Benidorm Blue might be for you

Monday, July 18, 2011 by:Melinda McGarty Webb

Outdoor entertaining can be a breeze with this Le Cadeux dinnerware from Seasons Too in Darien.

While they look like ceramic or porcelain, these charming dishes are actually melamine – which makes them perfect for casual meals on the patio, poolside, or picnics. They’re virtually unbreakable and dishwasher safe.

This pattern is called Benidorm Blue. They also carry trays, platters and salad bowls.

The dinner plates pictured here are $15.99; the salad plates, $11.99. Seasons Too, 836 Post Road
Darien, (203) 655-8444. www.seasonstoo.com

Categories: General, Window Shopping

Old English Bank Barn Gets Demolished

Friday, July 15, 2011 by:Amy Dolego

By Amy Dolego

As soon as the sun peeked through the woods in our back yard on that Saturday morning, I was already dressed and waiting in eager anticipation. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and it was going to be a beautiful day for a barn demolition.

At this point, I was tired of looking at the skeletal remains of the Old English Bank Barn in my backyard. It slipped and shifted ever so slightly each day under the weight of its collapsed roof. I was also sick of worrying and wondering about the condition of the contents trapped inside. So today, after five months of waiting, our barn was finally coming down. Continue reading →

Categories: Architecture, General, This Very Old House

Sit down and relax…

Thursday, July 14, 2011 by:Melinda McGarty Webb

For intimate conversations or private solace, this Scoop Nest Chair from Design Within Reach in Westport just seems to whisper, “Relax…”

Designed by Mark Gabbertas and produced by Gloster Furniture, it’s woven from Textilene vinyl in a herringbone pattern to create a supportive sling. $3,195.

Design Within Reach, 36 Elm Street, Westport, (203) 227-9707. www.dwr.com.

Cushions are available separately for $375 in a wide variety of colors ranging from muted canvas, champagne and straw, to lively melon, auburn, lime, seafoam and midnight blue.

Categories: General, Window Shopping

Eat Your Greens

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 by:Alison Grieveson

I love my green cooking pan that I got over year ago from Bed Bath and Beyond. It makes a mean stack of pancakes. With it’s non-stick properties, it doesn’t need the butter I add to it. But we’ve discussed my affinity for butter, haven’t we? Let’s move on.

According to Cuisinart, here are the reasons these pans are green: Continue reading →

Categories: Refurnished Living

Sweet….but not too sweet

Monday, July 11, 2011 by:Melinda McGarty Webb

This whimsical green garden table would be a sweet addition to any yard or porch – but not cloyingly sweet. In fact, I’m considering getting one to place in between the white rocking chairs on my front porch. I like its old-time charm mixed with the more au courant color, (and it would match the rug on my front porch – bonus!)
It’s constructed of iron, with a lime green powder coat, glass inlaid table top, and folding base. The butterfly motif table measures 22 inches long, 17 inches wide, and 17 inches high.
$129.95. Black Swan Fireside Hearth & Home, 182 S. Main Street, Newtown, (203) 426-1230. www.blackswanhome.com

Categories: General, Window Shopping

Red Dumpster is Poised for Barn Demo

Friday, July 8, 2011 by:Amy Dolego

By Amy Dolego

After months and months of delay, our insurance company finally sent us the check for our barn which collapsed in January under the weight of the snow (see “Collapsed Barn Held High Hopes”, 02-04-11). We still don’t know why it took so long, but we’re happy that it’s settled and we can concentrate on finding a way to reconstruct the barn within our budget.

It’s hard to explain, but seeing a collapsed barn in one’s backyard every day is kind of stressful. Looking at our belongings half hanging out of the barn, wondering what is salvageable and what has been permanently lost and thinking about all the memorabilia that continues to be exposed to the elements is a constant worry. Continue reading →

Categories: Gardening, General, This Very Old House

Those Little Touches

Thursday, July 7, 2011 by:Alison Grieveson

One of the things that I wanted to do fairly soon after we moved in was to put up artwork. I don’t know about you but to me, a home can be transformed with artwork. Your house turns into home with the artwork reflecting the homeowner’s taste. Here is some of the art in my home.