Sherry Petersik's Picks

It's oh-fab-thirty and you know what that means!

I am back to share with you the items that were stashed in my tablesetting warehouse (aka the kitchen cabinet) that didn't make the video cut. I mean seriously...did you see that slew of stuff we laid out?!?! It was like Mr. Maxx exploded in my kitchen...you know, Mr. TJ Maxx? :)

Anyhoo, Sherry and I had a tough time limiting the tablesetting schemes to only 5 different tableaus. We tried to center each scheme on a different idea - a vibe like beachy, a food such as soup, a meal like breakfast, an inspiration piece such as a heirloom scarf, and an event like a bridal shower - all to demonstrate that your table can be set around ANYTHING. And while we were attempting our empowerment of tablesetters everywhere, some of our favorite things had to sit on the bench for our video.

But now here's their chance to get a piece of the action. Since I love everything I own (duh!), Sherry chose some of the items from my stash that tickled her fancy. So watch out Adam Lambert, there is some competition for the limelight!

Welcome to Sherry Petersik's Picks:



Graphic Red & White bowls had Sherry saying "obsessed, obsessed" over and over. I think she said something about them being crisp, and modern, and Hermes inspired (is she talking about the frog puppet?...I don't know...I wasn't good about paying attention) Either way, these lovelies could possibly be more flexible than a Chinese gymnast...pair em with green for Christmas, rattan chargers for a outdoor meal, or even just an all white tablesetting for a jolt of color.



I knew Sherry would love these rope handle servers from Pottery Barn. Not only are they right up her alley...err...beachy boardwalk but they are perfect for American-size servings. Pop em in a big ole bowl for a little salad bling. Plus the silver finish makes them oh-so-pretty with your basic silverware.



Complete surprise was the only reaction I had when Sherry was drooling over these handmedown cut-out napkins. I didn't take the girl for one who would like vintage linens, but I couldn't be more pleased that she jumped on the antique train with me. It's not like you can find this kinda gray on white stitchery these days! And if you were doing a tea for two...these little mouthwipers would have you questioning the value of your sleeve. Can I get an amen?!



Speaking of antique, this amber colored decanter set had Sherry at hello. We even put this together with some pen-art dishes & a jewel toned pashmina to demonstrate a little wine & cheese tasting table setting. It's kinda sad that it didn't make it past production. Boo us. But it doesn't take away from the fact that the little shot glasses would be perfect size to taste various reds&whites and the decanter could be housing your palatte-cleansing drink of choice.



We all know how Mrs. Petersik likes white...it reigns hue-preme in her house. And every table setter knows that #1 on the must-have list is white dishes. So it comes as no surprise that the pigmentless scalloped plates and white accent hearts played on her heart strings. Sherry said that she can imagine the little bowls filled with pink & red M&M's for a Valentine's Day treat...I remember very clearly when chocolate is mentioned.



These little red vases also made the list. Shocker...right? I thought that for sure she would by-pass these little 25 cent purchases for a more glamourous choice...but I guess the rosy color, the textured glass, and the small size (about 6") all spoke to her. And since she kept calling them candlesticks, I can only imagine that she would take all ten of them (yeah, I would collect packrats if I could) and arrange a long, twinkling centerpiece.



The glass footed ice cream dish was a shoo-in to be featured in this list of Sherry's picks. Afterall, what girl doesn't like a bowl that is guaranteed to hold something sweet?!? The scalloped edge of this Goodwill find is really the cherry on top. To me it screams "Southern Living" and since we are both living in the South (Richmond is technically below the Mason Dixon), this treat holder really knows how to give us a drawl after a mouthful of Ben&Jerrys.

**no chocolate was wasted in the production of this photo



I love the fact that the antler on our mantle actually made Sherry's list of tablesetting things. Not only is this structural, white, and a piece from nature (err West Elm)...but it would look amazing in the center of a holiday table maybe with a note that says, "Kids - tried to capture Rudolf...he got away. Merry Christmas." or with a bunch of silver and white ornaments. Or you could use it as an accent piece with stacked plates & napkins....just don't serve venison....that would be crossing the line...unless you are like me & have a twisted sense of humor.



