My Life | Our Wedding in Seaside, Fl.

<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi3cvElyjqIk48i6yyhp-yWoyQjW285HoWmhIVxO-n0jhxiCDlBrlRRTIrYBd1PQCTbHXmFjzsZu7oA2wnq-idJAtO3L8fq4CUfG5JCH_QjPsowCgIv7iZFRi0bitj_S076KNk6uiGKxx/s1600-h/374_2556.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431813069559107698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi3cvElyjqIk48i6yyhp-yWoyQjW285HoWmhIVxO-n0jhxiCDlBrlRRTIrYBd1PQCTbHXmFjzsZu7oA2wnq-idJAtO3L8fq4CUfG5JCH_QjPsowCgIv7iZFRi0bitj_S076KNk6uiGKxx/s400/374_2556.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 380px;" /></a></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">After a short engagement (<a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/01/travel-aspen-our-engagement.html">read about our engagement story, here</a>), we've decided on our wedding venue and date... The Inn By The Sea in Seaside, Florida in October 2010.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWcwqSrddYC-pADLsT1uamhgQXFxinK7cATvDY2Gqxq7E2dTFxhyBh-xCbC3vgWdV_jA9ewDOPkTIu288zYidkVdys_3Oa82KRJvSugsDHGFPBOgQJkJECYMEdlSmGokvfUrOQVMDq2cf/s1600-h/Inn+by+the+Sea.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431813068169931810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWcwqSrddYC-pADLsT1uamhgQXFxinK7cATvDY2Gqxq7E2dTFxhyBh-xCbC3vgWdV_jA9ewDOPkTIu288zYidkVdys_3Oa82KRJvSugsDHGFPBOgQJkJECYMEdlSmGokvfUrOQVMDq2cf/s640/Inn+by+the+Sea.jpg" style="display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We'll be married on the front porch of The Inn - some of our guests will be able to stay in the 9 room Inn, and the other guests will rent cottages in the tiny town.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjon_JIRe6Kjc1QqPTAwnjT-Dus_9aiacFo9m0LHKOXbylc21Sc4KNqXArrQaNpKlcjZBRHFE3jUTEVlKLTB8Kxxsfw1R-4YX_XD-1Hk6FD64TcHWM1nORMBaeTY86uspXhohLxxJU7rnZG/s1600-h/Seaside+-+Jenny+%26+Mike+at+the+Beach.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431815543968615202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjon_JIRe6Kjc1QqPTAwnjT-Dus_9aiacFo9m0LHKOXbylc21Sc4KNqXArrQaNpKlcjZBRHFE3jUTEVlKLTB8Kxxsfw1R-4YX_XD-1Hk6FD64TcHWM1nORMBaeTY86uspXhohLxxJU7rnZG/s400/Seaside+-+Jenny+%26+Mike+at+the+Beach.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We visited Seaside two years ago on our first vacation together - it is a magical place that we are so excited to share with our guests.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fSyxOS8AvuA0ZVbbgDrpMfv0ig-8AuNc_BfxSOSzysR9bdeCLoeg9IkmTQuoMceErgcbKahvAwvT2e6pwGD1AvmAq2Mtb2erSzNZ5Fp7c-Gbct6a-UjF-0hT7i6xVu4rh5TKTiXr6sZF/s1600-h/Sea4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431813060273124818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fSyxOS8AvuA0ZVbbgDrpMfv0ig-8AuNc_BfxSOSzysR9bdeCLoeg9IkmTQuoMceErgcbKahvAwvT2e6pwGD1AvmAq2Mtb2erSzNZ5Fp7c-Gbct6a-UjF-0hT7i6xVu4rh5TKTiXr6sZF/s400/Sea4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 232px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOosaxY38TtDVVTOGZrkv9tWszcpwnwKLd_cUUyKkXaO_v49mL97nkhxcSGfBu5UX73jEU14KsLsxSrFH-jHv3gJ9jeUqIXsQJtciVrX0rRZ0G1zfZxgZWKTLm5L4CWMLZKAaBU-HsgZ1/s1600-h/ud_seaside_2_copy_1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431813052180368146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOosaxY38TtDVVTOGZrkv9tWszcpwnwKLd_cUUyKkXaO_v49mL97nkhxcSGfBu5UX73jEU14KsLsxSrFH-jHv3gJ9jeUqIXsQJtciVrX0rRZ0G1zfZxgZWKTLm5L4CWMLZKAaBU-HsgZ1/s400/ud_seaside_2_copy_1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 286px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Seaside is a picturesque American beach town centered around a classic town square... you may recognize it - The Truman Show was filmed there.</div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ao0MMuWzV6TX99lLF9JQJmqgryuFOglf9RZDB78Ymq5kXSEIgkMawJObJGdgI1mq2V1g9aAxAgz61prnIwO8mK4LYxMBMuDXScVEXL17XBuxB0ZS96O4HKNtorFmuTZ4kqQ-OjL0Vx-7/s1600-h/61bf7_seaside-fl.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431813373996507634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ao0MMuWzV6TX99lLF9JQJmqgryuFOglf9RZDB78Ymq5kXSEIgkMawJObJGdgI1mq2V1g9aAxAgz61prnIwO8mK4LYxMBMuDXScVEXL17XBuxB0ZS96O4HKNtorFmuTZ4kqQ-OjL0Vx-7/s400/61bf7_seaside-fl.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 256px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We think Seaside will be a great get-a-way for our family and friends... we really like the idea of everyone spending the entire weekend together celebrating in this special place.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtwHMwU8F96F-qZhVhDIKmtsk02GqZWoo5VbzMh-o0Ol6ry6VnKhrcnTrHrKIZcp14tdkZS6TYY0HMJJwAMq0LOwKp80W0R5AKizfSwuh1wMpHuSm521xJU8MrpSDnwzcnqHgMjkj7fGe/s1600-h/38-seaside-ave-the-vera-bradley-inn-by-the-sea.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431813381350790466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtwHMwU8F96F-qZhVhDIKmtsk02GqZWoo5VbzMh-o0Ol6ry6VnKhrcnTrHrKIZcp14tdkZS6TYY0HMJJwAMq0LOwKp80W0R5AKizfSwuh1wMpHuSm521xJU8MrpSDnwzcnqHgMjkj7fGe/s400/38-seaside-ave-the-vera-bradley-inn-by-the-sea.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Inn is located on a corner about 50 yards from the beach. The ceremony will take place on the front porch, then the reception will be in the back yard. Simple.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnmgJUy72P-UNuh_LzKuK1dGY5sAu4heqyZJ7zoisEBAgW98OUMEl2hTvAjgcOUIWe3113D7S-A4MRtbLWIFEeZxHbGKJ_k797FEUvQydnKzXSey3yOYeUOHUlwXJG0V_6kAmwQxXBoXw/s1600-h/374_2555.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431813085057121426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnmgJUy72P-UNuh_LzKuK1dGY5sAu4heqyZJ7zoisEBAgW98OUMEl2hTvAjgcOUIWe3113D7S-A4MRtbLWIFEeZxHbGKJ_k797FEUvQydnKzXSey3yOYeUOHUlwXJG0V_6kAmwQxXBoXw/s400/374_2555.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 275px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 380px;" /></a></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This is my favorite room in the Inn - "True Blue". All of the rooms feature Vera Bradley fabrics and designs.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZYvhevJRmYHEN-EWZynfywAI9S1heZ9UhQ0yoTlc4YBnlK5h11TC0WMIz0fL0XRmK0LZ4ZJCbl4Nw8rcNkGsNeNyKGew6j-0gljwbs6pvy1TS2WJ2WqVl8xyf40kksp3D5tTZkcek_Zv/s1600-h/374_2521.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431813366527436962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZYvhevJRmYHEN-EWZynfywAI9S1heZ9UhQ0yoTlc4YBnlK5h11TC0WMIz0fL0XRmK0LZ4ZJCbl4Nw8rcNkGsNeNyKGew6j-0gljwbs6pvy1TS2WJ2WqVl8xyf40kksp3D5tTZkcek_Zv/s400/374_2521.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 275px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 380px;" /></a>It is a second story room with a balcony : )<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9i4jPmt3zwQOv0TnchZfwfnrIK_dqZ3hmhS2kMJoJaxtPR4py0_4iCB9e0VjjpHag0OQHRzoiyieTYOdczgRCoqXYwQN4gqcAPlADEIjOrAQmWkFJ9k3QvZTt2pdAxC7sOk23EUNlVXn/s1600-h/374_2523.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9i4jPmt3zwQOv0TnchZfwfnrIK_dqZ3hmhS2kMJoJaxtPR4py0_4iCB9e0VjjpHag0OQHRzoiyieTYOdczgRCoqXYwQN4gqcAPlADEIjOrAQmWkFJ9k3QvZTt2pdAxC7sOk23EUNlVXn/s1600-h/374_2523.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431813365034267890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9i4jPmt3zwQOv0TnchZfwfnrIK_dqZ3hmhS2kMJoJaxtPR4py0_4iCB9e0VjjpHag0OQHRzoiyieTYOdczgRCoqXYwQN4gqcAPlADEIjOrAQmWkFJ9k3QvZTt2pdAxC7sOk23EUNlVXn/s400/374_2523.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 380px;" /></a></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The dining room... features Vera Bradley patterns and china.</div><div><br /></div></div><div></div></div>

