Rockstar. Lawyer Turned Entrepreneur.

Happy Friday, Gimlet Nation!

I have a great story for you today.  So.....a long long time ago, in a period I sometimes can't remember (a.k.a. Pre-Katrina), I became friends with the dynamic Sara Wenande (now Sara Bloom).  She and a close friend of mine worked a couple of floors above me at another law firm in our building.  They were some of my earliest lunch buddies/ "being a newbie lawyer is sucky!" pals, and our weekends were filled with some serious carousing.  (Reminder, this was over 6 years ago, people...there was far more energy and far less responsibility coursing through all of our veins!)

Here she is!

Flash forward five years, two kids, multiple job changes, a move away from Nola, many real estate transactions, a wedding, a life-changing flood, you get the drift.  The world is now completely different from those pre-Katrina times.  While two of us still practice law, Sara has launched a truly amazing business and has left the firm life behind.  (Not surprising, considering that Sara is a keen, savvy business lady and negotiator.)

What is her cool biz I speak of?  From her site...

Oliver B is a modern day version of a stylish and vibrant baby bedding company, but with a mission unlike any other: saving infant lives. Oliver B is the first and only company to offer traditional crib bedding that decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the leading cause of death of infants less than 1 year of age. With its one-of-a-kind Ventilated Crib Bumper System, Oliver B has forever changed the baby bedding industry by providing babies with a safer sleep environment and parents with peace of mind.

Sara named her new company after her son, Oliver.  She now has another son, Owen, too!

The site is so informative and thorough...and features pics of adorable babies modeling the revolutionary products. 

Awww....

The crib sets are affordable, unique and, most importantly, safe. 

A 6 piece set for $299.00, which, of course, includes Oliver B's patented ventilated bumper system.

Sara has plans to sell the ventilated bumpers via the site for under $100.00 as well.

Bamboo onesies.

Cutie stroller blanket set. 

Let's discuss the real awesomeness behind the stroller blanket set.  For every set you purchase, Oliver B gives one away to a baby in need through its "Endless Blankets" program.  The Endless Blankets program provides babies in need around the world (and in the United States) with their very own special blankets. 

Things are blowing up big for Oliver B.  It was featured in the Houston Chronicle two days ago.  You can learn more about Sara's motivation and the products in the article.  My favorite quote from the article, BTW... "It's a really good way to give back. I didn't get that kind of good, warm feeling a lot of time when I practiced law."  (LOVE IT!)

I suggest that you check out Oliver B (or pass it on to expectant friends or potential merchants).  I promise, promise, promise this is NOT the last time you will hear of this dynamic new company. 

Good job, Sara!  I am proud of you. 

Cheers,

JSH

P.S.  Speaking of law/legal/lawyer.  Y'all already know that I don't receive any moolah from talking about cool companies, products, events, etc.  Unfortunately, I am unable to support a lavish lifestyle based upon this blog.  I currently only write it for fun! 

 

Reader Updates

I am super excited to share with you two fun "afters" that were submitted to me by some of my favorite Gimleters. 

Remember the upscale yard sale that Bebe and I stalked/picked clean wayyyy back in March?

Just a refresher.  This is the settee we snatched on the spot for Bebe. 

And, here she is now...

This fabu fab had me at hello...and Bebe agreed!  I think the settee looks divine and will be a perfect addition to her study/office area. 

Now, another Gimleter, Mary (Happy Birthday, Mary!), was inspired by this post and even mentioned in the Comments that she was yearning to paint her very own door a fun color, but wasn't sure which direction to take with it.  We don't have a before pic, but Mary's door used to be a stained wood....pretty, but not the pop! that it has now...

Isn't that blue a fun accent against her slatey wooden siding?

Oh, Gimleters, aren't small changes fun and inspiring in the heaty doldrums of the summer?  Keep 'em coming.   Who doesn't love the occasional before and after?

Cheers,

JSH

Fourth of July Attire

Although this tee is not patriotic themed per se, there is something so distinctly "'Merican" about it that I think it would be a great addition to your July 4th BBQ attire.  

Only in 'Merica is a person baptized in muddy waters, right?

