Gail’s Decorative Touch

Call Me CRAZZZZY!

2012-01-27T11:25:00.001-05:00

I have three projects going on at one time and they ALL involve painting.

The china cabinet in the garage is painted. But I still have to do the “wax on wax off” which I think is the hardest part, at least for me anyway.

Because there is heat in the garage. This is my source of heat…..

yep…..the gas grill!

And then this.

I’m repainting the china cabinet and a chair in one of the guest rooms using Rosemary’s technique at Villabarnes called Gesso Wash.

And then my plans are to reupholster the chair using this fabric and trim.

Will I make my deadline for my January project goal list? These three projects are the only ones I have left for January. I have five more days. Actually, I only have four days left to work on them because tomorrow we will be celebrating my husband’s and my youngest grandson’s birthday! It’s so hard to believe that three years ago tomorrow Charlie and I were sitting here.

Waiting for this sweet little bundle of joy.

What a special birthday gift Charlie received three years ago……the birth of our third grandson!

As always, thanks for your visit and enjoy your weekend! You know what I’ll be doing this weekend.

Gail

The Powder Room Reveal

2012-01-25T18:11:00.001-05:00

I can’t believe that we are done with the powder room! It has only taken us a year to actually start this project. Everything was sitting in the garage waiting for this make-over. But before I share it with you, let’s take a look at the before.

And now the after.

We replaced the vanity with a pedestal sink. I apology for some of the pictures being a little dark but there is no natural lighting in this bathroom and it is very small.

I placed an egg basket beside the pedestal sink to hold extra toilet paper. The egg basket was a recent purchase at a local antique store.

A step stool was also placed by the pedestal sink for my grandsons, otherwise they would not be able to wash their little hands.

The hanging towels are actually kitchen tea towels. The color matched perfectly and I loved the plaid and checkered fabric so why not use them in here…..right!

A topiary sits on the mantel shelf that is attached to the mirror. Now lets move to the other side of the room.

We decided to install a little cabinet behind the toilet to hold a few first aid items, mainly Band-Aides! My grandsons think Band-Aids are tattoos and Grandma always has many different Band-Aids to choose from.

I covered a bottle of peroxide with this cute little lamb picture that I found on-line.

Sitting on the top of the toilet I placed a feed scooper to hold “courtesy spray” and a few books.

A galvanized pail that was in my shed is now a trash can.

I don’t think I’ve mention that the paint I chose was Sherwin Williams Nonchalant White. I love the softness of this color and I love the wallpaper bead board, chair rail and crown molding.

This is one of several hydrangeas that I cut off of my hydrangea bush in the early fall and dried. Isn’t it gorgeous? I have this one placed on top of the cabinet sitting in a little silver dish.

Well one bathroom down two more to go. Up next, the master bathroom. That was on the project goal list last year as well.

As always, thanks for your visit and have a wonderful day.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday

No Minimalist Here for Open House Party

The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home

French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

At The Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

2805 for Potpourri Party

Rustic Paddle Shaped Chalkboard

2012-01-22T15:30:00.001-05:00

I’m in love with this paddled shaped chalkboard!

When Kelly at The Essence Of Home posted about purchasing three of these Rustic Paddle Shaped Chalkboards from WUSLU, I immediately went to the website and was a little disappointed to find out that the deal had expired! You could no longer purchase them. Since they were no longer available I thought I would challenge myself to make one for Debbie Doo’s Magazine Copy Cat Challenge.

Using scraps of trim and luan board, I did make my own rustic paddle shaped chalkboard.

I think I like my version better because it didn’t cost me anything to make but time.

As always, thanks for your visit and enjoy your day.

Gail

Linking this post to:

A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

We’re Making Progress in the Powder Room

2012-01-21T17:46:00.001-05:00

We’re almost done!

The bead board wall paper has been hung and the walls painted.

The ceramic tile floor has been installed.

The only thing left to do is install the pedestal sink. If all goes well, that should be done tomorrow.

