Last Thursday was my 27th birthday and of course my family and friends didn’t fail to deliver. My sweet hubby whisked me out to a yummy Mediterranean restaurant (Cous Cous!) and the next morning we headed up to his parents’ beach house in Delaware for a birthday weekend with my mom and stepdad along with the in-laws. Before I knew it we were loading present after present into the car and heading home on Sunday. Time flies when you’re having fun (and ripping open some house-related birthday gifts). Here are the goods…
John’s a big proponent of a birthday list, which is always a lot of fun to create. I only need to drop in on a few of my favorite online stores and before I know it I have a slew of links that he can send out to his family (and mine!). I actually spotted these faux topiaries a while back, and was super excited that they were still around to add to my little b-day list. Don’t they look happy in the sunroom?
These fake rosemary and mint topiaries (or as I love to call them: fauxpiaries) add some green to our sunroom, which can’t really sustain actual greenery year round since it gets freezing cold in the winter (it’s not temperature controlled in there, and we’ve tried everything from boxwoods to evergreens with limited luck). I’m not really opposed to fake plants, as long as they look real and aren’t super ostentatious (and there are real plants around too). Thankfully, these guys look just as good in person as they do online… which isn’t always the case. Whew.
My mom also gave me the always-appreciated birthday check along with a little basket of goodies for the kitchen (organic parsley that you can grow right in the bag, gourmet popcorn and Barefoot Contessa brownies, mmmm).
John’s mom and dad also got me this awesome Pottery Barn wreath which I’ve had my eye on since December. And now that it has been marked down from $99 to $29, it’s definitely a steal. I was so excited about it I even took it for a test run when we got home (and actually considered keeping it up year-round, but John managed to convince me that the pinecones made it a bit less all-season than I originally thought). Oh well, bringing it out every Christmas will make it feel like a super special occasion. Only nine more months and counting…
Here’s a detail shot of those gorgeous bleached paper-thin leaves and the festive flowers, pinecones and pom poms (the pics on the PB website don’t even do it justice- and it’s huge!).
From John and his sister I got two of these amazing ZGallerie candle sconces that I’ve been sweating since the moment they were added to the site a few weeks ago. The graphic shape works with so many things that already reside in Casa Petersik- the outline mimics our yellow living room rug, and they even look fabulous with the patterned quilt in our guest bedroom:
Ultimately we decided to hang them in the master suite so we could enjoy them a bit more regularly- and as luck would have it, they also look lovely with our blue and white duvet- who knew those babies would be so versatile?!
Here’s the blank wall that was just crying out for attention (we believe in waiting to hang something that we really love instead of rushing into anything that we may regret- and a blank wall in a bedroom is actually surprisingly soothing):
And here’s the hubs hanging my birthday sconces while I stepped back and perfected the placement (it’s definitely IMPERATIVE to stand back and take a good look at everything you’re hanging while someone else holds it up to avoid about a million “oops holes” as we call ’em). We also used anchors to ensure that they’re nice and secure (don’t wanna mess around when there’s an open flame involved).
Here they are all purrrty on the wall. I love the staggered placement (John’s idea- he’s quite the decorator) and the way the mirrors bounce around the candlelight so liberally. Aren’t birthdays the best?
Here’s the gratuitous detail shot. I think I’m in love…
So that’s the birthday present play by play. Thanks so much to my lovely friends and family (and especially my sweet hubby- who already made us those Barefoot Contessa brownies). Best birthday ever! And speaking of birthdays, what do you guys do when yours rolls around? Do you ever go for house-related items? Always ask for cold hard cash? Make a b-day list to send around? Do tell.
Happy birthday, girly! You made out like a BANDIT! Deservedly so. I love everything you got. The sconces are fabulous! They look PERFECT in the master bedroom. Love ’em w/ juxtaposed w/ the capiz shell chandelier!!!
I really love the birthday (and Chrismas) list idea because I’m, well, kinda picky….and I like what I like…and I KNOW what I like. Makes it easy, right?
Well, my darling hubster is more of a SPONTANEOUS gift buyer, and he prefers to search and search for the perfect gift. And he knows it when he sees it. Hmmmmm.
Before we were married, I had a “Wish List” at the Tiffany store across from Tysons Corner mall, near where we both worked. For birthdays, anniversaries, and whenever an occasion called for it…he would wander into Tiffany and buy something from my wish list. Wow. What girl could ask for more?
After almost 10 years of marriage, I think it’s time to gently, lovingly broach the subject and resurrect the WISH LIST. :-) (there’s a fine line between being ungrateful for the thoughtfulness of a gift, and just PRACTICAL that I don’t want to cross…right?)
