Whoooo goes there?

I found this motion detector activated garden owl at Goodwill for a few dollars and thought it would make an excellent Halloween decoration.  When it senses your presence, it gives several startling hoots and the eyes light up yellow.  When I brought it home, I set it up as a sentinel at my office door, but my dog Buckley seemed to think it was a toy for him, and promptly knocked it over breaking a hole in it, and eating several of the shattered pieces.

So before I could paint it, my first order of business was to repair the hole.  I glued the pieces he didn't manage to eat with Gorilla Glue, but of course a small hole still remained.  I covered the hole with a piece of black electrical tape, smoothing it over the feather contours, and then sealed the edges with a light handed application of hot glue.  I then used the hot glue over the electrical tape to mimic the feather texture.  Then I could tape over the eyes with Scotch Blue Painter's Tape, and I covered the motion detector eye with a bit of moldable eraser (chewing gum would work too.) and I was ready to paint.  I used the same steps as last years glitter owl bookends which you can find here.  I actually would have left the owl just black, without the glitter, but I found I needed the glitter to camouflage over the patch job I did.  For some reason the adhesive left a the owl with a dusty finish, resulting in a paler black then I would have preferred, perhaps because it was an old can.

If you want to DIY one of these yourself, you probably find one of these owls at any garden center or nursery, as they are intended to scare off rodents and pests.  Below is a video of it in action, please excuse the background noise and shaky camera work!

The end result is perfect for placing by your front door to surprise trick-or-treaters!

Little Shop of Horrors

FEED ME!!  FEEEEEED MEEE!!!

Decked Out

I finally got my decorations up...

Green Halloween: Dumpster dived Halloween tree

 

More to the story...

Subtle Touches of Fall

For a die hard Halloween fanatic, I am late with putting out my Halloween decorations, being that I haven't done so and it's ALREADY October 2nd.  The work on my costume, which is still not complete, has put some of my other Halloween related plans on the back burner.  I'm okay with that because as much as I love Halloween, I have found that getting out my decorations at the beginning of the month, or even as over zealous as the end of September, I sometimes tire of the extra "clutter" around the house before the 31st has even arrived.  Also, as I like to decorate with candy filled apothecary jars, it can be hard on my willpower, and expensive as I continually have to purchase refills. In addition, last year I had my calendar so full with events, I felt burned out come November and in need of a serious candy/alcohol detox.  Basically, what I'm asserting, is that this year I've made a conscious decision to take it a bit slower, and savor the month not worrying about doing everything all at once.  I'm leaving the big events as a finale, and staying in to do my Halloween DIY projects (and get those posts and the decorations up), enjoy the premieres of my favorite horror genre shows and what not.

Here are a few of the things I'm currently surrounding myself with to get in the Fall/Halloween spirit:

A pre-workout worthy carby breakfast of limited edition Pumpkin Spice Thomas's Bagel Thins, with The Laughing Cow cream cheese spread and sprinkled cinnamon, to ward off cravings for 300 calorie Starbucks Pumpkin Spice lattes.

A cute new owl Bath & Body Works Wallflowers oil plug-in with Carmel Pumpkin Latte scented oil to reinitiate the 300 calorie Starbucks Pumpkin Latte cravings.

Trading in our summer white bedding for this cute fall-ish, whimsical, oversized damask-like print, with woodpeckers, owls, bunnies, and foxes by Patch NYC for Target's The Shops.

Utilizing a punch bowl and some of my other thrifted orange opalescent carnival glass pieces with fall leave motifs, as fruit bowls.

A divinely scented carmel apple candle.

DIY Throw Pillows with Envelope Opening

I fell in love with this steampunkish/nautical sailing ship print fabric from Ikea and so I bought a yard and a half so I could make some pillows for our bedroom.  This is a great project for beginners, and really simple.  I purchased the pillow fills from Ikea as well, and the total cost of the project was about $26.00 for the pair.  Pretty good considering fashionable throw pillows from Z Gallery and other home stores are often upwards of $80.00 a pillow...  

The great thing about envelope pillows is that the covers can be removed and washed.  You can even just cover over old pillows instead of purchasing the fills, if you you are on a budget, or want to make a change with what you already have.  There are several different kinds pillow fills at different price points, but I prefer feather or down for throw pillows, because poly/cotton fills can be lumpy, and they aren't as plush, fluffy, or of substantial weight.  That's why I went with the Fjadrar fills, because they were nicer and the finished product looks more expensive.  I tend not to sleep with down, for allergy reasons, but these are the type of pillows you toss onto the floor before getting into bed anyhow.

