Sandy's Design Blog

Dress Up Your Bookcase

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 18:28:00 +0000

These house-bound days during the long Ohio winter make me feel a bit antsy and I am frequently looking for something to do inside that will add a bit of spark and light to life.

Lucy Interior Design

I love the feeling of a good bookshelf purge and organizing session and I thought I would share a few ideas for dressing up shelves and bookcases to make them appear more interesting, unique, and vibrant.

Anna Melnikova

I’m a minimalist at my core – I adhere to the “less is more” philosophy so most of what I am drawn to are things that I think are treatments that are fun and designs that will endure over time.

Source - unknown via Pinterest

Paint, wall covering, leather and fabric are all great ways to treat the inside of bookcases.

I especially like the wall covering idea because it is an easy way to incorporate some texture and pattern.

Marcus Design Inc.

Why would you ever have a boring bookcase when you can kick it up a notch and create something interesting???

Martha O'Hara Interiors

Marika Meyer

Be on the lookout – I'm predicting more painted finishes on furniture, mill-work, and BOOKCASES.

House of Turquoise

Painted bookcases with a contrasting interior – I think it’s coming back into fashion.

Better Homes and Gardens

What do you think? Ready to open a can of paint or buy a roll or two of wall covering. I say - be bold, and just go for it!

La Belle Vie

Have fun with it - happy decorating!

Chicks in the Yard

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 15:22:00 +0000

Bella

We are 2-1/2 years into our city chicken adventure and it feels like it is time to share a quick update on "The Girls" and their progress (or should I say our progress) with chicken life in the city. We adore them as do most of our neighbors and the neighborhood kids. Some days I go out to check on the girls and the children have lined up their little chairs against the fence to chat with the chicks. I love opening the nest box and letting the kids reach in and collect eggs to take home for their breakfast the next day. How great! Making memories.

We currently have 11 girls comprised of mostly Heritage breeds:

Morning in the yard

2 - Delaware

2- Buff Orpington

2- Dominique

2 - Easter Egger

3 - Barnevelder

The breeds, and then the individual girls, each have their own characteristics and personalities. Mostly adorable due to their endless antics but then there are the occasional times when I would like to tweak someone's beak for picking on their sister. Sound familiar?

Here's where the design comes into play - picked the breeds for a lovely egg basket

On a typical day the girls give us between 4-7 eggs. We share with neighbors, co-workers, and happy clients. A basket of fresh eggs is a thing of beauty and wonder. The eggs are rich with deep yellow yolks and make the best omelettes, deviled eggs, egg foo young, quiche, frittata, eggs in hell, scotch eggs, potato salad, ... the list goes on.

Birds of a Feather - The 3 Barnevelders - Sable, Suri and Sasha

Bella waiting for me to take her off the roost

We have lost two chicks so far. I have been to the Aviary vet twice - once for a crop issue and once for a sprained wing. Every summer a few girls decide that they would like to be a Mom and they start brooding and sitting on the eggs. Persistence is required to break the brooding and get them off the nest. While brooding they sit inside the coop on the next box day in and day out waiting to hatch little ones - not eating much and not drinking. In this heat it could spell disaster.

The mad rush for breakfast

We worm them occasionally. I sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth on the roosts to protect their feet. We give them oyster shell and grit all the time. The breakfast buffet usually consists of pasta, a little cheese, ear of corn, kale, yogurt and some scratch. I check them in the afternoon and they run to greet me, excited for their snack of greens.

Lately Steve has been letting them out in the big yard to roam and scratch for about 10 minutes before bedtime. 11 chicks will eat every blade of grass in their enclosure so they really need some good grass time. Just before bed (sunset) is ideal because they will always go home to roost - it's easy at dusk to get the 11 bodies to come home. Ever try to chase a chick that wants to stay out and play? Not an easy task.

We have three levels of containment for them.

THE COOP - most safe (designed by my wonderful architect husband) so far the coop has the best security with 2 wire covered vents at the top for air flow, a window, a pop door, a service door, a man door, three nest boxes, and two roosts with 2 layers of open wire below (easy clean up.)

Our coop with attached run

THE RUN - semi-safe - wood framed, wire covered sides, with a poly-carbonate roof. We attached wire on the outside at the bottom edge, bent it out 15" or so, and then let the grass grow up through it. This technique makes it much harder for animals to dig under and get to the girls. In the winter we add poly-carbonate panels to the outside walls providing protection from the snow and wind.

