Saturday, August 17, 2013

Saturday Spotlight: Shirley from Housepitality Designs


Spotlight: REAL LIFE BEHIND THE BLOGGER
 Hi, everyone!  Myself and (Kris) Junk Chic Cottage wanted to do a regular feature on our blogs, something unique that hasn't been
 done before.   So we came up with an idea to 'spotlight the real life behind the blogger' in a more personal way.
There is so much talent and inspiration in blogland, and we thought it would be fun to bring you a closer look at the person behind the blog.
Every week on Saturday we will spotlight a blogger and have them tell us a little bit about themselves and their blogs.  You will be able to see and read about each of the bloggers on both Kris's and my blog. 

Most of you probably know Shirley from Housepitality Designs, but whether  you do or not, you're in for a treat!  Shirley has such elegant style and her home is absolutely gorgeous!  She has such a sweet spirit, and has always left the kindest comments on my blog. She's got such an interesting story so sit back, relax, and enjoy getting to know her a little better!  Then hop over to Kris's blog to read more about Lynn from The Vintage Nest.

Hello everyone...my name is Shirley and I blog at Housepitality Designs

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I was honored when Susan asked me if I would share something about me.
Hmmm....where do I begin?
How about at birth?...I was born in Yokohama, Japan...
My Dad was in the Army stationed in Japan after World War II.
And as you may have already guessed, that is where my parents met.
My dad the handsome "G.I." and my mom the beautiful Japanese woman...



They have a wonderful story that I wrote a post about here.
Well, as one thing led to another, they married and had me!..

Now...do you see that background in the picture?

It is a pineapple design fabric drape...
So do ya think that is how I acquired my love for pineapples.
The symbol of Southern Hospitality??...Just may be!!
When I was 6 months old, my dad was shipped back to the States.
My mom leaving her family and beloved homeland behind to be with the love of her life.
Our family lived on Army bases during most of our childhood....
It was so hard for my mom as you can understand it was right after the war.



 But she is so strong and wise with a beautiful soul.

My dad has passed away...my mom is 88 years old and in great health.
I have 4 siblings and we are all very close.
Now, talking about "loves of your life"...
Did I tell you that I met the "love of my life in 2nd grade?
This is still my "fav" picture of him...he is always smiling!

Fast forward to high school...
 Here we are!...Our last names began with "stan".


 Therefore, when sat alphabetically in class we were always next to each other.
And here we are now...
We celebrated our 43rd Anniversary this year.


After high school, he went to the Univ of Florida...
And I started working.
A year later, we got married...and a year after that we had our son.
My hubby worked 2 jobs so that I could stay home with our son until he went to school.
But his second job at night was umpiring...so he at least did what he loved.
...being at the ball field.

This is our son and his family...

 

 This is one of my favorite pics of my hubby and granddaughter.

She was 3 years old at the time, a flower girl at my niece's wedding.
And here she is today...my CEO and Creative Director of Housepitality Designs.
She is concentrating on making her next move!
OK...let's fast forward to the career I had for 25 years.
I worked in the healthcare field.
In my 25th year, I had to make a decision...to drive 40 miles one way to a new office.
In a job that required more than an 8 hour day.
It was then my hubby said, it is time to retire....retire?..sure, you talked me into it!!!
I began to pursue my passion of decorating. (The back view of our home)..


I decorated for friends and family all the time...all my life..
When I say all my life...well, as a young girl, I would much rather read a shelter magazine.
My dad used to make us kids sit quietly on a sofa when visiting friends...do not touch anything.
I spent my time on the sofa re-arranging their friends' furniture in my mind...
I decided to get some "credentials"...I took a one week intense course on Re-design and Staging.
And thus, started my business, "Housepitality Designs"
 
 I love classic interiors...southern classic with a touch of French Country...


And love to incorporate architectural elements in our home.

I must admit....I am a "Flag Waver".
My front porch on "Flag Day"
My dad taught us the love of "God and Country"
My all time pet peeve you ask???
When people are walking around, talking, not taking off their hat, during our National Anthem!!
 
