HOME DECOR: Sarah's Room - Fit for a Princess

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is something magical about a little girl's room; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">a feeling of endless possibilities and make believe. Creating a room for a little girl is a charming experience. In this room, I tried to keep a light hand - the soft lavender walls, white furniture, sheer curtains and soft draping over the bed. I didn't want it to be too childish; Sarah is a sophisticated child in an "I believe in Fairies" sort of way. On the other hand I didn't want to lose the 'wide eyed little girl' either. </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZ33lSbksbLGuXtsrCIaDIbwFwu1GYQK8P2PYnfeYl9RVyXwDRp1Y7CMYIfcJ8U02k_lrOocJChUDvVyQHkSveoxbIF4UB8ch_bh6svXsX-ih4-CkcptGACPmTn9uT9Lc0_YgXHayHH4/s1600-h/file_253627.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354526362746499234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZ33lSbksbLGuXtsrCIaDIbwFwu1GYQK8P2PYnfeYl9RVyXwDRp1Y7CMYIfcJ8U02k_lrOocJChUDvVyQHkSveoxbIF4UB8ch_bh6svXsX-ih4-CkcptGACPmTn9uT9Lc0_YgXHayHH4/s640/file_253627.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a></div><div>We accomplished this by the elegant sheer curtains, dramatically draped and topped with gingham checked valances; with a crystal chandelier hung next to big oversized stuffed animals and also with a quiet color palette of all lavender, purple and light pink hues - soothing to the eye but not at all boring. </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM259wVUzny1DxZX1by-1G9bDl30YxF5AyUtG-I_qnljH-ARyN2lL63adbX7rHQfZ7zr5-mSQe9NPmwCzpssTE2d5T4lsfOLguP26s6iNqFy5JmehTUgNmJj_1DSDR-vZHzxGqpvIGSSw/s1600-h/IMG_0834.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="486" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354526118446389298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM259wVUzny1DxZX1by-1G9bDl30YxF5AyUtG-I_qnljH-ARyN2lL63adbX7rHQfZ7zr5-mSQe9NPmwCzpssTE2d5T4lsfOLguP26s6iNqFy5JmehTUgNmJj_1DSDR-vZHzxGqpvIGSSw/s640/IMG_0834.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a></div><div>We added additional gingham valances over the mirrored closet doors for the perfect finishing touch. </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14tEJ64ihewmS-cvv2DP1fRnZwPH4JAenuo5szGk9SByzyiaEfXp4rZuchQxRprNVxI5FPV0YN-qjGyUAQ2-zq6Znc1ryh0E8iSYo5Nr-EobgndUefTTcpVzCkw61Yi3eMN4jGhitqaE/s1600-h/IMG_0835.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354526112068697954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14tEJ64ihewmS-cvv2DP1fRnZwPH4JAenuo5szGk9SByzyiaEfXp4rZuchQxRprNVxI5FPV0YN-qjGyUAQ2-zq6Znc1ryh0E8iSYo5Nr-EobgndUefTTcpVzCkw61Yi3eMN4jGhitqaE/s640/IMG_0835.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a></div><div>And the perfect framed view of the room. The artwork over the bed is by Sarah. Displaying children's art encourages them in their creativity and builds great self esteem. The bed is equipped with a trundle underneath for girlfriend sleepovers - a must. The gingham dust ruffle echoes the valances and the lavender walls. </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi7b3-B4JpdjlX7FmsX6j7kEJrGZ6q4DWaMJbBLK_yPo_s-o3CmdZM0g9wat896_MLJJJlGTTszrUZLCyxbX9rPmwFErbAS6brn53x31pPpx81IT2MC_rfiWrLqC9pOL9Z-dv9JDRLyI/s1600-h/file_2536301.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354526109577896930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi7b3-B4JpdjlX7FmsX6j7kEJrGZ6q4DWaMJbBLK_yPo_s-o3CmdZM0g9wat896_MLJJJlGTTszrUZLCyxbX9rPmwFErbAS6brn53x31pPpx81IT2MC_rfiWrLqC9pOL9Z-dv9JDRLyI/s1600/file_2536301.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a></div><div>A toy chest offers much needed storage and also a barrier to the windows which were installed much too low for little ones in this home. It's also a great place for a monkey to 'hang out'. </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifNVYufgfkZ24GDTxVs7LLtKGLsSkmay1CaAVxIA61AkptWUcO466lq5HtxuNueIHNNC39vWy3X_DZZf4mF7zdXRnkWnAFBoY2flRpmx73UKeppo87Kx48oRUTN0XgPyP_6AMHm5p_6E/s1600-h/file_253627abc.