Below are illustrated instructions I put together so you can make your own.  You don't have to use the same size pillow, as the instructions illustrate the formula for figuring out panel sizes for any size pillow, with 20" x 20" as an example.  Keep in mind that if you go larger, you may need more than 1.5 yards of fabric.  Also as a beginner it will be easier to work with a random repeat, rather than one that only goes one direction as I did, because it takes some thinking and consideration to make sure that things match up, and that you don't accidently sew one panel in upside down.

The photo above shows the back side of the pillow, you can see the overlap envelope opening  for getting the cover on and off of the pillow.  If you follow the instructions, the repeat should match up, not perfectly, but close enough for the opening to be very subtle.  Of course when you put the pillows on your bed or sofa, this side won't be the side to show anyhow... but if done right they will look like they were purchased from a high end home store!

Once you complete your first pillow, you will want to make more.  The pleasure of DIY is highly addicting.  I'm already on the lookout for the right fabric to update our living room seating with some new throw pillows!

The Luxury Laundry Room

Now that I've finally received the fashionable washer and dryer I've been pining after, I can complete my plans for our laundry room.  I had been thinking about fixing up this room for a while, since "designer laundry rooms" have come into vogue (drool) in the world of home decorating, and because it is a relatively small, easy, and affordable room (appliances aside) to tackle.

Here is a little visual wish list I put together:

1. A vintage Lux laundry detergent poster is a fun laundry-themed art choice, which also bears the bonus of my family name.
2. I've been wanting one of these rolling library stools forever.  They are super sturdy and better than those folding styles in my opinion. I love the classic retro design, and remember these being at the public library when I was a child... ah nostalgia!  They come in red, but because it lacks the same car paint sheen as my washer/dryer, I think I'd pick the stainless steel instead.
3. I absolutely NEED this wall shelf/cubby/coat rack.  Perfect for hanging coats, purses, and dog leashes, which typically pile up on our built in kitchen desk area.  Our laundry room is located between our garage and kitchen, so it also serves as our back entryway.  I originally was wanting this, but I don't think our laundry room is wide enough for it.  This is also a cute option, but we don't really need it, as I already have an accordion drying rack mounted over our utility sink (for drip purposes).  It also only comes in white, not that you couldn't paint it.
4. New red laundry baskets.  These have proved difficult to locate, the ones in the photo were sold out and from a UK retailer.  I guess I'll have to check the 99 Cents Stores.
5. I want some of these candy store style jars to put on the shelf or in the cubbies and fill with dog treats.  The laundry room is also the dogs dining room, where we keep their place mats, water bowls and food dishes on the floor.

One of the ideas that are swimming around in my head are making two of these DIY clothespin chandeliers.  We have two recessed canned lights in out laundry room, but I did determine that we would have to move the location of them out slightly, as they are currently in the path of opening cupboard doors should we hang chandeliers.  Another thought is getting some of these to fill with HE powder detergent and a scoop.  I love the look, but I'm not entirely sure it would be practical really.  There really is no need for any of the supplies to be kept out.  Our laundry room has tons of storage, one wall with floor to ceiling cabinets, a pantry of sorts which house supplies from Costco, and seasonal decorating crap, like all my various vases and apothecary jars when I'm not using them.  There is also built in drop down ironing board on one wall.  Then there is upper cabinets across the wall with the utility sink and the washer/dryer, as well as a cupboard below the utility sink.  It's actually nice to have all that hidden storage, but not when you want to display some of the items stylishly.  Perhaps I could remove the doors off the center cabinet, or put glass doors on it to display the laundry soap.  Lastly we have a Sparkletts water cooler in there, and though I previously passed on the stainless steel stand for a few dollars more a month, with our new appliances I'm considering the frivolous stylish upgrade!

Christmas came early!

Today our gorgeous new LG front loading Wild Cherry Red washer and dryers were delivered!!  My Christmas present from Aron!  I will never complain about doing laundry again!!

We got a killer deal on these, but not without a lot of effort.  I had almost resigned myself to not getting them, but after writing this letter to the Home Depot (which fully explains the obstacle) the problem was resolved.

To whom it may concern

     I am taking the time to write this letter to express my extreme dissatisfaction with your company and the poor customer service I received on the dates of  Monday November 28th 2011 and Tuesday November 29th 2011 at the Home Depot store located at 2745 Teller Road in Thousand Oaks, California.

     On the afternoon of Monday the 28th I went to your store with the intention of purchasing a new kitchen sink, faucet, garbage disposal, and washer/dryer.  The LG Electronics Front load washer (item #WM2350HRC) and dryer (item #WM2550HRCA) in Wild Cherry Red were on sale for the price of $549.00 each, that being the final day.  After returning home to get my husband's assistance and checking the owner verified listing on google for store hours (listed as 6am-10pm), I drove over 25 miles from my home with my husband to purchase the appliances in-store before the sale price was revoked.  I arrived at 9 pm to find that the listed store hours were incorrect and the store had closed.