Sherry really tugged on my heart strings when she told me that she liked this bright green vintage tablecloth. Yeah...it was my Grandma's. Springy, fun, shamefully unironed, it is the perfect size for a table of two. Sherry said that she loved the long fringe and the simplicity of the color scheme in the fabric. Me too, Sher, me too.



Lastly but certainly not least is the smallest of the items that made it into the Petersik Picks. Yes, these bronze nametags are only about two inches long but pack a huge sucka-punch. With their twine ties and the erasable pen, you can attach this mini message board with a general note (Happy 4th), a word of encouragement (U Rock!) or a personalized name (D. Shrute). Or tie around the handles of pitchers to identify which tea is sweetened, splendafied, or peach infused.


So there you have it. A list of Petersik Picks. But before you go, I thought I would take this opportunity to do something a little unconventional...open the floor for questions. Yes. That's right. Not questions about me...inquiries about our favorite home decor bloggers...JOHN & SHERRY. Yes...do not hold back people...you know I don't. So ask me anything. Have a question that you are too afraid to leave in the comments - email me. And I will spill the beans, dish the dirt, and in general get into the nitty-gritty of Blogland's elite. Big or small, I promise to give only blunt & honest answers :) And maybe put a celebrity reference in there. It's up to you.

Dressing Room

Since you guys asked to see more photos of my dressing room, I thought I would oblige ya. It isn't finished...so you only get one. Feast your eyes on this:



This is for the single ladies. Married? Engaged? A nun? Divert your eyes immediately. Personally I prefer the Wolverine look. It's like the offspring of Gizmo the Gremlin and a lawn man. You see muscular arms, I see garden rakes for hands. And what girl doesn't like the thought of a leaf-free yard?!??


Anyhoo. Here you go. This is it so far. I have plans for the frames...don't think it's some new home decor trend. And I am loving the bunches of pillows (7 +2 bolsters!) on the bed...it just screams "get on me" & "I can comfort you" & "I'm soft and supportive"....basically it is the perfect man of a bed.

Speaking of furniture - see any piece of furniture that came from the office?!? Yeah...I totally celebrate Earth Day everyday by using what I got...reuse & recycle....same applies to my ever popular shimmy dance :)

Bower Power Reality TV Picks

I love, love, love, my DVR. I love that I can fast forward through commercials. And skipping the bits I don't care for. It makes watching twice as many shows in the same amount of time possible. That's how I do TV now. I DVR everything. And when I fast forward through the insurance commercials and the junk food ads, I try to go as fast as possible and stop it perfectly when my beloved reality TV starts back. It's like a contest. Me versus the machine.

And speaking of games, I have made my picks for two of my favorite reality shows - The Biggest Loser & The Bachelor. So here they are:

I really love Jen. I love the positivity. I love the fact that she wants to win. She is one competitive cookie. And I love the fact that Jillian can't break her spirit (yet). Not only is she in it to win it, but it seems like she is sensitive to others. Plus she is hot. Like oh-my-gosh-the-producers-didn't-have-to-really-imagine-the-weight-loss hot. Maybe when she loses the weight, she will hook up with Bob. You know you thought about it too.

Dane is a logical pick to me to win the whole kit-n-kaboodle. He weighs a ton, he loses weight quickly, he used to be a college athlete, and he has the support system at home. If the black team doesn't walk away with any money at the end of this, I will be shocked. Simple math shows that if Dane gets to 200lbs (normal weight for a man his height), Dane will be thanking Jello for his cash money.

Lastly is Daniel. Daniel is the fattest kid at fat camp. He is my redneck buddy. Basically I just feel bad for the kid - I can imagine he has been called Jumbotron his whole life...or Blimpie...or Mr. Tubbee. One time he ran - he went 7 miles an hour. That is impressive. I can't imagine how much chaffing that can cause. And I really worried for the treadmill...that is just a joke, NBC can afford a new one :) Seriously though, I really want him to lose a ton of weight...I want him to change his life...and I want to be his friend.

