Oh, What a Year!

Here we are.  2009 is almost a memory now, and oh, what memories we will all have of the past year.  What a ride! 

Since we all know the past year has been a challenging one, I thought I would take a few minutes to reflect on my lessons of 2009.  As many of you know, I have been in business since 1978.  First as The Wedding Belle, and for the past seven years both as Perfect Home, and my seasonal store, Perfect Prom.  I have seen lean years and lush years, but never had a year where I learned as much as the past year.  It’s amazing how much you can still learn, even when you have been around the old “ business block” as long as I have.  It’s amazing how a little common sense and creativity can see you through those lean days.  It’s amazing how much a recession will make you up your game. 

Never one to be at the forefront of  technology, this was the year I embraced  the internet!  First with email newsletters, then this blog and now on facebook.  Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks!  I have really enjoyed finding new ways to connect with customers and  trying my hand at writing which I have always loved.  I hope all of you are enjoying my humble efforts. I plan more posts on design tips and decorating ideas, before and after pictures and lots of yummy interiors “ eye candy.”  I may even do quick design tips on my facebook page.  What do you think?   Please leave me a comment on my blog (by clicking on the comment button at the end of this post) or email me if you like this direction  and add any ideas or thoughts you may have for future posts.  I love feedback!

I know this has been a difficult year for many of us and I just want to take this chance to thank all of my wonderful customers for being so loyal this year.  We may be a bit battle scarred after all the bad news of 2009, but Perfect Home is still standing… and standing strong!  And that is thanks to all of you! 

I have been so blessed this year with many faithful customers who still found a few extra dollars to perk up their homes.  A new lamp here, a pretty painting there, it all makes our homes and our lives a little richer.  You know, when it gets scary “out there” it’s nice to have a gracious home to comfort us.  Thanks for allowing me to add a little something  to your homes this year.

I especially want to thank all my design clients (you know who you are)  for the chance to work on your projects.  From a piece of furniture, painting, or throw pillow…to their entire home (or in one case, homes…bless you Vanessa!)  I have loved every minute of it all!  You have truly helped me weather the storm.  Thank you!

These last few weeks so many of you have stopped by Perfect Home for the “perfect” gift or ornaments for your friends and family.  Even though I only see some of you this time of year, I really appreciate every one of you.  Thank you  Christmas shoppers!

And last, but not least.. Thanks to my crew!  Sonia,Mandy and Paul who make window treatment magic.  April who keeps me organized and my store  in shape.  Jill who keeps all those prom girls happy and reaches the tops of displays that I can’t even touch.  Derrell who makes deliveries and lunch runs. Fuad, my fella, who’s optimism and encouragement keeps me going.  And of course, my Mom who doesn’t work many days now, but when she’s here she brings a smile to everyone’s face and can still outsell me!  Couldn’t do it without you… Thanks!

And now on to 2010… a new decade!  I don’t know about all of you, but I can’t wait to turn the page on a new year.  I’ve always been a glass half full kind of girl, but I really feel GOOD about the coming year.  Not that all the bad times will vanish overnight, but it’s time for some good news!  Time for a fresh beginning… time to hit the reset button! 

I have big plans for Perfect Home in 2010.  I’m ending the year with a “RING UP THE OLD, BRING IN THE NEW” SALE  and will be going to market mid January for all kinds of new goodies.  Of course, Perfect Prom will open again in January thru April for year 32!!! WHEW!!!  I will be expanding my design studio by offering more special order furniture , lighting, etc., more about that later…and will continue to fine tune Perfect Home’s merchandise mix to meet your needs.  I feel so blessed to come through 2009 relatively unscathed that I want to make the next decade my best ever!!!

I hope to see you all in the new year.  Whether for just a little “something, something” or new curtains, and lamps, and artwork, and furniture, and……OK, I’m getting carried away, I know!  I wish you all health and happiness in the new year, because after all, those are the two things that truly matter!

Happy New Year,

Reesa

Gifts Galore!

Your tree is trimmed, shimmering with light.  Now is the time to surround it with gifts destined to delight!  Here are just a few gift ideas from Perfect Home that will make that last minute gift buying oh, so easy!   Give me a call at 706-802-0500 if you see something you like and I will be glad to help.