My Life | Our Wedding in Seaside, Fl.

After a short engagement (read about our engagement story, here), we've decided on our wedding venue and date... The Inn By The Sea in Seaside, Florida in October 2010.We'll be married on the front porch of The Inn - some of our guests will be able to stay in the 9 room Inn, and the other guests wil…

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Home | Stripping Furniture | Farmhouse Harvest Table | DIY Stripping Furniture

As you may have observed on this blog, I'm constantly painting things... repainting them, stripping them, then repainting, again.  It is a problem.  However, it does come from a good place - redecorating by shopping from your own house. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIj83mhAHD9UNVvgRPn2Az8ZZmMV5l02VGLUgLP2sJ1WNJ4vJm8DV0D9OXJwL3n2BgMQHIqBYzpAXJyBLmLhI4FVveb9sZKnwCTqSon2CCDUydrRLL6ov6nwI9d8bGWPdYv75ZT3yYGng/s1600/IMG_0487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIj83mhAHD9UNVvgRPn2Az8ZZmMV5l02VGLUgLP2sJ1WNJ4vJm8DV0D9OXJwL3n2BgMQHIqBYzpAXJyBLmLhI4FVveb9sZKnwCTqSon2CCDUydrRLL6ov6nwI9d8bGWPdYv75ZT3yYGng/s640/IMG_0487.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I bought this table 5 years ago.  It has evolved many times... From varnished top with a white painted base, to all over black semi-gloss, to a matte black and the most recent?  Naked.  You may have noticed this bare wood trend at Restoration Hardware, and other home design stores.  I love the bare, aged, reclaimed look this table now has.  It is gone from an eye-sore to a character piece for $15 and 1 hour of work.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLwf-Fqv5QcDjRMGKL6NIWNR4iSS6o-8vj2CRubklg9x_jTf0nuHyNLWmzHdIA2Izzsn0u042C1yRWh2GN6V52W0U97QBQz2VuFdUCJK5tBPx8bs72eD2lyZFOGfO84w-50KWh73IeYc/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLwf-Fqv5QcDjRMGKL6NIWNR4iSS6o-8vj2CRubklg9x_jTf0nuHyNLWmzHdIA2Izzsn0u042C1yRWh2GN6V52W0U97QBQz2VuFdUCJK5tBPx8bs72eD2lyZFOGfO84w-50KWh73IeYc/s640/IMG_0421.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFTER : Bare Wood</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu92xzmKAbxZtmbm3dfqF3YBaoMgz51h8rBEc92PDd33A9jgvne3hsI2Ed2nAwOM9PkQ6Vx9Fql_bRZ9xTjLIuUmxUag4APB2ZFWt0nzs2R3A35thf3EsyFAlzV2r7U7xh4UHPWqmK4hY/s1600/IMG_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu92xzmKAbxZtmbm3dfqF3YBaoMgz51h8rBEc92PDd33A9jgvne3hsI2Ed2nAwOM9PkQ6Vx9Fql_bRZ9xTjLIuUmxUag4APB2ZFWt0nzs2R3A35thf3EsyFAlzV2r7U7xh4UHPWqmK4hY/s640/IMG_0023.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE : Black Semi-Gloss... ick</td></tr></tbody></table>