     The following day I returned to this location for a third time, hoping that the store might make an exception and honor the sale price, as I had arrived after store hours only due to negligence on Home Depot's part in updating the online information of the owner verified listing.  When I arrived in the appliance department, the price was no longer sale, and back to original retail.  I enlisted the help of the employee in the department explaining my situation and inquiring if anything could be done, and was rudely told that nothing could be done without any inquiry to management at my request.  I then left to check with customer service to see if I could speak with a manager.  As I was leaving the employee made a sarcastic remark to her co-worker regarding the interaction.

     When I arrived at customer service I again explained the situation and was able to show the woman helping a photo I had taken on my phone of the washer/dryer combo with the sale offers the night before, and the internet listing with the incorrect store hours.  She then told me that she could get us the price, and seemed helpful at first, but after it became crowded at customer service she suddenly became impatient with us.  She got off the phone with the manager and told us it was out of stock (even though the models were still on the floor and being offered at the regular price again) and there was nothing she could do.  I asked to speak with the manager and she got on the phone and told him to come up there and deal with this because "we were starting to irritate her." 

     The manager then arrived to help us with a sigh.  He also said that nothing could be done and the item was out of stock, and that they were discontinuing that model.  I then asked if they were out of stock and discontinuing it, then why was the model still on display and offered again at the original price, which he did not have an explanation for.  I then inquired if we could purchase the floor model, which seemed a reasonable and logical request being that they were not restocking the model, to which he contradicted his earlier statement, telling me wasn't entirely sure whether or not the item was being discontinued and no he could not do that.

     While I am frustrated at my wasted time, effort, and gas and while I am disappointed at Home Depot's inability to honor a the customer, the worst offense was be treated so poorly by multiple employees adding insult to injury.  I was treated not as a valued customer, but an inconvenience.

     Because the (non)service I received from the beginning to end of my shopping experience goes completely against several of Home Depot Inc.'s core values (listed below for your reference.)  

4. Excellent customer service:
Along with our quality products, service, price and selection, we must go the extra mile to give customers knowledgeable advice about merchandise and to help them use those products to their maximum benefit.

5. Building strong relationships:
Strong relationships are built on trust, honesty and integrity. We listen and respond to the needs of customers, associates, communities and vendors, treating them as partners

     I would appreciate if Home Depot would take this opportunity to redeem themselves as a reputable company that actually practices the values they claim to have, by crediting this letter with a response.  

Sincerely,

Sarah Marderosian

Within 2 days I received a call from the Home Depot offering us the washer and dryer at the Black Friday advertised price, along with excellent customer service in which they allowed us to pay for and finalize the deal over the phone, instead of having to return to the store a fourth time.  The corporate office even followed up with a phone call to make sure the outcome was to my satisfaction.  I was only expecting a lame apology and paltry gift card at most, so I was more than thrilled with the company's response, and it certainly improved their standing with me.  It really pays to take the time to write a letter when you experience a situation like this, as I think very few people bother with such things nowadays.   I believe most companies are likely to set things straight when you do.  In the least, it will make you feel better and help you get out any anger and frustration.

It also should not go without mentioning that this washer and dryer was one of the few material things I had put on my manifestation board (portion pictured below).  I honestly think this is one of the key reasons they manifested, despite the many obstacles up until receiving them, a real testament to the power of positive thinking, setting goals, and manifesting things in your life.  I plan on doing a separate post on this topic soon, as I think it is appropriate timing with the new year approaching.

Ordinarily, I may not have chosen the red pair, but only the red and the white were offered at the super sale price.  They do look fabulous with our brick red walls and red spanish tile in the laundry room so I think it was a good choice (I never would have chosen white anyways, but perhaps chrome if it was available).  If we ever move, I'll just paint our new laundry room red.  Anyways, I couldn't be happier.  Yay for shiny new appliances!

Deck the Halls

I make a terrible blogger because I'm so bad at documentation.  I always get so caught up in the moment I forget to take photos.  I like to say I live in the moment, not in the memory.  So besides my friend and I forgetting to take photos of each other in our costumes before the Scream Awards (there was no phones or cameras allowed inside, and only later did we realize how many people totally disregarded this rule, as should have we)  I also completely forgot to take any photos of my lovely spread at my annual Scary Movie party.  So before this Halloween Month is over I thought I should at least share some of the decor I've put out this season.

These terra cotta ceramic pumpkins go great with our mexican tiles on the porch.

I always like to break out any Halloween related books for the coffee table.  There's a black owl hiding in the cage, which is actually a votive holder I found at Target in the candle section, not marketed as a Halloween item.  The "urn" is an antique vase.

