Adventures In Styleland!

This year I was totally out of my realm. Perfect is how I always do a holiday!!! This year was more relaxed to say the least. but my home (as a designer is usually over the top)  this year….Not so much… Clearly not a sign of things to come I can assure you, but phrases like “less is more”  and words like “thrifty” were our motto as we attempted to finish a huge project (painting the livingroom, dining room and kitchen) we took on a week before Thanksgiving! OH MY DEAR LORD! What in heaven’s name was I thinking. This ment exhaustion, stress and I have to say, my home was not ready for entertaining and no window treatments (hence the “Less is more” phrase came into play here!!!) Some Pictures of the before and after…

Before

After

So here I am New Years Day ! Reflecting on all I have accomplished  during the holidays, our home was crazy busy!!!! Working, caring for our children, baking, shopping, taking care of Mother Theresa, Decorating, Thanksgiving, Christmas and finally New Year!!!!!!!   Yay, whew……we made it.. and in the midst of all of the holiday rush and the busyness I had to admit to myself that I was addicted to Creating and Decorating. Yes My Name is Michele and I’m a Designaholic!!! This realization came when I  somehow volunteered my time to paint eighteen panels of scenery for the Sand Lake Center for the Arts Theater,  “The Secret Garden” play.  I must say that although I was feeling a bit pressed for time when the panels that were suppose to arrive the beginning of November, came December 2nd but, we quickly settled into a routine (far from a schedule) my two partners in this project Betsy, Rae and I. All at once we were just rolling them out! I must say most of the time (although chaotic in my household,)  it was absolutely wonderful, and  it was very fulfilling .

A different time long ago,  we were “busy” with daily living needs. Cooking and cleaning took time, as in serious time. We really appreciated the product of our labor. This year my girls Giovanna

The 1st honey bunny

and Rosaria

The 2nd honey bunny

realized,  that the baking our family (Aunt Carol, Mother Theresa aka “Grandmother”, cousin Stefanie and our newest addition Lydia)

Mother Theresa and Lydia

do each year, taking the better part of a day, would  give them a  such a sense pride and fulfillment because of the effort it took. Try getting that feeling from the cookies purchased at the grocery store. How many of us can say we feel fulfilled by running errands, answering emails or sitting  alone searching the internet for something to purchase for a christmas gift ?

Sometimes I wonder, this lovely life, with a husband, and two teenage girls and a great family how could I ever forget whats important?????

I have a feeling this is going to be Delicious!!

So through it all, I seemed to have maintained some sort of clarity. I know, I know,  although I want to sometimes use duck tape on my children, disown my husband, pretend I have lost Mother Theresa at the Feast of San Gennaro and escape to Margaritaville with a large glass,  I  truly love my life, my work and my wonderful family. Hope you all enjoyed the holidays as much as I did!!!!

As Always, stay tuned for more adventures!!!!

XOXO

M