19 Butternut

Veggie Tales

2011-08-29T10:06:00.004-04:00

I saw this image above on Pinterest and fell in love with the John Derian vegetable trays on the wall. I searched for them and found that they are over $100 each! Beautiful, but a tad out of my price range.

So, I bought a 10 pk of artist canvases in 8X10 and recreated the look with some Modge Podge.

Here is the result:

Hope you like it as much as I do!

~Stacy

Table Talk... Let's Dish!

2011-05-29T21:24:00.000-04:00

I am so inspired by great ideas, especially ones that can find a way to reuse what would otherwise go to landfills. Sarah Cihat is an amazing artist who takes salvaged dinnerware found at local thrift stores, Salvation Army stores, or the reject bin at retail stores and re-glazes and re-fires them, adding a ghostly silhouette of anything from cassette tapes to owls atop the original plate design. The contrast between the delicate florals of the original plates and the guitar wielding rocker emblazoned upon it seems to work. I am in the process of searching for interesting dinnerware and Sarah Cihat's Rehabilitated Dishware certainly makes the cut!

Another great find I came across while hunting for table accouterments was these cheerful (and cheap - a set of 4 is only $32) glasses from Anthropologie :

And wouldn't these glasses go great with a collection of Sarah Cihat's dishes????

His "Business" Bib

2011-03-22T15:54:00.002-04:00

Here is a bib I made for my littlest baby, Parker Scout. I call it his "business" bib. xo

~Stacy

They're Cousins, Identical Cousins...

2011-03-16T21:03:00.003-04:00

Okay, so they're not really identical. In fact, they're not really cousins...

You know how people always have that person who is "I-grew-up-with-them, they're like blood", third cousin twice-removed, sort-of-kind-of relation? Well, my husband has one and her name is Elizabeth and she is super-fantastically adorable and ultra chic and uuber stylish and... SHE JUST STARTED A NEW BLOG!!!!

We are not talking any old blog, people. We are talking home renovation blog. She and her equally adorable husband just bought a new home and they are going to be sharing with us all of the making-it-their-own details! I know how ya'll love a good home project and this blog is sure to be jam-packed with em so I thought I would share!

Join me in welcoming Elizabeth and Maison twenty 3 to the blogoshpere!

You go girl! xo

~Stacy

New Etsy Items Listed...

2011-01-04T09:45:00.002-05:00

(HERE at Studio19b)

~Stacy

Dear Santa,

2010-11-23T10:33:00.002-05:00

Please? ;)

~Stacy

Truth is...

2010-11-07T03:46:00.008-05:00

There is a certain beauty in the quiet humility that you share while participating in a walk.

Looking across Boston's water and seeing the other end of an enormous line of people who all want for the same thing and march proudly in support of their loved one.

Feeling the warmth of hundreds of volunteers who feel your struggle, hear your cries, and lift your soul.

Watching your newest baby support your first baby.

And the undying, incomparable adoration of a little brother for his big sister.

There is a feeling in the air that makes you want to be closer. Pushes you to go on.

And at the end of the day, no one really speaks because our hearts are too full and words could never be enough to express how we feel.

Thank you to all of our friends and family who donated and walked again this year. We love you more than words could say.

Thank you to all the strangers who walked with us. Who support their own loved one. Who cry their own tears.

And I know we will probably see you all again next year, and the next, and likely the year after that too.

Truth is... I hope we don't.

~Stacy

Annual JDRF Walk to Cure Juvenile Diabetes!

2010-09-30T22:19:00.003-04:00

As many of you know, my 7 year old daughter was diagnosed last year with Type 1 diabetes. It is currently a life sentence. No cure... only treatment. Treatment to keep her, and others with T1D, alive that includes insulin injections via syringe or pump, finger pricks multiple times a day, squeezing blood from her little fingers, and constant vigilance regarding her blood glucose. She is an amazing child and without her courage and determination I would not be half as capable. She is my hero.

On Saturday we will take part in our second 5K Walk to Cure Diabetes. We, especially Abby, are so excited and know that each year and each fundraiser brings us closer to no shots, no finger pricks, no midnight glucose checks. Every dollar, even one, helps. If you have the means, Abby and our family would be so grateful for your contribution to finding that cure.

Thank you for all of your support! xo

~Stacy

Someone Pinch Me...

2010-08-06T21:52:00.004-04:00

... I must be dreaming.

Found this on the newsstand today. I literally did a double take, gasped, and then looked around for someone to share my joy with. The man looking at the Muscle Cars magazine didn't seem nearly as thrilled as I was that I found a NEW copy of a DISCONTINUED magazine! How can this be???

Then I saw "Meridith Specials" near the UPC code and realized it was likely a one time thing. Frankly, I was ok with that. I mean, to see your favorite, long dead publication reappear ONCE is good enough, right? Beggars can't be choosy.

Alas, I turned to the Editors Note and found this statement:

"... bring back the Country Home title!" Huh? Does this mean what I think it means??? Is Country Home being published monthly again? I searched with no success to find an answer to this question.

I must know. If anyone has any info, please share!!

~Stacy

Just because...

2010-07-28T22:09:00.002-04:00

This picture makes me smile. xo

~Stacy

Can't. See. Thru. Drywall. Dust...

2010-07-28T22:05:00.002-04:00

Ewwwww.

But I am making progress on my dream of having that open kitchen/dining room that I have been talking about for 3 years now.

More to come!!!

~Stacy

I Need to Work on Sitting Still...

2010-07-28T13:33:00.004-04:00

While the hubby is at work, I knock down walls. I guess its just... my thing. Hoping to have it down to studs before he gets home. LOL. This wall was slated to come down someday anyhow. I got curious as to how my view would look and decided to have a whack at it! No turning back now...

~Stacy

A Cell Phone Photo Shoot...

2010-07-16T22:39:00.005-04:00

Here are some pics I shot of Parker Scout. My cell phone was nearby so thats what I grabbed first, hence the blurriness. Still, I think he's the cutest thing EVER!!! I might be biased though. ;)

Ok, now just look natural...

Gimme some 'gangsta'....

Show me 'happy'....

Aaaand, its a wrap!

~Stacy

Sweetness...

2010-07-13T15:29:00.003-04:00

I would like to thank Ronda at Batchelors Way for the super sweet blog award! Even in my extended absence she nominated me for her Versatile Blogger Award!

Thanks Ronda!! xo

~Stacy

Decal Me Crazy...

2010-07-12T20:23:00.004-04:00

Oh. My. Gosh.

I stumbled upon the cutest wall decals on etsy today. I love them all. However, the dress up dolls - with interchangable clothing - are my faves!!! Check it out!

Beautiful work Peta, Bec and Emily of Mae!

~Stacy

New things, blue things....

2010-07-06T10:13:00.006-04:00

Hey everyone!

Thank you for all your kind messages and emails wondering where I was! I am glad to be back. And even happier to introduce you to the reason for my disappearance:

Welcome our newest family member, Parker Scout:

Parker (a nod to my maiden name, Parker) was due May 26 but held out till June 1st at 8:29am. He's perfectly healthy and remarkably gorgeous and we already can't imagine life without him! I am pretty much the happiest, luckiest mama and wife ever. :)

It's been a whirlwind, going from 2 to 3 kids. There's really very little time for blinking, let alone home projects. LOL. Still, we have done a few things and I cant wait to show them to you! Be looking for that in the coming days and weeks...

For now, I am off to change a diaper!

xoxo
~Stacy

Whoopsie!

2010-03-10T15:18:00.002-05:00

Hee hee hee... You know what would have been ULTRA cool to announce with my big announcement yesterday??? THE LINK TO GET TO MY STORE!! Duh.

Sorry folks! I am gonna take the not-so-high road and blame that one on the 'pregnancy brain'. LOL. Hey, I only have 11 weeks left to use that excuse!

Anyhow, thanks to those who alerted me and here it is:

Introducing.... studio19b at Etsy!

Enjoy!!

~Stacy

Big Announcement!!!

2010-03-09T23:14:00.004-05:00

Hey everyone!!

Been absent for a bit and now you get to see what I was doing during that time:

I launched an Etsy store!

Come visit me and see these things and more...

See you there!

~Stacy

How Now Brown Cow?

2010-02-10T09:19:00.006-05:00

So, I fell in L.O.V.E with this picture from Country Living.com last night and knew I HAD to have an antique cow poster in my dining room JUST like the one in the pic.

I started searching online and found a large poster with similar muted colors and subject matter and its only $10!! (<-- Click for link to site.)

I think I will order it and antique it a tad with some stain or tea, attach some black dowel rods to the top and bottom and a string to hang it and hopefully have something that bears a striking resemblance to the Country Living one.

Will post pics as soon as it arrives and is hanging!

~Stacy

Happy 4th Birthday to my Little Monkey!!!

