home exterior: April 2011

Don't bug me!

Sometimes I stumble upon strange designs which reveal some relations to wildlife...

Looking at that chair I was uncomfortably reminded of a bug or perhaps a chair of medieval torture quality...

I hope you are all sitting comfortably!
Happy weekend!

XX
Victoria

Images as indicated and last one via google image.

A happy marriage

Wishing them both the greatest of happiness from this day on forward!

Here is to HRH Prince William and Princess Catherine!

May there be many blessings!

Victoria

I watched it with my girlfriends and we had tea, scones and tiaras...

Welcome to Show and Tell Friday! This week I'm sharing my hutch...I know you've all seen this before but I've decided I need some change around my place so I'm selling it. If anyone local is interested. I'm asking $300. Just send me an email to cindy95131@yahoo.com
I'm also going to sell my blue cabinet below. I'm also asking $300.
It must be Spring because I always feel like decluttering

Another before and after: Home office makeover

A thin layer of fine stone dust has settled all over in the house. We have gotten a new walkway and it is almost done. It sounds like it has been going on forever, but the weather has delayed so much including today, where we were hoping to be finished!

Alas, we still wait for the outdoor lights to be installed and on Monday we will be getting the new soil and grass seeded for our lawn, which has suffered to the point of no repair from cement mixing and stone cutting.

First glimpse!

But there has been done so much, we are not complaining!

*

And since there was a lot of dirt in the house I decided to surprise my husband by refreshing his office, which is housed in the actual sun room. It has a fire place and lots of windows, wood paneling and is a typical small afterthought build in the 50's!

By that I mean it has virtually no insulation, which makes it super hot in the summer and cold in the winter...Yes, there is heat, but barely! But my husband has an indestructible constitution and holds up day in day out!

I started with a clean out and prepping. Covered all his papers, which I am not allowed to touch and began merrily with the ceiling. To my utter surprise one coat of ceiling white covered the dirtiest corners at once.

The fireplace surround has been the typical brick used in so many of the houses of that era. It had to go. Two layers of Behr's semi gloss primer and paint in one did the job perfectly!

I painted it white, like all the trim and wooden shelves and it looked suddenly wonderful...
Then on to the walls, they've gotten a neutral Sandy Beach by Behr and then I managed the trim and shelves. 24 hours later I was done, exhausted, but happy with the results.

I couldn't resist a little girly touch...

Now all that's left to do is fill in the shelves with all that stuff....

When hubby returned yesterday from his business trip he was all in awe and did not wanted to leave his office, because he loves it so!
That is something, right?

XX
Victoria

All images by V.Zlotkowski

Happy Administrative Professionals Day!

Since I'm an Administrative Assistant, I have to wish all of you who also share my profession a Happy Administrative Professionals Day today!

If you know an Admin, a Secretary, a Clerical Worker or a Executive Assistant, wish them a happy day today too!! Sometimes this can be a thankless job so it's nice to be recognized on this day!
This morining I got up and picked this beautiful bouquet of

Sunday afternoon in the Garden

The Botanical Garden holds magical powers over us! When the first sun comes out we are thinking of visiting this lovely place! Armed with my camera I delight in the artistry of the designs, the colors, scents and the atmosphere!

Orchid Show 2011
BGNY

We caught the last day of the Orchid exhibition, something we pretty much never miss and have observed for many years!

These pictures were taken by my son.

But although these Orchids are magnificent, this year I actually enjoyed the fresh beds and fierce budding flowers - tulips and narcissus - and the flowering trees much more.
There is something youthful and strong, yet innocent to these first emerging buds.

An abundance I enjoy watching.
The colors are so beautiful and every time I leave from there I am so inspired for my own little outdoor space.

The air was richly perfumed with spring scents, moist soil and the fresh green grass made people playful and we enjoyed the magical blossoms.

I took so many pictures, as always, it is hard to select the ones I like best to show you.
So there are a few more!
Enjoy!

Have a great week ahead!
We are back to finally finishing our major outdoor project at home. It's looking good so far! Soon more about it!

xx
Victoria

PS: I want to encourage you to check out my other blog part: House and Living! There you'll find inspiration for books, movies and more.

All pictures by V. and T. Zlotkowski and subject to copyright. Please ask permission before use.

Happy Easter

What a wonderful time Easter represents. At the beginning of spring it brings hope and renewal. We love the tradition of the Easter bunny and the seeking of filled eggs in the garden. When the children were little we had utmost fun letting them out after the morning dew had dried up and seek for chocolate eggs and small gift hidden in bushes, covered with the first green. And we still do it to this year!
We are delighting in the festive feel of this Sunday.

New energies are flowing and especially this year begins for us literally with new steps ahead. (See below)

Happy Easter!
Hope, peace and renewal to you all!

PS: I had to restrain myself from showing you the progress we have been making on our walk way. It is all laid out, the steps are in and only the bad weather of this weekend has stopped the workers from getting it all done. So we have to wait until Monday or Tuesday to get the finishing touches in place!
Unfortunately they send us the wrong mailbox, so that has to wait as well...
And then I will show you the results!

XX
Victoria

All images by V.Zlotkowski