TRENDING: Plunge Pools and Stock Tank Pools

If you spend time on the Internet (or touring homes like I do), you know that Summer 2017 is the summer of the POOL. Pools are making an enormous comeback, in a miniature way, via the plunge pool craze...  

Photos via Pinterest

Cannonballs may be out of the question, but these small, decorative deep pools provide the perfect place to splash around and cool off in the summer! Is it a water feature, is it a pool... plunge pools started popping up in exclusive spas and resorts years ago.  The trend has now hit the residential sector as they are inexpensive, economical, easy to maintain, and can even be customized to include fountains, spa jets, heaters, benches, lights, or even a counter-current system so one can swim laps!

As with  ALL luxury trends, the small-pool concept has also hit apps like Pinterest and Instagram in droves with a funky shabby-chic DIY twist...

Photos via Pinterest

Homeowners across the country, from rural to urban areas, are ordering stock tanks by the thousands from farm supply stores and retrofitting them with above-ground-pool pumps and filters.  This quirky upcycled backyard retreat can be easily executed for less than $600. Find tips HERE.

Having grown up in a home with... 

My now 15 year old floating in my parent's pool as a chubby little infant in 2002.

... an enormous inground concrete and tile pool, I know the expense, upkeep, and headache all-too-well.  That being said, the plunge pool trend totally changes the game, don't you think?

See more home trends HERE.

A trip to Fellenz Antiques in the Central West End

This AM, I introduced a client of mine to my favorite architectural graveyard in the city... 

If you have an older home that has lost original architectural elements over the years...  reintroduce some historic charm via Fellenz Antiques in the Central West End. While I would obviously prefer to see lovely 100 year old architectural goodies in their original HOMES, Fellenz is an excellent resource for old home lovers and owners!

Visit them at:
Fellenz Antiques
439 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 367-0214

See my other St. Louis Hidden Gems HERE.

There is a new ReStore location, St. Louis!

Exciting, exciting news for West County homeowners and investors!  Habitat for Humanity has opened a new ReStore location in Des Peres. A peek at my recent visit...

What is the ReStore?  Learn more HERE in  my past post! 

 

Steve and I popped in to check out the new store this week and left with 6 new stamped stepping stones for $3 TOTAL as compared to the normal $7/stone.  Wonderful deal, fabulous cause!

 

Reduce, reuse, recycle, and restore baby.

 

NITTY GRITTY:

 

ReStore Des Peres

2117 Sams Drive

Des Peres, MO 63131- behind the Sam's club on Manchester just west of 270.

314-678-4596

 

WEB: http://www.habitatstl.org/supportus/restore/ 

Pinsperation : Green Onion recycle

I need to get back on my Pinsperation train, as I have discovered so many good ones this summer!

Green onions- can we all agree that when you need them, you don't have them on hand.  When you actually have them on hand, you don't need them and they go to waste?!

Pinterest claims that you can put the trimmed bulbs back in water and they will regrow...



Thus allowing you to have fresh green onions on hand at all times!  Really?!

My result...

It works!  It works!  In fact, I now have a full mason jar on my deck for when I need them. 

My tips:

1) Change the water every 3-5 days.

2) Give them a trim once/week to keep them fresh when not in use.

3) Bright light but direct sun is not necessary. 

Great pin - LOVE this one!  You can find me on Pinterest HERE.

Unique Property: The Junk Castle

I saw this story on CNN Money and found it fascinating! Look at what a high school art teacher managed to make from scraps and imagination...

Now THAT is repurposing!  It reminded me of the City Museum...

Today is Earth Day- Celebrate!

23nd Annual St. Louis Earth Day festival in Forest Park

Looking for something fun to do today, St. Louis?  Free and open to the public, this local favorite is the PERFECT day for the family in Forest Park...

TODAY, St. Louis Earth Day stages what has become the oldest and 3rd largest Earth Day celebration in the Country.  The event happens annually on the 4th Sunday of April in historic Forest Park.

Enjoy two stages of live music, cultural performances, local food and hands-on activities for the whole family at the 32nd Annual St. Louis Earth Day Festival. Over 200 artists, educational exhibitors, food vendors, businesses and organizations will share how they are “Being the Change”, and how you can too!

April 17, 2011 from 11 AM - 6 PM in Forest Park on the The Muny Grounds

For More Info: 
http://www.stlouisearthday.org/events/earth-day-festival/

In addition: 
If you have difficult to recycle items, there is a HUGE recycling extravaganza as part of this event, as well. Click HERE for more info.