THE FENCED YARD - day safe - large chain link fenced area with two pine trees, and aviary netting over the top of everything. The man door on the coop opens out into the fenced yard. They hang out here all day, scratching away, sitting under the trees, and enjoying life. We have trapped two raccoons over night in this area and we had a small hawk find its way into the yard. This part is not safe at night but works pretty well to protect them during the daylight hours.

Iris

They are a blast. We love having them. They give us yummy eggs and crazy, amazing fertilizer for the garden.

The garden with chick compost

Now for the biggest challenges or draw backs:

We have to be home at dawn and dusk - always, always, always. Lock them up or loose them. Who doesn't like to eat chicken??? Predators abound in our neighborhood.

Ella Fitzgerald

It's just about impossible to vacation - it's not like you can take 11 chickens and board them. We are home bound. Be late to lock them up, forget to close the window or a door...it's trouble. It's a lot to ask of a friend or someone in the family. We haven't figured this part out yet...and the beach is calling me....

We love them. Ella will nuzzle into my neck and sit with me for hours. Come on, how can you not love that?

Send us questions if you have any. We are not experts but are happy to share what we have learned so far.

Thanks for reading about our "girls" and our chick adventures!

Happy Chicks!

PS - let us know if you would like to know about how we worked with our city to keep our girls. The city was awesome - they just needed a bit of good info to work with.

Beginning My Love Affair...with linen

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:36:00 +0000

I have a new obsession - it's with linen fabric. I love it. I am totally smitten. Why?? Because it is FABULOUS!!! The look, the "hand," the durability, the softness, the breath-ability and the renew-ability all contribute to making linen a wonder fabric.

Why haven't I noticed how amazing linen is before now? I have linen drapes in my office. I have a few antique linen table cloths that I use from time to time. I have one or two linen shirts. So why the sudden obsession? I haven't seen the "good stuff," the really, really "good stuff," until now - Belgian Linen. I didn't know what I was missing.

Why is linen a wonder fabric?? Let's review a few of linen's inherent qualities.

Linen is a long staple fiber from the flax plant which yields a strong, durable fabric. Remnants have been found in tact that date back to Egyptian times and beyond.

Photos from Libeco-Lagae

Linen is smooth, lint free and does not pill. It is stronger when wet and the more you wash it, the better it feels.

Linen can absorb up to 20% of its weight in moisture before it begins to feel wet and quickly releases moisture, drying rapidly so that it works to keep you feeling cool.

Linen is a rapidly renewable plant with short growing cycle - just 100 days between sowing the seeds and harvesting the plant - root and all.

And then there is the simple beauty of the linen fabric. Gorgeous as a set of drapes, beautiful on a piece of furniture, comfortable as a set of sheets or duvet, super durable as a tote bag - the uses are endless - the finished products are just lovely.

Libeco-Lagae fabrics

It's now my "go to" for everything! I believe in Belgian Linen so much, and specifically the Libeco-Lagae product that I am now offering their wonderful products and their yummy fabrics to clients, family and designer friends.

Please contact me or visit my on line store if you would like more information and I would be happy to share my new found passion for this wonder fabric that is Belgian Linen and the Libeco-Lagae product.

Peace and Beauty.

Best Chair for a Tete-A-Tete

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:11:00 +0000

Growing up my parents had an unspoken rule. The minute my father walked through the door we children knew that we were to "disappear" to allow our parents time to chat and catch up on the day.

Heart Shaped Mua Swing

I don't ever remember being told to stay away for awhile - it was just understood. Most times I would linger just out of ear shot waiting for the signal that it was alright to join them.

In the spring and summer Mom would wait on the porch swing for Dad to arrive. In the fall and winter she would be waiting for him in the living room with a cozy fire burning, ready to share our successes and on some days - our antics.

It was such a wise thing that they did; reconnecting each evening, sharing their stories and being a couple. We learned from this to make time for our partner and to focus on spending some special time together each day. What a great example they were!

Today is Valentine's Day and my thoughts turn to romance and sharing love...as my parents did each day...and because I have a fascination with chair designs...I would like to share some fun pieces to consider for that special tete-a-tete.

