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Oct 31, 2012

Halloween Happenings!

It’s Wanderlust Wednesday, and we are off to..where else…Salem, Massachusetts! The Halloween Capital of the World! For 11 months of the year, Salem is just another beautiful seafaring city along the North Shore of Boston. A favorite year-round tourist destination, Salem features many unique attractions, like Pickering Wharf, filled with boutiques and restaurants

Salem Willows, a beautiful ocean-side park

with an old-fashioned arcade

and the House of Seven Gables– the home of Susanna Ingersoll, cousin to Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Hawthorne’s frequent visits to this home are credited with inspiring the setting and title of his 1851 gothic novel The House of the Seven Gables.

Ah, but come the month of October, the city comes alive with the sights and sounds of Haunted Happenings, Salem’s homage to all things Halloweeny (Click here for all the official event information)

There are costume balls

The Devils Run road race

and thousands of costumed tourists flocking to the city to join in the festivities…

but also to visit and tour the Witch House (the only structure still standing with direct ties to the witch trials of the 1600’s.)

and the Salem Witch Museum where you will learn the true story of the Witch Hysteria of 1692.Salem, of course, is home to the notorious Salem Witch Trials that took place in the 1600’s, when twenty innocent men and women were put to death under suspicion of witchcraft.

Modern-day witches, such as Laurie Cabot, “The Official Witch of Salem”

(as proclaimed by Governor Dukakis in the 1970’s), have fared much better than their ancestral counterparts. The city itself has embraced its historic heritage and is nicknamed “Witch City”, and hosts a multitude of witch shops that feature all things witchcraft and offer Psychic Readings. Tonight, on Salem Commons, you can join in the Salem Witch’s Samhain Celebration (where you will find the true history, based in Celtic roots, of the holiday we now know as Halloween).

But if you don’t want to brave the post-Sandy weather, and the horrifically haunted crowds tonight, you can visit Invocation Creation, where you will learn more about Psychic Readings and Tarot and the practice of modern-day witchcraft. The information is spell-binding!

Ok, time to get my costume ready for work. I am going as a middle-aged blogger/health-care provider. Can’t get much scarier than that! Have a “spook”tacular (and safe) Halloween!! Susan

Filed Under: Uncategorized · Tagged: Halloween, Haunted Happenings, Invocation Creation, Laurie Cabot, Massachusetts, Salem, Witch Museum, Witch Trials, Witchcraft

Oct 26, 2012

Craftsy. Learn it. Make it. Love it.

By countrydesignhome · 1 Comment

This week’s High Five for Friday goes to Craftsy.com!

Their mantra: Learn it. Make it. It’s like going to community college night classes in the comfort of your own home-I wish I had thought of this! You know all those awesome hand-crafted items on Pinterest and Esty that you think “gee, how do I make that?!” And you are too busy, too stressed, work full-time, don’t have the tools or the knowledge or someone to show you how to make it happen? Well, this website is for you! It’s a free membership, you sign up and have immediate access to thousands of patterns and professional online how-to videos and information for everything from cake creations and crocheted clothing to decorating your nest. You learn at your pace, on your time, whether you are burning the midnight oil in your PJ’s or hanging out on the back porch on a lazy summer afternoon. They even have an online store where you can purchase the craft items you need for your projects. I have added a couple of my own designs to my Country Pretty page, and will be adding more shortly. (so for any of you out there that want to make a whale table of your very own, check my link soon). So whether you want to create a very special cake…

or crochet a hat (this one’s from Color My World Crochet– so pretty!)

Create a chalkboard sign

Or antique a table…

…click on the Craftsy logo link above and get crafting! TGIF everyone!!! Susan

Filed Under: Inspiration · Tagged: cake decorating, crafts, Craftsy, Craftsy.com. Etsy, crochet, DIY, do it yourself, home decorating, paint, Pinterest, whale table

Oct 22, 2012

Candy Corn Cookies

By countrydesignhome · 1 Comment

These yummy little shortbread cookies will be a hit at any Halloween party! I found this recipe on the pages of Coastal Living Magazine (one of the reasons I still love print magazines is finding little gems like this while perusing the glossy photographs of amazing spaces- online, I would have to be searching for this recipe…) Enjoy!

Halloween Cookie Bites

Prep: 50 Minutes Chill: 2 Hours Bake 8-10 Minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 butter flavored extract (or you could use almond)

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (I used orange- delish!)

Yellow food coloring. Red food coloring.

1. Beat butter and sugar together at medium speed with an electric mixer for 2 minutes. Beat in egg and extracts. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt and lemon zest. Gradually stir into butter mixture until fully combined and forms a stiff dough.

2. Place dough onto cutting surface and divide into 3 equal parts. (about 1 1/4 cups each). Leave one plain, add yellow food coloring to the second and then yellow/red to the third to make bright orange.

3. Grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan, and then line it with plastic wrap, smoothing it out as well as you can. Starting with the plain colored dough, press into bottom of pan to make a smooth layer. Add the orange dough, then the yellow on the top. Cover and chill min 2 hours.

4. Turn dough out onto cutting board. Slice in 1/2 inch sections (like you would a pound cake) and with the slice laying flat on the board, cut it into 6 triangles that resemble candy corn pieces. Place on cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil (shiny side down). The dont need to be very far apart, as they do not spread. Bake @ 350 degrees 8-9 minutes until set but not browned. Cool on wire racks.

Makes 10 dozen delicous cookie bites!!

Filed Under: Cookin' Up Country · Tagged: Coastal Living Magazine, cookie bites, Halloween Cookies

Oct 21, 2012

Brushing It All Aside

By countrydesignhome · 2 Comments

This weekend, in preparation for the upcoming holidays, I have been working on the Hall of Shame (yes, we are on the home stretch now!). Basically I am finishing up the painting begun back in April, on that fateful day when I dropped the entire can onto the floor. Yesterday I completed all the trim, then tackled the remaining wall with the 3rd quart of Benjamin Moore Smoke paint- pretty, huh?

All was going well until I reached the very top of our hall stairway, which is very narrow and steep with a high ceiling. (Please don’t judge me because of my burgundy carpet. That was from the 80’s, and I knew not what I was doing!)

With no way to reach the very top far corner, I had two options…

1. Suspend myself from the top stair to the wall and essentially dangle over the stairwell.

With Coach not being around, and my poor track record with disasters and mishaps in this hall to date, that did not seem like the best alternative. OR 2. Find a way to reach that corner without endangering life and limb. So I give you: Extend-A-Brush!

With necessity being the mother of invention, I figured out a way to make my arm 6 feet long and reach that top corner!

Supplies required: 1 short handled 3″ angled brush + 1 long-handled mini-roller (minus the roller) + masking tape (duct tape would do as well, but that was the first one I grabbed from my stick drawer in the HICC- Home Improvement Command Center)

My Extend-A-Brush made short work of that dangerous corner, and now, for the first time since I began this mecca back in the spring, all the walls are smoke blue- yay! And have this awesome invention to use in a tall or tight space! Do you think maybe I should patent this?!?

I could use some really cute zebra striped duct tape and jazz it up.

This may be it…time to hit up the guys at the Shark Tank!

Have a great Sunday everyone! Stay inspired, and enjoy the beautiful fall weather! Susan

Filed Under: My Little Red House · Tagged: Benjamin Moore Paint, Duck Brand, Hall of Shame, Home Depot, invention, paint, The Shark Tank, Wooster

Oct 15, 2012

When In Wenham…

By countrydesignhome · 2 Comments

…tour some kitchens! Saturday, as part of a full-day birthday fun-day for my mom’s 85th, we took in the Wenham Museum’s Heart of the Home 5th Annual Kitchen Tour.

It was a gorgeous sunny fall day, perfect for leaf-peaping and pumpkin decorating!

as we travelled the North Shore on our kitchen quest.

We had an opportunity to glimpse inside the lovely kitchens of homeowners who had graciously opened their homes for this good cause. Many were recently renovated, some eclectic and charming, some dramatic, each showcasing the style of the owners. Unfortunately, it was requested that we not take photographs of the interiors. So, the pics below are some that I garnered from the designers’ and realtors’ websites who were participating.

A few standouts, (imho): This blue and white South Hamilton kitchen created by lmk interiors, ltd. Warm and inviting, it instantly enveloped you in the glow of creamy custom cabinetry, blue and white florals and reclaimed heart pine flooring. (pup not included)

We loved the little touches like this desk/niche tucked under the staircase

and this (well-stocked!) wine bar.

In the very large estate at Bridle Path Lane, we were treated to a custom cherry kitchen by North Shore Kitchens with state-of-the-art appliances and many extra touches like the pot-filler faucet over the stovetop.

This home was massive, over 6400 sq, and is actually being marketed by Sotheby’s.

