I see a chalk board in my future

Before I had a chance to get completely sick of seeing chalkboards and chalkboard paint on anything and everything, I was in love with this image.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/Breakfast-Area.jpg" /></div><br />The home was first published in O at Home and then in Cottage Style (the second image) and I remember reading that the owner had collected a lot of her furniture and art in Europe. It seems like she said she found the mirror at an antique store in Switzerland, but the glass broke so she made it in to a chalkboard. I LOOOOOVED the shape of that mirror. It's like all swoosh and no line on the frame, which makes it feel almost a little more modern maybe?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/Cottage-Style-Breakfast-Area.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">scans lifted from <a href="http://www.maddiegdesigns.com/still-inspiring-the-second-time-around/">here</a>.</span></div><br />Anyway I loved it but never thought it could be mine bc of the whole Europe/antique thing. Fast forward like 5 years to last week. I was at Meeker Ave Flea Market with some friends when... Wait. What's this. Is this the? Could it be??<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_0210.jpg" /></div><br />The exact same mirror! It's enormous and crazy heavy (the frame is cast iron). I bought a bunch of stuff that day for clients and my pals at Meeker gave me good pricing for the whole haul, so I'm telling myself the mirror was basically free even though it was really about $100.<br /><br />I have more mirrors than I could ever possibly hang, so I'm going to make this one into a chalkboard for my apartment (I know I'm a copy cat). Top color choices of the moment include black, navy or the old school chalkboard greeny emerald color.<br /><br />Now, to figure out what to do for the writing surface... I should probably take the mirror out, and replace it with mdf... Not a good idea to just paint over the glass, right? Or could I?

I see a chalk board in my future

Before I had a chance to get completely sick of seeing chalkboards and chalkboard paint on anything and everything, I was in love with this ...

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I feel duped

So yesterday was the big release of Missoni for Target, yadda yadda. I'm sure you're all sick of hearing about the debacle by now, but I'll add my voice to the frustrated masses. I was ready to buy online at midnight and after they pushed back the online launch I was at my computer and ready to buy at 3:00 am (no dice) and then again at 6:00 am and finally I was in! I felt really lucky when I had my pretty throw blanket in my cart, which was all I really wanted anyway, but then I started to shop the clothes a little bit before checking out (mistake). After about 15 minutes of active clicking on the Target site, I went to pay for my stuff and WHAT'S THIS?? No throw in my online cart? They sold it to someone else and put it in my saved items! Boo.<br /><br />So I thought I'd beat the system (and rush hour traffic) and I put on my running clothes, jogged down to the PATH and took the train to Hoboken and then ran another almost mile to the Target. The store opened at 8:00 am and I got there at 8:03. The home section was already CLEANED OUT!! I couldn't believe my eyes. Very rich-looking women were literally pushing and fighting over cheapy duvet covers and make up cases and espresso sets. It was the most bizarre situation. Not to mention I think about half of the Fashion Week interns were there shopping. They were done up head to toe and all chatting about their shows while they tried on the sweater dresses from the little girls section. I mosied around for a bit trying to scope out people's carts for my elusive throw. I was willing to make offers!! No throws though and I was feeling self conscious in my workout attire compared to the fashion squad. So I sulk-jogged home with only a measly candle and a two-sizes-too-large blouse to show for all my trouble.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/wwwchroncom.jpg" style="height: 406px; width: 573px;" /></div><br />Anyway, SOS! If anyone has an extra throw that they don't want to sell for hundreds of dollars on eBay (<a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trkparms=65%253A15%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1&rt=nc&_nkw=missoni+for+target+throw&_sc=1&_sticky=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_sop=3&_sc=1">no, seriously, check it out</a>), I would love to buy it from you.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Did you get anything from the sale? People <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/jennykomenda">on twitter</a> were either absolutely outraged at the whole way the sale was handled or they were annoyed at all the outrage. I was mostly annoyed that I spent the better part of a night and a morning hunting down a stupid <span style="font-style: italic;">fleece</span> throw I probably don't really need or want. Silly. Well, whatever, I do have high hopes for this pretty bowl I managed to buy in the online shopping portion of my morning. I want throw a big bunch of white peonies in there right this second.</div><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/bowlwwwchroncom.jpg" style="height: 479px; width: 479px;" /></div>Busy day coming up. I'm leaving in a bit to to head for the burbs and a full day of meetings and drop offs and pick ups and the returning of a too-big blouse. I'm also going to check out that <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/09/wishing-for-camelback-but-going-french.html">little settee</a> I told you about last week. My hopes are high for the settee, though I'm guessing the cushion needs more down. I'll keep you posted.<br /><br />PS It's a bit strange to me, but one of my most common Dear Jenny questions is what magazines I subscribe to. I guess there are lots of great (not-free) shelter publications out there, so it's nice to have a friend's advice. <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/the-new-home-ec/2011/09/13/24-shelter-magazines-i-love/">Here's my list</a>. Though admittedly some of these are only on my wi$h li$t.

