HAPPY FRIDAY: Enjoy

stylist: Stella Nicolaisen

love these pretty little teacups tied to the tops of these pressies!

This weekend I have to work. I normally don't work on weekends but this weekend I am finishing up phase 1 of a 3 phase construction project.  I don't mind too much, I will be taking next Friday off since my dad will be in town. I am very excited about it. I have such a fun weekend planned when he gets here. Hopefully, it won't snow!!!

Anyway, enjoy the weekend everyone. It's raining here, and is supposed to snow later today.I will be drinking lots of tea!

xx

callie  

QUOTE: All the trimmings

"...to ensure a successful mix, I treat cushions, trimming, lampshades and other accessories as the shoes and handbags of the home. The right shoes can really make an outfit - and equally, if you have the wrong shoes, you can feel old-fashioned in the smartest of suits." Nina Campbell

Such a pretty room!

xx callie

quote ~ image: James Merrell

Spring Fever and wee birds

Tablescape by Angela Adams for Rachael Ray Mag

I am so ready for spring! 

I want the birds to come back and the flowers to  bloom. I am ready for spring!!

via Rachael Ray Mag: Buri Birdfeeders: Smith & Hawkin

These little pretties in turquoise and apple green 

would make any bird happy to be seen eating his bird seed in these gourds shaped vessels.

oh, and these little love birds! 

Their pretty colours and sweet little faces, holding your salt and pepper attached together with a magnet put a smile on my face!!

found via Rachael Ray Mag, Bibelot shops

and these little birdies!!! 

Love their shiny green glaze and the chocolate brown tray they nest in 

while holding your condiments.

Have a wonderful day!

xx

callie

Crazy busy bee, that's me

This week is going to be busy! almost done with phase 1 

Just got in a bit ago .... I will try and catch up with you all soon. 

Miss you all.

xx

callie

OBSESSION: Pizza and Donna Hay

A slice of perfection!

Pizza is one of my biggest weaknesses. I eat pizza about 2 times a week and let me tell you, it's fantastic!! I usually buy dough from Trader Joe's to make it easy during the week, who wants to make home made dough after a long day of work, even though Donna Hay has a completely easy simple dough. I usually make this on a weekend.

I top my pizza with my favorites: at the moment I am really into spinach, ricotta and pancetta with a drizzle of olive oil, {pictured above)

 It's simple and quick.... and it tastes yummy!

these yummy wee pizza's are by Donna Hay: Cherry Tomato and Bocconcini Pizza's. Simple fresh toppings, tomatoes, black pepper, mozzarella, parmesan, bocconcini and baby rocket! 

I eat this at least once a week! sooooo tasty, my heart sings of joyful yumminess!

What is your favorite pizza?

xx 

callie

DESIGN: Bedroom Love

image: livingetc

The weekend flew by and now I am up getting ready for the week! My head is spinning and filled with so much stuff.... I looked at houses again on Saturday, this time not so many that I liked.  I went by Harrison House again, I really have fallen for this house.  It was snowing out and while standing in the living room, it was filled with bright white light. It was truly amazing how much sunlight was filtering through the windows.  I went up to the attic again, and yes, that space filled with old boxes and furniture will be my retreat if all goes well.  Please keep your fingers crossed that when my dad gets here and I make an offer that it will go my way and I will make this attic

My bedroom suite with a reading area off to the left, would like to place a skylight or dormer window for a seating area for me to have my morning coffee and place to read!

image: Country Living via Belle Maison

This week I was reading Julie's blog Belle Maison, she posted this lovely little cottage that was once a 900 square foot school house in the Catskills.Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke converted the school house into this darling little home... and was I so excited when I saw this image above, just what I had imaged for my little bedroom in the attic.