Click here for more info, if you happen to be in the market for a $1.95m home…

Along the way, we stopped for a celebratory birthday lunch at Cygnet in Beverly Farms. The unassuming exterior does not truly reflect the beauty and comfort of the dining room, with high-back cushioned settees creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Since we were celebrating 2 birthdays (my daughter and mom are birthday buddies), we just had to begin with a toast of Prosecco-yum!

and end with a scrumptious brownie sundae with two candles for the birthday girls : )

A truly fab lunch, but it took a little longer than expected, so we raced back to Hamilton to make it to the homes we had skipped over earlier. Our final stop, as the last bell tolled at 4pm, was at the Country Club Estates in Ipswich, to view a stunning kitchen designed by Wilson Kelsey Design, Inc. Striking white with black granite and marble and stainless steel,

with a breathtaking hand-painted ocean mural by Zoe-Design. Stunning. I wish I could have shown you all the kitchens, because there was a moment of inspiration in each one. Soft grey zebra-striped wallpaper graced one kitchen’s walls, and soapstone counters gave another its’ country charm. Perhaps next year the organizers will allow photos, so those who could not attend won’t miss out on what was an inspiring day. Now I am keeping my fingers crossed that I won the raffle prize! Susan

Filed Under: Inspiration · Tagged: country kitchens, gourmet kitchens, lmk interiors, North Shore Kitchens Sothebys, Wenham Museum, white kitchens, Wilson Kelsey Designs, Zoe-designs

Oct 10, 2012

From Russia with Love

By countrydesignhome · Leave a Comment

On this week’s episode of Wanderlust Wednesday, we are off to the magnificent city of St. Petersburg, Russia, one of the stops on our Baltic Sea Princess Cruise. Touring for two days, there was so much to see, and to share, so today I will just show photos from the State Hermitage Museum. This simple bronze sign on the building’s facade shows no indication of what awaits inside.

Begun with a collection of art from Catherine the Great, and housing over 3 million works of art and artefacts of world culture, this is one of the great museums on the planet. Oppulent cannot even begin to describe the decor- every surface glimmered in 24k gold.

Spectacular chandeliers graced every room.

With only half a day to spend touring here, we were limited to the main building, The Winter Palace. Greeted at the entrance by these enchanting dancers,

we kept pace with our tour guide, walking through room after impressive room, filled with velvet and gold

at breakneck speed, snapping pics along the way while she pointed out the works of famous artists and sculptors: “We’re walking, we’re walking, keep moving folks! Here are the Picassos…

oh, and here is the Renoir collection (this happens to be one of my own personal favs: “Boy With A Whip”)

Would you like to see Michaelangelo’s “The Crouching Boy”

Or perhaps Leonardo Da Vinci’s Madonna and Child!?

“We’re walking, folks, please keep up!” Overwhelming is probably the best way to describe this day at the museum.

So much to see,

so little time.

At one point I believe our guide said it would actually take someone a full year to see this museum’s collection in its entirety. Certainly not going to happen in half a day! Following our whirlwind tour, we were treated to lunch at Cafe Literaturnoye, a spot frequented by the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin.

We were bearly able to relax with some Russian vodka before we were back onto the bus for the rest of our tour! You’ll have to tune in next week for the castles and churches of from Russia with Love. In the meantime, I think I may have some of that vodka left…time for a martini!?! Susan

Filed Under: Uncategorized · Tagged: DaVinci, Michaelangelo, Museum, Picasso, Renoir, Russia, Russian Vodka, St. Petersburg, The State Hermitage

Oct 7, 2012

Heard It Through The Grapevine

By countrydesignhome · 1 Comment

With fall here and my decor most definitely taking a rustic turn, I thought I should make a new grapevine wreath to replace the old pre-fab one I bought a few year’s back at my local craft store. That’s right, make a new one. Because, as most people do, I have a grapevine arbor in my back yard. I know, I mean, seriously?!

Years ago we disovered the vines down behind the barn, and one summer coach decided to build an arbor to keep the grapevine off the barn. We don’t typically have grapes on the vines, which is unfortunate, since I do like a nice glass of chardonnay…

This is the perfect weather to gather up a bunch and wind them into the shape and size I would like. This is the basic how-to: You can use a pre-shaped form, but I prefer a freestyle, more natural appearance. Start by cutting a whole bunch of grapevine. Snip or pop off all the leaves, leaving the curly tendrils (the look nice and they are functional too!)

Using a thick, long vine, create a circle approximately the size that you would like the finished wreath to be.

Begin adding more vines, winding as you go, using the curly tendrils to hook each layer on the next.

Keep adding and winding until you have the size and shape you like.

The nice thing about decorating grapevine wreaths is that you can pretty much just tuck in the ends of the garland or leaves without glueing.

Adding some pumpkins and berries with my trusty glue gun keeps them secure.

I have never been adept at making bows. One of my big craft fails

But I sought a little help from my good friends at Pinterest and voila! A really cute bow! I attached that and my little chalkboard welcome sign with some jute, which also serves as the hanger.