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354526106280829074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifNVYufgfkZ24GDTxVs7LLtKGLsSkmay1CaAVxIA61AkptWUcO466lq5HtxuNueIHNNC39vWy3X_DZZf4mF7zdXRnkWnAFBoY2flRpmx73UKeppo87Kx48oRUTN0XgPyP_6AMHm5p_6E/s1600/file_253627abc.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a></div><div>Small treasures are displayed on a charming white wood mirror where they won't get lost among the bigger items in the room. We also added small white shelves to display her fairy figurines. </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFakRMx5AV5DLpEaInv4ra1GK_sr3BrinGTnSu4CEvuw9E1hhtBC36z5AL0WOPz-eolqoyxaUdG-S_832_pvJNJzFYvKFUajAB_o0TCz5UptAiVWdYKhPdPwzu-jMtF5kRlslyl-WmwTk/s1600-h/file_253627ab.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354526099055440162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFakRMx5AV5DLpEaInv4ra1GK_sr3BrinGTnSu4CEvuw9E1hhtBC36z5AL0WOPz-eolqoyxaUdG-S_832_pvJNJzFYvKFUajAB_o0TCz5UptAiVWdYKhPdPwzu-jMtF5kRlslyl-WmwTk/s1600/file_253627ab.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a></div><div>Glass doorknobs hold back the fabric over the bed. The bedside lampshade was customized with fabrics from the room and sparkling beaded trim was added for extra little girl glamour. </div><div align="center"></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x40BoWDEDcXS9cEOMmd42caOgXqf8GgqUU2XB6ZGRx0Gxznv3bF-LjUDHbQk8TvSsmSs3OgVWvoSUgAEKuPp5DocJ7npxquSuz4v-Qx03s_fo7qiAS5KbC_9FBWybVgx34iCnP1rdyw/s1600-h/file_253627a.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354524810262789122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x40BoWDEDcXS9cEOMmd42caOgXqf8GgqUU2XB6ZGRx0Gxznv3bF-LjUDHbQk8TvSsmSs3OgVWvoSUgAEKuPp5DocJ7npxquSuz4v-Qx03s_fo7qiAS5KbC_9FBWybVgx34iCnP1rdyw/s1600/file_253627a.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" /></a>We finished the gingham valance with velvet pansies at strategic points. (Click on the photo for a close up look). </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwfTwN-1enqgA8ZT3lXbm-l-XUzgLdlwERNFXguMBQI6gSzyRnQ5bq-5NBSlyRGUyIQi4okUwfvqNcf76nNChAGf1WScYD17XJ_JMlEIzIHRemXXEU2XNoH42hobLm_VY-ZVw0TpPK1o/s1600-h/cozycorner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354524806763228866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwfTwN-1enqgA8ZT3lXbm-l-XUzgLdlwERNFXguMBQI6gSzyRnQ5bq-5NBSlyRGUyIQi4okUwfvqNcf76nNChAGf1WScYD17XJ_JMlEIzIHRemXXEU2XNoH42hobLm_VY-ZVw0TpPK1o/s1600/cozycorner.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sarah's bookcase became home to books, treasures and soft little animals. </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTk5tSQwZKpkYnSuCf2CoLyNIPqEuR7Fq4caSFDbnrMVQNzunlS5VQ7YTATLw8v7rIVphwtf_H9At2S_EoOcQFZSEH-1cSkF1uoLj92bW0SSvzh3qnM0mPF0bjWcdKydv9s0a5uspSjE/s1600-h/bookcase+sara.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354524807939090994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTk5tSQwZKpkYnSuCf2CoLyNIPqEuR7Fq4caSFDbnrMVQNzunlS5VQ7YTATLw8v7rIVphwtf_H9At2S_EoOcQFZSEH-1cSkF1uoLj92bW0SSvzh3qnM0mPF0bjWcdKydv9s0a5uspSjE/s1600/bookcase+sara.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>And over the bookcase, two adorable bunny prints in soft hues fill the empty space on the wall. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmybNe67K1gCOsdDXUr2UhG4bsN6Sa67uJySz5HRxXxqrMqF6xpW6I78qEFTA2wOvEow1H77G6LUrjLhh7mwJXQJ3KAzR6KgAGZq8_jewh_Q9BRTsyIsQHgOQMRGgoUG-gm7U3u6fR07w/s1600-h/file_253630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354524803836260194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmybNe67K1gCOsdDXUr2UhG4bsN6Sa67uJySz5HRxXxqrMqF6xpW6I78qEFTA2wOvEow1H77G6LUrjLhh7mwJXQJ3KAzR6KgAGZq8_jewh_Q9BRTsyIsQHgOQMRGgoUG-gm7U3u6fR07w/s640/file_253630.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" width="640" /></a></div>The finished room is a backdrop for make believe and sweet dreams. Every child deserves a place where they can imagine! Childhood is sooo short! <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOxhHe-FHq48UFnu1DrhDW_iBBuoeXTwNopol1T1U4QwYtCnxYLefSqpNklPbw4F5FMEpuZCIHoKBgBH3ift5aPIJk8vGcCqXdzze0Q3nQzpD1WhaoObsEnEXHQf7Z9O245M2Xrm1uyo/s1600-h/file_253627.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354524796384954290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOxhHe-FHq48UFnu1DrhDW_iBBuoeXTwNopol1T1U4QwYtCnxYLefSqpNklPbw4F5FMEpuZCIHoKBgBH3ift5aPIJk8vGcCqXdzze0Q3nQzpD1WhaoObsEnEXHQf7Z9O245M2Xrm1uyo/s640/file_253627.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" width="640" /></a> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>A big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to leave a comment on these postings. It really makes my day and keeps me going! As usual, I would love to hear your comments on this posting, as well! </div></div>