2010-01-20T17:18:00.001-05:00

Jack and his "Professor Snowman"

~Stacy

Abby's Diabetes Doll

2009-12-22T16:43:00.004-05:00

Abby now has the insulin pump for her diabetes and has been wishing for a doll that had a pump "like her". I came across Pump Wear Inc., a website that makes stuffed toy pumps and pump packs (little fanny-pack type things to hold their pumps in). I also remembered seeing these cute-but-not-too-babyish dolls at Pottery Barn Kids in the past. I put 2 and 2 together to come up with this doll that will be under the tree for Abby on Christmas!

I sewed little heart-shaped buttons from JoAnne Fabrics onto her index fingers to show where Abby (and the doll) prick herself to test her glucose.

I even took a standard MedAlert bracelet found at CVS and altered it to fit the doll's wrist.

I found these velcro dots also at JoAnn Fabric and adhered them to the doll in all the spots where Abby usually has her pump sites infused...

and stuck the other end of the velcro dot to the faux infusion set (the round blue circle at the end of the "tube" that comes from the "pump". The stuffed pump is made to fit inside the doll's pump pack - just like Abby's! (Click on the link above for information on how to get a pump pack like the dolls or like Abby's.)

Here she is all dressed and ready to go!

Hope you like her!

~Stacy

J'Adore!

2009-10-10T13:39:00.000-04:00

Love these. A lot. You?

~Stacy

2009 Walk to Cure Diabetes

2009-09-30T21:26:00.005-04:00

First, Thank you all SO much for all of your warm love regarding our little bun in the oven. We could not be more excited!

Speaking of excited, I am so excited to show you all the t-shirts I have been working hard on making for the diabetes walk we are doing Saturday! So many of you know our story and have been asking for an update... and I promise it is coming. In short, Abby is doing well and has since switched from needle injections to an insulin pump (essentially an IV tube that is inserted in her and connected to a pump that feeds her insulin) which better monitors her diabetes. I will definitely tell more about it in the update, as I have become a big fan of our pump.

As I mentioned, we are doing the 2009 Walk to Cure Diabetes in Boston on Saturday. Its something Abby and the whole family is really looking forward to and putting our hearts into. Friends and family alike have joined with us to help the cause and show Abby that she is not alone in this fight and that we WILL someday find a cure.

We have 12 people walking with us and our team has raised over $2,000. I'm so proud of Abby's Allies! Here are the shirts we will be wearing:

FRONT OF SHIRT

BACK OF SHIRT

Wish us luck! We need a cure for juvenile diabetes!

~Stacy

And Baby makes 5.

2009-09-18T09:09:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone!

Wanted to share the news that 19 Butternut is about to expand by one! We are so happy to announce that we are going to have baby number 3 on or around May 26th! I am a little over one month along and couldn't be more excited, terrified, and nervously thrilled.

Its funny how you forget all the little things that come along with pregnancy after a while. Nature's way, I suppose! So, now its on to figuring out where to put another child in our house (perhaps an expansion is required? LOL), dreaming up names, and waiting (im)patiently!

More to come!

~Stacy

Where My Baby-Steppers At?

2009-09-13T18:22:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone!

We are working hard here at 19 Butternut. Projects are finally getting completed and pics will be following soon. The Firecracker is chugging away at 1st grade (and for those of you who have asked, I will be posting a diabetes update soon. xoxo) and The Monkey starts Preschool tomorrow. AGGGHHHHH!

I am posting today to ask if anyone has followed Dave Ramsey's financial plan at all? Hubster and I stumbled across it and bought his book and are currently on Baby Step 2. Just wanted to know if anyone else wanted to share in the-misery-that-is-not-spending with me!

Let me know! And I'll be back soon!

~Stacy

Answer:

2009-09-02T13:54:00.003-04:00

You might recall that we took one large room in our cape style house and split it into two rooms when we moved in so that we would have a room for our son and a room for our daughter. Well, it worked out great (and pics of the hallway that splits them are soon to come) but Jack, our son, was stuck with a pretty small room. If you know or have a preschooler you know the amount of toys they amass.

To save room we got him this slightly-larger-than-a toddler bed at Ikea, rather than a twin bed. When he gets to be too big for it we will change out to a loft bed if we haven't added a room onto our house by then. For now, this works. I have lifted it up with bed risers hidden by a linen bedskirt to make it more the height of a "big boy bed".

There was still the issue of the toys, however. Thus, the answer to that riddle in the previous post:

Two $29 bookcases, three $15 2-cubby units, a 12" wide pine board for $10, crown moulding (under $10), and ticking fabric in place of the fake looking back panel that comes with these bookshelves all come together to make this wall storage unit for under $150.

A cool art canvas of our home team and a PB Kids wall sconce above the bed make the headboard.

Hope you like it!

~Stacy

Riddle Me This...

2009-09-01T12:00:00.002-04:00

What do you get when you put some blue ticking fabric,

some crown moulding,

a 1" x 10' x 12" wide pine board,

a few of these,

and two of these bookcases together??

Tune in later to find out!

~Stacy

Ready For Your Close Up?

2009-08-30T15:54:00.002-04:00

Thanks everyone for all your sweet comments! Glad you like my new shelving as much as I do! Here are some close-ups and answers to some questions you had:

The white container with a chalkboard square in the front is from Target.

The glass canisters are one of my fave finds EVER. They are from Christmas Tree Shop and were just $4.99 each. Can u believe it??? I travelled 30+ miles to find enough for my needs.

The brackets are sold at Home Depot and are about $8/piece and come unfinished.

The new hanging pendant light is oil-rubbed bronze and was $34 at Home Depot.

Hope this helps!

~Stacy

The big reveal...

2009-08-29T20:46:00.003-04:00

24 hours later...

I ripped out the two corner cabinets, measured, cut, and hung some extra beadboard we had around, trimmed it out, and then hubby helped me to paint and hang the new shelves and changed out the light fixture for me (an unexpected add-on since I accidentally smashed the old, perfectly nice pendant with my hammer while hanging the beadboard. ooops! But, shhhh, I like the new one better. Wink).

Just a little walk down memory lane... this is what the kitchen looked like when we moved in:

((Shudders))

Thanks for coming along on my one-day mission to get my open shelving!

Hmmm, now what can I go knocking down now....

;)

~Stacy

Progress...

2009-08-29T17:27:00.003-04:00

So far so great! We are moving right along and hope to finish painting and installing the shelves tonight. Tomorrow I will post pics with the shelves filled with my perties! ;)

Off to paint more...

~Stacy

While the cat's away...

2009-08-29T08:08:00.002-04:00

...the wife rips out cabinetry!

While Hubster was at work today I finally got around to ripping down the two cabinets (this pic was taken before the corner one came down) on this wall so that I can make the whole thing open shelving. I am so excited at the progress and, now that hubbys home to help for the weekend, should finish up today and will post pics!

~Stacy

Weak In the Knees...

2009-08-27T22:02:00.001-04:00

I LOVE this! Saving my pennies now...

Current Crushes...

2009-08-14T23:28:00.002-04:00

I am trying to make the switch from summer decor to early autumn decor (not to be confused with late autumn and turkeys and pumpkins). These are some things on my wish list. The pillow and flatware are MUSTS. I want to find cheaper wooden flatware though. Horshow is asking a bit much for my budget. Thought I saw some at Target. The shower curtain is a maybe...

In other news, we FINALLY got around to staining the new staircase and I will have pics soon! Tomorrow we polyeurethane them and I try my hand at making a slipcover (yikes!) for my wingback chair and an ottoman... so wish me luck! Details tomorrow!

(First pic from Horshow, others from Pottery Barn)

~Stacy

Where Have I Been??

2009-08-07T12:16:00.002-04:00

Hey bloggy friends!

I was away for a while visiting some new friends in Forks. It took me a while to work up the courage to meet them, but boy am I glad I did! If you have been to Forks you will know what I mean and why I could not focus on anything but my pals Edward and Bella for a bit. ;)

Alas, its back to the real world now. Look for posts soon and thanks for being patient friends! You all will be getting an invite to my wedding to Edward soon. I mean, what are friends for? ;)

~Stacy

More to Love

2009-07-16T21:31:00.002-04:00

Pottery Barn has started introducing their fall line and, of course, there are several things that caught my eye while browsing today:

Delish! I heart the burlap pillow (which happened to follow me home from the store today despite my best efforts to make it stay put...lol). Which is your fave??

~Stacy

Back to School...

2009-07-12T16:15:00.002-04:00

While searching for industial style stools I stumbled upon this website. Barstools that would cost A TON more at places like Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, or Sundance Catalog give you the look for under $50 in most cases. AND, they are adjustable - which comes in handy when your children are a lot shorter than you but you all need to sit at the same island. If you liked a more aged look you could even distress them yourself and save countless hunting trips to antique/salvage stores.