Here is a quick question. I watch this show every season. And every season, the contestants take off their shirt and we expect to see everything from ghetto booties and spare tires to back hair and man-boobs. But for some reason, season 7 is producing some pretty funky looking mid-regions. My question is this...that giant fat pocket located above their waist...in Atlanta, people call it a "panis"...do you think that the NBC doctors find stuff under there? like chicken bones? If I had a panis, I would keep my keys there. I always lose them.

Moving on.

The Bachelor is Jason Mesnick. I loved him during the Bachelorette. Obviously, I wasn't the only one.

My boyfriend thinks he looks like a young George W. I can see it a little. In the nose. They both are pretty darn handsome men.

Ok - on to my picks for the lucky lady.

I hear that the cheerleader - Melissa - aka Deanna Part 2 - is the winner of Jason's heart. I am perfectly ok with this so far. She hasn't had an emotional breakdown, or been ridiculously catty or mean, or said that she lights her Casanova candle each night before bed to attract Jason. It could be creative editing but I like to imagine that she is just a regular nice girl. My favorite Melissa moment? "I got a breast reduction at 17. I used to be double F". They aren't kidding when they say everything is bigger in Texas...well, not anymore I guess :)

I personally do not prefer Nikki for Mr. Mesnick...not after this past week. She is too serious. I love this Nikki line though - "I know I am pretty. I know I am smart. But that isn't enough anymore." Actually Nikki - just the first one is enough for most guys. Don't you worry your smart little head.

My Canadian hotdogger is great. I would totally jump on the bed with her...and I love mustard. Does her theory apply to girls? Oh wait, I am straight...and married. Jillian - come to my house...we can be BFF. 500 million points to Jillian for being an interior designer...I wonder if she blogs?!!?


That's it folks - my Bower Power Reality TV show picks - what about you? Who did you pick?

Nate Berkus Said So

And if Nate said so, then we must get to it. What am I blabbing about? Oh a little thing called sea life essentials. Mr. Decorating-Fantastico-Berkus said that each living space should contain at least one piece of sea life. And who am I to argue with perfection?!?! clarification - decorating perfection. Seriously folks, I am married! And Mr. Easy on the Eyes is no match for my boyfriend :)


Back to the post - let's focus. Our office is kinda seaside themed. And on our last visit to the sea, I was able to pick up some amazing coral, shells, and beachy souveniers. Shells can be found just about anywhere. And it is a fun game with kids. You can even use a guide to find out exactly whatcha found.


When in the Bahamas, I picked up some sand dollars and threw them in a bucket of bleach. I know. I am a horrible person. But on the upside, I was in a place that you could literally kick the sand and three would float up...so I feel like I was helping the natural selection process along :) Don't judge me.


Also, because our coral reefs are endangered - make sure that if you get coral - it is not living but found on the beach or bright white in the sand. Just make sure that whatever great sea-life souvenier you bring home that you take the time to bleach dip (or throw it in a baggie to stash in your freezer for a few days) to eliminate bringin some unwanted sea critters or sea debri into your home. Eel poo is not something you want to display.


Here is another tip - Mini Pringle containers are the perfect snack on the beach and then reuse as a holder for your cup-o-sand.

I wanted to create a way to display a sand dollar from our most recent trip to the beach. So I picked up a shadow box from Ikea, pulled out some sandy colored scrapbook paper and my trusty glue gun.
The edges of the sand dollar got a dab here and there and WahLA!

Instant art. A classic hurricane held my pink tinted sand and a piece of coral that I picked up and a mucho cheapo art card completed the look.

Now Nate would be proud. I have my office shelves decked out with shells, sailboats, and a couple odds and ends to give that washed-up-on-the-shore feel.

