The Little Red Chair

Monday, October 1, 2012

Haunted Houses

The unhallowed and haunted are common themes for this 10th month, but these forgotten, abandoned and rejected homes live year round. These homes are anything but empty, they hold the secrets, stories, and ghosts of what once lived inside.

All homes photographed for this series stand in central Il, USA and were photographed by yours truly. Prints are available here.

The Williamsburg Plantation

Willie Johnson's Lake Home

The Arthur Victorian

The Anstee Estate

The Maygrove Farmhouse

(note: this home and photo was the inspiration for this project. I went to revisit it this fall and found nothing but the path that once led to the front door. This house no longer stands.)

Elwin's Prairie Home

The McMahon Shotgun Victorian

The Schafer Country Charmer

The Westervelt Cottage

Lakewood Family Home

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Picture Quote

I took this photograph not two hours ago, just for you! This quote is desperately romantic and deep ... the influence of the Crawleys, I dare say ;) Happy Saturday.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Things I Love Thursday: Downton, of course!

I'm going to just lay my cards out on the table, and expose my deep love and obsession for the brilliant British television series, Downton Abbey. This is precisely why I don't like getting involved in a television series, I become too emotionally bonded with the characters and can barely stand to live outside the fictional world, that some know as reality. I'm the same way when it comes to a good novel... aren't we all?

My current status on the show is, I plan to finish season 1 tonight (Instant on Netflix!). I've persuaded my husband to start watching because I'm in absolute agony not being able to talk about the show. He's way behind me and I want to start the second season with him, so I may have to wait until next week for season 2. My favorite character? I probably can't choose, I love them all, but I went with a Mary theme for tonight's post because I can't wait to see how her character develops. Who's your favorite Downton Character, and what do you love about the show?? I must know! (but no spoilers please)

and the paper dolls!

Monday, September 10, 2012

The people you love, are the people you eat with.

If you know Brett or me, you know that we love to cook, we love to dine, we love to experience food with our friends and family. We never eat out, and especially now that we are living in the Midwest. If we can dream it, we can cook it (if we can find the ingredients)! I truly believe that eating should be a complete sensory experience. Brett and I always dine together and it's something to look forward to every day. When we have guests I love to set the table, create atmosphere, and share a family style meal.

I sincerely miss living somewhere that we are surrounded by diverse cuisine, fresh seafood, and quality ingredients. Then again, I love that we are now eating home grown beef and eggs exclusively. I love that we are constantly being gifted fresh vegetables from the gardens of friends and family, and there is the possibility to continue becoming more self sufficient in feeding our family. It has become one of the most important goals in my life to grow what we eat.

“But I do think the idea that basic cooking skills are a virtue, that the ability to feed yourself and a few others with proficiency should be taught to every young man and woman as a fundamental skill, should become as vital to growing up as learning to wipe one’s own ass, cross the street by oneself, or be trusted with money.” -Anthony Bourdain

1. Family Style Meal

2. Sandwiches on Baguette

3. Lobster

4. Stinky Cheese

5. Picnic

6. Gyro

7. Squid

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Picture Quote Saturday

Late night picture quoting after one of the best Saturdays I can remember. This is a photo I took on the Washington coast in the spring of 2010. What a beautiful time, what a beautiful place.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Things I Love Thursday: Back to School II

A couple of weeks ago I featured some awesome back to school fashions for little girls, but I didn't include anything for the boys! Even though our Lennon hasn't reached school age yet, he is still growing like a weed and needs a new fall wardrobe. Shopping for boys is one of my favorite things to do, but it can really be a hunt! Why are little boy clothing sections so tiny compared to the girls? Lennon loves getting dressed and he also likes to look good, more so than our daughter most of the time. I love finding unique threads for our little lad, here are just a few of my favorites from Couverture and The Garbstore.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Grandfather Clock Before&After!

Remember that old grandfather clock that I had you help me choose a color for? Well he's painted and he's regal red!

I was waffling between hot pink and red because I wanted something bold and totally unexpected. I've always wanted a grandfather clock but would never have the heart to paint a solid wood antique, so when I found this 70's relic in a heavy duty plastic material for $5.00 I totally jumped on it. I settled on red because simply because it's a more fitting color for our parlor. I used a high gloss red and then finished it with a dark wax to give it a little dimension. He's fully operational and has a delicate chime on the hour.

Tempus Fugit, latin for "Time Flies"

and here's the before photo:

So what do you think? Do you love it, hate it, wish it was hot pink, wish I wouldn't have painted it?

Linking Up With Liz Marie Blog!