Tuesday Tip

Tips on how to clean your goddess...or other stained marble.

In the spring, I did a post on busts with the intention of showing you mine and promptly forgot until now!

The owner from a favorite shop holding the bust for me to view all sides.
 Even though he said he had already vacuumed and wiped her down, she was still such a dirty girl!

This is how she looked in the shop after being outfitted with her new iron stand. The original marble pedestal
that surely once held her form was not found when she discovered in the celler of an estate in Europe by the shop owner. I actually didn't mind her sepia patina, but felt I needed to try and capture her original appearance.

I honestly didn't have a plan on where/how to start and just plunged in with what seemed reasonable and safe. Which ended up being mild dish detergent, baking soda, and lots of scubbing with soft tooth brushes and soft rags.

Though my cleaning method was working, I panicked halfway through and searched google for tips!
 It seemed this was okay. I also read suggestions to use hydrogen peroxide and chalk.
The hydo seemed to work a bit, the chalk was useless!


Add equal parts time and patience. And voila!

When the sunlight comes into the room in the morning, she glows!
 There is still some staining and discolorations, which doesn't bother me at all.
 Based on their location, I suspect she may have resided outdoors at some point.
She needs a proper name, but in the meantime I'll keep referring to her as the goddess.


Dear readers, if any of you have additional tips on cleaning marble, please share them!

Citrus Is Sensational For Summer!

How would you like a recipe for the best dessert you'll have all summer? One that is impressive enough for company, but easy enough to whip up just because you're in the mood for something cold, creamy, with a little crunch and full of wonderful citrus flavor? Yes? I thought so!

I acquired this recipe from a caterer that I had the pleasure of working with in Williamsburg, Virgina about 8 years ago. We met by accident (it's a long story, so I'll provide the ultra condensed version) and when she found out I loved hosting parties and was passionate about design, she made a proposition I could not resist. 

Secrets to a great tart!

She was catering a bridal luncheon for the daughter of her client and asked if I thought I could I do the table setting, handle the flowers, and favors? I said yes and she arranged for me to meet her at the residence a few days later-basically to asses my abilities! The housekeeper, of the stunning big old house, led us to the butler's pantry. It was a large butler's pantry with more dishes than I had ever seen outside a store setting. It was spectacularly beautiful and simultaneously utilitarian and the image is still etched in my mind. I perused the options of dishes, linens, crystal and silver and took advantage of the abundant assortment of hydrangea and roses from the expansive garden, then spent the next few hours completing my "interview" for the job.

Catherine and I worked on 2 more parties together for this client and a few others before I moved. I learned so much from her and this recipe is one example. It was love at first bite! And, the fact it can be made ahead-a caterer's secret weapon as well as that of any busy hostess and a working person's saving grace, just added to the perfection. It's been a favorite of the A&A house since I first made it for my family and my son always requests it for his birthday instead of cake. Until now, I have never shared this recipe with even my closet friends. But since blogging and blog friends have been such a treat, I thought this was the perfect way to say thanks for reading and participating in our on-going conversations...especially when my blogging has been so erratic this year!

 I generally use a square tart pan and cut approximately 3x3 slices and often there are requests for another piece!
So if you're serving a crowd or want leftovers, make extra tarts. If you don't have a whip cream dispenser with decorative tips, a big dollop of fresh cream is just fine.

Citrus Tart
2 cups crushed gingersnap cookies (use a brand that you like to eat)
6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter
3 tablespoons of dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 (14oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup frozen (no pulp) orange juice concentrate, thawed but icy/cold
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (do not use bottled)
2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice (optional-I usually omit this)
2 large eggs separated

Stir together the first 4 ingredients and press the mixture with your fingers into the bottom and up the sides of a 9 inch tart pan (it doesn't matter if it's square or round) with a removable bottom. Next, whisk together the condensed milk, OJ, lemon juice and yokes of the eggs together until just blended Then, beat egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff. Fold the eggs whites into the juice/milk mixture then pour the filling into the tart (crust) pan. Bake at 325 degrees until filling is set-about 25 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack then cover with wax paper and chill overnight. Remove bottom of tart pan and form and place on a serving dish. Garnish with fresh (only) whip cream, citrus and mint. ENJOY!!! 

Tuesday Tip

Peace + love and beyond the expiration date = happiness + savings!

I took this picture from the top of a Bed, Bath and Beyond coupon I tore out of a page
 of  my fall 2011 Traditional Home magazine!