What do you think?

~Stacy

Ooooh Ahhhh.

2009-07-09T12:19:00.002-04:00

I am currently looking for a basket to place potatos and onions in on my future open shelving. THIS fits the bill. I adore the chicken wire and the metal label. Sigh. I heart pretty things.

Ikea... It's not just for dorms.

2009-06-20T19:56:00.007-04:00

I went to Ikea yesterday and was pleasantly surprised by their apparent new push toward more cottage/family friendly/cozy decor and furnishings. Ikea is mostly known as a clean-lined, a bit mod-meets-scandinavian store. However, take a look at some of the things I drooled over yesterday:

11" pie plate resembles something from the Martha Stewart Collection, but at just $6.99 it won't have you stealing from your company and teaching fellow inmates how to knit just to pay for it. Cute little stacking boxes for just $9.99 for all 3! I got them in a cream color to go in my new craft room/gift wrap station (which I cannot WAIT to show you all!)

This $39.99 desk lamp has been around for a few months now, but I still hold a special spot in my heart for it. I just wish I had a special spot in my house for it...

Check out this new upholstered headboard! So very Pottery Barn, no? It's only $199!

I happen to think that these table lamps, which come in 3 colors, including clear and the pink you see here, are adorable. The picture doesnt do it justice. Trust me.

Love love love this dresser, also new to Ikea. Very cottage. Very me. Very cheap at only $179.

And now, drumroll please... the piece above and the one below are the two pieces that had me most giddy. They are the two pieces that I would actually consider teaching inmates how to knit for...

This dresser and linen closet are just two of an entire set that looks like this. Every piece has the most adorable wallpaper lining the drawers or (in the linen closet and wardrobe case) the back. They all have cute little white teardrop handles and cabriole legs. They are all just a smidge over my budget. Sigh.
Dresser: $299

Linen cabinet (although I think I would love it as a china cabinet in my dining room!): $399

So. If you have an Ikea near you, GO! This was just a small peek at all of the new stuff they have! I got a duvet cover that I adore and will be showing you soon!

Happy Weekend!

~Stacy

The Elusive Bird Shower Curtain

2009-06-10T22:24:00.008-04:00

Edited: Thank you all who bid and those who left kind remarks! The winner of the shower curtain auction is Shnauzer Mom with a bid of $40 for the JDRF!!! More to come!

Hey all,

I'm back! Thanks to you who asked about my whereabouts! Just busy with life again. Hubby had a teenie little possible cancer scare. Just found out today that we are in the clear! It seems 2009 will go down as the year of medical mishaps for our family. But, so far all is working out so we are all systems go!

Back to blogging...

Remember that bird shower curtain that so many in blog world were searching high and low for? I had 4 of them and gave them to the first 3 people who asked for them. If you do the math you can see that I have one curtain remaining. Hee hee hee...

Now, I know I was inundated with people asking if I had anymore curtains at that time and I was sad to have to tell them no because the only one I had left was my very own that I adored and it would take something really BIG to get me to give it up. Hee hee hee...

If you have been reading my blog long you know that our 6 year old daughter, Abby, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in February. We are doing the Walk to Cure Diabetes in Boston in October and I am trying to raise money for the cause through our team, "Abby's Allies" because I want my daughter to see a cure in her lifetime. Ya'll, that would be my something really BIG. Hee hee hee...

So, that said, if you are still interested in a birdy shower curtain that has hung in my bathroom in front of a shower that has never been used to actually shower in and is in perfect condition... its yours!

Thats right. I am going to give up my last and only sweet shower curtain to the highest bidder. ALL of the winners bid amount will go to Team Abby's Allies and the Walk to Cure Diabetes!!!

This auction will start with a minimum bid of $10.00 and will begin now and end at 9pm eastern time on Friday, June 12th.

Goings on.

2009-05-19T17:36:00.003-04:00

Hi all,

A quick pop onto my blog to tell you that these past days have been busy figuring out how to care for our new baby.

Remember? Well, it is all installed and filled and now we are going to be working on landscaping and decking. Its coming along. I just have to keep reminding myself that these things take time. Patience ain't my strong suit.

I will be back soon because I am also decorating the front of my house for Memorial Day and want to share.

~Stacy

Drumroll, please.

2009-05-13T12:57:00.002-04:00

((Squeals)) Yay! I love em! Better than I ever imagined.

We were going to stain them ourselves to save $$$ but now that I see how beautiful it looks, I dont want to ruin them. Perhaps we will be calling the professional back in to stain.

Now I am off to continue wiping sawdust off every surface of my home.

What do you think?

~Stacy

Misty, watercolored memories...

2009-05-12T19:58:00.009-04:00

Hi all,

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes for my dad. He is doing great.

Does anyone recall WAAAAAAAY back when we did this:

and it led to this:

Anyone? Well, we lived with the exposed drywall a lot longer than we should have. I decorated for holidays around it and even hung stockings from the splintery "temporary" railing. It became a part of the family. It has, however, been disowned. We have finally called in the professional and here is where the stairs-that-used-to-be-a-wall stands now:

Ooooh la la. I lovey so far. You?

The professional comes back for the 3rd day tomorrow to finish the railings. I cant wait!!!

And, remember how I wanted to start working on making this:

look more like this:

Well, here she is so far (note: a lot more painting and planting needs to be done and I am missing shutters for the dormer windows, and...):

So, we have been slightly busy (LOL). Did I mention we are painting the house ourselves and I built the wood shutters with my own lil hands (after Hubster taught me how to use the mitre saw)?

More pictures to come tomorrow if the professional finishes the job!

~Stacy

Promises Promises...

2009-04-23T13:36:00.002-04:00

Disclaimer: I HATE posting pictures of half-finished projects. However, I know a lot of you are interested in these lights and want to see them in scale with a real room. So, without further ado...

Please ignore the hole in the wall between the two lights. Needs to be patched. And please excuse the unfinished nature of the walls themselves. Its a work in progress!

On that note, my dad was just rushed into Boston 10 minutes ago to have a stent put in his heart. I have to deal with that but wanted follow through on my promise. Sorry the pics arent great. Will do more when I return.

~Stacy

Please Hold...

2009-04-23T07:45:00.003-04:00

Are ya'll tired of waiting for me to post these pics I promised? LOL.

I have a good excuse. We switched from Comcast to Verizon FIOS yesterday which left me with no computer ALL DAY. Ugh. I am back online now but trying to deal with the fact that I, unexpilcably, now have NO CABLE. Sigh. People, it is school vacation week and hubster is away on business. I NEED A TV!!!!!!

Any how, I am going to attempt to redeem myself today. Watch for sconce pics... they are coming later today. For now, I am off to buy exterior paint samples! Woot!

And Stacy T, I got your hilarious email and will be replying in a bit! Talk about freaky deaky!

Til later friends,

~Stacy

Two if by Sea...

2009-04-21T21:42:00.004-04:00

The two new lights are up in the bathroom! Yay! They are wonderful. I need to get some lightbulbs for them and then I will show you the photos. I am also working something else for the room right now that has me equally as giddy. Photos of that to come also!

I received a couple of questions regarding the bathroom (and thanks everyone for the kind comments!!):

Queen B: I got the light fixture on Amazon. It is from a company called Landmark Lighting and it is from the Dockside line. Here is a link!

Aubrey: The numbers above the towels on the wall are actually house numbers that I picked up at Lowes and screwed to the wall above the hooks. Super cheap and easy peasy!

Big shout out to Hubster for working his patootie off tonight to get the lights up for me all because "I neeeeeeed to show my blog friends...". You rock, babe.

Till tomorrow!

~Stacy

Bathroom Sneak Peek

2009-04-20T17:56:00.004-04:00

Everyone remember where we started? ((Shudders.))

And, though I can't show you the whole room yet, one wall is looking good:

I railroaded the beadboard, we installed the new sink and faucet, I added some picture ledges from Ikea above the beadboard, and put an accordian makeup mirror up as well. The original medicine cabinet I had wanted didnt work out with the picture ledge there too, so I ended up keeping the existing mirror and will place these two above it:

So, we are getting there! I will try my bestest to get it finished this week and weekend so I can share it with ya'll!

Coming tomorrow... more updates while I was away!

~Stacy

Peek-A-Boo

2009-04-18T22:33:00.002-04:00

Phew!

I have SO missed you all. Things here at 19 Butternut got a little crazy. Contractors coming and going, doctors appointments in the city, birthday celebrations, etc. etc. etc. all came flooding in at once and before I knew it 2 weeks had passed! Yikes!!!

I have lots to share. Progess is being made on my bathroom (pics to come on Monday) but things aren't looking as great for our pool progess. They came yesterday to install but it appears the ground is still too wet and soft here so we have to wait for it to dry out some (as I say this it is raining... boo) before we can proceed.