And the biggest help of all was from my grandson. He worked so hard helping Grandma make a sign for the powder room. I had him, just him, for two days because he had been sick. Sometimes it’s nice having that one on one.

He did a really good job painting the sign below. But I enjoyed the time we spent together the most and his little touch added an extra bit of love to the powder room.

As always, thanks for your visit and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Gail

Advertising on a Burlap Bag

2012-01-17T16:40:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone! For those of you who have followed me, do you remember a few months ago when I purchased two “smelly” burlap bags from an antique shop in Virginia?

Well I finally got rid of that horrible smell! I wasn’t sure if I was even going to be able to do anything with them because of the smell. But storing them outside for months worked. I washed them on a gentle cycle and ran them through the dryer just to make sure the smell was gone!

I didn’t really care for the advertisement on the burlap sacks so I thought I would make my own advertisements. Using my Cricut, I made a stencil you see below.

“Funderburk’s Feed & Seed” on one and…..

“Red Rooster Coffee” on the other.

I used only one of the burlap sack bags. I cut it in half and sewed three sides. I made a pillow to insert inside and tied the fourth side with jute string.

I wasted nothing with this burlap sack bag! The little piece I had left over, I wrapped around a candle and tied it with a piece of jute string.

In the mean time, we’re making good progress on our powder room make-over. Our oldest son, who is a jack of all trades, is going to move some plumbing pipes and then we can install the pedestal sink.

As always, thanks for your visit and have a wonderful day.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Northern Cottage for Party Time Tuesday

Coastal Charms for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday

It’s Overflowing for Overflowing with Creativity

From My Front Porch to Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday

The Vintage Farmhouse for Creative Things Thursday

The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home

The Artsy Girl Connection for Pin Inspirational Thursday

French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

At The Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

2805 for Potpourri Party

A Vignette Worth Crowing About

2012-01-13T15:06:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday Everyone! My family knows me all too well. They know there are two things I love and that is roosters and coffee. My brother gave me a beautiful stained glass rooster table for Christmas. Instead of using the stain glass top with the table, I placed it on an easel.

I have to let you in on a little secret, this was Charlie’s idea to place it on an easel and not mine.

And this was his idea too…..to place a light behind it.

I have to say I really like his idea. Sometimes he does come up with some good ones!

See that cute little burlap coffee bag?

Well that was another gift for Christmas from one of my sons. He tells me that Air Force One uses this brand of coffee and so does the White House. It is good coffee! Oh and by the way, that’s raisin bread and it is good too. (By the time you read this….it WAS good!)

And guess what else I got for Christmas……a new coffee pot!

Who could ask for anything more! Life doesn’t get any better than that :)

Recently we had temperatures way above normal, but let me tell you it’s beginning to feel a lot like winter now…...baby it’s cold outside!

As always, thanks for your visit and enjoy your weekend.

Gail

Bench for $1 and I’ve Been Sewing Up A Storm!

2012-01-10T15:54:00.001-05:00

What a busy week it’s been so far and to think it’s only Tuesday! Between the powder room renovation, painting and sewing, I’ve been hopping from one project to another. I just finished a sewing project and thought I would share it with you. Before you look, if you are a seamstress please don’t laugh at my sewing abilities. I’m a self taught sewer and lets just say I learn as I go and hope that I don’t make the same mistake again.

I made a burlap cover for the bench that I purchased at an auction for a $1. I also made the pillows. The pillows are made out of muslin and I added a burlap ruffle. I stenciled a #5 (total # of all of our children) and a #3 (total # of all of our grandchildren) on a square piece of burlap and attached it to the front using jute string.

I made this pillow as well. It is a poem titled “Believe In Yourself”. I’ll share that project with you in a later post.

This is what the $1 bench looked like this past summer. I had it on the front porch until I decided that I wanted to bring it in and use it in the hallway.

I dry brushed a coat of white paint on it and lightly sanded it. I wanted some of the red to show through.

I really like the neutral tones that are in the hallway right now, at least for the winter anyway.

The mantel shelf above the bench.

I placed twigs from the yard and some dried flowers that I had inside each bottle that hangs below the mantel shelf.

