V-day Painting (not the edible kind)

Something about Valentine's Day rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it's all the pressure it piles on to prove how much you love someone, or feel bad about not having found love yet, or worse—realizing you don't love the person you're with. Ok, Debbie Downer—wah waaaaaah! 

BUT I do love love. And presents. And flowers. And the color pink—red's not bad either. So, maybe it's time for a change of heart.

While jewelry always makes me smile, I think something a little more colorful is in order.

by Yolanda Sanchez

This makes me so happy and energized. I'm thinking dining room? Bedroom?

Oil painting, "Died Pretty" by Todd Hunter 

Lots of pop but really soft at the same time. Probably the only pink painting I could get away with hanging in a house with three boys. 

 

 

 by AK Daves

A very calming piece with...wait for it...METALLIC GOLD PAINT! dying.

by John Vander Stelt

I mean, it's cake. Sold.

McMuffin, if you're reading this—no pressure (lots of pressure).

Fire. Food. Fashion.

I finally had time to paint the fireplace wood holder thingies that I picked up at an Estate Sale a few weeks ago. They were a super faded gold and I thought it would be a fun place to bring a bold punch of color. I'm not really sure how I feel about the final result so help me decide.

I'm officially obsessed with spray painting. Note: I tried convincing McMuffin to let me paint our mailbox hot pink. No dice. *sad face

Now just pretend there is a pile of birch wood laying across the holders.

Here's a better shot of them in the space. Soooo what are our thoughts on the orange? Tell me what you think.

Aaaaand the other big project was last night's feast. I kicked it off with this super flavorful, colorful and healthful ratatouille. HUGE HIT! You can grab the recipe in this month's edition of Food & Wine. Yuh. Mee.

Lastly, I need to add my two cents on all the Emmy fashion from last night. Here are my top three looks:

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My FAVORITE! I wonder if Suri helped her pick this out? 

I LOOOOOVE this gown. And her accessories are perfect!

This dress is so fun. I think it would look amazing in emerald green and gold. Just saying.

Lastly, what is with these gorgeous young ladies wearing Mother of the Bride dresses? 

  

Diana: Satin never looks good on anyone. EVER. And the cut of this dress does absolutely nothing for you. Fart-central. 

Minka: You're going through a break up, I get it, you're sad. But leave the pity party at home. Your whole look is depressing. Waaaaaa. 

Crazy week ahead! Here's to consuming lots of wine coffee and Smartwater to help get through it with a smile.

Andrea xx

Fireplaces and Other Spaces.

One of the (many) eyesores we encountered after we purchased the house was the fireplace. And tackling it was super easy. All we needed was some primer and paint.

BEFORE:

We went with Decorator's White for the mantel (to match the rest of the trim in the house). 

And then we cut the gray wall paint in half to paint the bricks so it would blend into the wall a little more.

AFTER: (watching Morning Joe)

McMuffin also painted the black side tables gray, now they look like they belong in the space...until we find ones we (I) like. He also took it upon himself to pick up a new Samsung television. What a guy!

If you plan on giving your fireplace a face-lift, here are some other styles that I adore:

 

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LOVE the yellow!

  

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So romantic.

 

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My sister-in-law could probably fill this fireplace twice. 

(BTW—Congrats to Ali for making Amazon's list for top books of the year! #5!!!) 

 

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Great idea with the firewood—if you have a fireplace you can't use.

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I love everything about this room. Especially the fireplace...and those ottomans. sigh.

Of course, I need this Horchow fireplace screen. Safety first, right?

And because it's my dream to have an outdoor fireplace I thought I'd include some here as well.

 

 

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Andrea xx