Upcycled Dresser To Love Again

A beautiful makeover using Frottage, (French: “rubbing”), in visual arts, a technique of obtaining an impression of the surface texture of a material, such as wood, by placing a piece of paper over it and rubbing it with a soft pencil or crayon, as for taking brass rubbings; the name is also applied to the impression so obtained.  This was a 70's maple dresser that I basically turned Shabby Chic with little effort.  I started with a base of Annie Sloan Duck Egg Blue and only gave it one coat.  When it was completely dry, I then put a coat of Annie Sloan Sage green on top.  While it was still wet, I crumbled a paper bag good and tight.  After crumbling the paper, I open it up to all the wrinkles and pressed it into the wet paint creating a very artistic look as you can see in the picture.  I did not stress the dresser but sealed it well with Dixie Belle Gator Hide(Gator Hide is a poly-acrylic that repels water and is used to protect tabletops and cabinets).  As you can see I left a peekaboo of the maple to show through  New handles from Hobby Lobby $35.00 and there you have it, a brand new dresser that if purchased in a store would be close to $500 or depending on where you buy it, even more.  Two cans of Annie Sloane paint cost me approximately $75.98 and a 16oz can of Dixie Belle Gator Hide for $36.45, that will last you for several projects.  The entire project cost $147.43 and by the way, I used that Annie Sloane paint on several other projects as it goes a long way.   We can keep our social distance while getting together for some wine and painting. 

                                                            

                                                    Vintage Inspired Dresser

                                                     

BEING A REALTOR

When I had the “Miracle of Thought” to become a Realtor, I was in the parking lot of Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church. It changed the lens by which I view my life and I will never forget that special moment. I was searching for a way to make an impact on others. I attended school, passed my State Test and will never forget the day I walked into Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty in North Port, Fla. I was ready to take on the world. That epiphany has brought the most amazing customers into my life. My first sale was to this amazing single Mom who was looking for a home for herself, and her 4 children. That Mom was me 50 years ago, single with three little boys looking for a better life for my sweet little family. It was not happenstance that I got that up call. From that moment until this very day when I received another up call from another single Mom who is mirroring my life, all my customers have been sent to me for a specific reason. Every experience has been different and unique. I am always excited for that initial face to face introduction as I am allowed the privilege of learning about my customers and how I can help them at this very special time in their lives. Some are first time homeowners, others are getting ready for retirement while some are families just looking for a larger home. No two stories the same. The things you don’t have to remember to pass that daunting State Test...Smile, Listen, Be Positive, Expect Nothing, Don’t Compare, Be Humble, Be Your Authentic Self. I have learned not to fear taking the plunge on something big and, even if it doesn’t pay off, people respect someone not afraid to try. I appreciate all my customers and thank them for all the gifts of ♥️they have given me. I have some pretty amazing stories and I hope to be honored to continue this path for many years to come. I would be remiss not to thank Coldwell Banker Schmidt Family for all they have taught me and for having faith in this ♥️Agent With Heart♥️

End Table Rehab

Original Cherry Wood end tables with a sanded and varnished top. I choose Dixie Belle Paint as I feel it is equal to and much more reasonable than Annie Sloan.  My color choice was Rebel Yellow.  Dixie Belle paint does not need to be sealed if allowed to cure for 30 days.  If I do use a wax to seal it, it can be done immediately after the paint dries.  On my end tables, I did not stress the color with wax but instead, I gave them a coat of Gator Hide made by Dixie Belle for protection.  Gator Hide is a poly-acrylic that repels water and protects tabletops and cabinets.  

  

BEING REAL

The Velveteen Rabbit happens to be my very favorite children's book but with such an adult message. It's always better to be "real," You were born an original, don't die a copy. ~ John Mason. Share your weaknesses. Share your hard moments. Share your real side. It'll either scare away every fake person in your life or it will inspire them to finally let go of that mirage called 'perfection,' which will open the doors to the most important relationships you'll ever be a part of. ~Dan Pearce

Buyer and Seller Market

Despite lockdown orders and economic uncertainty, people are still buying and selling homes thanks to virtual home showings and no contact contract signings.

Everyone is always asking me... "How is the market?" the best way to answer that question is while there have been temporary interruptions in the housing market during this pandemic, it's now a win-win for both the buyer and the seller. There is a shortage of homes on the market as many sellers are waiting to see what this pandemic is going to do while buyers on the other hand are being cautious. Sellers are anxious to sell so there are some good deals and interest rates are at an all-time low which makes it appealing to buyers. So, all that being said, the two are holding hands at the moment. If you are looking to buy or sell, this is an excellent time. Builders; likewise, are offering some very nice incentives.

