CoralandGrey

On the lookout

2012-01-25T20:07:00.000-08:00

Source: imgfave.com via CLC on Pinterest

For this ladder.

I am evaulating my decorating style or tastes. I have always been eclectic. However, I seem to be narrowing down my preferences.

Vintage, and French Decor is a favorite of mine!

Game Table

2012-01-25T19:56:00.000-08:00

Well, just for the record, my dear hubby lost his job. So there goes my decorating budget for the time being. Which has led me to drastic measures. I am thrifting. I went to this fun thrift store today, and could not believe how crowded it was. I met this fun chick who was shopping for brass candelsticks only. She had a pile of brass candelsticks all shapes and sizes. I remembered back to my first pair of brass candlesticks (real brass of course). I purchased at an amazing antique store in Ipswich Ma. Anyway, I am getting off topic. I am guessing brass is back in style again?

Today, I spotted this table. A game table. Games, lots of games, go on at my house. It opened up to a square shape. I totally could picture it painted. I wanted to use it as an end table in my bedroom instead. I knew my hubby would be upset. They wanted $100 for it. I would have paid less.

So, I left her sitting there. I showed my hubby the photo, and he actually "liked" it. Really?? He dislikes anything old, or antiquey looking. He must have lost his mind temorarily due his job loss. He actually told me I can go back and get it. Hmmmm. I am over it now. It might look too old, but then again if I painted it with Annie Sloan Chalk paint, I know it would be drab to fab immediately.

Speaking of candle sticks:

I ventured into this fun shabby antique store as well. Check out the silver candle sticks. How cool!

Ben Moore Trend for 2012

2012-01-25T19:22:00.000-08:00

Source: benjaminmoore.com via CLC on Pinterest

Source: google.com via CLC on Pinterest

Benjamin Moore's latest color trends. Here is one that stood out to me, although I am not sure what to think of if quite yet.

This is the color of the year:
Wythe Blue HC-143

Source: google.com via CLC on Pinterest

Goodbye RED forever

2012-01-25T18:28:00.001-08:00

Ahhh, so happy the red is now white.

This focal point (fireplace) needs to have something dramatic above it!! Something gorgeous. My hubby wants to put a giant flat screen there instead. I want a piece of art or a giant french style mirror. I have this feeling that he will win this battle. IF hubby insists, then the flat screen will come complete with a custom frame around it.

PS. Red didn't look that terrible, the color isn't my taste. I prefer clean white over a bold bright color. Unless, it's lime or blue.

Some things

2012-01-25T17:47:00.000-08:00

My family enjoyed a few days off, so we drove South. We stopped along the way at this adorable town: Beaufort, SC. Think Forrest Gump. RUN FORREST RUN! Forrest Gump has to be one of my all time favorite movies. Here are some memorable Forrect Gump quotes just in case you want to remember.

http://www.retrojunk.com/movie/quotes/281-forrest-gump/
My kids crack up hysterical to "I believe he said he had to go pee pee". LOL

Beaufort is so so beautiful! We enjoyed our time there visiting such a gorgeous town. If it wasn't so remote, I think I could live there forever!

Source: google.com via CLC on Pinterest

Any hoot, I happened to stop in this little boutique of store called Simply Southern Decor & More. I found a few things:

1) A heavy key. LOL. I was thinking of framing the key in a shadow box???

2) Made in Italy mirror. As you know, I am hopelessly IN LOVE with MIRRORS. I think I may have snagged this one because it was gold, and because it reads "MADE IN ITALY". However, I am thinking if I head over to my local Marshalls/Home Goods, I am sure to come across something "MADE IN ITALY". Anyway, in this particular booth- (the woman who runs the shop) told me she wouldn't come down on her prices so it must be good stuff. LOL

3) The Tool Chest. I had to hide this in the car, as my husband would laugh at me for buying an old tool carrier. I thought it was the neatest thing ever!! Inside the tool carrier, was a little note that read:
OLD TOOL CARRIER FROM DATAW ISLAND

Here is some history of Dataw Island taken from the Dataw Island link:

History of Dataw Island

From its discovery by the Spanish in 1514, history has been enamored with Dataw Island’s allure. The Spanish, French and English battled for the land for more than 200 years prior to the Revolutionary War. In the Plantation era, South Carolina’s sea islands became the “Newport of the South” and the storied estates built with the wealth of indigo and sea island cotton dotted the landscape. These grand manors, home to a privileged lifestyle, defined Dataw until the Civil War heralded the end of an era. But Dataw still hummed with life as a quiet hunting preserve for the next century.

