It's been a long, project-filled month, and while there certainly were some ups and some downs, finishing the January Cure has left me much happier in my home. As far as this week goes, though, it certainly was a push to the finish. Since this week at work was unusually hectic, my final Cure week was more like a final two days.
My progress this week may not have followed the Cure timeline, but everything got accomplished in time for our get-together on Saturday night.
Friday night, Ed and I hung several pieces of art that had been idle around the house for too long. A painting that I bought from local artist Dan Elliott has been propped up over the mantel for about a month, but it finally took up new residence on the wall, and while my inconstancy has been driving Ed crazy, I've had a lot of fun rearranging items on the now-free mantel.
We also hung the Napoleon sloth picture, using a glossy red Ribba frame from IKEA. Last weekend we finally tackled that chalkboard wall, and after letting it cure for the better part of the week, we finally had the chance to go at it full force. Ed, always city loyal, contributed the Chicago flag, and knowing my affection for my home state Texas, he added the Lone Star for good measure. I had fun with the magnetic primer and some faux picture frames.
Saturday was devoted to that speedy sprucing, which was made slightly less speedy by the fact that I also made a large batch of cinnamon rolls that morning. The rise time makes a perfect cleaning window, the house smells heavenly while they bake, and there's always a reward waiting when all the toilet scrubbing is finished.
When I went shopping for my get-together goodies on Friday, I purchased a large bunch of eucalyptus, which was ample enough for several bouquets throughout the house and for a decorative centerpiece for our get-together.
Saturday night, we made the venison roast with celeriac, potatoes, and parsnips again, feasted with a few friends, and cut loose in our clean and refreshed home.
MORE OF CAROLYN'S JANUARY CURE:
• Week One
• Week Two
• Week Three
• Week Four
(Images: Carolyn Purnell)
Dirty Little Secrets of Tidy Families
Hillary & Michael's Refined Roost
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Nomade Express Slee...
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
Easy Pickle Recipe: Cucumber Kimchi Bites
Love the centerpiece, what is that made out of and where did you get it? If you made it, will you tell us how? Thanks!
Now I want your dining room. So homey! I especially love the paint color.
Also, prepare for a chorus of "WHERE'S CHIBI?!" ;)
@qtcrondesign: Thanks! The centerpiece was incredibly simple. It's some napkin rings repurposed as tealight holders, surrounded by some trimmed eucalyptus branches. I bought a huge bunch of eucalyptus at Trader Joe's for $4.99, and it was enough to make the centerpiece and fill two other vases. I just trimmed some sprigs and draped them around the tealight holders/napkin rings and layered them until they looked right.
@biolabchick: Thanks so much! It's the first room I ever painted, and I was pleased as punch. The color is Twilight Chimes by Behr. While the name sounds a bit ominous, I find it the perfect amount of moody. And yes, I'm expecting some Chibi lovers to be disappointed, but I was afraid of being the chinchilla-owner equivalent of the crazy cat lady who only ever shows pictures of her pets. But trust me, he's looking as dapper as ever. :)
Hey, I'm so happy to see the map in its place. I never get to see their final homes. I was sad to see this piece leave, but I can tell it got a great home.
Thanks for link too. :)