I feel duped

So yesterday was the big release of Missoni for Target, yadda yadda. I'm sure you're all sick of hearing about the debacle by now, b...

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It's Called Dura-Lar

Hey, good news! I made some phone calls and tracked down the name of the silver sticky paper I used for my lamp shade liner in <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/09/lining-lampshades-with-metallic-paper.html">yesterday post</a>. It's called <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/grafix-metalized-dura-lar-film/?wmcp=google&wmcid=products&wmckw=27226-2410#description">Dura-Lar</a> and it's about $7 a yard (27" wide) and it's available in both silver and gold.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/Untitled-1.jpg" /></div><br />The gold option is especially exciting to me. It made me remember this wall in the Kate Spade store on Broome. Shiny gold stripes! Can't you imagine this in a powder bath? It would be a pretty cheap project too. Seems like you could get 14 or so full wall-length stripes for about $20, right? Not bad.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_8239.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_8237.jpg" /></div>

It's Called Dura-Lar

Hey, good news! I made some phone calls and tracked down the name of the silver sticky paper I used for my lamp shade liner in yesterday pos...

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Lining Lampshades with Metallic Paper

I love the little extra glimmer that metallic lined lampshades add to a room.<br /><br />I had a pair of drum shades from Target that <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/08/dying-lampshades.html">I dyed mint green</a> but they still needed a little something. I picked up a couple of sheets of adhesive-backed silver metallic paper at Utrecht Art Supply for $3 or $4 a sheet. I think if I do this project again though, I'll try this <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stainless-Steel-Silver-Adhesive-Contact-Paper-Liner-/290605623109?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a971e745">contact paper</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/Picture2.png" /></div><br />The general idea is really easy. Lay your drum shade down on the back of the paper, lining up the bottom of your shade with the bottom of the paper. Put a little piece of tape down to keep the shade and paper together.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_8177.jpg" /></div><br />Trace the edge of the shade while you roll so you can get the curve of the shade just right. Do the same for the other edge.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_8179.jpg" /></div><br />Then cut out the template, but cut about 1/4" inside the line so that the liner easily fits inside the lip of your shade.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_8180.jpg" /></div><br />Then just place it like a big sticker inside the shade, but be sure to start the paper on the seam of your shade if there is one. Smooth out any air bubbles with your hand or a credit card.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_8182.jpg" /></div><br />It's a ridiculously easy project, but I love the sparkle!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0006.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0036.jpg" /></div><br />Have you tried any similar projects? Anyone seen the silver <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stainless-Steel-Silver-Adhesive-Contact-Paper-Liner-/290605623109?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a971e745">contact paper</a> in person? Is it as bright as my artist paper?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/2DSC_0001.jpg" /></div><br />PS I did a round up of REALLY cheap lamps over on Babble. <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/the-new-home-ec/2011/09/11/12-cheap-and-chic-table-lamps/">Check it out here</a>. Can you believe this chic little number is only $15???<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/09-22-49-18.jpg" /></div>

Lining Lampshades with Metallic Paper

I love the little extra glimmer that metallic lined lampshades add to a room. I had a pair of drum shades from Target that I dyed mint green...

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Wishing for a Camelback, but Going French

So like I mentioned yesterday, the gray sofa is being replaced with a smaller piece. You can bet if I hadn't scored this <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-settee.html" target="_blank">little beauty</a> at the flea market already, I'd be shopping for a camelback sofa. I just love the lines. How can something so completely classic feel almost modern? Of course I always think of Ruthie's sofa, except I would probably opt for something with straight legs.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/Picture24.png" /></div><br />Love this one from <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/290598310211?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649" target="_blank">eBay</a>! Yowza, look at that red! My favorite color.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/Picture23.png" /></div><br />Anyway, it doesn't make sense to do a camelback since my little settee in the entry (which is too small to be used in the LR) is basically a mini camelback. I'm liking the idea of a piece with higher arms though. I like to sit in couches with my feet up and my back against the arm rests. That's really the only down side of the English roll arm style - no arm rest support to speak of.<br /><br />I'm going to check out this Frenchie number this weekend (and will report back with the news), but I also have a back up plan in mind...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/3n93k43m55Q55W55P1b95ace6d76faa131eac.jpg" /></div><br />I've scoured the interwebs high and low and did <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/the-new-home-ec/2011/09/08/24-love-seats-to-love/" target="_blank">a round up of all the love seats, settees and sofettes</a> that are readily available to folks without trade accounts. Prices range from $200 to almost $3k, and everything in between. Can you guess which settee is my Plan B?

