Monday, July 2, 2012

Sometimes...


Sometimes something totally unexpected happens. Totally unexpected. Like, really, totally unexpected. Recently I wrote to "Miss Cote de Texas" to ask a design question about our new home. I hoped she'd answer, but told myself not to get too excited. What were the odds? I'm sure she gets gobs of emails with design questions...

I've read Joni's blog, Cote de Texas, for years. It's a big treat. She features beautiful homes and every entry is full of gorgeous photographs. I usually save her posts for a quiet evening or the weekend when I can sit in front of my computer and soak up all she has to share. I've learned tons from her about everything from "The Houston Look" to the proper names for certain furniture pieces. She's a wealth of information and is an extremely talented designer. 


So when she emailed me with an answer to my question, I couldn't wipe the grin off my face. Joni Webb of Cote de Texas answered my design question!!!! I was thrilled. Completely thrilled! Only, a few days later, Joni posted the pictures I'd sent and wrote in much greater detail her suggestions for my design query. I was elated! Her readers offered one suggestion after another. It was amazing and so much fun and gave The Engineer and I so much to think about!


Later that same day, she emailed me and asked if she could feature the home we just moved from. Y'all. I just about died. It was such a combination of being totally pumped and then fear - because she's a legit, for real, interior designer. And she has incredible taste. And her readers - many of them are professionals. And if they read Joni's blog, they obviously have good taste. And she wanted to post pictures of our home on her blog. And I'd already shot the photos and we don't live there anymore, so I couldn't go back and reshoot with big beautiful plants and gorgeous flower arrangements. I couldn't attempt to stage it like the magazines do. But oh, the opportunity! And the compliment it is that Joni would even be interested! Of course I said "yes!" 

She wrote a very kind entry featuring our home. I am pumped and humbled all at once. It's brought back such sweet memories.

If you have a few minutes, I'd love for you to check it out...

31 comments:

  1. That is SO cool! Can't wait to check it out!

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  2. I'm back!! And offering my opinion too (not that you asked-ha!) I work for my Dad's welding company and we specialize in handrails/structural steel fabrication. I would do all of the rails the same style but I love the look of the rails you would find in the south...(Charleston, Savannah) and here is a link to one of my favorite websites : http://www.kingmetals.com/DesignConcepts/railings/railings2.html.

    Also, I would have the rails powder coated FOR SURE. That's our standard instead of painting. In this process the paint gets baked on and it much less likely to rust. Here's our website if you want to look at other pics: www.Bettingerwelding.com

    And here's

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  3. I'm just popping in, don't have alot of time to be commenting but I wanted to say, "GO YOU!!" That is awesome and I'm not surprised for a minute, you have incredible taste and talent putting a house together. LOVE IT!!!

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  4. I found your home via Cote de Texas and was so impressed I just had to run to your blog. I love your style and I cannot wait to see what you two do with this new adventure you are on.

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  5. !!!!!!!!! Your beautiful old house deserves all the accolades. Truly! You two did an amazing job on it. And this new house... wow, what an adventure, one that you will do just as beautifully!

    Are you interested in my opinion...? The house is asymmetrical enough that you could easily pull off metal and wood rails and it would look great. But, if you're going wanting a cohesive consistency I say go with metal on both sides. I agree with Ivy, definitely have the rails powder coated. Yes, yes!

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  6. I did and it lead me to YOUR blog! What a gift. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. So fun!! I read the whole post on Cote de Texas. What an honor! Such beautiful pictures of your old home. I need your design eye in my house!

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  8. Hello Jenn,
    I too am here because Joni’s blog featured your breathtakingly beautiful home. Now, I must admit I’ve never had the nerve to post on Joni’s blog because I have nothing to offer but silent thanks and admiration for her work- but I knew I needed to let you know how much of an impact your home, and then your blog made on me.
    Your home is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen, bar none- and even better – I now know the deep love that lived within its four walls.
    I wish you much happiness in the future and will be following your blog ‘religiously’!

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  9. SO.STINKIN.AWESOME!!!! But always thought your home should be featured in all the glamorous magazines :) You have a gift girlfriend! Never doubted it! xoxo :)

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  10. Hi Jenn,
    I found your blog via Cote de Texas-- which I love, and now I have spent the last two days looking through your blog and just love your's! I have two questions I am hoping you can answer, first did your talented husband and you make your porch swing from your old house? I just love it and would love to know where to find or how to create something similar. Second question, what kind of camera do you have, your photos are always absolutely beautiful!

    I am wishing you the best in your new home and will look forward to see all of the changes you make!