Welcome Home! I hope you fall for grapevine wreaths too! (and if you need any grapevine, I happen to know an arbor you can visit- just bring the wine) Susan

Filed Under: My Little Red House, Views From My Back Porch · Tagged: autumn wreath, fall decor, grapevine wreath, how to make a bow, how to make a grapevine wreath, wreath

Oct 5, 2012

High Five for HomeGoods

By countrydesignhome · 4 Comments

So while I was taking photos of our guest bedroom for my blog, I started looking around and realized that most of the decor in the room was purchased at HomeGoods! It was not intentional, and it was all purchased at different times over the past couple of years since my daughter moved out. Since her childhood bedroom has become my dressing room, I have decorated it with things that make me happy. Pink is my color, and I really can’t use it anywhere else in the house, so I have decorated the room inspired by this happy rug, purchased at HomeGoods.

I have slowly built a palette of black and white toile, with pink and green accents. This vignette, with the exception of the photo of the extraordinary Jackie O (the frame yes, the photo, no)

was all purchased at, where else, HomeGoods.

The vanity was a plain jane gray when I purchased it, so I spruced it up with some black and silver paint, and added the mirrored tile top.

The shimmery paisley ceramic garden stool gives me a great place to sit and apply my makeup.

Although the rocker was a vintage piece I painted a yummy watermelon color, the pillow and throw were HG as well.

The iron and brass daybed has been in this very spot for over 25 years, and I really don’t have the heart to paint it, scratches and all.

Everything on the bed was from HG, with the exception of the vintage doll and bear. Now by looking at this, I would image you must be thinking, “well, how often does she go there exactly?!” The perfectly honest truth is, often enough. And remember… which means it’s time for a shopping trip! Susan

Filed Under: Color Class, My Little Red House · Tagged: Home decor, HomeGoods, Jackie O, pink, pink daisy rug, shopping

Oct 4, 2012

The Luckiest

By countrydesignhome · 1 Comment

“And where was I before the day
That I first saw your lovely face?
Now I see it everyday
And I know
That I am, I am, I am The Luckiest” Ben Folds

In this Year Of The Weddings, 2012, last Saturday’s nuptials were just as charming and fun as the young couple-Chris and Amy- who declared their vows before loving family and friends at a pretty little church in our hometown. Chris, who’s nickname is Lucky, was lucky enough to have found his true love, Amy- and it is clear that the same holds true for her.

Following the ceremony, we were off to the Danversport Yacht Club

for the reception, a beautiful venue on the North Shore of Boston with landscaped outdoor grounds overlooking the water.

A perfect greeting when we first entered the venue: strawberries and champagne

The centerpieces were colorful orchids floating in clear cylinders with a candle that burned all night!

The bridal party’s bouquets were a perfect complement to their deep aubergine dresses.

The first dance by the new bride and her groom. It is evident just seeing them together how perfectly meant for each other they truly are.

The sweetheart table photo cake- created by yours truly- was a surprise for the bride and groom, orchestrated by his mom and me.

Covered with black and white photos of them as children and the beautiful young couple they are today made for a fitting centerpiece. The topper was their invitation on one side and a current photo of them on the other.

The real (scrumptious) wedding cake provided by Cakes for Occasions. I love the We Do little love birds on the top- so cute!

The mark of a great wedding is when the dance floor is still full while the DJ is playing his last call dance.

Great wedding, great music, great family and friends, great food, and a great time was had by all. Congratulations to the luckiest couple! Susan

Filed Under: Uncategorized · Tagged: bride and groom, Cakes for Occasions, centerpieces, Danversport Yacht Club, wedding, wedding cake

Oct 1, 2012

Beachy Bridal Bliss

By countrydesignhome · 2 Comments

This past weekend was a bridal blowout, with a fabulous wedding on Saturday and a beautiful bridal shower on Sunday. Boy, are my feet killing me from wearing heels all weekend- couldn’t wait to get back into my sneakers! The shower, held at The Rudder in Gloucester, with a view of Rocky Neck harbor, was in honor of my lovely niece Lindsey and her awesome fiance Matt,

who are being married on the island of St. John USVI at the end of November. So naturally, the shower’s decorations, all hand-crafted by the mother of the bride, her gorgeous sisters Jamie and Sarah

and her bridal party, were natural and beachy. So cute! Our takeaways were bottles of wine with specially printed labels- Eat, Drink and Be Married- LOVE THIS!!

They were wrapped in hand-made and stenciled burlap bags, tied with jute and a starfish bottle stopper.

And for the little girls, there was soda pop with special labels-colorful and cute.

The tables were decked out in white linen cloths and hand-fringed burlap runners, with stunning white arrangements of hydrangeas

and white flower bouquets surrounded by white votives.

Handpainted driftwood signs- perfect for a beach theme!

The cake. AMAZING. Delicious and gorgeous!

So after eating and drinking my way through this weekend, the reality sunk has in that in two months time, I will be on a beach in St. John. Found an amazing dress. To make it work, I need a tan and a waist. Sparkpeople here I come! Anyone care to join me?!?