I enjoyed reading that Dataw was described as the "NEWPORT of the South". Newport, Rhode Island is one of my favorite places. The mansions are amazing and the coastline is typical for a New England coast. Rocky and picturesque. Dataw appears visually different from Newport, although the estates and wealth are similiar in comparison. Excuse me as I RAMBLE on....:)

Source: dataw.org via CLC on Pinterest

In addition, Dataw, is a gorgeous place to live, work and retire. Every amentity available. Today, Dataw looks like this:

Source: google.com via CLC on Pinterest

Do you think the builders used my old tool carrier to build the magnificant retirement homes now on the island? Or, as I am guessing, my tool carrier came from and old plantation house. The carrier could have been used by the servants or repair folks that worked and lived on the plantation during the plantation era. Could be a possibility. Any how, my tool box is now being used as this:

A place to store blocks. My girls colored all over the entire thing. My husband wants me to paint it fire engine RED!!

And Last...
#4) My "MADE in ITALY" tissue box. This also has a note on the back that reads "IMPORTED from ITALY". I had to have it.

I will say this, my husband clearly told me not to buy anything. OOPS. I hid these items in the car. He did end up laughing over the tool carrier.

My blog title

2012-01-25T17:16:00.000-08:00

Hmmm. I just realized that I created my blog with the intention of using the color Grey somewhere in the title. However, I did not realize the spelling of Grey could be Gray or Grey?

Gray is the more "American" version, where as the Grey I choose, is more UK. Hmmm...One of my girlfriends back home told me over the weekend that she does not like the title. Hmmm, another friend told me "I LOVE THE TITLE, and great minds think a like, as she choose Olive and Gray for her blog title".

Hmmm, what do you think? This is all still new, and under construction. I haven't completed my banner. Just fooling around with picasso.

I've been cooking!

2012-01-25T17:06:00.000-08:00

Spinach, Tomatoes and Pasta in a white wine sauce.

Italian Meatballs

Chicken Broccoli and Ziti

Dining Room Ideas

2012-01-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

Source: cococozy.com via Mrs on Pinterest

Source: lachanga1.blogspot.com

Source: isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com on Pinterest

Source: gusandlula.com via Mrs on Pinterest

Today, my dining room looks like this: See picture below, YUK. Goodbye Brown! Hello, GREY!! I will not be destined to have chocolate brown furniture and chocolate brown leather forever. What was I thinking?? Did you have ever have this moment when you see your choice of furniture, and think..WHY OH WHY, did I buy THIS and make my husband sweat over the price tag, only to paint it? Or move it to a less visible place in the house? Only to be stuck with it?? Well, I did. Today, I've learned to take my time when selecting a piece. One more rule is to ALWAYS MEASURE!!

The hutch below is my great aunt Kathleen's. It's Link Taylor from the 1970s. I will not be selling this, only repainting. I might use the bottom piece in a different room.

Desk/Table

2012-01-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

Sorry the picture is dark. I purchased this table at Bebe Gallini's some time ago.

Wow, almost like Tweeting on my blog. Here is my desk for now. Not sure what to do with it yet, as I am repainting the entire house. Eventually.

Bebe Gallini

2012-01-05T06:21:00.000-08:00

The Nester has already complied a post of Bebe Gallini's.

Read it and see the AWESOMENESS of this store. And to think, I lived so close. Now, I am over three hours away. Often times, you may be invited to attend Bebe's wine and cheese GNO. We moved before I had a chance to attend one. The owners are very nice. My hubby still stops in to pick up our favorite soap line.

http://www.thenester.com/2011/04/bebe-gallinis.html

Bebe Gallini was the pink chick in the Brady Bunch.

Source: google.com

and yes, I did use the URBAN word of the day

AWESOMENESS

Which according to the Urban dictionary means:

1. The quality of being awesome.

2. Barney Stinson´s from How I Met Your Mother definition

1. job interviewer: " what´s your best quality?"
me: "Awesomeness!!"
2. "When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead. True story."