Wishing for a Camelback, but Going French

So like I mentioned yesterday, the gray sofa is being replaced with a smaller piece. You can bet if I hadn't scored this little beauty ...

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Thinking about slipcovers

I don't know if my husband can say the same thing, but all this year, I've been planning to move out of our apartment once the one-year lease ended. That's sort of just me. I start to get antsy after about eight months of the same house. It's a problem, I know. I think (hope) that it would be different if we lived in a real house. But apartments feel fluid to me. It's easy for me to feel like it's no big deal to just pick up and move for a change of scenery. There are so many amazing neighborhoods to discover in NYC! Why not try them all!? I feel the same way about furniture. Just about the time I finish a project, I'm ready for something new. Truly, it's a sickness.<br /><br />This month we signed another year lease on our apartment, which was a little hard for me. I'm feeling that itch to start fresh. I think it's because this year has been reeeaaaaaal busy for me and we still don't feel very settled here. Our place is sort of decorated, but not very well, and it's certainly not "designed." It doesn't flow. It's not very organized.<br /><br />Since we've decided to stay here in our less-expensive-than-alternative-apartments-I-was-looking-at place, I've got a little extra money each month to make this space work better for us. I can't wait to share with you guys.<br /><br />First up! A new arrangement for our living room. I'll have to share all the nitty-gritty details later, but our tv broke and is causing us to rethink the seating arrangement. I'm thinking of ditching the gray sofa (that I got for free from Custom Sofa Design, which went under for a good reason) and shuffling things around a bit.<br /><br />I will keep my Lee English roll arm for another decade or two (seriously people! Invest your decorating dollars in good quality upholstery!!!), but the currant color is not my favorite. It's upholstered in Sunbrella's outdoor velvet in Ivory, which I have been testing and "reviewing" for the past year. All in all, I give it an A-. It is super duper soft for an outdoor fabric. And it wipes down really easy. I have two problems with the fabric: 1) I don't love the creamy beige color (that's a personal problem though) and 2) I wash the cushions like once a week and the fibers are starting to pull out. Again, I sort of feel like this is a personal problem. I feel like I am not caring for the fabric correctly. So, if you're in the market for a kid-friendly velvet I recommend the Sunbrella - just maybe not in the Ivory color and also don't wash it more than every other month and make sure to air dry.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0041.jpg" /></div><br />So, I'm realizing I might be a slipcover girl. As much as I try to keep the food and beverages in the dining area, the kids forget almost daily. Evie unbuckles herself from the Stokke and walks around with her PB&J. No bueno for the rug and the upholstery. But I love throwing the cushions of the Lee and the gray sofa in the washer and having brand new couches once a week or before guests come over.<br /><br />Wow, this post is getting chatty! Anyway, point is, I'm planning to slipcover the Lee in white denim or duck or heavy linen so I can bleach it. I would love something like this with little box pleats (from the <a href="http://wshcollection.com/Shop/Product/windsor-double-sided-sofa.html?Id=172&cookie_failed=1#">Windsor $mith collection</a>)...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/172.jpg" /></div><br />Sort of reminds me of this sofa (anyone know the maker?):<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/coleandsoncowparsley.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cole and Sons</span><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/INEEDTHISSOFA5815477672_70ae2755e3_z.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Decor8</span></div><br />I think the white slipcover will be obviously a little more casual, and a little girlie. But the plan is to pair it with more masculine elements - like a boxy settee and more modern club chairs. (Which reminds me - anyone interested in a pair of <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-reupholster-chair-part-5-sewing.html">navy bergere chairs</a>? I told you it was a sickness.)<br /><br />So, have you sewed a slip cover for your sofa before? I've done chairs before, but nothing this big. I'm thinking between the size of my couch, the roll arms and all those little box pleats, this one might be a job for the professionals. What do you think?<br /><br />Also, anyone else out there with a similar case of Wanderlust? Am I the only one who craves constant change?

Thinking about slipcovers

I don't know if my husband can say the same thing, but all this year, I've been planning to move out of our apartment once the one-y...

Read more »