?  Sunday we slept late, had breakfast, walked over the lighthouse and headed on home.

It was actually quite amazing to be in two such distinct places in such short a period.  We have an amazingly gorgeous country and a lot to be thankful for.

decluttering furniture

I finally bought a couch for our living room.  I have had this couch on my list for awhile and just needed time to think about it and also wait for our budget and the department store sale to converge.  We haven't received it yet as it is on backorder.  Waiting doesn't bother me that much.  It just gives us more time to figure out what to do with the frat-house-futon that the new couch is taking the place of.

Yea, it's musical furniture in our house.  The boy doesn't like to throw things or give things away too much.  It is a constant struggle between us.  I have been accused of taking some items to Goodwill that I was not given permission to.  I admit, it is a possibility.  When I get to bagging things up, some things just get swept up in the frenzy.  In all fairness though, I have brought some random pieces of furniture into our home over the years.  Sometimes they stay and sometimes they don't.

We have a mish-mash of furniture: a dining room table and chairs that was my great grandmother's, a living room set from Strawbridges (now Macy's), bertoia chairs from ebay, heywood wakefield and lane tables also from ebay, a little roll-top desk that belonged to someone in my dad's family, a $10 chair from a strip-mall antique store in Rehoboth, DE and of course some Ikea pieces.

Some things we will always have and others served a purpose at some point but I am looking forward to upgrading, getting something more useful or just making a better choice this time around and getting something that I love that will be a classic to me.  I am slowly becoming more thoughtful about what I spend my money on, although I do have my moments of what I call Target-induced unconscious spending. Fortunately they are becoming rarer (and I also live further away from big box stores than I used to).  Two other things have happened to me (us) over this past year.  First, we moved into what we consider our long-term house.  Second, I think it has just been over the past couple of years that I have really developed a sense of what my own style is and more importantly come to an understanding of my lifestyle as a wife, an architect, a house-keeper and all the other roles that I play in making a home.

All of the things above are just now coming together and it is causing me to pause everytime I think "Oh, I want that piece of furniture".  And if I buy said piece of furniture does something else need to leave?  We are lucky to have ebay and craigslist which enable us to in essence recycle our unwanted things.  At least they are not going into a landfill.  But do I necessarily want my house to become a revolving door of tables and chairs?  There is always a bit of rotation and editing in decorating.  But with the major pieces I want some permanence.

I think I have rambled on long enough and will end there.  All this came about because I wanted to buy this today, but did not.  I still haven't decided on whether or not to get it.  I'll let you know. ;)

crazeee

I am going out of town on Thursday and Friday to Warroad, Minnesota.  Why I am going there?  To visit the Marvin window factory.  For work.  I am half regretting it because the lows at night there are still in the upper 20's and low 30's and I am getting used to the unseasonably warm weather we have been having here in Philly (except for the past couple of crappy days).  But I am looking forward to being away from work and meeting some new fellow architects.  Then the boy and I are going to Baltimore overnight on Saturday for an extended date night.  I will be checking out the excellent Baltimore Design Guide over at Design Sponge before we go.  If anyone has any up to date recommendations for Baltimore please send them my way.  We are staying at the Marriot at the Inner Harbor but are not against venturing out away from the tourist areas.  And...

Erin has a new Inspiration E-Zine out.

Susan has some gorgeous pantry porn.

Jennifer is giving away one of her delicious LOVE prints.  I am partial to the watermelon.

Saffron Marigold has some new beautiful Lavender printed textiles.

Katie Hutchison is seeking projects to feature in her upcoming book about small retreats.

What a group of lovely chickadees.  I will be back on Monday.  Can you believe it is almost May already?

myperfectcolor : the blog

I have mentioned Myperfectcolor before when I was looking for that perfect Martha Stewart green that my friend used in her kitchen.  They are a New Jersery based retailer that matches colors from every paint company and can even make colors that are discontinued like that perfect green.

They have been blogging since January and I am enjoying their posts.  God knows we have a lot of painting to do around here and I need all the help I can get.  There's a fun one titled How to paint and save your marriage in three easy steps....  What I love most about Myperfectcolor are their 16 oz. sample cans.  All this, and now they are offering free shipping on orders over $50!  Yes, you can get all your paint samples and full size cans of paint delivered right to your door.

shop : read

Check them out and happy painting!

The Sky Isn't Visible from Here

I recently read Felicia's book The Sky Isn't Visible from Here.  It is the only book that I have actually started and finished in less than a week since we went to Europe last September.

There is a quote from another author (Janice Erlbaum) on the book jacket about Sky that says "This book will break your heart, and make it stronger."  I am not an eloquent or accomplished writer and cannot think of a more perfect way describe Felicia's book.  It is a wonderous thing that we as people can endure so much and yet still find a way to a better place.  It (she) is a testament to the resilience of the human mind and heart, I think.

duty and the earth : roadmaps : spring cleaning

I did my civic duty today, or did I just exercise a right?  Either way I voted.  Honestly, I did it purely because I have the right to do so and think of all the oppressed people in the world still who would like to also have that right.  When I think of our government and politicians I don't get all warm and fuzzy but I still have hope in mankind.

And today is also Earth Day 2008.  And since I am being honest I did not really do anything to celebrate.  Well, I did forego the paper cozy at Starbucks this morning and I walked to the voting place.