 I sleep on the left side of the bed...really...(too much information?)...
 
 I love having company...one of our guest rooms.



 And entertaining...


My favorite room...the sunroom.

 

You can find all my favorite colors in this pillow...

And my love for monograms...I had everything monogramed when I was a young girl.
I even had my Bass Weejuns (remember those) monogramed..!!
My dad used to tease me...
He said that one day I was going to come home with my initials tattooed on my arm.
Hmmmmm.....
I asked my hubby to write down some things about me...
He wrote:
1. You are a "social butterfly"...always coordinating things.
Was the Social Chair in my community for 3 years.
2. You love Christmas...I have been on many Christmas Home Tours...in Florida and..
The past several years in my community...for a Charity.
3. You are in contention for having sat (permanent bleacher marks on my rear)...

And watched more baseball, soccer, and softball games than any wife in history. Really??!!
Note: hubby in the middle front row..holding their championship plaque..those old guys can play ball!
And by the way.."I" can still swing a bat and hit a softball and do cartwheels across the floor!
AND keep a great a baseball/softball scorebook...even though I relinquished that duty a while ago!
So, if you ever read that I am excited and doing cartwheels across the floor, I really am!!!
4. You love your car...your convertible..but the top never comes down when it is hot!..
However, it comes down fast when you find a treasure that is too big for the car.
5. You enjoy traveling...you have a very long list of places to go...a very long list!!

 

6. You are a magazine hoarder!!!..I am running out of space to store them! and they are heavy!
Yes, I am...I need therapy...If you want a particular Country Living Magazine from back in the 80's..
There is a good chance that I may have it!
7. YOU LOVE COFFEE!!...
Yes, I drink a pot every day!...I know, not a great thing!
8. You ALWAYS find time for family and friends...especially your granddaughter..
9. You are very sensitive..you take things to heart...you are sentimental...you are generous.
Thank you my sweet hubby!....
So on that note...I want to thank Susan again for having me here today...
To share my "long story" with you...of me and the life that I love..I am blessed.
 
Shirley, thanks so much for sharing your personal story with us!  
Please visit Shirley at Housepitality Designs and Kris's blog to read about Lynn at The Vintage Nest!
 

36 comments:

  1. Shirley,
    Thanks you for sharing your beautiful story with us. Your family pictures and home are gorgeous. Your love of family and home come through in this feature. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
    Kris

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  2. So fun to read about Shirley and I love that her husband got to add his two cents.

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  3. What a lovely story.
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  4. Really interesting post, thank you. Off to visit Shirley's blog now :)

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  5. OMG, love the house and decor. Thanks for sharing your life and home.

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  6. I knew I liked that Shirley girl~And I am not even supposed to be on the computer this morning but I read every word. What a wonderful story- xo Diana

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  7. Thanks so much Susan for having me here today, I am so honored that you asked me to be your feature today. Thanks to everyone for the lovely comments!

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  8. Oh, I love the story of your mom and dad...my grandmother was a "war bride." (WWI) And again...I always love to see pictures of your beautiful home.

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  9. Shirley is a sweetheart! I always enjoy seeing her beautiful home and adorable granddaughter!

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  10. Great post! I love Shirley's home and seeing how she decorates, and switches up even the little things. I had the pleasure of meeting Shirley in person at Haven this year and she is just as fun and friendly as she seems on her blog. : )

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  11. Sweet story, beautiful family, lovely home.
    xo Heidi

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  12. So fun learning more about my bff. Fabulous post and look at those wonderful photos from the past.

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  13. I loved reading Shirley's story and reminiscing so many things we have shared over the psst 30 plus years. She truly is a very talented person, but more importantly one of the most generous people I have ever had the pleasure of calling my friend.