HOME DECOR: Sarah's Room - Fit for a Princess

There is something magical about a little girl's room; a feeling of endless possibilities and make believe. Creating a room for a little...

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Danish Wedding Plans

<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sktx8-fwd-I/AAAAAAAACmY/68L--YgUUp8/s1600-h/zurich.jpg"></a><div><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353463777963148610" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SktS8TNqBUI/AAAAAAAACkQ/w8ifI3InaC0/s400/denmark+house.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div align="center">We all are heading to Denmark this summer. When I say "we all" I mean my three sisters, their husbands and children - my entire side of the family. We total 11 people. My parents, who have since passed away, had four girls and I am sister number three.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353484217511249234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SktliCdrBVI/AAAAAAAACl4/WmjbGbN5grc/s400/copenhagen_denmark.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> Sister number two lives part of the year in California and part of the year in Denmark. She has lived between two countries for most of her adult life. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353463800008539954" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SktS9lVr_zI/AAAAAAAACkY/y_fOhoPMASM/s400/denmark+natl+geographic.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" /></div><div align="center">Many years ago when I lived in Germany, we often visited her in Denmark. We did a lot of sightseeing and antiquing. She knew the best out of the way barns and I found some terrific Danish pine pieces.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353467467911040818" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SktWTFVyjzI/AAAAAAAACkw/Yp6-IEo6VCY/s400/denmark_wed_cp_5826910.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 337px; CURSOR: hand" /></div><div align="center">Sister number two is getting married in August and having a traditional Danish wedding. Her fiancee is a native of Copenhagen, Denmark. My children, and their cousins, are in the wedding and they are all very excited. The photo above is the Danish Royal couple; Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary. Just like a living fairytale!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353473604209237266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sktb4Q1SXRI/AAAAAAAAClQ/JFhAREMpWt8/s400/denmark+castle.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></div><div align="center">She has planned some great sightseeing for us. One stop we hope to make is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rosenborg</span> Castle in Copenhagen.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353467809018661090" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SktWm8ELyOI/AAAAAAAAClA/kZgPWa_691o/s400/Denmark+plates.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 311px; CURSOR: hand" /></div><div align="center">I plan to get plenty of photos of the plate room for my friend, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Valorie</span> at <a href="http://visualvamp.blogspot.com/">Visual Vamp</a>. She would love this. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353473044346583522" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SktbXrLoOeI/AAAAAAAAClI/bXvPDHw10SM/s400/denmark+tivloi.