Heather Bullard

Apparently, We Never Learn

Yes, we remain to be gluttons for punishment and the makers of completely idiotic decisions. What. Is. Wrong. With. Us? No sooner did the Christmas wrapping paper hit the floor did we decide it was a great time to rip out our old doors and install a new set of French doors? How soon we forget.

Somehow, The Man was able to sucker one of his dive buddies into coming over to help. I think it involves later payment of a steak dinner and a free dive trip. I didn't get involved in the negotiations. But I'm on the friends side. It's a holiday weekend.

And all those beautiful Christmas decorations that need to be boxed up and put away? Well, they're covered with debris and dust because our stone floors needed to be cut along with the drywall, support beams and stucco. I need an air mask to just to breath inside our freezing cold house.

 

Right around dusk they were still trying to shim the doors to fit and making phone calls to their "door guy" to ask questions about how tight they fit, is this normal, can you come help? Or something along those lines. I stopped listening after I heard The Man say, "This is harder than I thought." He never says that, ever.

Tomorrow is my birthday and I plan on spending it away from home. Far away. I think that sounds like a good idea. For once!

My Holiday Home

   

After day of Christmas shopping and lunch with The Man, it's so nice to come home and see holiday decorations. Funny how simple things can add such joy to my Christmas spirit. Hope you're taking some time to celebrate the season too. I'm off to wrap presents!

Simple Holiday Decorating

Oh dear friends, how can I thank you? Your warm, funny and encouraging comments on my last post made my predicament so much more enjoyable. Thanks for your support and understanding. It seems I'm not alone in making ridiculous decisions and somehow that very thought made me feel better. The painting is half finished and we've decided to do the landing and hallways after the holidays. Yippee!

 

I'm sure you won't be surprised to hear that I'm keeping my Christmas decor on the simple side. Learned my lesson like an honors student. For the front door I purchased a fresh wreath and some new evergreens along with the most beautiful pale rose colored poinsettias and I carried the color theme into the house.

I'll be posting more of my vignettes in the next few days. I need to make a tree topper (or buy one). Can't seem to find our angel anywhere in the Christmas boxes. And I've got a few handmade projects to show you too. Just need to finish them up and take some pics for you. Thanks again for lifting my spirits. It was like an early and much needed Christmas present!

What Was I Thinking??

Why in the world did I think that painting nearly half of my downstairs the first week of December was a good idea? Was I insane? Seriously, who does this to themselves?

Did I not realize that I would have to unload every nook and cranny? Did I not remember that every square inch of trim would have to be taped off and cut in?

Was I aware that instead of decorating for Christmas I was going to be up to my elbows in clutter? Or that every flat surface in the house would be occupied by some sort of "treasure"?

How about the fact that as soon as I'm done cleaning up this mess I got myself into I would then have to unload 10 boxes of Christmas decor and get into the holiday spirit, huh Heather? How about that?

Sheesh. I guess that about does it for the kicking myself in the you know what. Thanks for listening. I feel much better venting. Now I'm going to scrub paint drippings off the floors. And maybe by the end of the weekend I will have made some Christmas progress.

Paint Magic

I've had this tiered stand for years now and have really loved how useful it is on my kitchen counter. When I originally bought it, it was black but I've grown tired of the dark color and was ready for a quick change.

I sprayed it with two different colors of grey/gray spray paint to give it a little extra depth. One was flat and the other semi-gloss. Here are the three items I used on it. They are all available at Lowe's.

The last step was using the Antiquing Glaze to give it dimension and add a rustic touch. I rubbed the glaze on with a towel and wiped some of the excess off with a cheese cloth. It ages it perfectly in an instant.

In other painting news...I've been trying to choose "the perfect white" for my living/dining rooms and it's been no easy task. Here's a little video of my dilema. In case you wanted to share in my obsession.

Repurposed Utensil Holder

 

One of my favorite purchases at the Junk Bonanza was this vintage German utensil holder. Originally it was meant to hold ladels and spoons near the stove but I thought it would make the perfect jewelry holder.

It has a small tray at the bottom which is perfect for holding rings, bracelets and pins. One of the reasons I loved it so much was because of the black & white calligraphy. Such a timeless combination. 

Does anyone know German? I tried to translate the words but only came up with roast, roasing, fry, pan, cook and bake. I can barely remember my years and years of French in school and think I would have failed German miserably. The words seem so hard to pronounce.

Although these pale blue enamel utensils were not part of the holder I thought they would be nice to serve jams, jellies, chutneys or nuts and their color was so unique. I'm looking forward to using them. It's funny what you end up with when you're at an antique show. You never know what will strike your fancy and in what ways you'll be inspired to use it. 

Gettin' Crafty & Fall Finds

Just to warn you...this will start off as a fun post, something you will really like. Then somewhere in the middle you will be mad at me. So, if you'd like to click away now, I won't get my feelings hurt. Continuing on for those who are willing to forgive me. Aren't those pumpkins the coolest ever? I made them with the most scrumptious velvet I've ever seen. Hand dyed beauties with crinkles and sheen. Gorgeous preserved squash stems and velvet leaves to accent them. Beauuuuutiful Autumnal Perfection!

