March 05, 2012

happy randomness

"A little bit of this and a little bit of that" seemed like a good title, too. 

My husband took me sofa shopping before Christmas.  We spent the day together in Houston--Greg let me hunt to my heart's content {he had his smart phone, he was happy, too}.  After finding some options, but not, you know, the one, I asked if we had enough time to visit my all-time favorite furniture store, Quatrine.  Hubs of the Year said "Sure, let's go."  I was happily drooling away thirty minutes later, oohing and aahing over their fabrics and trims.  The adorable manager came over to ask if I knew about the Christmas sale, half off any custom sectional??  I nearly fainted.  Greg had to sit down with his smart phone. 

Fast forward three months, and I am the deliriously happy owner of a custom Quatrine sectional, slipped in linen, trimmed out with a tiny flat-welt linen stripe.  It's kiddo friendly, as in fully washable.  Greg--I love it--thank you!





Ellie found it to her liking immediately.  We all fit.  All four of us and two dogs happily fit, spread out and/or curled up.  It finally feels like a family room. 

Need to order some more pillows.  And may need some blankets before next winter . . .  One thing at a time! 

Now, it's been a pretty exciting week for little old me--new furniture, a new puppy, and a new camera!!!  Also a tremendous gift--from my hubby's parents--as a sweet thank you for helping them update/upgrade their beautiful home.  I am so grateful.  I love to document this sweet life, to capture the milestones and the sweet, small moments.  It's a creative outlet and so much more. 

Today was my first day to play photographer, and I have a lot to learn, but it's so exciting!  So, here are some practice pictures . . . 





Holly is busy-busy-busy.  Growing, eating, chewing, chasing, sleeping . . . never a dull moment with a puppy in the house.  She nestles into the nearest lap she can find, true to her breed, she is a companion.  This week she's learning how to sit and we're working on come.  We're also busily digging up the nandina in the backyard--which is toxic to her tiny tummy. 

More camera practice--and I don't think I ever posted my kitchen with the updated fridge?  I don't remember . . . 



Spring Break is right around the corner.  We've got Sea World and Midland, Texas on the itinerary, so stay tuned.  I plan to take a TON of pictures--and will hopefully master the video part of my camera! 

In the mean time, Holly sends kisses!

21 comments:

  1. Jumped right over as soon as I saw your pin on Pinterest! You know I'd recognize a Quatrine piece anywhere! LOVE IT! It's absolutely perfect! Did Monica help you? She's great! ENJOY!

    xoxo,
    Linsey

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  2. LOVE the sectional. I want to come curl up on it with a french vanilla soon....

    and, tell Holly to stop growing!!!!

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  3. HI, Amanda, loved seeing your house at Joni's, it is just gorgeous!! You must be so proud of what you've accomplished. Love that you explained your values as well, we all have to keep in mind that as much as we love decorating, it is all just stuff.

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  4. Ok I am cracking up. I found you through Cote De Texas- 1st off my name is Amanda, I have a blog too, I live in The Woodlands, And we have the exact same floor plan!! We live in a Life Forms Home in Alden Bridge (Alden Trace) AND your living room chandelier is almost identical to mine! LOL So funny!! Im so glad I found you! Hope you'll stop by my blog as well. P.S. your kitchen is DIVINE!!

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  5. What an utterly unexpected, wonderful birthday gift I just received courtesy of the blog-o-sphere! The mini-tour of your darling house was a perfect treat. Just beautiful Amanda. Every-little-thing is just so beautiful. Good for you sweet friend! Joni couldn't have written a more timely, welcome, delightful post if she'd known me personally and tried her very best.

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    1. Can't think of a single soul I'd rather here from than YOU! Kirsten, I miss you madly. How are you, Skip and your trio of beauties? I'm itching for a newsy e-note. Thank you for the lovely compliment--I know from experience your taste is divine--means the world!

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  6. HI,
    I found your blog through Joni at Cote De Texas. Wow, I love everything you have done with your home, too many to list them all. Great inspiration for projects I would like to do. I would love to reno my fireplace mantle. Yours looks great. I am a new follower of your blog.

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    1. Lana--Thank you so much!! I am so happy to "meet" you . . . So happy to have you as a follower--I'll try to keep happy, fun inspiration coming your way! Amanda

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  7. JUST FOUND YOUR BLOG VIA "COTE DE TEXAS" YOUR KITCHEN REDO IS WONDERFUL... I HAVE THE CABINETS YOU STARTED WITH...WHERE DID YOU SOURCE THE NEW DOORS...PLEASE

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    1. Hi there! Thank you so much! I put a little info in a comment below--I had a carpenter build the shaker doors & drawer fronts for me, paint-grade wood, then painted them to match existing trim in the house. Also put up some new crown at the top of the cabinets. We didn't gut the kitchen, didn't think it was necessary. Are you local--if so, I'd be happy to give you my carpenter's info--he's a master of his trade.