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 252px; CURSOR: hand" /></div><div align="center">To keep the children ages 5 through 12 happy we also plan to stop at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tivoli</span> Gardens.</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353467473886069154" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SktWTbmWQaI/AAAAAAAACk4/RwWs38docrY/s400/demnark+wedd.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div align="center">But, back to the wedding. Here is another photo of the Royal couple - I just had to keep this one in it's so romantic. Sister number two has agreed to let me do a post on her wedding when I return. The plans sound really wonderful so watch for that in September.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353463934507062242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SktTFaYok-I/AAAAAAAACko/BXxAM8-7tt8/s400/wengen.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></div><div align="center">After the wedding, my husband, children (ages 10 and 12) and I are heading to the Bernese <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Oberland</span> area of Switzerland. We are staying in the wonderful little village of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wengen</span>. No cars are allowed in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wengen</span> you can only get there by cog wheel train.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353475278548520338" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SktdZuO4TZI/AAAAAAAAClg/uAq-mblBDdM/s400/hiking.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></div><div align="center">We plan do a few days of hiking, which no doubt will inspire me to sing songs from <em>The Sound of Music</em>. The kids have asked me to promise to not break out into song.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353463730637071090" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SktS5i6PYvI/AAAAAAAACkA/OdeJ2_K43kw/s400/wengen+2.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> But it that may prove difficult because the scenery is so spectacular.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353495925018029810" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SktwLgUzbvI/AAAAAAAACmI/u2tA2_cA7oo/s400/thun+see.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></div>We may travel over to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Thun</span> to see the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Schadau</span> Castle.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353495923088936018" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SktwLZI3zFI/AAAAAAAACmA/WGijnZOUfK8/s400/alps.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 285px; CURSOR: hand" />Or stumble upon some other unexpected and delightful sights. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353497868210686722" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Sktx8nSCSwI/AAAAAAAACmQ/jx-qM2zse8c/s400/zurich-main.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" />Then we spend our final days in Zurich. We very excited.</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;">.</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">So, my international and well <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">traveled</span> readers, I am requesting any information about out of the way locations that we may want to stop in and see while we are there. These are those not to miss spots that unless you have traveled or lived in the area, an average tourist would not know about. So, if you have a moment or a thought, do let me know.</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;">.</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Oh my, I feel a song coming on... lucky for you I have no audio feature.</div><div align="center">xx-Gina</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;">all photos Google Images</span></div></div>

Danish Wedding Plans

We all are heading to Denmark this summer. When I say "we all" I mean my three sisters, their husbands and children - my entire s...