I stenciled a #2, #4, #6 and a #8 on four key tags and attached one to each bottle.

Well, I’m off to go sew some more. I have three more kitchen chair covers to sew. I’ve already sewn one!

As always, thanks for your visit and enjoy your day,

Gail

Linking this post to:

Coastal Charms for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Northern Cottage for Party Time Tuesday

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday

Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday

No Minimalist Here for Open House Party

The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home

The Artsy Girl Connection for Pin Inspirational Thursday

One of Last Years Home Project Goals Underway!

2012-01-09T18:30:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone! One of our home project goals for last year was to renovate all three of the bathrooms in our home starting with the powder room first. Well lets just say that other things got in the way and it just never happened.

It’s a new year and look what’s happening in the powder room.

Below are before pictures of the powder room.

It’s a very small space.

Our plans are to:

install new tile flooring
replace the vanity with a pedestal sink
hang bead board wallpaper with chair rail
hang a new mirror
install a new light fixture

I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am to be starting this make-over!!!

Gail

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Question

2012-01-08T15:57:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone! My daughter-in-law has been wanting a china cabinet for quite sometime now. So, I have been on the lookout for a reasonably priced one in good condition. Well Charlie and I found one on Friday at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

This is where I need your help or advice. She wants it painted red but not a bright red. Here are two shades of Annie Sloan red paints:

Emperor’s Red

Primer Red

Which red would you choose and would you first paint it with Annie Sloan graphite paint?

Graphite

I would hate to have to buy both shades of red because I don’t think I would be using those reds all that much.

As always, thanks for any help or feedback you can give. They will be greatly appreciated as I make my final decision.

Gail

Natural Highs

2012-01-03T14:16:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone! This morning while cleaning and organizing my office, I came across an email that I received and printed some time ago. I thought it was worth sharing because it’s suppose to make you feel good. It is called “Natural Highs” and you should read each one and think about it before going on to the next one.

1. Falling in love.

2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.

3. A hot shower.

4. A special glance.

5. Receiving a special package in the mail.

6. Taking a drive on a pretty road.

7. Hearing your favorite song on the radio and you sing it out loud.

8. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.

9. Taking a bubble bath.

10. Giggling.

11. A good conversation.

12. The beach.

13. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.

14. Laughing at yourself.

15. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.

16. Running through sprinklers

17. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.

18. Having someone tell you that you’re beautiful.

19. Laughing at an inside joke with friends.

20. Accidently overhearing someone say something nice about you.

21. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.

22. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.

23. Playing with a new puppy.

24. Sweet dreams.

25. Hot chocolate.

26. Road trips with friends.

27. Swinging on swings.

28. Making chocolate chip cookies.

29. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.

30. Holding hands with someone you care about.

31. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.

32. Watching the expression on someone’s face as they open a much desired present from you.

33. Watching the sunrise.

34. Watching the sunset.

35. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.

36. Knowing that somebody misses you.

37. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.

38. Knowing you’ve done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

I don’t know about you, but I could relate to so many of these and how they make me feel.

So today, I thought I would start writing some of them on my kitchen chalkboard. I chose this one first…Hearing your favorite song on the radio and you sing it out loud.

You see, I really like music and I listen to it all day long and have caught myself singing out loud. But I have to laugh at myself and thank God that nobody was here to hear me! You don’t want to hear me sing but it sure does make me feel good even if I sound horrible!!!!

As always, thanks for your visit and your sweet comments. They are always appreciated.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday

Winter Vignettes in the Family Room

2012-01-02T17:03:00.001-05:00

Hello! Now that all the Christmas stuff is put away, I’ve been busy creating a few winter vignettes around the house and playing with my new camera. I got a Cannon EOS Rebel T3i for Christmas from Charlie.

I kept the mantel shelf simple this year for winter.

I just added faux pine with some pinecones.

I placed an old mason jar with some candles inside the wire cloche.

Do you use a photo editing program?

One of my newest HomeGood Store purchases about a month ago…a new cloche.