Home | Stripping Furniture | Farmhouse Harvest Table | DIY Stripping Furniture

As you may have observed on this blog, I'm constantly painting things... repainting them, stripping them, then repainting, again.  It is a problem.  However, it does come from a good place - redecorating by shopping from your own house. I bought this table 5 years ago.  It has evolved many times... …

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A Tale of Two Settees

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ_8hxrOtmB1W2nJhdIIgxPrB2SXfpaAlj3oSU14ltofZ_YmvibnJWBCvsmJNlvjhinERMYysL3dM6RZE2AwPvI4KkJnb8tY9XabxxVWZBiPIIKynHNCryD0ttTdeyxS3SGcw5DN_8Is/s1600/346113403_tp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ_8hxrOtmB1W2nJhdIIgxPrB2SXfpaAlj3oSU14ltofZ_YmvibnJWBCvsmJNlvjhinERMYysL3dM6RZE2AwPvI4KkJnb8tY9XabxxVWZBiPIIKynHNCryD0ttTdeyxS3SGcw5DN_8Is/s200/346113403_tp.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgTe6jxSU8V5V75TnIFbd0PJ2u4S3DLG58PzQKpZy8pYpnur_7tLFgHQvyIutipcaLz57_j-JRgzYHr_xlg1u2iBA-_qekeX3ELnIUVxKi_ayFMcGlddO5oUhTidSDO1p5nvU9UUlMXE/s1600/401959780_tp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgTe6jxSU8V5V75TnIFbd0PJ2u4S3DLG58PzQKpZy8pYpnur_7tLFgHQvyIutipcaLz57_j-JRgzYHr_xlg1u2iBA-_qekeX3ELnIUVxKi_ayFMcGlddO5oUhTidSDO1p5nvU9UUlMXE/s200/401959780_tp.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Okay, I know they're chairs but how could I pass up such a good pun?  </div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Actually, they're not even chairs; they're allegedly fauteuils in the Louis XVI style.  Who knew?  And, actually, the Dickens' story is a pretty good reference to use for these two pairs of very differently priced chairs.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0-2Yn1nGPkLOtf_LcE53eFmMwD8BRWSxNg-GEOiFIyYCCU9TMZReqMnQnQlBbFixutP7x1dJWKPseMY5n0OvpW59BVz6SKUfktgDbtB4yxgEeW7sorPysbi3C91NHbZtEA96qvAnww8/s1600/346113240_tp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0-2Yn1nGPkLOtf_LcE53eFmMwD8BRWSxNg-GEOiFIyYCCU9TMZReqMnQnQlBbFixutP7x1dJWKPseMY5n0OvpW59BVz6SKUfktgDbtB4yxgEeW7sorPysbi3C91NHbZtEA96qvAnww8/s1600/346113240_tp.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ones above were ones that caught my attention when I was publicly brainstorming new ideas for my living room.  (And thank you all for being so kind!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I kept looking, I found a lot of variations of the style but I particularly like the one with the oval back. I found another pair that's very similar but the price is VERY different.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's take a look.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3qfmGZyzum19G60QLPcs9U-kAfS1LzV6IRbCpxo4yW62EMNGfYLjOfUzi6c5iUT0xj537HuZ6dZLSGDHIy3aWjZWwMjIb0_yEB47KUxrll7AtRc9qVdVlkH_YEiG37Cn7Ohu7GkCa8A/s1600/401959839_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3qfmGZyzum19G60QLPcs9U-kAfS1LzV6IRbCpxo4yW62EMNGfYLjOfUzi6c5iUT0xj537HuZ6dZLSGDHIy3aWjZWwMjIb0_yEB47KUxrll7AtRc9qVdVlkH_YEiG37Cn7Ohu7GkCa8A/s400/401959839_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The former pair is stripped of their paint and have muslin on the seats making them ready to upholster.  This pair is painted and has an ivory damask that seems really outdated to me.  Or at least a little too Petit Trianon for my taste.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's take a closer look at the two side by side to compare apples to apples.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ_8hxrOtmB1W2nJhdIIgxPrB2SXfpaAlj3oSU14ltofZ_YmvibnJWBCvsmJNlvjhinERMYysL3dM6RZE2AwPvI4KkJnb8tY9XabxxVWZBiPIIKynHNCryD0ttTdeyxS3SGcw5DN_8Is/s1600/346113403_tp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ_8hxrOtmB1W2nJhdIIgxPrB2SXfpaAlj3oSU14ltofZ_YmvibnJWBCvsmJNlvjhinERMYysL3dM6RZE2AwPvI4KkJnb8tY9XabxxVWZBiPIIKynHNCryD0ttTdeyxS3SGcw5DN_8Is/s200/346113403_tp.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgTe6jxSU8V5V75TnIFbd0PJ2u4S3DLG58PzQKpZy8pYpnur_7tLFgHQvyIutipcaLz57_j-JRgzYHr_xlg1u2iBA-_qekeX3ELnIUVxKi_ayFMcGlddO5oUhTidSDO1p5nvU9UUlMXE/s1600/401959780_tp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgTe6jxSU8V5V75TnIFbd0PJ2u4S3DLG58PzQKpZy8pYpnur_7tLFgHQvyIutipcaLz57_j-JRgzYHr_xlg1u2iBA-_qekeX3ELnIUVxKi_ayFMcGlddO5oUhTidSDO1p5nvU9UUlMXE/s200/401959780_tp.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pretty close, huh?  The form of each seems almost identical.  The wood version has a carved ribbon detail at the top of the oval back.  The shapes in the arms seem to be the same.  The one on the left might have a little more padding but it could just be the lighting (and that's fixable).  