Live Long and Prosper,

~Helen Ann

Taking The First Step

The loftiest goal that I ever set for myself was at 75 years young, I decided to become a Real Estate Agent.  Once I set that goal, there was never a moment when I looked back.  I started with a realistic goal of attending school three days a week instead of taking the entire month's class in one week.  It was best for me to breakdown this goal in smaller more achievable tasks.   I knew that statistically, the odds were not in my favor as the State Real Estate Exam is one of the hardest to pass as it is ranked right up there at the top.  I also knew if I didn't try, I would never forgive myself.  For me, it would have been better to fail rather than never to have tried.  That was how I raised my sons so why would my thinking be any different.   I passed my class test with the highest grade in the class but I failed my state test twice; however, I never gave up or made excuses for my shortcomings.  I knew where my weaknesses were and sought help from a wonderful tutor who advised me.  Her name was Michele Early, and she now owns her own Real Estate Scool called THE MAGNOLIA SCHOOL OF REAL ESTATE.  When I finally passed that test it gave me a new perspective on everything.  You might say I thought of myself as "Unstoppable". Today I am an excellent Realtor who puts her customers first, and I am more concerned about building relationships than writing contracts.

The best feeling in the world is knowing you took a step in the right direction.  A step toward the future where everything that you thought to be impossible is possible.  Even the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.  Tiptoe if you must, but take the step.  There will always be obstacles along the road but I have never lost heart and that is how I have become known as an  "Agent with Heart".

Armoire Project

I am sorry I did not take a before picture of this armoire as it was brown and had elephants all over it.  My choice of colors were three from Dixie Belle.  Putty, Rustic Red, and Palmetto.  I did not dark wax but sanded portions so the original colors would show through.  Finished with Dixie Belle Gator Hide. 

Arugula Tomato Salad

Arugula is my personal favorite type of leaf-based salad because of the unique peppery taste.  Pair this with the sweet taste of roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and burrata (fresh mozzarella cheese filled with shreds of mozzarella soaked in cream), and you have the most colorful and delicious summer salad that will delight any palate.

INGREDIENTS

Serves 4

1   Container of fresh arugula (ARUGULA  is best used within 3-6 days)

1/4 Cup of roughly chopped fresh basil

1   Tbs. white vinegar

2   Tbs. of a light olive oil

      Balsamic vinegar (optional)

1   Container each of sweet red cherry tomatoes and sweet yellow cherry tomatoes, roasted in a 350-degree oven on parchment paper with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.  You will know when they are done as they will break apart and look like the above picture.

1    8 oz. container of Bel Gioioso Burrata, (found in the specialty section of your local supermarket) There are usually 2-4 oz. balls in an 8 oz. container.  Helpful Tip: the best way to portion Burrata is with a spoon.  Normally I will use a soup spoon.

      

Salt and Pepper to taste

METHOD

I always clean my salad greens (other vegetables and fruits as well) in a bowl of cold water with 1 Tbs of white vinegar.  When rinsed, you never taste the vinegar.  Let them sit for a few minutes and then rinse and spin dry.  If you do not have a salad spinner than drain well and let dry between two paper towels.

When the tomatoes are done transfer them with a slotted spoon to a bowl to cool.  The tomatoes may be done ahead and refrigerated with a lid.  The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become.

When you are ready to assemble your salad, put your beautiful, fresh arugula on a platter or in a bowl.  Top with the tomatoes, and if you like, another drizzle of olive oil and/or a good balsamic vinegar.  This is optional.  Finish with the Burrata and garnish with some lovely basil leaves.

~Bon Appetit 

Helen Ann Mattoni, Realtor

A Realtor isn't your greatest resource. The RIGHT Realtor is!  Insist on one with a strong work ethic - one with high morals and strong commitments to core values. Accept no substitutes for customer service, reliable communication, attention to detail, or product knowledge. If such virtues are important considerations in your search for a realtor, you've landed on the right site. Stop here - your search is over! 

One of my top priorities is finding homes for families to provide security and a sense of permanency for your children.   "OWNING A HOME IS THE AMERICAN DREAM"

Real Estate is not about buying and selling homes but more importantly building relationships.

