VIP Home: It’s the Little Things…

February 10, 2014 Abby Hathorn2 Comments

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to VIP Home!

Today on VIP Home, I would like to chat about trinkets…it’s the little things that make your home truly you…

I have always loved trinkets. When I was a little kid, I would stare desperately into my grandmother’s curio cabinet wanting to play with the variety of tiny treasures. Sadly, that was frowned upon in that establishment. As Emperor Kuzco said in the Emperor’s New Groove, “No touchy–no touchy!” My goodness, I sure did love that movie when I was younger!

Now that I have my own collection of tschotskes, I fully understand why my grandmother was so protective of her curio cabinet’s precious contents.

So, what is so special about the record player, green pig, dog, bunny, and owl figurines in the picture above? Well, why don’t I tell y’all!

The record player: About two years ago, I bought this Silvertone Solid State Sound Instant Play record player from the cutest little old man EVER at an antique shop in Springville, Alabama. When I saw the turquoise blue and pink, I instantly fell in love. Note to Self: Get another needle so I can continue to overplay Frank Sinatra’s Come Dance With Me album *wink* Second Note to Self: Record player needle number is 57-88163.

The green pig: Ah….my adorable handmade green pig. I got the cute piggy when I interviewed renowned shoe designer Donald J. Pliner at Belk the Summit last year. I was so excited when Donald signed it for me and to me :)

The dog: The dog has no special meaning–I bought it at Trussville Antiques & Interiors for a steal of a deal–$5.00, but come on…look at it–isn’t it too precious! *wink*

The bunny: On my 18th birthday, my parents gave me the Peter’s Pottery bunny which represents my “Special Bunny”–the first stuffed animal that my parents gave me. Also, I just really, really love bunnies *wink*

The owl: My owl “piggy bank” was a Christmas gift from my parents, and I absolutely LOVE the colors! It is so inspirational, and I see it playing a huge role in the theme of my future apartment…

Other items noted in photo: Kiss Me Stupid Marilyn Monroe art piece--I picked it up on of my many adventures, and I immediately fell in love with it. The pop art mixed with old Hollywood is fabulous. The houndstooth table--my mom, an avid artist and upcycler, made this table for me not because I am an Alabama fan but simple because I love the pattern*wink* — Other items noted in photo:
Kiss Me Stupid Marilyn Monroe art piece–I picked it up on one of my many adventures. The pop art mixed with old Hollywood is fabulous.
The houndstooth table–my mom, an avid artist and upcycler, made this table for me not because I am an Alabama fan, but because I love the history of the pattern*wink*

Other items noted in the photo: My personal collection of vintage records--I have picked up the variety of vinyl I have from lots of different antiquing journeys. Oh, how I love my records! The kaleidoscope--It was a gift...and kaleidoscopes are just fun no matter how old you are! — Other items noted in the photo:
My personal collection of vintage records–I have picked up the variety of vinyl I have from lots of different antiquing journeys. Oh, how I love my records!
The kaleidoscope–It was a gift…and kaleidoscopes are fun–no matter how old you are!

Remember all of the awesome fun the VIP had at the Birmingham Home Show 2013 interviewing celebs Mark Brunetz and Ty Pennington? Well, the Birmingham Home & Garden Show 2014 is coming up, and the VIP is super pumped about attending and interviewing some of the celeb guests. Get your tickets now and don’t miss out!

For more information about the Birmingham Home & Garden Show 2014, please visit http://www.homeshowbirmingham.com/BHS/EventsHome.aspx.

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

VIP Interview: Extreme Makeover Home Edition’s Ty Pennington

September 28, 2013October 2, 2013 Abby Hathorn5 Comments

Ty Pennington is no stranger to the world of TV as he first gained his international fame as the spunky and cute carpenter on TLC’s Trading Spaces. This was only the beginning for Ty because he went on to star in the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition series. “The instantly recognizable sound of Ty Pennington’s “Good Morning!” has become an unmistakable sign of hope for families and communities, as he has helped transform the lives of thousands, while inspiring millions more around the world.” (www.typennington.com)

With his energetic personality and his contagious spirit, Ty has managed to change the lives of families and viewers everywhere. Thank you, Ty Pennington, for encouraging us all to make a difference. “I have been blessed to have a really great job….Working together with volunteers to change the lives of others knowing that it [the change] will impact the rest of their lives is the greatest gratification in the world,” explained Ty Pennington at his appearance at the Birmingham Home Show 2013.

Do you want Ty Pennington in your home and by your bedside? Well, here is how!

Pennington recently launched a new fabric line, Ty Pennington Impressions with Westminster Fabrics.
Ty Pennington Style is Pennington’s seasonal home décor line carried at Sears, offering fun and stylish home fashions at affordable prices.
Pennington’s flooring Ty Pennington Collection for Lumber Liquidators is available in stores and online nationwide.
Pennington’s latest book, How Good Design Can Change Your Life (Simon & Schuster) is an intimate look at Ty’s design inspirations with décor advice and tips.
His New York Times best seller Ty’s Tricks (Hyperion) is part reference and part behind-the-scenes in Ty’s own home, which he completely remodeled himself.

Now, without further ado, I introduce to y’all the VIP’s fun and fabulous interview with home-design expert Ty Pennington!

Abby: What is your favorite power tool?

Ty: My favorite power tool would probably be my camera because I can capture a lot of ideas from my surroundings. My other favorite power tool would have to be a belt sander because you can just plug it in with a really long extension cord, turn it [the belt sander] on, set it down, and it will race forever! That is a lot of fun!

Abby: What kind of power tool would you suggest to a girl like myself?