In case you didn't know, the retailer Bed, Bath and Beyond accepts expired coupons! I'm not kidding. I discovered this by accident about 2 years ago (forgive me for not sharing it until now) when I was buying all the stuff my oldest needed for his first year of college. When I went to pay, I pulled out my coupons and realized they were expired.  The clerk, a sweet elderly gentleman, informed me they take them even if they're past the expiration. You can bet that ever since that shopping trip, I've never set foot inside their doors without several coupons in hand. Especially, since it's one of those stores you might pop into for a few tea lights and walk out with 3 other items you didn't even know you needed! 

Saving for my next visit!

You may be interested to know that world renowned interior designer, Bunny Williams, mentions in her latest book, Scrapbook For Living she finds shopping the storage container isle of retailers like Bed, Bath and Beyond "almost as thrilling as exploring a fabulous antiques shop." I enjoyed reading this little tid-bit and it fascinated me to know there are people like me who are obsessively organized, but love all things old and historic. Somehow though, I can't imagine her using a coupon!

Reader Poll: Bedrooms, Bathrooms & Closets-How Big Is Big Enough?

When it comes to the master suite, I think most people fantasize about having it all: space, privacy and organization. But the real question is how much of each do we really need? Or perhaps after these 100+ degree temperatures and power outages, maybe you just want a small swimming pool in lieu of a bed or tub!? I thought it would be fun (and quite helpful for anyone who is considering a renovation) to break it down by each component.

The Master Bedroom: Do you want just enough room for the bed, bedsides table and lamps? Or do you want space for a chest, dresser or desk? What about a television-I know, so taboo in the design world, but I have to ask, so be honest? Or do you want a larger room that could accommodate seating, a fireplace, or bookshelves?

Simple elegance-Alessandra Branca

The Master Bathroom: Assuming it's an en-suite arrangement, do you wish yours was bigger or just more luxurious? In this case, luxurious is defined by the quality of materials. Do you want a great big shower with a seat, jets or a rain head? People are much more willing to give up a bathtub for a bigger shower these days-would you? If so, do you worry that it may would impact the resale value of your home? Do you require/wish the toilet to be in it's own room?  Do you prefer separate sink consoles or one long run with 2 sinks? A linen closet? Is a seated make-up area desirable? What about a television? Heated floors and towels bars? Or do you really want to separate spousal/partner baths with maybe only a shared bath tub and shower? The latter becoming a fantasy for many!


Classic- David Flynn

The Master Closet: Do you fantasize about a walk-in? Or would a well organized reach-in closet make you just as happy? If you share a closet, do you wish you didn't? Do you want a place to sit in your closet to put your shoes on or ponder the day's outfit? Do you like to see your clothes or prefer them hidden behind doors? Do you want a counter, table, or storage island to fold clothes and pack for trips? A window? Is this the ideal location to store the iron and ironing board or is that still the laundry room?

Serious luxury-designer unknown
The stuff that dreams are made of-mine anyway! 

Based on the above questions, if you were to design the master suite of your dreams or had the opportunity to change your current master suite, would you opt for:

1.) A bigger bedroom, bathroom or closet and why?
2.) What amenities in each category would you incorporate into your dream spaces?

I can not wait to hear your opinions and if I've left something out on your must have/or wish list tell me!

Tuesday Tip

Woven washable baskets. Get some!

 Panama Woven Washable Baskets 

This is the first time I have ever published a Tuesday Tip that was on the pricey side. But when I discovered these baskets from Williams-Sonoma Home, I thought it was worth passing along. The baskets look just like wicker, but are made from polypropylene.The retail price is $69.99 (I bought my for $59.95 at the WSH outlet in Leesburg, Virginia) which seems a bit much for just 2 baskets until you consider they can be used over and over and even left outdoors!

If you don't want to wash them by hand, you can put them in the dishwasher!!!

I love real wicker and have 2 pull out baskets for fruit/vegetable storage (with liners) in my kitchen,
but the germaphobe in me loves this more!!!

I can think of dozens of ways to use them, but here's what I did with my pair:

I've told my daughter to put whatever she needs for the pool here.

 My other daughter has one for all her summer items too. Now if she would just put her things away...teenagers!

Photos courtesy of WSH and A&A

The View From Here

I do not consider myself a gardener, I only buy and plant what I am confident I cannot kill. Other than the boxwoods that line the bluestone walkway and the topiaries that flank the steps, the A&A landscape is totally maintenance free. But that doesn't mean I don't spend more than I should on annuals every year and go outside to cut the perennials every chance I get. It keeps me sane. The last 3 weeks my pruning sheers have been getting a serious work-out.  Sanity can never be overrated. Neither can flowers.