Please know that I have been reading all of your blogs and keeping up. I have seen some of you go into labor, some of you plan weddings that are in less that 20 days, some of you find the shop of your dreams to open only to realize great disappointment and yet still walk tall with great faith, and have seen a lot of you just trying your best to keep up with the daily grind. Keep on keeping on. And I will keep reading.

I am off to bed for tonight but I needed to stop in and say that I miss you all, thank you all soooo much for my birthday wishes, and say that words cannot begin to express the gratitude I have for you. So many of you sent me emails while I was gone because you were worried about me, my daughter, my family... THAT is something I will never forget and truly take as a testament to the good in this world.

So, sit tight for one more day (baby shower calls my name tomorrow) and on Monday I will be back to blogging. After all, it IS school vacation week and I am gonna NEED some mommy time!

~Stacy

Thirty Wonderful.

2009-04-05T11:39:00.002-04:00

Today I turn 31. Yippee! Its my birthday, its my birthday, we gonna party like its my birthday...

I am checking in to say hello and to tell you that I have some great things on the horizon so check back early this week!

For now though, I am off to celebrate with my family. Aren't birthdays delicious?!

Hugs,

~Stacy

Yet More Sweet Nothings...

2009-03-29T10:16:00.002-04:00

These little bon bons are from my dear Pottery Barn who, to my delight, seems to have added some more distressed and vintage-looking goods to their repertoire:

I need a glass of milk to wash these puppies down!

~Stacy

Diabetes Update...

2009-03-25T22:09:00.004-04:00

I wanted to post a quick little update on my daughter since so many of you have continued to share your beautiful well wishes and sweet concern:

Our little Firecracker is handling her diagnosis quite well. She has her glucose tested (her 'finger prick', as we call it) 4-6 times a day and has her insulin shots (in either the backs of her arms, fronts of her thighs, belly, or toosh - gosh she would kill me if she knew I divulged that info!) 3 times a day and she hardly ever even winces anymore.

We are still struggling to get her 'numbers' under control (for her that means glucose readings of between 70 and 170) and are told that doing so is a feat that may never be conquered. One of the unpleasantries of diabetes is that it is unpredictable. No matter what you do and despite your best attempts, you may fail. It stinks and makes me want to kick my feet and bang my fists and roll around on the floor like a toddler, but we dont. We keep trucking along.

We are becoming quite the professional carb counters. Lil' Firecracker's meals are based on how many carbs she needs for each meal. Breakfast is 25-30 carbs, morning snack is 15-20, lunch is 25-30, afternoon snack 15-20... and on and on. It is important to keep to the schedule because the carbs are what is needed for the insulin to work. If she has too few carbs and then has her insulin she could get very low. We have seen a glucose reading of 41 in the past few days. That was scary enough. I dont ever want to see lower.

Anyhow... I dont want to write a diabetes book on here, I just wanted to acknowledge all of the sweet people who have asked about our daughter and let you know that she is continuing to amaze me with her wise soul of a person much older than her age.

I found this picture while looking online today. It is indeed sad. It is why we need a cure. It is why I think my daughter is one of the strongest people I know:

Peace Love & Insulin,

~Stacy

More sweet nothings...

2009-03-24T21:45:00.004-04:00

Here is some more eye candy... this time from Ballard Designs:

Delish!

~Stacy

Sweet nothings...

2009-03-24T08:34:00.001-04:00

Just a few pretty images from my new fave website, Sundance Catalog:

Drool.

~Stacy

Please Welcome Our Newest Addition...

2009-03-23T09:38:00.002-04:00

Awwwww. Ain't she cute! This is our new baby. A 21 foot round above ground pool was delivered to our home yesterday and will be installed in just a few weeks. Yay! We have dreams of dressing her in a lovely wood deck. Something large enough for me to recline on with a drink in one hand and a magazine in another while watching my kiddies float and splash. Sigh.

Life is good.

~Stacy

PS. The bathroom is coming along great and I ADORE the beadboard railroaded. Love it. Pics soon to come!

More Bathroom Brainstorming

2009-03-20T09:31:00.003-04:00

Whoa! Two posts in one day!

Here is what I have for my bathroom so far - with the exception of the TP holder.

bath brainstorm - by stacy.theberge on Polyvore.com

So far so good! Now to get the beadboard up. I am considering railroading (turning it sideways) it and using it halfway up the wall behind the sink and toilet and I think all the way up the window wall. Anyone have any experience with doing this? I saw it in a recent magazine and liked the look.

~Stacy

R.I.P. Expo Center

2009-03-20T09:16:00.004-04:00

Has anyone been to a Home Depot Expo? Its basically a high end Home Depot. And its amazing.

Or, WAS amazing. They are all closing. Sigh.

The one in my area has two more weeks of liquidation. Sales are really good right now. For example:

At regular Home Depot this fixture is still about $250:

I got it for a mere $99 at EXPO!!! Woot woot!

This economy may stink and the job loss is awful, but the deals are fantastic!

~Stacy

Help A Sister Out?

2009-03-19T15:53:00.006-04:00

First, thank you all SO much for your ideas for my vanity. I (and I am certifiably nuts, I know) think I am gonna keep it the original cherry color after all. After adding a vintage locker basket to the bottom and some other accessories as well as a gorgeous faucet, the color grew on me. And it will be a heck of a lot easier than painting!

Now, after witnessing last night how the power of blogs helped some lovely people find the shower curtain that they all wanted and couldn't find, I have decided to reach out here and see if maybe I can't get a lil blog love assistance myself! You see, I have bought almost all of the letters I need to spell out my son and daughters names beside their bedroom doors. I am missing but one silly letter that I can not find at ANY Kohls in my area or the website. I need the letter 'Y'.

It is the letter Y - as in York or Yellow - from the Wordsworth Wooden letters collection found in with the frames and wall decor at Kohls department stores. If anyone happens to be in a Kohls in their area and stumbles upon a Y, I would love you forever and build a tiny shrine in your honor in my living room if you would pick it up for me. I would, of course, pay the price and the shipping!

Here is what they look like:

They come in a brown cardboard package.

Thanks all!

More pics of bathroom progress and some great deals I got soon to come.

~Stacy

Comments? Opinions? Ideas?

2009-03-16T20:48:00.005-04:00

In my last post I wrote about my dream granary table turned vanity. The next day hubster took me to Lowes to check out iron pipes and joints and such. We were going to try and fashion our own knock off of the below mentioned vanity.

Well, we saw this little cutie on display. It was the last one and was marked down to $170. Now, I know the picture doesnt do it justice, but I would have paid that for just the basin part. Its gorgeous (the sink part, that is), people!

That said, the wood part ain't so much my thang. Don't get me wrong. I like some parts of it. And, if the one I got were black - like in the picture - I might keep it black and call it a day. However, it is more of a cherry tone wood and that is not my style at all.

So, herein lies my request: help me decide if I should paint it white or if that would ruin it! I dont want to "cheapify" it or make it look blah. But I am not sure about black either. White would make it look very similar to this nearly $500.00 Home Depot version that I posted about last time:

A wicker basket on the bottom shelf filled with towels, etc would help make it more cottage like. I think. Hmmm...

Paint it white, black, or return it and (a) spend more to get the Home Depot one or (b) build our own version of the granary table vanity? Opinions? Help!

PS. To those who asked, here is the link for the Home Depot sink!

~Stacy

Baby Steps

2009-03-14T22:41:00.006-04:00

So, as I mentioned a LONG time ago before life got all complicated and stuff, I am redoing our upstairs bathroom. So far I have ripped out all of the tile on the walls and floor, laid the new floor, and purchased a few accessories.

I bought a gorgeous medicine cabinet (very similar - only better! - to this one here) at Homegoods for $49.99:

I am considering these sconces to flank either side of the medicine cabinet:

On one of my last visits to my fave thriftique store I got a bottle of this:

and this cube of soap:

Today my new linen shower curtain (squeal!) came in the mail:

And, although I am dying for this AMAZING granary-table-turned-sink, I think it may be like a million bajillion kajillion dollars:

thus, I may have to settle for something like this from Home Depot:
We shall see. I hope to get out antiquing soon and maybe I will find my own cheaper version of a granary table that I can fashion into a sink!?

Any thoughts?

~Stacy

Awwww....

2009-03-13T12:14:00.001-04:00

Is this not the CUTEST little storage bin you have ever seen??? And for under $30! I think it is adorable. You?

Exterior Overhaul

2009-03-06T14:40:00.009-05:00

Lately I have been dreaming of spring and all of the things I want to do to this old house when the warmer weather comes. Here is what 19 Butternut looks like in its current blah, depressing, hue that I would have never chosen myself:

And here is a quick lil thing I threw together as inspiration:

brainstorimg exterior - by stacy.theberge on Polyvore.com

-I would love my home to be this great shade of grey/blue/green with cream trim.