Even your little friend can get into the maverick spirit. 

Both of these are from Southern Brand.

I just got a kick out of them a while back and had to share.  May your 4th of July be filled with ice cream and apple pie!

Cheers, 

JSH 

Guest Post from E. Lee: Painting Tips from a Pro

I am delighted (again) to share the genius insight and tips of famous fine finisher, E. Lee Jahncke Mead.  She agreed to pen an extra-special guest post in honor of our three day weekend about a burning question that comes up pretty darn often over here at The Gimlet Eye.   Let's hear what the expert has to say, shall we?

Hi, Gimlet Nation.  E. Lee here again!

A few of you Gimleters and my Facebook fans have written me lately to ask, "How do I paint my table and/or chairs (or other wooden furniture) a solid color?"


Well, you are in luck. In honor of Jessie's recent past post regarding de-bachelorizing for her sister and brother-in-law, I am doing just the same here at the Mead Manor and I am no longer a newlywed!

This table and these chairs came with my marriage.

They are not my dream for a dining room but actually perfect for our condo at present. Not sure exactly who they belonged to, but they are my problem now! The table looked just like the chairs, had a cherry-brown stain and factory lacquer finish, but after some stripper and a little wax, it looks more natural and casual and less like it belongs in Jason's Auntee's home.

I have been a little slow with my work lately so I am tackling the chairs this week.

The stripper wax/routine was a little labor intensive, so for the chairs I decided I would paint them a plain shiny white and cover the seats in an ikat, similar to one that I saw on Habitually Chic.

The inspiration.

Let's get started:


1. If your piece has been previously finished (not raw wood) and is relatively smooth, use a deglosser (liquid sander) with a rag as your first step. Read the instructions on the can and use in a well ventilated area. If you are working with raw wood, or something that is a little rough you will need to sand (220 paper) to smooth out your surface and then continue to step 2.

2. Next is priming. I know, no one likes to do this but your finished product is only as good as your base! A primer not only makes your top coats look excellent (especially if you go the shiny route) but it prevents chipping and ensures longevity of your finish. In this case, I suggest an alcohol based primer because it blocks stains.

3. Use a good brush. I would recommend a Purdy or Corona with natural bristles and a straight edge, the size depends on whatever you are painting.

4. Choose a color. I am going with Benjamin Moore metal paint in high gloss white.

I am a fan of industrial coatings for many reasons (shine, durability), but an oil based enamel in any sheen will be just fine.

5. Apply 2 coats of your paint. Allow a day to dry in between.

6. Clean up. Use a bucket or metal coffee can with a little bit of white mineral spirits to clean your brush. In between your 2 coats you can wrap your brush bristles in a plastic grocery bag and leave it in the freezer to use the next day (I learned this from my mother long before I knew I would do this for a living!).

Notes: If you wish, you can use spray paint for steps 2 and/or 3. In that case, I would recommend BIN or Kilz primer and Rustoleum protective enamel.

I don't have an after picture to show you yet and my fabric will not be in until the end of July, but here is a chair I found and painted and upholstered to go with my desk from my single girl apartment.

I painted it in white metal paint about 3 years ago, and still looking great! Again, same deal... 1940-50s furniture, with an unfortunate finish.  Side note, much of the wooden furniture from the 40s-50s 1) has great lines and 2) is well made/solid wood.    I highly suggest highlighting those features with your favorite color of paint!

Thanks so much, E. Lee, for your professional advice.  Gimleters, if you have questions for E.Lee, you can email me, leave them in the comments, or visit E. Lee's Facebook page (I suggest that you "Like" it anyway as she is always posting nifty projects and "before/afters" for our viewing pleasure!)

Cannot WAIT to see what you chickens come up with....show me your work!

Cheers,

JSH

P.S.  Don't fret.  E. Lee is one of the most loyal Gimleters out there and has promised to send us pics of her "afters" of the ikat-y gorgeousness that is certain to follow from this project!

The Fabulous Beekman Boys

...may be the most random, yet addictive show on television.  Have y'all seen it?  Anyone?  Anyone?