I love how big it is! I placed a large pinecone with some winter greens inside.

Well how did I do with my new camera? I’ve been playing with it but there is so much to learn. If any of you can give me some helpful tips, I would love to hear them and would greatly appreciate it!

As always, thanks for your visit and for your sweet comments. They are always appreciated.

Gail

Linking this post to:

A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Northern Cottage for Party Time Tuesday

Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday

Happy New Years and My Favorite Three Projects of 2011

2011-12-31T18:10:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone! It’s so quiet in my house right now I don’t know what to do with myself….LOL!!! We have had a house full since the 19th of December with all of our children coming home for Christmas. We had a wonderful time and feel very blessed that they were all able to come home this Christmas. With the last of them leaving yesterday, I am now ready to get back to normalcy.

Pamela @ From My Front Porch To Yours is hosting a New Year’s Party sharing our favorite projects/post for 2011 and I thought I would join in. My favorite projects for 2011were the master and two guestroom bedrooms makeovers.

It will be a year in March since the make-over in the master bedroom and I’m still loving it today. You can see the before and read all about the master bedroom transformation here, here, here and here.

I tweaked this guest bedroom and you can read all about it here.

Last but not least another guest bedroom makeover. I call this room my vintage inspired guest bedroom and you can read all about it here and here.

As always, thanks for stopping by and let the countdown to a memorable year begin! Happy New Year my bloggy friends!!!!

Gail

Christmas is a special time…..

2011-12-23T06:06:00.001-05:00

Christmas is a special time of year, filled with peace, love, and thankfulness.

May you have it all this Christmas and be guided by the strength of the Lord in the coming year.

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas my Bloggy Friends,

Gail

Welcome to our Home for Christmas

2011-12-21T15:11:00.001-05:00

Christmas Greetings My Friends and Welcome to our home for Christmas. It’s warm and cozy inside, so come on in and join us as I share our home with you for Christmas. You may have already seen some of our home but I thought I would share everything in one post and I’ll start in the family room.

The entry wall leading into the kitchen.

The Christmas apron was my Mom’s and she would wear this apron every Christmas.

A Christmas countertop vignette I made using a wreath, lights and a Joy plate I purchased at Wal-Mart.

The dining room with a little Christmas cheer.

I added a little Christmas green to the buffet….

and placed silver jingle bells under the cloche.

The staircase and front entry way all decked out for Christmas.

A night shot of the staircase with the candles lit.

The tobacco stick sled I made last year is still part of the Christmas decor in the front entry way.

The Nativity is a family heirloom that was my parents and I can remember it being placed under our Christmas tree when I was living at home. Although I don’t place it under my tree, it is still a part of my Christmas.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed seeing our home for Christmas.

Christmas is God’s gift to us. May its blessing bring you joy and peace the whole year through.

Gail

Linking this post to:

No Minimalist Here for Open House Party
Kristen's Creations for Share Your Creations
DIY Show Off for Holiday Highlights

Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

At The Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

2805 for Potpourri Party

Christmas Dining

2011-12-19T19:13:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone! With Christmas less than a week away, I thought it was time to share my dining room with you. This was one of the first rooms I did for Christmas and for some reason I forgot to share it with you until today.

This year I decided to go a little more rustic with the table setting. I used a silver charger plate and layered it with a grapevine wreath with my white dishes.

I placed a bird’s nest at each place setting and added a little green and pinecones inside with a Merry Christmas tag.

Behind each Merry Christmas tag is a child’s wish list tag for four children.

For the last few years Charlie and I have pulled a child’s wish list tag off of an Angel Tree to purchase the gifts they asked for.

This year, Charlie and I decided to get one Angel Tree wish tag for each of our grandsons. We wanted our grandsons to experience giving to other children who otherwise may not receive any Christmas gifts.

A couple of weeks ago, we found an Angel Tree at our local hardware store. So, we pulled three wish list tags. As we were leaving, we noticed there was one tag left on the tree. As we drove home, we talked about that, but it didn’t take us long to turn the car around and go get that last wish list tag.

