Target and Smith & Hawken

Talk to me about Smith & Hawken at Target. It's my understanding that Target recently acquired the now defunct home exteriors brand, no?

I was milling about my neighborhood Tar-jay and found aisle upon aisle of these fantastic Smith & Hawken delights. The Decorative Urn and the Mercury Glass Candleholder would add a little special to any front or backyard.

Have you been and seen? What do you think of the new acquisition?

This Makes Me Sad

This post has nothing to do with homes or home improvements, but I feel compelled to write about it. I just read that Ugly Betty has been cancelled. This makes me sad. I knew it was circling the drain when Connor faked his death and Mark danced in clogs, but I was hoping things would turn around. UB has always been so adorable and hopeful and something cheery amongst the teen angst of the 90210s and the Eeyore-iness of the Greys Anatomys (which p.s. has been sucking wind lately) that regularly fill my DVR.

I'll miss you, Betty. Also - I never thought you were ugly.

Being a Knob Snob

Change your hardware, change your life! Ok yes that's a bit dramatic, but a simple change in knobs here and pulls there really can make a world of difference in your doors and furniture. Swapping out your hardware is an easy and inexpensive way to change the look and feel of a room. Check out these little cuties from Anthropologie: And these from House of Antique Hardware:

Paint It Black

To be fair, we actually saw 2 white doors instead of a red one, but you get the idea. Out of all the DIY projects Mr. O and I have executed (and there have been quite a few) painting the front and back doors and replacing their respective hardware was by FAR the biggest pain in the ass. Don't be fooled (as we were) into thinking this is an easy task. It's not. To begin, drill out your existing hardware. Hinges, locksets, and handles. You'll want everything to match in the end so it's best to knock it out all at once.

Once you've removed your hardware, prime and paint. We had the good fortune of being able to schedule this in the dead of August when it's so hot if you're working more than 5 minutes outside you start to see spots. If you've got cutouts in your door you'll want to hit these with a brush first then roll the rest. Once you're painted get ready for the fun stuff. Install your locksets first. Wiggling and jiggling is all a part of the process. Do your hinges next. This is what we had the most trouble with. Even though we tried to drill into the existing holes we just couldn't get the door on straight. If anyone has any tips please jump in. Do the strikes next and then pour yourself a damn huge glass of wine. Nay, stick a straw in the bottle.

BEFORE AND AFTER

Salon Revive

Hi Dolls, I'm going to take a moment to step away from the house and home thread and instead discuss the fabulosity that is Salon Revive on 9th. To those of you out there in need of a new hairdresser and those of you that just want to take another stylist for a spin, check this place out. I wouldn't recommend it unless it was really, really good. XOXO ~

You, Me, and Settee

The Sofia settee by Ballard Designs is gorgeous. As soon as I saw it I wanted it. My only hesitation was that it was too French Country and might not work in a contemporary space. I talked it over with the foremost expert in home interiors, my mommy. :) She advised that if you really love something, get it. You'll figure a way to make it work. She was right. Paired with some throw pillows it's every bit that modern glamour look that I love so much.

Also available in Chocolate.

Upstairs Hall

The white hall wasn't working for me, especially after we refinished the floors and they were covered with dust. I've always loved aqua and went through a couple versions before finally deciding on Interesting Aqua by Duron. See below for Before and After. BEFORE AFTER