Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Thank You, Wanda!

Isn't it fun to get a gift in the mail? I was so happy to win The Black Dress Traveler's recent giveaway and receive a Sonya Kashuk the Scarlet Starlet Brush Set.

{What I won! Thanks, Wanda!}




{The beautiful Ms. Mann}
Wanda Mann of The Black Dress Traveler got a passport at 15 to study in Spain overseas at 16, and has since lived a life with a love of travel. Wanda's blog covers "Saucy Snippets about Destinations, Fashion, Beauty, Food & Wine, Events & Everything Fabulous!"


{Adler Thermae Spa & Resort}
Here's a recent Black Dress Traveler post with a report from Italy. I love to visit Wanda's blog because I always fell like I'm going on a mini-vacation!

"Located in the heart of Tuscany and surrounded by rolling hills and terraced vineyards, Adler Thermae Spa & Resort was named one of the 10 best wine spas in the world by Gayot. The philosophy at Adler Thermae is "wellness and balance" and the property offers many treatments using the grapes and seeds from the local vintners, including the Bacchus Ritual which is a luxurious massage and wine bath. Wine tasting is also available in the Adler Thermae’s cellars and an outstanding wine menu offered at dinner. Molto bene!"

Thank you, Wanda!

Loretta

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Exterior Shots of Windowseat, and a Winner...

{painted T-111 ("Texture One Eleven") grooved plywood siding, James Hardie Fiber Cement trim and wood sills}
Finally, some outside shots of the windowseat...



One thing I am SO HAPPY about was to enlarge the overhang on the windowseat, and also thrilled to add the expansion of the roof overhang over the existing deck in a change from the original construction plans.

Do you see in the photo above to the far left what a skimpy overhang the roof on the house has? Yes, only a mere nine inches.


{painted Georgia Pacific Plytanium Ply-bead plywood sheet paneling on the soffit}
Not only did the new windowseat roof get a more substantial overhang then we have on our existing house,  I expanded the overhang over the deck from 9" to  2'-6"! It's now the only place in my house where I can walk outside and not get wet when it rains!

The overhang protects the doorway and makes it so easy to shovel the deck when it snows. No longer does snow build up in front of the door.

I have to thank the talented and insightful Kim and Jack Alvarez of Landmark Consulting in Albany, New York for their advice on handling the overhangs for this project. Kim and Jack's specialty is historic and landmark buildings and interiors, but their knowledge of material and proportion helped guide me on this "young" 1978 house!

See Landmark Consulting's website here: www.landmarkconsulting.net

Loretta

p.s. Congrats to the winner of my jewelry and chocolate Valentine's giveaway, Grace Fecher! Thanks to all who entered!




Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day!

{source}  
Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm a romantic, and can't help but love a holiday filled with handmade cards, kisses and love.

How did you celebrate the day?

Loretta

p.s. I added 2 1/2 hours to my Valentine's giveaway - so still time to enter!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Valentine's Giveaway Tomorrow!

{win this!}
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day! Plan something sweet for the sweet ones in your life and remember to enter my jewelry and chocolates giveaway here!

Loretta

Monday, February 6, 2012

Valentine's Day Earring and Chocolate Giveaway!

 Let's do a sweet giveaway! The winner will be chosen on Valentine's Day, and receive this pair of Loretta Fontaine Jewelry freshwater pearl earrings on handmade sterling silver wires.


...and a box of chocolate from Krause's Handmade Candy! (This is our BEST local chocolate!)

To enter, be a follower of this blog and leave a comment below. For a second and third chance, post this giveaway on Facebook and Twitter, and leave a comment below, as well!

Winner will be chosen by randomnumber.com at 10:30pm EST February 14.

Loretta

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Red Rose Earrings For Valentine's Day

{Loretta Fontaine Jewelry sterling silver Theresa earrings with Crimson Rose}

February 1! Valentine's Day is around the corner...

I'm getting an order of jewelry ready for one of my favorite galleries - Mary Lou Zeek Gallery in Oregon. What do you think of these earrings for Valentine's Day? They are one of my favorites!

Loretta