We purchased the gifts from each wish list tag and asked the boys for their approval. They liked what we purchased, but the best part was that they really seemed to understand why were doing this. And that is a Christmas gift to all of us.

As always, thanks for stopping by and wishing you all the happy things this very special holiday brings!

Gail

Linking this post to:

A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday's Treasures

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday

Keeping It Real

2011-12-17T15:04:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone! Yesterday Sonny @ 155 Dream Lane did a post called Rainy Imperfectly Perfect Day and it was an awesome post on keeping it real. Since reading that post, I thought I would share with you just how my kitchen and family room has looked like since yesterday.

I’ve been wrapping gifts and this is where I wrap….in the kitchen. I can’t tell you how many draft post I have that I don’t publish because I feel that they are not picture perfect but not today folks! I wanted you to see the good the bad and the ugly.

Now I need to get those gifts under the tree with the rest of the gifts.

Thanks Sonny because I’m giving myself the gift of less stress too, just like you!

Be safe and enjoy your weekend.

Gail

Welcome to my Kitchen at Christmas

2011-12-15T19:22:00.001-05:00

I’ve spread a little Christmas cheer around the kitchen and wanted to share it with you. I’ll start with a vignette on the countertop.

I just recently started collecting copper this year and I wanted to keep it displayed for Christmas this year.

As you can see, I’ve started my baking. I made cookies today.

Thanks for visiting and may the Blessings of this Christmas season be with you today and always.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

At The Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

2805 for Potpourri Party

Deck The Entryway Wall

2011-12-15T09:45:00.001-05:00

Our grandsons’ stockings were hung on the entryway wall in hopes that Santa will visit them there.

Not only does Santa visit our grandsons he also visits all the other little critters we have in our family as well; four grand-dogs and two cats.

We lost our sweet baby boy Duncan in May of this year but his Christmas ornament is hanging on a candle on the shelf.

Charlie and I were talking last night about how much he loved Christmas. It was the only time of year that he received a raw hide bone . He would prance around the house with it stuck in his mouth and his little nub would be going fifty miles a minute.

We do have many Christmas memories with him for sure!

Thanks for stopping by and may the Blessings of this Christmas season be with you today and always.

Gail

An Old World Santa

2011-12-12T18:23:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone! I thought I would share with you today a vignette that I created using one of my Old World Santas, some faux pine and a few pinecones.

I have a few Old World Santas and I love them all.

Look at his sweet little burlap bag filled with greens, berries, pinecones and a little present tied with a jute bow.

I love the simplicity of this vignette.

As always, thanks for stopping by and for your sweet comments. They are always appreciated!

Gail

Linking this post:

Coastal Charms for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Type A for Anything Goes

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday's Treasures

Our Tree for Christmas 2011

2011-12-10T11:08:00.001-05:00

Our Christmas tree doesn’t seem to change much from year to year and this year was no exception.

The only change I made this year was the addition of some burlap garland to tie in with the mantel shelf bows and…..

…I made a new Christmas ball with our son-in-law’s name on it who became a part of our family in July of this year. Our Christmas tree has a ball with all our children’s and grandchildren’s names on them.

I still put my big red plaid bows on the Christmas tree that I made a few years ago.

And I still have two of my favorite Christmas ornaments on the tree. The first one is the Silent Night Christmas ball which has been in my family for many many years. My Mom had it on her tree as a little girl. It’s the only one left and I’ve had it for about 25 years. The second is the heart. It is our first Christmas ornament together as husband and wife.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend.

Gail

Linking this post to:

2805 for Christmas Tree Party

The House of the Roses for Show Off Your Cottage

Christmas Staircase Banister

2011-12-06T17:19:00.001-05:00

I love this time of year in blogland! I have never seen so many beautiful homes all decked out for Christmas. You are all so talented, creative and inspiring. Thank you for inviting and sharing your beautiful homes with all of us.

My staircase banister is ready for Christmas and for all those to see who enter through the front door.

As you can see it is a very small banister which makes decorating easy.

I love this garland that I draped on the banister. I have had it for about three years and it still looks great.

