Destination: Greenbrier

At the end of the summer, we were able to escape for a couple of weeks, and during that time, we made a quick stop in White Sulphur Springs, WV, for a birthday party for Sean's cousin, Tracy.  We had never been to the Greenbrier, but I have been dying to go to see Dorothy Draper's fantastic decor.  It was everything I had envisioned and so much more.  I wish I would have had more time to poke around and notice more details because all the areas she did were so spectacular.

I was only able to get night pictures, so these don't do any of her handiwork justice, but hopefully you get the idea.  Feast your eyes on some of her goodness...

Wallpaper, please.

Staple Gun Curtains

Sean is a very lucky guy and has an office with this breathtaking view up the Hudson.  He said that he wanted to work on the office to make it a little cozier this year, so we finally made it in there this weekend.  Using only stuff that we had around the house - coffee table, pillows, blanket, books, tablecloths and plant, we were able to make it feel a tiny bit better.

My favorite project was taking some never used Ikea tablecloths I've had and didn't return in time , as well as my staple gun, and I attempted curtain panels.  I think that they accomplished exactly what we were going for...just a softer edge, and nothing that would block that view!

I didn't get the best before pic....

 Staple gun + tablecloth = curtain panel!

lighting was not in our favor here...wish you could see the view from here - straight up the Hudson!

a little greenery and coffee table books are always good :)

Supe's Boat

We recently were able to rent the Superintendent's Boat here at West Point to have a small gathering with friends.  We cruised for 2.5 hours north on the Hudson...it was gorgeous.  Mother Nature was smiling upon us that day and provided great weather.

We wanted to make it as low maintenance as possible, so I made desserts, and we bought a couple four foot deli sandwiches, chips and grapes.  Michelle, Haley and others generously helped fill in with other side items/drinks...thank you, all :)

I was thrilled that my mom was also able to join us as she was kind enough to spend her Labor Day weekend with us to allow Sean and I to get away for an anniversary/pre-baby #2 escape (more to come on that).

I wish I would have been better about snapping more pics throughout the evening...the cruise could not be more scenic!  I hope we will be able to do one more before we are out of here!

Cake pops in Army colors...

the pre-made s'mores...

 

Paddy couldn't stop dancing when we first got on the boat...he was so excited!

Wind on boats does such lovely things for hair, doesn't it?
Michelle, me, Haley, Chelsea

New Craigslist find

I have been wanting to change up the living room for a while, but I had been thinking of a new coffee/end tables or perhaps even a new rug.  Instead, I stumbled upon this set of chairs for $60, and I thought they could be fun.  My mismatched chairs ($10 yellow one and french one) were fine, but I was craving a little symmetry. They are in good shape - I would love to have them reupholstered at some point, but in the more near term, I am feeling like a nice coat of glossy white paint would be great.

When is this all going to get done????  Baby #2...I wish I knew when you plan to make your entrance :)

 love the caning...

 and the legs...

 Hmmmm...maybe a lighter colored rug, a lucite or driftwood coffee table and some funky side tables....a girl can dream :)

S'mores - make ahead?

Anytime I see those GIANT marshmallows, I just feel that I can't pass them up.  This recently happened, and being that we don't have a fire pit at the moment, I had no clue what I would do with them.  We were able to rent out the Superintendent's boat for a little cruise, and I decided I would attempt to pre-make some s'mores for dessert.

Has anyone done this before or have any good tips on best practices for pre-made s'mores?  I looked online, but didn't come up with anything great. 

First, I sliced the marshmallows in half horizontally, and then toasted one graham cracker with chocolate and the marshmallow on top.

I wasn't sure of a better way to do this.  It toasted the marshmallow really nicely, but in some cases the crackers got a little burned.

Then, I just put a dab of melted chocolate on top of the marshmallow in order to hold the top graham cracker in place.

Finally, after they were cool, I wrapped them in wax paper and tied them up with baker's twine.  My review....the crackers were too soft by the time I served them.  I feel like there must be a better way to do this...any advice?

New life for trash

I finished the cubby that Michelle and I got out of the dumpster.  I am convinced I have to spend more money and get nicer paint next time I buy some.  This took 2-3 coats of primer and 4 coats of glossy paint.  Just like the free buffet, it took much longer than I expected!  It is now residing in the nursery.  Paddy is thoroughly enjoying seeing lots of baby toys again - so none of these items ever really stay put :)

I bought a few fun New York books for this baby...

My mom made this needlepoint for me when I was little...

My talented friends, Sarah and Haven, gave me these gorgeous, handmade burp cloths...

My old books and brush...

 My sweet friend, Jen, made this adorable hat...can't wait to put the little man in it!

My old shoes...don't these look comfy?

Haven knitted this perfect little hat...love!

Hooray for dumpster furniture!!  Thanks again, Michelle!

Dumpster Diving

I am SO happy that Michelle is now here, and living right around the corner.  She called the other night and asked if I might have an interest in dumpster diving.  Ummm....YES.  We went over to the dumpster to find old school furniture that was going to be carted away.  Thankfully, our husbands were champs and went back to retrieve two pieces for each of us!  We each ended up with a cubby unit and a bookshelf.  They all need some work...but that makes it more fun, right?  (If I keep saying that enough I will believe it....right???)

Here are the pieces that made it into my garage...

The bookshelf needs some work, but I dig the casters...

I love wondering about the students that I am assuming wrote on this piece...

And...the cubby!!  I wasn't sure about the pegboard - if I was more patient, I may have pulled it off and put some plywood on the back; however, I'm not :)  And, part of me likes it.  Michelle thought this might work for the nursery, and she was right!

Free piece....finally done.

So, several months back, we picked up a free buffet and hutch from craigslist.  I gave the top away and kept the bottom with the intention of painting it and moving it to the basement to serve as storage for toys.  I started working on it a month ago, and slowly but surely, it is now done.  First, I worked on the hardware.  Then, I sanded...washed...then primed...A LOT.  I did at least four coats of primer.  Then, I moved onto painting the inside gold (more to come on me and gold paint), and then painted the outside with three coats of glossy white.

It didn't come out as nicely as I had hoped...
1.  Once again, the whole time I was thinking that I wish I had a paint gun - although, I hear mixed reviews on those too.  Anyone have thoughts on them??  But...of course, as always, I have lots of botched spots/drips, etc.  I always thought I was a perfectionist...now, I am starting to wonder.

2.  The white paint seems to be a little yellowy in spots - especially on the doors.  Not sure why.

3.  The doors are having a hard time shutting.  I am not sure if it is because of the 7 new coats of primer/paint, humidity, or how I put the doors back on.  Either way, I will try to use some pledge or gulf wax to see if I can get them to open/close a little more easily.

But...for free plus a little labor...I am very happy!  Now, I just feel like I need some nice colorful curtains to soften up the cinderblock basement walls!!

Okay, enough rambling, Meghan!  Onto the before...

After (need to get some better shots):