The front of the seat on the painted version might have a little more of a curve to it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFnQ2dqdMz1jwtCqpSzZYi4HdhCRMfscLC7aSvpiS5ihjOmuJDkicqd2X_GFZo2s6RvXUDz1zqW3NP_Q1NNdn3sIb39Tg5e0uRIu82a5AZbt-cYwWGtEmuN_9xcN_71VhVtRoHiD3l3M/s1600/346113458_tp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFnQ2dqdMz1jwtCqpSzZYi4HdhCRMfscLC7aSvpiS5ihjOmuJDkicqd2X_GFZo2s6RvXUDz1zqW3NP_Q1NNdn3sIb39Tg5e0uRIu82a5AZbt-cYwWGtEmuN_9xcN_71VhVtRoHiD3l3M/s200/346113458_tp.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-1OnnQVPfFoy6mMzt7LNdl2FBlGkAvzLSiTrXQZnkzJlZnMARdECKkmL1L3W7yi8YZ30Rtzf26g4hU0CDjg9iqPKPosRJsvfW19-H-KFOJHgivQcwtBx4RvU41-nusBkq11LrRERnVw/s1600/401959877_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-1OnnQVPfFoy6mMzt7LNdl2FBlGkAvzLSiTrXQZnkzJlZnMARdECKkmL1L3W7yi8YZ30Rtzf26g4hU0CDjg9iqPKPosRJsvfW19-H-KFOJHgivQcwtBx4RvU41-nusBkq11LrRERnVw/s200/401959877_o.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Again, they look pretty similar from the back.  The oval back of the painted version may not be as graceful.  And the piece that connects the back to the seat is crafted a little differently.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfSKBjwr-ddokyS8w4Et4YZ7-p_A1r0WOKJyYRqQztFs4tT6vytsvMqbOJNRokjiiSkCeapKsdDorB4wRdLj3gLNFHrdHl_A7_YVvSTGecMojqW8YiSed_DUfUSXA4xXDN9mqqK0thrk/s1600/346113355_tp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfSKBjwr-ddokyS8w4Et4YZ7-p_A1r0WOKJyYRqQztFs4tT6vytsvMqbOJNRokjiiSkCeapKsdDorB4wRdLj3gLNFHrdHl_A7_YVvSTGecMojqW8YiSed_DUfUSXA4xXDN9mqqK0thrk/s200/346113355_tp.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEto0nWurw95cKQQJDW3SyD8yGg-mEVsTBJGzbEphK3yk_babtxagLcANaLSPUcpReGSYORAvcLmFlY72NrOQXMJEzWFcydcgp8fvNEnsOvw9GJuy32OabrHYUpreYHIBUEsyCUNnuZmE/s1600/401959807_tp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEto0nWurw95cKQQJDW3SyD8yGg-mEVsTBJGzbEphK3yk_babtxagLcANaLSPUcpReGSYORAvcLmFlY72NrOQXMJEzWFcydcgp8fvNEnsOvw9GJuy32OabrHYUpreYHIBUEsyCUNnuZmE/s200/401959807_tp.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The shape of the arm is the same but it's clear the one on the left has more detail carved into it.  The painted version has that spattered effect that I guess is supposed to give the finish more depth.  This one must be a newer reproduction.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzsE68q52sCxKAdTfXYakDHA1NmQnMsY3odPNgjYiAs_wZZa1LsvtsR9bQCdZgfCN9GS0ijk7ojaOUfwe7qShI5UOyMbJqgcG1HE-j6BGAjJ2R1k-GZlYIeJh_p4EzGmMAom1nb_DuYw/s1600/346113303_tp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzsE68q52sCxKAdTfXYakDHA1NmQnMsY3odPNgjYiAs_wZZa1LsvtsR9bQCdZgfCN9GS0ijk7ojaOUfwe7qShI5UOyMbJqgcG1HE-j6BGAjJ2R1k-GZlYIeJh_p4EzGmMAom1nb_DuYw/s200/346113303_tp.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKznS8f408ypZikQs_i_gpfU6yB6to0W3Hppf-IXPXnfmzPCZpYLqf0RQwQh6O_J4DjqNvFnnb65nxDvGrnWVMaddNOqvjs7zkwb4wfcWPjliUNQu2mUhF-ZqCQCuJr4aoFFBDLbeVGOs/s1600/401959780_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKznS8f408ypZikQs_i_gpfU6yB6to0W3Hppf-IXPXnfmzPCZpYLqf0RQwQh6O_J4DjqNvFnnb65nxDvGrnWVMaddNOqvjs7zkwb4wfcWPjliUNQu2mUhF-ZqCQCuJr4aoFFBDLbeVGOs/s200/401959780_o.jpg" width="127" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The carving on the top of the leg on the left version seems nicer but the shape of the design is pretty similar.  The shape of the leg is pretty close too except the little bulb at the bottom of the leg.  I think I like the shape of the painted leg better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maybe to the trained eye the differences stand out a little more but to my eye, they look remarkably similar.  One is an antique (alledgedly turn of the century) and the other I would guess is '50s?  '60s?  My feeling is I'm not trying to create a museum, I'm trying to create a look.  From my experience, I like to change things up every few years so a reproduction that I'm not afraid of painting, might make more sense.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So are you ready for the price difference?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjLkbmwU8-leXrgqNuGM2g0vUj_nM_ITksMcmIrE8zKuY7kpocJiMj5-1SSfAcKJBTe9zNqVc_YCRaHMNw09UmISSzLX2PfQFXrE43ZQk4hDr3i3o5hwL1vqUn_vGh4rkuhUbpQK0GRA/s1600/401959780_tp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjLkbmwU8-leXrgqNuGM2g0vUj_nM_ITksMcmIrE8zKuY7kpocJiMj5-1SSfAcKJBTe9zNqVc_YCRaHMNw09UmISSzLX2PfQFXrE43ZQk4hDr3i3o5hwL1vqUn_vGh4rkuhUbpQK0GRA/s400/401959780_tp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This version is $2300 cheaper!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They'll be on a Greyhound bus making their way from Newport Beach, CA to Boston sometime soon.  Obviously this set will take a little more work to fit my vision but the price was great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I think it'll be a fun makeover.</div>