-I would love those amazing black wood shutters on all the windows and beautiful copper awnings over the two front windows on either side of the front door.

-On the dormer windows (the front facing windows up top) I would put copper window boxes instead of the awnings.

-I would love this custom wood door and would stain it in a pecan color to match the woodwork in our home and the stain that is now on the porch to the left (not stained yet in this picture above).

- I have always loved this exterior light from Lowes.

- We are going to be installing a white picket fence around the back yard as soon as the weather turns and I would love a double version of the gate shown here.

- The black bench would sit on the porch to the left under the sunporch windows. On it would be some all weather pillows personalized with our house number and another that says 'Welcome'.

- All of those hideous overgrown shrubs will come out and be replaced with some flowers and ornamental grasses, and some nice dwarf spruces like this:

Now if only the snow would melt!

So, what do you think?!

~Stacy

Back to Blogging...

2009-03-05T08:43:00.007-05:00

First I want to say a huge thank you to all of you. I will forever be grateful for your support and kind words. Thank you.

Abby is adjusting well to having diabetes. She takes her finger pricks and insulin shots like a pro. She even reminds us sometimes of things we overlook, like switching out injection sites or making sure she eats after injections. Thank goodness she is who she is. I wouldnt be half as calm as I am right now without her.

There is so much to tell and so many things and feelings I could relay. However, I think it is important for me to come back to this blog, this place where I went to escape stress, and focus on things that arent quite as pressing or life altering to me at the moment. Diabetes is a constant in our life now. It never takes a break. I am forced to now wear a watch and always know what time it is. We schedule our days and lives around needles and snacks. I will do it with all my heart because my daughter's life literally depends on it, but I need a place where the big D isnt all I talk about (as it is in our house right now).

So, ask any diabetes questions you may have, by all means. I would never ever turn them away. And, I may mention diabetes and its new role in our life at 19 Butternut from time to time as well. But, just as the doctors told me that my daughter was a child first and a child with diabetes second and to let her be a kid, I think it is important that hubster and I find things that make us happy - and even for a short moment carefree - also.

That said, I will be posting some things I had done around the home (before all the madness began) soon and cant wait to be blogging again! I miss you all.

In closing... I have decided to do the Walk to Cure Diabetes in Boston this fall. I have already started a team, Abby's Allies, and have some donations. I think it is so important for us as a family to focus on something positive - like working towards a cure. If you would like to learn more about the walk or donate to Abby's Allies and help us reach that goal, click the JDRF button below.

Thank you all so much for everything. Here's to a cure. And here's to blog friends.

~Stacy

New Onset...

2009-02-25T18:48:00.002-05:00

New Onset Type 1 juvenile diabetes. Quite a name. Quite a long list of things to remember. Quite a lot of information to soak in. Quite a stressful time. Quite a brave, brave girl.

We are home now. We got discharged from the hospital about 3:30 today and are now settling into our new life. Lists are hung, cabinets are full of insulin and alcohol swabs, a bag for the school nurse is packed, and we are preparing for bedtime in our own home. How sweet it is. I have gotten a grand total of 1 hour sleep in the nearly 48 hours we were hospitalized. Lovely. It makes for a very touchy, sensitive, kinda grumpy me.

Needless to say, I am going to keep this post short but I wanted to say THANK YOU so much for all of your comments. I read them at the hospital and each time a new one came in it made me feel a little less alone and a bit more in touch with the world outside of the endocrinology ward.
I could never say thank you enough, but I will say it again... THANK YOU.

I am off to the grocery store to get neccesities and then to my sweet sweet bed. I will write a longer post and give the whole story tomorrow after the visiting nurses have come and gone and such.

~Stacy

Shock

2009-02-24T07:28:00.000-05:00

I am writing this from Boston hospital. During a routine 6 yr old check up the doc found sugar in my daughters urine. After then testing her blood glucose it came back at 554. Apparently normal is in the 100s. The doc rushed us into Boston and now we have a diagnoses of type 1 diabetes for my 6 yr old baby. I am writing this from my cell phone and will update more when we get our laptop. I wi.....
Stacy

Birthday Wishes for my Hubster...

2009-02-20T21:22:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to you. My high school sweetheart. My best friend. My partner in crime. My crutch to lean on. My hero.

You amaze me every single day. You wake up early to catch the train because you feel its right to use public transportation rather than add another car to the traffic jam. You commute an hour and a half each way to get to and from work and when you get home you are still the most delightful, happy man. Even when sometimes there is no dinner on the table. :) You always walk through the door and say the same thing : "Hello family!" The thought of just that phrase sometimes is what gets me through the day.

You teach our children so many things. You are the one that reads with them. You are the one that works on counting. You are the one that teaches them to bowl or how to fly a kite. You are deeply concerned about the world we are leaving our babies. You do everything in your power (even when my recycling laziness makes it hard!) to ensure a green future for them. Watching you care for and guide our children like that is the most wonderful gift. Priceless.

You are incredible. For 14+ years you have been the other half of me. The half of me that makes me good. Makes me whole. Makes me, well, me.

I love you immensely and hope year 31 brings joy to your life in amounts equal to and greater than the joy you have brought to mine.

Forever from a flying hug,

~Stacy

You Have To Urn It...

2009-02-20T20:50:00.000-05:00

Thank you all SO much for your kind words regarding my new kitchen island!! I am overwhelmed. Truly. I love y'all.

Remember my PB knock offs from a few posts ago? Well...

Here is another Pottery Barn knock off that I picked up this past weekend:

PB's $89.00 - $199.00 Tuscan Urn:

My own $24 version from Pier 1:

They have a few different colors and several different shapes, including one nearly identical to those shown in PB's picture. And I do believe that the highest priced one was a mere $30. Not too shabby!

Have a great weekend all! I am off to my fave thriftique shoppe tomorrow and perhaps a little painting to boot!

~Stacy

How I Spent the Weekend On An Island...

2009-02-18T17:51:00.009-05:00

Some of you may recall our changing table turned kitchen island. It was a great way to get the island we wanted for little $$$.

However, it got SO much use that it soon became evident that it wasn't going to hold up well for too much longer AND that the amount of use justified the cost of replacing it with a more permanent version.

Enter a weekend trip to Lowes to get pegboard for another project. We were walking along and spotted an unfinished oak cabinet base for just $199. It had no top and the sides and back were unfinished particle board (as it was clearly meant to line a wall with other cabinets along side it). That didn't even give us hesitation. We simply picked up some beadboard, some trim, a sheet of laminate, used plywood we had at home, added some little feet to it to make it seem more like a piece of furniture, and turned this:

into this! I love it! I used the same SW 'Dover White' paint that I used on my beadboard backsplash.

We can now sit 3 people. I bought a counter height stool to go along with the barstools because the new island is counter height and, while the barstools still work well for the kids, I need to be able to get my chubby thighs under the top too!

I also managed to fit in a trip to Ikea during the weekend (hence the above noted counter stool)and got these awesome brackets for the sides. I have always loved these brackets and was thrilled to have a use for them finally.

I also was on the lookout for a drawer that we could custom fit to the island. You see, this particular cabinet base was meant for a sink and so it was built with a fake panel on the front between the two functioning drawers. I knew that was a lot of wasted space and I asked Hubster if he thought we could make our own drawer and fit the fake panel face onto it. While I was at Ikea I scoured the Clearance Room, as I always do, and saw this Komplement drawer that they sell for their closet systems in perfect condition marked down to $6.00:

It was a near perfect fit and, with a little saw action and the addition of some drawer glides, it became this:

Now I have plenty of storage for spices, etc!

Especially since I bought these awesome 2-tiered pull out shelves at Lowes. People, I LOVE THEM!! Each cabinet has one and it gives me SO MUCH STORAGE!!!

They even make them for the skinny cabinets! Woot woot!

So, thats what I did with my weekend! Now I am off to read what all of you have been up to!

~Stacy

Happy 6th Birthday Firecracker!

2009-02-12T10:25:00.002-05:00

My sweet, sensitive girl...

Happy 6th Birthday Susan Lucci! That's what your dada and I call you. Drama abounds. Every paper cut must mean death, every stubbed toe is certain amputation. We wouldn't have it any other way. That's you. That's who you are. Your collar bone was broken during birth and we didnt find out until a month after. You never complained. I guess you can call year 5 'payback'.

You are also one of the most kind hearted people I know. You sense when a fellow friend is sad or scared or lonely and you do your part to make them better. You are an amazing friend and you make me so proud.

You are the best big sister any brother could ask for. You show your brother how to play games, help him when mama and dada can't, and you have a quiet but strong way with him that makes him listen and learn from you.