I learned about commitment and about principles of Duty, Honor, and Country as a little girl. I learned them from my father who, for 30 years, served our great country in uniform. He passed-along and instilled in me the values that vaulted him to success as a Brigade Commander. As the daughter of a career Army officer and later, as the wife of one, I've been to and have experienced many parts of the country - the world, even. Having lived in many homes through the experience, I know a lot about them. And, after 35 years in the sales industry, I know how to sell them.    I'd be honored to help you with either buying that perfect home or selling your much-loved home.   I'm an agent with Coldwell Banker Sunstar in North Port, Florida, and when you choose me, you have an entire company working for you.  I can provide you with local knowledge, demographic data and I will always negotiate on your behalf no matter how large the task.  I listen to my customers.   Give me a call - give me a chance to provide "White Glove Service."

Helen Ann Mattoni

Agent With Heart

239-410-4431

Formal Buffet Project

This was a buffet that belonged to my husband and his late wife.  It was very dark mahogany and while it was perfect for that time in history, it was a bit too dark for the tiny space where I needed to put it.  I began to research some colors that would work, and I decided on Dixie Belle chalk paint rather than Annie Sloane for no reason.  I happened to see it in a store and liked the color.   It did not have a buffet top at the time.  The hutch top was added at a later date by a dear friend who made it from lumber found at the Home Depot.    

 

I began this project as I do all my chalk painting projects thoroughly cleaning whatever project you are working on with mineral spirits to remove all the dirt and wax so you are working on a clean palette.  

On this piece, I switched to Dixie Belle paint.  The color was Burlap.  I painted it all over with two coats.  Then, I went back over it with medium grade sandpaper and sanded it wherever I wanted the appearance of a distressed piece.  You may sand either before or after you wax.  I prefer sanding before waxing but it doesn't matter.  Just make certain to get all the particles removed from the sanding process.  I use my hand vacuum.  

I then took approximately 2 Tbsp. of Annie Sloan dark wax and mixed with 4 Tbsp. of white wax.  The reason I do this is that you can always go back and make it darker but it's much more difficult to go lighter.  I use a large round waxing brush to apply the wax.  Do a section at a time and then use a soft cloth to shine your wax.  You can also use Johnson paste wax and achieve the same result without any added aging.  For my polishing cloths, I cut up my husband's old tee-shirts.  When the piece was all waxed and finished, I used a coat of Dixie Belle Gatorhide to ensure a hard finish.

Now, getting the hutch top that was attached a year later to match was a challenge; however, I am never turned away by a good challenge.  This was raw hardwood with no finish so I first applied a coat of Kiehl's sealer paint on to seal the wood.  Next, I made it dark mahogany with a dark stain.  Funny back story...while I was staining the underneath, I laid my head in the varnish, of course by mistake.  (I have silver hair) and for the next two hours, I was a victim to a rag soaked in turpentine while my sweet husband asked "Why on earth would you do that?" But being the sweetheart he is, he tried his best to remove it and in the end, he couldn't remember the word for the color of hair I had so he commented, "Well, it looks as though you spent a lot of money on 'that' hair."  I was hoping the word was balayage.  That was definitely it for the day, but not for the project that I was determined to complete.  Wine was definitely in order as I toasted my new hair color whatever it was called. 

After the stain was applied to the hutch, I let it dry for 24 hours.  Then I followed with two coats of Dixie Belle Burlap paint.  When dried, I sanded and waxed as above followed by the Dixie Belle Gatorhide.  The match was perfect as you can see from the picture. 

By the way, the hair returned to normal after a few months and some creative hair cuts.

Recognizing You Are Living An Authentic Life

Last week, I wrote about To Thine Own Self Be True and this week, I want to mention how I began to notice that I was, in fact, being true to myself. 

1.   I began asking myself tough questions such as "Why am I doing this?" and instead of doing what I felt that I should do, I did what I thought would serve me better.  I began being honest (not cruel) with others about how I honestly felt.

2.  This has been and still is the hardest for me and that is speaking up when I feel as though I have the need to say something that I feel important.  Hiding your feelings just to please others serves no purpose.  Sharing your feelings helps you heal but I always try to be impeccable with my words.

3.  I've learned it is not selfish to honor my needs.  Some people can work twenty-four seven on four hours of sleep, I cannot and I used to try to keep up with those people.  I now honor what I feel is important to my physical as well as mental needs.  I have learned it is perfectly okay to say "no" and when I do that, saying "yes" feels so good.  I make my own time and I am the only one who can do that for myself.

