The Keeping Room

Hello, dear friends.  I hope that you are enjoying your weekend.  The Mister and I have spent the past two days examining tile and marble slabs.  We are in the first stage of renovating our master bath.  Between you and me, the process would go a lot smoother if the Mister kept his opinions to himself. 

The first time that I heard the term Keeping Room was about twelve years ago.  A decorator friend of mine bought a gorgeous large home for a song.  The reason that she got such a good deal is that every room was adorned with very busy wallpaper, even the library.  A lot of buyers couldn't see past it which made my friend the lucky buyer.

The house had a keeping room.  The definition is:  

The actual definition of a keeping room is – “an area adjacent to the kitchen”. It is a term that dates back to Colonial times when homes were typically heated by a small fireplace or wood-burning stove in the kitchen. 

I found some lovely examples on Pinterest.

decorpad

Decorpad

I love the idea of a keeping room.  If we had one, I could supervise the Mister while he was at work and give him helpful suggestions.
He is not as enthusiastic about the concept.  

Bdg Style Blog

Western Cabinet Co.

Love this look.
It would be pretty difficult to keep clean if you had kids, though.

Laurel Bern Interiors

bhg

Southern Living

Southern Living

Houzz

Stunning wallpaper.

Pinterest

Sweet & cozy.

Now that's what I call a fireplace!

Hadley Ct.

Lovely

Emily A Clark


The Mister and I talk about building a house some day.  We have learned a lot over the years from living in six homes.  We have made our share of mistakes.  I would love to include a Keeping Room in the dream house.  The Mister is not convinced... yet.

Enjoy your Sunday.

Would you include a Keeping Room in your home design?

Until next time...

The Friday Files

Hello, dear friends.  At last... it's Friday.  It was a long week around here.  I missed my Book Club on Wednesday night due to bad weather. The highlight was meeting my friend, Anne, for lunch on Thursday.

Here are a few things that are on my radar this week.

Have you ever seen the 1975 documentary, Gray Gardens?  It chronicles the lives of a very eccentric Mother and Daughter who also happen to be cousins of Jackie Kennedy.  Anne sent me this link to the house that they lived in and what it looks like today.  It was an absolute mess when they were there, and now it is positively breathtaking.  You can find the tour of the house here.  By the way, it's for sale, and it could be yours for a cool 20 Mil.


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Planning on celebrating Valentine's Day this weekend?  
Here's a list of every state's most romantic restaurants.

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Speaking of romantic places, this gorgeous bed and breakfast is owned by a very handsome movie star.  Hmm... I wonder if he works at the front desk.  
Your tour is here.

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Looking for some bright, pretty table settings to brighten your day?  
You can find them right here. 


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Isn't this positively magnificent?  Ann Carrington made it from silverware.  You can find her website here.

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If you plan on having an affair, don't use Uber.
Here's why.

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Speaking of affairs, the Mister sent me this article and accused me of cheating.

And he's right.

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Can you remember your childhood phone number?  I don't want to brag or anything, but I can not only recite my home phone number but also my Grandma's and four of my friends.

However, I couldn't tell you the Mister's or my girls' phone numbers today.

Do you remember your childhood home phone number?

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Can anyone guess who this very handsome guy is?  

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Amazon

I just started reading this thriller, and I'm glued.  It comes out on March 1st, but I got it for free and early because of Kindle First which is a benefit of the Amazon Prime program. 

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My friend, Barbara, put this little video on Facebook.  

I love how the Dads take their dancing so seriously.

Until next time...

A Hodgepodge Hug

Hello, dear friends.  This was my view last weekend.  I am so done with the cold weather and snow.  Lucky for you, my new year's resolution is not to complain.

I hope that you had a wonderful Valentine's Day.  The Mister gave me something that I have been wishing for.  No, not a facelift or tummy tuck.  I will fill you in at a later date.

It's Wednesday, you know what that means.  My friend Joyce comes up with the questions, and fellow bloggers and I answer them. 

  

1.  What do/did you call your grandparents?  If it's something unusual tell us the story behind the name.  If you're a grandparent what do your grands call you?  Who chose your moniker?

Spoiler alert:  I am waaaaaay too young to be a grandmother.  

Amazon

In about 20 years, when I am old enough to step into grandmotherhood, I would like to be referred to Glam-ma.  I will order enough of these shirts in different colors so that I can wear one every day of the week.

2.  Ever take a road trip along the California Coast?  If so, what was the highlight of your trek?  If not, any desire to do so?  If you were to take a trip along the California Coast what's one attraction you'd have on your must-see list?

Although we have lived in California, we have never taken a road trip up the Coast.  I don't think it would be an ideal relaxing vacation for us because my driver suffers from a little something called impatience when he is behind the wheel.  

His favorite phrase is:

They're all out today!!!

3.  What are three things you don't know how to do?

I don't know how to take the first step onto a steep downward escalator without breaking into a cold sweat.

I don't know how to take a bite of lima beans without prompting my gag reflex.

I don't know how to find my way out of my driveway without the aid of a GPS.

I can pretty much do everything else in life.

4.  Tom Peters is quoted as saying 'Celebrate what you want to see more of.' If that's true, what will you celebrate and more importantly, how will you celebrate?

Naturally, I would celebrate my girls.  They usually guide me to the mall to celebrate. 

5.  Thursday (February 16) is National Almond Day.  Do you like almonds?  Which would you prefer - an almond Joy or a macaroon?  What's something you make that calls for almonds?

 I love almonds, but I'm not crazy about Almond Joys or macaroons.  I did find a few recipes that I would love.  
You can find them here.

6.  What does Saturday morning look like at your house?

This pretty much sums it up.

7.  Share with us a favorite book you've read this winter.

Amazon

I am still listening and enjoying this one.  It's taking awhile because a little thing called snow is getting in my way.  And I don't listen to books on the treadmill because I run too fast and sweat too much.
I also watch Netflix on my iPad. 

Amazon

I read this fabulous novel awhile ago.  My book club chose it this month, so I read it again.  I have to say I enjoyed it even more than I did the first time. 

8.  Insert your random thought here.

Before you get your granny panties in a bundle, calm down - this is not a political post, although I do feel strongly about this issue.

  

I think that man hugs in a professional setting should be abolished.  I am all for man hugs in a casual setting between family members and friends. 

For some reason, women don't seem to have this problem.

I have yet to see a man hug go smoothly.   First of all, the gentleman never knows what's expected or what's coming his way and this instantly creates some awkward choreography. 

It's difficult to watch if you're an innocent bystander.

  

I want to start a grass roots movement to bring back the almighty handshake.

  Or, then again, maybe not.

What are your thoughts?

Until next time...

Chowdah has a love/hate relationship with the snow.  He loves to play in it and yet because of it, there are fewer people out walking to bark at greet.