Love this piece just for Valentine's Day - Christopher Guy

Japanese Dragon Tete-A-Tete Chair at auction

Flamenco Tete-A-Tete Chair

Anthropologie Axel Three Seater

What a great day dream - to be sitting here with my sweetie this Valentine's Day

North Bali - Villa Akasa Segara

Union Tete-A-Tete

Love, love, love this classic - Warren McArthur's "Tete-a-Tete," 1932

Wrought Iron Tete-A-Tete at auction

A classic Windsor - this would be the prefect style for my Mom and Dad

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

XX0X

It's a Red Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:12:00 +0000

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and I am feeling drawn to all things red.

For years my dining and living room were painted Ralph Lauren Barn Red. I loved it!

Here are a few images to get us in the mood for romance.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Mark Belford

Gucci Lizbeth

Chanel

Chocolate Covered Strawberries - my favorite Valentine's Day goodies

Red glasses add romance to a place setting

Farrow and Ball - Rectory Red

Fluted Red Roccoco Tulip

Crate and Barrel Fondue Set

Scalamandre Zebra Print Umbrella - my FAVORITE!!!!

Pottery Barn Mercury Glass Pillar Holders

KitchenAid Mixer

Pottery Barn Heart Dessert Dishes

Cute red side table from Pottery Barn - just a pop of red

Vertical Gardening

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:22:00 +0000

I am feeling the mid winter blues and catching the bug for vertical gardening.

I love the idea of planting edible plants but wonder if I would be able to keep them alive.

My girlfriend, Patti, in California has tons of succulents growing in her backyard garden and this year experimented by planting a variety of her succulent plants in a frame with chicken wire - it turned out wonderfully. Piece of art!

I do not have any sunny winter locations in my home so ... supplemental lighting?? Watering indoors?

Oh, but it's a wonderful dream for a mid winter day.

Exterior wall installation from ECO Walls

Green Over Grey

Make Be-Leaves

Nice way to ease into growing vertically on your wall by Articulture

Mario Batali's Pizzaria Mozza Edible Living Wall

The Green Head

The form for planting from Gardener's Supply Company.

Travel - Amanyara - Turks & Caicos

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:37:00 +0000

Being a designer has created a few challenges for me, most notably an ongoing struggle as my pocketbook and my desire to be surrounded by beautiful things are at odds. At home I am driven to be immersed in good design, and when I travel, I want to stay at gorgeous places.

Amanyara Resort - Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

Having this well-developed appreciation for good design creates an active filter as I experience everything. Can I just say it…I’m very picky!! I have heard on more than one occasion that buying a gift for me is challenging – sorry family and friends. When I travel I spend hours searching for accommodations that are fabulous. I can’t just stay anywhere – I am travel snob. Big time!

What am I looking for? I search for good design that won’t make my eyes hurt and interiors that won’t make me feel uncomfortable. I want to relax and enjoy just being where I am. Interior design – it’s not just a job – it’s more - it’s a lifestyle.

Last year we traveled to Turks & Caicos for our vacation and I loved it!! The beaches are wonderful, the snorkeling is fabulous, the climate – the best, the people are welcoming and gracious, good food and…LOVELY places to stay.

While we didn’t stay here at Amanyara (we rented a very private villa) I thought I would share a bit about this stunning resort on Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos. I think the design is wonderful. The various spaces relate well to one another, interior and exterior are seamlessly married, the furnishings are restful, tasteful and just plain beautiful, and my spirit hums when I see these images.

Amanyara Resort

Amanyara Resort - lovely!!

Amanyara Resort

Perhaps we will stay at Amanyara on our next visit - I can dream!

Another Furry Bench

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:20:00 +0000

Muffy Bench - Bradley Huges

My husband claims that things appear in two's or three's - case in point to support his theory - I just discovered this "Muffy" bench by Bradley Hughes just about a week after discovering the Jonathan Adler Mongolian bench (see my last post.)

It's another fun, furry bench that would add a bit of punch to almost any space.

The piece is handcrafted in the US and is made of Icelandic sheepskin on hand forged hammered iron legs. The gold feels a bit bright to me - I might prefer it in an antiqued gold.

Fun piece! What do you think?