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HOME DECOR: PAT'S BEAUTIFUL NEW LOOK IN MISSION VIEJO

<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Pat was definitely ready for a new look</span></strong>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Her peach walls, peach wing chairs and white floral sofa were beautiful in the 80's - but it wasn't the 80's anymore. Heavy lace curtains, off-white carpeting and brass accessories had to go, but we loved the new crown molding, plastered ceiling and mullioned windows. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtfv0lZyaxhRHlzn63OwuHvJVkQRYfr_YGZUGrsJ9K6KWAmQhUTM2LCLylkI7JFWRYg5KRVWLxbBSc-aA_JpW7Ldh4QlOPo-HHRQ47xeR1Lgl5EYXCj9fUpo92c2jvd1VUQKkCYMm7tM/s1600-h/livingrooma.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="479" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353566116766170402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtfv0lZyaxhRHlzn63OwuHvJVkQRYfr_YGZUGrsJ9K6KWAmQhUTM2LCLylkI7JFWRYg5KRVWLxbBSc-aA_JpW7Ldh4QlOPo-HHRQ47xeR1Lgl5EYXCj9fUpo92c2jvd1VUQKkCYMm7tM/s640/livingrooma.JPG" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOOp5Nw7xN_i9NYRATz-DRIibZ9aYIiBWEO9dmIe4gltI04h7eX1HqFenm27yTl1qBEUMln0ooeRGAnq_JDMCCBvPY81onHRMy0w0DuhfeV4Y-XNyz31i1u1g5WKVmkuV2LCNwn7WLCI/s1600-h/IMG_1907.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353566112973649586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOOp5Nw7xN_i9NYRATz-DRIibZ9aYIiBWEO9dmIe4gltI04h7eX1HqFenm27yTl1qBEUMln0ooeRGAnq_JDMCCBvPY81onHRMy0w0DuhfeV4Y-XNyz31i1u1g5WKVmkuV2LCNwn7WLCI/s640/IMG_1907.JPG" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The only furniture Pat wished to keep in this room was the family piano. I wanted to see more light in the room as well. She had a definite idea about color - more peaches and cream - but I decided NOT to take her at her word and we took a little trip to the fabric showroom. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I asked her to forget about the living room and just show me the fabrics she was drawn to.</div><div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BMbfdOP5zcsESOmEJ1KTZBe6QqffSMfFolQstpW89T9kY2YZAdUjjRmknO8NKgusKFggMuSAuVbS34EE11KBp4ev1ingBZKNnY_bI3hmUG-wfJ_AGxGADXvFsMHiwkeBC01ZUaRPgNM/s1600-h/diningrooma.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="509" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353566105432549202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BMbfdOP5zcsESOmEJ1KTZBe6QqffSMfFolQstpW89T9kY2YZAdUjjRmknO8NKgusKFggMuSAuVbS34EE11KBp4ev1ingBZKNnY_bI3hmUG-wfJ_AGxGADXvFsMHiwkeBC01ZUaRPgNM/s640/diningrooma.JPG" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" width="640" /></a> The dining room was included in this redecorating project, as it is an open continuation of the living room. In this room, Pat decided she still loved her dining set and would keep it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKiPRY1F16XFSKZ1iPCHUHkrDj8Jk8pgitkqJC09Kj7f3z_2r9vl-mGDjPgjaZE9G2t6HiQ_agM5uAqg4oFdg6RoGll9nPzipLJOie-12gqohv_LthAS4SemUuJV30aoe5siXkMhiVzk/s1600-h/entrya.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXoF89cPyfENO3uh93LNX7dDUmkzM2TRHIOQ95nYUruOQwcAsvPIcaWIl3OwLcICMOLzsVG4Sr_DJ7Coz9wwLuXEFjENFzAX6U5iX2CPCV60li8pvZkjbf-2woiL_9W8ki_xKuPbdJxI/s1600-h/no3.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="text-align: center;">Our trip to the fabric store surprised Pat. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She found that she was 'drawn' to deep reds, chocolate browns and golds. </div><div style="text-align: center;">A far cry from peaches and cream. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Having found her color palette, went to work. </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE17Tu1tmzaHZ9Hs1cl8HKgW1O9hjp_0cyD2SkihoPXzLfiP7-Fso_Q4qS_x3qvxujDocI3zHK1vGkD1DWzwpgQ9MuqmkeZTTQSJgRs9GqCHf4SY4EXJ4Egr9tDqn2nZznIEu71yVa_2k/s1600-h/before.