Smart smart smart. You were reading at 4. You are in kindergarten and now read chapter books. You are working on math and showing signs of loving that too! I know the future holds great things for you, Abbers.

You are a natural actress. (See above mentioned drama!) You love making up shows, songs, plays, etc. You adore your 'fans'. Shy does not describe you. And I love that.

This Fall you were chosen to do the solo at the Grandparents Day concert. Abby, my heart never swelled so much. Proud that you were chosen, absolutely. Moreso, I was so happy to see you take on that challenge and put all your soul into it. You fought butterflies and conquered them. You were amazing.

You ARE amazing. We love you baby girl. We hope you have the happiest birthday. And we can't wait to see what year 6 brings!

Love,

Mama, Dada, and Jacky-poo.

Knock It Off

2009-02-11T18:31:00.012-05:00

I love finding items that are inspired by or are similar to higher end products. This economy is even more reason to elate in getting a deal. So, with that in mind, here are some of my favorite 'knock-offs' from around my home...

Pottery Barn's $299.00 version:

My $99.00 Ikea version (Both are prices for the 5x8 rug):

Pottery Barn's $59.99 version:

My nearly identical $19.99 version (Note the Roman numeral 4. Might be why it was so cheap!):

Pottery Barn's $129.00 version:

My $24.99 Homegoods version:

Rosenberry Room's $138.00 children's canvas ABC print:

My $6.99 bargain ABC canvas print from Christmas Tree Shops:

Anyone else have a favorite source for 'knock offs' or high end/price design on the cheap? Do share!

More to come!

~Stacy

Spring In My Step

2009-02-04T22:40:00.006-05:00

I saw a robin in my yard today. Do you know what that means? That means that, despite it being 14 degrees right now, spring is coming. They are saying it will be 50 degrees here this weekend. Sigh. I am overjoyed at the thought.

I 'stimulated the economy' a little this week and bought some things for spring. Decorative balls with numbers and letters on them (drool), moss covered rocks, bright cheery pillows and more.

(Edited to add: Glad so many of you love those balls like I do! They are from JC Penney and were marked down to 5.99 each. They are about the size of a softball. The moss covered rocks are also from JC Penney.)

More to come!

PS. The hallway in the kids room had to sit as is for a bit while Hubster travelled for business and we prepared for the kids joint birthday party. This weekend though, its back to work! Hang in there for more progress!

~Stacy

Mom Of The Year

2009-02-04T22:10:00.003-05:00

Sorry for my absence. I have been busy being a bad mom. Clearly.

See, above is a picture that my daughter drew for me tonight. Per her explanation, it is a sketch of a girl having a toy taken away by her little brother. Note the tears on the girl and the develish grin on the boy. Also note the mother in the picture. She is obviously a fantastic multi-tasker because she is simultaneously yelling "No!" to her children and talking on the phone (see phone in her left hand). But this mother's abilities do not stop there. No no. See, as my daughter has explained to me, she is holding up her right hand index finger to say "hold on a minute' to her children in distress. See how it is colored in bold? Mmm hmm.

The Firecracker never told me which lovely mother was portrayed here. For safety sake though, I am hiding my Mom of the Year award under the bed. Just in case they come to get it back.

~Stacy

Another One Bites the Dust...

2009-01-28T17:43:00.003-05:00

I have no words, really. No words at all. Click here for more...

~Stacy

Brainstorming In Progress...

2009-01-26T14:33:00.004-05:00

rough draft of hall - by stacy.theberge on Polyvore.com

Ok, so here is just a little rough idea of thoughts flowing through my head for the hall. Clearly those arent the actual doors that we have used (I wish) but they are the same color as the stain so they work as an example. I intend to use wooden letters to spell out their names vertically next to each door. And remember that wall in the center? The far wall where the sconce will go? Well, I am hoping to get some great oversized artwork to hang under the sconce. The walls will be my favorite Malted Milk because (1) I already have some on hand and (2) it will keep the walls bright and light reflective - good for a small hall like that.

I still want to browse the internet to look for art and such, but for now this is what I am thinking. Likey?

(Edited to add: Oh great. Why did my font change? Looks normal on the draft. Hmmm.)

~Stacy

We've Been Framed!

2009-01-26T11:12:00.003-05:00

Well, we made a lot of progress here at 19 Butternut this weekend! All of the walls are framed for the new hall. New solid wood doors are hung. The Monkey's pocket door is complete. Here is how the 'hall' looks today:

The spot on the right where you see blue tape above will soon be The Firecracker's pocket door.

And here is a shot of The Monkey's door:

The far wall that is framed out (with the white bookcase behind it) is going to have a wall sconce on it so we have to leave it open for now till Hubster can reroute some wires and get electrical to that wall:

I am thinking this or something like it:

And here is a view of the french door that leads to the 'childrens wing' as taken from my and Hubster's bedroom door. The stairs are on the right, the first door on the left is a linen closet and the second door on the left is the upstairs bath:

I will update again when more is complete! For now, I am off to stain stain stain stain stain....

~Stacy

Drywall Dust and Doll Heads

2009-01-23T20:58:00.004-05:00

Hey ya'll! (I know. I am from the northeast. I am supposed to say 'you guys'. But really, I think ya'll is way cuter. Its wicked cute. ;) Hee hee)

Anyhow, thanks to everyone for my lil bean's birthday wishes. It means so much. Thank you.

So, here's what I have been doing with my time:

Gah! Hubster and I have started the long awaited chore of constructing a hallway that will divide the childrens rooms. You may recall that this used to be one large room and we split it into two. Now we need to make a hall so that you don't have to walk through her room to get to his. Ignore the blue tape on the floor closest to the new wall. The rest of the tape you see here is going to be more new walls. Tomorrow. I hope. See :

(And yes, that is a doll head sitting in a salon chair.)

The ugly hollow core door you can see above in the lower left corner will be replace with a french door to allow light into the 'childrens wing', as we have taken to calling it. LOL. The white trunk at the end of my daughters bed will be removed for easier travel though the room and a pocket door (see below) to her room will go across from where the ugly hollow core door sits that you see up there.

So, from the upstairs landing you will turn right and walk though the french door. Immediately on your right will be the door to her room and a little further up on the left will be the door to his room. Ooooh. I have such grand plans for decorating this hall!

To preserve precious space, we are putting in pocket doors to the kids rooms. Here is The Monkey's already 'done':

Phew. So, if you stuck with me through all of that and understood any of it, what do you think?! Thoughts?

More on the decorating aspect of the hall to come! Now to go wash drywall dust out of my hair.

~Stacy

Happy Birthday Jacky!

2009-01-20T18:46:00.003-05:00

Three. Three big, joyous, fun-filled, action packed years, Bub! I cannot believe how quickly time has passed and how many sizes my heart has grown since you came into our lives.

Your shy nature is like nothing I have experienced (what with your sister being Miss Drama and all) but I secretly like it. I like when we are around semi-strangers and you bury your head in my leg for comfort.

Your goofy side constantly has me in stitches. Its like you 'get' sarcasm at such a young age. I love that in a man.

Your unabashed love for your sister is truly what makes my day. To hear you guys wake together and play unprompted in your room; to see you wave frantically to her as she rides away on the morning bus to school; the way you ask me 50 bajillion times through the day where she is; to hear the joy in your voice when you realize she is home from school... its all amazing.

Three. Soon you will be off to preschool and then the rollercoaster will speed up and before I know it you will be in high school. I hope that, even then, you come to your mom and dad for comfort in the strange world, keep your sense of humor, and love your sister. As we love you.

Happiest Birthday Bubba!

Love,

Mama

FlatScreen Anyone?

2009-01-16T12:43:00.004-05:00

Well, I hate to be the bearer of more bad news, but it looks like Circuit City may have some good deals soon.

Read more here: Circuit City Looks to be Closing

Such bad news for the 30,000+ employees they have. Sigh.

~Stacy

Humble Pie

2009-01-16T08:14:00.006-05:00

Two awards! Two awards? Really? Wow. Thank you so much to:

The simply amazing (and my 'blog twin') Wendy at The Shabby Nest who bestowed this award on me:

Boo yah! Is this not the cutest lil award ever? LOL. Thanks again Wendy!

And the also magnificent Donna at Designs on 47th Street gave me this award:

It's an award for blogs with great attitudes. How awesome that she thought of me! Humbled.

Please hop on over to both these ladies blogs and say hello. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks so much ladies! I adore you!

~Stacy

I'm In Love...

2009-01-15T20:48:00.003-05:00

Thank you all so much for your advice about my mirror dillemma. I am humbled by how many of you lovelies took the time to help me out. And, you were right. I love it.