But not a huge fan of yellow, I have been collecting bedroom images and hope to use as inspiration along with the image above to set the mood:

I am completely in love with white, grey and a crimson colour scheme with touches of black and a wee bit of gold (see image at top)

image: country living

I really love the striped walls with the black and white. The stripes would probably be too much for than attic with the slanting roof, BUT the guest room would be a perfect place for stripes!!! The black finish on the furniture is strong and could complement a change of colours for seasons: reds, corals and white see below! which I really am loving at the moment.  I would love to paint all the doors black, the door knobs are would look like little gems!

scanned: Blueprint Magazine 09/10 2007

Image: country living magazine

I am swooning over the romance of a chandelier.  Maybe a black chandelier in the red, coral, pink and black scheme? The aged brick looks fantastic against the white bed linens.  Looks fresh and cosy.

image: country living magazine

childhood memories:

oh how sweet are these stars along the back wall!!!!  This little retreat is very sweet with the pale pink blanket on the end of the cot.   I just threw this one in because it reminded my of when I was a kid and I would play up in the attic with my cousin and we would set up like this!!! But the furniture was really old in the attic we played in, we had a few cots but no pretty bedding, netting nor fresh flowers!

Keep positive thoughts for me, and pray that I get this sweet little house

As you can see, my mind is all over the place. Once I get to the closing date then I will have to hone all my wildness in and really concentrate on what to do, until them let me be crazy giddy!

xx

callie

HAPPY FRIDAY: pressure, pressure

cookery!

I have been packing all week long, preparing to move.  I have not been eating very well while being so busy with packing.  Well, this weekend is jamb packed again, looking at 10 more houses plus the Harrison House, having lunch with my good friend Blanca who lives where I am looking to buy my new home. Dinner with my friend Anne on Saturday with drinks of course to celebrate life and to talk about her new man! Then all day on sunday I will be packing again!!!!

Well, today on the train I was catching up on my magazine reading and was enjoying the February 2009 issue of Country Home, when I read through these fabulous recipes (see below, with recipe links)

What was so great about it {I was so happy and giddy, I was smiling ear to ear!! people don't smile much on the train, so I probably looked odd}  for Christmas my mum had sent me a pressure cooker in my box of Christmas goodies.  When I opened it, I thought' "well, not sure what to cook in this!"

     Now I do!!

All the recipes have an option to cook in a slow cooker, dutch oven, or a pressure cooker!

yeah, and the bonus of using a pressure cooker is higher vitamin and mineral retention, increased energy efficiency and cooler kitchen (good for the summer)

Old-Fashioned Chicken and noodles with herbs and ginger {yummy, with bagel chips}

will be made this weekend!

recipe

This chipotle ~ coffee pot roast with polenta {looks amazingly tender & tasty}

will be made when my dad comes into town in 2 weeks!

recipe

Moroccan Chicken Stew with apricots 

{one of my favs, will toss in some cashews for a bit of crunch at the end!}

I will make this when I move and have all the girls over to girls night!

recipe

What do you have planned for the weekend? What are you cooking?

xx

callie

ps Thanks Mum for the pressure cooker!!

Auuugh, is it the weekend yet?

Sometimes life is going so fast and crazy!  sorry, I have been behind in reading my favorites... you know who you are.  I am at the end of phase 1 on a construction project, so hopefully, next week I will be somewhat back to normal. Can't wait to catch up on everyone this weekend.

Off to bed, I have to leave for work by 5:30 am....... blah! thankful it's the last day of the work week:)

xx

callie

{image: ffffound}

PHOTOGRAPHY: Footbridge in Alford

Footbridge
Originally uploaded by chimpaction

I have been so busy this week and today I am so very tired. So I apologize that my posts today will be small.
BUT the photographer I found is fabulous!
He lives in Alford Scotland, that is where I visit every year when I go out to visit my family. My great grandfather was born in Alford, Tough Scotland.

It snowed all last night and when I when I saw these images, I had to share..... the beautiful snow in Scotland.

Everyone, have a great day. and is the weekend here yet?
I can't wait to sleep in!
xx
callie

PHOTOGRAPHY: Icicle

Icicle
Originally uploaded by chimpaction

This winter was all about the icicle's here in Chicago. Here is a photo of one in Scotland.

PHOTOGRAHY:

Porch
Originally uploaded by chimpaction

Another lovely shot in Alford

QUOTE: Simple Beauty

"I like lots of air, order, personal objects and beautiful architecture."

William Hodgins

quote

photo: James Merrell

The gold details above the doorways are beautiful, crowned jewel. The pallet of neutral and chocolate brown is just yummy with a touch of chartreuse green to add a crisp freshness that completes this airy space, filtered with amazing sun light.

Again, James Merrell captures such a beautiful space in his photography!

callie

OBSESSION: The Sea and Sea Shells

image: new england museum

When I was young, I would walk along the beach with my mum. I love the smell of the ocean and the sand beneath my feet. We always went to the beach for the day or for vacation down in Baja California.... this is were I first saw a sand shark at age 5, sitting on my dads shoulders out in the waves... I always thought they were dolphins or whales until recently when I was speaking to my dad about that trip and he laughed and said. "oh, no those were sand sharks and there were several of them!" anyway, back to walking along the beach. We would collect shells, sand dollars and beach glass.

images: country living

I had quite the collection. My dad cut a rectangle piece of ply-wood which we painted a pale blue. We would glue the shells onto the board in a pretty pattern grouped together per trip. I don't know what happened to that board but it started a passion of collecting sea shells, there stored in jars and bowls.

I know Valentine's Day has past, but I thought I would share this amazing art and thought I would share for next year.... there just too pretty not to do! see link below to make your own.

Sailor's Valentines!! originated in the 1800's in the West Indies, on the Island of Barbados. Sailors would purchase these pretty little items on there long voyages to take home to their sweet hearts and loved ones. A true Sailor's Valentine is said to include a flower design, a heart in any form and a special message inscribed with small sea shells: "Forget Me Not" "Timeless Treasure" "Until We Meet Again" The wooden boxes would be octagonal and usually two sided with a hinge to protect the glass overlay and shells layout.

There are many artist now who make these pretty little items! Lynda Hennigan, Richard Lee, Debra Callaway, Guido Rossignol, and Chin Manasontri

Photo of Lynda Hennigan, Country Living

You can also purchase a kit and make one your self here. I also came across this lovely blog, she made a lovely Sailor Valentine for her love with her children who made them for their teachers, very sweet.... they came out beautiful!

When you walk along the beach, what do you collect... is there a favorite type of shell you look for?

xx

callie

What's on my desk

photo: Rachel Whiting via Holly at Haus Maus

I would love to have a crafting area like above!

The amazing India at Here, There, Elsewhere...and more posted the other day what was on her desk. Her blog is a daily read and I enjoy it immensely, it's fun to read little bits about each other and thought this was such a cute idea. So, without further ado here is what is on my desk: (Usually, but most is packed away for my move)

Small tray with my tea cup from Scotland & teapot with Earl Grey

Sometimes my coffee cup

Small red and white striped tin with my biscuits (to go along with my tea)

Basket of lip glosses, chapsticks and lotions 

Small white lamp

My apple computer

Stack of magazines to read and get inspired

Basket of photos that need documenting

Small stack of research files, genealogy

Picture frame with my nieces, Claire and Lulu

Binder "Moving Kit" by buttoned up

My blackberry (work)

my cell (personal)

Moleskine Weekly Diary

digital camera

then on the wall I have pages torn out of magazines and photos up for inspiration.

what's on your desk?

callie

I AM THE LUCKY WINNER

The Red Otter

Julia's posies, so cute!

I was so very excited to be the winner of the lovely Julia's giveaway!  She not only is a talented  artist who makes these incredible journals,

itty bitty notebooks and pretty little folders for important documents

 that she sells on her etsy shop but she is an amazing person and blogger.  

