This week I was reading my local paper and fell upon an article—memories of downtown’s Main Street, circa 1960. This got my attention as it also included a fabulous map detailing the stores that lined our Main Street back then, dominated by “mom & pop” stores. This was a real snapshot of a Westport I once knew; I remembered in the 7o’s Mother would spend time in the dress shops while I made my way to the remarkable bookstore.

Today I fondly dream about not only what Westport was like back then but what my own property “Rosebrook Gardens” looked like, and its relationship to the neighborhood. Not long ago I discovered it was part of a family subdivide in the 1920’s and left untouched until1995. A builder cleared the overgrown lot to build a new home on an old, established street. I discovered it while walking in the neighborhood, and entered the house before it was finished and on the market. I knew then that this was my home as I fell it love with the house the moment I walked in (the back door was open—ok so maybe it needed a little push to open).

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Lavender is one of my favorite scents for the home, and I’ve made it a habit to spritz our sheets with lavender linen water every night before we get into bed.

Linen water can get a little pricey, but it’s incredibly easy to make yourself. Here’s what you do:

1. Sterilize a 24oz. bottle (with a cap) with boiling water; let dry.

2. In the bottle, mix together about a teaspoon of essential oil (I like lavender best, but other nice options are rose, patchouli and lemongrass) and 2oz perfumers’ alcohol or high-proof vodka.

3. Fill the bottle with distilled water, put on the cap, and shake to emulsify. The linen water will separate over time, so shake between each use.

Tip: You can mist the linen water on your pillows and sheets, like I do, or add a little bit to your dryer or iron (if you iron your sheets, which…um…I definitely do not).

- Jordan Reid

Shower curtains are arguably one of the strongest features of a bathroom, so make sure you choose one that you really like…and then make sure that you care for it well!

- Fabric shower curtains should be washed in hot water at least once a month (add a little bleach to kill bacteria). Hang back on hooks to dry.

- Plastic shower curtains should be wiped down with hot water and detergent once a month. You can also throw them in the washing machine with a few towels (the friction from the towels will help clean the plastic).

- Replace your shower curtain once a year, or immediately if you notice any mold starting to grow. You can lengthen the life of your shower curtain by using a liner, which can be purchased at any hardware store.

- Make sure your bathroom has decent ventilation; open a window or turn on a fan after bathing.

- Close the shower curtain completely after bathing so that it dries evenly.

- Clean your bathroom thoroughly at least once a week to prevent mildew from growing; also consider painting it with mildew-proof paint.

Pictured: Martha Stewart Trousseau shower curtain, available at Macy’s. Go here for some other lovely styles.

-Jordan Reid

This week I had the honor to be top billing for and featured speaker at the Connecticut Flower and Garden Show in Hartford, Connecticut. The Convention Center was transformed into a breathtaking event for floral and garden enthusiasts, and with over 250 booths overflowing with fresh flowers, plants, herbs, bulbs, seeds and garden accessories this was my version of the gardening super bowl, and with over 45,000 square feet of gardens, plants and flowers it was also like a dress rehearsal for spring.

I opened the ceremonies on Thursday with a ribbon cutting with Governor Jodi Rell. When the official time came to cut the ribbon she experienced some difficulties and stated “Guess I can cut the budget better.” This tempted me to make a comment that was on the tip of my tongue…should I or shouldn’t I? Oh what the heck—“Rather than cutting our budget, how about cutting our taxes”? The crowd applauded and I had my moment that got everyone’s attention. The Governor laughed too—I’m sure she’s heard much worse. Shortly after we were each whisked away by our assistants to meet the press, sign autographs, and be interviewed by the local stations.

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Get a new look for your kitchen without having to use granite

Design Tip for the week: Feel like all kitchens are looking the same? There are many alternatives to granite…branch out with a few of these ideas.

Have a great week!

Jennifer Adams

It’s cold outside and thank goodness I have my Violet to cuddle up and sit on my lap to keep me warm. She’s better than a blanket, in fact right now while working on the computer writing this blog she is fast asleep on my lap this close to me at all times, offering me some extra heat and well-deserved schnauzer love.

That said, the sprinkle of snow today reminds me of winters past, and that’s there’s work to be done. Yes, with February just around the corner I’ve already had my trees trimmed and all holiday representations removed. Just a rule I keep, that everything needs to be gone come Jan 15th. Now that that is done, I can begin to review my collection of gardening design books and get inspired during these cold days in Connecticut. I also find myself in the garden studio, playing in the dirt as it were, creating fabulous spring-inspired arrangements to display as a mind trick that spring has arrived in my home. Truth be told, with spring still 50 days away my abundance of vessels are filled with daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses. Lush green textures and fragrances helps hold me over until then.

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Pantone says that Teal is the IT color for 2010. I wasn’t so sure that I like that… However, their great description of what the color represents has me somewhat swayed….

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

- Jennifer Adams

Thank you, Elaine, for the great write up on our sheets! I am so glad you liked them!!

I love these sheets. I got just the basic set from Jennifer Adams Home… the package arrived and I pulled them out of their pretty ribbon and unfolded them. The sheets are truly soft and smooth, just as advertised. I washed them according to the instructions, then made up my bed! Wrinkle free, too, just as advertised.

I snuggled right in, they’re smooth and warm and comfy. It really was hard to leave in the morning! That part didn’t surprise me…

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CONGRATULATIONS to the following winners of our Daily Sheet Giveaway that was featured on BETTER during the Holiday Season!

Dec. 15: Crystal Dewey, Ashtabula, OH
Dec. 16th: Abby Shine, Miamisburg, OH
Dec. 17th: Mark Whitmire, Atlanta, GA
Dec. 18th: Carol Mitchell, Vancouver, WA
Dec. 21st: Becky Johnston, Marietta, SC
Dec. 22nd: Laurice Trowbridge, Lake Havasu City, AZ
Dec. 23rd: Julia Secketa, Metairie, LA
Dec. 24th: Dabry Schultz, Issaquah, WA
Dec. 25th: Elizabeth Taylor, Virginia Beach, VA

To view our products, please visit us at www.JenniferAdamsHome.com. We are now featuring exquisitely soft bed sheets, and stay tuned for our entire bed system that will be available for purchase soon!

Enjoy!
Jennifer Adams

This is the best time of year, when good friends visit and Uncle Marsley’s chores increase. Not having any children of my own—unless you count Miss Violet—I’m lucky to be referred to as an “uncle” by my friends’ kids even though my siblings have no children. And at this rate, will never. Regardless, the beauty of Christmas is still a magical and heart-warming experience. Being a nostalgic man I enjoy those memories of when I was a child and loving the season and being the youngest in the house. Back then it all seemed as if it lasted for months awaiting Santa, but as I become older the season flies by and before I know it I’m celebrating a new birthday in April. Oh to be that young again and have some time linger on.
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