Welcome, St. Nicholas!

The garland is hung upon the mantel...

We want Santa to know that he is welcome!

Pine boughs, twinkle lights, fresh pears and pheasant feathers...Can you see McGillicuddy's ears? How about Mabel?  Stealth kitty...LOL!

Mantel detail...

The Madonna and Child print is hung over the mantel temporarily.

Our lions are bedecked in pine boughs, pheasant feathers and lights...

I wish I could leave it like this all year!

One day this mirror will hang over the mantel.  The messy Music Room lies beyond...time for that later.  ;)

The Christmas Tree waiting to be adorned with ornaments on Christmas Eve.

Crown and ostrich plumes alight on top of the tree...

Papier Mach'e shoe ornament, created by my friend, the beautiful and Talented Anita Rivera, Of Castles, Crowns and Cottages...

Another shoe ornament created by Anita!  They are so lovely they needed to be showcased!

I think we have a Christmas ghost!  This chair mysteriously turns toward the table every night, as if a ghostly presence is sitting outside the sunroom, looking in at the tree!

Gracie is counting the minutes to Christmas Eve!

Me too!

xo

Andie

Solstice

"I live and love in God's peculiar light. "

~Michelangelo Buonarrati


Today marks Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, also marking the first day of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere.  Beginning tomorrow, the daylight will last a little longer!

We do not begin our Christmas decorating until this day, since I prefer to use fresh greenery...
This is what we have so far...

Pears and fresh evergreen boughs atop the Library mantel, a bust of Santa Clause sits upon an overturned capital.

Handsome Husband's Birthday gift to me!  My new Library bibliotheque!

This was a Craigslist find!  Can you believe it?  If I told you how much we paid you would hate me.  ;)  

Olive branch wreaths adorn the doors...I was inspired by Debra of Acquired Objects...she has a passion for laurel wreaths!

Magnolia wreath upon the newly painted pier mirror..

The bow is made of french script ribbon...

Wreath on sunroom door. The baby Jesus rests in its boughs.  The table is moved here because we place the Christmas tree in the center of the sunroom so we can view it from all sides.  Fresh boxwood and pomegranates rest on the table, entwined with hand printed, wired paper in French script.

I prefer apple green ribbon to the traditional red and green.  It cheers me! This little guy is encircled with gilded bay leaves...

This wreath is a special gift for my Mother in Law.  I already gave it to her, so I am not ruining her surprise!

We are busy, busy, busy, preparing for Christmas!  I have much more to share!

I am hoping that you all take a moment, away from all the bustle, to enjoy the Holidays!

xo

Andie

    I am participating in The Dedicated House, Make It Pretty Monday
No Minimalist Here, Open House Party
French Country Cottage,  Feathered Nest Friday
Savvy Southern Style, Wow Us Wednesdays!
From My Front Porch to Yours, Treasure Hunt Thursday!

Prayers For Families In Connecticut

"A human life is a story told by God." ~Hans Christian Andersen

Daniel

I mentioned my darling Daniel several posts ago.  We met on a rescue transport this Summer.  (A rescue transport is a system wherein people volunteer to bring animals to safety by virtue of a series of relays.  For example, a shelter in New Orleans find rescues or adopters in Wisconsin. The volunteers take turns driving the animals 50 to 100 miles at a time until they arrive at their destination.)  The rescue did not have a home for him but they did have a wonderful individual named Nancy who was willing to pay for his veterinary care on the North Side of Chicago.  My job was to bring him to the veterinarian's office.
I peered into his crate. He looked like an old, dirty rag. He was  frightened and tried to make himself look very small. The poor, frail little guy was abandoned by his owner at the age of 14!
The vet's office was closed so I brought the kitty home with me.  He was covered in fleas and so very dirty!  I gave him two showers and, though he did not enjoy them, I could tell he was relieved.  The owner did not tell the shelter what the kitty's name was.  I just called him "Kitty".
Evidently, the fleas had been living under his matted fur for a very long time.  His neck was red and bloody.  He drank so much water that I could hardly keep up with the demand. He would attempt to dip his entire head in the bowl!  The trip was arduous for him, eight hours in the back of a horse trailer, his crate shaking violently the whole time, piled next to frightened, barking dogs of every kind and kitties, like himself. Can you imagine?
I brought him to the vet the next day. He stayed there for ten days total. They diagnosed many physical problems, including dehydration, ear infections, eye infections, hyperthyroidism, and sadly, FIV;  The feline equivalent of HIV in humans.
Nancy had many other pets but was willing to take him, bless her soul.