Fun Bench from Jonathan Adler

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 13:27:00 +0000

X Bench by Jonathan Adler - Mongolian Leather from Edelman

Love this little 20" square "bench" by Jonathan Adler.

The lucite base makes it feel like it's floating. The Edelman Mongolian leather adds the kick and the fun factor.

Wouldn't this be great as a set of two at the end of a bed or in the dressing room?

I'll take two! :)

Pumpkin Love

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 21:41:00 +0000

I love that in the past few years we have been seeing more and more varieties of pumpkins appearing at local markets and garden centers.

The classic orange pumpkin still has a warm place in my heart but with a possible 85 or so varieties of pumpkins to choose from - hurray that we are see some new types for fall decorating.

Over the last few years I have been enamored with the white variety but after my visit today to the local garden center - these green ones may be my new favorite.

I have tried growing these in my garden over the last few years with...alas...little success. Sigh.

I have a few pictures from today's visit - what is your favorite color, shape, and size?? With 85 varieties the possibilities are endless.

Happy Fall decorating!!

Such a pretty table setting!!

Dish Obsession - mix and match

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:54:00 +0000

Dishes...you touch them every day, you use them all the time - why not have interesting, fun tableware????

Mix it up!! Antique pieces, patterns, solids - have fun!

These fun pieces (below) would be super versatile. Good for mixing and matching, great interesting shape. I think I need these. :)

Anthropologie has the best dishes!!!!

Curious Deciduous Dinnerware - Anthropologie

One thing that I do not have loads of, and that's on my wish list, is flatware. I love these pieces from Anthropologie. They would go well with loads of place settings.

Seaborne - Anthropologie

Crate and Barrel came out with a pre-mixed set of silverware about two years ago. Love this set too but would probably enjoy doing it myself at flea market - if I only had the time!!

Maxfield - Pottery Barn

Kerala - Terrain

Linium West - John Lewis

I think I should start making table linens and selling them...not crazy about what's out there "ready made." I have a love-hate relationship with table cloths anyway. I've been using runners...they're nice...I feel like there should be the next great idea out there...let me ponder the possibilities a bit more.

Wonderful Fall Table Decorations - be inspired!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 22:11:00 +0000

Paul Lowe/Photo by Linda Puligese

Fall is in the air and I am thinking about decorating the house and ... of all things ... dishes. I have a minor dish obsession and I change my dishes almost as much as I change my shoes. Changing dishes is so easy to do and it keeps me from feeling bored in the kitchen.

I start with two set of basic dishes; white and taupe. To mix things up I either add a colored dish or funky fun salad plate or bowl.

I hate matchy, matchy so here's the fun part, I stack/stagger the plates starting with the charger, the dinner plate, next the salad plate, and then sometimes finishing it off with a pretty bowl or an item on top of the salad plate. I mix the style of water goblet and wine glass to add interest. Add some great linens, flowers and candlelight and you have a gorgeous table.

It really doesn't take much effort and it keeps each season or occasion special and interesting. Luckily I have a great dish storage area in our basement. On one new construction project I made a dish room in my wonderful client's basement and at the time I wondered how someone could ever fill it...I'm well on my way at this point. :)

Enjoy a few fall table setting photos - enjoy!!

Photo from kitchenistry.com

Love the rosemary sprigs with ribbon

Charlotte Moss

Very earthy feeling

Simple setting with wicker charger, soft blue for an accent and a trailing of nuts for that fall feeling.

Fun Stand for Your Buffet Table

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 15:24:00 +0000

Sea grass Beverage Jar Stand - Sur La Table

I love to entertain and I am always looking for new (and inexpensive) ideas for table settings. A buffet table is much more appealing when the serving dishes are at different heights - voila'- the Sea grass Beverage Jar Stand from Sur La Table.

This earthy woven sea grass adds a texture that works across styles and palettes. Wouldn't this be a perfect stand for a summer BBQ with a jar of lemonade, or for a Memorial Day Picnic holding a beautiful fruit salad, or for Thanksgiving suspending a yummy pumpkin or apple pie?

Best news - it's on sale now. I just ordered 3!! :)

Happy Memorial Day!

Bernu Bench is a Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 21:42:00 +0000

Bernu Bench by Arcons

I seem to be in my "bench phase." I keep designing spaces with benches and finding great pieces to use.

Benches provide great seating options in a small footprint. You can sit down and spread out with all your bags or cozy up to lean on a friend.