This candle holder from Pier 1 is also not an actual Halloween decoration, but with some black crows it transforms into one.  My dog Domino must have seen a ghost!

This is "Lumpy" which I acquired at Knotts Halloween Haunt this year, and little Michael Myers which I purchased at Rob Zombie's Halloween Town in Burbank.  I also had gotten a little Jason which was given away as one of my party prizes.

And "Mrs. Slim Goodbody" was a gift several years ago from a dear friend.

A severed hand from my Halloween costume has served many purposes this year from smuggling snacks and liquor, to holding a bar of soap in the bathroom.

Some of the blood jar votives I posted about previously.

My dining table looks like Halloween barfed on it.  It's kind of hard t make this room look spooky because it's so light and full of warm wood.

I found the skeleton lights in the dollar section of Target, which turned my Halloween tree into a lamp.

I love these ornaments that are reminiscent of the characters in Tim Burtons Nightmare Before Christmas.  They sell them at Pier 1 and I always pick up a few new ones when they go on sale after Halloween.  Speaking of Tim Burton, tomorrow is the last day to see his exhibit at LACMA in Los Angeles, so if you have the chance do go!  It was everything I dreamed of and more, Tim Burton is such a visonary!

A somewhat failed attempt at photographing the illuminated votive jars.

Here's kind of the aftermath of part of my party spread.

I had a great bar setup too, but alas I did not capture it.  I can't believe I'm going to have to tear this all down the day after tomorrow.  I have a few more Halloween posts coming though.  I plan to dress up tomorrow (AND TAKE PICTURES!!) even though I have absolutely nothing planned.  I wish we got trick or treaters, but we don't.  Our street is way to dark and all the kiddies here go to Malibu West.

Happy Halloween everybody!!

Revised Candy Jars

This post will probably give you deja-vu, but I wanted to share the subtle but pleasing change to my Halloween candy apothecary jar display:  

The tall jar with the Reeses Pieces was dwindling as people ate them (I swear it was not all me), so I filled it back up, sediment layer style with candy corn, fall M&Ms, and candy pumpkins.  This was a good aversion from eating any candy, as I recently and sadly made the connection that candy corn gives me migraines.   It looks way to cute to ruin mining for Reeses!

The black jellybeans, which remain untouched because they are nasty, got a macabre makeover by adding a few strategically placed chocolate eyeballs.

And last of all my little owl terrarium got another layer of fall M&M's as it was looking a little light.

My apologies for the bad flash (the photos without flash were blurry).  I really need to get an iphone so I can take more professional looking photos -oh the irony!

41 days until Halloween!

DIY Revamped Spooky Halloween Glitter Owls

I had recently thrift-scored these heavy plaster owl bookends at a Goodwill for a few bucks a piece.  Although I like kitsch, I thought they could use a modern makeover before they were suitable for my office.  I initially toyed with the idea of gold, or glossy white.  But with Halloween approaching, I decided that black glitter would be the most fitting finish, that went well with the bright green and orange plastic eyes (which were embedded in the plaster and could not be removed without damaging the owls.)

First I taped off the eyes with Scotch Blue painter's tape, and then sprayed them on cardboard box lids outside, with 2-3 coats of Design Master flat black 725 spray paint from Michaels (which I was told is the best flat black spray paint around and it really did have a nice finish.)

After the paint had dried, which only took about 15 minutes between coats, I was ready to glitter them.  First I sprayed them (again on cardboard box lids outside) with Aleenes Crystal Clear acid free Tacky Spray, rotisserie style, with someone rotating the owl.  I gave the spray 30-60 seconds to get tacky, and then again having the owl rotated, as I evenly poured (not sprinkled) Martha Stewart Crafts Onyx Glitter covering all surfaces.  After the sides were covered the owl could be set down and the same could be done to the top, spraying the top of the owls head and applying glitter. I then let the owls dry overnight. 

After 24 hours I was ready to spray a clear sealer coat to keep the owls from "shedding" their glitter, which I also let dry for another 24 hours.  I cannot remember what I used, but always test any sealer to make sure it doesn't alter the color of what you are spraying, as even some marked "clear" can give a milky look to the finished product.  The next day I was ready to peel off the tape to reveal the eyes, and I gave them a quick once over with a blow dryer to remove any loose glitter before displaying them in my home.

Paired with the candy filled apothecary jars, a favorite way of mine to decorate seasonally, and some matching cutout glittered candelabras from the dollar section of Target, it made for a whimsical Gothic Halloween display.  I might just keep it up up year round, as my office has kind of a Gothic-whimsy look to it anyways.  I also wanted to include a close-up of the center jar, in which I created a Halloween themed terrarium of a small feathered owl sitting in a bare tree.

Happy Halloween, 45 days and counting!