tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56769190564553423992024-03-21T02:39:35.752-07:00fog city sparkleputtin' on the glitz in san franciscojennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-33477923685776577362016-02-02T01:12:00.001-08:002016-02-02T01:12:24.255-08:00purple reignwe are finally in the home stretch. i'm a bit too tired to write much now, but here are some photos to show you how far we've come in the last 12 months...<br />
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what it looked like in 2009</div>
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after the trees came down in early 2015</div>
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a garage in july! (before the extra "surprises.")</div>
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stripped down in early november </div>
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and beautiful again in late november </div>
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isn't she lovely?</div>
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here's a song for you to enjoy while you stare at her.</div>
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jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-90457131308311083072015-03-14T12:46:00.002-07:002015-03-14T12:47:42.274-07:00the cat... and some progress photos.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
before the excavation work began on our house, i asked our contractor to please save anything of interest that the crew found in the sand. it's always interesting to see what gets unearthed when digging under historic homes.</div>
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well, everyone got a bit more than they bargained for this time around...</div>
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gino, one of the more jovial guys on the crew, was shoveling more of the never-ending beach below the house, and let out a yelp of surprise. he had found a mummified cat (we think) that curled up and went to sleep under our house, permanently.</div>
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if you don't have a strong stomach, scroll quickly past!</div>
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kitty must have been quickly covered up by the shifting sands. much like mummies seen in the terrifying photos from our childhood world history classes, the dry sands created a spontaneous mummy via natural desiccation. spooky, but kind of cool too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Alnl73lOqk3ggoKbxvaygJ3dpjgXC95UGQEMU8Oiq813neGd7mW2KMoe_EQyD49JmMnmim2vEyK9qXsQZ-IALmTGloHqzNtZL4y3dOFERXqJzaufAJdDM9GD4Yhl8uOzKHWvHMRoIcQ/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Alnl73lOqk3ggoKbxvaygJ3dpjgXC95UGQEMU8Oiq813neGd7mW2KMoe_EQyD49JmMnmim2vEyK9qXsQZ-IALmTGloHqzNtZL4y3dOFERXqJzaufAJdDM9GD4Yhl8uOzKHWvHMRoIcQ/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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we also ended up with a lot of interesting historic ephemera - i'll post about that another time soon.</div>
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meanwhile, here are a couple of new photos of what's happening below deck!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrDPI8R4LK24NM21fW5vxS5nC9pw_G5I-biaLiPeS5qP6v4vEXJ9WhqvbSJnqV6mb0A2WEWVjzXV76X-0KwDjuWi-CWFQD_S6K1Dsv-oO4dvDRcNjJcEYaLZ6MvQ0S1hxTq4QLDcrpyU/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrDPI8R4LK24NM21fW5vxS5nC9pw_G5I-biaLiPeS5qP6v4vEXJ9WhqvbSJnqV6mb0A2WEWVjzXV76X-0KwDjuWi-CWFQD_S6K1Dsv-oO4dvDRcNjJcEYaLZ6MvQ0S1hxTq4QLDcrpyU/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">lots of interesting temporary shoring</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC4VDFjDw3KwHT6yVuOFVP2eMp_kuNhHi3l8AezwgArzXYHkKBJJEuCz9sgoFWsLDdHtOjSDmM5adcJQ0p76_34Ra8SITV9MUKSmbaPcwDjWSgcyZlqXh9y7GDSE1Q8-rh0VhAPNu1ko/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC4VDFjDw3KwHT6yVuOFVP2eMp_kuNhHi3l8AezwgArzXYHkKBJJEuCz9sgoFWsLDdHtOjSDmM5adcJQ0p76_34Ra8SITV9MUKSmbaPcwDjWSgcyZlqXh9y7GDSE1Q8-rh0VhAPNu1ko/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">and a look at the first section where concrete will be poured</span></div>
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here's one of the most lovely songs about mummies one could hope to hear, and an utterly charming video, from one of my all-time favorites, the incredible josh ritter:</div>
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jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-5802201036228989512015-03-04T15:59:00.000-08:002015-03-04T16:00:07.071-08:00i've never seen anything like it...""i've never seen anything like it." these are not the words one wants to hear from her contractor when working on a big excavation project.<br />
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so it turns out that, not only was there nary a footing to be seen under our bay windows, we have virtually no foundation to speak of under the entire house. just a couple of rows of bricks in some sections along the outer walls.<br />
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"i can't believe the building is still standing." or that it has survived such big earthquakes. eugene says that he believes our house is being held up by a couple of tenuous spots where our house meets with our neighbors on the downslope.<br />
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well, at least this explains alot about the house and the settling we've seen in such a short time.<br />
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here are a couple of fun photos of current progress. so glad we're getting this done.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #999999;">daily bin exchange to haul away the sand removed in the last </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #999999;">24 hours</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">now we can really see the space taking shape</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhDK2jy8YaRnEleL2uyXSEVqBiDYyhbWWz5VYWp-kuqWFS1thlLULOqUncJJ3pAkVdVkSwHp62-oipXACX8EON22OOsgL_FzC5n4E_oUQUeTonMGrIk9MuiQW7nFubUk3KaQKXlkVa-U/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhDK2jy8YaRnEleL2uyXSEVqBiDYyhbWWz5VYWp-kuqWFS1thlLULOqUncJJ3pAkVdVkSwHp62-oipXACX8EON22OOsgL_FzC5n4E_oUQUeTonMGrIk9MuiQW7nFubUk3KaQKXlkVa-U/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">a look at the temporary shoring that is updated each day </span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">as they continue excavation by hand</span></div>
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it's pretty incredible to see how fast the project is moving in the first couple of weeks - and to see a space tall enough for some pretty big guys to stand below the house very comfortably. they've also made it all the way to the back of the planned garage space; if you look closely at last photo, you can see the chimney of one of our fireplaces.</div>
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please wish us luck that this is the extent of the "surprises" to be found. you know, other than gold coins or some other treasure.</div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">beach baby, beach baby, there on the sand...</span></div>
jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-35692722940997363282015-03-02T10:27:00.004-08:002015-03-02T10:27:56.913-08:00sleep is for wimps.now, i know that i should never, ever, ever complain about our contractors getting an early start and being dedicated to the work. but... 7:30 a.m. jackhammers on a monday morning? not my favorite.<br />
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maybe if i imagine tipper and friends out there it will make me smile.<br />
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probably not.<br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">dreaming of silent mornings</span></div>
jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-23048621885546645772015-03-01T20:21:00.000-08:002015-03-14T12:37:31.156-07:00and so it begins. again.well, we certainly had a bit of a break, didn't we?<br />
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not much has happened on the house front in quite some time but we're *finally* getting started with a huge project that we anticipated from day one: replacing the foundation of our very old house.<br />
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it's been a long time coming, and has involved years of sketches and planning and interviewing, but we've finally broken ground this week. for those of you most interested in interior design, new updates to this blog may be a bit of a bore. but for those of you who are interested in what it takes to replace a failing brick-and-mortar foundation set on a sandy ex-creek bed in the middle of a very busy city, well, stay tuned!<br />
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a bit of background... when we bought the building in 2009, g and i knew that we'd eventually have to get around to this work. it was obvious, inside and out, that we had a bit of a situation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbcXfD09m81ehx9I-ey6K8-bOu8MxeY8jSg8AkYUSrvbUz_d4BRzUT6tVGkZSA5eyzCipO9CYvhs1Dma8rTRSPh5q6vWjFEWHPw9Ku2-6uyTxcdXqpp4UXMwoxb8XumwCk-Ydi9rIScY/s1600/photo+25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbcXfD09m81ehx9I-ey6K8-bOu8MxeY8jSg8AkYUSrvbUz_d4BRzUT6tVGkZSA5eyzCipO9CYvhs1Dma8rTRSPh5q6vWjFEWHPw9Ku2-6uyTxcdXqpp4UXMwoxb8XumwCk-Ydi9rIScY/s1600/photo+25.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #999999;">before getting started</span></div>
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from the outside, you could see that the bays, each two stories high and over 30 feet tall, were sagging away from the center of the house. on the inside, you can both see and feel the effect of the foundation sagging on both sides. g and i have both become accustomed to the unusual experience of sleeping with our toes above our heads due to the sag along the outer walls in both units.<br />
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so, when the time was right, we started working with a structural engineer on plans to replace the foundation - and to add a garage while we are at it. this took much longer than expected due to san francisco's tedious approval and permitting process (for example, they approved the removal of both concrete retaining walls but would not approve the removal of the ficus tree that grew on top of the one on the left?!) and because we had to make some concessions due to our proximity to the uphill neighbor's above-grade brick foundation (we won't be able to excavate to the property line and have a garage as big as the house's footprint).<br />
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when the dust settled on our plans, and permits were finally issued, we started with removing the trees from the front of the house. it is always a sad thing to see mature trees removed, especially in an urban environment which is already starved for them, but we had to do it. one would prevent us from accessing the site and the other was a risk to both the current and future foundations.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCM3JMziZIV7MXo36nJApICGKY8ODzqBA8ZUo3BdO6W8ZH1m2ziEu0kEGb1K97paoCFilg98FT3NUzQWJMRP5kXfTLAyq_Y1FU59pOjbURsd7lXhUwU7ao_m1vl2yzcJzXbPdkc_haGU/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCM3JMziZIV7MXo36nJApICGKY8ODzqBA8ZUo3BdO6W8ZH1m2ziEu0kEGb1K97paoCFilg98FT3NUzQWJMRP5kXfTLAyq_Y1FU59pOjbURsd7lXhUwU7ao_m1vl2yzcJzXbPdkc_haGU/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">the (very sunny!) day after the trees came down</span></div>
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while it is was sad, i have to admit that it is quite nice to finally see all of the beautiful victorian features of the house without obstructions. i still love it very much and am excited that we get to care for this amazing place so it will last, hopefully, at least another 100+ years.<br />
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that being said, with the trees gone, the problem with the foundation is even more obvious when viewed dead-on. you can see in the photo above that the sag is particularly bad on the left. in the dining room, there is about a 5-inch slope from the interior wall to the outside wall. makes for interesting post-dinner moments when everyone feels they maybe had too-too much <a href="http://www.valdezfamilywinery.com/">local wine</a> to drink!<br />
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here's what we intend it to look like when finished.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yw9Ft0g-VDpGAhWo77-eJrfSipWF3-FyzX46yw7Lh0_FbLyk-BmZnQdkx22kt8fP8f-rL3RY7-MVD-69p7XFncok88WsqYzXPJciskWi1A3_niXMw4exFI6EsonW_c9T_DlO3AGvsds/s1600/photo+32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yw9Ft0g-VDpGAhWo77-eJrfSipWF3-FyzX46yw7Lh0_FbLyk-BmZnQdkx22kt8fP8f-rL3RY7-MVD-69p7XFncok88WsqYzXPJciskWi1A3_niXMw4exFI6EsonW_c9T_DlO3AGvsds/s1600/photo+32.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">plans for the exterior</span></div>
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the paper was a bit wobbly, so please try to imagine that everything is finally level! you'll note that both retaining walls are gone in the bottom/ "after" sketch, and that we'll have a carriage style garage door on the right. on the left, we'd planned on victorian style wrought iron railing but, with all of the wonderful sun we now get, we're leaning towards a low- or no-water garden that everyone can enjoy.<br />