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353563724731640146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE17Tu1tmzaHZ9Hs1cl8HKgW1O9hjp_0cyD2SkihoPXzLfiP7-Fso_Q4qS_x3qvxujDocI3zHK1vGkD1DWzwpgQ9MuqmkeZTTQSJgRs9GqCHf4SY4EXJ4Egr9tDqn2nZznIEu71yVa_2k/s640/before.JPG" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" width="640" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>[Living Room Before]</em></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've decided Pat leads a charmed life, and I must take her with me whenever I shop. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Nearly every place we went - for furniture, fabric, lighting or accessories - we found a sale. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkEZvbey-WiIhX995JWIO7QdcdaVRNh0LXH-naTsg-taWNQSsqrYYdzNXShFjaodt9V5GrKQ6pIdQy8q_UpNW23We2kUKHb2wGrBAVRWnHC4Qo4dpwj1DD37mTEFx014S9gn-X0w20fY/s1600-h/patslivingrm.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="465" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353563720290686898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkEZvbey-WiIhX995JWIO7QdcdaVRNh0LXH-naTsg-taWNQSsqrYYdzNXShFjaodt9V5GrKQ6pIdQy8q_UpNW23We2kUKHb2wGrBAVRWnHC4Qo4dpwj1DD37mTEFx014S9gn-X0w20fY/s640/patslivingrm.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><em>[Living Room After]</em></div><div align="center">We first addressed the flooring and installed 20" travertine tile for the 'old world look' Pat loved. Next, we painted the walls a warm neutral gold. We added bronze colored sconces to both sides of the room, bringing in more light. I brought in the warm chocolate color that Pat was drawn to in the deep wood tones of the curio and accent tables. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dibPL6TyfZ_dZ8YGdNgenqfTPukXRS1urfgYq2-Gtr5KtUbuzsjaBCeYNhtTBV2mXl3LuhuI4ras2UqbjOMn_dfdLhtuKT9yMdirBICbd92_LdIwbfKtMx2oKIS8ryo71T1PSjdT6qc/s1600-h/no1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="451" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353563709186018962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dibPL6TyfZ_dZ8YGdNgenqfTPukXRS1urfgYq2-Gtr5KtUbuzsjaBCeYNhtTBV2mXl3LuhuI4ras2UqbjOMn_dfdLhtuKT9yMdirBICbd92_LdIwbfKtMx2oKIS8ryo71T1PSjdT6qc/s640/no1.JPG" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em>[Living Room After]</em> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Notice the bronze mirror, and the wrought iron detail on the curio. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">We softened the effect of the stone flooring with warm and beautiful area rugs. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">We found sofas in gold and deep red chenille and accent chairs in a deep gold. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">We added extra pillows, bringing in the deep red accent she loved. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">I customized the lampshades on the sconces, covering them in a golden silk, </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">and also on the candlestick lamps in a red silk with detailed trim. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">The photo doesn't show it, but we also added sconces to frame the area around the piano and a deep red Bergere style chair. The result was a warm and inviting room - with absolutely no trace of the 80's left. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClpLq9h1yiJkhCbKQYYyiauBZM_1p4kB33Jw1YwQo3-n18HbcVMgB5Id5ha57rzsR03IEXAIwttTdtg-Wq-jPzy1xWhJlgpkopW1APl3vB3OkrIpQRFGvpMCgEk7XFs6BNhoBqEGKgzI/s1600-h/diningrooma.