Birdie Pearl

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

On the Market

If you are in the market for a fabulous home in Dallas, this may the place for you! I love the classic, contemporary decor and warm, neutral colors. Whether you are in the market or not, enjoy the tour and have a fabulous Wednesday!

I love this fabulous, double-sided living room. I wish the fireplace opened-up

on both sides though.

Aaaahhh! Tranquility.

This is every teenage girl's dream room! A wonderful seating area and luxurious sleeping space. I could live right here!

Wonderful game room - I have a thing for cow hides. It may be a "Texas" thing.

Backyard oasis... torcheres are not my taste,but I wouldn't complain if it were mine!

Love ya,

Krissy

Photos: www.alliebethallman.com (3709 Gillon Avenue, Dallas)

Monday, November 8, 2010

My Happy, Little Place

I think that I have mentioned my little courtyard before. It is really more of a court"closet", as the area is an intimate space off of my breakfast room. Nevertheless, I love the little space and it serves as a wonderful place to drink a cup of coffee or tea and it makes me happy to look out at it. I have planted some colorful pots and planters, added some pillows to the chairs and I hung some festive lights! The courtyard opens-up to the covered porch off of our master bedroom. This is really the "fur lounge," as the furry pearls have taken over the overstuffed seating as their own. Crockett has also added his own "touch" to the pots and planters, so my pictures aren't as pretty as I would have liked. He performed a massive "uprooting" last week and the little pansies haven't had a chance to recoup. Even with too many "gardeners" working on this little space, it is a peaceful, happy place that ALL of our family (fur and all) can enjoy. Don't overlook small spaces! They are opportunities to make something intimate and wonderful and an escape from our crazy lives.

Krissy

Friday, November 5, 2010

Flashback Friday - WORD!

OOhhh! George Michael - the "before"version

Do you ever miss over-sized t-shirts and sweatshirts with big ole words on them? Nothing was subtle in the 80's and why everyone felt the need to have words on everything is beyond me. I do not know why. I don't make the rules? (name that movie) My collection of these 80's "must have" items started out innocently enough with an aqua sweatshirt with lavender writing. The label "Espirit" was emblazoned across the front of the shirt. Of course, I would be remiss if I did not include the matching, aqua, corduroy pants and lavender jelly shoes that completed this look. The trend only went downhill from there.

The next item? "RELAX" I did not have the actual Frankie Goes to Hollywood shirt that said "Frankie say Relax." (yes, it is "say" not "says") I had an over sized, white sweatshirt that simply said "relax." I have questioned my mom on this. How could she allow me to wear it? It's meaning was naughty! (I truly did not know this at the time - truly) She said it was against her better judgement, but... I wore that thing everywhere! Uugghh! At least I wasn't alone!

I must say though, that my favorite was my "GO GO" t-shirt. Wham! was totally awesome! I wanted George Michael to wake me up before he go-go! That was back before he frequented public restrooms and supposedly liked women. Poor guy! I still luv you George! I had a few friends that had the "CHOOSE LIFE" t-shirt that the Wham! boys sported in the wonderful video. (Remember it - my favorite part was at the end of the video,when the black lights came on and everything glowed - cool!) So, what words did you sport on your clothing in the 80's? Seems like I had a Benetton item or two, as well.

Whatever you wore, aren't you glad we have moved on? (or have we?) I will leave you all with this advice," Birdie Pearl say RELAX, CHOOSE LIFE and don't forget to GO GO and have a great weekend!"

Word to your mutha,

Krissy

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Baby, It's Cold Outside! (sort of)

Brrrr!!! The high yesterday was only 54! That is a cold, fall day around here. Today is only supposed to be in the 60's. I have a tradition that started with my mom when I was growing-up and I have continued it with my family. The first "cold" evening of fall is celebrated with a fine, gourmet dinner of chili and spaghetti. Never heard of it? You are missing out! BUT, before I reveal this special family recipe, I must add a disclaimer: Yes, I know what nutritious, non-processed food is. And no, we don't eat this often. So, indulge in this gooey, yummy comfort dish sometime. It is worth it!