Purple Hydrangea in a pewter champagne bucket on top of a secretary in the living room.

I realized after I downloaded the photos that the blooms echo the intricate details of this church ceiling!

Clipped from here. My only bush of this type. These blooms grow on existing wood and the leaves and stems are very stiff as opposed to some varieties that grow on new wood.



French Hydrangea. This says summer to me.
 These bushes also yield the most blooms, so be warned, I  go a little nuts with my cutting and arranging!

French hydrangea, in an antique French flower basket on an antique French chest.
 Who cares if the scale is off with flowers this pretty-right!?

One of my favorite containers from a trip to Charleston, SC. several years ago.
The basket above is also from there and was purchased from an antiques shop called Alexandra AD for all you francophiles who want to see (or buy) some absolutely beautiful pieces.

Can you have too many hydrangea in one room?

Probably, but they sure do make the blue ceiling stand out! The blue tapers were a gift from a friend.

And...blue is so calming.

We live on the deck in the summer. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's nothing special and could certainly use a major overhaul (tear down), but it's comfortable and a great spot to relax. All the trees keep the temperature about 10 degrees cooler than the front of the house and because it's 8 feet off the ground, there is usually a breeze. This year I purchased 2 new rugs. The last time I showed you the dining side was here. The French doors swing out right off the kitchen for plenty of al fresco dining. I love how the rugs really give the feeling of a room. Not to mention, they are soft underfoot when you have an old deck!  The little herb pots next to the hydrangea bouquet are from my kitchen window-getting a little fresh air.

Impatiens, vinca vine and now I can't remember the name of the plants with the purple leaves? I love these wooden planter boxes. They're 18 years old and have seen countless varieties of annuals over the years.

I bought yellow Hibiscus to flank the front steps. A first ever for me. I usually choose pink!

Lemon yellow, so fresh!

 But I still love pink flowers.

Double impatiens. They look like miniature roses without all the work!

 So how's the view from your house? What did you plant, what are you cutting this year?

All photos courtesy of A&A

Tuesday Tip

Cheap tricks for adding small amounts of fabric to a room. I have a few options beyond the toss pillow that I've used over the years. Whether you want to add a designer fabric remnant or just the need to be thrifty with your decorating, these ideas can help!

My daughter, who recently celebrated her 18th birthday, has announced she is ready for a bedroom makeover. I must admit, it's long overdue. Her room has been frozen in her 12 year old wishes about 4 years too long. She asked for a makeover 2 years ago and then couldn't commit to a color scheme, as she knows this is to be the final version of her room. We are going to start the process again of searching for the perfect fabric, that we both can live with!

From the time my children could talk and express their interests, they have always had a say in how their rooms were decorated. And because of that, I have always been quite thrifty about what goes into them.

Especially when it comes to fabrics. Typically, I don't recommend using use high-end fabrics for children's rooms. Between the wear and tear and pace at which children's interests change, it usually doesn't make sense to invest in textiles. That doesn't mean the room can't be stylish, but I tend to put the emphasis on function and enjoyment when decorating kid spaces. Once they're older, then by all means invest in key pieces and fabrics that can easily transform into guest rooms or that your children can take with them when they leave the nest!

Cheap trick #1

 

Add color and pattern to an inexpensive chair with fabric. This one happens to be from Ikea. It's perfect for a youth/teen room.  It's not particularly attractive, so recovering the seat cushion and lumbar pillow in discount fabrics went a long way in infusing it with some personality. The gingham welt on the seat cushion was cut from a Pottery Barn Outlet hamper liner! Some of you may recall that I am not beneath using shower curtains for fabric options either.



Cheap trick #2

Cover the drawer fronts of an old chest with fabric. Technically, this chest was my first antique. As a child, I was with my mother when she bought it. She painted it black and used it in the guest bedroom. It's had many renditions over the years and was used in both my children's nurseries. The fabric on it is from Laura Ashley and has remained this way for the last two room makeovers.  I hate to admit it, but I never got around to putting the same fabrics used on the chair on the drawer fronts.  It too will definitely get a much needed and more sophisticated update!

For those of you that have inquired, I have not abandoned Tuesday Tips, but have simply had a busy few months. I do hope to be more consistent, and recently had a client give me a good tip which I'll feature in an upcoming post. And, dear readers if any of you have a tip to pass along that you would like me to publish, just send me an email!