A Tale of Two Settees

Okay, I know they're chairs but how could I pass up such a good pun?  Actually, they're not even chairs; they're allegedly fauteuils in the Louis XVI style.  Who knew?  And, actually, the Dickens' story is a pretty good reference to use for these two pairs of very differently priced chairs.  The one…

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Renovation Update 9.25.10

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBi5nVwwXqmUH4Bzm9fgXEt2cC_sc9GB3UCvi1Gcf-F-Z2khHX8HLmlnQxnrlfYEAjpoHbx45tdcc9-HQSHk7PyU-EFfcOwJblLrdV5E43UJZ9yVmK4ziPZ-yX8_SwVACahGrbMcuRkI/s1600/IMG_3708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBi5nVwwXqmUH4Bzm9fgXEt2cC_sc9GB3UCvi1Gcf-F-Z2khHX8HLmlnQxnrlfYEAjpoHbx45tdcc9-HQSHk7PyU-EFfcOwJblLrdV5E43UJZ9yVmK4ziPZ-yX8_SwVACahGrbMcuRkI/s400/IMG_3708.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I came home from work one day this week and found they had started the siding on the front of the house.  This would be exciting if it weren't the wrong siding.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMHy-fGeiBF5RiMRM1n0h6xNI9fROlCF4WfdZJrPS81pgT9tI0zsCBLr4Sj5Qsz9jcuR_P4zk91EecUyp5W1d4NrL8lz6jNdP9Qu2OYFWu82JbWd_0RmlIm3zhcDLLQO0f-Bmy-gnljM/s1600/IMG_3706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMHy-fGeiBF5RiMRM1n0h6xNI9fROlCF4WfdZJrPS81pgT9tI0zsCBLr4Sj5Qsz9jcuR_P4zk91EecUyp5W1d4NrL8lz6jNdP9Qu2OYFWu82JbWd_0RmlIm3zhcDLLQO0f-Bmy-gnljM/s320/IMG_3706.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a closeup of it.  Remember when I was talking about my conceptual sculpture class and how forms (shapes) and materials have the ability to communicate nonverbally?  Well, this siding says Adirondack cabin or maybe country cottage to me.  It's all about the bevel between each piece.  The difference is really subtle but it communicates very differently.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILy3_HuKFxJIEnfDOV2iLH0r_gHllBVqnuoKsTJpwOsO7o35mOG_XyRXsK2dYTXtnsy3LeQm0MRqWi9KbhJStOfvyvxoF0nNWCJV6nFuv7G_K2fyRnxxQo7GBTTPFStoTo5SslzWLv-s/s1600/66634-behind-the-curtain-r-x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILy3_HuKFxJIEnfDOV2iLH0r_gHllBVqnuoKsTJpwOsO7o35mOG_XyRXsK2dYTXtnsy3LeQm0MRqWi9KbhJStOfvyvxoF0nNWCJV6nFuv7G_K2fyRnxxQo7GBTTPFStoTo5SslzWLv-s/s320/66634-behind-the-curtain-r-x.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You might use it here it you were trying to create this look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGouzcAXb1XAPDzm8BVyLnEangJQDkbyCdliX1smtJQ5xWSZFNt9Z-lBJnrw37hrvo7afR5itugNVj3cmEhx1AtaphxR1hl0dkGlWve2Vs5rGWzbGpj_v1nUAcQpMAwKxBHu3-h2kVv-o/s1600/sarah+richardson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGouzcAXb1XAPDzm8BVyLnEangJQDkbyCdliX1smtJQ5xWSZFNt9Z-lBJnrw37hrvo7afR5itugNVj3cmEhx1AtaphxR1hl0dkGlWve2Vs5rGWzbGpj_v1nUAcQpMAwKxBHu3-h2kVv-o/s400/sarah+richardson.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or you might remember the horizontal paneling from the bedroom of HGTV's Sarah's House. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's perfectly lovely in these rooms, but it's not the look I'm going for.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfTKX4RRYmgbcpBqdKXzEJKavRLqeZ6eV5GkYvsTn6Mq1Ylj0INmBMbYxkorrI2Jt9vQS4ZQfJ8KEJrXwciFdiQqjjkij14XnjYp_K7zrFaQrtQjypRMtD3ZNlgh3B-AKs7fXoYIgBc0/s1600/IMG_3718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfTKX4RRYmgbcpBqdKXzEJKavRLqeZ6eV5GkYvsTn6Mq1Ylj0INmBMbYxkorrI2Jt9vQS4ZQfJ8KEJrXwciFdiQqjjkij14XnjYp_K7zrFaQrtQjypRMtD3ZNlgh3B-AKs7fXoYIgBc0/s400/IMG_3718.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what it should look like...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJGx8WIqGny0IaJMWMgn3NAUwm1Fl-3XEo0XhGLtYHKGJ-25_yrqVX5S1gq53dJ9r_LMNsP8K5DO7cfLt_rz1aMeNKfRHyR1xT1CI5I0yBw2o4zxd-yuJHstdty49T0v5DDp193R2MOs/s1600/IMG_3723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJGx8WIqGny0IaJMWMgn3NAUwm1Fl-3XEo0XhGLtYHKGJ-25_yrqVX5S1gq53dJ9r_LMNsP8K5DO7cfLt_rz1aMeNKfRHyR1xT1CI5I0yBw2o4zxd-yuJHstdty49T0v5DDp193R2MOs/s400/IMG_3723.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...or this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I put in an emergency call to the contractor.   The architect didn't specify what it should be and he made an assumption because this is the only kind of tongue-and-groove cedar that's available.   </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The problem:  the material I want isn't available; $1000 of the wrong material was already primed, cut and partially installed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The solution:   take down what was already done, cut the bevels off both sides and then route new tongues and grooves on both sides.