This beautiful bench, the Benu, by Arconas has sleek lines, mixed materials and a great feel. I love it!!

What's a Style Maker???

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 02:01:00 +0000

Style. What is style? A means of expression? An idea? Is it natural? Is it crafted?

I recently returned from a Style Maker Summit and I am reflecting on all of these style questions as I strip layer upon layer of alligatored paint off of my old Craftsman style Bungalow. Stripping paint provides me with plenty of time for reflecting.

To me, style is developed over time, whether it be a personal style or a design style. Style is the compliation of our experiences blended together with our own inner voice. It's an essence or a feeling that shows in our manner, our physical objects, or our ideas.

What is your style? What makes your heart skip a beat and makes your soul humm?

I brought a few of my current favorites to the Style Maker Summit to share with the group. Here are my current favs.

TORTOISE SHELL

MOSS

BROWN APPEARING AS BLACK

ABALONE SHELL

A HUGE thank you to CAMBRIA for the opportunity to participate in the Style Maker Summit. Cambria is clearly a company with a philosophy that celebrates style in all the many ways style can be expressed. Bravo!

Complied pictures from the web. Thank you.

Great Versatile Light Fixture

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:37:00 +0000

Great fixture for a kitchen island or over a dining table.

Source: hammerton.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Awesome Chair for Tight Space

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 11:27:00 +0000

Affixed to the wall this foldable chair by Mitab provides instant seating. This is a great solution for those tight spaces where you need impromptu seating. Fun, space saving seating!

Design - It Should Delight

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:52:00 +0000

After an intense year of service for our local design community, followed by a bit of rest, I am feeling once again excited and energized by design.

While searching for a Southwest style rug for a new client I happened upon this charming Gabbeh rug on the website The Rugman Of Santa Fe.

This great lion motif adds an element of whimsy and delight to an otherwise simple rug. I think the fun lion element is what draws me to this piece and makes me want to incorporate this into my design - the color is pretty great too!

I think all of our rooms need something in them that makes us smile or gives us a moment of delight. It could be the pop of color in an otherwise monochromatic space, the unusual piece of furniture that draws the eye, a FAB architectural detail or something like this primitive sketch of a lion on a fun area rug that brings us joy and keeps us engaged in the design.

I am so happy to be soaking up fun design again and can't wait to share my design discoveries with everyone. Check back for more fun finds.

My Dish Addiction - New Find

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:24:00 +0000

<><> <><> <><>

Yellow Greek Key Dip Cup from The Mane Lion

There's something about the Greek Key motif that I am drawn to.

Look what I just discovered - The Mane Lion Greek Key serveware with a porcelain lion's head. How fun!!

All the colors in the line are rich and beautiful. The pieces are hand painted in Italy. These designs just speak to me.

Problem is...I just can't decide which color is my favorite.

Chocolate Platter with Lion's Head from The Mane Lion

Red Platter with Lion's Head from The Mane Lion

Blue Greek Key Shell, Chips and Dip

Great New Postage Stamps - Industrial Design

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:46:00 +0000

One of the cool new USPS Stamps

I like sending out letters, cards or even just a quick note. I like receiving them too!

How cool will these stamps be on anything that I send out??

I found them at the Post Office yesterday. I bought some, walked to my car, pondered for just a second and then turned around and went back in to buy loads more.

They're "Forever Stamps" so why not stock up?

Pioneers of American Industrial Design from the USPS

Timberframe Lighting

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:35:00 +0000

I saw these wonderful lights from Currey & Company while at Highpoint in the spring and knew exactly who should have them - Lawry - my wonderful Timberframe client. I think these two fixtures would be perfect for the stair leading to the loft and the loft itself.

Lawry is winding down work on the interior of his Timberframe home. He has offically moved in and we are working together on those last few items for the interior.

Loft and exterior lighting are a few of open items and I just love these fixtures for his home! Lawry is concerned that they might be a tad too modern...hum?

I will spend a bit of time look for some alternate fixtures...it is difficult when you think that you have found just the right ones.

Ernesto Single Light Pendant - Currey & Company

Ernesto 4 Light Pendant - Currey & Company

Stay tuned to see what other options I find and which fixtures Lawry will choose.

