Hearth & Salamander has seen some changes in the past year, but now I’m excited to tell you that H&S is getting a new look and name! Introducing Neuf Francs!

NF is still the same old H&S, no worries. Family and friends will still be updated on my daily life in Denver with my husband and rabbits.

And yes, Neuf Francs has a French twist, let’s just say a little homage to David!

Thanks for the funny comment da! I’ll update you on any slugs or snails that I come upon

Munch munch! Biscuits for snack time. The box design reminds me of childrens books circa 1970. {Available at Whole Foods}

{this last foto of moss I threw in the mix because I absolutely adore green velvety moss!}

Thinking loads of spring thoughts these days. Although it has proven difficult to “think spring” with the early morning Denver snow this past Saturday. Quite a disappointment from Wednesday and Thursday’s 80* sunny day. Of course spring thoughts inspire me to spruce up the house, organize, and open the windows. Joseph and I caught up on our May magazines at Tattered Cover while the snow fluttered down. I read Domino and they had the greatest home ideas. I really wish I could fill our flat with the perfect tables, chairs, paintings, curtains, etc., but I suppose we’ll just have to wait!

Nice weather also gives me the itch to throw elaborate afternoon tea parties and other girly inspired get-togethers… Tea parties are really Joseph’s thing though

I’m very loyal to several blogs focusing on design and pretty things. Oh Happy Day! and Black Eiffel are two blogs that I currently visit on a daily basis. They are updated with the latest and greatest of design concepts and home inspirations. Oh Happy Day!’s creator is involved in event planning and always incorporates the most creative ideas! She catalogs her creations on her site and I find them very inspiring. Oh Happy Day! has a collection of really fun fotos on her Flickr site. I especially like her San Francisco pictures and her wedding photos with the white balloons. Black Eiffel also has a Flickr site that has an amazing collection of “favorite” photographs. Like me, she is an avid collector of beautiful things! Although my group of favorites is full of rabbits… I’m working on adding pictures that are rabbit-less

Today I woke up feeling much better! It is the first day since my surgery that my headaches were under control. I am still taking Tylenol, and now my doctor has instructed me to flush out my nasal passages with NeilMed Nasal Rinse. After my doctors visit today I’m feeling confident the surgery was a success. I need as much positive thinking as possible! It is has been easy to do with all the great cards that I’ve received from the family! THanks guys!

Even thought ALL my cards were so amazing and kind, my favorite is Kari’s Hallmark card that sings “Just a Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down!” Thanks!

{Image via MonorailYellow}

In other very interesting things going on in my life - which isn’t really anything to be honest - I’ve developed a sincere desire for faux bois walnut oilcloth. This isn’t really a new obsession, but a novelty item I forgot about until I saw it again on Martha Stewart. As part of my afternoon punishment/torture for Joseph I make him watch Martha Stewart. Although, now I believe he secretly loves her catty comments, just as I do… it keeps me watching. {This goes into my collection of thoughts that make up my imaginary East Coast Life}. Moving along, after watching her make an artist organizer I was inspired to make an organizer for my red Moleskine planner and my fabulously favorite {it is also a work fav among the girls} Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Markers. I color code my schedule book. That’s right! Red for birthdays, Pink for family & friends, Orange for health/Rx/doctors apt., Blue/Light Blue for events, Green/Light Green for Irish Dance, Brown for work, and Black for miscellaneous. Going back to my original purpose and thought… I am going to use the faux bois walnut oilcloth and felt to make my organizer. I carry my markers and planner everywhere I go, so I might as well be stylish and creative at the same time!

More exciting news, Jaren and Patrick added to their life-changing events by adopting a Boston Terrier! They just bought their first home so it was either kids or a dog… dog is a good start. They must leave their new pup at home on the 15th because we are all going to the Flight of the Conchords Concert! You know you are a fan when you have their songs on your iPod and you randomly say things like “0000001, 00000011, 000000111, 0000001111.” I think my mom and dad would really like to go if they could. Actually, I can’t believe I forgot to tell my mother and father {they love FOC}.