Hidden Gem: Elder's on Cherokee

I realized last night that it has been awhile since my last Hidden Gem post.  I love antique shops.  I love antiques.  Over the years, I have picked up some interesting items.  I honestly should do a post some day with a few of our unique finds (like the vintage steel "R" and "P" that I recently picked up from a local antique mall for the boys' rooms for $5 each )...  it would be fun.  Regardless, knowing my affinity towards these items, several clients/friends/city newcomers have asked my advice for the best local resource for antique furniture over the years . 

As I have said before on numerous occasions on the blog, I love old things. While my house is NOT a dusty old antique store by any means,  I like a mix of old and new.  

I grew up in a household loaded with old mahogany furniture, neat artifacts, and family heirlooms. I grew up the daughter of parents who loved auctions and old things, as well.  I appreciate classic craftsmanship.  I am drawn to handsome quality wood.  I prefer traditional design and lines. I boast a classic style, with an eclectic twist.

We have a decent mix of antiques in our house. Some things that we inherited, others that we have accumulated over the years.  I am a firm believer in that items just come into your life, often times when you are not looking for them.  Particularly with antiques, it seems when you seek... you rarely find.  Regardless, in a city of wonderful treasures including an entire neighborhood dedicated to the goodies of yesteryear...  I DO have a local favorite for furniture.

At the corner of Missouri and Cherokee, in the center of the infamous Antique Row...

Sits Elder's...

The nitty-gritty...

It is 3 full floors of antique goodness...

While they do offer collectibles and the occasional architectural artifact...

Elder's is unique among other antique stores, particularly on the Row, as they have an emphasis on furniture and boast an ENORMOUS amount of square footage to maintain a sizable inventory...

In fact, their inventory is HUGE and constantly changing. 

Elder's has an incredible price point range and while items are not as affordable as you would find at an estate sale or on Craigslist, they are still priced reasonably to sell quickly...

Simply, I can't resist a pop into Elder's when downtown.

On this particular trip, I sought unique bedside tables. While I didn't find what I was looking for on this trip, I look forward to returning soon to give it another try...

DEAL ALERT: Give to Goodwill and they shall give back to you!

St. Louis...

Donate to Goodwill on Wednesdays in March and get a free movie ticket to Wehrenberg Theaters! 

Pretty awesome.

 Find out more information here.

Before and After: Louisiana Kitchen

I mentioned this closing last week.  I love a good renovation makeover, and the Louisiana property is FULL of them.  My wonderful clients, Steve and Erin, have granted me permission to share photos of their new abode as they move in and get settled. 

A sneak peek...

KITCHEN BEFORE:

KITCHEN AFTER:

Yes, you read this correctly...

If you donate a vehicle to the Goodwill before the 1st of the year, you will receive 1 year of free movies, compliments of Wehrenberg Movie Theaters in addition to the standard tax deduction!  Vehicle donations benefit the St. Louis community by providing vocational rehabilitation services and job placement programs for those with barriers to employment.

More information about this donation program can be found HERE.

Green living: Way to go, Lowe's!

Great household tip: A few months ago, Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse rolled out a HUGE nationwide recycling program. In September, the company installed recycling centers in nearly 1,700 stores throughout the U.S. to provide a one-stop recycling destination for customers.

These permanent recycling centers offer a FREE, safe, convenient, and PROPER way for customers to recycle/dispose of rechargeable batteries, cell phones, CFLs and plastic shopping bags. The easy-to-use bins are located near the store entrance.

I spotted one in my local Lowe's last weekend... so St. Louis, they are HERE! NOTE: during the month of December, Lowe's is also recycling strand Christmas lights for free, as well. The perfect green alternative to sending them to the landfills. Love it!

Lowe's has always been our go-to store for our weekend home projects, so I was already a HUGE fan. Offering programs for difficult-to-recycle items is not only a great service for the environment, but their loyal customers, as well. Way to go, Lowe's for showing social responsibility and providing your customers with another easy green solution!

Click HERE for the 20 Lowe's locations in the local St. Louis region.

Retail Tip: Shoes for the sole AND soul

Crocs...
No, they aren't fashionista footwear. Regardless, particularly if you have kids... you probably have a few pairs laying around the house. For all practical purposes, Crocs are great and tend to get a bad rap. Whether hitting the sand, dirt, grass, or water... Crocs keep your feet protected. They prevent slipping, they float in case you lose one in the water, AND they can be hosed off or put in the dishwasher when they get filthy. In that respect, despite their less fashionable appearance, they are fantastic and super comfortable! I have a pair for gardening and swear by them.

