Redecoration Progress

We have been in out house for several months now, and the redecoration is coming along slowly. I'm pretty happy with then first floor, with the exception of the bathrooms, and I'm hoping we'll get to the upstairs soon. Here are some pictures of the presentable areas.


Living Room-New Shaw laminate floors in Victorian Pine installed by my talented and patient dad, Creme Brulee and Heirloom Red wall colors from Lowe's, damask curtains from Target, vintage mirror from the Schnitzelburg Yard Sale!

Living room/kitchen

Dining area-antique English cupboard, Target dining set, Williams-Sonoma linens

Bedroom-Mucha print courtesy of my sister, bedding courtesy of my mom and dad, wall color courtesy of my husband's excellent painting skills!

New obsessions

I cannot wait to get my brand new terrarium. It is totally the most awesome little moss garden in a jar. It was my Christmas present to myself. I eventually want to have a collection of terrariums and maybe a few carnivorous plants, like sundew and flycatchers.

I also just made a pretty big order from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab for some evil carnival perfumes. I really need to win the lottery so I can buy all of them, but for now I settled on Temple Viper, Clemence and Marguerite.

Season's Greetings!

This year, Jamez and I are making Christmas eve dinner for my mom, dad and grandma. I designed the menu, and my culinary genius husband gets to help me execute it. The family is not especially adventurous when it comes to food, but I think I have come up with a menu that is different enough to be special but not different enough to put them off.

Chicken cordon bleu with imported aged Gruyere

Twice baked potatoes with Kenny's Cheddar

Mess of collard greens flavored with country ham

Mixed greens salad with roasted acorn squash, bacon, goat cheese and raspberry vinaigrette

Bread purdding with bourbon sauce

I'm bummed that I missed the neighborhood Winter Solstice potluck because I felt flu-achy. I love celebrating the solstices. I did light some candles to commemorate the return of the light, but afterward just fell into bed with my kitty, which is really not a bad way to spend the longest night of the year.

Happy holidays!

Truly meaningful gifts

Money is tight everywhere this holiday season, and I'm being very strategic about where to put my gift giving dollars. I always prefer to contribute to charitable causes and independent businesses when choosing great presents. Some of my favorite places for shopping:

http://www.etsy.com/
The place to go for one of a kind, handmade items.

http://www.blackphoenixalchemylab.com/
Hand blended perfume oils-the shipping takes a while, but they are absolutely worth the wait.

http://www.krobinsdesigns.com/
Gracful and artistic silver pendants with gorgeous symbolism.

http://www.silkroadtradingcompany.com/
Couture quality handmade soaps at an unbelievable price.

Most charities offer the option of making a contribution in someone else's name as a great gift. If you want the recipient to get more than just a card, you can add a little something that goes with the theme, like a CD on New Orleans jazz with a contribution to a charity working on hurricane relief. these are some very worthy causes:

The New Orleans Musician's Relief Fund

Farm Aid

Whale Adoption Project

Party Muse #5: Plum Perfect Thanksgiving

I always try to go a little against the norm when it comes to holiday decorating, and for this Thanksgiving, I'm skipping the traditional orange theme and going for rich amethyst and eggplant. Purple is a pretty, refreshing color for fall that is very festive and calls to mind rich berries and royal fabrics.

This bouquet of purple mini callas is a perfect table centerpiece:

A gold damask tablecloth adds rich contrast:

These beaded placemats set off the dinnerware.

This vodka set is great for serving liqueurs or eggnog. I like to fill them with chilled Irish cream for dessert.

Purple jeweled almonds are amazing little nibbles:

This week I felt the shift in seasons, and I knew it wouldn't be long until days were grey and cold. I love all the seasons, but I wanted to really celebrate fall before it was over . My friends Shannon, James and Katie came over for dinner and we planned a creative menu that included some autumn delights.

Appetizers:

Homemade garlic hummus with pita chips and Terra chips

Main dish:

Garlic couscous with Guinness marinated lamb

Side dishes:

Zucchini stuffed with walnuts and Capriole goat cheese
Mashed sweet potatoes with Bourbon Barrel Foods sorghum and coriander
Brussels sprouts sauteed in garlic oil, topped with Parmesean cheese
Chard and feta pie courtesy of Shannon

Dessert:

Chocolate bourbon pecan pie

This was one of the last fall evenings, and Katie and James' last weekend in Louisville. We toasted and celebrated new beginnings.

I am joining the Board of the Schnitzelburg Community Council for 2009. I was asked to write a letter of introduction for the next newsletter, and I have written it and rewritten it. It seems like and awesome task to serve such a historic community. Here's my final letter...(hides under the covers):

Joining a community with such a rich legacy and unique local flavor as Schnitzelburg is so rewarding. Whether you are cheering on the karaoke at Check’s, digging into some Hunter Schnitzel at Flabby’s or savoring a craft beer at the Zeppelin, you can’t help but feel fortunate to live in a neighborhood where heritage is celebrated and fun is valued. I believe that with rewards come responsibility-for respecting the past, enjoying the present, and working to build our future. It is with that sentiment that I am looking forward to contributing to the work of the Board of the Schnitzelburg Community Council.

It is a humbling experience to be welcomed to the Board. As a newcomer, I am excited about the opportunity to listen and learn about the history and traditions of the community and about the aspirations of my neighbors. As a writer, I hope that I can use my passion for communication to help create connections that will foster our shared goals. The art of language has the power to unite, influence and inspire, and I will do my best to apply my skills and be the best resource I can be.

Having purchased a 108-year old home here just months ago, I am one of the newest additions to the area. It is an awe-inspiring thought to know that not only am I one person in a long line of those who have loved the historic house that I now call my own, but also that I have become a part of this unique neighborhood that has been the source of joy for so many before me. I look forward to making many connections and simply enjoying being a part of our valuable community.

All best,

Jesse Hendrix-Inman