Because I don’t have an electric outlet on this side of the wall for lights, I use candles on the stairs.

This is a new addition to my stairs this year. I made three of them. I used a tin pail, Christmas greens and battery operated votive candles.

I placed one on every other step with a little mercury votive candle holder in between.

Last year, I made the sweater stocking using one of my Mom’s sweaters. For those of who are new to my blog, I lost my Mom in March of 2010. You can read about the making of the Keepsake Christmas Stockings here.

I am all done with my Christmas decorating. I still have some shopping left to do and Christmas baking. Maybe by the weekend, I’ll be done with shopping and then next week I can start my baking. Are you all done with the many things to do that Christmas brings?

As always, thanks for stopping by and for your sweet comments. They are always appreciated.

Christmas Blessings to you my friends,

Gail

Linking this post to:

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday
Blue Cricket Design for Show and Tell

DIY by Design for Banister

A Christmassy Mantel Shelf

2011-12-05T17:51:00.001-05:00

Hello my friends! I don’t have a fireplace mantel but I do have a mantel shelf in my family room and I decorate it as if I had one for Christmas.

It has garland, lights, pinecones, berries, red Christmas balls and burlap bows.

I even have room to place one of my Old World Santas and two large candle holders.

I love this time of year! The first thing I do when I get up in the morning is turn on my Christmas tree and mantel shelf lights. For the most part they stay on the whole day.

More Christmas to come. I just need to hire someone to come take my pictures and write my blog posts for me….just kidding! Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by. Your sweet comments are always appreciated.

Gail

Linking this post to:

From My Front Porch to Yours for Holiday Mantel Party

A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Mantel Party

Holiday Copy Cat Challenge

2011-12-04T11:31:00.001-05:00

Happy Sunday Everyone! Debbie at Debbie Doo’s is having another Copy Cat Challenge party and it’s the Holiday Edition! I love Debbie’s parties. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to join the party but since she started the party early I can join in.

The other evening I was looking through the December Create & Decorate magazine.

And on page 72 this caught my eye only because I had done something similar on my kitchen window sill.

They used a vintage cheese box, Christmas greens and a candle all of which I had already used with mine too. Here’s my version that’s in my kitchen window sill.

My Dad purchased the vintage Swiss cheese box at an auction and gave it to me many years ago.

A little different but I like mine just as much.

Thanks Debbie for posting this Holiday Edition of the Copy Cat Challenge early. And as always thanks for being a gracious hostess.

Gail

Wooden Cheese Boxes as Centerpieces for Christmas

2011-11-29T18:47:00.001-05:00

Do you remember these wooden cheese boxes I purchased about a month ago?

I bought them at an antique shop in Virginia for $8 a piece. My plans at the time when I purchased them was to use them for Christmas. Now that Christmas is here, I’ve made two centerpieces, one for myself and one for my daughter-in-law. Take a look at what I’ve done with them.

This one is mine and I have it sitting on my kitchen table. I used some Christmas greens, one of my roosters and some candles. I purchased nothing to make this one, I had everything.

This one is for my daughter-in-law for her kitchen table.

The only purchase I made to make this one was the red hurricane candle holder. I used Christmas greens, pinecones, apples and lots of berries.

Just a few more things left to do and then I’m all done with Christmas decorating.

As always, thanks for stopping by and your sweet comments. They are always appreciated.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday
Blue Cricket Design for Show and Tell

From My Front Porch to Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday

Christmas Greetings Vignette

2011-11-28T18:22:00.001-05:00

Hello! I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know we sure did. We had all our children home this Thanksgiving and for that we felt so very blessed. We had a house full since last Wednesday with the last of them leaving yesterday and let me tell you I was wore out when they left! I have a little over three weeks before they ALL will be back for Christmas.

I did most of my Christmas decorating before Thanksgiving and I still have a few things left to do. The kitchen is done and I thought I would start sharing Christmas in the kitchen first. This Christmas vignette is on top of the trashcan cabinet.