I put some of my design training to use and placed my white pitcher up there to help draw the white of the mantel up to the mirror and added two wood frames to help bring the wood tone of the mirror down.

This look is more minimalist than I usually do, but I kinda dig it. No, I really dig it. What do you think of the new look?

Thank you all again!

~Stacy

(Edited to add: I have no idea who the lovely bride is in the frame. She came with the matte (mat?)! She will be gone soon and replaced with a b/w photo of, likely, the kids.)

...Who's the Fairest of Them All?

2009-01-12T16:26:00.005-05:00

Ok, so about that mirror... You all recall that it used to look like this?

And here is the new Pottery Barn mirror in place:

Now, what do you think? I am a little worried it is too grand for my wee lil cottage. I know the other one looked like a lil postage stamp on a wall, but I am not sure this is better. I wish I could move it down a bit, but there is a 6" or so tall board under it preventing it from going much lower. Input? Do you think it competes too much with the window? Sigh... help a designer out please? I am having brain mush.

The mirror was the in store display. It was on clearance for $123.00 and then with my designer discount of 10% on top of that it was practically affordable. Thank goodness for Christmas cash and gift cards!

Comments?

~Stacy

Mirror, Mirror On the Wall...

2009-01-11T19:50:00.003-05:00

I bought something this weekend. (giggles all giddy-like...) It will replace the mirror that sits above my mantel in this pic below:

That mirror was ok, but a bit too small in scale with the fireplace, lanterns, etc. Besides, I wanted to bring some more wood tones into the room.

It is in place now and what a difference! It seems enormous. I think it may take a little getting used to. LOL. I will take some photos tomorrow morning when it is light out and post them.

Off to watch 24! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

~Stacy

Deep Depression

2009-01-09T09:21:00.003-05:00

I have said it before and I will say it again. It is apocolyptic. As I sit here typing this I am still trying to digest the news that another favorite magazine of mine, Country Home, is closing. Yes, thats right. The March 2009 issue will be the last.

This leaves me feeling a bit empty and a wee hopeless for the future of my only remaining two favorites, Better Homes and Gardens and Country Living. I am sure their demise is not too far behind, especially since Country Living just underwent an image overhaul to try and appeal to younger audiences. That reeks of trying to stay afloat. I hope I am wrong.

Better Homes and Gardens has also spread its wings and ventured into the furniture business and the real estate business recently. This also hints at possible loss of faith in the future of their magazine. Again, I hope I am wrong.

I am off to sulk and pout.
~Stacy

A recap...

2009-01-07T20:45:00.002-05:00

Hello my dear bloggy pals! I know from reading most of your blogs that the holidays were wonderful to you and I am so glad for that. As you can see from the pic above, Santa and the holidays were good to us as well.

Here is a snapshot of my groggy children coming out of their rooms and waiting to descend the stairs to see what Santa brought. What I love about this picture is what my lil Monkey boy holds in his hands. You see, his sister, the Firecracker, bought him a present that she picked out herself and wrapped herself and waited patiently till Christmas morning to give to him. As soon as he was awake she presented him with it.

And what I love even more is that, despite the enormous pile of gifts under the tree and the shiny new kitchen playset taunting them, they sat on the floor first and she helped him open her gift. Unprompted. They just did.

And he loved his new motorized 'spinny toothbrush' that is shaped like a Crayola marker. And she beamed with pride.

And THAT is why this Christmas was the best one I have ever had to date.

I will be back with more new things around the ole 19 Butternut as well as a sweet award bestowed upon me from yet another lovely lady. Thank you all who knocked on my virtual door to ask if I was ok and tell me you missed me. You will likely never know how much it means. :)

Till tomorrow,

~Stacy

It's On.

2008-12-24T08:48:00.002-05:00

It's 'go time'. Can you even believe it? The excitement is bubbling in our home. We have a fun filled day of visitors and visits and cookies and milk and Twas the Night Before Christmas readings. Sigh... memories in the making.

I am off to enjoy these last two days of family bliss and continuous holiday music on the radio, but I wanted to stop in and wish you all a very happy holiday - however you hold it in your heart or have it in your home.

Peace to all,

~Stacy

Better late than never, right?

2008-12-20T10:17:00.003-05:00

Well, the kids are out playing in the nearly foot of snow we got yesterday. The snow continues to fall, which leaves me unable to head out to get last minute errands done. My wrapping is complete (woot woot). So, what else to do but blog?

I had wanted to take part in the many house tours that were going on this week but it never happened. That triple threat sickness that The Firecracker had spread to The Monkey and he got it twice as bad. So, better late than never, here is my home (well, the first floor) as it stands today:

Here you are standing in my dining room (pardon the bright light from the snow outside):

If you look left in the dining room you will see the stairway that we are in the process (seems to be a very loooooooong process) of completing after knocking a wall down. Here it is decked out in Christmas cheer, because nothing says holiday like drywall dust and exposed nails:

Walking past the stairs you enter the living room and walk past the front door that only gets used a few times a year:

And here is a view of those stairs. Pretend there is a really pretty sisal runner on them, k?

And now you are in the living room. Walk over to the fireplace and turn around won't you?

You are at the fireplace now, looking out to the dining room. Picture kids running around and around from living room to hall to kitchen into dining room and back into living room. Now picture that about 10,000 more times and you have just witnessed my life.

Standing at the armoire looking right, you see this:

Go through and look to the right and you see this:

Yeesh. Ok, standing at the playroom looking straight ahead you see the kitchen ahead of you. The first door on the right is the bathroom.

See? Told ya so.

Continue on past the new french door to the basement and the coat closet and you have arrived at the kitchen (see the dining room on the left there?):

A view from the back door that we enter though everyday:

Here is a view out the kitchen window to the 'mudroom/sunroom' that I will show you more of some other time when it is complete and when it is not covered in snow and boots and stray hats:

And the back door. Thank you for visiting me and touring my home for the holidays! Come back anytime!

~Stacy

Vent-a-licious.

2008-12-15T21:34:00.010-05:00

(photo from Boston.com - taken in Worcester, MA)

Screeeeeeeech.

Phew. This has got to be one of the fastest moving Decembers on record. I swear I cannot catch up. I feel so overwhelmed and a bit psychotic. I am sure I am not alone. Anyone? Care to commiserate with me?

I am sure most of you have heard by now, but here in New England we were hit with a pretty bad ice storm. Our town's schools had to remain closed today as some of them have no power and one school is acting as a shelter. Members of my family are going on their 5th night with no power and no heat tonight. Its a mess out there on the roads and, frankly, timing could not be worse. Thankfully everyone we know is safe and warm, whether in their own home with the help of generators or in the homes of loving friends/family.

It sure makes getting annoyed by the long lines at the toy store seem, well, ridiculous.

Mercifully, 19 Butternut was only without power for a mere 2 hours. We are one of the lucky ones indeed. They are saying some might not have power restored before Christmas. Can you stand it? Breaks my heart. I am keeping my fingers crossed that "they" are wrong and that every single one of the nearly one million homes and businesses affected have power and heat before the holiday.

On the homefront, The Firecracker was hit with a triple whammy. She is much better now, but over the weekend she had to visit the doc for an emergency visit. Turns out she has an ear infection, sinus infection, and conjunctivitis. My gosh! Hey, month of December, have mercy will ya?

Ok, I have vented.

How are you all????

~Stacy

A contender...

2008-12-11T17:28:00.002-05:00

I have yet to send my Christmas cards out. (Hangs head in shame.) But they will be going out in the next 2 days. This is just one of the pics I took today and a serious contender for Christmas card photo. Off to edit more pics!

~Stacy

More Christmas Cheer

2008-12-09T18:42:00.004-05:00

This small metal sign was one of my huge deals on Sunday night. I went to A.C. Moore Crafts with a 25% off coupon for your entire purchase, including sale items. In all, I ended up saving over $40 - and only ended up spending around $30. Saved MORE than I spent!! Crazy! Anyhow, this red sign was 3.99 regular and on sale for 50% off. So, after coupon I paid $1 plus change. Removed their 'quirky' red gingham bow and added my tan and white bit o ribbon. Voila! Dresses up the wreath, no?

And here are some shots of the inside of my china hutch:

And sitting on top of the hutch:

I got the frame and stand at the Dollar Tree at Halloween time and got the stickers at Michael's. I thought the cookies and the note were too cute to pass up!

Here are some random shots of places where Christmas spirit has landed in our home this year:

I am soooo enjoying reading all of your posts on holiday decor! Keep em coming!

~Stacy

Oh Tannenbaum

2008-12-08T21:05:00.007-05:00

Operation Decorate Tree is finally complete. I am here to report on the results.

Although he looks tortured in this photo, The Monkey enjoyed trimming the tree. He especially delighted in seeing just how many ornaments one branch would hold.