Now it wouldn’t be at Tiffany. [Hey, don’t get me wrong. I LOVE the little blue box as much as the next girl…and if $$ were no object…]
But now, with much less discretionary income and a beautiful home to decorate…I’m more likely to have a wish list at Home Goods, West Elm, PB, CB2, Z Gallerie, Target home section…Crate and Barrel…
Any ideas on how to lovingly discuss this? Please, fire away!
Hey Katy,
I think you made a fine case for a wish list right here! Perhaps you can gently encourage your hubby to visit this post and check out the comments…
Here’s hoping!
xo,
Sherry
Happy belated birthday Sherry. It looks like you made out pretty well. I really like the sconces as well. They look great where you placed them. The wreath will look great this Christmas. Have fun spending your birthday $$$!
Happy birthday, Sherry!
I usually make a short list (5ish items), but my husband likes to be a renegade and go “off list” whenever possible. This year (my birthday was at the beginning of March), I got a pair of silver earrings I’ve been coveting forever, and an awesome baking cookbook, among other things. I hardly ever ask for home items because I am so indecisive, so I hate to ask for something and then decide that I don’t like it.
However, I did ask to go to Ikea for my birthday, which I think you’d appreciate. I stocked up on white vases, per your influence, and had meatballs for lunch, of course.
Those sconces are seriously drop-dead gorgeous. I am drooling…
Happy Birthday to you! Your family did a wonderful job with the present picks!
As far as I go, the only thing that I don’t really want to receive for presents is clothing–this 5’10” girl has to pretty much exclusively shop in the “tall” sections online, and things just often fit oddly. I can’t really just tell someone what size I wear and know that it will fit.
I’m okay with receiving fun decorating stuff, but I’ve gotta admit…I don’t LOVE receiving house necessities for my birthday–stuff we would have HAD to purchase anyway, like dish soap.
Other than that, I’m pretty much open to everything!
happy birthday. LOVE your goodies! Might even go treat myself to one of those wreaths. LOVE IT! Although, I would want ot keep it up year round as well. Tough Call. :)
Those sconces look really good there.
Mine and my husband’s birthdays are only 12 days apart, sandwiched by 3 of our children’s birthdays and right around Valentine’s Day…needless to say, there is not alot of fan fair paid to them. One tradition that my husband and I have is that we do not ‘buy’ each other a gift for our birthdays. That means we have to get creative! Of course there is the stand by of making each other’s favorite meal and a nice cake (yes my hubby cooks and bakes too!) but we always try to find/make things that commemerate the day better. This year, I took a small pocket sized dictionary (from our college years) and highlighted all of the words that applied to my wonderful man, wrote in some additional notes, drew some pictures, and (though it took about 10 hours to complete) created an instant keepsake that really showed my appreciation! From him I got a small memo pad w/ a calculator (great for the grocery store), a Hershey’s Bar from the vending machine, one of his business cards that he ‘autographed’ with love to me, and a book that he put together with pictures of our boys! I honestly have far more anticipation for his ‘homemade’ gifts than the store bought ones!
I keep an ongoing Amazon.com wish list – which is great because now they have the “universal” wish list function – so you can add things from any web site to your list and it will link right to them. You can update it anytime you see something you want if you put the little “add to wish list” button in your browser’s toolbar.
As for my girlfriend – she’s amazing at pointing out things she wants, especially in the month leading up to her bday or xmas. We’ll be in Target and she’ll pick up some vase or something and swoon over it for a while and then put it back. Makes it easy for me to know what she wants.
Happy Birthday! I LOVE the PB wreath! How were the brownies? I’ve always been curious to try the Barefoot Contessa, but haven’t yet.
I am like you with the birthday (and Christmas)list. Actually, links to things I like is about all my hubbs can handle! In the past, I’ve picked TONS of stuff from Sephora (I’m a make up junkie), but being a new homeowner this year (we’ve owned for 1 month in Midlo, VA!!) I’m anticipating lots of home goods to put on the list. I’ve actually been thinking about working on a Mother’s Day list (as this will be my first mother’s day, too!), and I’ve been thinking about some stuff from PB and C&B for bathroom and kitchen stuff!
Hey Tiffany,
The Barefoot Contessa brownies are rich and delish (super duper chocolatey- which is sort of nice because you can’t have ten like I normally do). Definitely worth a try!
xo,
Sherry
Happy Birthday, Sherry! And those ZGallerie sconces are outstanding — love them!
Meredith: I’m 6′ and completely feel your pain re clothing. I get so tired of wearing J.Crew, Banana Republic or Gap all the time (which are some of the few retailers that sell tall lengths). A few other brands that I’ve found work for tall gals: BCBG, MICHAEL Michael Kors (he also runs big, so I always go a size down) and Tory Burch (yes, she runs pricier, but she also always has stuff on super-sale, so I check in regularly just to see).