And speaking of soap

Source: bebegallinis.com

This SOAP has major AWESOMENESS to it. I urge you to try it. You won't go back to regular soap after bathing with this. Even hubby is in love. HUBBY had picked up some bars from Bebe's a few months ago, and I just remembered that I can order online from her shop.

Echo France: Bar Soap

The scents are breathtaking. Treat yourself to the infusion of Provence in your daily routine. This triple milled shea butter soap is creamy and long lasting. 200g
Vegetable based, with shea butter, and oh so French.

Completed Project of 2011

2012-01-05T05:46:00.000-08:00

My pantry. WOWZA. So clean, and organized. You know how you look at PINTERESTand think to yourself "I need to do this" and then never do. Well, I did and it was a pain. Taking all the food items out of your crammed pantry.

The kids decided to create a "city" for zhu-zhu.

Ahh...Cannisters. Double Wow. Contact Paper from Walmart. Baskets from Pier One.

So go ahead, do a search for "PANTRY" in the PINTEREST search box, and you will be amazed at how many gorgeous pantries are out there.

Look back at 2011

2012-01-05T05:09:00.000-08:00

Since I was a project manager in a former life (eight years ago), I can't even begin to tell you that I would be FIRED if I left deadlines, timelines and projects uncompleted. How could I never finish my tasks of 2011? Well, for starters two moves across two different states was very disruptive.

As part of my New Year's resolution, I vow to get on with it and COMPLETE my TO DOs for 2012, or at least focus and organize myself.

Have you complied your TO DOs for 2012?

1) Paint this table (My before)

Here is an AFTER. There were a set of 2. This particular white one was for sale in one of my favorite shops in Cornelius, NC. I found the brown one first, and then popped into Bebe's after and to my surprise, came across my new table already completed! (minus the pointy knob things at the botttom). HUBBY does not like the before at all. I hope to change his mind.

http://www.bebegallinis.com/

I purchased the brown, ugly one in this shop . Along with my gold frame.

http://www.oakstreetmillantiques.com/

2) Find home for this frame

I took this picture the day I purchased both pieces.Bebe Gallini's and Oak Street Mill are two of my favorite stores in Cornelius, NC. My friend (my only follower LOL) introduced me to BEBE's & Oak Street. BEBE Gallini was the woman in the Brady Bunch with the pink outfit. Remember her?? What a wonderful name for such a great, eclectic store. I think I will do a post just to discuss BEBE!!

3) Update my blogger header. I really don't care for it. Lastly, how could I forget...

4) my LOUIE chair. I want my LOUIE chair to look like JOSEPHINE. Love me some JOSEPHINE. JOSEPHINE is about $700 at Ethan Allen.

I found my LOUIE chair which was HIDEOUS at this cute antique shop in PA. I think I paid $25 for my chair. I was looking for a picture of the "before" of my chair. It was so gross, my neighbor couldn't understand why I even wanted it or why I even purchased it!

Source: ethanallen.com via Cheri on Pinterest

I most definitely agree with Ethan. "Sometimes classic is contemporary."

Hmm..

2012-01-03T20:25:00.000-08:00

Remember this Louie chair, I tried to reupholster? Do you remember how awful it was? (my friends do). I am going to take it to a professional. I did call a few places, and they mentioned this style is one of the hardest pieces to reupholster. UGH. However, I am keeping this chair. I still want to use it.

Also, I love this frame..but never found a home for it. It's been over a year.

Stunning. Love Made by Girl.

2012-01-03T19:13:00.001-08:00

Source: madebygirl.blogspot.com

Some ideas for my study

2012-01-03T18:47:00.003-08:00

Some study items by bostongirl007 on polyvore.com

Linked.

2012-01-03T16:05:00.000-08:00

How fun!! My first official "link". Check it out
http://hotbliggityblog.com/...I am "linked" on the side.

This site has some fun backgrounds I have used in the past!

Why Coral and Grey?

2012-01-03T14:06:00.000-08:00

I like Grey. Have you guessed? Grey is a perfect color to compliment with a bright color such as fuchsia, turquoise and even yellow.
Grey is so versatile. It pretty much will go with anything.