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and now for the fun stuff: set-up and demolition. on tuesday morning, our awesome contractor (eugene of <a href="http://www.oakleafsf.com/">oak leaf construction</a>) came by with some of his crew to get the prep work started. sadly, my favorite member of the oak leaf team, tipper, was unavailable that day...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7tcKxr7WGrE84-znFRE8PtG-9Ir_VZcoWLIzEnIw33UX8KFYubADC0rsVlRJSsbnWWftJcY_vNxA8R9W0cRwhowFrFQDHEDvZhAWPyDtjzqrETiyLdZjT_ukPOQ9oymC5t7vC4-A2L4/s1600/68164_1602835325052_4418251_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7tcKxr7WGrE84-znFRE8PtG-9Ir_VZcoWLIzEnIw33UX8KFYubADC0rsVlRJSsbnWWftJcY_vNxA8R9W0cRwhowFrFQDHEDvZhAWPyDtjzqrETiyLdZjT_ukPOQ9oymC5t7vC4-A2L4/s1600/68164_1602835325052_4418251_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">our foreman, tipper, on another job</span></div>
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we started with taping construction paper down on all of our floors on the lower level of the building. this was a much bigger undertaking than i'd thought - it took over 4 hours just to finish up in my unit. as a reminder, our floors are gorgeous wide-plank old-growth douglas fir. the problem is that these are actually the original sub-floors for the house - at some point the oak floors that were installed above them were removed in favor of plywood and carpet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdR2S-g4ACcv10_0KZrSOeuDvsZaMM8D3E7DAjpx_sNxhVyu92XNiJ5BFGmtfgnvVP4iJcT_Pm_GWBV76rBEiuv6hjTHe_wTeNYpo7S_aUR3r87EWd0cSBmZpaKC0IYhAguAYT7oE0Vm0/s1600/IMG_5765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdR2S-g4ACcv10_0KZrSOeuDvsZaMM8D3E7DAjpx_sNxhVyu92XNiJ5BFGmtfgnvVP4iJcT_Pm_GWBV76rBEiuv6hjTHe_wTeNYpo7S_aUR3r87EWd0cSBmZpaKC0IYhAguAYT7oE0Vm0/s1600/IMG_5765.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">floors and long-gone paint job, pendant</span></div>
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as we'll be excavating tons, literally, of sand from below the house, the likelihood of it blowing up through the floors is high. so here are our *fancy* new floors...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSLUDNuQ_jquKY4GX9udaZejHM2PkgTv5JUN_4VmwVqFCzmUCPAC8_7fYjNTCU7aWnQSWeFAoeJmPsqcvuVqbkPDLZE5uGBil3xYfuLDYXCCmPFcK1eRM0aEmWvqITlVuXDfzWMFBuNM/s1600/photo+21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSLUDNuQ_jquKY4GX9udaZejHM2PkgTv5JUN_4VmwVqFCzmUCPAC8_7fYjNTCU7aWnQSWeFAoeJmPsqcvuVqbkPDLZE5uGBil3xYfuLDYXCCmPFcK1eRM0aEmWvqITlVuXDfzWMFBuNM/s1600/photo+21.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">beautiful new pink paper floors</span></div>
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i also spent a while taping up the bottom bay window with a heavy plastic drop cloth to keep sand from blowing through my 100+ year old, no-longer-square sashes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDgecvVNJy4pK_Z1_OyiTvEFZlVCEsjSqGZSybR8Bgbf6EcJzg_3P1GlCohn9sOqyETrXoZc1_i6AaFIXwkVucGtNb38yVRSALv2BwwCw2I-3U-NRIWDDtNhb_93yShui6IvM7bhbtVE/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDgecvVNJy4pK_Z1_OyiTvEFZlVCEsjSqGZSybR8Bgbf6EcJzg_3P1GlCohn9sOqyETrXoZc1_i6AaFIXwkVucGtNb38yVRSALv2BwwCw2I-3U-NRIWDDtNhb_93yShui6IvM7bhbtVE/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">lovely new window coverings to match</span></div>
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and then we were ready to frame out the construction site on wednesday, and start the demo on thursday. here's a look...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQEAahNTV3AuWIYQsFKXfb6ZzzIbkzZxwE16eRBNyTRdu0mrlZmJU5nPwADd55lrVLfMTjVgxuefGeaTj0Lq1bDDCJgiNcitPHPSVGy5_CzXYbrlvmwyR4eM4ZR7EqJzOoKNxmMGYlm8/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQEAahNTV3AuWIYQsFKXfb6ZzzIbkzZxwE16eRBNyTRdu0mrlZmJU5nPwADd55lrVLfMTjVgxuefGeaTj0Lq1bDDCJgiNcitPHPSVGy5_CzXYbrlvmwyR4eM4ZR7EqJzOoKNxmMGYlm8/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">framing the site so no one can access on off-hours</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhTwGBDAexEKy8o7UHaqPLdbpFwG4vsK54jKgj1atR7U1_q8X9AKlKdv5r0fQuLqp8lYSlZkc_QAoMBdhxIHgkqAWMcpbc4WbUJ9Vrv2HIVUo7a-9TiD4cPgvFV-eKMrD7jJWZXZcph8/s1600/photo+22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbCVXSknc3OQvMdFnVa4w8lbA8jJf9HR1Ypj7DZXRt8k3v0_svfIX4bUJ2-bk9pdcZ2XyLh1AL0NDQFEzWIIlqXbxt2xvbC1AT5yJRJ4m6hzVwcu9-VzcV0aOXBPuEmPsGLj1iV-XEb4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbCVXSknc3OQvMdFnVa4w8lbA8jJf9HR1Ypj7DZXRt8k3v0_svfIX4bUJ2-bk9pdcZ2XyLh1AL0NDQFEzWIIlqXbxt2xvbC1AT5yJRJ4m6hzVwcu9-VzcV0aOXBPuEmPsGLj1iV-XEb4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">closed for the night!</span></div>
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after the site was secured, they removed the siding below the bay on the right and found a WONDERFUL surprise. there is no foundation at all under our enormous two-story bays. whomever build the house ran a brick foundation around some of the perimeter but decided to build the bays right on top of the sand with no actual support! the guys doing the work said they'd never seen anything like it - yay for us!? </div>
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at least this is a good explanation for why we've seen so much settling, even in our short time here.</div>
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once they'd built a temporary support for the bay, they were able to start removing the concrete retaining wall. ah the dulcet sounds of a jackhammer at 8AM on a friday morning...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nbpd8w3aBbjEyEd6K2vEIe_VRruWBsMtSWCEVHk_oMVJtu9WeqEzCigeEpA0p7-G3lR53Eujdc4RIbVoRPfzLkS3CHQM1TlRZUw3n_DIhdHF0npJBm2n7AzBarkHcUaGKzjwulaLyjg/s1600/photo+23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nbpd8w3aBbjEyEd6K2vEIe_VRruWBsMtSWCEVHk_oMVJtu9WeqEzCigeEpA0p7-G3lR53Eujdc4RIbVoRPfzLkS3CHQM1TlRZUw3n_DIhdHF0npJBm2n7AzBarkHcUaGKzjwulaLyjg/s1600/photo+23.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">a slow and tough business</span></div>
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by the end of the day on friday, the guys had removed the front of the retaining wall and started trucking out the sand by hand. this has to be done with extreme care, especially at first, to make sure we don't destabilize our building or either of our neighbors'. just the excavation portion of the project is slated to take about 2 months. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswFhRI6n4rvKpmRCzGk3BzyhNJjt1bGfmBQ1wiOdLVXiYtmub6-te8pk55D-CpKigbVG5u_FpOgBPleZelRftpIPh2TlC_092hu0-Ddk9V_NUMizfZxQ9_ZErl2Ys_3z0YmDG8ChM8VA/s1600/photo+33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswFhRI6n4rvKpmRCzGk3BzyhNJjt1bGfmBQ1wiOdLVXiYtmub6-te8pk55D-CpKigbVG5u_FpOgBPleZelRftpIPh2TlC_092hu0-Ddk9V_NUMizfZxQ9_ZErl2Ys_3z0YmDG8ChM8VA/s1600/photo+33.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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so, one week down, and SIX TO NINE MONTHS left to go! please keep your fingers crossed and wish us well!</div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">the incomparable bill withers - he's been on repeat in my house of late</span></div>
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<br />jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-84879271393244714662012-05-26T16:38:00.000-07:002016-03-11T15:05:31.905-08:00collect. that. check.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vbkQcn8ZEc466LXiiidVNZ6d9Z2zEDfcSquv3nz_rzFfqt9XCbut8zRAXvjnlWptGv2FuKgYGM7FesqfQMn86nqATNKiEix3imox3LUSU7WcjRAol05N82cXDf2ByX4S4zxkj2OxtzA/s1600/IMG_0207.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vbkQcn8ZEc466LXiiidVNZ6d9Z2zEDfcSquv3nz_rzFfqt9XCbut8zRAXvjnlWptGv2FuKgYGM7FesqfQMn86nqATNKiEix3imox3LUSU7WcjRAol05N82cXDf2ByX4S4zxkj2OxtzA/s400/IMG_0207.PNG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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so, here i am. saturday. long weekend. sitting on the couch, WORKING. this, my friends, is no bueno.</div>
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however... i was taking a short internets-shopping break and realized that, while all of my pillows are piled high on a chair and my kombucha bottle is front and center, the room looks kinda nice. finally.</div>
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one of these days i will get around to a photo tour of this room but, in the mean time, here's a snapshot. courtesy of my life that currently stinks.</div>
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hope you're having a better holiday weekend than i am!</div>
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jen x</div>
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to ms. summer: you were one heck of a lady. may you rest in peace under that big disco ball in the sky.jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-72773026853152984862012-04-16T14:22:00.004-07:002012-04-16T14:32:57.231-07:00my (office) shame.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXWA1Q7CuhizcrIQN6Xd0drvnGhrMmVfQ29OdqkPbvwiHptR_t7uU-p_iLzJrUww6Devz09PJRFZQqycusKVrHxTdslu7ZOLuO39AlvDME_wVVjmh3qR36DKl6wuVK8sDus55NewDkB4/s1600/160420123230.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXWA1Q7CuhizcrIQN6Xd0drvnGhrMmVfQ29OdqkPbvwiHptR_t7uU-p_iLzJrUww6Devz09PJRFZQqycusKVrHxTdslu7ZOLuO39AlvDME_wVVjmh3qR36DKl6wuVK8sDus55NewDkB4/s400/160420123230.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732112246530898786" border="0" /></a><br />well, i think i've pretty much shied away from giving y'all a look at my home office for the past 3 years. out of shame.<br /><br />it still confounds me. look at this mess. and the boxes behind me aren't any prettier. but when i'm done with my work day i sort of just want to run downstairs. you know?<br /><br />so tell me, what would you do to make this room better? (you know, other than starting completely from scratch.)<br /><br />"i have one thing to say... sashay, chante!"<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nuBWHNsClP0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-28409975433673780542012-04-03T12:55:00.005-07:002012-04-03T16:20:46.369-07:00turn on your heartlight!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwG0O2pwqsQlLgvdP2Q1ebI9hQiIoUnGQH5Wp5UDLMpFiIMaQkTuUKR8bxfbAtFncOKHGRG8j_PT8MH2PYANBJdCdwxbm1sHtL4VPiSjymvVgBbj_0f89jHuLY1MDJAFzm8hXq8VoPhFI/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-03+at+1.00.10+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 391px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwG0O2pwqsQlLgvdP2Q1ebI9hQiIoUnGQH5Wp5UDLMpFiIMaQkTuUKR8bxfbAtFncOKHGRG8j_PT8MH2PYANBJdCdwxbm1sHtL4VPiSjymvVgBbj_0f89jHuLY1MDJAFzm8hXq8VoPhFI/s400/Screen+shot+2012-04-03+at+1.00.10+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727272991778259490" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">master bedroom<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">bet that title brings back some memories, huh? well, if you're as old as i am that is. how many times did you see e.t. in the theaters?<br /><br />i'm in the process of gathering up a few new lights to put up in ye ole house and thought it might be fun to pull some pictures together so you can see all of the fixtures together. i get SO MANY nice comments/ compliments from visitors, first-timers and repeaters, about my "collection".<br /><br />what do you think?</div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQ0VWeo73WRyW47SdTEwoNYbssmwsDafyhlqyUAkBhRgncYt05iS0c4ayY4tp7hcxkZcZb6Xaq_kn1vGXDD_rlwDKVih47gvkV_6iM00snVRCFglAlUJBELj514cLiaSxXpeK8f7Wh5M/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQ0VWeo73WRyW47SdTEwoNYbssmwsDafyhlqyUAkBhRgncYt05iS0c4ayY4tp7hcxkZcZb6Xaq_kn1vGXDD_rlwDKVih47gvkV_6iM00snVRCFglAlUJBELj514cLiaSxXpeK8f7Wh5M/s400/IMG_0086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727272985455118690" border="0" /></a>entry hall<br />(it doesn't look this creepy usually! not sure where that red glow is coming from.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3YAzC8Nf1z379zp9K9LKRDinLp5Dv202of0l0PLebUVU30BkS-cnr0x7mB9WYAgp8YgKrVIeINfiC0p0O799Pgmaun52yY85C0uQBIMrJZrH-o6sn1ZrsF4iSUM_Ulv0krovP_vFfjA/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3YAzC8Nf1z379zp9K9LKRDinLp5Dv202of0l0PLebUVU30BkS-cnr0x7mB9WYAgp8YgKrVIeINfiC0p0O799Pgmaun52yY85C0uQBIMrJZrH-o6sn1ZrsF4iSUM_Ulv0krovP_vFfjA/s400/IMG_0084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727275850599706850" border="0" /></a>dining room<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXGb8R7VsBGorueZuHZtZzbLwrapeRfesFJK_xlG1n7BtcORqzMUGt-FSl2LItLTAx_WPGK7TETLTUzzdwnoWeqnvf9yBUiUKGh0T8oLr7WaFCSHJhqIdNHL54Sp90YgZxIIx1nFwMdQ/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXGb8R7VsBGorueZuHZtZzbLwrapeRfesFJK_xlG1n7BtcORqzMUGt-FSl2LItLTAx_WPGK7TETLTUzzdwnoWeqnvf9yBUiUKGh0T8oLr7WaFCSHJhqIdNHL54Sp90YgZxIIx1nFwMdQ/s400/IMG_0090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727272801047454066" border="0" /></a>family room<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jPXVrC10fmsvpcoRejKS1tR1_IhWIz3LVqnS9mDTzlG4NRFC7-yFjlCZZmQzTKLB1CfWSx64ERk4Adj77xd5y68dNcbP-qYsnsnZXnR2824KKMV6S9Td3WnkD3S_9JpZQKMQDssVLso/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-03+at+12.56.00+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 386px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jPXVrC10fmsvpcoRejKS1tR1_IhWIz3LVqnS9mDTzlG4NRFC7-yFjlCZZmQzTKLB1CfWSx64ERk4Adj77xd5y68dNcbP-qYsnsnZXnR2824KKMV6S9Td3WnkD3S_9JpZQKMQDssVLso/s400/Screen+shot+2012-04-03+at+12.56.00+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727272789278587842" border="0" /></a>family room<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTTLcPOiex-LEFjNS-Wv98qsQ8cNfBYzjDtB9ttqGMl35gJm_HXbamcYQaQ1i-1GF20AbXQZ-Bou5Sb7pOPCAC-r35yU7Y7aHXzw5ddMnfmvBxAgaJr94BxaQtVYR3doW1sBKfsT2eAY/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTTLcPOiex-LEFjNS-Wv98qsQ8cNfBYzjDtB9ttqGMl35gJm_HXbamcYQaQ1i-1GF20AbXQZ-Bou5Sb7pOPCAC-r35yU7Y7aHXzw5ddMnfmvBxAgaJr94BxaQtVYR3doW1sBKfsT2eAY/s400/IMG_0089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727272776940304978" border="0" /></a>home office<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjw1u5BD7xD5BPCtrXtHi3CTzJYyAvSTGsMiXUiIh4UtKKZPKkgLY-l4Xq0EsAijUmYQ0DIc-tp4wgtJpNtERnoxi6W1__KmoQOiWTCDiYccYn_O19h2cJfcSY7AWF6WZtV76p5F-0tYE/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjw1u5BD7xD5BPCtrXtHi3CTzJYyAvSTGsMiXUiIh4UtKKZPKkgLY-l4Xq0EsAijUmYQ0DIc-tp4wgtJpNtERnoxi6W1__KmoQOiWTCDiYccYn_O19h2cJfcSY7AWF6WZtV76p5F-0tYE/s400/IMG_0082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727272771312857730" border="0" /></a>soon to be in the guest bedroom<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu0XNbwVTpY0rf32BSOiW8KXufk9tzdaB0IPH8S-33DNxWjL7vp_ylgbvRm-scrfPoIxesgJ2VN0IKwKoR33E923H2eIk2Ll1WUXtWtxXoqh7PC8kvbvgD8jlpXWATUPi8pfOZHVWcw4/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-03+at+1.01.36+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 395px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu0XNbwVTpY0rf32BSOiW8KXufk9tzdaB0IPH8S-33DNxWjL7vp_ylgbvRm-scrfPoIxesgJ2VN0IKwKoR33E923H2eIk2Ll1WUXtWtxXoqh7PC8kvbvgD8jlpXWATUPi8pfOZHVWcw4/s400/Screen+shot+2012-04-03+at+1.01.36+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727272760749388402" border="0" /></a>and two of these soon to make their debut in the kitchen<br /></div><br />and, now, sing along with me and neil. :)<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/A5Y03KJxeeI" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-62795668205822625252012-04-02T18:21:00.007-07:002012-04-03T12:21:46.976-07:00easy peasy lemon squeezy lighting project.