To beat the summer heat, I was lounging around inside the past Sunday and happened to catch a couple of epis.  It airs on a random (to me) channel, PlanetGreen, and I had never heard of the show before.  Well, now it standardly programmed into my DVR, and I will tell you why. 

The boys, Brent and Josh.  One is a doctor (formerly Dr. Brent of Martha Stewart fame), the other a best-selling author.

The premise behind the show is that Brent and Josh leave Manhattan life behind to lead the "simple life" in upstate New York.  They purchased Beekman Farm, an enormous property located in Sharon Springs, NY, with the intention of living a slower and more organic lifestyle.  The couple now resides in the beautiful farmhouse on the property while raising 80 goats, 2 pigs, 12 chickens and a llama.  Oh, and they also make goat milk soap and artisanal cheese, called Beekman Blaak. 

The idyllic barn. 

Farmer John tends to the goats in the barn, and has taught the boys everything they now know about raising the personality-packed herd.  

The show is a refreshing and delightful romp, particulary when constantly dominated by the likes of reality TV brawls, spoiled bratty kid birthday parties, and gross consumerism (a la Real Housewives....I am a full time viewer, no judgment here....).   The guys are just, well, charming, and it is a riot to watch them unabashedly plunge into Kuntry living, all while keeping themselves fed and their relationship in tact. 

Plus, the shots of the gorgeous land and historic house (err, mansion) are the best eye candy out there.

The above shots are all from the Boys' really great website Beekman 1802.  I highly suggest that you check it out.  It is chock full of information about natural living. Plus, there are tons of stunning pics of the farm as well as their blogs accounting this "Shared Experiment in Seasonal Living." 

WARNING: Don't go on the site unless you plan to spend an hour there... 

I just learned that the Beekman Mansion was a stop on the Underground Railroad and is said to have had a tunnel running between it and the on-property crypt, which served as the hiding place for slaves escaping northward.  See, tons of nerdy historical facts!

The Beekman 1802 website is also their mercantile.

Beekman 1802 baby soap.

Beekman 1802 Blaak.

Beekman 1802 picnic blankie. 

The mercantile's motto is that Beekman farm is bigger than its fences.  Lovely. 

I really hope that you tune in to The Fabulous Beekman Boys...it is perfect "escape" television, yet oddly educational.  Treat yourself, you will love it!

Cheers,

JSH

More Fab Fabrics...

While cruising etsy this past weekend, I found a great seller of hand printed textiles.  Kalla's fabrics and products are really impressive.  I think they channel the likes of Hable Construction and Trina Turk for Schumacher perfectly!

This table runner would be a great gift...$40.00!

This pillow cover must be mine.

Another great pillow cover.

Many of the fabrics are additionally available via yards....upholstery projects a go-go. 

I hope this rainbow of fruit flavors brightened up your Monday!

Cheers,

Jessie

Fan-tastic Solution

I hate ceiling fans, although I understand that, for some, they are crucial to functioning in life.  Despite living through the 112 heat indexes in Nola right now, I still never think to turn on our fans.  I never grew up sleeping with them on, so I think I am programmed to not consider using them.  In fact, I plot the demise of each fan in our home with specificity. 

Lowe's.  Gaggers.

As you may recall, Lamar replaced the fug fan in our den.  Next up?  The fan in our bedroom....after that, the empty bedroom we call the "staging area."  It is slow, but calculated.  They will all be gone one day (except for the one in the guestroom because I want our fan-reliant guesties to be comfy)! 

Lamar replaced the fug ceiling fan in our den.

I recognize that not all fans are fug/ builder's grade.  Honestly, though, even the sharpest of the sharp looking fans, still really doesn't thrill me. 

Restoration Hardware

Imagine my delight to see this "hybrid" fan/ light fixture on the delightful blog Dwellers Without Decorators. 
Is it possible that I could be convinced to keep some fans around?  Maybe if they look like these...

See that fan/ dome light about the dining room table?

It's mate above the living room area. 

Does anyone know the source of this fan-tastic alternative to a trad fan?  I am tempted.....to at least give this guy to the guest room, since it HAS to have a fan.  If we can't figure out a source, there is that thought in the back of my mind that I could make this....??

Cheers,

JSH