After the typical summer frenzy (and growth spurts), it is time for new Crocs. I always go to the Croc Outlet in the St. Louis Mills, as unlike the teeny Croc kiosks in most malls... they have every style and color. They also carry boots, Jibbitz, and other accessories. In my opinion, it is worth the extra drive. Tonight I made a discovery, however, that must be paid forward: Recycled Crocs!

Recycled Crocs, for get this, $5.00.

Yes, I said FIVE DOLLARS!

For those of you unaware, the normal retail price for a pair of Crocs is $30.00. I have no clue if the recycled Crocs ALWAYS sell for $5.00, though tonight at the St. Louis Mills... they are. More exciting than the price, however, is the program. Brilliant.

Program Details:
So, not only are these recycled Crocs good for the environment and pocket book... they are helping someone in need.

Win, win, WIN!

Note: SolesUnited is now known as Crocs Cares, and you can find more info HERE about how over 2.5 million pairs of shoes have been distributed via this program since 2007 to those in need in impoverished areas and disaster areas like Haiti. You can also find them on Facebook HERE.

My son's old full-retail Crocs (with a ton of miles on them)...

... and his new recycled pair:
This weekend I plan to gather all of the worn and outgrown Crocs in the house and deliver them BACK to the Crocs Outlet in the Mills, as they are a recycle collection store, as well. Love it.

NOTE: Just like any outlet store- colors and sizes are limited. Inventory changes constantly, as do prices. I found this deal this evening, so hurry if interested.

The ULTIMATE Makeover...

BEFORE:
A rustic 9-by-10-foot hunting shack, with a porch roof supported by white willow tree trunks, in the heart of the Catskills...
AFTER:
A dreamy and romantic Shabby Chic Victorian cottage studio, carefully constructed and decorated with every little detail tended to...
Yesterday, I bumped into this New York Times article, "In the Catskills, Comfort in a Gingerbread House", written by Joyce Wadler and accompanied by these gorgeous photos by Trevor Tondro. I was incredibly struck by their story of a woman who with VERY little money and a LOT of creativity and hard work... created her dream space. Her ultimate retreat.

With the current state of the economy and people feeling a tad stifled by their lack of capital, I HAD to share Sandy Foster's story. Obviously, I have a love and fascination for all things old and love the idea of recycling / repurposing items, particularly where architectural goodies are concerned. I think that we all have a little something to learn by visionary Recessionistas like Sandy, who prove that heart trumps money any day of the week. Amazing, amazing job and so incredibly inspiring!

Check out Sandy's space...






To learn more about Sandy's project, you may find her on Facebook HERE and Twitter HERE, in addition to her blog.

Think green...

As seen outside of the Missouri Botanical Gardens yesterday afternoon...
For more info on this recycle program, contact the Monsanto Center at 314.577.9441.

The ULTIMATE Makeover...

Every once in awhile, I come across a blog that I HAVE to share. This one does NOT disappoint!

Meet Marisa...


Via her blog, A New Dress A Day, she has committed to foregoing traditional shopping for an entire year to re purpose super cheap (and often times tacky) Goodwill finds in an attempt to style herself for an entire year on $1.00/day. You HAVE to see what she has been able to do with some of these pieces...

BEFORE:


AFTER:


BEFORE:


AFTER:


BEFORE:


AFTER:

LOVE IT! Marissa is most definitely, the ULTIMATE Recessionista! I can't wait to follow her project and you should too. Besides her blog link, she can also be found on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE.

Hidden Gem Alert: Fellenz Antique Shop

Several months ago, a friend (Hi Justin!) mentioned an unassuming building in the Central West End to me. We both share the love of all things old, and he assured me that he had located heaven in the form of an architectural graveyard?! Last week I found myself in the CWE during the day, and figured it was worth a shot.

I must admit that when I pulled up to 439 North Euclid to find this...

...I didn't know what to think?! In fact, it took me 3 runs down the same block to find the building, due to a lack of signage...That being said, when I saw the large head peeking out at me behind glass... I figured that I was in the right place.Fellenz Architectural Artifacts. I can not even express the feeling that flooded by body when I first entered this establishment and was suddenly SURROUNDED, head to toe, by everything that I love about architecture... AGH!! Overwhelming. Seriously. I am the FURTHEST from a proponent of architectural features being stripped from their original home. In fact, I am quite the opposite. That being said, aisle after aisle of hand-carved doors and moldings. Cast iron fireplace covers and deco fixtures. Just beautiful. My horrible Blackberry photos do NOT do the contents of this store justice. It is a must see. In person. Period. Particularly if you own an old house that you are trying to restore... Fellenz is the store for you!!

I have never seen anything like it.