HOOKED ON GREEN HOUSES

Hooked on Houses recently posted that she is hooked on Children's Playhouses. I would have to agree with her but since my brood is growing so fast I have an even better idea!

This past issue of Country Living featured a 'Glammed up Green House' . It made my heart skip a beat and now I need to recreate it at some point in the near future. I have always loved creating little spaces to get away and relax.

As a child I created a "comfy zone" in one of my closets. I had the upstairs bedroom of a cape cod and all those lost spaces in the angled walls were perfect for child sized spaces. I furnished with every pillow I could find, all my cool Hardy Boys posters and maps of places that I wanted to go.



Now that my taste has changed a little bit, just remove the Hardy Boys and replace with George Clooney, I need a grown up room bigger than my small closet. This green house would be absolutely amazing for afternoon tea (or a glass of Evolution) with the girls, quiet time reading a book, or its original purpose of cultivating flowers.

At this point in time I am not sure if my lot could handle such a building but maybe an addition to the back of my house :) Kind of like a covered porch but cooler.

One of my favorite decorators is Mary Carol Garrity. Her sense of style is rooted in the classical with a touch of fun. Two years ago we visited her home in Atchison, Kansas when she had one of her popular open houses. In the back yard was this outstanding all glass canopy. The roof was actually layers of glass slats. I have coveted this item for ever!

Well, last year we visited her new Store in Kansas City and there was the canopy all dressed up and looking me straight in the face. Unfortunately, it was not for sale and last that I heard Mary Carol had not figured out a way to mass produce this item.

So, it is up to me to figure out what would work for my space. This lovely green house is even more inspiring with it's closed in walls for extra protection on a rainy day. How to make it happen...hummmmmmmmm the wheels are a turning!
Many of my friends are now saying..good luck with that...your married to "The Accountant".

March of Tools

I am a follower of Heather Bailey's blog and found that she is doing a fun adventure called the March of Tools.

We all have our favorite tools that we use almost daily...mine happen to be these beauties...wire cutters or nippers.

I use them for cutting the flower stems when I put together artificial floral arrangements. I guess their original purpose was for the auto industry as cable cutters...ahhh what do they know.

I love the long handles as they are very easy to grip and they give awesome leverage for the really hard thick floral wire.

My dear friend Dave Downard at Matco Tools set me up with this pair. He informed me they have a life time warranty, so if they ever do not cut..I can get a new pair. I am not sure he knew what he was getting into when he said that.

So far so good, they have lasted just about a year and still cut like butter. I have blown through other nippers in a months time, so that says a lot for these babies.

I have plenty of other gadgets around the house that I just love, but these have been most valuable to me because they make the job so much easier on my hands.
What's your favorite tool...check out Heathers Blog and take a peek at what others are sharing.

I smell spring!!!

Just an update..it's 8:00 at night and it is still 52 degrees, I have the windows open letting the fresh air come in....TOMORROW IS GOING TO HIT 60 DEGREES!!!!! You will find me basking in the warmth (can you tell it's been a long long long winter)on my front porch decorating. I think a night of fresh air and a great sleep will produce something wonderful tomorrow!

People really know how to help one another.

Summer Swanson at an Artful Life posted a fundraising event on her blog Monday and again I am just amazed at the support you can find out in the blogosphere.
This event is for a darling premature baby named Kaleigh, who was born three months premature and has spent the past 8 months in the NCIU. There are some great prizes not to mention helping a family of a little extra help.
Recently, my cousin has had two premature babies back to back...within a year of each other. I don't know how she does it but she is amazing and I continue to pray for her.
Take a peek and see how you can help Kayleigh...

We live in a great world don't we!

What a wonderful idea!!!

Anne over at Firefly Hill Style came up with such a wonderful way to give back to her community. She created these dog leashes, from some of the most beautiful fabrics I might add, as a way to help those who are having difficulties during this down economy. For each leash she sells, she is donating a shopping bag of food and pet food to her local food pantry.
Please check out her blog and etsy shop for more details. This just makes my heart so happy...reminds me I need to get my butt in gear and do something for others in my community.
One good deed begets another!
You better hurry because I really love this leash...Maggie would be the talk of the neighborhood.

More St. Patricks Changes...

I see so many cheesy St. Patricks decorations out there that I just have to step back. Being Irish....I can say with certainty...we are not that tacky when it comes to our sense of style. All the glittery things and goofy hats do not define Irish Style.

I've added just a few more St. Patrick's touches around the house but that will be about it. Don't want to over do the whole thing. I just need to use the cool items we have that remind me of the "old sod".

If ever there is a symbol of all things green...well I have to say that is Ireland. It's one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit and once you leave you always want to go back. I really want to go back because I am blessed to have relatives in both Ireland and England.

My cousin Mary in Tipperary has taught me a lot about great taste...I just love her home! When she's not golfing and traveling...she is working on her yard.

FARM CHICKS GIVE AWAY!

Doing my daily check of the Farm Chick's Blog, I found they are having a "give away"!! These two women, Teri and Serena, were my inspiration to start blogging and getting in touch with so many talented people.
I had seen them at the Country Living Fair this past summer, but never got the chance to introduce myself. I admired from afar, as they were constantly busy greeting their fans.
If you have never checked out their blog before now is the time. There are constantly new stories that inspire you and the pictures and colors are just so stink'in cheery, you can't help but smile. Have a great Monday!