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A Blissful Day

by | Oct 22, 2007 | Authentic Living, Domesticity

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A Blissful Day

Well, well, well, my dearies, I do have some things to share! Do you see what is in that photo? Yes, something very very blissful indeed. My new Victoria Magazine came, FINALLY. Hip Hip Hooray! But that wasn’t the only bliss my mail person brought today. No, no, no…I had a little box at my doorstop. The one in the photo marked THE BLISSFUL. Remember my little introduction to my tres chic friend and her formidable boutique The Blissful? If you missed it, check out the post here! Well, not only has Abby indulged me with a special gift, bless her heart, she has sent one along for YOU as well! YES! In that box, wrapped up in tissue is a French delight for the winner of my 100th post give-a-way! I took a peek at it and it is TOO DIE FOR. The most chic of accessories and I know you will want it for yourself. Want to know what it is? All in good time, my pretties! All in good time.

A Blissful Day

Also, I want to thank each of you who shared your thoughts on domesticity on my last post and in personal emails. If you didn’t comment yet on that, feel free to still add your thoughts here. Not everyone desires to knit or make quince jelly (I am one of them, although I could be tempted if I knew what quince jelly was!), but I think most of us creative women have a heart for our home and how we want our life to be. How to balance the demands of this crazy world with the simple joy of creating a home is something many of us wrestle with. We’ll talk about it more soon. I am no Martha Stewart, that is quite obvious, but I too want a little Martha moment here and there. I want it all! I may not be able to tie a French knot while making pate brisee like my friend Alicia, but we don’t all have to define domestic bliss in the same way. We can pick and choose what works for us and just visit Alicia for everything else. I’m just jokin’ with ya, she is more down to earth than anyone, she just happens to be a domestic goddess (and a blogging wonder woman) and I love her for that.

Alrighty, a few more things to share with you! Speaking of Domestic Genius, here is the kind of thing all of us have to do AT LEAST ONCE in our life. To keep us humble. A little mix up between the hand washing dish soap and the machine dish washing dish soap. Luckily I was in the room when I noticed the soap coming out the bottom of the cabinet and flowing across the floor. It could’ve been much worse had I not been there to stop the cycle. Let’s just say it wasn’t me this time. Really! It wasn’t. I know a Domestic Goddess would not do something like this.

A Blissful Day

Lastly, I wanted to share a sneak peek of my in process dining room makeover! It isn’t all the way done, painting is not done, not everything is on the walls and set in place yet, but just because I want to keep it real here, so you can see I am still working on it! Little by little, the way working women have to operate! One way I try to have it all in life is I don’t obsess too much about the choices in decorating. I love it, but it usually just has to come together using what I have or what I can find for a deal. If I have to plan it out too much, forget it. I don’t have time! I want it to look good but I have a life full of things to do and decorating is only one of them. I want to get on with USING the dining room!

You can kind of see in the mirror my cute chandelier shades from Tuesday Morning, a red toile with gold liner. One of the light bulbs is burned out, typical! Anyways, found all 12 of them in one day, that is a miracle in itself. They set the stage for the room and I went from there. Then you can see my new yellow/gold curtains also reflected in the mirror. I am hanging a collection of mirrors over the buffet to brighten things up across from the window and it has really helped. I have the funkiest combed plaster walls and ceiling, and I am keeping them antique white because I would be nauseated if they were a color. They have enough going on in their texture, they don’t need color to add any more pizazz. So, color has to come from everything else. I am probably eventually going to paint the wainscoting a palest buttery yellow. It is a pretty big room, with a baby grand piano in one corner. I will reveal a full room shot soon!

A Blissful Day

Stay tuned, more info on the 100th post extravaganza, more decorating and Christmas ideas, and a few more surprises headed your way! OH! And fungi, I am definitely finding a way to include fungi. I want everyone to feel at home here and if fungi is hip for decorating in some circles, we are going to have fungi. I’m working on it.

40 Comments

  1. Terri

    Finally, I get to make the first comment! (you are so popular)…

    First of all, your room looks gorgeous, so polished. I lean towards traditional, so it is right up my alley, without being over the top and I agree with the white walls. The texture is just such a nice touch and the chandelier is a classic and I love the red lamp most and all that dark wood. You and I could talk…I think my tastes are a little more *rustic* than yours but I love the refined look you have achieved.

    Thanks also for your email and I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that “we can pick and choose what works for us”. That is the truest thing anyone can say on the topic. It is OUR choice and we can do what the heck we want!

    And your dishwasher – perfect. I love that you included that after all the domestic goddess discussions. Seems timely, even if it wasn’t your fault! I love your humility. Even with all that taste and talent (and great writing!), you are modest. LOVE that. You are my blogger hero and you really are a great person.

    Now one final thing – I don’t expect a reply! You are busy and don’t have time to email everyone. I am like one of those relatives who only expects a call at Christmas. :) Although your words always make me feel special. Thanks Melissa, for everything!