I decided I needed him.  I named him Daniel, after Daniel of the Lion's Den fame and after my dear brother, who is one of my biggest heroes.

Daniel spends much of his time in the upstairs bathroom.  He cannot come into contact with the other cats, for there is no vaccine for FIV and no cure.   I bring him outdoors when the weather allows, supervised, of course (every step of the way)!

Here is Daniel today!  How he brightens my world!  He eats four to five cans of food a day!  He has put on a great deal of weight and shows no signs of being sick!

To the person who left Daniel at the shelter,

I do not know the reasons you left him, nor do I understand why he was in such poor condition.  All I know is that I thank God every day for Daniel!  He is such a happy little man, content with nothing more than  a soft, clean bed, food and love.  He loves classical music, especially Mozart.  He lays sideways when you pick him up so he can look at your face, he can stay that way for hours.  I am so GRATEFUL he is here.  He is loved and he is safe.  Thank you for Daniel!  I could NOT imagine my life without him. 

xo

Andie

I am linking to the Dedicated House, Make It Pretty Monday

Music Room

Finally!  The day has arrived!  Gracie's Christmas present is here!  We started paying for it in the Spring.  I found it on the Wisconsin Craigslist and Ross, the gentleman who owned it, allowed us to make payments.   Moving it actually cost as much as the purchase price!

I need to decide what I am going to do with the furniture in this room and I need your help!

Now it really is a Music Room!  Unless you count Michael's bagpipe chanter and my rarely used violin.

If I paint this piano will I end up in Dante's Ninth Circle in a frozen lake of ice?  Is painting pianos really a sin?

Though this beautifully carved piece is burled, some of the finish is damaged.

The carving on the front is breathtaking.  Isn't it?

Please note the damage.  It could be repaired without much ado but should I?  What would you do?

This grotto stool is waiting to be painted.  Grey?  Gilt?

This armoire, heretofore referred to as the Archangel, but henceforth known as St. George (Thank you Thersites!) is in the Music Room.  I have been tempted to paint this but *shrug*, I just don't know what to do in this room!  This is the room that opens into the Family room, one door opening and two window type openings.  I have never liked them.  We were supposed to have them drywalled by now but veterinary bills took precedence!  The wall to the left has an odd opening to the front staircase. That will be walled over too.  Otherwise, we would only have one wall in the entire room!

This French chess table (Craigslist $200) with ormolu is also in the Music Room, as are the French cane chairs I found on Craigslist for $40 each!

This ex voto vignette is also in the Music Room.

This daybed sofa will also reside in the Music Room after I finish painting  it grey and reupholstering it!  This is the Craigslist photo.  It is currently in my garage.  I have chosen a lovely bird toile, in linen, to cover it.

Red bird toile fabric.

Should I paint the piano?

How about the armoire?

Why do I write a Blog if I can never make up my mind? Who do I think I am? All the cool bloggers show beautiful, finished photos of their homes.  Will my home ever be finished? Will I ever be a Cool Blogger?  Sigh.

xo

Andie

Craigslist Tutorial!

The moment you have all been waiting for is here!  The Craigslist Guru is sharing her secrets!  LOL!
The majority of the furniture in my home is from Craigslist. I have been lucky to find original pieces that no one else has, although there are myriad options for every last thing you can think of!
I have had many inquiries from my blog friends as to how I come upon so many interesting finds on Craigslist.  Today, I am going to tell you what I know!
If you are patient and knowledgeable you can find anything.  I promise!
Let's start with the basics, for those of you who have never used Craigslist.  Most large cities have a very active Craigslist.
Click on all the highlighted links in the preceding paragraphs to see just a few of my unique Craigslist finds!

Here, you will find a typical page layout.  Note that the United States states and cities, as well as Craigslist Worldwide are available options.  I am not sure if all the pages are similar.  They most likely are.
Click on the state in which you live, then the closest nearby city.

On the left you will see a search box above the calendar.  Enter the item you are looking for then press search.

Click on "Show Images".  That way you don't have to click on each post to see the item. If you hover your mouse over the photo it will become a bit larger. This photo was found on pinterest.