Please visit her blog and see what I am talking about. She is awesome!!! my kindred spirit; one who loves tea and biscuits and the smell of rain in the fall.

thank you jewels for the fabulous giveaway and I can't wait until my items arrive:)

xx

callie

DESIGN: Boards, photos, scraps and bits

As you all know, I am looking for a new home. While doing so, I have a million thoughts of design running through my head.   I have been pulling images together, collecting scraps and bits of pretty little things.  I am lucky that I will start out with a clean pallet, I only have 5 pieces of furniture that will be going with me so basically, I will be starting fresh and new....

   I have been thinking of how I am going to pull this together once my office is packed and I begin moving, then items will still be packed until I get to them.  I thought I would tack a bit of painting canvas up on the wall and start adding my images, then I could roll it up and take to my new home and tack up on a wall there until I get a bit settled.  

Since I have been thinking so much about it, I have been seeing image boards, walls, boxes and just really cool displays of art and frames......

I am getting really excited about moving and my new space.

Thanks to all who have commented on the houses they like, it helps a lot to get feed back.  I have actually take #2 Jackson off the list... to much work.

I am leaning towards #1 Harrison, even though I love the look of #3 Washington....

The feeling I got when I walked into the Harrison house was amazing and the lighting was fabulous. I really like the direction the house faces, east in the breakfast nook and west on the bedrooms...I would love to build out the attic and have a dormer window facing west to see the sunset, it would be a very cosy room!!! I love the light and it would be perfect.    Lynn from tea for joy was helpful with her comment; her experience with her garden... wishing she had a bit more sunshine in her garden. 

Sharon in Chicago I smiled when I read your comment, I am all about being near the train!! 

I will be seeing 7 more homes this next weekend and the #1 Harrison again, so I will keep you updated.  Look forward to your feed back again.

Thank you all for your comments, it means a lot to me.

xx

callie

all images above: livingetc

Long day with sick pup....

okay, my little sassy (okay, she is not so little 65 pounds) has been sick all afternoon.  Can I just say how bad dog throw up smells.  I feel like the whole apartment smells like dog barf of soggy kibble. 

I tried giving her rice for dinner, but I think a day with no food is better since she can't keep anything down.

            all this because she got into the trash can and ate something nasty old.

why do dogs think that items in a trash can will taste better than the treats I give her.  Hopefully, she will be better soon.  Off to go rub her tummy.

callie

HOUSES: In the name of a President

Yesterday was long and exciting and exhausting!  

I looked at 12 houses and 3 are possibilities.... I will be looking at more later this week and seeing these 3 again to narrow down the ones I really like before my dad comes to visit! I would love your thoughts on the houses below. 

House #1

Harrison

I would remove the metal shades awnings over the door and windows on this one.  Front and back yard are simple, nice, clean and waiting to have spring flowers. When you walk in, it's open and filled with light in the living room to the right and the dining to the left.  There are pointed arch ways.  

The kitchen has been updated and is all white. 2 bedrooms. Bathroom has been updated but I would redo in the next few years (not my style) There is a full basement (huge) for laundry, entertainment area and possible work out area that would need to be built out. The attic is not built out but is the entire foot print of the house and would be an amazing master bed room with seating/library area!! 

This house faces east

House #2

Jackson

This cottage metal awning would have to go. when you walk in it's open to the living room and there is a bedroom to the left front and left back of house. The bathroom would need updating, the kitchen would need updating.  The basement needs to be built out. The stairs to the second floor would need to be painted or have a carpet runner (they are wood, not nice wood flooring wood: sheet goods, similar to plywood) the entire second floor would have to be redone: there is a 1950's bathroom that needs work....

 and all the wood paneling would need to be removed (makes me dizzy with the parquet wood flooring) and walls need to be taken down to open up the space.