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziS2wpxQ_tjRwZ3l6sSIdTF6axpkSZfykc8OsFURLj9PBgREUOtx_rSpQMGHkzMMHNYQqj6wBk9cXXNoxzm3NDBrBoteb2gP6bAVE-cw4LvKjYt9VXLKr0XSs9SiyIepghj5i6Fs9pTY/s1600/IMG_3711_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziS2wpxQ_tjRwZ3l6sSIdTF6axpkSZfykc8OsFURLj9PBgREUOtx_rSpQMGHkzMMHNYQqj6wBk9cXXNoxzm3NDBrBoteb2gP6bAVE-cw4LvKjYt9VXLKr0XSs9SiyIepghj5i6Fs9pTY/s400/IMG_3711_3.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the end result.  It's a little difficult to see with the natural grain but if you go back up to the first photo, you'll see the difference.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP46jcDXaZaK58ef-5kMF7Y3bBI5zpJdmcQj8CyPkhYs2BiL1dVRdAcu6wuj8BXAeioUGd6MxXEKKbv5mqlP-CzK9Bq4Un_fe3bBWMXevRt_7SKrz3OGcYR_iBFu25Eo22a8T_qhntV74/s1600/IMG_3710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP46jcDXaZaK58ef-5kMF7Y3bBI5zpJdmcQj8CyPkhYs2BiL1dVRdAcu6wuj8BXAeioUGd6MxXEKKbv5mqlP-CzK9Bq4Un_fe3bBWMXevRt_7SKrz3OGcYR_iBFu25Eo22a8T_qhntV74/s400/IMG_3710.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This shows it a little better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(You can't imagine how great all this freshly cut cedar smells!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiketONoFqDDQdJn_EiQHNA2r4p3ELakbW2zTi-kbhfeftBeugQ_9TxI2Lk71tlbOXA0ak_qIwZ66Jq_d6j87M7uEvGS_smNYDjW8ori3v7lwnT1tWp4WgqV-1b21KdF5kZ-ryMZfozups/s1600/IMG_3711_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiketONoFqDDQdJn_EiQHNA2r4p3ELakbW2zTi-kbhfeftBeugQ_9TxI2Lk71tlbOXA0ak_qIwZ66Jq_d6j87M7uEvGS_smNYDjW8ori3v7lwnT1tWp4WgqV-1b21KdF5kZ-ryMZfozups/s400/IMG_3711_2.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's a close up.  Once it's painted, I think it will perfectly replicate the original siding found on many of the local Greek Revivals.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm pleased with how gracefully the contractor dealt with this little misstep.  Sam admitted that they thought the choice was a little odd and that he should have asked.  In the end, they wanted it to be correct and getting to the solution was pretty easy.  And we're both really pleased with the outcome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meanwhile inside...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I pretty much cleaned the living room out so avoid plaster dust getting on everything and, as I mentioned, the new windows give a whole new classical, elegant feeling to the room.  In fact, now that I'm getting a feeling for what the outside is going to look and feel like, I'm not so sure my vintage cottage look is going to work at all.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I started to pull a few things from around the house that sort of "fit" the vibe I was getting from the windows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQbKjxIU-zWarEJZjc26CWdJ719KYxvIf0CAa2dmVUouT4Rt5D_HVmoDpFeigBzWIwhQvePWc5v1zXbxcG4zu60clueYkhWzJndaQs_bO8LfG6_IEdOIQeQ5madRsIKFmtgxY2n5tOZ0/s1600/IMG_3725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQbKjxIU-zWarEJZjc26CWdJ719KYxvIf0CAa2dmVUouT4Rt5D_HVmoDpFeigBzWIwhQvePWc5v1zXbxcG4zu60clueYkhWzJndaQs_bO8LfG6_IEdOIQeQ5madRsIKFmtgxY2n5tOZ0/s400/IMG_3725.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what I started with.  The charcoal gray sofa stays.  I pulled this table from the bedroom upstairs.  I recently bought a pair of large cast iron pineapple finials on eBay and I put one of them on the table.  (I love architectural salvage!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIi_ja2ZXFuXXD1sB7mG_2IeeS4Deixw0wkqrSgH5ebfcvLF01Y9HEZ7Gllo1vRd8V2tsGuver-rGKwXTxt-O4_CKIrOKx7qB7hvhjo0fGt1daAyHV1k51NZ729qq7HEW2BAqQcg_zUU/s1600/IMG_3731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIi_ja2ZXFuXXD1sB7mG_2IeeS4Deixw0wkqrSgH5ebfcvLF01Y9HEZ7Gllo1vRd8V2tsGuver-rGKwXTxt-O4_CKIrOKx7qB7hvhjo0fGt1daAyHV1k51NZ729qq7HEW2BAqQcg_zUU/s320/IMG_3731.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I added a mid-Century abstract drawing on the wall and threw a little cubist drawing in a gold frame into the mix.  The placement might change but I'm just looking for things that fit my vision.  I think a few Snug Harbor Farm topiaries would be great too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also love the combination of gray and brown and I think a little wood would warm up the gray and cream.