Chili and Spaghetti - this picture says it all! Just cook your spaghetti til it's al dente and transfer drained, cooked pasta to a large pot on medium heat. Add the can of chili and about 1/2 to 3/4 of the loaf of cheese (ok, there is something so wrong about a cheese in a "loaf"). I cube the cheese so that it melts easier. I also add a splash or two of milk and salt and pepper to taste. Just stir-up the creamy goodness until the cheese is melted and dinner is served! I served sugar snap peas and apple slices on the side to make myself feel better. Hey, it made a balanced meal!

The cool, rainy weather has definitely turned my thoughts to cozy evenings with my family curled-up by the fire. The mini-pearls have asked for the "good" kind of hot cocoa. (that means "no packets, mom!"-aka Ghiradelli chocolate with milk, warmed on the stove) In my mind, we are going to spend our evenings like a Norman Rockwell painting. Mr.Pearl is reading the paper in his leather chair, I am needle pointing a project in my chair and the mini-pearls are scattered about at our feet reading classic literature and eating non-microwaved popcorn. The reality: Mr. Pearl and Fisherman watching something on the Outdoor channel, Sport Cort playing Legos or his DSI on the floor and Sweet Pea and I in the other room reading or watching our own show. Oh well, a mom can dream can't she? I do love the fall and winter evenings - picture perfect or not. The early sunsets and cool temperatures, just seem to bring our family together. Although every evening isn't spent by the fire, we do spend more time together and that I treasure. So, I hope you are able to take some time to cozy-up with your family and enjoy the fall, y'all!

Keep it chill,

Krissy

all fireplace photos from www.countryliving.com

Monday, November 1, 2010

It's Over!

The mini-pearls

I just sent three very tired mini-pearls out the door to school with Mr. Pearl. Aaaahhh! Peace and quiet! Last night we traveled back to our old neighborhood to celebrate Halloween and what we were hoping would be a second win for the Rangers in the world series. Oh well. Trick-or-Treating was fun!

Fisherman decided on his third costume for the week. We purchased a Boss Hogg costume that was shunned for a Fear Factor contestant get-up that he wore to school on Friday. He wore athletic shorts and a t-shirt, a life vest, bike helmet and ski goggles. We then hot-glued gummy worms and spiders on the t-shirt. It was very clever! Last night, he had eaten too many of the worms off the shirt and decided on his old stand-by of head to toe camo and his bird bag strapped to his waist and an arsenal of Nerf guns. He was then "hunter guy". Although, one of our dear friends (thank you Mr.Collins) remarked that he looked an awful lot like Ted Nugent. Yes, yes he did. Rock on!

Sweet Pea dressed as her made-up character, Aunt Jilly Bob. My beautiful, darling girl wore her Goodwill dress, SAS shoes gray wig, cane and stage make-up mole with pride. She had a blast staying in character most of the night. The world is my girl's stage - so watch-out! She decided after round one of trick-or-treating that handing out candy was more fun and she helped the adults man the cooler of candy. It was fun to see all the different costumes!

Sport Cort was a skeleton- sans mask. He is my boy! No mask for that kid. He had a ball with his buddies and even got to make a round with Fisherman and his crew. He was on cloud nine for that one. He embraced every moment and came home with more candy than anyone. He learned that schmoozing the good houses pays off, as he would go back more than once and flirt for more loot!Oh dear!

The neighborhood was once again crowded. Although,not as much as last year. The school night and baseball game must have kept some kiddos (or their parents) in for the night. That's not to say that we didn't go through a giant cooler full of candy by 8:30 pm! Hope your evening was "spooktacular" and now we can peacefully prepare for Thanksgiving. Yeah!

The Gang

Curb Appeal

I love HGTV and I know that I am not alone. One of my favorite shows is Curb Appeal. We are taught to never judge a book by it's cover, but houses are a different story. One just feels better walking into a house that looks nice and on our street, there are bragging rights involved! Yes, there is nothing like the sense of pride that comes from a new brick mail box, a water feature, exterior lighting or even a new tree. (I take great pride in Mr. Miyagi, my beautiful Japanese maple.) Let's not mention what new shutters, a front door or paint can do! I have been pondering different exterior looks lately for an upcoming project. I thought I would share them with you. What style do you like? "Home" means something different to everyone. A cute Craftsman bungalow, a stately Georgian Revival, a charming Tudor, an inviting Mediterranean, a cool Mid-Century Modern, a practical Ranch, a fabulous French, a Mc Mansion (there is something for everyone)... What is your style?

Craftsman