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  8. Hi Amanda - love the transformation (via Cote de Texas). Could you please give me the
    sources/brands for your seagrass carpet (both he wall to wall and the area rugs). I live in upstate
    NY and they are not as popular up here, but I love the look.
    Thanks so much.
    Lauren

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    1. Lauren--thank you so very much!! The carpet is Masland, Inverness, color Birdseye Maple--it's fantastic, heavy face weight and made from super soft Luxurelle BCF Nylon. The seagrass area rug is from Sisal Rugs Direct {www.sisalrugs.com}--I chose Seagrass "Seaside" Weave and the binding is Tan Extra Wide Canvas with mitered corners. They have great prices, and oftentimes, free shipping. I ordered the pad from them, too, and was pleased with both. Many thanks--Amanda

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  9. I've got "puppy love"...along with "kitchen envy"...is your breeder local...I'm so "in need (want)" of a Cav! franki fmparde@gmail.com

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    1. Thank you!! I LOVE CAVALIERS! My sweet breeder is from Abiline, but she will deliver anywhere in Texas. My parents have four from her, my sister has two. These dogs are so dear. Her name is Della Kinney, her business is Companion Cavaliers. She's on Facebook, and her email is dkinney@clearwire.net.

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  10. Hi there--and welcome--and THANK YOU! It has been such a treat to have Joni {just adore her} show my house to all you wonderful blogger gals!

    A little info . . . The seagrass look-a-like carpet is Masland "Inverness" Color Birdseye Maple. I love it! My paint color in the main part of the house is Benjamin Moore Clay Beige OC-11. The blue-grey color in my bedroom/little girl's room is Artic Grey, also Benjamin Moore.

    The kitchen cabinets . . . I liked the layout, hated the melamine cabinetry--so I had my carpenter make new door & drawer fronts for all the exisiting openings. We did a shaker style door, paint grade, and did a slightly oversized measurement--but not quite full overlay. We were able to use the existing hinges. I had the cabinets sprayed--and it's actually a plain old Sherwin Williams white. It's really close to Benjamin Moore White Dove.

    What a treat to have you stop by and leave comments!! Thank you all!!

    More to come--all three bathrooms will need major overhauls--should be dusty and fun!

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  11. Love your blog, I too am a visitor from Cote De Texas. We have JUST moved to The Woodlands (from East Texas) and bought a 20 year old home in need of similar updating so I am thrilled to know about your blog and follow your progress!! Being new to this part of Texas, I don't know where to find a lot of what I am looking for or who to hire. Was hoping you could tell me who repainted the grey chest - we are expecting our first baby in a few weeks and I have an antique dresser for his room that needs an overhaul. Also your needlepoint pillows are absolutely gorgeous and I'd love to know where you found those as well, I have been looking for some like these for ages!!

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    1. Hi Taylor--Congratulations on Baby! There is NOTHING BETTER than your first tiny little angel's arrival. What sweet moments you have coming your way! I would be so happy to meet with you and give you some of my contractor's names--they're all wonderful. And . . . I painted the chest, it's become a bit of a hobby. I'd be happy to take a look at yours! Send me an email--ahburkett@gmail.com--if you'd like--and we can take it from there! Fondly--Amanda PS I have several needlepoint pillow sources, I can send you some links to "shop"!

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  12. Also visiting from Joni but I am a Woodlands girl too. Great to see that Joni has ties out here, or at least did. I am also the happy owner of a Quatrine sofa. Had it for probably 10 years and love that slipcover. Looks new every time I wash it and IT IS WHITE!! Love what you have done to your home! We live in the front, the oldest part of TW and are slowly bringing our place into the present. Facing retirement age, trying to decide to stay in this one or go. Can't imagine not living in TW, could walk to the mall!! Follower now...

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    1. Hi Debe--So good to "meet" you--love finding Woodlands bloggers! I may have to email you the first time I wash the slipcover--I'm terrified I'll mess it up! My in-laws are in the front of The Woodlands, fixing up their 22 year old home. Such fun, but very consuming to say the least! So glad you're following--thank you for commenting!! Fondly, Amanda

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  13. Hi! I came across your lovely sofa through pinterest. I'm in the process of ordering a Quatrine sofa after I've heard so many rave reviews from friends who own them! I wondered if you remember the base fabric you used to slip your sofa? It looks like a great neutral without being too light. thank you kindly for your help!
    Tessa

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    1. Lovely Tessa--I spotted your darling blog when hunting for slips--and you inspired my wingback chairs! Yes, I have the fabric right here. It's Grade E Veranda Twig, linen/cotton blend. The decking and flat welt are Grade F Attic Stripe Ocean. I do love my Quatrine sectional. It's cozy and comfy just enough "chic" to keep me happy! Amanda

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