Wanna get some seaside art on the cheap? How bout craving the homemade stuff? Well, it just so happens that I am BFF with some folks that can send you a super chic coral leaf print for only twenty bones. Or check out Etsy for some sea shells under $5 to make your own crafty-craft. And for those of you that do not care for this inexpensive route, (saving money - pashaw!)Z Gallerie has some fantastic faux coral that will put the sea in your 'See my super-posh, Nate Berkus designed room?!?!'

2,4,6,8 - Who do we appreciate? Youngsters!

So in my daily lurking, I love to blog-stalk Sherry & John at This Young House. Their little site has grown from family updates of their kitchen remodel (wowzers!) to a full-blown gig of home decor redos, wedding decor advise, and crashing houses for inspiration. If you haven't checked out their blog - go, click, love.

When my blogroll said "Reader Redesign: A Billowy Bedroom Makeover" - I was pumped up to see some 'swankified' new abode with some fantastic ideas for me to steal.

A couple of clicks later, I see little ole Sherry is posting about Bower Power and my bedroom! Well, I am just thrilled to death.

If you aren't familar with the blogging world, let me put it in perspective for you - This Young House is a cheerleader & Bower Power is in the band. We may share the same field but there is a world of difference in popularity. So for me to get a nod from them is shocking. SHOCKING!

Do you think this means that they wanna be BFF? Cause being a nerd like me - the thought crossed my mind.

Splitting Hairs

As you know, I have goals for the month of September. One of those goals being deciding on a hair style. It is a rather difficult decision because I have a lot of parameters.



1. My hair has to be long enough to wear in a pony...and to satisfy my hubbie.

2. If I have bangs - I want some versatility in how I can wear them.

3. The color has to be rich but be able to blend in naturally with my natural color.

4. Due to my huge head, I have a lot of hair...therefore it must be layered so I don't look like I have poof head.



So while watching Lipstick Jungle one afternoon, I thought to myself - I love the look of the girl who plays Victory Ford. Just look at her - she is gorgeous!

layered? yup!
rich color? sure thing!
versatile bangs? check.
long enough for a pony (& Jeremy)? heck yea!

So the decision has been made - my currently outgrown bangs are getting a chop. Man - conquering goals is so much fun...now if I could just get started on the ceiling projects!

Jason Bourne meets a Hockey Mom

Matt Damon Vs. Sarah Palin


Normally I am a big fan of the movie star's opinion being broadcast to the world (clothes, shoes, hot spots) - but when it comes to politics - I think celebrities need to think (or hire a personal politicalist) before they speak. Case in point - this video via msn. Come on Matty do your research!

Now I am not making a political move here at all - in fact, I don't really want to announce to the world certain things - how much money I make, how often the hanky panky happens, how much my house costs and who gets my vote. But when someone gets in front of a video camera and says that it is like a "really bad Disney movie" that a woman who is a Governor of Alaska could possibly be President of the US one day, I gotta speak up. He said that he doesn't know alot about the gal - and Matty, all you gotta do is GOOGLE.

Oh and just for reference - here are a bunch of us regular people, "hockey moms" if you will, that were governors and turned out to be poll ranked by the Wall Street Journal in 2005 as the top 15 Presidents ever:

• Ronald Reagan - Governor of California
• Franklin D. Roosevelt - Governor of New York
• Thomas Jefferson - Governor of Virginia
• Theodore Roosevelt - Governor of New York
• Woodrow Wilson - Governor of New Jersey
• Grover Cleveland - Governor of New York
• James K Polk - Governor of Tennessee
• William McKinley - Governor of Ohio

So my Sexiest Man Alive - research doesn't hurt anyone. In fact it might just cement your personal presidential choice a little bit further. But here's a tip - just like you would hire a stylist - do a bit of serious study or hire a college kid to do it. Cause I can bet your bottom dollar that when it is time to stroll the red carpet that you don't make your clothing choices without knowing what's up - so the same applies in politics. And I bet that college kid needs the cash :)

Peace out.