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOQnOOuWNleFga181i-GC-eBJ1Top9URn0OxXOP-xxVY4-FkyMdIWKmuHXn_4aALgmN44d93tuALKTfV-3_yb2U7IfPudKmsYmEdwlB1C5XXJhvamTqaU_IltMEyNIkfEN7pCGeJO-Yk/s1600/346113240_tp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOQnOOuWNleFga181i-GC-eBJ1Top9URn0OxXOP-xxVY4-FkyMdIWKmuHXn_4aALgmN44d93tuALKTfV-3_yb2U7IfPudKmsYmEdwlB1C5XXJhvamTqaU_IltMEyNIkfEN7pCGeJO-Yk/s400/346113240_tp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm really loving these Louis chairs...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSoMN5ihQZofbRnUPeRm13d124FLXXZ-48thko-bL9CYWGghN8oM4bukyZtmp13aUIFZjv_O58MRP9hkXNgbPOuK6WPnx-80rWB8oiddA-va25Mr6OlS_aOAWOu8QI8GVOz9QPypADUQ/s1600/Parchment-Midnight-KWID-pillows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSoMN5ihQZofbRnUPeRm13d124FLXXZ-48thko-bL9CYWGghN8oM4bukyZtmp13aUIFZjv_O58MRP9hkXNgbPOuK6WPnx-80rWB8oiddA-va25Mr6OlS_aOAWOu8QI8GVOz9QPypADUQ/s320/Parchment-Midnight-KWID-pillows.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...maybe with something modern and graphic like this Kelly Wearstler print.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU28BeNzeVkLMTuKk9PxgruhudVoRfiFovYywV6yoN6G_cgvI0xUfDYVcdCxJLnuMZ1iVWarsls71RmwsePnWVfOVUgGii-QFJi3HxdD2R6awBCO3oxOPsrLjg8LFO1BSzpSovwQu6tvs/s1600/Picture+12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU28BeNzeVkLMTuKk9PxgruhudVoRfiFovYywV6yoN6G_cgvI0xUfDYVcdCxJLnuMZ1iVWarsls71RmwsePnWVfOVUgGii-QFJi3HxdD2R6awBCO3oxOPsrLjg8LFO1BSzpSovwQu6tvs/s320/Picture+12.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The backs of the chairs would face the wall and would almost never be seen so I'd be tempted to do something totally unexpected on the back of the chair like this print from Wendy Lewis' <a href="http://www.textiletrunk.com/">Textile Trunk</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKnyzNVl5_mPBwld7dIjt8erPZtmUi0uE6KXJtYeYzXTSWfglKfwBdHU4YU7tvAyl50G4d40xSsSmLsdOfroGe007iJn9bjAhkia9INbF2y3gIoSNZy3v9hVBfk_4VmrIee8vRQEBQ5k/s1600/pcxl-659a-p02-3-24379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKnyzNVl5_mPBwld7dIjt8erPZtmUi0uE6KXJtYeYzXTSWfglKfwBdHU4YU7tvAyl50G4d40xSsSmLsdOfroGe007iJn9bjAhkia9INbF2y3gIoSNZy3v9hVBfk_4VmrIee8vRQEBQ5k/s400/pcxl-659a-p02-3-24379.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...or maybe I could cut the front off of some Paul Smith shirts and have the buttons go straight down the back.  That would be unexpected!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBMoMaL27N-wAGaDywBtARymnZiM0hy2MwORMMunnDocOQw0Kj_5NUzTbDswgV3oH2z3XY9uTD2pVZn6OiY0PlFQddwJKMxuvFWlHKQHhA4lspsWbjIE613M1qvgI2PKkk_cZRxp6vyc/s1600/subtle+2+(437x600)_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBMoMaL27N-wAGaDywBtARymnZiM0hy2MwORMMunnDocOQw0Kj_5NUzTbDswgV3oH2z3XY9uTD2pVZn6OiY0PlFQddwJKMxuvFWlHKQHhA4lspsWbjIE613M1qvgI2PKkk_cZRxp6vyc/s400/subtle+2+(437x600)_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can also envision the walls paneled out with mouldings...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDFqui92xPLNuldzgV-370BotdixJ_XvRZm7HFmJkCwabH7MNkgpnMKDmQutxPhsGbx1uMzzfToA7G2t_g0YiI0vKugiYGKjhlHNWCwzgSz7vS9u5JwlSEOVCk1J8OV9RlTVIN0KHK4U/s1600/graymontogmery.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDFqui92xPLNuldzgV-370BotdixJ_XvRZm7HFmJkCwabH7MNkgpnMKDmQutxPhsGbx1uMzzfToA7G2t_g0YiI0vKugiYGKjhlHNWCwzgSz7vS9u5JwlSEOVCk1J8OV9RlTVIN0KHK4U/s320/graymontogmery.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...and a pale grisaille mural inside the panels...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgJMnZfYDrp8K0Pg5prV1WlIHD0AylDbYH-HAG06GKKUrXXb02Q_FMCYCiJ9ZD_3L79AEWjyjmrHBwZTpoPtxc9f_x8R5Xc6LvrD69-swPtUPAon09d0hEzl_tH3MFOBdLt-poauBD2M/s1600/il_430xN.166261860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgJMnZfYDrp8K0Pg5prV1WlIHD0AylDbYH-HAG06GKKUrXXb02Q_FMCYCiJ9ZD_3L79AEWjyjmrHBwZTpoPtxc9f_x8R5Xc6LvrD69-swPtUPAon09d0hEzl_tH3MFOBdLt-poauBD2M/s320/il_430xN.166261860.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...with rusty industrial pieces hung right over it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's what I'm thinking today.  Tomorrow it could be this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYjEOiPIG8meUfJaxZ5vxzpIMwqVoTawlI5LWqUeHh-1Lr1B3WYJhay7kjmKbk6ZqaJ4qSGW-gTNgoabdbez8GVoid1pJ1tzG2sTY7G-odmQay_tCmbu5KlIryO4CLYXwjdnSfri_uCI/s1600/odd+colors2+domino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYjEOiPIG8meUfJaxZ5vxzpIMwqVoTawlI5LWqUeHh-1Lr1B3WYJhay7kjmKbk6ZqaJ4qSGW-gTNgoabdbez8GVoid1pJ1tzG2sTY7G-odmQay_tCmbu5KlIryO4CLYXwjdnSfri_uCI/s400/odd+colors2+domino.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think I need a designer to reign me in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Renovation Update 9.25.10