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIdkSK9CaMz57pIZaM4AGamk-mAWs8NXddA2kd590pTgGcbcL6NSBdgYxJXK_sFdVjpU2iJhyphenhyphenmWSVYwn7nDp5rUvjLzjfqkegiePLKJ806qyAzHIiRdlIc5TLpWdNdMj_LoBzcmcJygg/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIdkSK9CaMz57pIZaM4AGamk-mAWs8NXddA2kd590pTgGcbcL6NSBdgYxJXK_sFdVjpU2iJhyphenhyphenmWSVYwn7nDp5rUvjLzjfqkegiePLKJ806qyAzHIiRdlIc5TLpWdNdMj_LoBzcmcJygg/s400/IMG_0082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726978956650931730" border="0" /></a><br />lighting pwn!<br /><br />so cute, right? i can't thank nicole at <a href="http://www.parlourhomeblog.com/">parlour</a> enough for inspiring me to make this adorable pendant light!<br /><br />it was about as easy as it gets - and super cheap too. here's what you need if you want one yourself. gather up:<br /><br /> 1. single light pendant (like <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/Lighting-Fans-Indoor-Lighting-Indoor-Ceiling-Lighting-Pendant-Lights/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbvlo/R-203009430/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051&superSkuId=203009076">this one at home depot</a>)<br /> 2. paper lantern - i used the <a href="http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/HomeAccentsD%C3%A9cor/tabid/979/CategoryId/133/ProductId/849/ProductName/Hanging-Paper-Lanterns/language/en-US/Default.aspx">20" version from pier 1</a><br /> 3. coffee filters. i used about 600 for mine. you can get them <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brew-Rite-Coffee-Filter-700/dp/B000XP3298/ref=sr_1_5?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1333416859&sr=1-5">on the cheap at amazon</a><br /> 4. your trusty glue gun and lots of glue sticks. i hadn't used mine since my sorority days - brought back some memories, i tell ya! (" i am a sigma kappa girl, sigma girl. i wear a pin of gold and pearls, gold and pearls...")<br /><br />and then you just start gluing. and gluing. and gluing. put a dab on the bottom of each filter like so:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0_GP5_H2Xgsd8zAO6HYIm4n3TQaTfF2k1RUUAUO-prFMrbZe15_kLVt-BzQ4qXbNII88CGMv4hN1Y75N6nDYxzfpmSHi0O1emDOnxtIF__ynSm3rCr5dLQzLDXUksnVNtDV2hAev5zY/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0_GP5_H2Xgsd8zAO6HYIm4n3TQaTfF2k1RUUAUO-prFMrbZe15_kLVt-BzQ4qXbNII88CGMv4hN1Y75N6nDYxzfpmSHi0O1emDOnxtIF__ynSm3rCr5dLQzLDXUksnVNtDV2hAev5zY/s400/IMG_0080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726978967331941762" border="0" /></a><br />and place the dots of glue veryclosetogether, like this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5PRg99yyOPyrovTRkkUjXcF2rWekQ7vGPlVEbL0BtzGZoNYo0Pr4qx0T0YZCMVe7SABd5KvbcTPliBSnhQF9qsd_txHtRmsACiAwYqL9zleM01eI4stj9DUDb10msuT279WJZ7-mKZE/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5PRg99yyOPyrovTRkkUjXcF2rWekQ7vGPlVEbL0BtzGZoNYo0Pr4qx0T0YZCMVe7SABd5KvbcTPliBSnhQF9qsd_txHtRmsACiAwYqL9zleM01eI4stj9DUDb10msuT279WJZ7-mKZE/s400/IMG_0081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726978965696242162" border="0" /></a><br />about half way...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80WQQaxVvlI7an-X_GO1l5X15LVQWirgofhrj0hQaP2Ssf7IN4YF40ZNjEQ-4vG2hFJsGN98yCVNzjcn_OYQmfg5myns4wW6m9oHon1FDfiItJDNvsP9ehzu63_MAIrICO4ynPNDItvQ/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80WQQaxVvlI7an-X_GO1l5X15LVQWirgofhrj0hQaP2Ssf7IN4YF40ZNjEQ-4vG2hFJsGN98yCVNzjcn_OYQmfg5myns4wW6m9oHon1FDfiItJDNvsP9ehzu63_MAIrICO4ynPNDItvQ/s400/IMG_0078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726978979131721170" border="0" /></a><br />and DONE!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4DwN08Anu3WP6THkzQlRw6SytX3MOqmKVTK0-kYTfabccRnpEzsUCTVjtrNKAROhqZc07yaLaPFRLPpTQhhZjla1VJIuHiXOrugnWd6tVARoVe0Vc69NYSY0KTuLVmIBvcNO5GOCAhA/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4DwN08Anu3WP6THkzQlRw6SytX3MOqmKVTK0-kYTfabccRnpEzsUCTVjtrNKAROhqZc07yaLaPFRLPpTQhhZjla1VJIuHiXOrugnWd6tVARoVe0Vc69NYSY0KTuLVmIBvcNO5GOCAhA/s400/IMG_0083.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726999014629278322" border="0" /></a><br />now i just have to call my electrician. AGAIN. i'll post a photo when it's up in the guest room. until then, back to the dreaded kitchen cabinets...<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/545ih5ygngs" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-25260331769431105482012-04-01T19:44:00.004-07:002012-04-03T16:28:10.484-07:00kitchen update.nothing much to say, but here's a preview of what the kitchen might look like when it is done. (and please ignore the command strips holding the bin pull in place - i was still figuring out where i wanted it! classy as always...)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9ezvLUQoHG8yJlrhappmz6DbPj1mGsBrM5krJ_O9_tm-d15eM78mNiClPdpmg4IcXKOAbyPx4_D997ZmBciKpUv4FTimm-0kE89-RiQDwoeGGasYLU7slJK9g_e3uARCAJlqBDCEo4o/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9ezvLUQoHG8yJlrhappmz6DbPj1mGsBrM5krJ_O9_tm-d15eM78mNiClPdpmg4IcXKOAbyPx4_D997ZmBciKpUv4FTimm-0kE89-RiQDwoeGGasYLU7slJK9g_e3uARCAJlqBDCEo4o/s400/IMG_0093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727319687301574514" border="0" /></a>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-51017182378450633612012-03-30T12:40:00.005-07:002012-03-30T14:29:04.680-07:00um... YES!i have been on the hunt for the right lighting for my guest room for a LOOOOONG time now. it's the only room left with one of those boob lamps that were *everywhere* in the house. and, my dear readers, all of you know how much <a href="http://fogcitysparkle.blogspot.com/2010/02/youuuuuuuuu-light-up-my-life.html">i love a sassy light fixture</a>!<br /><br />here's what the guest bedroom looks like now. i love it, except for that ding-dang light!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSdkumDOdpks4si0H_a9NK6q_7EJY_YmAw69QaamdYnRyvYH2OAIsX_3iiy_jrcuQ0d61ZoT0tN-OfIBC2-n7KzkcDsrjutcoQ3rBpmh5j-8jfAzpI_xnAL-sqwxdQUTtAAxyK82oaIs/s1600/Snap1.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSdkumDOdpks4si0H_a9NK6q_7EJY_YmAw69QaamdYnRyvYH2OAIsX_3iiy_jrcuQ0d61ZoT0tN-OfIBC2-n7KzkcDsrjutcoQ3rBpmh5j-8jfAzpI_xnAL-sqwxdQUTtAAxyK82oaIs/s400/Snap1.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548073739473215746" border="0" /></a>so yesterday, as i was surfing some of my favorite site and following all kinds of links, i found this.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQU09RuyJ-4k8bEhGMJ4UlrAjRcXtmVyd2N950O3sZVwUGLW075_L2Mc9bNKeH5Wq9OlAIbq7RLOMF5GcthgCfvmG_iTZV-8I58YRju2AHrOT1zS98B7eVxZlLImNC_9bxf1iJKlrJ8Aw/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-29+at+2.35.41+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQU09RuyJ-4k8bEhGMJ4UlrAjRcXtmVyd2N950O3sZVwUGLW075_L2Mc9bNKeH5Wq9OlAIbq7RLOMF5GcthgCfvmG_iTZV-8I58YRju2AHrOT1zS98B7eVxZlLImNC_9bxf1iJKlrJ8Aw/s400/Screen+shot+2012-03-29+at+2.35.41+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725778926683693858" border="0" /></a>nichole at <a href="http://www.parlourhomeblog.com/">parlor</a>: you. complete. me. (see more of her lovely dining room and this project <a href="http://www.parlourhomeblog.com/2010/10/and-im-spent.html">here</a>.)<br /><br />i think a big, fluffy cloud is just what the guest bedroom needs. so, off to pier 1 i go for a paper lantern and then safeway for 1000 coffee filters... (yes, i DO love to torture myself.)<br /><br />and here's one of my favorite tracks from my college days to celebrate. wheeeee!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FHixChYgGRI" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-44966414686600527332012-03-14T15:16:00.002-07:002012-03-14T15:20:27.485-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYECIiiBobCmE5CTMWWylZWWuNHj-lRpK4JE9I665zTuoMZ1UDXyklKYVBfyAQgrMoIdU5lG_pTEqhBNCgFNlqS_C26fx6xeOCbnw1ndzJ9ReS2lIfw9YSo8Iyt0I0b6Ov5oiQb_LFOO0/s1600/photo-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYECIiiBobCmE5CTMWWylZWWuNHj-lRpK4JE9I665zTuoMZ1UDXyklKYVBfyAQgrMoIdU5lG_pTEqhBNCgFNlqS_C26fx6xeOCbnw1ndzJ9ReS2lIfw9YSo8Iyt0I0b6Ov5oiQb_LFOO0/s400/photo-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719880313343867970" border="0" /></a>so... good news and bad news on the kitchen update.<br /><br />i've made a TEENY bit of progress (i'm attacking the work a section at a time so i don't get overwhelmed) and it's clear that this is a great product.<br /><br />however, it's also clear that it's going to take 4-5 coats of paint (not including top coat) to cover the dark cabinets.<br /><br />so it's going to be a little while before i can show you how this turns out. but in the meantime i will try to post some photos of the updates to the dining room, family room and office.<br /><br />keeping busy!jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-84278718799586023182012-03-11T16:11:00.006-07:002012-03-14T15:02:11.931-07:00oh, cr*p.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_uxIcYRmb170trM21lLrp1zvNivo_S5OaLWJcdZYKPyH3NvGzeWMY2sfNTxFlWucXQ1ASs_NkbtaWTafU8mYFu6tsyUgaFsQtx_KEhCpXAkq7WqDpsWcnx96Obomf_UWVcoQfd8NaEU/s1600/photo-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_uxIcYRmb170trM21lLrp1zvNivo_S5OaLWJcdZYKPyH3NvGzeWMY2sfNTxFlWucXQ1ASs_NkbtaWTafU8mYFu6tsyUgaFsQtx_KEhCpXAkq7WqDpsWcnx96Obomf_UWVcoQfd8NaEU/s400/photo-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718782997929183490" border="0" /></a><br />so, while there are many, many, MANY projects still on my list for this here ol' house, for the most part i do like it in it's current state.<br /><br />the only real exception is the kitchen. while we are extremely lucky that it had been upgraded for modern-day life, it is clear that it was done without any thought about how it would integrate with the rest of the house.<br /><br />remember, our house was built sometime around 1865-1880, so THIS (seen here on one of our walk-throughs in 2009) is not what i would have chosen to do with the kitchen.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB_fPu2gGlCDXcsmtze-mcsFy2V8zutSeGjl9oKhyphenhyphen-Nx6L-3TmRhpIe5q0K6EARY0AOVoyLX94fZVKroqX68qc57lD-PuhRC_ybpwYAfVZAPIektNUoR_KRpfN26SShSThJEXU921j54/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-11+at+4.13.38+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB_fPu2gGlCDXcsmtze-mcsFy2V8zutSeGjl9oKhyphenhyphen-Nx6L-3TmRhpIe5q0K6EARY0AOVoyLX94fZVKroqX68qc57lD-PuhRC_ybpwYAfVZAPIektNUoR_KRpfN26SShSThJEXU921j54/s400/Screen+shot+2012-03-11+at+4.13.38+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718782984114534754" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjIg0-_pGojibdQSeM77Q9f5AIgjC-5t2nISKxIIv7Q3ZFW0-twrZ8KxxwXKwM13A_9nJ9wYwCb5a0hXiNQZpK-Jxj8Rj3yYX87la58MtP1IrJ1yC6wIHW_B7e42FntQtoUV5oHdM0VY/s1600/3783580762_ebc67e220b_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjIg0-_pGojibdQSeM77Q9f5AIgjC-5t2nISKxIIv7Q3ZFW0-twrZ8KxxwXKwM13A_9nJ9wYwCb5a0hXiNQZpK-Jxj8Rj3yYX87la58MtP1IrJ1yC6wIHW_B7e42FntQtoUV5oHdM0VY/s400/3783580762_ebc67e220b_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718782993503035250" border="0" /></a><br />so, now, i'm finally going to go for it. cabinet transformations in "pure white" and vintage hardware are at the ready - and i am steeling myself for several weeks of painting and frustration. i'll tell you later if it was actually worth the effort!<br /><br />wish me luck!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tSdkEt9T6ng" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-51568470882569313292012-03-06T12:19:00.007-08:002012-03-06T12:46:53.514-08:00candy girl.anyone who knows me well also knows that i am a FIEND for cotton candy. (in fact, a good friend even gave me a <a href="http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-179096/Waring-Pro-Cotton-Candy-Maker">cotton candy machine</a> for my birthday this year! *squee*)<br /><br />i was surfing <a href="http://www.retronaut.co/2012/01/unknown-woman-eating-cotton-candy-by-nina-leen/">retronaut</a> the other day and found these FANTASTIC photos by <a href="http://www.gallerym.com/artist.cfm?ID=51">nina leen</a>, one of <a href="http://life.time.com/">life magazine</a>'s first female photojournalists.<br /><br />i am most definitely going to have to print the whole series and put it up in the house somewhere.