{image via HBO}

{although belated} we wish Maggie a very happy birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

{image via Oh Happy Day!}

Every two hours I have to spray saline in my nose to keep it hydrated. It is much better than getting infected, but a strange feeling on top of the congestion I currently have. I’m really ready to not feel awful anymore!!! Everybody keep your fingers crossed that I start to feel better soon.

I had my first day back at work and it was less than glamorous. It was strange not being on top of my teaching for the day. I was in a lot of discomfort and pain, but I think the students understood. I hope tomorrow will be better since it marks the official one week recovery process.

Tonight is packed full of good television. There isn’t much else I can do so cut me some slack. ;)  Joseph and I are keeping up on the latest legendary stories on How I Met Your Mother, tracking the guys’ automobile contests (and tea time) on Top Gear, and vicariously enjoying culinary adventures on No Reservations. I think I am also going to add Gossip Girl to the list, despite my own reservations. Flip to the Film Tab to read my thoughts on Masterpiece Theater’s My Boy Jack.

Last night I finally came around to feeling somewhat normal. Nietzsche and Vienn watched the rest of The Tutors, while Joseph and I ate pizza and ice cream (we are all about the healthy foods). It was a bad day for me, but at least I finally came around to feeling better. I felt better after all the pain medication was out of my system. They were making me so incredibly sick. Joseph reminded me that this pattern occurs every time I have surgery. I eat when I take pain medication, but I don’t eat enough food to keep the pills happy. I slept well last night and only woke up once or twice with discomfort.

This morning I woke Joseph up nice and early so we could enjoy our donut shop experience at Winchell’s Donuts. We have been meaning to go here since we moved to Denver, but always forget! I was a little disappointed that the “cafe” had recently been remodeled and did not resemble the tragedy of 1980’s interior design. Kind of like McDonalds used to be - the good old days of brown, orange, and goldenrod.

It is going to be beautiful in the city today! Hopefully I will be able to go out and about with Joseph, once he wakes up from his mid-morning nap.

Okay so I was lying when I said the other day was the worst day of recovery. My prescribed drugs decided to conspire against me to cause great discomfort and pain. I threw up twice today and I have be extremely nauseous. I finally got to eat something an hour ago, but I can’t keep my eyes open and my entire head feels like it will explode. I think I have to go because I’m starting to feel bad again. yikes…

Busy, busy, originally uploaded by neuf francs.

I have plenty of things to keep me occupied while I recover. Organizing my clippings took me most of the day while I sipped my Earl Grey tea. We got some movies from the library and the first season of the Tutors. My yellow and grey correspondence stock was put to use today writing friends and family (thank yous and hellos). Joseph and I have been playing lots of cards and board games.

I think yesterday was the pits, the worst - Pam told me that the third day will always get you - and she was right. Today I am uncomfortable with pain and pressure. I haven’t drained anything yet, resulting in Stacey becoming antsy and worrying. I’m trying not to worry though because I am only three days out. My lack of draining is causing my pain. Sleeping is interesting because I have to sit up to keep my head from tilting back too far. I love sleeping on my side! It is almost torture I am still squirting saline nasal spray every two hours, but nothing is coming out yet. Keep your fingers crossed for me that all the liquid leaves my head soon!!! I have never wanted to blow my nose so badly, but it is strictly against the rules!

I started the morning off rough by throwing up a little bit of blood and snot. I think my head slipped back during me sleep, allowing blood to drain down my throat. It is pretty disgusting, I know…

My head is hurting significantly more than yesterday, but I am sill doing okay. I think yesterday was great because I had residual hospital meds still in my system. I just spoke with my doctor and she said that everything sounds normal. I should avoid sneezing if possible! That is easier to say than do At least I know this week I should expect headaches (very normal) and discomfort, but after that it should be smooth sailing.

It is rather gloomy today, which makes a nice recovery day. Joseph and I got the latest issue of Travel+Leisure. That will keep me busy. There is a large storm approaching this afternoon. Hopefully it will be the last of the spring season so we can start to drive in the mountains again!

Thank you everyone for the nice replies! It makes me feel so much better to hear from  you!