More to follow...later this week - laundry room cabinets, custom made mirrors and a custom made vanity sink base.

Paint that dark, heavy, old wood - it's okay!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 14:20:00 +0000

So many times I have seen dark, outdated wood paneling, beamed ceilings or even floors that cry out for a simple coat of paint. Think...crisp and fresh.

Be not afraid - paint is the easiest and most economical way to make miraculous changes in a room.

See the photos below from Coastal Living - what a difference! The window wall was opened up to take advantage of the great ocean views. The fireplace was renovated to be bright and in balance with the space and then a wonderful nook was added to the left of the fireplace to take advantage of the view. Fresh light floors and a cozy seating area finish off this ocean front space nicely.

Now imagine that they had kept the heavy wood beamed ceiling??

Paint is the answer!! Don't be afraid - paint that old, dark wood and let in the light!

Before Picture - too heavy, too dark, too bulky

After - Light, fresh and perfectly in balance

The Girls Have Arrived - how sweet are they???

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 05 May 2011 00:58:00 +0000

I have been doing my research for months. I ordered the "girls" in February of this year. I selected my breeds for a combination of calm temperment, cold hardiness, body color, egg color, and availability. I ordered Buff Orpingtons, Ameraucanas (blue eggs), Dominiques, Delawares, and a single Barnevelder (all that was available.) I received a call on Monday letting me know that the Barnevelder didn't hatch. I could wait until August for everyone if I wanted another Barnevelder or I could accept another breed. The hatchery offered a Black Copper Maran as a substitute.

Can I tell you how much this sent me into a tail spin? I thought I had this all designed and planned out ... and was thrown a curve on the phone at the last minute...they had to ship that same day - the other girls had hatched. I had to decide right then. A quick look on line and I thought the Black Copper Maran would be a terrific substitute.

As I began my quick research on the Black Copper Maran I found out that this French breed has a bit of controversy around it. Pure breed French variety vs. other. I love that they are calm, good foragers, and lay the yummiest, dark brown, highly desired eggs. Okay, that's perfect for the well designed egg basket. :)

In my fantasy, the Post Office calls me and says "The girls have arrived, come and get them." HA!! No notice at all. I tracked them on line and knew that they were in town Monday at 6:03 p.m. I couldn't pick them up until the next morning at 8:30 a.m. I fretted for them overnight.

The post office never called me. I simply was there at 8:30 a.m. exactly. The post person found the box and we opened the box together and peeked inside. They all looked good!!! Yeah!!!

I placed them under the heater in the car and zipped home to their waiting warm brooder box. I dipped each beak into the sugar water and they were on their way.

They LOVE mashed egg. They are too funny with a meal worm. They are super active racing around and then...crash! Their bodies collapse, their head bobbles down and they are OUT.

The chicks are the softest thing I have ever felt! They have personalities right away. I have named the bravest girl already - Coco. Coco Channel. She has a lovely rich brown strip on her head and back. She is the first to do everything.

The Buff Orpingtons and the Delawares are so mild and sweet. The Black Copper Maran is the smallest, she's a bit of a loner, maybe even delicate - such a rare breed.

I am a nervous new Mom. They already know me when I enter the room. Well...maybe they would know anyone who enters the room. Seems they have a sixth sense about this - even sleeping, they know that you are there.

So far, I am in love with them. Even though I had to clean pasty butts this morning. Seriously....

As of today...we do not have a coop for them. The pressure is on...Steve is under the gun now.

Here is his latest design for me and the girls:

Restoration Hardware Aviator Aluminum Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:58:00 +0000

Restoration Hardware Aviator Chair

I just happened upon the latest offerings from Restoration Hardware and ... I like them!!

Great vintage look and feel.

The style is bold, fun, and invokes a strong retro feel. Used in moderation, I think it can make a great focal point for a space.

Restoration has made a departure from the mainstream furniture offerings in the past few seasons and I applaud their efforts. While it's not right for everyone...that's exactly the point.

Be bold, be different - lead the way, don't follow.

Read the company philosophy from their chairman, Gary Friedman here.

Restoration Hardware Coffee Table

Restoration Hardware Spitfire Leather Chair

Amazing Art Glass

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:48:00 +0000

Glass Octopus - instyle-decor

Just spotted this amazing piece of art glass from instyle-decor.

Love the curves and detail!!