Lots of options!  I will tell you how I use it.  I put the item I am looking for in the search box from the first page then I click on "title only" and "has image", otherwise you will be looking at posts that have your search word in their details and it rarely turns out to be what you are looking for.  I also look in "all for sale/wanted".  You have the option of looking in separate categories such as "furniture" or "antiques", "farm and garden", etc.

Sometimes I merely scroll through the "antique" section" or the "farm and garden".  If you do this every morning and evening it will only take about ten minutes.  You will only be looking at the newest posts.

Searching

Once you are familiar with the layout you can begin searching for items that may interest you.

Here are the search terms I use regularly, along with the various spellings I have seen!  Unlike ebay, Craigslist does not automatically search for multiples unless you specifically request. Nor does it suggest correct spellings.  If you want chairs, do not search for chair. However, sometimes people post it as "chair set".  Many people simply do not know what they have, so it pays to browse.  Remember my Duck Chairs? Or Gracie's Dollhouse (doll house)?

French

Provincial 

Italian

Italianate

Tapestry

Toile

Velvet

Neoclassical

Neo Classical

Neo Classic

Mirror

Mirrors

Mirrow

Ornate

Fancy

Scrolly

Angel

Angels

Cherub

Cherubs

Cupid

Cupids

Dining

Dinning

Bed

Bedroom Set

Headboard

Canopy

Poster

Post

Louis Chair

Louis Chairs

Daybed

Day Bed

Chaise

Chase

Settee

Setee

Love Seat

Loveseat

Statue

Statues

Urn

Urns

Planter

Planters

Vase

Vases

Garden Ornament

Flowerpot

Concrete

Cement

Wrought Iron

Rod Iron

Fence

Fencing

Gate

Gates

Gazebo

Pergola

Pavillion

Arbor

Trellis

Trellises

Armoire

Amoire

Amore

Armoir

Cabinet

Bombe

Bombay

Dresser

Bureau

Chest of Drawers

Chester Drawers

Commode

Library Table

Entry Table

Empire

Gold

Gilt

Guilt

Gilded

Gilding

Shelves

Shelving

Shelf

Shelf

Wall Unit

Bookshelf

Bookshelves

Book Shelves

Vintage

Antique

Old

Olden

Mantel

Mantle

Fireplace

Fire place

Hearth

Familiar names too...

Habersham

Horchow

Nieman Marcus

Wisteria

Ballard

Restoration Hardware

Pottery Barn

Ralph Lauren

Calvin Klein

Be aware of colloquialisms, as well.  One man's commode is another man's toilet!

If you want a mirror but don't want to see, say, a bar mirror you can type in  a minus sign before the word bar, it deletes it from the search!

For example:

Mirror  -bar

Or a gate, but not a child safety gate?

Gate -child

Get it?

If you know precisely what you want, surround the words in quotation marks:

"English Revival Secretary"

You will get results only for those terms only in that order.

Either/or... For example, you want a chair either Regency or Empire style, you would post is thusly:

Chair Regency | Empire

The "| "symbol is shift backslash. It is called the pipe key.

 Have new listings sent to your RSS feed every time they’re posted. Just type in your search, and on the search results page, click on the orange “RSS” button on the bottom and add it to your RSS feed.

You get the idea!  I have been very successful with these search terms!  I even found a free leather sofa, which I stripped the upholstery off in a Chicago alley to use for my louis chairs in the Breakfast Room! Have you seen the cost of leather?  Environmentally friendly too! (Unless you were the cow).

I swear to Santa I have seen this one more than once...

Chip and Dale Furniture

Chippendale

Once you find an item you like, click on the link and it will take you to a page that looks like this.  If you are still interested, click on the "reply to this post" link.  It will give you several options to send an email.

I usually write:

Hello!

If the side table is still available could you please call me at (888)777)6666?  I am interested in the table and can come immediately!

Thank you!

Andie

I always identify the piece I am interested in so they don't assume it is spam.  There are a horrendous amount of scammers on Craigslist!

When they respond I discuss the different aspects of the piece and, if I deem appropriate, I ask them if they would be willing to take X amount?  Normally, I do not dicker.  Most of the time I know I am getting a deal and I just don't want to insult anyone. Please be sure to discuss the price in advance.  People have told me stories about how buyers tried to give them $20 for a $200 item as they were carrying it to their car!

Most of the furniture I bought fit into my Toyota Matrix!  I have not been paid for this endorsement!

