I was born and raised in Northern Illinois and come from a very large family, 9 brothers and sisters (I'm right in the middle). I purchased "The Charmer" in 1987 and I knew that I had finally found "my home".
"The Charmer" was built in 1929, using Sears "The Mitchell" architectural plans. Neal had built the home as a "spec" house to sell. Neal married his wife Jeannette on October 17, 1929. A week later the stock market crashed and an economic depression took over the country. Being unable to sell the home they moved in, and made it their home for the next 18 years.
When I purchased her she had suffered YEARS of neglect! Both the inside and outside where in disarray and badly in need of TLC. Even with all those neglected years one thing is sure, her CHARM has always peeked through.
Chaz Mr. Charmer and I were married in 1998 after meeting on our christian bowling league. Just before our marriage, Mr. Charmer's home burnt to the ground, so all 3 of us began our life's together. It was not long before he succumbed to all her CHARM and also fell in love.
Our garden was born when we I decided to have a garden wedding. Since there was no garden I quickly got to work designing one. There were 105 guests and I prepared all the food (LOVE to cook and entertain), decorations and everything else that goes into a beautiful wedding were hand crafted by me! Looking back... that was one of the craziest things I've ever done. Whose nut's enough to host their own wedding? Me!
Mr. Charmer retired May (2010) and I recently in March (2011). I am very lucky to be able to retire early and am enjoying every moment of it! Now I have the time to give "The Charmer" my full attention to incorporate all the creative ideas churning in my head through the years.
I love decorating on a budget, obsessed with thrifting (yard sales, thrift stores and flea markets) and love to sew. At a young age my Mom (Wanda) taught me how to sew, knit and has greatly influenced my style of decorating (oh how I miss her). Recently my sewing has evolved away from clothes and is now focused on home decor. I love, love, LOVE to cook and entertain. I look for any excuse to keep my culinary juices flowing, so if you know someone who needs food for a party just let me know....................
There will always be ongoing projects, something popping up in the garden, or cooking in the kitchen, garage sales, thrifty finds, furniture before and afters to keep you coming back for more!
Settle in a comfy chair, pour yourself a beverage, we want you to feel at home as you flip through the journal pages of our "My 1929 Charmer". Come join us on this journey and watch her CHARM unfold!
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to subscribe to my blog so you won't be left out of any of the latest activity!
Smiles, Cathy