Martha Stewart's 30 Things

Martha Stewart has a lovely slideshow on her site called 30 Things Everyone Should Know. It is definitely something to check out. Basically it goes over tasks that Martha believes that each and every person should know how to do, make, or clean. Her list was broken down into the following categories - For the Home, For the Cook, and For Every Day.

Martha's 30 Things Everyone Should Know

1. Create a Home Safety Kit
2. Paint a Room
3. Arrange Flowers
4. Design a Fruit Centerpiece
5. Make a Bed
6. Set the Table
7. Prepare a Green Salad
8. Mix a Margarita
9. Make a Bolognese Sauce
10. Eat a Lobster
11. Make Chocolate Chip Cookies
12. Carve a Turkey
13. Prepare a Roast Turkey
14. Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
15. Make French Toast
16. Make the Perfect Omelet
17. Cook Fluffy Rice
18. Bake a Chocolate Cake
19. Assemble a BLT
20. Prepare Pancakes
21. Make Crudites
22. Tie a bow and necktie
23. Load a dishwasher
24. Do the laundry
25. Remove stains on linens and clothes
26. Iron a shirt
27. Open a Champagne Bottle
28. Brew a cup of tea
29. Take a good photograph
30. Pack a Suitcase

I love Martha as much as the next homemaker but on some level, I would have to disagree. I feel that Martha's list is WAY too advanced for the average person and that in order to prepare for her HOW-TO's you should first be able to perform all the basics with great ease. That is why I created my own list - It is the basics. I personally have not graduated to Martha's list yet.

30 Things Everyone Should ABSOLUTELY Know

1-10 FOR THE HOME 11-20 FOR THE COOK 21-30 FOR EVERY DAY

1. How to put cigarette butts and litter in a trash can
2. How to pick up dirty clothes off the floor
3. How to get all the pee in the toilet
4. How to clean the hair from the shower wall
5. How to use a broom effectively
6. How to hold a baby
7. How to change a tire
8. How to detect and resolve body odor issues
9. How to throw away junk
10. How to read Nutritional Information labels
11. How to not get hair in food you are preparing for others
12. How to cover your mouth while coughing and sneezing
13. How to chew with your mouth closed
14. How to compliment the cook
15. How to not contaminate food with salmonella
16. How to wash your hands
17. How to perform the Heimlech Maneuver
18. How to order from the drive-thru
19. How to use the microwave
20. How to say Thank you
21. How to wipe after going #2
22. How to wake someone from a nap
23. How to read signs in the checkout lane
24. How to hang up your cell phone while driving
25. How to have a good attitude at little league games
26. How to be quiet in the movie theatre
27. How to swim
28. How to perform CPR
29. How to google
30. How to say please

Marc and Angel Hack's blog also lists some really good info that everyone should know how to do. They are big into lists so go explore - it's really informative!

Katharine Hepburn - Fashion Icon

Who wore the pants in Hollywood? It was Katharine Hepburn.

During a time of dresses, skirts, high heels, and sex appeal, the "Great Kate" was a nonconformist. She was true to herself - believing that she didn't actually have sex appeal and therefore would dress how she felt comfortable. That meant pants. Always with the pants. She even won an award from Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1986 for her menswear-inspired style.

Her favorites were men's trousers, loose fitting button down shirts, and loafer style shoes.

And now I dedicate this moodboard to the lady of the Oscars - Katharine Hepburn.



Check it out - you can buy all the goods on this moodboard for your own Kate outfit. They are available through the Banana Republic/Gap/Piperlime chains - Go on...get your shop on!

Style File - Indian & Moroccan

Abraham Lincoln once said

"My great concern is not whether you have failed,

but whether you are content with your failure."

And I admit, I am a bit intimidated by all the excellent designers that blog about room design. ok...a whole ton intimidated. But failing to try to design, or failing to try to do anything is the real crime. This fear has lurked in the back corner since 8th grade when I didn't make the middle school basketball team. And even now, I get so worked up about what other people think of my attempt that I would rather not put myself out there.

So, today I am probably going to have a mediocre design - however, it is the best I can do in the short time available. And I did grab hold of some Bower Power - which always has a way of giving me strength (try it!). Also, just to be clear - this blog is for me - and I hope you readers blog for yourselves. Because in the end, your opinion is the only one that matters.

So enough of all that - on to the nitty gritty. This is the first entry of what I am introducing as

STYLE FILES.

A Style File is just as the name implies. A comgloberation of all things that I have noted particular to a certain theme, area, culture, or era. I will make notes for certain areas of design and if you ever decide to change a room, a hall, or your whole house then you can use this guide as a resource for your new decor. Also, I will create a moodboard so you can see how I interpret that style for life today.

Just holla if you have an idea you would like to see added to the list.

STYLE FILE : INDIAN & MOROCCAN

Colors - cinnamon, reds, teals, orange, gold, lime, browns

Features - hand carved, camel leather, worked metal filagree, hand carved inlaid camel bone, coral and turquoise-colored resin accent pieces, panels with repeating design, dark wood

Furniture - ornate chests, carved wood, painted designs, star shaped tops, beaded mirrors, thick bordered mirrors, shell adorned, octogon shaped tables, throne chairs, nightstands with doors with carved fronts, headboards only, headboards with scalloped edge, hand-dyed leather poufs, moorish chairs, tables with inlaid tile, fountains, divider screens, mosaics

Walls & Ceilings - painted designs, tiles with hand painted design, star & flower painted tiles

Lighting - lanterns, filigree design, stained glass, metal work, pyramid shapes, tear dropped shape

Fabrics - silks, stripes, similar color palate, fringes, patchwork throws, pillows with tassels, leather, ornate designs

Decor - urn-shaped vases, musical instruments, silk curtains, carved panels

Yip Yip Yoorah!

When I was a teen I would watch Trading Spaces and just pray quietly that the least annoying family would get to receive a room designed by Vern Yip. His clean and preppy style made me weak in the knees. And it was so refreshing compared to the "king of country" Frank Bielec or Doug Wilson, whose main goal was to reduce the homeowner to tears....of remorse.

His new show on HGTV, Deserving Design is one of the best for Before & Afters. Not only does he reward deserving families but doesn't pollute the world with bad design. Do you think he would approve of our living room makeover?

Of course, I only became more excited when I found Vern was based in, drumroll please.... ATLANTA, Georgia! Icing on the cake.

Here is some of my favorites from Deserving Design -

beautiful new nursery - makes me want a baby!

Love the supersized prints - anyone know where I can get my own?

I love the wheatgrass centerpiece as well as the design painted on the back wall.

I think I know a few people that would trade their pinky toe for those wall-mounted fish tanks.

Small space? No problem...Vern Yip to the rescue!

Tell me those floors were hiding under the carpet - why can't that happen to me?!

Notes:

Watch Deserving Design

Copy all Vern Yip's moves

Decorate with Bower Power

Love Atlanta Designers

Reese Witherspoon - Fashion Icon

Reese is exactly the type of gal Hollywood needs - classy, southern, fashionable, and funny. Oh yeah and she's a decent actor. The pic below is when she was fabulously featured in Elle Magazine. But here is some inspiration so you (if you have buckets of money) can be a little piece of Reese.



faux florals - jcpenney.com
black frayed misfit stove pipe jeans - Sass & Bide jeans - brownsfashion.com
shoes - bluefly.com
jacket - topshop.com
Mike & Chris Pacey silk top - net-a-porter.com
Celine Day One shoulder bag - net-a-porter.com
Patent Hoop earring - wetseal.com

I hope this inspires you Legally Blonde, brunette, and redheads to get out there, buy some Rendition of your own Witherspoon-like duds, and catch a Gyllenhaal of your own! And you girls that already have a stud - don't be afraid to step into Pleasantville and Walk the fine Line of fashion that will have all those southern boys yelling, SWEET HOME ALABAMA!