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTscEMrrrsE_W2_QH9CE-RO32qpPgvrnQLAwyQQB-fyCmZybcZFD0pdeG6dwYeklp7hq5noLSzRTY-KTypFsqJXMJt_8JgEZNN4YRuna4r7KNKzp19DoX4hrLI1k5X9EkpLrG5nBDeTJs/s1600/Sans%252Btitre-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTscEMrrrsE_W2_QH9CE-RO32qpPgvrnQLAwyQQB-fyCmZybcZFD0pdeG6dwYeklp7hq5noLSzRTY-KTypFsqJXMJt_8JgEZNN4YRuna4r7KNKzp19DoX4hrLI1k5X9EkpLrG5nBDeTJs/s400/Sans%252Btitre-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716882936620684002" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMenBuh2ix83Az_Qj_FG0cQHtOwYYDBnXESeDtl2Joa_93FN5z-7zjClhIlQyK6lDWkZyoPhyphenhyphenitl2RYGzKYrXtOrQizRd8J6gzhcRiEuwjAsInve4k4ME8D1A_ikgBszdWuFeTyn6U9v4/s1600/Sans%252Btitre-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMenBuh2ix83Az_Qj_FG0cQHtOwYYDBnXESeDtl2Joa_93FN5z-7zjClhIlQyK6lDWkZyoPhyphenhyphenitl2RYGzKYrXtOrQizRd8J6gzhcRiEuwjAsInve4k4ME8D1A_ikgBszdWuFeTyn6U9v4/s400/Sans%252Btitre-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716882925036749666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZrEWLTCu1uk0-L4zZk9BYpRMs3s71RIgtH5DMjAOC-4g8q5OkrC-_0jG2RwRP5k6Gd6DrD0BcGIH37_ljv88pUHFs6cUsOpp_YowD-d_0GUaFT2gDrC-qHaLA3vrGXSyyyi4lvUKyUI/s1600/Sans%252Btitre-4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZrEWLTCu1uk0-L4zZk9BYpRMs3s71RIgtH5DMjAOC-4g8q5OkrC-_0jG2RwRP5k6Gd6DrD0BcGIH37_ljv88pUHFs6cUsOpp_YowD-d_0GUaFT2gDrC-qHaLA3vrGXSyyyi4lvUKyUI/s400/Sans%252Btitre-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716882923821975426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1mCKbjTuz3o_RAoW0hm_VHXTgK6fqkwYkqLl0ib9vlyYOVElLsYrmLj9Gp2svLaYYs-swnsUrPfpFzX10cFHAgolqpPEZnrxUjBREVXO7KaY-ZEX7yap3sf6Gdts_IHRplurGbHxYeg/s1600/Sans%252Btitre-5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1mCKbjTuz3o_RAoW0hm_VHXTgK6fqkwYkqLl0ib9vlyYOVElLsYrmLj9Gp2svLaYYs-swnsUrPfpFzX10cFHAgolqpPEZnrxUjBREVXO7KaY-ZEX7yap3sf6Gdts_IHRplurGbHxYeg/s400/Sans%252Btitre-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716882917684709730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyPJg60EN1KVpXZfK64TtTrLd4RhHuBiGD7TLItnu406JyNMMpysBa11qt8-YjN5GJnhcGEi3hLj_h0TlDsyI4S1e3cKSV_slaeoFco8Y9sABTuEVMWmeieedUHLhQ7edDq4eNcnKAEg/s1600/Sans%252Btitre-6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyPJg60EN1KVpXZfK64TtTrLd4RhHuBiGD7TLItnu406JyNMMpysBa11qt8-YjN5GJnhcGEi3hLj_h0TlDsyI4S1e3cKSV_slaeoFco8Y9sABTuEVMWmeieedUHLhQ7edDq4eNcnKAEg/s400/Sans%252Btitre-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716881976461168738" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1YBBt5XGDM-k_Cxw6e2I0K29LKWw9NDBGfejean6gQ9iC_af0DDEE1Ppf-Ikqfo88BgQ0yaVjmrstoztGDF9mfC2Sllo92I8xqczMZtTCIIMVKZBLy-LqlmwToG2ikNnfD4VoIpYw_g/s1600/Sans%252Btitre-7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1YBBt5XGDM-k_Cxw6e2I0K29LKWw9NDBGfejean6gQ9iC_af0DDEE1Ppf-Ikqfo88BgQ0yaVjmrstoztGDF9mfC2Sllo92I8xqczMZtTCIIMVKZBLy-LqlmwToG2ikNnfD4VoIpYw_g/s400/Sans%252Btitre-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716882367835329906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Bw8SEv45IRgMWT3QHnkdU6w-nkuT18fjS1gwGFIJ-ax9QNRkSphVDn92kxS8KCMs1-JoKm0MsgOeBAKLop3sCT8JABaXKLzo96vpJ0ZYmOl6liHPgbM22C1hdAFOjeQWiFT-OFgFu3w/s1600/Sans%252Btitre-8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Bw8SEv45IRgMWT3QHnkdU6w-nkuT18fjS1gwGFIJ-ax9QNRkSphVDn92kxS8KCMs1-JoKm0MsgOeBAKLop3sCT8JABaXKLzo96vpJ0ZYmOl6liHPgbM22C1hdAFOjeQWiFT-OFgFu3w/s400/Sans%252Btitre-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716881959876526274" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzz2QxV7lqRuM4dz8z6E95fuNScg6ZEqOi8tcx8yBuvFJgFVZBC5PtXfvSmSXseIpj_2aE1_uguYV0dsllFnKW_r9ikkoNB_wQ73Z4g3LMW8VkXGiamJhyphenhyphenmdA6bC9_w_-IGecAFc3c66g/s1600/Sans%252Btitre-9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzz2QxV7lqRuM4dz8z6E95fuNScg6ZEqOi8tcx8yBuvFJgFVZBC5PtXfvSmSXseIpj_2aE1_uguYV0dsllFnKW_r9ikkoNB_wQ73Z4g3LMW8VkXGiamJhyphenhyphenmdA6bC9_w_-IGecAFc3c66g/s400/Sans%252Btitre-9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716881943543524178" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1d0LOZqd3YOK4VBAR49jgvuA5QfTWgLrIKQZsGjGxH3JGgRpoKFKdAz5XL27ahvnQcS2q3Tz9uY6oiEgVOgkDtrK8PwfX7yW0DgOLWXWqFe1gJraV2-CoPk-yCbLw1KJtelIWMy6EE0I/s1600/Sans%252Btitre-10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1d0LOZqd3YOK4VBAR49jgvuA5QfTWgLrIKQZsGjGxH3JGgRpoKFKdAz5XL27ahvnQcS2q3Tz9uY6oiEgVOgkDtrK8PwfX7yW0DgOLWXWqFe1gJraV2-CoPk-yCbLw1KJtelIWMy6EE0I/s400/Sans%252Btitre-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716881939198123650" border="0" /></a><br />and here's one bonus picture for you. AMAZING, right?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rBovEjrzkweP3434atSDuk6zZJe8GONvJqKXaR8h9Z5S30xt5f0AI0wRnbdkFQuPpFuBaNSCJqHg0EwtE5GHotAF_5ZW79VuNoLzGMILlhzdYMZWKwnZP6LlNrtuqg_Fk3UfaBZ4U_Y/s1600/paul_and_stella_yellowlorryslow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rBovEjrzkweP3434atSDuk6zZJe8GONvJqKXaR8h9Z5S30xt5f0AI0wRnbdkFQuPpFuBaNSCJqHg0EwtE5GHotAF_5ZW79VuNoLzGMILlhzdYMZWKwnZP6LlNrtuqg_Fk3UfaBZ4U_Y/s400/paul_and_stella_yellowlorryslow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716887438441537298" border="0" /></a><strong style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-weight: normal;">paul mccartney</strong><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"> and </span><strong style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-weight: normal;">stella mccartney</strong><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"> eating cotton candy at the<br />barnum & bailey circus at madison square garden, 1974.</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"></div><br />wishing all of my readers lots of cotton candy fun today!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qAFg2TQk9v0" allowfullscreen="" align="middle" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-84169684268812005322012-02-17T11:19:00.002-08:002012-02-22T11:57:24.106-08:00a wee bit o'progress.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoasLYXWt9TJRxpV7j2G-sTjUtWQAMXY4857jk2qpCjbsDkldqZgbAO5DxTI5Lmi9TG72-2fEt2dgZo2BsdpafGj_UJEW5owwUkdfzsrxZUbtSQfvRj-H49VDQKXvFrN_05ddtZ-s-sE/s1600/IMG_0333.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoasLYXWt9TJRxpV7j2G-sTjUtWQAMXY4857jk2qpCjbsDkldqZgbAO5DxTI5Lmi9TG72-2fEt2dgZo2BsdpafGj_UJEW5owwUkdfzsrxZUbtSQfvRj-H49VDQKXvFrN_05ddtZ-s-sE/s400/IMG_0333.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710186612417576514" border="0" /></a>okay - so what better way to get motivated to finish a beast of a project than a surprise visit by family. i can't think of any, really.<br /><br />so... while this is not nearly complete, i have finally made a TINY bit of progress in decorating the dining room.<br /><br />with a hard deadline in my google calendar, i decided not to paint, but it was finally time to update the mirrors and change the light fixture. and add a buffet. and some tchotchkes.<br /><br />the photo above was taken this morning. it's messy. i need to adjust the mirrors. i'm still spray-painting and assembling the chandelier. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Balboa">rocky balboa</a> needs to be relocated. but it sort of looks like a dining room now, non?<br /><br />more details coming soon...<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ay6GjmiJTPM" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-14491722525166878242012-02-02T19:49:00.000-08:002012-02-02T20:36:28.150-08:00oh my god, this place!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhJQZi4EL49cvirvyNhXE3WqaLLxzwre-_ocgDsDW8n96BCCvATGULDNTGoMllFhPUCnx29P-Cl3PWnyzxV9T-aPBgiIExpKol12TNu6MNrPX7CVndfgVSIcBydVUiU1n39mWYM7Ce5g/s1600/Beatrice_Woodsley_Heart_Logo_adr.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhJQZi4EL49cvirvyNhXE3WqaLLxzwre-_ocgDsDW8n96BCCvATGULDNTGoMllFhPUCnx29P-Cl3PWnyzxV9T-aPBgiIExpKol12TNu6MNrPX7CVndfgVSIcBydVUiU1n39mWYM7Ce5g/s400/Beatrice_Woodsley_Heart_Logo_adr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704757449848547970" border="0" /></a><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">i recently took a quick trip to denver for some snowy r&r and was totally BLOWN AWAY by the restaurant that my host took me to on my last night in town. the food at beatrice & woodsley was outstanding (crawfish beignets? all kale caesar? whole roasted colorado striped sea bass? YES PLEASE!)<br /><br />but what really took my breath away was the interior design. it was like being transported to a different world the moment you walked through the door.<br /></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">filled with aspen trees and creative accents, i felt like we were sitting in a magical forest.<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOXbxBJpJ0nrzlvKNAMPLDG9eB8S2SSCGUywXCGKPwkWobrly1Md7EfnCrR2y5cYu9kozI-LnJ9ALgwid5rYP-ll0CIi635TCoH6F8BoFkoJ1SV0jgJLEJa1d_pr2UEhtpupMxpTpKpg/s1600/l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOXbxBJpJ0nrzlvKNAMPLDG9eB8S2SSCGUywXCGKPwkWobrly1Md7EfnCrR2y5cYu9kozI-LnJ9ALgwid5rYP-ll0CIi635TCoH6F8BoFkoJ1SV0jgJLEJa1d_pr2UEhtpupMxpTpKpg/s400/l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704757441043879874" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">and no wonder. here's their story...</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br /><br />A room that emulates the story of two lovebirds: Beatrice, the life-loving daughter of a French wine making family who relocated to California in the 1800’s to create a small vineyard. And Woodsley, the handsome and crafty son of Lumberjacks-turned-Coopers who provided barrels for the fledging wine producers. Upon first sight Beatrice & Woodsley fell in love and quickly married. </span><p style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Stirred by his new bride, Woodsley built a remote cabin amid the woods of the Colorado Mountains. Built with skilled and loving hands, Woodsley constructed a strong abode complete with the day’s amenities and a large wine cellar between the roots of the aspens... Life was lived with appreciation amongst the forest birdsong, and the snow-capped peaks… happily ever after.</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlBmhXfzDUpaqdz11Eu-s_3QVxc0MjR6F5wbck1Y70TbQdz6VSAWoXe4Zqq4LjZexd1gnrscRukMH3LDh7K1ndflh-GaN_PGAC1Pvs4B_eIVmr60tSjY_u40i57FRIOwMU3PEei65JJo/s1600/27181_381541786435_257584991435_4348660_5241826_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlBmhXfzDUpaqdz11Eu-s_3QVxc0MjR6F5wbck1Y70TbQdz6VSAWoXe4Zqq4LjZexd1gnrscRukMH3LDh7K1ndflh-GaN_PGAC1Pvs4B_eIVmr60tSjY_u40i57FRIOwMU3PEei65JJo/s400/27181_381541786435_257584991435_4348660_5241826_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704757432990753666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3Dokqe3ye-Iad1RLtd1yvqkgeD32iDJ-JhpxgaPwnMjOHJ9ZrRli_kyqbhNHmJ45HDZeQwRrWNI0he16zWLsmcqBBxzxM4KUADjyF3p_FVCA2yFbwfkQ2VjO3Kaypzo0Z1_sFuYBk44/s1600/tumblr_lidbolLhUF1qz5v5qo1_500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3Dokqe3ye-Iad1RLtd1yvqkgeD32iDJ-JhpxgaPwnMjOHJ9ZrRli_kyqbhNHmJ45HDZeQwRrWNI0he16zWLsmcqBBxzxM4KUADjyF3p_FVCA2yFbwfkQ2VjO3Kaypzo0Z1_sFuYBk44/s400/tumblr_lidbolLhUF1qz5v5qo1_500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704757436349298994" border="0" /></a>the bar is made of live edge, untreated wood supported by vintage chainsaws.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-uK9Sfi7rjzl-SmNOiPF-21wllrItifUJO9Ql-CTG1qPx1mLm9T_rJVLCdVFujfddRQWpX49BtfKqpoVW4UntGQXEylFKjvwzy9g_RfT8OPHbtRgj2upB-GDr8c2TiI-lNelUCNFP9M/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-15+at+6.03.00+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-uK9Sfi7rjzl-SmNOiPF-21wllrItifUJO9Ql-CTG1qPx1mLm9T_rJVLCdVFujfddRQWpX49BtfKqpoVW4UntGQXEylFKjvwzy9g_RfT8OPHbtRgj2upB-GDr8c2TiI-lNelUCNFP9M/s400/Screen+shot+2012-01-15+at+6.03.00+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704756969187059874" border="0" /></a>re-wired antique lamps hang from beamed ceilings.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeEBTDZ8mtvWNQSHOc_HhGp4LVYzd4yLlVpqUXMXre6Uu6nScqsKefZXckKIqs6nVf-GaQUHiOOD6mGHef_MVl9A0NfO47xtViQqQiLDslc9skJCusXjyGtU8HR0RYRhMjEC7KCFG_Yc/s1600/27181_381541776435_257584991435_4348658_6681148_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeEBTDZ8mtvWNQSHOc_HhGp4LVYzd4yLlVpqUXMXre6Uu6nScqsKefZXckKIqs6nVf-GaQUHiOOD6mGHef_MVl9A0NfO47xtViQqQiLDslc9skJCusXjyGtU8HR0RYRhMjEC7KCFG_Yc/s400/27181_381541776435_257584991435_4348658_6681148_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704756973603912178" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM3ZmV0hqcl_oIzwMdo8GXzayYQafDcIaQXHckLTkGuhQaqeYZB6cJynKqCGiVHuEJM8ePWrFSmX8bL9svJkNmcJhDiZZDIemHCKJcQtpSWe9IPfmCP9vKkkiYKMpKfewVgZPbHTlOzk/s1600/27181_381541766435_257584991435_4348656_2173649_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM3ZmV0hqcl_oIzwMdo8GXzayYQafDcIaQXHckLTkGuhQaqeYZB6cJynKqCGiVHuEJM8ePWrFSmX8bL9svJkNmcJhDiZZDIemHCKJcQtpSWe9IPfmCP9vKkkiYKMpKfewVgZPbHTlOzk/s400/27181_381541766435_257584991435_4348656_2173649_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704756967526818082" border="0" /></a>tables are swathed in gauzy white curtains for privacy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyaRWvYsMrG3JSKSra7h9WUPwluZpnDHDU8cCP-hZNRhKiuYjGm0MyH5hoFw0stVNsV8oCbK1vIemSCllA7jROJtObiZBzFPXRzntPZJw6OrPlV0osAwP0rF2JCH3EK7b2HC_WGvg1pE/s1600/27181_381541781435_257584991435_4348659_6516492_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyaRWvYsMrG3JSKSra7h9WUPwluZpnDHDU8cCP-hZNRhKiuYjGm0MyH5hoFw0stVNsV8oCbK1vIemSCllA7jROJtObiZBzFPXRzntPZJw6OrPlV0osAwP0rF2JCH3EK7b2HC_WGvg1pE/s400/27181_381541781435_257584991435_4348659_6516492_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704756960887720690" border="0" /></a>the shingled back wall hides doors to the men's and ladies' rooms.