    Reply
  2. kari and kijsa

    OOOOH! We can’t wait until your 100th post (BTW….we love the name of her shop)! Your dining room looks FABULOUS!!!!!!!!

    smiles, kari and kijsa

    Reply
  3. Cottage Contessa

    From one Domestic Goddess to another (you know that’s said tongue in cheek right?!lol) don’t feel bad about the dishwasher………been there done that! Love your dining room. Very elegant.
    Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

    Reply
  4. Mélanie

    I can’t wait until your 100th post !! Christmas ideas I need them . American are the best for christman decoration !!!

    Reply
  5. Cecile

    Hi Melissa,

    I’m a knitter, but have trouble finding the time, unless I plan a knitting date and go out to knit with others. I love the picture of your room and look forward to seeing more. It’s going to be fabulous.

    Thanks for visiting my blog and for the smile award. I’m a bit confused about the picking it up part, but thanks for the award. I’m trying to get back to the blogging and other things here, but it’s going slowly.

    Reply
  6. Judy

    What a gorgeous dining room!!!

    And I am a crochet-a-holic…so I too, long for the times when neighbors did it and had sessions together. I AM coverting a couple of neighbors. Slow going, but one at a time is better than having no one to pass on my love for the craft!

    Reply
  7. Julie

    I was not able to get over here for the past few days and MAN did I miss you! I love the room. It’s gorgeous and I’m only seeing a small part of it. Totally jealous but in a non-threatening sort of way, of course. I can’t wait to see the rest of the room.

    I am no Domestic Goddess. I don’t really have any talents. I can cook but that’s about it. I see something I like in this room and something I like in another and I have no way of combining everything. You’re truly talented beyond measure.

    Love,
    Julie

    Reply
  8. Kathleen Grace

    Your dining room looks great! I am a big fan of red so I really love the red touches. I would love to see more. I am really excited to see what Christmas in blogland is going to be like, I know I am going to see some reallybeautiful, creative ideas. And the box from the Blissful, what a tease! I hope your 100th post is soon:>)

    Reply
  9. the feathered nest

    What in the world is fungi, besides a mushroom? Do you mean fung shui? Anyway, your dishwasher photo made me laugh. Who hasn’t done that at least once! Your dining room already looks great, but I look forward to seeing your changes. I know it’s slow going but that’s also part of the fun. I don’t like to rush projects (although some CAN last way too long).

    Can’t wait for your 100th post to see what scrumptious things you have in store for us!

    Manuela

    Reply
  10. rosieswhimsy

    I love all your photos….everyday….everyone!! Your dining room glimpse is great…can’t wait to see more.

    Glad to see you are a mere mortal as well :-) I did that but grabbed the dish dtg liquid instead of the Jet Dry….same color liquid. What a chore trying to get that out of that little area. From then on I bought a different color dish liquid!!!

    Always look forward to your posts………..rosie

    Reply
  11. Jenn and Jacqui

    Hi Melissa, what a delight to have received the parcel from Abby, it looks so gorgeous! As does your dining room, beautiful wood colour and accent pieces, very elegant :) The dishwasher issue, well I have to confess, I did exactly the same thing about 3 years ago, it took me ages to clean out all the suds!!! Looking forward to your 100th post, and the funghi!!! Have a lovely week Melissa! Jenn and Jacqui

    Reply
  12. Sharon Goemaere

    Love,love,love your dining room!And I too am awaiting my copy of Victoria magazine here in Stayton!I was so very sad when they ceased publication a few years back.I cannot wait to see the first issue of it’s return.I am so glad you FINALLY got yours!I e-mailed them asking when I may see my magazine and the bill as well.Since mailing back the postcard a few weeks ago I have heard nothing from them.Maybe they were inundated with replies and requests.:-)I cannot wait to get it…
    Blessings,Sharon

    Reply
  13. Sweet Cottage Dreams

    What is in that box!!?? Looks interesting…
    I cannot wait for your giveaway and am certain that it will be lovely! ~~ LOL about the dishwasher…this domestic “diva” has done the same thing! I even left the laundry room faucet going once (of course the stopper was in place) and flooded the laundry room! eckkkk! xo, Becky

    Reply
  14. Sweet Cottage Dreams

    One more thing…your dining room is gorgeous and I am loving that chandelier!!!! Good job finding all those shades – lucky gal!! B.

    Reply
  15. Pat

    Hello Melissa!

    I’m looking forward to seeing your dining room redo!

    Through all the suds, I spied a Mikasa French Countryside plate, didn’t I? I have that pattern too..I’m sure we have the same Lenox Wintergreetings Everyday, also! I believe I saw a piece of it, on another post.

    I’m having my 100th post giveaway, as I type. I’m absolutey positively sure, my gift isn’t as wonderful as the item in The Blissful carton! I can’t wait to see what you are offering!

    Come on over to the back porch and leave a comment, on today’s entry, for eligibility!

    Pat

    Reply
  16. Cre8Tiva

    oh i am far from a domestic goddess…i can cook…and i can clean when the mood hits (not very often)…i would rather create…anyway…love the idea of mirrors over buffet…i think mirrors over my welsh dresser would brighten that space…thank you…blessings, rebecca

    Reply
  17. hedgerowhollow

    Love your dining room so far!! And the dishwasher fiasco ~ priceless! :) I always wondered what would happen and now I know! I’m still waiting for my first issue of Victoria ~ I think everyone has theirs but me. ~ hugs, Lynda xo

    Reply
  18. Felicia

    I think we’ve all been there with the dishwasher :)

    Reply
  19. Sweet Remembrance

    OK…whats in the box?
    I want to see now!
    Can’t wait…
    Priscilla

    Reply
  20. all the best

    I just found your lovely blog…where have I been?? It’s just great! I will add you to my blog roll.

    Reply
  21. Mari-Nanci

    Ohhhh, your Victoria came!!!!

    Mari-Nanci

    Reply
  22. Aimee

    I got my Victoria mag. too and loved it! Had to laugh at your dishwasher pic – I’m AMAZED that hasn’t happened to me yet. :) And, the dining rooms is looking great! Can’t wait to see the completed project.

    Reply
  23. Esther Sunday

    Huh…honey, you won’t be backing my car out my garage anytime soon. No offense. ;^) Love, E

    Reply
  24. parisapartment

    I’m not sure how i missed you but am glad to have found you! Can’t wait to see what’s in the box…do show us please!!

    Reply
  25. Linda

    Love your dining room it is so elegant. I had to laugh, the dishwasher episode has happened to me too. What a mess. I am waiting for my magazine…please hurry.Can’t wait to see what is in the sweet Blissful box. Linda

    Reply
  26. Penny, Mosaic Artist

    I have had company and was away from my computer for a few days. Couldn’t wait to get here and catch up on what you were doing. Love the peak of the dining room. I am a big yellow and red fan and toile – yep!

    The dishwasher….lol. I have done that once…..:-)

    Christmas – how fun! And your 100th blog sounds wonderful. I have enjoyed visiting Blissfuls site.
    Penny

    Reply
  27. AJsMom

    Your dining room looks wonderful! And I can’t wait for your Christmas ideas. I love Christmas and have always loved decorating for the holidays. However, in recent years, decorating has become more of a chore. So, I know you will provide us with some refreshing and easy ideas! Haven’t we all experienced the dishwasher episode once or twice. Can’t wait for your next post and the big reveal!!

    Reply
  28. Robin

    So THATS what happens when you put liquid dish soap in the dishwasher? I always wondered! LOL
    I’m glad you got your Victoria…I have to buy mine at the store as soon as it gets there!
    Blessings,
    Robin

    Reply
  29. Design for Mankind

    OMG YOU ALWAYS HAVE A MILLION COMMENTS! And I must say, that I would LOVE LOVE to get a handmade gift from you. You may not be crafty (HELLO, YOU’RE TALKING TO THE FOUNDER OF ‘I CAN’T CRAFT ANONYMOUS’), but you’ve got GREAT style and I can only imagine what you could come up with.

    PLEASE PLEASE join in the fun! I need two more people to give gifts to, and I know only YOU will understand when the gift I give is… well, less than craft par!

    And by the way— your blog gets better by the second. Thanks for taking so much time into thoughtful posts… I LOVE LOVE reading them, and HELLO!?! your dining room is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!

    Reply
  30. Design for Mankind

    YESSSS!!! YOU’RE IN! You’ve got 365 days, don’t worry, and when you see how bad my crafts are, you’ll no longer fret.

    Email me your addy and I”ll get started ASAP. Don’t forget to pay it forward to three more bloggers!!! :)

    [email protected]

    Reply
  31. Lynn

    LOL…seems like a lot of domestic goddesses have had the bubbling dishwasher, me included. Love your blog and I can’t wait to get my copy of Victoria. ~ Smiles ~ Lynn

    Reply
  32. norththreads

    thanks so much for popping by! This is a beautiful blog you have here, thanks for leaving me a comment so i could find you!
    ~cheers~
    Angie

    Reply
  33. Christine

    Wow!
    I got my Victoria a bit ago…love it!
    You truely are blessed it seems!! lovin’ you dinning room. What a blissfull day indeed! =)
    would you mind emailing me?
    Psst. typepad is my new blog!

    Reply
  34. Elizabeth

    Your dining room looks perfect and ready for the holidays. I look forward to more pictures!

    Reply
  35. Sarah Jennings

    I am sitting here waiting and waiting for the termite inspector (an annual MUST DO in the South), and he is late. So, I have been looking through my favorite blogs. This post made me laugh out loud!

    Reply
  36. victoria

    Hi Melissa,

    I am new to your blog but I just love your diningroom!! I’d love to know where you got the two large urns on your buffet? I just love them. Your touches are beautiful. Thanks, Vicki

    Reply
  37. My Melange

    Loving the Blissful business card. And I can’t wait for your contest! I am crossing my fingers already.

    Reply
  38. Joy

    The dishwasher picture had me in stitches!

    Reply
  39. Kristin

    Hey I couldn’t help but notice in your ‘cute’ dishwashing photo that you have a kind of terra cotta floor…I think it looks great and was wondering what it was? I would love to look into putting them into my kitchen design.

    Thank you – and great blog!!

    Reply
  40. Merrylin

    Interesting decoration with lamps and mirror.Rgds

    Reply

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