This house faces north

House #3

Washington

I love the exterior of this house, so sweet with the shutters and the flower boxes.  The layout of this house is better than the cottage above even though they are both cape cod's.  Since the door is in the center, the bedrooms are to the right front and back. The blue bed room will need painting. The living room on the left is painted an ugly mustard and look funeral pallorish and would need fresh paint. Basement will need to be built out, and the kitchen will need the ugly wall paper removed along with the ugly brick facing that was put up as the entire back splash along the counters (I would redo the entire kitchen in a few years to make it more efficient)

The up stairs would need the carpet removed and new drapery. It is open and full of light for a master bed room and an office area, just outside the room in the loft area.

I would love your thoughts on the houses above.  I have my favorite or two..... please comment and give feed back.

Now with coffee in hand, off to read all your lovely blogs that I have been so behind in reading. 

Happy Valentine's!

callie

HAPPY FRIDAY: heart day

It's Friday and I have the day off from work.  I was able to sleep in a bit,  the sun is shining and I am happy.  I will be looking at houses today. Hopefully, I will be able to post the photos this weekend to get some of you opinions.  I hope everyone enjoys this beautiful day!!!

Happy Valentines Day!

Since you may get a lot of chocolate, I thought I would send this lovely Sailor's Valentine to you. (my new obsession, will do a full post on this at a later date)  

much love to you all!

callie

work done by: Lynda Susan Hennigan

post will be on this coming up Tuesday!

COLLECTABLES: all my little things

This weekend I was doing a lot of packing and getting my stuff organized. I noticed an anomaly, and I was shocked! I tell people "I am not a collector, I don't collector things" HA! I I really should say, "I don't collect nick knacks, so please don't give them to me"  (little figurine type things that collect dust!! i don't like to dust you see:)

Well, back to the anomaly.... I realized I am a collector.  

My kitchen is the biggest area of items that I collect.  I love white dishes, so much that I have every size plate or serving dish possible. (lot of bubble wrap here)

photo: aya brackett

I also collect containers, I collect tins and trays and I do have a little carriers just like below by dad made me years ago.  I love the idea of bringing it to the table to serve cookies and carry the tea cups to the table.  (Julia, when you come to visit I will be serving your chai tea just like this with my homemade biscuits of course!)

photo: country home magazine

Candle sticks! oh, I have tons of these pretty little things.  I mostly have silver ones, but I am thinking of adding brass to my collection for change of seasons.

Photo: karl juengel / studio d

and these darling kitchen utensils!  I have TONS of this in my kitchen.  When my grandmothers friend Dorothy passed away, she gave me all her belongings.(she spent all Holidays with us, I called her my adopted grandma... one could never have too many sweet grandmas!!) And she loved to entertain and I was shocked at all the kitchen items she had... seriously, she had multiple of everything.  Muffin pans about 8..... scissors, when I got to 100 I stopped counting, I do have to say her father was a tailor but over a hundred! 

   okay, I am getting off subject here....

 well, I selected my favorites, and donated all the rest to her favorite charity.

photo: karl juengel /studio d

I have about 4 quilts.  My mum gave them to me right before  I moved to Chicago, I carried one back every time I would go visit my parents.  My grandmother made one, my great grandmother made another and the others are by my grand aunt Doe.

They are special to me and they are on my blanket rack and not used.

photo: karl juengel / studio d

and here is where my obsession is out of control! but I don't care.  I love cookery books and food pamphlets. The older the better!! The illustrations are amazing and I read the books like they are a novel or short story.  Plus, I learn how to make something yummy!  Most of the books were made to promote a product, see example in the photo below: Simplicity of Electric Cooking. By publishing a cook book with recipes using their product. It's that fantastic!!! and women by the 50's were happy home makers whipping up dinner, bow in hair, apron clean and pressed with drink in hand for her hubby to come home to her fabulous dinner!

photo: karl juengel /studio d

As I was packing over the weekend and looking at homes, I think I need a big kitchen to place all my favorite items.

Is there something that you collect?

callie