 

I can't take all the credit though, they came from a kit. The talented Kim at Olive Juice came up with the idea and I couldn't wait to buy one. They're called Posh Squash. Now...here's the part I warned you about. They're completely SOLD OUT! I know. I'm sorry. It's taken me a while to finish them to share with you and now look what I've done. Shown you something that isn't available anymore. But I'm hoping some of you crafty divas will still be inspired to make your own. I know you're out there. You're the ones who always think..."I can make that". So now you'll have to do just that. And hopefully next year Kim's fingers won't be worn to the bone and she'll be able to create hundreds upon hundreds of kits for those who like me, need direction and a fool proof plan. ; )

So to end things on a better note...did you notice my table? My new rustic farmhouse table? The one with the perfectly aged wood and spindle legs? Last week my buddies Pam, Amy, Jenny and I were at the Long Beach flea market going over details of our upcoming event. We were standing next to this table while we were talking and when I finally looked down to notice....I had to have it! So Amy, being the great junker that she is, went over to the dealer and got the price down for me. Thanks Amy! Now it sits on my patio waiting for dinners, parties, luncheons and photoshoots. Here's a silly video we shot that morning after I bought the table.  

In the video I tried to show you the completely awesome handmade journal Pam brought to take notes. If only I could craft like that woman. I jotted my notes down on my phone...not quite as glamorous as the way she does things. I'm sure those of you coming to our Brocante Carnival will now be relieved at seeing how serious we all are. Flea markets bring out the best in friends!

Autumn Decorating

I've been a busy homemaker lately dusting, vacuuming, cleaning windows, patio furniture, bathrooms & bedrooms, cleaning out cupboards, rearranging furniture, baking cookies, grilling steaks for dinner and pulling out some of my autumn decorations.

I decided not to go "All Out" this year and kept things on the simple side. Mostly using fresh pumpkins and gourds mixed in with a few of my favorite holiday decorations.

 

I picked the remaining blooms on my hydrangeas, which had turned a beautiful rusty green combination, perfect for fall. And I was able to fill this giant silver punch bowl for my dining room. I hope they dry nicely.

My only Halloween decoration (I'm sure there are a few gasps here) is this foil pumpkin character which has such an adorable face. Isn't he cute?

All that was needed for the kitchen and breakfast table were a few bowls of gourds and a glittery pumpkin atop my favorite grey scale. I have to say that keeping things easy made the decorating more enjoyable. Now maybe I can get rid of some of the stuff I've been accumulating for years. I mean who needs 3 giant boxes of autumn decorations anyway? I think I should let nature speak for itself. Who can improve on that? Wishing you all a gorgeous autumn afternoon!

On Being Domestic

On Monday I'll be flying to Washington state to style and photograph a house for the magazine. My frequent flyer miles are adding up. For now, I'm thoroughly enjoying all the joys domesticity brings. Like having meals at the breakfast table. We never use the formal dining room. I like the comfort and simplicity of a kitchen table, don't you?

A trip to the market was needed to stock up on fresh fruit and ingredients for dinner and baking. Lemon bars were on the menu.

I've tried dozens of utensils to juice lemons and always go back to my favorite wooden reamer. It's the best at getting every last drop.  

With baking season right around the corner I found a couple of great cannisters with brushed aluminum lids. They have seals on them to keep my flour and sugar fresh. You can find them at Target and here. I used an old tin scoop for the sugar and a teacup for the flour. I saw this idea in Country Living about 4 years ago and never forgot that teacup flour scoop. Do any of you remember it?

Have you read this book? It's packed with gorgeous photos and delicious recipes and is texturally beautiful. The book cover and paper quality are incredible. When his Jamie at Home series first appeared on  Food TV, I recorded all the episodes and poured over the details of his garden, cooking shed, outdoor grill, each and every little bit was studied. I love the lifestyle of cooking with seasonal ingredients from your own garden. I think I should probably buy the series on dvd so I can watch it anytime.

Well, I'm going to get back to preparing dinner. Grilled Chicken Terriyaki bowls with sauteed broccoli and toasted almonds. And of course, lemon bars. What are you having for dinner?

Summer, Why are you flying by?

    What have you been doing this summer? Please tell me stories of camping out, swimming in the ocean, flying kites, and lazy afternoons spent in a hammock. I can't believe how fast this summer is just zooming by. Seems like it started just yesterday.

My faithful summer hydrangeas are putting on quite a show in my garden. I'm fortunate they don't mind being neglected and still continue to bloom year after year. They make me look like I'm a great gardener when in fact I'm just the opposite. Thank you hydrangeas for making me look good.

    In other news, we're getting ready to pack up our suitcases, camera equipment and styling props to hit the highways. It's time to put on my other hat as Editorial Contributor and produce some great stories for you. Oh, the ideas that roll around in my head at night keeping me from peaceful sleep. I think this is quite common for us creative types.

I'm going to do my best to blog from the road, internet willing and able. We've taken notes from all your incredible suggestions and have our game plan ready of the can't miss places. As they say...time to take this dog and pony show on the road. Wanna come along with us?