The Firecracker takes her ornament placement seriously. But, in true Firecracker form, she is never to busy to pose for a camera:

And here is the star of the show in all her glittery, sentimental, handmade ornament covered glory:

Some of our ornaments are ones we just think are cute or that we picked out to represent us as we were/are at certain stages in our lives:

Rockem Sockem Robots for Hubster

A chair (representing my new career in interior design) for me that year

A mini working snowglobe because, who doesnt love a snowglobe?

I bought these glass votive holders years ago and still LOVE them. I put battery operated votives in them because flaming tree isn't in my Christmas plans this year.

This ornament we got last Christmas to represent our first holiday in this new home of ours

And some of our ornaments are antiques (hee hee). Here is one that I made in 1985 (sooo, maybe like 1st or 2nd grade?):

And here is one that Hubster's aunt made for him when he was on the high school football team:

And if you look closely at the tree you will see a plethora of glittery, hand painted, goopy glue ornaments that have been crafted by my own child and placed proudly upon our tree. Those are my true favorites.

How is YOUR tree coming along?

~Stacy

'Udder' Joy

2008-12-05T21:25:00.002-05:00

My Moo business cards arrived the other day and I cannot express how happy I am with them. You see, I have been trying to get some business cards made and all of the local print shops have been less than appetizing options. One was very overpriced. Another wouldn't let me see a proof before final print. It was just. a. nightmare.

Enter Moo. I was able to order a 50 count set of double sided, full color, full bleed (meaning no border... pic goes all the way to the edge) cards for $20. AND, when they arrived, I was astounded by how thick the card was. VERY nice quality.

So, I have found my new favorite source for business cards and I highly recommend them!

As for my home... we are putting the tree up tomorrow and then I will have some 'decked out halls' and some photos to go along with it! Stay tuned!

~Stacy

Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-12-02T20:42:00.002-05:00

(This is a pic of my mom, my brother and me circa 1986)

Tomorrow is December 3rd and my mother's 51st birthday. So, I am taking a time out to say Happy Birthday to my most devoted reader! Love you mom! Happy Birthday!

Love,
Stacy

More than you care to know...

2008-12-02T12:51:00.004-05:00

I was tagged by Cheryl (AKA Tidymom) and asked to share 6 random things about me. Here are the rules:

Rule #1 ~ Link to the person that tagged you.

Rule #2 ~ Post the rules on your Blog.

Rule #3 ~ Write 6 random things about yourself.

Rule #4 ~ Tag 6 people at the end of your post.

Rule #5 ~ Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their Blog.

Rule #6 ~ Let the tagger know your entry is up. So here goes...

Six Random Things About Me:

1. I am terrified of things that pop. Balloons and those Pillsbury containers of biscuits scare me.

2. You know when you get in a car on a hot day and it is so stifling that you cant breathe? Well I love that.

3. I am an interior designer. Went to design school and everything.

4. I hate mascots. Something about the fact that they are mute is enough to make me run the other way at Disney World.

5. I desperately want to go to California before I die.

6. My father's name is Timothy. My brother's name is Timothy. My husband's name is Timothy.

So, thats me and some of my oddities. Still love me?

And as for the tagging others part... I tag anyone who cares to reveal some oddities of their own. What can I say? I am a rule breaker.

And, b/c I dont like posts without pictures... here's one for ya:

Just a design board that I did for a class two years ago. Mid-century modern style.

~Stacy

And cue the stain fumes...

2008-12-02T10:18:00.002-05:00

Here is an update on the new doors. They are all stained! Woot woot. I think we found a pretty good match to the existing trim. Very much a relief.

Ooooooh. See that vinyl 'Family' decal on the wall leading to the basement? That's a project I am working on. Show you more soon!

And, here folks, is your "keepin it real" moment of zen:

That is what the playroom looks like on a daily basis. Lest you think there are no toys in my house. I especially like the doll spread eagle on the desk.

~Stacy

Cue The Christmas Music...

2008-12-02T09:36:00.002-05:00

Here are some decorations I have managed to get in place thus far. More to come, including the tree.

This glass candle holder I made. I copied one I saw in BHG. Just bought 2 glass hurricanes one skinnier than the other. Placed one inside the other. In the exterior one I put pine branches and berries and faux snow. In the interior one I put an LED candle (WHICH I LOVE!!!) that flickers and looks so real.

More to come!

~Stacy

Life's A Picnik

2008-12-01T22:22:00.002-05:00

I have been having so much fun with this new website I found recently through fellow blogger, Jerusalem. Its called Picnik and it lets you alter your photos and kinda makes you feel like a professional. Addicting, I tell ya. Go ahead and try it. I dare you.

I am also waiting for my new business cards that I ordered through Moo. I had pics that I took around my house on one side and my logo and info on the other. Can't wait to see how they turn out! Anyone have any experience with them?

Also, been decking the halls here and will hopefully have some photos to share tomorrow!

Hope everyone had a terrific Thanksgiving and a safe Black Friday!

~Stacy

Number 19

2008-11-25T20:40:00.002-05:00

I had seen the idea of painting your house number on your door at this Rate My Space page and was instantly smitten. I decided to give it a go myself on our side entry (mudroom/sunporch) door that we use everyday. I went to Michaels and bought graphite paper. I then printed the No. 19 in the right size (this took a few tries) and taped it to the graphite paper and proceeded to tape the whole enchilada to the door. I traced the No. 19 onto the door. Once I was satisfied with that, I painted it with an artists brush and jet black high gloss paint. It's not professional and I certainly wouldnt look too close at it, but I happen to love it.

What do you think?

~Stacy

Running the Gauntlet

2008-11-25T13:40:00.004-05:00

A trial run for the tablescape. A count of glasses left in tact from last year. Collecting all of the necessities, like gravy boats and salt cellars and butter to boot.

The clock is ticking. The day is coming. Are you ready?

Edited to add: The place card holders are from Pier 1 and the gravy boat's from Pottery Barn.

~Stacy

Great. Now I want cake.

2008-11-23T18:50:00.005-05:00

The super funny, super sweet Pippajo over at Cottage at Wits End has honored me with a very distinguished award. The Marie Antoinette award. Not sure what the meaning behind this award is, but I am hoping it is good. LOL. But really,

sweet! I love anyone who is pro cake eating. Hee hee.

Thanks again Pippajo. You rock, my friend.

~Stacy

Hollow is So Last Decade.

2008-11-23T12:01:00.006-05:00

Remember those hollow core doors that were the thorn in my side. I painted one as a chalboard door but still had the others haunting me. Besides, those brass doorknobs and hinges just weren't my style.

Well, this weekend I had another one of my "great ideas" that hubster fears. When I started to tell him about my plans for those doors I could see the dread in his eyes. But, being the amazing husband he is he obliged and after dinner on Friday night we ran to Home Depot and bought all new doors, hinges, and knobs. Notice the new bathroom door below. A solid wood panelled door. Ahhhh. We we even got a new knob for that chalkboard door:

And check out those handles. To die for, no? They were on clearance for $15. No lie.

Here is what the 'Hall of Hollows' looked like Thursday:

And where it stands as of this morning. Sigh. A new door for the playroom and a new FRENCH DOOR!! to our basement (which we plan to finish as a family room/game room someday):

We still have a lot to do; staining the doors to match the exisiting trim work and wood floors, changing out the coat closet door (that door you see on the left in the hallway picture) tonight or tomorrow, and finishing painting (I changed out the soft yellow that was grating on my nerves for a calmer coat of my fave Malted milk) the walls and those awful heat grates.

I also changed out my framed photos on the wall. I took down all of the mismatched frames and bought a bunch of matching ones at Pier 1. Love em:

Anyhow, it a lot of progress for a day and I can't express how much it updates the house and how much I love it! I will be back with finished door pics soon! For now, i am off to have an early Turkey Day dinner with hubster's fam. Yum!

~Stacy

And so begins the apocolypse...

2008-11-20T14:24:00.004-05:00

It is a sad sad day here in my world. I have just learned that Cottage Living Magazine is gone. This past issue was the last. I feel deflated. Seriously.

First Home, then Blueprint and O at Home. Now this?

Forget world peace. All I want for Christmas is for BHG, Country Living, and Country Home to stay afloat.

Sigh,

Stacy

Here she is!

2008-11-19T12:40:00.005-05:00

Now, go easy on me. Remember it was my first time with a real glue gun.

I know it kinda looks nothing like this PB beauty, but I saw the price of this particular moss at Pottery Barn and just couldnt justify it for a project that may or may not have worked out.

My wreath used sheets of moss purchased at JoAnns for $8. I used two. I also bought a foam wreath form for $7. The brown ribbon was $1 at Big Lots. So all together it was around $25. I think it looks great against the steely blue of my bedroom walls so a Christmas wreath for the bedroom it will be!

What say you?
~Stacy