Ty: A reciprocating saw or maybe a drill gun. Those are two great things for small projects.

Abby: What color best describes you?

Ty: BRIGHT ORANGE! The happiness of the sun, mixes with the dynamic of the red, which gives you the creativity of the orange.

Abby: What advice can you give to young professionals looking to start an easy and inexpensive renovation project?

Ty: A lot of people say just change wall color, but I think you can take it a step more than that. You can take one wall and give it a lot of personality by using something as easy as a wallpaper for an accent or even blowing up a photo you love to put on the wall…

When you first walk into a home, I think that home should immediately express the personality of the person who lives there, and one way to do that is by incorporating things you love–whether it is wallpaper, a photograph, or fun color. A one wall project is something anybody can tackle!

Abby: What is your least favorite room to renovate? My dad’s is a bathroom.

Ty: Well…yeah, bathrooms do suck! I have to totally agree with your dad on that one–bathrooms are horrible to renovate, but it is a lot better than leaving them the way they are!

Anything that has to do with DUROCK, tile, and being on your knees grouting is a pain in the butt; however, bathrooms and kitchens are the rooms that bring in the biggest value to your home.

To learn more about Ty Pennington and his awesome accomplishments please visit www.typennington.com.

Follow Ty Pennington via social media to keep up with his latest projects and special events!

Instagram: click here.

Facebook: click here.

Twitter: click here.

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Birmingham Home Show 2013

September 22, 2013 Abby Hathorn4 Comments

The new fall version of the Birmingham Home Show debuted September 20-22 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC). The three-day consumer show spotlighted home remodeling, renovation, home décor, and fall outdoor projects.

In addition, the show brought celebrity guests including home improvement superstar Ty Pennington and Mark Brunetz, host of Style Network’s “Clean House” and author of “Take the U Out of Clutter.”

Throughout the show, two interactive stages were packed with presentations including culinary demos from local celebrity chefs and the culinary talent at Jefferson State University. Other demos featured experts sharing DIY projects that helped guests to save time and money.

More than 300 home improvement experts were on hand to provide one-stop shopping for guests–making the Birmingham Home Show the ultimate destination to shop, compare, and save. Exhibitors also showcased show-only exclusive offers for guests with a new program that identified these businesses with consumer-friendly and easy-to-identify floor stickers.

Both the Birmingham Home and Garden Show and the Birmingham Home Show are the only shows in Alabama endorsed by Ty Pennington.

With the Birmingham Garden and Home Show in February and the Birmingham Home Show in September, every homeowner/garden lover is sure to find something to suit his/her fancy! Whether you are looking to renovate, update, or landscape, the Birmingham Home Shows have it all! To learn more about the Birmingham Home Show and stay up-to-date on upcoming special events, please visit www.homeshowbirmingham.com.

While touring the Birmingham Home Show, I had the opportunity to chat with vendors about the 3400 square foot renovation my parents and I started back in December 2012. There were a couple of weeks where the VIP blog was not so glamorous and glitzy…it was more “kicking in walls” and ripping up carpet”–Oh, why did my parents buy a 1981 time capsule!

To see another side of the VIP! (see pictures below)

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Wendy from Champion and the VIP chatting at the Birmingham Home Show 2013.

When Wendy from Champion complimented me on my shoes, I just had to go over and chat with her! All of the ladies from Champion were so precious.

Me: “How is the show going so far for y’all?”

Wendy: “It is going awesome! We have had a lot of referrals! It is quite busy here today because Ty Pennington is here, of course! I am so excited, and I am very excited to be here for Champion as well!”

Me: “What all does Champion offer?”

Wendy: “We offer windows, sunrooms, roofing, and siding….We have a lifetime warranty protection so anything from Champion is guaranteed to last!”

Because of my overwhelming fear of tornados, I decided to speak with a representative at Lee’s Storm Shelters, INC.

Dear Santa or Birthday Fairy…please bring me an above-ground storm shelter that meets or exceeds FEMA 320/361 and ICC-500 Standards. Please and thank you.

Me: “How many shows does Lee’s Storm Shelters, INC. exhibit at annually?”

Representative: “The shows are new for us; however, we have done about four shows this year.”

Me: “How is the Birmingham Home Show?”

Representative: “This show has been good. It is quite a bit smaller than the spring show, but we have had a lot of interest in our storm shelters.”

Abby: “What is the difference between an above-ground shelter and an in-ground ?”

Representative: “Above-ground storm shelters are handicap accessible. For people who have claustrophobia, an above-ground shelter helps them feel more comfortable.”

Mark Brunetz with fans at his book signing at the Birmingham Home Show.

Mark Brunetz chatting with the VIP...what did we talk about? Stay tuned for the wonderful interview coming soon! — Mark Brunetz chatting with the VIP…what did we talk about? Stay tuned for the wonderful interview coming soon!

Ty Pennington on stage with Ronda Robinson from Fox6 News at the Home Show.

Ty Pennington and the VIP chatting backstage before his appearance. Can you guess what Ty's favorite color is, and what kind of power tool he recommends for the VIP? Stay tuned to find out on the upcoming interview! Whoo hoo! — Ty Pennington and the VIP chatting backstage before his appearance. Can you guess what Ty’s favorite color is, and what kind of power tool he recommends for the VIP? Stay tuned to find out on the upcoming interview! Whoo hoo!

Oh, the 2013 Birmingham Home Show was a lot of fun! I cannot wait to get back to renovating the house! Wait…did I really just say that? Yep, I did! Time to get back to helping put down floor moulding!

Y’all do NOT forget to stay tuned for the VIP interviews with the fabulous Mark Brunetz and the amazing Ty Pennington!