Some housekeeping...I have a new email address.  It is erinn at happylivingdesign dot com.  It is all part of, as a former colleague put it in a recent email, taking 'happy living Design, LLC' to the next level.  I also have my talented cousin who is a graphic designer working on a HLD logo.  It's all about your 'brand', ya know. 

Speaking of business stuff and following your dreams, Erin has a great new series called Roadmaps on her blog.  She just recently quit her day job and if you are thinking of doing the same to pursue another career or turn a passion into business you might like to check it out.  It compliments what is going on at decor8 and Creative Thursday.  All good ladies, all good stuff.

It's spring!  And there is sun and I have a farmer tan to prove it.  This past Saturday we went fishing and canoeing up in Coal Country, PA with the boy's dad (my FIL) and Poppy (his grandfather).  Do you think any other Dwell subscribers fish while reading the latest issue?  I caught one fish but it wasn't big enough to keep.

Do any of you actually do Spring Cleaning at your home?  I always have great intentions of accomplishing a great big Spring Cleaning Checklist on a sunny Saturday but it never happens.  I think it is hard for most of us to have large blocks of time to get through a big checklist.  Somehow the important things get done around here (most of the time!) but just at our own pace.  We whittle away at our list and projects, sometimes with a big spurt of energy here and there.  When it comes down to it though, I really need to visit with my 90 year old grandmother and my windows will still be there when I get back.  I am sure of it.

renovate! : abranowicz home

I have to apologize for the quality of the photos.  This project (another one of my all-time favorite renovations) is from Martha Stewart Living, September 2003.  The only photos I have are directly from the article that I tore from the magazine.  And since the article was photographed by William Abranowicz himself (my all-time favorite photographer) it seems like a crime to put these pictures up in such a quality (or lack there of) but I really wanted to show this project to you and hope that you still enjoy it.

The original house, in Westchester County, NY (just north of Manhattan) was a 1940's ranch.  Not too much to get excited over but they saw the potential both in the house and the property it sits on.

The house, after.  Still a very simple house form, but the richness of the exterior materials gives the it a solid and streamlined feel.  I love the dark window trim next to the cedar shake siding.  Also the new main entrance porch gives you a better sense of the 'arrival' to the home.  I also appreciate that there is not a sea of asphalt in the courtyard in front, just some crushed stone.

Before and after of the garage, turned into the office.  I could work there!

Floor plan.  Another thing I love about this renovation is that they added very little square footage to the existing house, just enough to make the spaces work a little better.

It was this article that sold me on the idea of black cabinets.  Set against the marble countertops, I think it is really elegant but family friendly, still, after 5 years.

Cubbies in the front entry and Danish modern dining table in the kitchen.

The photos hung in identical frames in the hall make it a destination, a place to linger, rather than just a space to pass through.  I love that and the simple light fixtures.  You can find similar ones here.

Living Room.  According to the article, the small jars on the shelf (left photo) contain sand from every beach that the family has traveled to.  A sweet idea.

Master Bedroom.

Home Office of Andrea Raisfeld, Bill's wife.

I see many family dinners out on the screened-in porch!

Credits: All the photos are from the article originally published in Martha Stewart Living, September 2003 and were taken by William Abranowicz.

beautiful things :: Saffron Marigold

You must see these beautiful hand-crafted and block printed bedspreads, duvet covers, curtains and more over at Saffron Marigold.  I love the sari-inspired prints and the bright colors.

So pretty and so affordable.  Their 26" x 26" cushion covers are $20!  Saffron Marigold also supports Fair Trade.  I received the most lovely email from Anisha about how Saffron Marigold came to be and just had to tell you about it. 

I love these early weeks of spring when I first begin to get home from work before the sun has set and get to see the afternoon light in the house.  Something as simple as sunlight has a dramatic effect on my disposition and outlook.  I feel more hopeful.  Hopeful for more spring, hopeful for tax season being over and getting my husband back, hopeful for more sun and warmer days.

Wishing you hope.  and peace.  and joy.

a new blog :: Dear Cottage Living

"Great curb appeal is not about the size or style of your home, but making the most of what you already have."

Have any questions about or need help with suggestions on your home's curb appeal?  Write to architect Hoyte Johnson and Cottage Living editor Rex Perry at the new blog at Cottage Living.  Or just have fun checking out sweet cottages.

some wonderful acquisitions

Where have I been this time?  On the right corner of our couch.  I came down with the nastiest upper respiratory infection ever.  I feel like I have literally lost 4-5 days of my life since I could not read, surf the web or even catch up on my knitting.  I am back at the day job today and feeling much better but still a bit slower than usual.  We are expecting some warm and sunny weather here over the next few days, so I am hoping some sunshine will help me get back to myself.

I am wayyyy backed up relative to blog posts and blog love to send around.  I wanted to share a few recent and favorite purchases from some wonderful artists and designers.

Wood Oval on Matte Chain Necklace by Sulu-Design and the lovely Susan from Portland by way of New York City.  I love her pieces and am proud to finally be an owner.  Her shop and her blog.  Photo by Sulu-Design.

Eames Rocker Pregnancy Journal by Anna Cote of Modern Printed Matter, for a friend.  Find Anna's gorgeous goods at her shop and at the National Stationery Show 5/18-21 at booth 2054.  Photo by Modern Printed Matter.

And last but certainly not least, Roots -- Spring Prints Set by Port 2 Port Press in collaboration with Lena Corwin.  I do not actually have this in my possession yet and cannot wait for them to arrive.  Photo from Port 2 Port Press.