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  11. EEEEK! Such a fun treat!! I love LOVE Cote de Texas too....you are such a rockstar! :)

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  12. I have been reading your blog for years, need heard of Cote de Texas before, though :) I have always been amazed at the beauty of your projects, and more amazed that you and the engineer do them all yourselves! But the real reason I love your blog is because you love Jesus, and that's all that really matters. BUT... that was a pretty sweet write-up on her website. Congratulations, Jen!

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  13. Good for you Jen!! Such beautiful and inspiring photos over there. I am actually a longtime reader of your blog and Cote de Texas too. I found your blog through your sister's blog several years ago--I'm originally from the city where I think she lives and I was looking for something else in my google search and just stumbled on her lovely nursery photos. Sorry that explanation sounds so strange! I just kept reading both your blogs because even though my way of walking with faith is different from yours, I have learned a lot from you. And about the beauty of the Dave Ramsey approach! Anyway, many good wishes for the new house and rest of the summer in the new place from a longtime reader who has always wished you well!! Hallie

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  14. This seems to be a theme. I also found your blog via Cote de Texas. First, let me say I love your new home and will anxiously await every update you do.

    Your previous home was so fabulous. I loved each and every room and it was a thrill to be able to see it. The most impressive part is that you did all the work yourself and when the funds would allow.

    It is such an inspiration to see a home that was not featured in a magazine but from a real, live family. I really feel it gives people hope for their own homes.

    Once visiting your blog, I found that not only did your design talents amaze me, but your obvious love of your family and your apparent faith. All of these are so refreshing to see.

    I look forward to many more visits to your blog and wish you luck and blessings in getting settled into your new home.

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  15. Also, here via Cote de Texas- you and your husband are AMAZING. Your old home was fabulous!!!! Cannot wait to see what you do with the new one.
    Blessings!
    -linda,ny

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  16. loved this!!!! thank you so much! i was just giving out your blog address to someone who wanted it. everyone loved your home(s) so much!!!

    when you get settled and start remodeling - don't forget to let us see!!!! i cant wait to see what you do with your new house.

    Thanks again for everything!!
    Joni

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  17. Your (old) house is just STUNNING! You really ought to consider doing interior design and decorating - you have a beautiful eye and definite flair for design. And your husband is also very talented.
    Very much looking forward to see what you do with your new home.
    With best wishes

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  18. The first day I met you it was obvious you were overflowing with talent, class and style. I'm proud of you.
    Karmen

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  19. loved the post about your home on cote de texas! y'all are truly amazing! can't wait to see what you do in the new house!!!

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  20. I am so proud to know you right now!!! You have no idea. Love you!

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  21. Seriously, AWESOME! I have followed Cote de Texas blog for years on my google reader and you so earned and deserved to be featured there. Your taste is amazing and you and the engineer are an amazing team.

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  22. I'm soooo excited for your Jennifer!! How FUN it was that your question not only got answered (in a thorough and sweet way), but, you were then FEATURED!!! I think that is wonderful my friend...so unexpectedly wonderful!!! Isn't it great when things come along like that?? I've always thought you do amazing things in the decorating department...and I know you will do a great job with your new home (which is beautiful, by the way)...just do it sllloooowwwly!!! Enjoy the journey...those little people will literally grow up before your eyes. (I know you know this...just had to say it one more time....)!

    Love to you!
    Camille

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  23. Jen! Oh my goodness! That was quite the article!
    Sweet, sweet little surprises are just what you need right now! So glad she chose to feature you!

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  24. I am Sooo excited for you! What a cool treat! I am not surprised because your ideas, creativity, hard-working and love for beauty is clear!!!

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  25. Awesome! What an honor. Y'all are just amazing!

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  26. Your knack for home remodeling and decorating is AMAZING. Seriously. We just moved into our very first home and hope it's our forever home. I have NO idea what to do with any of it. I wish you could come over and help me decorate!!!

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  27. Hi Jen - I have followed both your blog and Joni's for several years and am THRILLED to see your home featured there. Your house has been the best-kept secret in blog-land for some time and I am so happy it's out :) I have many times been inspired by your projects, ideas, taste level, and good old-fashioned work ethic. Congrats on a great feature, and I look forward to seeing what you and The Engineer come up with in the new house!

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  28. I just came to your blog from CDT and I am in awe of your taste and the beauty of your old home!!! I will definitely be a follower from now on. Truly inspiring!

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  29. Thanks for sharing, I will be following from now on too.

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  30. Thanks for sharing, I will be following from now on too.

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