4.  You can please all of the people some of the time and some of the people all the time but you can never please all of the people all of the time.  It would be wonderful if we could get everyone to like us as it is always easier to achieve validation rather than criticism.  Being rude and unkind is not my way but I would much rather be disliked for what I stand for than liked for what I might pretend to be.

5.  Keeping company with those who make you feel happy and put a smile on your face especially during these difficult times is so important.  Don't let others get in your head with their issues, it is their issues, not yours.  Set boundaries.

6.  Don't try to keep up with the Jones, live a life that is right for you and your family.  I once read your values are your compass in life and while they can change over time, always be true to them.

7.  I call it the Holy Spirit but some may call it intuition.  Whatever you may call it, learn to listen and when you get that feeling of right or wrong in the pit of your stomach, go with it.  You will learn you are right more times than not. 

8.  Be yourself and learn to be proud of that self.  You worked hard for it and don't allow anyone else to take it away.  No one else is walking in your shoes or living your life.

9.  Don't ever be afraid to admit you are wrong or made a mistake.  Remember you are human.

10  Sometimes you just have to let go no matter how difficult or afraid you may be.  Hanging on to something that is comfortable and yet you know is wrong will never serve you well.  By letting go, it makes room for who else you can be.

I've experienced hard times and the very best of times and I don't think that I would want to change any of it because who I am today is a result of where I have been.   What I have learned is to keep coming

home to myself.

~Live Well and Prosper 

Mediterranean Cod

Are you ready for fresh fish for dinner?  If so you will love this recipe that cooks in just 15 minutes and will promise to bring a lovely meal to your table.  This is my own version of a recipe I tried to create from a restaurant. 

 

INGREDIENTS

Serves 2

• 4 tsp coconut oil (I use coconut oil because of its high heat content)
• 2 tsp. Fisk, a Norwegian spice for fish but you can make your own. (1 tsp. each of sweet paprika, chili pepper, dill and a pinch of sugar as well as salt and pepper - this will keep in a jar) 
• 1 container of cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of quartered artichokes (drained)
• 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives (cut in half)
• 2 Tbsp. capers
• 1/4 cup chardonnay or dry red wine if you prefer.  If you opt not to use wine, mix fresh lemon juice with water.  
• Italian leaf parsley (chopped)
• 1 lb. piece of a wild-caught cod
• A drizzle of balsamic vinegar or olive oil or both if you prefer (I use just a drizzle of each)
• A sprinkle of Himalayan pink salt or plain sea salt to finish

METHOD

Melt oil over medium-high heat.  Rinse your piece of cod and dry.  Sprinkle your herb mix on one side.  Place seasoned side down and sear.  After about 5 minutes, flip the fish, remove from heat and the fish will continue to cook.  Do not cover.  This will cook your fish perfectly without overcooking.

In a separate pan, melt the oil and add your tomatoes, artichokes, black olives, capers, and wine and cook down.  When it begins to cook down, add the chopped fresh parsley.

Pour your lovely sauce on a fish plate, top with the cod, add a drizzle of balsamic or olive oil (or both) with a pinch of either of the sea salts, and a sprig or two of parsley.

~Bon Appetit

8 Reasons Buying a House is Better than Renting

This article comes from Business Insider~Liz Knueven

Let's be frank: Buying a home is no small expense. Not only are there recurring property taxes and insurance payments to make, but maintenance and upkeep get expensive, fast. Business Insider contributor Kate Dore, a homeowner herself, recommends that the typical homeowner should plan to save between 1% and 4% of a home's value for maintenance.

But, those costs aside, there could be huge benefits. Consider that someday your house might be worth more than you paid for it and you'll move on at a profit. You might also have a potential for future passive income if that's the route you want to take. And paying off your home to live mortgage-free can set you up for a comfortable retirement.

And then there's the emotional appeal of owning a home — the house is yours, and for some people, you can't put a price on that. 

Buying versus renting a home is a very individual decision. Below, homeowners weigh in on why buying was the right choice for them.

• Owning a home allows you to build wealth to purchase future homes

• And, buying could help to increase your net worth in ways renting can't

• You've got a shot at significantly lowering your living expenses someday

• You'll have an opportunity for passive income

• No one will sell it out from under you (or raise the rent)

• You get to make it your own

• It's more stable and familiar

• You've got the chance to get a great deal