Source: google.com

Secondly, I like the way it sounds together. My coral and grey blog is for fun. This is how I chose the blog name. For my re-entry into the blog world. It doesn't matter what name I use. I think it's a gorgeous color combination.

Speaking of grey: Here are a few articles I've come across with regards to choosing Stonington grey. I had already picked the color out before I even read any of the articles. Many folks already suggested this particular shade a few months earlier!

http://www.mariakillam.com/2011/03/are-you-waiting-for-your-paint-colour-to-propose.html

Very confident with my decision.

Here is another!

http://modernjanedesign.blogspot.com/2011/11/perfect-grey-paint.html

Speaking of Mirrors & Gold

2012-01-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

Source: anurbancottage.blogspot.com

Could this mirror be any more GORGEOUS?? Hello! I want it.

This mirror was posted on one of my favorite blogs. http://anurbancottage.blogspot.com/. He lives in a gorgeous renovated home located in Cambridge, MA. I enjoy reading his blog. I am a Boston native, and his Martha Stewart-like blog takes me home daily.Enjoy!

Since we are on the topic. Last year, I asked my dear HUBBY to tape up this tacky, gold mirror I found on craigslist in NC. This mirror is now white, however I am in the process of distressing. I might even add a walnut or grey tone finish after.

Thank heavens for paint. Luckily, it wasn't too hard because my three year old painted along with me. Next up, I am going to distress her and add a nice stain to try it give it an old weathered look. You know the weathered type- something out of a Restoration Hardware catalog.

We shall see. Did I mention, I am a mirror junkie. At one point, I collected about six mirrors. I gave one away to my aunt. She just ADORES it. It looked VERY similar to this French style mirror below. I found the mirror in a HOLE in the wall of a place in Rock Hill, SC. We painted it turquoise.

Source: qvc.com via CLC on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via CLC on Pinterest

Gold Accents are Fab.

2012-01-02T20:04:00.001-08:00

Source: lizmarieblog.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: roomsandblooms.co.uk

Source: houzz.com

Source: houzz.com via CLC on Pinterest

The Charm of Painted Furniture

2012-01-02T20:03:00.001-08:00

Source: restoreinteriors.blogspot.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Source: re-nest.com via Kacey Kendrick Wagner on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Painted furniture is wonderful way to refurbish and old piece. It totally gives the piece a brand new life! Decorating with one or two pieces is a great start to any room.

Wall Paper is Hot for 2012

2011-12-31T08:06:00.000-08:00

Source: casapinka.typepad.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: thibautdesign.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Perfect Selection

2011-12-31T07:17:00.000-08:00

Benjamin Moore Paints. Stonington Grey. Reminds me of CT. I wonder why...

Source: Uploaded by user on Pinterest

2011-12-31T07:15:00.000-08:00

Here are some beautiful designs.

Source: decorpad.com via Meghan on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Tami on Pinterest

New Blog- First Post

2011-12-30T20:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am OUT with the old and IN with the new. I will NOT be mommy blogger of the silly three any longer. Sad I know. So much more interested in posting my creations (if not silly at times). So here it goes: First post, my love of GREY! I am a huge fan. You will be present in my home (hence the blog name). Oh GREY, where have you been since 2004?

We have been in THIS home for six months. This is our fourth home since 1999. We have moved quite a bit. We have lived in a sea captain's home built in the 1800's with a spooky basement, a Centex full brick home built in 2006 (boring), a traditional gambrel style home built in 1970s. This home came with over an acre and half of land (with woods) that included deer, snakes and ticks (think Lyme disease capital of the US). Today, our latest home is a low country style home located in the South (built in 2008 by a tract builder).

Let's step back in time for a minute:

1998-2004 The year of yellow and burgandy and olive green (YUK)

2004-2006 More sophisticated Mustard Yellow,November Sky and Beacon Grey (almost blue but not quite)

2006-2010 Gone Coastal. Bleeker Beige, Yarmouth Blue and Standish White

Present: First up is Stonington Grey :) LOVE

Over the last six years, I've had many friends and family ask for my assistance in picking paint color selections. I guess I have an eye for this :). I've been learning quite a bit from 1998....days of olive green and big bird yellow.

Before:

My hubby. Thank you.

In progress: