Living Room Makeover
Part 1
Finding the perfect chandelier
Hi and welcome back to my blog! I have been MIA but for good reason. We worked on multiple projects to update our living room. It took us quite some time to figure all this out and find the helpers to make our vision come to life. This is Part 1.
The ideas came from multiple blogs and instagram accounts that I follow. Warning, once you go down that rabbit hole a whole new obsession begins. At least that was my experience. Narrowing it all down and editing ideas was fun!
My husband and I have lived in our home for 27 years! We have never lived anywhere this long. As we are aging the discussion goes back and forth with the common question of do we downsize or stay put. Our home is large for just the two of us but we mainly use our downstairs. Our family and friends are scattered far and wide. We like to have space for when they visit. The decision was made. At this time, we are staying put! It was time to make a few small changes (ahem) to create a cozy atmosphere so we would use our living room more. Our living room has over 14 foot tall ceilings and could feel a bit cold. For 27 years I searched high and low for the perfect chandelier. Hours of scouring antique stores, round top, resale shops, new showrooms, online and more was coming up empty. Then suddenly on a trip to a favorite antique store (The Cottage Antiques) in February there it was. It was magic. The size and shape of this one was perfect. My husband was not convinced. The panic of losing it was closing in. Ladies, you know what I’m talking about!!!! The questions began. How we would get it home? Who would install it? It’s huge and heavy! We need a medallion! I needed to figure out EVERYTHING to get him on board! Long story short, husband gave the go ahead. We got the electrician and delivery team scheduled and it was on the way to our home. I purchased a ceiling medallion and painted it in the garage before the delivery date. (Just FYI it took multiple coats) Available here.
It took 3 men from Lamp Crafters to deliver and install this gorgeous chandelier.
And there she is, in all her glory
We are over the moon. I turn it on in the evening and just stare at it. It was my dream come true! This chandelier was worth waiting 27 years for. In my opinion, it just oozes that French Paris Apartment Vibe. And so the snowball of changing more in this room began. Stay tuned for part 2 next week.; The addition of the fireplace!
As always, thank you for stopping by. I love connecting and sharing ideas with all of you out there on social media. Would love your thoughts.
Best always,
Kim
Elegant Christmas table 2021
Untraditional Tablescape
This year I created an elegant yet untraditional Christmas table for my family. The dreaming and scheming are all part of the fun for me. It had been a few years since we had all been together (like so many around the world). Once I heard everyone would be able to be here this year, the joy started for me. This became a true labor of love.
Well I am here to tell you that using fresh garland and fruit in South Texas was not my smartest idea. A week into prep had foliage browning and oranges rotting. I replaced all the fresh with faux and it turned out better than I thought it would.
DETAILS:
Tablecloth was my Grandmother’s, Dishes here, Napkins here, I found an unbelievable price for Silverware here. Glasses are vintage finds. Plants are from Tuesday Morning and are now on huge clearance, Faux Oranges here, I hot glued these clips on the big oranges available here, Reindeer and trees are from Target (now sold out but check next year.) Velvet bows are only available in store from At Home. All wreaths and garland are from the TJMaxx Home Store. All my jewelry is Susan Shaw, designed and made here in Texas. You can view and purchase all her jewelry here. My caftan is old from H&M.
I hope you had a very lovely Holiday. Thank you for your continued support and inspiration. Wishing everyone a healthy and happy New Year.
XOXO,
Kim
Adding Touches of Fall to Your home
Hello and Happy Fall!
Are you a fan of fall? I am. I always think summer is my favorite but then summer lasts so long here in Texas. This is the season that brings us cool mornings and evenings that feel so wonderful. I have always loved the changing of seasons. Fall is nostalgic for me . I remember fondly the days of getting ready to go back to school, football games, taffy apples, homecoming mums, parades and lot’s of halloween fun. Being a midwest gal, I miss it all. Years ago I decided to start making my home and outdoor areas feel like fall (even if it’s still in the 90’s!)
Here are a few ideas from this year:
For the yard, this year we added a fireplace. We only were able to use it a little bit this spring before it got too hot. Fall is the perfect time to sit and enjoy a nice warm fire. The mums and pumpkins give me all the autumn feels too. You know I’ll be adding a glass of wine, a good book and cozy throw to make it a perfect afternoon or early evening. That to me is self care.
This wreath from Feather Fluff and Flings welcomes people to our home and looks gorgeous against our dark stained door. It’s the first thing I put up come fall. As soon as people walk by or come to the door they always compliment me on this wreath. No credit goes to me, I just hung it up! They do ship if you want a spectacular wreath for any season. I love supporting them as they the nicest gals in the world. Remember I was their Valentine here.
All the touches of gold and leopard bring in some warmth too.. If you haven’t read ALL of Carolyne Roehm’s books, I’m sorry but you are missing out!
Fresh flowers in beautiful autumnal tones is the easiest way to bring in fall. I absolutely LOVE Trader Joe’s selection. Fresh and beautiful
Just a couple of ideas that I hope inspire you to add a touch of fall to your home and garden.
As always, thank you so much for stopping by.
XOXO,
Kimberly
shopping ideas here
Feather, Fluff & Flings
Valentines Day Wow
Hello and Happy Valentines Day! This Valentines Day is a huge one for me AND my house. I received a call from Feather, Fluff & Flings. They asked me to be their Valentine! How sweet is that? They explained that they wanted to come over and give me my valentine! These gal’s are known for their seasonal decor and I practically screamed YES! We set the date and the excitement mounted.
The big day arrived and I could not believe ALL of the decorations they brought. Two huge SUV’s pulled up loaded to the roof with all the goodies! They unpacked tools, decorations, ribbon, lights and ladders. Just like magic, things began to take shape. Bows were made, garland was hung, decorations were added to the garland and they even added twinkling lights! My neighbors were all stopping by and we were amazed at the transformation.
spruced up by Feather, Fluff & Flings
by Feather, Fluff & Flings
Feather, Fluff & Flings does it all. From seasonal decorating, staging & ready to sell consultation, interior design and event planning everything they touch is done to perfection. Cheri and Jamie are the talent and brains behind this operation and two of the nicest gal’s you will ever meet. Their friendship means the world to me. Check them out for help, inspiration and to just enjoy the beautiful world they and their amazing team create. I am pinching myself that I got to be their Valentine!
Thank you Cheri & Jamie for EVERYTHING! And I thank YOU for stopping by! Wishing this world and everyone all the love this Valentine’s Day and always!
XOXO, Kim
HILL COUNTRY MILE, BOERNE TEXAS
Have you heard of the Hill Country Mile? Nestled in the quaint town of Boerne, Texas, the strip on Main street has been named Hill Country Mile. This modern and historic city is not to be missed when visiting the Texas Hill Country. Boerne has seen such a transformation in the past few years and I for one am loving it! AMAZING boutiques, fantastic restaurants, wine bars, art galleries, coffee shops, hotels and all the small town charm anyone could ask for are waiting to welcome you! Not a chain store in sight. I love love love the originality of this place. This city embraces its history and yet is somehow very fresh and so very charming.
Main Street Boerne
Last week Erin from Cathedrals & Cafes and I explored the Hill Country Mile together and we had the most delightful time! Erin is a lifestyle and travel blogger from San Antonio. Once you see her work you will know she is a must follow on her blog here and here on instagram.
So here is a look at what we saw on our day visiting Hill Country Mile
Bechants
Let me introduce you to Bechants. This store is the most unexpected treasure right on the Hill Country Mile. Erin and I lucked out and received a private tour of this modern department store from Craig Brewer of Bechants. Craig described this store as retail heaven and I completely agree. Bechants has many “rooms” and each has its own specialty merchandise.
A few things you will find at Bechants are home decor, kitchen items, high end fine jewelry, fun jewelry, clothing, health and wellness products, MacKenzie Childs, stationery, fragrance for you and your home, children’s clothing, gifts and SOOO much more! The people who work at Bechants are a family. Everyone in every department will do their best to help you find just the right thing. If you appreciate great customer service you have come to the right place. The way they wrap up your selections with beautiful bags and tissue is that old time customer care that I find lacking in most places today. I was smiling ear to ear with all the attention to detail and to me!!!!!
And just to be clear you can find something at EVERY budget here. Let’s just say I might know this as a fact! Several very affordable and very special gifts will be awaiting my family and friends under our tree this year!
Bechants
Joli Boutique
Joli means pretty in french, and this store curates merchandise that is so pretty and unique. Most of the lines carried here are made in the USA or Canada! I really appreciate that the owner, Barbara, choses her apparel and jewelry to appeal to all ages and shapes. Her philosophy is that every lady should be uniquely beautiful. Joli boutique also carries special things for men and children. Joli has such wonderful selections and the best friendly service.
Joli Boutiqe
Joli Boutique
Joli Boutique
Laurie Saunders Ltd
Laurie Saunders Ltd
Laurie Saunders Ltd is a long time favorite shopping destination for me in Boerne. When Laurie took the old antique store location in Boerne, she waved her fairy decorating wand of renovation and poof this store is STUNNING! I knew I would be visiting on the regular!
With a sharp eye for detail and an amazing team that is so kind and helpful, Laurie’s shop deserves your time when you visit Boerne. It takes a very special hand to put things together they way the team does at this shop. I absolutely love visiting and getting inspiration. My heart is set on several pieces from here. (I hope Santa thinks I have been a very good girl.) Besides home furnishings, there is so much to see and shop at Laurie Saunders Ltd. Gorgeous antiques, Mexican dresses in the summer, outerwear of vests and light jackets for winter, candles, kitchen towels, stunning pillows, blue and white china, coffee table books, statuary, lighting, hostess gifts, holiday treasures, art, anything you can imagine to set a perfect table are all here along with LOTS more. Do not miss going in and saying hello.
Right now is an especially great time to shop with the Cure Cancer Card. If you donate $50 to Cure Cancer Partners Card, you will receive 20% off from October 18th to October 27th. Laurie Saunders Ltd and Joli are accepting the card as are many other merchants and restuarants. For more information click here.
Cypress Grille
All of this shopping really worked up my appetite and the Cypress Grille was just the place for a lovely lunch and a chilled glass of wine.
The food and the service are so wonderful at the Cypress Grille. I highly recommend it.
Before we knew it our day had flown by and it was time to head back to San Antonio. I hope you will take some time and go visit Boerne’s Hill Country Mile. I will be back to check out all the holiday trimmings and fun. This town will wrap you up in the holiday spirit!
Thanks so much for stopping by. Let me know your favorite place in Boerne!
XOXO, Kim
Love It Or List It! Our Latest Adventure With The Invasion Of The Wood Floors
Hello and welcome to my version of LOVE IT OR LIST IT!!!!! After 23 years of living in one place (the longest ever in my entire life) it was time to decide! If we stay we fix it, if we leave we will be renters! Well, Mr. Frickspicks was not on board yet with the renting route so fixer upper it is! I have gone through so many remodels in our 40 years of marriage and it always sounds so exciting and simple. Am I right? It kind of is but it is also a nightmare if you live in your home during the reno. It’s a hurry up and wait situation. You agree to everything set a date and then you wait. And wait some more and then one day people show up and ALL HELL breaks loose!
We started with family room floors which included taking out the fake Italian restaurant looking arch that served no purpose but to collect dust. (Back story, my husband bought the house and I only saw a tiny video before the day we moved in!) He picked a beautiful home, it really is. It’s just wayyyy different than anything this simple midwest girl had ever called home before. Arches, marble, faux marble, lots of window “treatments” and the highest ceilings I had ever seen in a home. When I walked in I kind of thought I was in the movie Good Fellows. Now don’t get me wrong, I fell in love with EVERYTHING! Don’t judge, it was 1996. But after 23 years it was time to UPDATE (or now what I call our search and destroy mission!)
In true domino theory, the new floors began taking over. Like the invasion of the body snatchers! Now not only did the family room floors need to be replaced but also the kitchen floors and then before you knew it we had to stretch it down hallway to get rid of a teeny tiny and very dangerous lip.
We are over 60 and I will have none of that tripping, falling and breaking a hip shenanigans on my watch! Won’t name names, but several people have had close calls here with that little 1/4 inch lip. So it was decided! Yep rip it out! Easy peasy right? NOPE, we thought we were done and then the appliances were not at counter height any more and the trash compactor would not open. SIGH! So much for the exciting and simple part. After lots of finagling, things are fixed! But now to touch up the scratched cabinets (see what I mean, it goes on and on and on and on!
If you follow along on instagram stories you heard and saw the “DUSTLESS” removal of tile and marble! Cough, cough and cough some more. (DUST WAS EVERYWHERE) Before you knew it I was sick, my husband was sick, the old dog died (true story) and I wasn’t sure if I could carry on with this “small cosmetic update”! But being the trooper I am (go ahead and laugh), and the type A personality I inherited (not my fault), it was time to put my big girl panties on and get ‘er done.
Act one, the invasion of the wood floors, is done! The floors look great. It almost killed me but those @#$# floors are IN!!! I’ll post Act two next! Hope you will stay tuned and tell me about your adventures (disasters) in renovation.
As always, thanks for stopping by. To leave a comment just click on the post and the comment box is down below! (Working on making that easier too!)
XOXO, Kim
Friday’s Favorites
Friday’s Favorites are here! How excited are you that spring is ALMOST here too? In Texas at least we are seeing the trees blooming and the wildflowers are just starting to peek their heads out. We need to enjoy it because it is the shortest season we have before the heat of summer comes to stay until October! So let’s get on with what made my heart soar this week!
THE RED SUIT
The color red is a powerful color in my book. Since this week we celebrated International Women’s Day, it felt right to have this color on to show how powerful we gal’s are when we stick together and support one another. Do you have a color that makes you feel powerful and confident?
YSL FOUNDATION
Hands down, this is my favorite foundation. And let me tell you, I have tried LOTS of foundation. It gives my skin a radiance that I love and with SPF 22 I am protecting my skin as well as making it look great.
BARGAIN EARRINGS OF THE WEEK
Who doesn’t love a bargain? After a quick run to the mall, I stopped into HM and saw these. I was thrilled to find such a WOW earring for this price. Pretty sure I will be wearing them during Fiesta and all summer long. Also, Porter magazine is one of the few magazines left with quality content and photo’s. It never ceases to give me inspiration and education.
Well, that’s it for this Friday’s Faves my darlings.
As always, thank you for stopping by and I wish you all a happy and safe weekend. Chins up Buttercups, we are almost to Spring!
XOXO,
Finding The Perfect Vanity Mirror
Since becoming empty nesters, all the extra space in our house has sat empty too! But now I have an office/dressing room in one of the previous bedrooms. I have loved every minute making this space my own. I had been searching for the perfect vanity mirror for quite a while. I went to Soft Surroundings and found this beautiful one!
At this age, the closer I can get to the mirror the better, anyone else with me? This Tri Fold Demoiselle Mirror met all my requirements. I love that it is a streamlined interpretation of a french antique reflecting so much elegance in its beveled and etched glass. This mirror gives me all the feels of an antique mirror with all the convenience of a new one.
There are so many beautiful mirrors at Soft Surroundings, check them out. I have my eye on several others that will make my home feel elegant and new! I think mirrors make everything sparkle and shine, don’t you? Candlelight is magnified, flowers look twice as full, all my jewelry shines in its reflection and the fact that I can see putting on my eye makeup makes this a win win for me!
I, for one, love how this beautiful piece made such a feminine statement in my new favorite space in my home, my office/dressing room!
Yes, I am an empty nester but I am enjoying making old new again and loving reinterpreting the empty space into something I can use and enjoy.
I would love to hear what you have done to reinterpret space in your home to make it more useful and enjoyable.
As always, thank YOU for stopping by.
OBSESSED