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3jtAZJAdVciT1OOn15G86MN5r4iLMy9R-kESmGiR6AulM4NafZYDri7EpzHbVOE7-4v-Q_0Ucg0Iu8d337uJMMGXK_QmI0oxLGs4F0NUDf4Wgyzbu5hMxiFgVTDw-ivEdlU4tUtJqXA/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-02+at+8.00.22+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 273px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3jtAZJAdVciT1OOn15G86MN5r4iLMy9R-kESmGiR6AulM4NafZYDri7EpzHbVOE7-4v-Q_0Ucg0Iu8d337uJMMGXK_QmI0oxLGs4F0NUDf4Wgyzbu5hMxiFgVTDw-ivEdlU4tUtJqXA/s400/Screen+shot+2012-02-02+at+8.00.22+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704756228666390434" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVPE2k8caOSJ_z72skwhmAEVMcY9Ur_W-lGczyej_oWEeRgV_aAoDQBe6KIOcUNNiuiVDLca0zuycPF9iPacmutarOBK8QqNKEpyWZuTqWI1dGUsJim9liUDm3c5DLyT3mhP-5_F4bak/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-15+at+6.03.35+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVPE2k8caOSJ_z72skwhmAEVMcY9Ur_W-lGczyej_oWEeRgV_aAoDQBe6KIOcUNNiuiVDLca0zuycPF9iPacmutarOBK8QqNKEpyWZuTqWI1dGUsJim9liUDm3c5DLyT3mhP-5_F4bak/s400/Screen+shot+2012-01-15+at+6.03.35+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704756220858599074" border="0" /></a>paper rolls suspended from the restroom ceiling.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwIhWsELmAdtUtYrBd7ffArZy9pDb_kLhZ_PjzXk43duCsXPbYZjOBoQ22PW6lvgKKc5Svt0-ou3wgVU6YSBdPSzm0kFkITe4X6OiaW-xKUB9rp7y2NU48IfVkAvEcuDOKlO_8LTNuN8/s1600/BW_2_Final.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwIhWsELmAdtUtYrBd7ffArZy9pDb_kLhZ_PjzXk43duCsXPbYZjOBoQ22PW6lvgKKc5Svt0-ou3wgVU6YSBdPSzm0kFkITe4X6OiaW-xKUB9rp7y2NU48IfVkAvEcuDOKlO_8LTNuN8/s400/BW_2_Final.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704756213634783986" border="0" /></a>wonderful pulley system to turn on the sink faucets. strings of ball bearings guide the water from the ceiling into your hands.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsMCevWwpQM5vcaC3wpUVtvIwIhxXhLrxLZ0LNoNVOdssDqQCmRInIsh0ZdMKyZCD1nexNo0h7C4_cQALyjCw46gPAuLWC-AGLB1BsAu2aywQieEbOLp12s7wURSp7cpToopZmbC5a7M/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-15+at+6.07.31+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsMCevWwpQM5vcaC3wpUVtvIwIhxXhLrxLZ0LNoNVOdssDqQCmRInIsh0ZdMKyZCD1nexNo0h7C4_cQALyjCw46gPAuLWC-AGLB1BsAu2aywQieEbOLp12s7wURSp7cpToopZmbC5a7M/s400/Screen+shot+2012-01-15+at+6.07.31+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704756210544856306" border="0" /></a>whimsical touches all around!<br /><br />visiting beatrice & woodsley motivated me to get started again on some of the little projects that are hanging around the house waiting to be completed. above all, when someone visits our home, i want them to feel comfortable and happy - just the way i felt when i visited b & w.<br /><br />what's inspiring you right now?<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DARX9nzNE3E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-72397705828740134102012-01-31T13:52:00.000-08:002012-01-31T14:58:32.964-08:00other people's places: sarah's bedroom.welcome to a new type of post that i hope you'll all enjoy!<br /><br />today's post is one of which i'll call "other people's places". lots of my friends have started to ask for my help in decorating their own homes (crazy fools, i know).<br /><br />my primary goal is always to capture the person's personal style. and a pretty close second is to make the decorating plan affordable.<br /><br />sarah came to me with an approximately $1000 budget for her bedroom. she had been using the same unfinished pine furniture since she was 19 and moved into her first college apartment. after turning 30 over the summer she wanted to move to a new place and to make it her own.<br /><br />she ended up in a big apartment in a great neighborhood - though, as it was built in the 60s it lacked character. each room is essentially a big white box.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaVrGqazqPW4THch2lMK2XlswtJxLWvDQir8ixXJQNqGD_OLyZnLz2QvyzQNOnRKH7ePs2r1EMKYD2QlEBv_EuQAvq4W0kaYrL3eGOjnhfmsFlq42pFkaXg7iu8bPKUARcJMkDJSoHPw/s1600/5221627821_01dd931839_z.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaVrGqazqPW4THch2lMK2XlswtJxLWvDQir8ixXJQNqGD_OLyZnLz2QvyzQNOnRKH7ePs2r1EMKYD2QlEBv_EuQAvq4W0kaYrL3eGOjnhfmsFlq42pFkaXg7iu8bPKUARcJMkDJSoHPw/s400/5221627821_01dd931839_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703922665620969666" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">one room she loved.</span></div><br />when we talked about what she wanted, she noted that she loved the feel of a modern hotel or spa, but wanted some glamour too. i also noticed that, when we looked at inspiration photos, aside from symmetry (hence the love of hotel rooms) she is drawn to some rustic/ warm elements.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1Lh0lUCywsa6DZYACOlmBYndE8_6FM-JjxKwZpHSclzBuT8Id7AgSTSQRAnzUUIYGjl54uuMnt7xu6XA6uQ7_S6HsTUi88j0BNZW7v-XyS9wLbNfrsyXjEMdq3gYkGDlVFwm-33aAKE/s1600/5221659353_1239915e3a_z.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1Lh0lUCywsa6DZYACOlmBYndE8_6FM-JjxKwZpHSclzBuT8Id7AgSTSQRAnzUUIYGjl54uuMnt7xu6XA6uQ7_S6HsTUi88j0BNZW7v-XyS9wLbNfrsyXjEMdq3gYkGDlVFwm-33aAKE/s400/5221659353_1239915e3a_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703922663579461218" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">and another that inspired us.</span><br /></div><br />in a word, she wanted something glamorclectic. :)<br /><br />we're still working on the room, and accessories in particular (she was initially one of those folks who was terrified to collect anything other than vintage 80s vhs tapes - see her favorite below. AMAZING.)<br /><br />here's what we have collected over the past few months, along with a pillow idea and wall hangings that we're considering for over her desk. (stay tuned for a cool mount that i have in mind.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFwOX1oC0JzQs9xrrfMcGXKCLKNJhc8vj3RetoPR0aPrSYsz0wTEq6aGaGQaGWzbUDQr1Wcj39Wq3wsYHvtTXjCpJ-oB9dhw1C1QW050WyeUN3WTtSMT_6T5IFQEKWweOsGNLVTvvFmM/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-31+at+1.48.28+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFwOX1oC0JzQs9xrrfMcGXKCLKNJhc8vj3RetoPR0aPrSYsz0wTEq6aGaGQaGWzbUDQr1Wcj39Wq3wsYHvtTXjCpJ-oB9dhw1C1QW050WyeUN3WTtSMT_6T5IFQEKWweOsGNLVTvvFmM/s400/Screen+shot+2012-01-31+at+1.48.28+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703923514516308754" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">click image to see close ups.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>i think it looks gorgeous and like it could have been collected more slowly over time (rather than in just a couple of months). and it was great that she was willing to put in some elbow grease. the ikea rast hack ($35 for a nightstand - yes, please!) in particular turned out fab.<br /><br />we'll post pictures when it's done-ish, but what do you think?<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/v_xgxFEj9aw" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="425"></iframe>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-83760974180999655982012-01-10T10:44:00.001-08:002012-01-11T11:10:33.066-08:00more dining room inspiration?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PO48r9CNpuDKW1mDysad4SzcAfHlghBDl4Gj0WjfqIgeJRaZhg5FDdSTvbt4uFE7XPU7g1tO9fssXv9UEndK0TH2Fq2bsgbdcGY9U5EHIH9oLSRv-UJ2QdauDgsTkfdJ2O6He-jJpx8/s1600/3-romance-livingroom-1008-xlg-59507126.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PO48r9CNpuDKW1mDysad4SzcAfHlghBDl4Gj0WjfqIgeJRaZhg5FDdSTvbt4uFE7XPU7g1tO9fssXv9UEndK0TH2Fq2bsgbdcGY9U5EHIH9oLSRv-UJ2QdauDgsTkfdJ2O6He-jJpx8/s400/3-romance-livingroom-1008-xlg-59507126.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696077705026667218" /></a><br />i have been struggling to get this room right for almost 2 years now, and i still feel GAH when i walk into it. i won't trouble you with a photo (it's still covered in holiday decorations from various parties) but it's just not great!<br /><br />first i thought this: <a href="http://fogcitysparkle.blogspot.com/2010/01/dining-room-inspiration.html">http://fogcitysparkle.blogspot.com/2010/01/dining-room-inspiration.html</a><div><br /></div><div>and then i thought this: <a href="http://fogcitysparkle.blogspot.com/2010/07/answer-to-never-ending-story.html">http://fogcitysparkle.blogspot.com/2010/07/answer-to-never-ending-story.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div>but, now, i'm thinking of going WAY girly. like pink and purple girly. because "why not?"</div><div><br /></div><div>here are a few mood photos. what do you think?</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVjBrhhjNnidnNPTQmXzOEneyf-Pe6UX3B5SVsqdJZocx5ZtcXQqUu26zEnQOElObvK8O84sacQ4RmYU75OrAa1TB5BQn8RvWuxvkpBqoOs_4JenSHx5W_EvrXVc0E-6kekJyJe0GKAw/s1600/untitled-copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVjBrhhjNnidnNPTQmXzOEneyf-Pe6UX3B5SVsqdJZocx5ZtcXQqUu26zEnQOElObvK8O84sacQ4RmYU75OrAa1TB5BQn8RvWuxvkpBqoOs_4JenSHx5W_EvrXVc0E-6kekJyJe0GKAw/s400/untitled-copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696453399608329858" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBCNCvRLym7in0z1If4vaepaNSg9-j0sMkzxgTnJm15sN_JZGo73PK17RlJdzGifLNeWDMaMjcqUoKZGtgkYHVx_NU6yW6DRaTXZl4ylRtlRWh-am720phqAyt5aT7Pq46hLHx3aUzkc/s1600/4-romance-livingroom-1008-xlg-47851447.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBCNCvRLym7in0z1If4vaepaNSg9-j0sMkzxgTnJm15sN_JZGo73PK17RlJdzGifLNeWDMaMjcqUoKZGtgkYHVx_NU6yW6DRaTXZl4ylRtlRWh-am720phqAyt5aT7Pq46hLHx3aUzkc/s400/4-romance-livingroom-1008-xlg-47851447.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696077711309620690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskW_HrA6lQtqyafLQ3R0WZgBTUCsI7hSkSBQS_G3_xHq0kuVUQgJ_QySp4UECl743VY2e2Ya95mb8h__3N8qbAEIaY9ddXrCDzwFX67HFztoTCDb71drg54qsAxdx4pjkjG7giwMDcrM/s1600/9-16-purple-4_rect540.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 377px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskW_HrA6lQtqyafLQ3R0WZgBTUCsI7hSkSBQS_G3_xHq0kuVUQgJ_QySp4UECl743VY2e2Ya95mb8h__3N8qbAEIaY9ddXrCDzwFX67HFztoTCDb71drg54qsAxdx4pjkjG7giwMDcrM/s400/9-16-purple-4_rect540.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696077711310645794" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPlh9hjlbK_OG5nWobk-IhXll27XC5RY3J8Fej0IRznU50ERX2TB1zClYkAdmnw5JEiUk7w69LdZIWPsKCDY1kIEszyLbALOe3vo-8gFjbIzinWGGioHs6cLxJ9l88Am_G5GtGB3NzXU/s1600/05lilac9-15-09_rect540.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPlh9hjlbK_OG5nWobk-IhXll27XC5RY3J8Fej0IRznU50ERX2TB1zClYkAdmnw5JEiUk7w69LdZIWPsKCDY1kIEszyLbALOe3vo-8gFjbIzinWGGioHs6cLxJ9l88Am_G5GtGB3NzXU/s400/05lilac9-15-09_rect540.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696077715319570530" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPnVfXiCYSk0E6Qr2ILr9tntdHMswz2JHkFNB36Jy7NyO2E1N5KmAxDIHEEsmh_3857KkeCtNTgPowTAm_aREcbNPvn3W9_2KrgCFWsbbIEvkYzyTMTgInpVDULK_JUBA5A4Q1aJwOxI/s1600/9-16-purple-3_rect540.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPnVfXiCYSk0E6Qr2ILr9tntdHMswz2JHkFNB36Jy7NyO2E1N5KmAxDIHEEsmh_3857KkeCtNTgPowTAm_aREcbNPvn3W9_2KrgCFWsbbIEvkYzyTMTgInpVDULK_JUBA5A4Q1aJwOxI/s400/9-16-purple-3_rect540.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696077722535811858" /></a><br /></div><div>and, damn, i love this song. is that embarrassing?<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wM-XhQeFzW4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /></div>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-52807216777997518832011-12-14T17:43:00.000-08:002011-12-15T11:31:21.397-08:00trees! friends! tree friends!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbFGbcpuwTys7JOCHcVtJN1FXPbHzZtJt29lf87EIRuftzbF_XH7edj17zWYljns5OkaG7l2HJ06XyI4eBCL7ltcPw-afXwHpPQPZm4tJi4IVU3S8YPgY-qpvc4XcZGo6Dd3Qp7UmR3w/s1600/081220112354.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbFGbcpuwTys7JOCHcVtJN1FXPbHzZtJt29lf87EIRuftzbF_XH7edj17zWYljns5OkaG7l2HJ06XyI4eBCL7ltcPw-afXwHpPQPZm4tJi4IVU3S8YPgY-qpvc4XcZGo6Dd3Qp7UmR3w/s400/081220112354.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686165203868694594" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">a little late this year, but here's my tree. i used a new set of ornaments this year - indulged myself in my love of neon and sparkle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">if you want to get the look, you can click <a href="http://www.target.com/p/4-Ft-Smooth-Molded-Ball-Garland-Multi/-/A-13645093">here for the staircase garland</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21-YXBJePBOrh6P47aOgCi4sX3BPnuNmMKwkT93R6rJ_A6HpNIE_cvkCP0IWu1HzxmzcysZbT54R_QLOpu48jpre8PDlXudCPOxulX1ZzBrSYMxFzytjaWdeE3yJnCpq0jvUyylUjYXg/s400/Screen+shot+2011-12-15+at+10.31.28+AM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686428046854905074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 380px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/50Ct-Ornament-Set-Multicolor/-/A-13645107?reco=Rec%7Cpdp%7C13645107%7CClickCP%7Citem_page.adjacency&lnk=Rec%7Cpdp%7C13645107%7CClickCP%7Citem_page.adjacency">here</a> and <a href="http://www.target.com/p/50Ct-Ornament-Set-Silver/-/A-13645263?reco=Rec%7Cpdp%7C13645263%7CClickCP%7Citem_page.adjacency&lnk=Rec%7Cpdp%7C13645263%7CClickCP%7Citem_page.adjacency">here</a> for these here ornaments</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmG6go08dRnn-ja9CCOukH7tEx8KEbmKCX_YzRLQFSErrOwhyySc5VaLdXzK5JPi4pp_nRjLOnqa7FEv57jITxu-s-wNpKxvios0vcnQ5rwEk5LLKgRo77PC0Ll_xTGzltOLpFTX4c7N8/s400/Screen+shot+2011-12-15+at+11.11.14+AM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686438661092417650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">and walgreens carries an amazing silver tinsel with teeny hot pink and chartreuse ornaments.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">as a christmas bonus, here are a few dorky photos of me and my best friends getting into the holiday spirit!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHB_LVQ4s8_PqXvOlzoTz4jXAn9TBQOtgHY6iF4CPhfYYpG5y8J31LXeASHP5MWtWk-dui_YRvfMlmN5EO5VkHfxKTcWjszozm8APIjKMpa54hfrMVAgrzjWVApQuW5SSg8i_G2WKmOSo/s1600/041220112324.