I think I’m just going to ask for everything that was on your birthday list! Those sconces! I never would have picked them out till I saw them on your wall……
since it’s your birthday, now seems like a good time to tell you that I love how you guys blog. You do such a great job of keeping up with the comments section and addressing questions- even ones that are tricky. So because of that, I’m not even jealous of all the birthday loot you scored. :)
I just did my 27th in January and treated myself to a trip to IKEA. It was just what I wanted.
Happy Birthday! What a blessing to have such a wonderful and careing hubby and family and what wonderful gifts. I love house hold items for my B-day!! We did the list thing at Christmas and I loved all my goodies I was blessed with. By the way…love the candle sconces, they fit right in with the design of your room.
Blessings
Lisa
Happy Birthday Sherry and I hope you had a nice time in my “soon to be neck of the woods”. Since you two visit my area, maybe once we get moved in I can hire y’all for a home visit consult and you can get paid to have a long weekend “at the beach.” I’ve put alot of thought into how I want our home to feel and what types of furniture we want to help convey that feeling and done alot of online searching for ideas but I have a few roadblocks. (they may be in my mind) I’m really enjoying your site since your very own house is similar in architectural style to the one we’ll be living in. (a ranch)
Hey Ami,
It doesn’t get much better than a beach trip/decorating consultation! We’re in!
xoxo,
Sherry
Happy belated birthday!! I recently adopted your approach of actually TELLING people what I want for my birthday – I know it sounds strange, but I used to avoid doing that for fear of coming off as “grabby.” I should have known, but people actually want to give you something that they know you’ll like, so the new approach has worked like a charm!! For my birthday last week, I got subscriptions to decorating magazines, curtain fabric, and programs for my new computer – love it!!
Happy Birthday!! :)
My birthday is actually *tomorrow* and I always love to open presents, and my sweet hubby is always ready to give lots of them, which makes it even more special! I make a list for him, which includes links to websites as well as lots of details. My bday list typically includes mostly clothing items because of the time of year – warmer weather is around the corner and I need a wardrobe update! Occasionally I do get a much needed bigger ticket item like last year’s new digital camera. I can’t wait to see what I get tomorrow! :)
Happy Birthday!
Happy Belated Birthday Sherry!!
I normally put together a list because, like some of the others, I don’t want clothes for my b-day. While it would be nice to get them, I have to try on every single piece of clothing I buy. If I need clothing I’ll ask for gift cards. I normally don’t ask for necessities for my b-day since I know I have to get those anyway, but I do ask for “wants” for my house. I love getting surprises too :-)
I’m getting married in June, so the registry is our wish list of choice! My grandma insists on a “wish list” and in recent years I’ve always picked out my own clothes. Now that I am getting married and have a real household, I think I’ll opt for more housewares!
Happy Day! At 27, you are now officially in your Early Late Twenties. Because next is Mid-Late at 28, then Late-Late at 29…but then you get back to the Earlies again when you get to be 30. Enjoy!
lol. xo. Great gifties, by the way.
Hey Win,
I actually just send an email to John with a few links for him to pass along, but an Amazon wish list sounds super handy! Off to enjoy my Early Late Twenties (ie: stuff my face with some brownies)- love that term Jbhat!
xo,
Sherry
Happy Birthday! You received so many wonderful gifts! I really love those candle scones and white wreath. Seems like the perfect birthday – with fab brownies to end the day!!
Great scores Sherry! Happy birthday! I am a big fan of the birthday list because most of my family finds that I am difficult to shop for which leads to lots of gift cards. Gift cards are fun but its more fun to open up a present and find its something you really wanted! I may have to try out the Amazon list. This year I am planning on asking for lots of house stuff. The office is my next big project, so maybe I can get some birthday gifts to help me get it done!
Sherry, where do you store your birthday list? There are some free online sites that I have not tried yet.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist
http://about.kaboodle.com/wishlists6.html?m_cid=lbdi4
http://www.whattogive.com/
Happy Bday! Since we’re amid a long-term home renovation, our bday gifts tend to be among the tools category. It’s pretty boring, I know.
I also use Amazon’s Universal Wish List since you can add things from PB, Anthropologie, Pier 1, IKEA, wherever! My family requests a list every year so I’ve gotten into the habit of updating it.
i love those topiaries – i may have to get myself a couple of those, love them :) happy b-day!
You scored some fabulous presents! The sconces are particularly gorgeous! :)
I would say 90% of my gifts (birthday or otherwise) are house-related. My inlaws tend to give gift cards so sometimes I spend those on clothes depending on what the store carries.
Looks like you had a great birthday! We definitely do birthday lists…I think those topiaries will be on it this year! Could I ask where you got the cute clock in the sunroom?