 

Yummy Aspen Bay candles   $16 to $25

 

Beautiful snowflake ornament  $5

Still lots of ornaments left… $3 to $10!

Love these for hostess gifts.  Napkin sets and wine stops all under $20.

 We always sell out of these tea towels… $9.50 to $18

My favorite ornament this year.  So beautiful and only $10

Lots of glitz and glam for $6 to $8

 

 

Votivo’s Christmas scents in a pretty silvered glass container  $28

Elegant mirrored cross ornaments  $6

As always, our delightful Mark Roberts fairies for $34

Just waiting to go home with you!

If you are still looking for those quick last minute gifts, please stop by Perfect Home and we will make it so easy for you.  Just pick that perfect gift… we will wrap it for you… and off you go!  Hope to see you soon.

Reesa

Back by Popular Demand…Lake House Part Two

Several people have asked when Part Two of my lake house project would be posted to my blog, and I finally had a chance to sift thru my pictures and share with all of you this  major transformation.  A few weeks ago I posted the first floor and now, the second.  This floor has a bedroom for little grand- girls, a large sitting room and a totally new master bedroom and bath suite. 

First, the girl’s room…

 

How’s this for a before shot?  What is this??? A beauty shop or a little shop of horrors?

If my client weren’t such a good sport, and now such a good  friend, I wouldn’t be showing you such a mess!

 

And now for the after….

 

Great little antique beds I found and had custom painted to match the bedding.

 

Love the bedding… a  Bed,Bath and Beyond find.  With three little girls sharing this room, we saved the custom work for the windows.

 

I wish you could see this fabric, it is a sheer with pink and green ribbon embroidery, layered over green polished cotton. So fresh and cute.  We repeated the same treatment across the large triple window.

This is the wall where before we had the lovely “Kut and Kurl  Beauty Shop”!!  Still need to add a few three dimensional flowers to the wall and a hanging lamp in the corner.

 

Here are the before shots of my favorite room in the lake house.  It became know as “Reesa’s Room”, I loved it so much.  The rich wood paneled ceiling did it for me… it had me at “Hello!”   This is an upstairs sitting area with balcony overlooking the lake.

 

 

Sweet old Jake again, and my client…incognito!

 

And after a little Perfect Home polish!

 

This is a hard room to photograph with the light from the french doors, but you get the idea.  There are a pair of these chairs in a really cute printed linen with bugs and leaf pattern in taupe and browns.

 

Sorry for the fuzzy photo, but I wanted to show this area which was open to a small upstairs kitchen.  We enclosed that wall and added a new master bath and storage instead of the rarely used kitchen.

This vignette is on the same wall after enclosing it.  Much warmer and definitely a better use of space.

 

Cozy sitting area with view of the lake.

Desk area, before the chocolate brown monogrammed parsons chair arrived.

 

Now for the master bedroom before…

During…

 

And after!

 

The size of the bedroom was doubled and a new stack stone fireplace added, along with a large window overlooking the lake.

Love, Love, Love the headboard.  It is an antique architectural piece I found in the perfect blue grey weathered finish.  I had it mounted on the wall and added a bedframe.  Voila!  A unique and affordable bed.   Accent pillows to come!

Unfortunately, the seating area did not photograph well because of the window. It is a large area.  There are a pair of these custom chairs in a wonderful blue, green and taupe printed linen.  We added a 36”  round custom made ottoman in two shades of soft linen.  Really wish I had better photos  of this area.  I never want to brag on my own work, but I have to say this bedroom is yummy!  Pictures just don’t do it justice.  It is so nice to sit here with the home’s best view of the lake.  Perfect spot for that morning cup of coffee.

Simple roman shades complete the look.

And a stacked stone fireplace to warm up those chilly nights on the lake.

Sorry, I didn’t photograph the master bath for some reason.  Too much house… too little time  I guess.

The second floor of this home was my favorite to work on.  I hope you enjoyed this virtual tour and will post the third floor soon.  It is the guest floor and very casual and fun.

More to come…

Reesa

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