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="556" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353563024936046882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClpLq9h1yiJkhCbKQYYyiauBZM_1p4kB33Jw1YwQo3-n18HbcVMgB5Id5ha57rzsR03IEXAIwttTdtg-Wq-jPzy1xWhJlgpkopW1APl3vB3OkrIpQRFGvpMCgEk7XFs6BNhoBqEGKgzI/s640/diningrooma.JPG" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwqSYqn5UrRwqtxTqMpeUxZXBiztxiT1680mnCXS0zI-mnceXlS6mBu5KI2aOcxvj6vE7FJaYEb7ggwuFHPHk8mqFjS9q6mvU6TVeBuiRI6_-2WPRQOvSOjEe5a75KbRIMKvip3PIZSE/s1600-h/no1.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em>[Dining Room Before]</em></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pat still loved her dining room set, but it needed a little updating. We removed the cane from the backs of the dining room chairs and upholstered that area and the seats in a deep red patterned chenille. The dated chandelier was replaced by a beautiful wrought iron and scavo glass fixture. Sconces were added on either side of the china hutch. We continued the same flooring here as the living room, but used a slightly deeper paint color for the walls. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We replaced the brass frames on some of the artwork and created a feature wall. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2iEk-0nLnTs2CIamGr3uUJepa_HF_dzxL11708f9P0IANw2DYIv24_odptqxBqe102LTZGccB_bKBA0UenAC85Pc-fHHvGshki1IHZlwhl8DBEP-mn2vuXqG3bMFerTKK5HUZ3jBykQ/s1600-h/no5.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353563704513474450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2iEk-0nLnTs2CIamGr3uUJepa_HF_dzxL11708f9P0IANw2DYIv24_odptqxBqe102LTZGccB_bKBA0UenAC85Pc-fHHvGshki1IHZlwhl8DBEP-mn2vuXqG3bMFerTKK5HUZ3jBykQ/s640/no5.JPG" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" width="640" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>[Dining Room After]</em></div><div style="text-align: center;">I made dupioni silk drapes which we hung on shortened dark wood rods. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We added an area rug and a few new accessories<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNryWt0GXPJxA9g-gLESOkaQsA74DLFrJ8TYIHd7E6FxdfQHryvpdMBg_JQRDO8VWglqtmtbthrONuLcgoB0Le_eyUBUJ8vgFtYArGLhSlHKUJxCe0tZHlfi1-XGFlWxlg49MevamdGsg/s1600-h/diningroom.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353563018422777154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNryWt0GXPJxA9g-gLESOkaQsA74DLFrJ8TYIHd7E6FxdfQHryvpdMBg_JQRDO8VWglqtmtbthrONuLcgoB0Le_eyUBUJ8vgFtYArGLhSlHKUJxCe0tZHlfi1-XGFlWxlg49MevamdGsg/s640/diningroom.JPG" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" width="640" /></a> </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>[Dining Room After]</em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIfl0kDe6Sky4hfa2-_3Z3I7huArtZmd1SoIW98v1TCwrr13bynYkpVUalQSZDMi9GwLsiLmq6JNIqMRJpz2VuqjHikwNRLDmKsoTVrdvw4wBw9CRmOYHTKwX4TZuWk3yWDqbyGN2xeA/s1600-h/diningroom2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="397" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353563013910485058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIfl0kDe6Sky4hfa2-_3Z3I7huArtZmd1SoIW98v1TCwrr13bynYkpVUalQSZDMi9GwLsiLmq6JNIqMRJpz2VuqjHikwNRLDmKsoTVrdvw4wBw9CRmOYHTKwX4TZuWk3yWDqbyGN2xeA/s640/diningroom2.JPG" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" width="640" /></a> </div><div><div></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em>[Dining Room After]</em></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pat's beautiful Living and Dining Room. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I would love to hear your comments. Please take a minute and let me know what you think... </div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

HOME DECOR: PAT'S BEAUTIFUL NEW LOOK IN MISSION VIEJO

Pat was definitely ready for a new look .  Her peach walls, peach wing chairs and white floral sofa were beautiful in the 80's - but it ...

Read more »