Hey Angela,
That awesome oversized clock is from Target (surprise, surprise!). Happy shopping…
xoxo,
Sherry
If you like herbs, have you been to Lavender Fields Farm?
http://www.lavenderfieldsfarm.com/
I bought lavender and rosemary. Most herbs are simple to grow, almost like weeds.
You should go just to see the beautiful farm.
I like to purchase my own clothing, so house stuff is great with me. I keep a running list of things I would love to have, and give some version of that to my husband. He is responsible for sharing the list with any family who wants some ideas. I make the list looooong, not to be greedy, but with the understanding that I don’t want to know exactly what I will be getting. He is NOT allowed to give me everything on the list. This works well for us.
MyRegistry.com is a great place to keep a list — you can direct friends and family there and the site links to the stores where you’ve found what your heart desires, where they can complete the purchases. It’s also great for just keeping a list of things you’re interested in buying… for instance, when they go on sale.
I love the mirrored sconces for your bedroom — you can pick up flameless votives at Michaels or Target, not as pretty, but takes away the danger factor if you want to leave them on when you’re not in the room, as ambiance during a party, for example.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERRY!!!!!
Last week I ordered those same scones for my master bathroom!
Happy Belated Birthday Sherry!!! You got some awesome birthday gifts! I need to start doing the list!! Perfect placement of the sconces—love love love them!! Oh-where is the leather chair from in your bedroom, I could really use that in place of my husbands recliner…
Hey Julie,
It’s actually another Target purchase- it was a total steal for under $300 with free delivery and it’s real leather! Happy hunting…
xo,
Sherry
Dude! You’re doing an *in person* consult?! Do you happen to have any plans for vacationing in the Southwestern Ohio area soon? It’s thrilling here… really :) There’s ummm… let’s see… an air force museum. Decent ice cream? How about a farm? A football museum is a few hours away. I know you’re really thinking about it now!
Happy Birthday, Sherry :) You sure received some lovely gifts!!! The scones look completely happy in their new spot.
Glad you had such a great celebration.
Jacci
Jacci, you always crack us up! Southwestern Ohio sounds downright dreamy. Hehe.
xo,
Sherry
Woops – I guess I have food on the brain. The s-c-o-n-c-e-s look happy, too :)
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
My birthday is coming up and I let my DH know that this would please me very much:
http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2007/10/6/new-purl-color-wheel-quilt-custom-fabric-bundle.html
We always go out for a romantic dinner date on our birthdays with the fancy restaurant being the gift. Plus we have a home-cooked family dinner with little presents.
Great gifts indeed Sherry!
I staggered two sconces on either side of a pic but I think (well, people tell me) they are too far from the pic and it looks off, but they aren’t very beefy so that is why I hung them like that.
My bday is the end of June and last year I got a great pub table for my small kitchen. I have no idea what I am going to ask for this year.
Happy Birthday! I just LOVE, LOVE your website. You have given me so many wonderful ideas! Keep up the great work!
And, where did the “fauxpiaries” come from? Hee,hee! They look great!
Hey Marcia,
They’re actually from Crate & Barrel. Here are the links:
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1502&f=14460
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1502&f=14448
Happy shopping…
xoxo,
Sherry
Happy Belated Birthday. Mine was on the 18th. Your blog photos look so much better on my new laptop:) That was what I really wished for. Since we just moved here last fall I did want some house related items and I got cash to help with those – now I am waiting for some great sales like you always find.
Happy (belated) Birthday! It looks like you have a fabulous weekend away.
Happy Birthday!!!
Happy belated birthday, Sherry. Those are some sweet presents you scored!
My 27th is right around the corner, too.
It’s nice seeing such great things come out of this blog to young people like you and John! : )
Happy Birthday! Love the candle sconces – they look gorgeous. Just a word of warning about using them – be careful about the possiblity of wax dripping all over the floor and your lovely chair and cushion. You might like to try dripless candles (I’m not sure if they are, in fact, dripless), or use glass votive holders as well. While they look lovely, believe me, cleaning up wax splatters is no fun! Enjoy all your lovely gifts,
Emily
Happy Birthday, Sherry! You’re too young to be so talented and successful! I hope all your birthday wishes come true. ;)
We also post birthday lists, and this year for my birthday, I asked for things that were either hand-made or used. My birthday is in a few days so I can’t wait to see how the fam did. My boys (15 – 21) and hubby are used to pointing and clicking to get my gifts. Apparently they went shopping together at a thrift shop last weekend and I just can’t wait to see the results! :-)
Happy birthday Sherry! I’ll be 27 (gasp!) in 2 months.
Also, holy comments on your HD give away- yikes!
Well we have the same birthday! I am a sucker for home decor related anything, but this year it was some fanciful candle holders.
Happy Belated Birthday! Beautiful and yummy gifts- sublime! Thanks for sharing!