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHB_LVQ4s8_PqXvOlzoTz4jXAn9TBQOtgHY6iF4CPhfYYpG5y8J31LXeASHP5MWtWk-dui_YRvfMlmN5EO5VkHfxKTcWjszozm8APIjKMpa54hfrMVAgrzjWVApQuW5SSg8i_G2WKmOSo/s400/041220112324.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686171362025020930" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">we found santa!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XLiO-DayKVoSnrsE4bp9rwnvTPXEM4ZXpUNY1LGrAgVlPLvKEAA1-P23GRjM5alHWuvxu6Yu0GJa7IQMKLHPaTfZvCvKKdiZpSe9epsR0lNb55_Lp9ZMOhL4I9lqJGm1O-4QoBlUSjY/s1600/322332_10100490171119977_3613839_55363794_577260996_o.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XLiO-DayKVoSnrsE4bp9rwnvTPXEM4ZXpUNY1LGrAgVlPLvKEAA1-P23GRjM5alHWuvxu6Yu0GJa7IQMKLHPaTfZvCvKKdiZpSe9epsR0lNb55_Lp9ZMOhL4I9lqJGm1O-4QoBlUSjY/s400/322332_10100490171119977_3613839_55363794_577260996_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686173201975999266" /></a>and a bit of christmas cheer in a glass (none for me, thanks)!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGYPVa7mzryq_M-rxPf8n5WOGVLwZowg_xs0YHpUVPfjfYdglfrRvDvUp5zKrxHJzqv05aqirsinBTkqbthOhyCabGGOrzksYShoouysVueKpHP1wJHEBdeCF9wZ87G6m_tMl0SQH6YY/s1600/041220112333.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGYPVa7mzryq_M-rxPf8n5WOGVLwZowg_xs0YHpUVPfjfYdglfrRvDvUp5zKrxHJzqv05aqirsinBTkqbthOhyCabGGOrzksYShoouysVueKpHP1wJHEBdeCF9wZ87G6m_tMl0SQH6YY/s400/041220112333.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686171682663457074" /></a>followed by spa day in hmb and some help picking a tree - thanks s.p. and v.b.!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiZtsdWwWXSjVbQa168R6L1VPMMmcY8bE8pXcIPgLH-rC1d-a1ZkzqFMLWnuBJ7AeQf34dX0F-SYeW96LMtwG2dhEsBhbfp16beRloF7pJURePUSYUEZBICvVYjCGXDOIRrbFEfIxffE/s1600/071220112350.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiZtsdWwWXSjVbQa168R6L1VPMMmcY8bE8pXcIPgLH-rC1d-a1ZkzqFMLWnuBJ7AeQf34dX0F-SYeW96LMtwG2dhEsBhbfp16beRloF7pJURePUSYUEZBICvVYjCGXDOIRrbFEfIxffE/s400/071220112350.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686165208920720018" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">"it's christmassssss... all oooover... again.</div><div style="text-align: center;">decorations are all hung by the fire.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HqkHWMlAq7Ulsy7bTFsP3IbSYQCHuF9u00-_5KJVaNYB1uPBpGiPa-0Q8wdmC9xez_Hi_6lKVOL7nAAvX-yPbaKwyv7IueCAvxqqnYKtAyflfeZWKMkRdblDEG5uoRx0iS7Hy-m9FRo/s1600/04122010209.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HqkHWMlAq7Ulsy7bTFsP3IbSYQCHuF9u00-_5KJVaNYB1uPBpGiPa-0Q8wdmC9xez_Hi_6lKVOL7nAAvX-yPbaKwyv7IueCAvxqqnYKtAyflfeZWKMkRdblDEG5uoRx0iS7Hy-m9FRo/s400/04122010209.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686423733603035602" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">everybody's singin'...</div><div style="text-align: center;">all the bells are ringin' out...</div><div style="text-align: center;">and it's christmassssss... all oooover... again.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">yeah, again!"</div><div><br /><iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3CHopZgA93E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></div></div></div>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-5097749947967526272011-08-30T12:57:00.000-07:002011-12-15T11:21:01.536-08:00make that: i GAVE up.so i did as i said (p.s. what is the origin of "do as you say and say as you mean..."? i don't think it's dr. seuss, but maybe i am wrong) and visited my favorite nursery, <a href="http://www.sloatgardens.com/">sloat</a> on 3rd, yesterday after work.<br /><br />i still have A LOT of work to do in the garden, but here are a few of the pots that i've started. (click any image for a close-up.)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztKp1zEYQ_rgGQgPFn0LSnByUIqZv7PHu-oNZwLh1tPOnbfy4t_yk3jpMu_SMHoUIcNwR-upmGN4M_UFFQfbHdKWqj-AIVQ6iNx0-1BzB0JtuqztwPXamwUZgu9FpEwzuOlii_8-kOlA/s1600/IMG_9800.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztKp1zEYQ_rgGQgPFn0LSnByUIqZv7PHu-oNZwLh1tPOnbfy4t_yk3jpMu_SMHoUIcNwR-upmGN4M_UFFQfbHdKWqj-AIVQ6iNx0-1BzB0JtuqztwPXamwUZgu9FpEwzuOlii_8-kOlA/s400/IMG_9800.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646741408439705474" border="0" /></a>half of the succulents in the photo above were already lying about. now that they are all together, with some new friends, they look great! i was at ocean beach the other day and collected a bunch of sand dollars, just like i did as a kid, and i think they make a cute addition to the planters, no?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBx4kwvIRQ2A-87znkKrNDQgHud6eZtlpt7WN3QxjrKIhKsupKfAQC86V7Zy_urV54nCaQW3Pyqf1qS-9V29eHITNS-1m4pchP8g9etU9eKRiGypq0jywN6rc_6bCbdNs2eBsClCjhyphenhyphenaE/s1600/IMG_9803.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBx4kwvIRQ2A-87znkKrNDQgHud6eZtlpt7WN3QxjrKIhKsupKfAQC86V7Zy_urV54nCaQW3Pyqf1qS-9V29eHITNS-1m4pchP8g9etU9eKRiGypq0jywN6rc_6bCbdNs2eBsClCjhyphenhyphenaE/s400/IMG_9803.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646741415597342978" border="0" /></a>okay, how GORGEOUS is this purple guy? he's as big as my head and starting to flower. now i need to plant him and find him some colorful friends.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CMFaDGKWQGdZR3nR54Z8gdovkW0adP6BjnMH7ru9H4l92l-8aWpfIuRUpwLbsrzuZkTlJ4NJ4306ov8n8W4y7d1sueDFyIv9KtrZaSB2Pnh17-sjBX7r0fmhzx3GOI9AiH248yZqBB8/s1600/IMG_9805.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CMFaDGKWQGdZR3nR54Z8gdovkW0adP6BjnMH7ru9H4l92l-8aWpfIuRUpwLbsrzuZkTlJ4NJ4306ov8n8W4y7d1sueDFyIv9KtrZaSB2Pnh17-sjBX7r0fmhzx3GOI9AiH248yZqBB8/s400/IMG_9805.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646741422755614114" border="0" /></a>and this one - OMG. it's also the size of my head but the flower stalks are HUGE. i can't wait to see them bloom!<br /><br />and here's a closer look. doesn't it look like a magnolia flower from outer space?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqwIRHMYqZ-H5bDwks2SVGMsaeqESp7kmaD6HGBjMibCSYZLlkH-lsdYzu_-M4zW-t_F-7IvWp0Y5PYiPDWwhitkcsRqEazPLuBUT26khXmQug229BCwblpAGCUIkWvsc9DWyxoGIGKE/s1600/IMG_9808.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqwIRHMYqZ-H5bDwks2SVGMsaeqESp7kmaD6HGBjMibCSYZLlkH-lsdYzu_-M4zW-t_F-7IvWp0Y5PYiPDWwhitkcsRqEazPLuBUT26khXmQug229BCwblpAGCUIkWvsc9DWyxoGIGKE/s400/IMG_9808.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646741427968745250" border="0" /></a><br />so in love with these things - i think i am officially obsessed!<br /><br />just as i am mega obsessed with this song lately...<br /><br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5mQVljB7JGw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-81876203867830431682011-08-29T14:20:00.000-07:002011-12-15T11:21:42.057-08:00i give up.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfqWn1_hHBGvjDD08G4MU9QjancPbNwAFXp54Mmt1xgdk4g4vds39_EpCm9MoRv63HxwyNzunnwB0ao_a5waKStmpxMfAX9JJm8Or195uEzNAOSlcoMs65IV9HBF7LEtvfBmHk1ULK5Q/s1600/250729883_dea7d03374_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfqWn1_hHBGvjDD08G4MU9QjancPbNwAFXp54Mmt1xgdk4g4vds39_EpCm9MoRv63HxwyNzunnwB0ao_a5waKStmpxMfAX9JJm8Or195uEzNAOSlcoMs65IV9HBF7LEtvfBmHk1ULK5Q/s400/250729883_dea7d03374_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646394267747945650" border="0" /></a>this year has been a terrible one on the home gardening front. i used to have <a href="http://fogcitysparkle.blogspot.com/2010/04/sunshine.html">flowers</a> and <a href="http://fogcitysparkle.blogspot.com/2010/05/well-what-do-we-have-here.html">kittens</a> and well manicured vines, but now it's just... well, it's just a g.d. mess out there!<br /><br />i do think, with more "me" time, i could develop a green thumb. i mean, i did okay for the first year or so. but right now, if i am really honest with myself, it just ain't happenin'.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoYa-6UhwHHQOeXMZ74EI5Weow26912oqxiAgo0PD7p8okqOBEWofW1CPq7YemPG2HmwBvnLzxzVBfdP0a-ZOocwGTGWR0QuPDVgDphpASMhqSUgBm4RXfxyKTMtGVY9fijbYcc9kKJ4/s1600/250730647_0834312128_z.jpg"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3WJGFEkez-Ztn_W6l-KKiLO_h-4_VjHMxlKSsJ804xhCU4EWAsp7v5ve32EhA3K6gJFpnno39KFD-ZgQmqakAFEwHXJf7-Oeziq7MNfvbuztaWUOp2TKEk8OpthASUUqy2lBw2K-Ees/s1600/250790508_c6a2bcb526_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3WJGFEkez-Ztn_W6l-KKiLO_h-4_VjHMxlKSsJ804xhCU4EWAsp7v5ve32EhA3K6gJFpnno39KFD-ZgQmqakAFEwHXJf7-Oeziq7MNfvbuztaWUOp2TKEk8OpthASUUqy2lBw2K-Ees/s400/250790508_c6a2bcb526_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646395194012044578" border="0" /></a>so what to do? i don't want it to be a total catastrophe out there. and you know how i love color. well, this is when our fog and no-frost climate comes in handy. i have decided, like everyone else these days, to convert my containers to a succulent garden.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAK4QVl_MCzDVFtJhh5sfU8WxS1vt_IcS3ABuw0UI_8vTTmz7-OxpaNqRod0s2Tp43XaZuc2xp-VrGnLZwbHPfSJI7OTB6_15TjFIJjbOkvwJyIQ0ktoS0elUFffylcX080Ie7Zwojz3w/s1600/250795929_b9138b726d_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAK4QVl_MCzDVFtJhh5sfU8WxS1vt_IcS3ABuw0UI_8vTTmz7-OxpaNqRod0s2Tp43XaZuc2xp-VrGnLZwbHPfSJI7OTB6_15TjFIJjbOkvwJyIQ0ktoS0elUFffylcX080Ie7Zwojz3w/s400/250795929_b9138b726d_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646395191426279906" border="0" /></a>luckily, san francisco weather is just about perfect for these hardy little plants. and, the more i learn, the more i love. it's insane how many sizes, colors and shapes you can find!<br /><br />today, after work, i'm heading over to <a href="http://www.sloatgardens.com/">sloat</a>'s 3rd ave nursery - i hear they've got an amazing selection right now. in the meantime, i am LOVING these photos from a yard designed by <a href="http://www.isabellegreene.com">isabelle greene</a> in santa barbara. (all photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brewbooks/sets/72157594296799820/with/250795929/">brewbooks</a>.)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoYa-6UhwHHQOeXMZ74EI5Weow26912oqxiAgo0PD7p8okqOBEWofW1CPq7YemPG2HmwBvnLzxzVBfdP0a-ZOocwGTGWR0QuPDVgDphpASMhqSUgBm4RXfxyKTMtGVY9fijbYcc9kKJ4/s1600/250730647_0834312128_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoYa-6UhwHHQOeXMZ74EI5Weow26912oqxiAgo0PD7p8okqOBEWofW1CPq7YemPG2HmwBvnLzxzVBfdP0a-ZOocwGTGWR0QuPDVgDphpASMhqSUgBm4RXfxyKTMtGVY9fijbYcc9kKJ4/s400/250730647_0834312128_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646395199848704050" border="0" /></a>i mean, these are just gorgeous, right? all of the color and texture!<br /><br />high and dry has never sounded better!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BciOfJsqh7M" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="344"></iframe>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-27062895719155713452011-08-16T11:48:00.000-07:002011-08-29T14:50:31.123-07:00local inspiration.it's really hard not to appreciate living in this amazing place. i am convinced that you would actually have to work hard to hate it.
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<br />san francisco is filled to the brim with things that inspire. i'm trying my best to get back to decorating the house (i've obviously lost some steam of late) and, while i have no current plans to paint the exterior, i still can't help but be excited and and influenced by all of the beauties i pass every day!
<br />
<br />here are two of my all-time favorites - they make me smile. and they remind me to think of my home, and everything in it, as a way to create joy. huzzah for exuberance!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-fetxnJVN2Ny9TzvhnwrvgmOwuJV-hGtDOntQdSESSaOkJzoqhjQ_X6jaXOtIoaCkjvy-K9zLWcjGEQVtbkRmI2dpIoYGcybAUzJXIDZRrTXENpQYGt-ipPq8GDZk1OyNeTdCxFTIJc/s1600/OMG_rainbowHouse.PNG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 301px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641531694407530082" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-fetxnJVN2Ny9TzvhnwrvgmOwuJV-hGtDOntQdSESSaOkJzoqhjQ_X6jaXOtIoaCkjvy-K9zLWcjGEQVtbkRmI2dpIoYGcybAUzJXIDZRrTXENpQYGt-ipPq8GDZk1OyNeTdCxFTIJc/s400/OMG_rainbowHouse.PNG" border="0" /></a>this is the "rainbow house" on clipper street (#521, for locals) in noe valley. (<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mybluemuse/2477989072/">photo</a> courtesy of pj taylor)
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZ1FK98iPaDoW-n1Xb2xb3u_nBNSxQFDuue3dTLhGPnK1KIxVSOdL5T41b-XRZMrozyol7IRDWcs0E0LBn5IJXPscgS7Vkhz9rUa3qc2j8nl5TPsdUZT2xFOKFIs3PkHV70j1Ua96zOI/s1600/vendanta.PNG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 308px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641531683469957474" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZ1FK98iPaDoW-n1Xb2xb3u_nBNSxQFDuue3dTLhGPnK1KIxVSOdL5T41b-XRZMrozyol7IRDWcs0E0LBn5IJXPscgS7Vkhz9rUa3qc2j8nl5TPsdUZT2xFOKFIs3PkHV70j1Ua96zOI/s400/vendanta.PNG" border="0" /></a> and an amazing one from my old neighborhood: the old <a href="http://www.sfvedanta.org/">vedanta</a> temple in cow hollow (webster @ filbert, for those of you who'd like to walk by). it was built in 1905 as the first hindu temple in the u.s. and is still in use. pictures from then and now.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgrWD2k09jl58VllR_8eFZ7hDPrMHUaYps09HxSfj-mJBjwPnoXkRpEO5LjjWPJXW8y0mW3rqR775WfrISEA9N1ZguYMV1HEWYc6l-3Os1oOwHCwslUyvddhjeklcjVVtjBLNfwX3YBo/s1600/4514077726_6f9469cd2c_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgrWD2k09jl58VllR_8eFZ7hDPrMHUaYps09HxSfj-mJBjwPnoXkRpEO5LjjWPJXW8y0mW3rqR775WfrISEA9N1ZguYMV1HEWYc6l-3Os1oOwHCwslUyvddhjeklcjVVtjBLNfwX3YBo/s400/4514077726_6f9469cd2c_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642630261097582626" border="0" /></a>and the view on filbert street. (photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pbo31/4514077726">patrick boury</a>.)
