SoBro Bungalow

Patience is a Virtue

Truly. Patience is a virtue, and it's clearly one I don't have. I decided to move the bookshelf above down a flight of stairs by myself today. It did not go well.

But if I could just slide it down the runner, I thought. The cat took one look at the situation and ran for cover. It was a lot heavier than I remembered, but then again I used to just roll it wherever I wanted it. 

Ah yes, the wheels. They don't really lend themselves to sliding. Two of the casters snapped off somewhere around the fourth or fifth step. The bummer of this entire situation is, well, see the previous sentence, and the bookshelf doesn't look good in its new location. It needs to go back upstairs. 

This is a Problem

The nook. It's my favorite spot in the house. I love the big windows and amazing light so much, I claimed it as my office.

However, do you see the awning in the window? Yes, right there. That's my neighbor's side porch. She's a lovely woman. Came over and introduced herself. Gave me the skinny on the neighborhood. Even brought over a neighborhood directory. (I live in a neighborhood with a directory!!!) So here's the rub: Lovely neighbor takes her morning coffee on the side porch, and I feel a little like I'm on television in the big picture window. It's awkward.

I need window treatments that give privacy but don't block the light and don't cover the architecture of the windows. Roman shades? Cafe curtains? Sheers? Nothing seems quite right. I am stumped. And working at my dining room table.

What I Would Have Done

If the craziness of the move were behind us, I would have liked to have sewn together some stars to make this easy garland.

Alas, chaos still reigns. I can't even find our flag, so we have to settle for some tiny flags from Target plunked in the yard.

Happy Fourth. 

(Photo via Martha Stewart)

Thinking Pink

(Image: Domino)

I'm thinking of heading in a different color direction from the last house. I still love blue, but the house seems to be asking for pink as an accent color. It may take some convincing, however.

Cottage Chic on the Cheap

(Image via NY Times)

I just read this story about a young couple, who bought a weekend home in the Catskills and renovated and decorated for less than $10,000. Most of the decor comes second hand -- Craigslist, family pieces and found items. Quite inspiring. See the slideshow here.

Closet Clean Up

(Photo via Real Simple)

I love this closet redo from Real Simple, especially the catchalls on the door from Kangaroom Storage. Mootsie has so many little trinkets. The barrettes alone are enough to drive a mama crazy. Right now, her closet is a mess. It's a reach in closet like this one, except instead of hanging rod, there's a funny thing that I'm pretty sure is original to the house. It's useless and has to go.

It's Wrong to Love Wallpaper This Much

I think I need this wallpaper from Ferm Living. Maybe for the nook.
At least something good has come from my near obsession: I've stumbled upon Ferm Living's blog, Clever Design. Clever, indeed. Good stuff there.

The New House

And so we begin anew in another house. Lots to do (starting with cleaning evident by the cleaning supplies that crept into the photos).

Click Clack...Love

My latest acquisition: a vintage Royal typewriter in turquoise. The plan was to give it to Mootsie for her birthday so she could "make letters," but I might have to keep this baby for myself.

Dishy

A few months back, I came across a not-to-be-passed-up dish towel on sale at Anthropologie. I bought four, added curtain clips and voila.