Don't be afraid to go on an adventure!  I also look at the Craigslist listings in Wisconsin (two hours away), the Quad Cities (two hours away) and St. Louis (four hours away)! St. Louis always seems to have more authentic French items, whereas Chicago has a lot of Mid Century Modern and Wisconsin has lots of architectural salvage. I found my Christ Corpus Statue, from an old Catholic church there!

Since we home school we can incorporate the trip into our curriculum!

Important

If you decide you want the item, set a time to meet the seller.  Always bring exact change and be on time.  Since I am located about an hour from the city or the Northern Suburbs, where my treasures are usually found, I offer to call them as I am leaving.  That way, they know I am really coming and do not sell the item to someone else.  Even so, I called a man after I rented a van for a large piece and told him I was on the way.  He sold the furniture to someone else in the 45 minutes it took me to get there!

Make sure someone knows where you are going, if you are going alone!  Leave the address on the table at home. Mention to the seller that you are leaving as soon as you tell your husband (bodyguard, Russian Strongman, etc.) where you are going.  That way they know they will be caught if they are up to no good!  I have never had a problem but safety can sometimes be an issue on Craigslist. All transactions are cash only.  That can attract the criminal element.  Don't take chances.  There is no bargain in the world that is worth your life!  I always slip the fact that my husband is a police officer into casual conversation! Then I might mention that my husband joked I should bring my gun, just in case!  *nyuk nyuk* Not awkward at all!  But, hey!  I'm still kickin'!

Also check to see if there will be someone there to help lift if the item is heavy.  If the item is small you can suggest meeting at a public place such as a gas station.  Why a gas station as opposed to, say, the mall?  Because the attendants are usually paying attention to the parking lot, unlike a large mall parking lot where people generally do not "see" you.

If I am interested in a piece I have several rules.  First, I have to sell some of my own things to pay for it.  That way I stay married and I don't have way more than I need.  Not to say I don't have too much!  LOL!

The neighborhood kids all think we are rich!  LOL!  I have saved thousands upon thousands of dollars shopping on Craigslist!  I will wager that I spent less on a my antiques and one -of -a -kinds than people typically spend at  Ikea on disposable furniture! 

Don't forget to look in the "free" section.  You will be amazed by what people give away!

Soon you will be Craigslisting like a professional!  It has all the convenience of online shopping with zero shipping charges and no wait! 

Selling on Craigslist will be another tutorial for another day!

I have met so many wonderful people on Craigslist!  Some have even become friends!

If you have questions, I would be happy to answer in the reply section!  I am sure I missed something or other!

xo

Andie

I am participating in
From My Front Porch to Yours,  Treasure Hunt Thursday
No Minimalist Here, Open House Party
The Thrifty Groove, Thrifty Things Friday

Bureau Plat Before

I found this Bureau Plat (writing table) on my local Craigslist!  It is six feet long and three feet wide, it is large enough to use as a dining table!

This side is actually false drawers. The true drawers are on the other side.  I have to finish this by Tuesday!  That's when the piano is coming and this room finally has to be cleared out!  I should be ashamed to post this.  Recently, we had movers bring a large piece into our home and one kid was so distraught over seeing the Christ Corpus figure on the floor! I need to find a place for Him. (Not the mover, the statue.)

The entire piece is absolutely dripping in stunning bronze ormolu! I may change out the lions for something more feminine.

The top, however, cannot be redeemed.  The veneer and leather are damaged beyond repair.

This is where you come in!

This vignette, found on pinterest via Moissonnier, just set my imagination spinning!  I discovered (the hard way), while painting another French piece that veneer is easily covered with Annie Sloan paint!

Gracie's dollhouse, another Craigslist find, will sit atop the desk.  It fits perfectly!

I cannot decide what color to paint it!  I asked Gracie and she said "Paris Grey".  The kid has taste!

I am thinking something a bit happier, since it will be in the loft area, where her playroom is. What do you think?

This bombe, source unknown, is very similar to a washed down Emperor's Silk, by Annie Sloan.

This Annie Sloan paint sample from Ciruelo Interiors, was very helpful!

via

How about Provence?

(source unknown)

Aubusson?

antiqua

Antique White?

via

Or do I paint it grey, as Gracie suggested?

I have two days!  Help me decide!

I have had several requests for a tutorial on how to peruse Craigslist.  I am currently writing a blog post, so stay tuned!  All my secrets revealed!  LOL!  I sound like a circus barker!  Step right up!  Step right up!  Prepare to be astounded!  LOL!

I'm done.

xo

Andie