mntwmyn's Profile

I think this is a bit of a pretentious post. I certainly understand choosing quality goods after long deliberation that you love and that will last a lifetime. It doesn't have to cost the entire retirement bundle though. I found two old CL couches that I had completely reupholstered for less the the cost of a new C&B couch. Now, I have two custom couches that are going to last the rest of my life. I didn't spend $3000 on it the couches, upholsterer, and fabric combined. I live in a small east coast city and find loads of great stuff to spruce up and create a stylish and unique space that reflects my aesthetic and personality. Lamps and lighting can be found at any thrift store/junk store for pennies and with the smallest amount of imagination and paint, decopage, glue can turn in to something fun or funky. Pairs of lamps are cheap, plentiful and easy to rewire. My parents always said that "poverty is the mother of invention" and I've found that to be true. Creativity only grows when it's used.

fancy jelly shooters. I like pink vodka lemonade myself. Depends on the time of year. They can be fun, elegant, ice breakers.

And remember, these are your friends. You have invited them because you desire their company. They have accepted because they like you, not just your cooking. We are way too hard on ourselves, especially of our cooking (speaking from experience here). Everything doesn't have to be absolutely PERFECT, cause it's not going to be. Give it up. Let it go. Enjoy yourself.

I've also learned that smaller parties are often better. I throw three or four big parties a year, but lots and lots of smaller, more intimate, often more casual gatherings. Wine tastings, pizza parties, apps and cocktails, desserts, cooking classes (we decided we wanted to figure out how to make Chinese boa, so we did it together).

I think it's most important to remember WHY you're gathering. Are you gathering to try and impress people? Or to enjoy their company?

As southern as this is going to come off (it really isn't), find a church. And in Seattle, there have got to be churches that meet your needs. My partner and I recent joined the UU church (they aren't picky, they accept anyone, and aren't at all preachy). We have found a much richer social life and topics for deeper conversation. I think you also have to remember that making friends as an adult takes time. It's not like when you were kids and you were instant best friends.

I too am an introvert and it takes a long time for me to open up. I find that I do better in situations where I am most comfortable. Rather than wait for others to invite you, invite them first. Be the one willing to open your home and make dinner, have a game night, throw a party. Join a book club. Find a volunteer organization to give a few hours to. Join the library, local museum, botanical garden. Invest in your city, community, surroundings and you will find yourself with plenty of acquaintances from which you will find friends.

I have no advice on the paint color, but those shoes at the bottom of the stairs look like eyeballs!

I loved the set of Quartet, really, I just covet a king size french cane bed. I'm having a deep love affair with cane. I also loved the sets of Hyde Park on Hudson. I've got a thing for old French and English antiques....

At my old place, our utility room was just off the kitchen and was the brightest room in the house. We installed a french door to bring in more light into the kitchen. Along the back wall, we installed shelves 16 inches deep which gave us something like 60 linear feet of shelving space. It was amazing! I always kept it neat and items faced as it could be seen all the way through the kitchen and from the dining room. It wasn't that difficult to do. Although, that was the one comment we got ALL THE TIME from people looking at it when we sold it. "Now that's just a little bit staged!" But in reality, it was the least staged room in the house.
Oh well.

http://nestingpair.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-02-20T16:02:00-08:00&max-results=7

A six foot ladder hides behind a couch very very well.

Cover it with beadboard paneling and cap it with a 4 inch shelf. Great for small vases with flowers, totally paintable and customizable. If you don't like beadboard, go for the board and batten look that is so popular right now. It covers the tile and gives an older, cottagey feel.

I make a graham cracker crust when I make a key lime pie. I add pecans and toasted cocoanut to it to boost that umph of flavor....