I came home from work one day this week and found they had started the siding on the front of the house.  This would be exciting if it weren't the wrong siding.This is a closeup of it.  Remember when I was talking about my conceptual sculpture class and how forms (shapes) and materials have the abil…

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Entertaining | Fall Harvest Dinner Party | Butternut Squash Soup, Seared Steaks & Apple Crisp

Yesterday was the first day of Fall - I had to run to the farmer's market to pick up some of my favorite heirloom pumpkins, squash and gourds. <br /><br />Here is a fun seasonal table setting for your next Fall Dinner Party.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgfkWq4VmQyv8CDckFaFnT4Ltiwa-fTZ4SLmZoGEFRdoqHl8xyOnEuiYQGTkSVgqsuPanOnQrZtx6V1A5KiGSYNCxxLyS0-wQbNT2Kn3akRVmjpSDVLOasZq_ZC2vrjlpGyGKTr_qQ94/s1600/IMG_1061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgfkWq4VmQyv8CDckFaFnT4Ltiwa-fTZ4SLmZoGEFRdoqHl8xyOnEuiYQGTkSVgqsuPanOnQrZtx6V1A5KiGSYNCxxLyS0-wQbNT2Kn3akRVmjpSDVLOasZq_ZC2vrjlpGyGKTr_qQ94/s640/IMG_1061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Whether it be fresh flowers or farm fresh pumpkins - have something from nature as your centerpiece.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARY5CC42o-cA60eWbSHVCvUdK-JsFkX16f1BPBPmk6Lqzuzo5CHUsNZ3XXSv4jxcUM5jJWnGT2pWhDXTvFkwDqxbkcIbcETD-x7CrIdVt4EHqb8bnmgqnNyEdsFamRTkkIa-1BicZdWM/s1600/IMG_1077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARY5CC42o-cA60eWbSHVCvUdK-JsFkX16f1BPBPmk6Lqzuzo5CHUsNZ3XXSv4jxcUM5jJWnGT2pWhDXTvFkwDqxbkcIbcETD-x7CrIdVt4EHqb8bnmgqnNyEdsFamRTkkIa-1BicZdWM/s640/IMG_1077.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br /><br />When your guests arrive, offer them a glass of wine, then this hunk of cheese, crackers and cashews is the perfect light start. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgMQ8wTr8-8CZJ5nPDaj1MGozCLG2x6mgcC1u1DADSC7VWUAxepn_OIzf23dmqGjjBkwWzJkn1RTZFndKuxddx04nFIDFNnTLCV3Wh6tQd5VOU3WqMYcp4y17LXOX3n61K2Ta5fbDflE/s1600/IMG_1127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgMQ8wTr8-8CZJ5nPDaj1MGozCLG2x6mgcC1u1DADSC7VWUAxepn_OIzf23dmqGjjBkwWzJkn1RTZFndKuxddx04nFIDFNnTLCV3Wh6tQd5VOU3WqMYcp4y17LXOX3n61K2Ta5fbDflE/s640/IMG_1127.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Roasted Butternut & Apple Soup<br /><br />1 butternut squash<br />2 sweet apples (not granny smith)<br />2 tablespoons of salt & pepper<br />2 tablespoons of olive oil<br />3 tablespoons of butter<br />1 yellow onion<br />3 cloves of garlic, minced<br />2 cups of vegetable stock<br />1 cup of apple cider<br />1/4 cup of cream<br /><br />Peel and cube the squash and apples.  Place them on a baking sheet, toss with olive oil, salt & pepper and roast them in a 425 degree oven for 25 minutes until the squash is soft.  In a stock pot, saute the garlic and onions in butter until soft.<br /><br />Add the squash and apples to the onions along with stock and cider.  Cook for 15 minutes until bubbly.  Puree the mixture in a blender or food processor.<br /><br />Serve hot and garnish with cream, salt & pepper.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HaKYl0u6-l6iN3WonCPMVR2Grxx1fgj_rRQvIq7j6nVpU-ROn-6vR0dISGgAuSUKkRk-5QK8GQDqoBR_jZjBzkOoPusaoe6fZU7FKSS_FlxKWFcLdCTUNP3np_AJwfT2K26Zpmy6UXE/s1600/IMG_1142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HaKYl0u6-l6iN3WonCPMVR2Grxx1fgj_rRQvIq7j6nVpU-ROn-6vR0dISGgAuSUKkRk-5QK8GQDqoBR_jZjBzkOoPusaoe6fZU7FKSS_FlxKWFcLdCTUNP3np_AJwfT2K26Zpmy6UXE/s640/IMG_1142.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the entree, I served a steak with a simple wine and mushroom reduction.  A light salad of field greens is a good compliment to the indulgent steak.<br /><br />Steaks with a Mushroom Wine Reduction<br /><br />4 - 8 oz. Strip Steaks<br />2 tablespoons of olive oil<br />Salt & Pepper<br />2 tablespoons of butter<br />2 cups of mushrooms<br />1 cup of red wine<br />2 tablespoons of heavy cream<br />1 teaspoon of dijon mustard<br /><br />Coat the steaks liberally with salt & pepper.  In a saute pan, heat the olive oil and sear steaks on each side for 3 minutes.  Place the steaks on a baking sheet and put them in a 450 degree oven for 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness of steaks.<br /><br />In the saute pan used with the steaks, lower the heat and saute the butter and mushrooms.  After 2 minutes, at the wine, scraping the pan to get all of the bits off of the bottom.  Add in the cream and dijon and simmer the sauce until slightly thickened.  Pour over the steaks to serve.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgLPgUO-CBBfBcA7ZTQBmsn109tSVJKayC1AvIFaqp4MdMffBwhaPkWfyeKRAuiCz8-V2USE5UzRiV3DbJWpoilHtwMAXRYoiAv-JVQOdbzkv8h-6i-pThX7JaGolY-Y2SsuRKlxsDSE/s1600/IMG_0611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgLPgUO-CBBfBcA7ZTQBmsn109tSVJKayC1AvIFaqp4MdMffBwhaPkWfyeKRAuiCz8-V2USE5UzRiV3DbJWpoilHtwMAXRYoiAv-JVQOdbzkv8h-6i-pThX7JaGolY-Y2SsuRKlxsDSE/s640/IMG_0611.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This apple crisp is the perfect finish to a Fall Harvest Dinner Party... with ice cream, of course. <br /><br />Get the recipe for the Apple Crisp <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/09/recipes-apple-crisp-oatmeal-crumb.html">Here</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Entertaining | Fall Harvest Dinner Party | Butternut Squash Soup, Seared Steaks & Apple Crisp

Yesterday was the first day of Fall - I had to run to the farmer's market to pick up some of my favorite heirloom pumpkins, squash and gourds. Here is a fun seasonal table setting for your next Fall Dinner Party.Whether it be fresh flowers or farm fresh pumpkins - have something from nature as your …

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