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  14. What a wonderful series! Loved learning the personal side of Shirley! She is truly a gem!!~~Angela

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  15. It was great to learn more about Shirley! Looks like she has a wonderful life and family. She doesn't look old enough to have been married 43 yrs! Loved seeing the old photos of her and her husband. They have an interesting story too. Thanks for sharing her feature today.

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  16. I loved reading your story, Shirley. The old photos are so fun to look at, and I love that you and hubby have been together so long- what a blessing!

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  17. Dear Shirely,
    What a wonderful, beautiful story. I loved it.
    Your home is so beautiful. Perfect really. Warm and inviting. You have great taste. I am crazy for monograms too.
    Your granddaughter is precious too.
    Best wishes, Ruthie from Lady B's Time for Tea
    please come and visit.... http://www.ladybstimefortea.blogspot.com

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  18. I love Shirley, one of my favorite people and she is loaded with talent. I always admire her home and style. I learned things about her today I did not know. Wow knowing your husband that long, fantastic! Her mom always captures my heart, very cute. I am a magazine hoarder too.

    Cynthia

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  19. Beutifully written. What a great story of 2 generations. BTW, I save my magazines also, so if you don't have it....I probably do! Right now, I am looking through all my copies of Christmas decorating to see what I might need to buy for this year!!! Yep, this early! Hugs from KY, Vicki

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  20. Shirley, I love your story of all the people and things you love in your life! Thanks for sharing it with us!

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  21. What an interesting story Shirley. UF huh?? Near and dear to my heart... I'm a Florida girl , ( well a transplant actually). What luvly family pictures... the one of you and your mom... precious.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Luv this series.. Thanks Susan.
    Hugs, Gee

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  22. Wow what a creative lady. I love all her decorations and her beautiful home. Thanks so much for sharing her in your blog.
    Really like the blog that you and Kris have started. We get to know our fellow bloggers and how wonderful they all are.
    Thanks so much
    Mary

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  23. beautifully written, shirley:) such a lovely home and family! thanks so much for sharing!

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  24. how sweet...she sounds like a wonderful woman.
    Debbi
    -yankeeburrow

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  25. I was truly blessed the day that I met Shirley. Having had the privilege of being a guest in her home, I can say the she and her house are the epitome of "Housepitality"!

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  26. I adore Shirley and I've had the privilege of seeing her several times. She is the "real deal" as we say in the South. Always smiling, always generous, and always sincere. I enjoyed this feature so much because I learned even more about her!

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  27. Thanks for the feature. I love Shirley's beautiful home and family.

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  28. Shirley is truly one of the sweetest people I have ever met! What a wonderful story! She has such an amazing home. Every room is lovingly put together.

    Thanks for featuring her!

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  29. I enjoyed this so much. Thank you for featuring Shirley!

    Absolutely wonderful story!

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  30. I love this! It's so interesting and fun too to find out more about a friend that blogs. Thanks so much for sharing your life and the precious photos!

    xo
    Pat

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  31. I love your mom's story and how she met her handsome American. Your family is beautiful, starting from your mom, you and the g'girl...lovely ladies. Your house is gorgeous too. I love your kitchen! Thanks for sharing part of your life too. Have a blessed Sunday, my friend.
    FABBY

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  32. Shirley, Your's is such a beautiful story of love and family...from the very beginning in Japan. We are so glad you decided to start blogging and sharing your family and talents with us.
    xoxoGinger

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  33. Shirley, what a beautiful home and family you have. And your style is so gracious. I loved reading every word of it.

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  34. Loved finding out so many interesting things about Shirley!! Truly a lovely person who has created a gorgeous home for her family and friends to enjoy!
    Mary Alice

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  35. I am in complete awe of her house, it is huge and gorgeous! Thank you for sharing this blog with us.

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  36. Susan, Thanks for featuring Shirley's home. What a great idea to feature bloggers and have them tell you a little bit about themselves. Shirley, your mom is adorable and looks great for 88 years old. Love that you have been married to the same guy since high school and your granddaughter is precious. Your home is stunning. I'll have to pop over and check out your blog.

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