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<br />more on it's fascinating history <a href="http://sanfranciscohistory.blogspot.com/2011/03/old-vedanta-temple.html">here</a> and <a href="http://foundsf.org/index.php?title=VEDANTA_TEMPLE">here</a>...
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<br />what's currently inspiring you?
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<br /><iframe width="420" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V1bFr2SWP1I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-709297549499052011-06-05T23:03:00.000-07:002011-06-23T16:14:41.284-07:00oh, geez...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfcC0gXPRiEeJy0XX2USBQ1neU-R8dHNZsMRVps54ESuaZWVPIrr0vr4CVn4QPGJqAY0Eoricv1fC_xFZd7PXk3e3wEPBxi30Wc_SJP07NClJpVljee8kq-ON54e0VnsR-ngNwv2mMuM/s1600/IMG_9615.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614984745278736706" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfcC0gXPRiEeJy0XX2USBQ1neU-R8dHNZsMRVps54ESuaZWVPIrr0vr4CVn4QPGJqAY0Eoricv1fC_xFZd7PXk3e3wEPBxi30Wc_SJP07NClJpVljee8kq-ON54e0VnsR-ngNwv2mMuM/s400/IMG_9615.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">i have a soft-spot for hobos (he's actually a table lighter).</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">..</span><br /></div><br /><div align="left">it has been far too long since i have written! things have been crazy here in fog city (i know, it's no excuse) but i'm ready to fire-up this here blog once again...<br /><br />as most of you know, we had a fire 6 months ago. things worked out just fine, the work is almost complete, but g has opted to keep things private - so i'll just say that it looks beautiful and leave it at that! </div><br /><div align="left">i've also taken a fab trip to vietnam (!) - i'll post pics soon - and started a new project for a friend. it's another gorgeous san francisco home - this time late edwardian (as opposed to my VERY victorian one) and BIG. like, it even has a garage. which is a true luxury here in fog city. stay tuned for some news on that front.<br /><br />anywhoo, today i'm going to start with an easy post...<br /><br />i took a trip up the california coast (with many stops for wine-tasting) for a weekend of antiquing with the girls. and picked up a few new cuties for the house. check out all of my new boyfriends! </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QMpRNExubLzTp-_gMe9p5QRSkvbVMIJU-FPHLSfV85a9R0eGIsYLzCDKc5cZ2GOh6l7wujcAYXtyobgNdyOwp5lTXQcRaceBrtkog9S0nTGPyzs6QvPSLY-2U0j84TBmD090-IGhaMg/s1600/IMG_9611.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614984131500855426" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QMpRNExubLzTp-_gMe9p5QRSkvbVMIJU-FPHLSfV85a9R0eGIsYLzCDKc5cZ2GOh6l7wujcAYXtyobgNdyOwp5lTXQcRaceBrtkog9S0nTGPyzs6QvPSLY-2U0j84TBmD090-IGhaMg/s400/IMG_9611.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">and also for ringmasters (esp. when pose as adorable piggy banks).</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJhcWIN2G251xbHg26t6lN0X9vygD8SILcYRfJFAx6mwM2Mqg4GghocDKjj-i75hDUVKnGK6RhnBFKf3MRKaFOzJzGz9-4KQRS7bh21CfLtl7b5Vg6_AIPtlTga9soKEuRL5FraJxKdI/s1600/IMG_9616.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614984125019108050" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJhcWIN2G251xbHg26t6lN0X9vygD8SILcYRfJFAx6mwM2Mqg4GghocDKjj-i75hDUVKnGK6RhnBFKf3MRKaFOzJzGz9-4KQRS7bh21CfLtl7b5Vg6_AIPtlTga9soKEuRL5FraJxKdI/s400/IMG_9616.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">and who could resist "clippy" the paper-clip holder? (though he may actually be promoted to toothbrush holder.)</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lX3sQQ1Ka6hshInca4Mhubc7R-sT6JLewypkyB6iQsUPkIrs0-H_j_OYaqhH53Jd_pouJK1H7nrJZ11pt00_gxx4HaEGcycR8Krci2ekvV40aoBRfPRUI-7GeBGwT-35U8ijTeJSCxM/s1600/IMG_9619.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614984113101880002" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lX3sQQ1Ka6hshInca4Mhubc7R-sT6JLewypkyB6iQsUPkIrs0-H_j_OYaqhH53Jd_pouJK1H7nrJZ11pt00_gxx4HaEGcycR8Krci2ekvV40aoBRfPRUI-7GeBGwT-35U8ijTeJSCxM/s400/IMG_9619.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">i love old neon signs. this one is made more awesome by the fact that the acrylic has faded to yellow and hot pink - making it OH SO GIRLY. perfect with the pink and orange flowers in my office.</span><br /></div><br />here are a few photos from the trip, in case you're interested...<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cgBZf9gQUDk8C60pYmupfs40s2dwPOuoDlIu3t8ynM6rh9Q8V89zhP2y6nIXSXbzNiy0ZsUCxomNkfywO-JbRzb_TLZazXyl8BbBYAXUGtDjU7ErgAcxA3JBittCwwZ9c7iYvKzZQ64/s1600/IMG_9525.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614989744115254626" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cgBZf9gQUDk8C60pYmupfs40s2dwPOuoDlIu3t8ynM6rh9Q8V89zhP2y6nIXSXbzNiy0ZsUCxomNkfywO-JbRzb_TLZazXyl8BbBYAXUGtDjU7ErgAcxA3JBittCwwZ9c7iYvKzZQ64/s400/IMG_9525.jpg" border="0" /></a>everything's just perfectly rusted up here. and check out those beautiful california poppies!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiYbi_NNAtibTldJJp2yejl189OsxaXUEY_i_emjywhWuXi-tN494cXGK1uK8zNKkwCmjjV4ap78KFjTAsHFUMZJSyvJubK-xPTjwz2mWHTyD3ezdivT4ppcK3lDPopg0JpTDI43txyM/s1600/IMG_9522.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614989096084131826" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiYbi_NNAtibTldJJp2yejl189OsxaXUEY_i_emjywhWuXi-tN494cXGK1uK8zNKkwCmjjV4ap78KFjTAsHFUMZJSyvJubK-xPTjwz2mWHTyD3ezdivT4ppcK3lDPopg0JpTDI43txyM/s400/IMG_9522.jpg" border="0" /></a> lunch at sequoia burger! nomnomnom.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zHUaAbYiS2b9BnjZBVjYGHa5qhaL5vBNfhi4AZ_2GQdE45SVtAFsjCvKr3HqLn4AQSRMuxnXSf3mf2fDUJFSa5I8gr_Nn2xqpvhP5V0xLn1mKTfPAkfkVpaDMN79ctxEcPT7TXHZuoE/s1600/IMG_9597.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614991779869474834" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zHUaAbYiS2b9BnjZBVjYGHa5qhaL5vBNfhi4AZ_2GQdE45SVtAFsjCvKr3HqLn4AQSRMuxnXSf3mf2fDUJFSa5I8gr_Nn2xqpvhP5V0xLn1mKTfPAkfkVpaDMN79ctxEcPT7TXHZuoE/s400/IMG_9597.jpg" border="0" /></a>water lilies at j vineyards<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdK0iohn27zaqQzIVRSP4UeI71mpK3pRnm0_35EDdCxG12cqvEDzVBAbhiocNZtEBOvWtpegbeVs__sqG9DKL6OD2lFrr1ltOnzUR5PQbwOBskaoy3bDzMfb4z7K4JPJetr6q5vewg2Tg/s1600/IMG_9588.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614991473609167762" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdK0iohn27zaqQzIVRSP4UeI71mpK3pRnm0_35EDdCxG12cqvEDzVBAbhiocNZtEBOvWtpegbeVs__sqG9DKL6OD2lFrr1ltOnzUR5PQbwOBskaoy3bDzMfb4z7K4JPJetr6q5vewg2Tg/s400/IMG_9588.jpg" border="0" /></a> the inn in timber cove. so so so great. nothing around for at least 20 miles.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi899L0IcJ9SQ5frgaZEm-bCZ6h9nhIXIHgzLbqc7WS8SXB70Cv6bn1YxKMry14x4Q52gy-rcC6cxauMAms2UPC1XvX9yhG-WtF3b8U5hZMvsaWlQQvb3JspfnDR5IQd8QCC9XTz6YyJ7k/s1600/IMG_9539.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614989753759034514" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi899L0IcJ9SQ5frgaZEm-bCZ6h9nhIXIHgzLbqc7WS8SXB70Cv6bn1YxKMry14x4Q52gy-rcC6cxauMAms2UPC1XvX9yhG-WtF3b8U5hZMvsaWlQQvb3JspfnDR5IQd8QCC9XTz6YyJ7k/s400/IMG_9539.jpg" border="0" /></a> after dinner - toes up by the fire at the inn! (and time for S'MORES!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLk1HowBvCkZai8YZ9oUYquM5lvy5r10yqj-RIsPj1inYt43hCjpChBPxQ9N8zZUneBzjzXK2Ft6oUpB2XXMhY1QjdmWhp49oKTCEXS61XtomtqtkxF7koF5zbG2JN80pdcMVjmqklHLo/s1600/IMG_9609.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614991774330363090" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLk1HowBvCkZai8YZ9oUYquM5lvy5r10yqj-RIsPj1inYt43hCjpChBPxQ9N8zZUneBzjzXK2Ft6oUpB2XXMhY1QjdmWhp49oKTCEXS61XtomtqtkxF7koF5zbG2JN80pdcMVjmqklHLo/s400/IMG_9609.jpg" border="0" /></a> what trip is complete without thomas magnum? perfect late late late night viewing (with wine and cheese, of course).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXosgbR6wF94p4PSMC8VWPIkodQGT-Icl0K_9Nd5wPQDtUihm7l1dkD1xwqKvqloDwXhaEjkOWC98dW4yxIc0x3kFdM8_FIIU6g7nkjB9mZ0nPQkC9-iLcdeVaU_oBc1JQkxbJm_T7VA/s1600/IMG_9567.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614990911112977746" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXosgbR6wF94p4PSMC8VWPIkodQGT-Icl0K_9Nd5wPQDtUihm7l1dkD1xwqKvqloDwXhaEjkOWC98dW4yxIc0x3kFdM8_FIIU6g7nkjB9mZ0nPQkC9-iLcdeVaU_oBc1JQkxbJm_T7VA/s400/IMG_9567.jpg" border="0" /></a> early morning walk along the cove<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKR5zy-Y6hqJKdsf0Q0VNq4N7omWnhcTiLZwL_1ks1StM8bcgSmXaRc6n6NVaFv9QQzLKqc1L-84W3NLiOFzOk-f1zqB9j0YfiCu-hJUKP7xeaj4eRrX6xomR7wgrZCVw5KS0foZPTE8g/s1600/IMG_9571.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614990919210695458" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKR5zy-Y6hqJKdsf0Q0VNq4N7omWnhcTiLZwL_1ks1StM8bcgSmXaRc6n6NVaFv9QQzLKqc1L-84W3NLiOFzOk-f1zqB9j0YfiCu-hJUKP7xeaj4eRrX6xomR7wgrZCVw5KS0foZPTE8g/s400/IMG_9571.jpg" border="0" /></a> and a view back towards the hotel from the walking trail</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusRHXGmxLbfK3AIWIL3eEw7lJQeP3XD3UF-QT_VWpRANvy9axP5nun73AFyG23FSUGhodBxfsAfnKtbhD0OFWxxXTfn6FlfiMvWi0543-lxHYz2Ng2Vu2egJmlZIbivlzWSUoxzs0m1I/s1600/IMG_9596.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614991484944765954" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusRHXGmxLbfK3AIWIL3eEw7lJQeP3XD3UF-QT_VWpRANvy9axP5nun73AFyG23FSUGhodBxfsAfnKtbhD0OFWxxXTfn6FlfiMvWi0543-lxHYz2Ng2Vu2egJmlZIbivlzWSUoxzs0m1I/s400/IMG_9596.jpg" border="0" /></a> brunch in guerneville. sometimes, in wine country you have to branch out and drink something other than wine. like sparkling wine. with fresh lemonade and mint. mmmmmmmm...<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SyF7z66f7LoG5F0l35hNHGd4cxd2LLFLFEEcWUMJSxQAXV2Zu2F2OXpL_VPimgiZaVRlsH_1Ncwp-G5JLHTZ_EOOQ7wdVw0KJwGKsPvzxWuux4ona4flijH6PiAlV1Nb8sAqTpJfdc0/s1600/IMG_9595.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614991479498316706" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SyF7z66f7LoG5F0l35hNHGd4cxd2LLFLFEEcWUMJSxQAXV2Zu2F2OXpL_VPimgiZaVRlsH_1Ncwp-G5JLHTZ_EOOQ7wdVw0KJwGKsPvzxWuux4ona4flijH6PiAlV1Nb8sAqTpJfdc0/s400/IMG_9595.jpg" border="0" /></a> wild lupine on highway one.<br /><br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3CquMO3vJvo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-17551461201237476512010-12-15T16:11:00.000-08:002010-12-15T16:49:09.372-08:00oh, you fancy, huh? (an easy how-to for custom pillows)<div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cLT7Eo2nDhS_jgtkbeDkcRKMwZVtF4UX5qI5UukaD3HT8CKLCP4CypkZAQ5xWa7gMvw9BDFmdNJrDjmTC13KvQvDLXpCP0XCKseWhycfSTdw2IlCKt-q41E_1tP-xX1X0FLqcZvC6k4/s1600/IMG_7728.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551066480771967618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cLT7Eo2nDhS_jgtkbeDkcRKMwZVtF4UX5qI5UukaD3HT8CKLCP4CypkZAQ5xWa7gMvw9BDFmdNJrDjmTC13KvQvDLXpCP0XCKseWhycfSTdw2IlCKt-q41E_1tP-xX1X0FLqcZvC6k4/s400/IMG_7728.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#666666;">my most recent "creations"</span><br /></div><br /><div align="left">pillows are a great way to punch up a space with color, pattern, texture (and shine - OOH, SHINY!). they are also super easy, even if you don't know how to sew.<br /><br />grab someone who has a machine and ask them (nicely - don't be so bossy, fancy!) to set it up and show you how to sew a straight line and you'll have a new pillow in no time!<br /><br />here's what you need:<br /><br /> - a sewing machine<br /> - fabric. 1 yard will do for most of you. throw pillows at 16x16 are pretty standard.<br /> - thread to match your fabric<br /> - pins<br /> - pillow insert (i like west elm's feather/ down versions, but any poly version would work well too)<br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">and here's your how-to...<br /></div><div align="left">1. measure your pillow. in this example, mine is 16"x16".</div><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTLOjDqksIQlozuS1U7QzRufEOQaXAKI4rl6AYL-qZOtbjOElw0RuPl93TlWjgKrdkFmfR-p8HdEagFq-98LAxcgd5CexILjs9zmxqiN0kcPbSlD7DiajLCEVz5Z37USEg7MnczbEDec/s1600/1.PNG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551066477437850258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTLOjDqksIQlozuS1U7QzRufEOQaXAKI4rl6AYL-qZOtbjOElw0RuPl93TlWjgKrdkFmfR-p8HdEagFq-98LAxcgd5CexILjs9zmxqiN0kcPbSlD7DiajLCEVz5Z37USEg7MnczbEDec/s400/1.PNG" border="0" /></a> 2. cut your fabric with a width equal to the shorter pillow dimension (in this case it does not matter since width and length are the same). cut the length to 2x the length of your pillow + 4 inches.<br /><br />in my case, the fabric i need is 16"x36".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3D-2TEl3v5vUWzQPiPxNlgY_htAzi1K6nS_bm6FTCUNzaSgFCwAlKPQQ_QW90ieJUqZCngk7vPGUs_HBfWrz1jgKo4GF8K2Rt0Bgmq9Uumf-WPydJlCtDFr5RFl2G4AfwzyMlrE1Atbo/s1600/2.PNG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551066472089632594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3D-2TEl3v5vUWzQPiPxNlgY_htAzi1K6nS_bm6FTCUNzaSgFCwAlKPQQ_QW90ieJUqZCngk7vPGUs_HBfWrz1jgKo4GF8K2Rt0Bgmq9Uumf-WPydJlCtDFr5RFl2G4AfwzyMlrE1Atbo/s400/2.PNG" border="0" /></a> 3. with the backside of the fabric facing up, fold over one inch on each edge of the fabric's length. pin and sew. your fabric will now be 2 inches shorter in length.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHV6Dz19vdBHPKrYTd4-NdhMb0dWNsE6NdgO5Zg32zgXliC-vEwbwRrGfow17JcbJTDK-2_5SNXMSApfUicXeCZKC8dZdKlgLkYi70lsqmSehwpPZXYQQRsBG1nWP7AmCxa0b0XM7u3MQ/s1600/3.PNG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551066462944233602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHV6Dz19vdBHPKrYTd4-NdhMb0dWNsE6NdgO5Zg32zgXliC-vEwbwRrGfow17JcbJTDK-2_5SNXMSApfUicXeCZKC8dZdKlgLkYi70lsqmSehwpPZXYQQRsBG1nWP7AmCxa0b0XM7u3MQ/s400/3.PNG" border="0" /></a> 4. now, with the backside of the fabric still facing out, fold your fabric into a little envelope.<br /><br />the length should be 1 inch smaller than the length of your pillow - in this case 15".<br /><br />the width will remain the same as those sides remain "unfinished".</p><p>pin the unfinished sides and sew 1/2-inch in from each. this will give you a finished size 1 inch smaller than your pillow in each measured dimension.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFEJsuJ3Vfa2Qm60hRA0drXnoxg-7B4Mb-Vp1wrHBWBDSEgDGKpcgafHrlvdscFsWSZ4BB-nFEnGMTApsoG7BPKLYvErwlNlmI1MBBPJR_bbPQHPLQuvhtBfjQhE9XCmsuHtBMUvRKT4/s1600/4.PNG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551066459925539570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFEJsuJ3Vfa2Qm60hRA0drXnoxg-7B4Mb-Vp1wrHBWBDSEgDGKpcgafHrlvdscFsWSZ4BB-nFEnGMTApsoG7BPKLYvErwlNlmI1MBBPJR_bbPQHPLQuvhtBfjQhE9XCmsuHtBMUvRKT4/s400/4.PNG" border="0" /></a> 5. turn your pillow cover finished side out and insert your pillow form. your pillow should be nice and full because the cover is just a tad tight.<br /><br />now sit back and enjoy your handiwork!<br /><br />maybe you even have time to make some festive pillows for the holidays. throw 'em on the sofa for a refresher before the family arrives, toss a couple on the guest bed for an update, or make one for your room to FANCY it up!<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KRI3X8_yxgc?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KRI3X8_yxgc?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p>jennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5676919056455342399.post-4647583568676532472010-12-13T11:10:00.000-08:002010-12-15T16:50:11.519-08:00curtain call redux! (10 easy steps to silk curtains)<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL14UBsbjU4WJy5nNfuNTxqLVJ9Le48s8EnZXMsGz60M1H2HNb6VzLHeaIed3gdw6ydGnBJjL51fiabNXdht44Fq1cbnSaNHsfKw1G7lUPhUb5LnGmqDhviaH78D0dnhvda-hdAHEpC10/s1600/IMG_7742.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550251686655298258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL14UBsbjU4WJy5nNfuNTxqLVJ9Le48s8EnZXMsGz60M1H2HNb6VzLHeaIed3gdw6ydGnBJjL51fiabNXdht44Fq1cbnSaNHsfKw1G7lUPhUb5LnGmqDhviaH78D0dnhvda-hdAHEpC10/s400/IMG_7742.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#666666;">new sparkly curtains for the dining room (please, as usual, excuse the mess!)</span><br /><br /></div><div align="left">well, my dears, i am finally making some headway in the dining room - it's beginning to look like a place where i might ACTUALLY entertain.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">in an effort to lively up the place, i made another set of silk curtains this weekend. they turned out fab so i thought i'd share the instructions again. they are very easy and very inexpensive compared to ready-made panels (and even more so if you'd have to have them custom made like i would for my monster windows).</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">so, without further ado, here you go...<br /><br /></div><div align="left">******************************************</div><div align="left"><br />i don't want to show you TOO much of my bedroom and ruin the surprise (i'm still waiting on my bedding and my AMAZING chandelier), but i thought some of you might find this quick tutorial helpful.<br /><br />one of the best ways to create a bit of drama in a room, and to give it some added height and "dimension", is to add some great window treatments. i, personally, have a fondness for silk dupioni curtains - but i find the price for ready-made prohibitive. i mean, like, FAINT-WORTHY prohibitive.<br /><br />because i am blessed with a bedroom that has 12-foot ceilings and 4 very tall windows, the ones i browsed at pottery barn (the tallest they've got) were $179 PER PANEL. multiply by 4 and throw in the rods and clips and liners and i just about had a HEART ATTACK. (plus, i'll be honest, i just don't like shopping there.)<br /><br />instead, i found two FANTASTIC sources of silk online, <a href="http://www.silkuneed.com/">silkuneed.com</a> and <a href="http://www.silkbaron.com/">silkbaron.com</a>. they both carry loads of lovely colors and all for $9.99 a yard or less. i spoke with the owner of silkuneed, pam, and she shipped me some samples that were not available on her website. i was able to match my paint exactly!<br /><br />so, i ordered up 14 yards at $8.99. add on the thread i needed at $3.99, and i had the equivalent of what would have cost well over $700 at pottery barn for under $130.<br /><br />next was a pit stop to <a href="http://www.hancockfabrics.com/">hancock fabrics</a> for thread and <a href="http://www.hancockfabrics.com/Eclipse-Blackout-White-Lining-Fabric-Front-Page_stcVVproductId48186407VVcatId537258VVviewprod.htm">black-out lining</a>. at $5.99 a yard, this is a very good investment. it helps with city noise reduction, heat retention, and lets me sleep past 6:30am - when my room turns into a <a href="http://www.megaplextheatres.com/showtimes/posterImages/10001825.jpg">vampire</a>'s worst nightmare (that link is for you, melissa. i still refuse to give in!)... you know, minus the crosses, holy, water, garlic and silver stakes (unless you count the hand-dandy <a href="http://www.maglite.com/dcell.asp">maglite 4-cell</a> i keep next to my bed as a silver stake).<br /><br />OKAY - time to head back to mom's house and get to stitchin'!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST_-q3KQQwRj8UnvTDyIUKkaGtutULFWJ4yOzkhLC9ioMTvVU7b-9GXFRqYyRIclJlWiisy8r26UXMFaFBr1n-6ChPPlCONDtDjGU7qOLaL7ax2lQ6IAAFZ7UUse7QFuaAjwLJxDhwTU/s1600/IMG_4468.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407403830970011442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST_-q3KQQwRj8UnvTDyIUKkaGtutULFWJ4yOzkhLC9ioMTvVU7b-9GXFRqYyRIclJlWiisy8r26UXMFaFBr1n-6ChPPlCONDtDjGU7qOLaL7ax2lQ6IAAFZ7UUse7QFuaAjwLJxDhwTU/s400/IMG_4468.jpg" border="0" /></a>step one: roll out black-out liner nice and flat. smooth with your hand.<br /><br />step two: line up cut fabric ends and roll silk onto liner. smooth as well. (*note: if you're using a fabric that looks different on each side, place the side you want to display away from you - i.e. when you roll it out, you should see the back of your fabric.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFd9RTJNmL3D3Bt4Skse5cwYPMqWgCe19leFeeiuF6OSsSSG7w10bO3ZVWnwM3H6p5YlgAnPEF4rHe0nyu9r0Vt3RXskqEbNlL0bMTOg8btYb_zCg1t0zThb7B-ryNbCxG3dDpsl7lK4/s1600/IMG_4469.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407403824938826162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFd9RTJNmL3D3Bt4Skse5cwYPMqWgCe19leFeeiuF6OSsSSG7w10bO3ZVWnwM3H6p5YlgAnPEF4rHe0nyu9r0Vt3RXskqEbNlL0bMTOg8btYb_zCg1t0zThb7B-ryNbCxG3dDpsl7lK4/s400/IMG_4469.jpg" border="0" /></a>step three: pin top and sides. pin further than the length of your curtain.<br /><br />step four: measure both sides to desired length. my windows are 108" high, so i opted for 112". i wanted them to puddle gracefully on the floor (this also allows for more error than ones that skim the floor - you'll need to be much more precise).<br /><br />step 5: using a fabric marker and a level, draw a straight line across your fabrics. cut along this line and pin next curtain top as you go.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAK0M6xbeqPj2L0k-YSgGbAX7ZP1_fImyglWAO2FDyHjEqpM2TbbZjRWE9CRPBUfvCLTpvY5gQP-uNzxyQOzQHxg4slFFNd83-LMWOVte-oC_SgF_nBBlPgHkyTfEI1R_FOwoH7ZJlwY/s1600/IMG_4471.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407403824368915538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAK0M6xbeqPj2L0k-YSgGbAX7ZP1_fImyglWAO2FDyHjEqpM2TbbZjRWE9CRPBUfvCLTpvY5gQP-uNzxyQOzQHxg4slFFNd83-LMWOVte-oC_SgF_nBBlPgHkyTfEI1R_FOwoH7ZJlwY/s400/IMG_4471.jpg" border="0" /></a>step 6: (ask mom to) sew top and sides of curtain to liner.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVx-XZtdUS5f7lkAOLP9PpU_bSRTlKjJV2qiPS4IHzPaxWR4C0UNHSDgs2WJ_OpdryNspEKT-Zk-W-2lj6ULNvH62hswOyjpeRbHJsi208i6lNeKL7heVk2Nm_2n_0avAQcFIBu6PaSGA/s1600/IMG_4472.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407403812463197698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVx-XZtdUS5f7lkAOLP9PpU_bSRTlKjJV2qiPS4IHzPaxWR4C0UNHSDgs2WJ_OpdryNspEKT-Zk-W-2lj6ULNvH62hswOyjpeRbHJsi208i6lNeKL7heVk2Nm_2n_0avAQcFIBu6PaSGA/s400/IMG_4472.jpg" border="0" /></a>step seven: trim excess fabric around your hems.<br /><br />step eight: turn panel inside out and smooth.<br /><br />step nine: (ask mom to) stitch bottom as desired. i like to do this by hand so you see no thread at all on the finished curtain. (but you could just as easily zip along the edge with a machine in 30 seconds.)<br /><br />REPEAT steps 1-9 as necessary.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScI1TXo30_MGY1nwbcjvO50aP1cu7suVNKX8roRgbE6IgMup9ZCoZUFhK8_iDLYDamdP6mvvrgL9CSuQ3nl1IcA1NxZKTd5JhgEgrTP6rx7kb-m5zyH5nress7VAPZpyHPPjkTwY-HIw/s1600-h/6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435974551926586306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScI1TXo30_MGY1nwbcjvO50aP1cu7suVNKX8roRgbE6IgMup9ZCoZUFhK8_iDLYDamdP6mvvrgL9CSuQ3nl1IcA1NxZKTd5JhgEgrTP6rx7kb-m5zyH5nress7VAPZpyHPPjkTwY-HIw/s400/6.jpg" border="0" /></a>step 10: hang your lovely curtains! i bought simple <a href="http://homedepot.levolor.com/products/drapery-hardware/retail/rod_finial.php">satin nickel double rods by levolor</a> at home depot for $24.99 a piece. to hang the panels, i bought <a href="http://www.target.com/1-5-Clip-Ring-7-pc-Set/dp/B0019LOSEI/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&frombrowse=0&node=1038576&keywords=drapery%20clips&field_browse=1038576&searchSize=90&id=1%205%20Clip%20Ring%207-pc%20Set&field_availability=-2&refinementHistory=subjectbin%2Ctarget_com_age%2Ctarget_com_gender-bin%2Ctarget_com_character-bin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchNodeID=1038576&field_launch-date=-1y&searchRank=target104545&searchPage=1&field_keywords=drapery%20clips">1" nickel drapery clips at target</a> for $4.99 a pack (one per panel).<br /><br />these make hanging curtains a snap. just clip them and go! and the look is much cleaner than pole pockets (*blech*).<br /><br />i'm still working on the tiebacks (and the sheers that will hang behind the curtains), but you can buy or make whatever you like. you'll see them in my bedroom "afters" soon.<br /><br />here's a breakdown of what i spent:<br /><br />silk: 14 yards at $8.99 - $125.86<br />black-out fabric: 14 yards @ $5.99 - $83.86<br />thread: $3.99 for one roll<br />curtain rods: $24.99 x 4 - $99.96<br />drapery clips: $4.99 x 4 - $19.96<br /><br />TOTAL: $333.63 (compared with well over $1000 at pottery barn or equivalent) and about 2 hours of sewing.<br /><br />this is a quick project that saves you LOTS of cash and can be done by even the most "beginner" of sartors and seamstresses (though my mom is a PRO).<br /><br />hope you've enjoyed this how-to! let me know if you have questions!<br /><br />and a BIG KISS to mom for all of the help! xxjennifer @ fog city sparklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423330121339695416noreply@blogger.com0