Liam's Lair Completed!

Nothing better than typing these words: Liam’s bedroom is completed! I had so many DMs in December when I shared the plan for re-imagining the space.

It all came together so much quicker than I thought it would. Yay! Talk about being happy to get a bed delivered within 24 hrs. We visited Mattress Firm Wednesday Dec. 29th and were told the new double bed would be delivered the very next day.

Our next stop was ACE Hardware to pick out some Benjamin Moore paint for the stripe. Back at home it was time to dismantle his captains bed, remove the bolster and the mirror from the walls. Then we started to paint. My husband installed the two matching headboards. It turned out great!

Some sections of the painting was challenging. The painters tape took off some of the paint in the black section. I used one of my artist brushes to correct. We had already swapped his cubby unit and desk earlier that week.

In an effort to keep things tidy we installed bulletin boards.

I’m so impressed with these items from the Gap Home for Walmart. The ottoman - is very sturdy. The pillow has a zipper. The poly insert is less dense so it resembles feathers in appearance and the texture reacts nicely like it actually has a feather insert. And it can always be changed. Next week I’ll be sharing more pieces from this collection - don’t miss it.

Where we started. Where we ended.

The van Goghs are back up. We know this space will work for our son for years to come with only minor tweaks.

Til next time be well.

What's Cooking?

Rita Higgins Gallagher circa 1983

Friends - I am not what I would call a marvel of culinary genius. My mom Rita - having helped in the kitchen from the time she was 7 yrs old and could stand on a chair by the stove and follow her mother’s instructions (who was in a wheelchair with MS) - was a utilitarian cook - she had a smallish repertoire of dishes she prepared well and after 28 yrs I still dearly miss her roast beef. And that’s the type of cook I am as well - I’m not inventive - I follow recipes unless it’s something I’ve been preparing forever - like my mother’s Hot Crabmeat Dip. I’ve also recently fallen in love with Trader Joe’s many prepared dishes that are simply too tasty! But, with the new calendar I find myself excited to try my hand at a few new recipes.

Here are the three cookbooks whose dishes I feel comfortable to prepare or have prepared and most importantly - dishes I know my family will enjoy.

I received Savor and a fabulous charcuterie board at Christmas and there is nothing I like better than to graze… I love to serve snacks that are hearty enough to become a meal. We own a Fondue Pot I’m excited to use again!

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How Easy Is That is a tried and true favorite from my collection. I have served the Tomatoes Roasted with Pesto so many times! They are so delectable!

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Scandinavian Gatherings is not only about food from the different countries of this region but, there are wonderful crafts to incorporate into the celebration and use as decorations for the table and room! I keep hanging onto to the sliver of DNA from my Swedish Great Grandmother! Every Christmas Eve we enjoy Swedish meatballs my sister prepares with Felix Lingonberries on them!

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Mom’s Crab Meat Dip Recipe:

Are you embracing any new foods or recipes lately?

Til next time be well!

Liam's Lair Reimagined

Hi Friends I hope your Christmas was magical, fun and full of all the very best!

This week I’m trying to relax in-between my son’s hang out dates and starting his bedroom redo. Back in spring 2018 the space was completely revamped. We swapped french doors to the galerie for windows, changed the color story and added a desk. Click here to read.

Well here we are 3 + years later and it’s time for some much needed updates. Our son is now 10 and a larger bed has been ordered, we’re moving things around; pulling down art and he’s deciding what will and will not stay. I will share the completed space in a future post but, here is where we started.

June 2018

It’s a tight space and to maximize every inch Liam’s new bed will remain in it’s current location. Previously when we moved his bed into the corner we installed a bolster that hung on the wall with a cleat - this accomplishes a few things - it allows him to feel comfortable sitting against the wall, keeps him warm in the cold months and cooler in the warm months.

When I found this image of interior designer Liz Caan’s daughter’s room I knew this is what I wanted to emulate. I want to create a double headboard niche!

The headboards have been delivered and fingers crossed we’ll come as close as possible to the above inspiration.

The funnest thing we’re planning is a paint detail. Possibly a wall mural inspired by my Insta-pal Racheal Jackson - here are some inspirational images she’s created for clients that resonated with my son.

Liam is very creative and an artist. I really want his space to reflect the design and color choices he feels passionate about. We also love Carey & Johan color-blocking inspiration in this hotel room they designed for a client.

Diamond Stitched coverlet set

He already picked out new bedding in dark charcoal grey. As of today the color scheme will be grey, blues with hints of green and orange with the ceiling and walls remaining white. But, that could change depending on the paint detail we settle on.

Til next time friends be well.

Thank you all so much for being here! I wish you all blessings and joy in the coming year. Happy New Year!