Most of you have seen all the items I have used in this vignette. The only item I think you may not have seen is the wire basket. I purchased that a few weeks ago at Goodwill and I have forgotten how much I paid for it.

The thrift store picture frame turned chalkboard gets a new message for Christmas as well.

I’m still loving my trashcan cabinet make-over. I had fun decorating it for fall and I have had just as much fun decorating for Christmas.

As always, thanks for stopping by and your sweet comments. They are always appreciated!

Gail

Linking this post to:

Coastal Charms for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T18:02:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is a time
For reviewing what we treasure,
Without you as my friend,
Life would be a bore;
Having you in my life
Is what I’m thankful for.

Wishing all of you a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.

Gail

An Outside Weathered Globe and I’m a Winner!

2011-11-19T10:08:00.001-05:00

I can’t believe it’s been a little over a week since my last post or even paid a visit to other blogs and for that I’m sorry! I really have no excuse other than I’ve been busy helping my brother plan/organize for our family’s Thanksgiving dinner of 35 guests, taking down and putting away all the fall stuff and decorating our home for Christmas.

Today I wanted to show you what I did with a weathered outside globe and how I’m using it inside for Christmas.

What do you think? I really like how it turned out. I placed it inside an old urn added a twig wreath and some pine greens. How simple is that!

Would you believe that this was once a silver globe. I love how it has weathered through the years.

I have a little something else to share with you all….I’m a Winner! On Monday, I received an email from Terry at Forever Decorating notifying me that I was the lucky winner of her one year blog anniversary giveaway gift. Take a look at all the goodies I won!!!!

Congratulations to you Terry and thanks for such a lovely gift. I can’t wait to try out the coffees!

I still have a few more things left to do inside and then I’ll be moving to the outside to decorate for Christmas.

As always, thanks for visiting and enjoy your weekend.

Gail

Linking this post to:
Home Savvy A to Z for Home Made Monday
Dittle Dattle for Amaze Me Monday
Keeping it Simple for Motivate Me Monday

Guest Bathroom “Waiting” Bench

2011-11-10T18:19:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone! I finally finished up the guest bathroom “waiting” bench as my husband Charlie calls it.

I can’t even remember where I bought the bench or even how much I paid for it but here’s a picture of the before.

I used Annie Sloan chalk paint Versailles and Old Ochre. I first painted it with Versailles and then painted Old Ochre as the second coat of paint. I sanded the bench after I applied the dark wax. Lastly, I applied the clear wax after sanding. For me, this works the best. It’s not so messy.

I recovered the upholstery part with burlap and hot glued the trim around.

I like having a bench in my bathrooms and mine are not used for “waiting”. I use mine as a little table to house different things. On this one I’ve placed a wire basket on top with a few bath items for guests who would like to take a hot soaking bath like my daughter Lauren when she comes home to visit.

Have you ever tried the Epsom Salt Lavender Soaking Solution?

I LOVE it! I take a hot bath every night and I use this. Not only does it smell wonderful but it leaves your skin feeling so soft.

Hopefully, with the help of Charlie, this weekend my plans are to get up into the garage attic and bring down all my Christmas stuff so I can start my Christmas decorating….I can’t wait!

As always, thanks for stopping by and for your sweet comments. They are always appreciated.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
The Shabby Nest for Frugal Fridays
At The Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
2805 for Potpourri Party

It Felt So Good To Get Out!

2011-11-09T18:00:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone! For the past week and a-half, I have been sick and let me tell you this crap kicked my butt!!! I have had absolutely no energy until today. So what’s a girl to do when they’re feeling better, go shopping of course. I hit the Salvation Army and found this cute silver ice bucket for $3.99. I already have Christmas plans for it.

And I found these two urns at Goodwill. The taller one was $4.99 and the smaller one was $3.99.

Although my purchases at the Salvation Army and Goodwill were small, I hit the jackpot at The Christmas Shop, Ross’ and Home Good Store! I’ll be sharing those treasures real soon because I’m getting ready to start my Christmas decorating.

As always, thanks for stopping by and your sweet comments. They are always appreciated!

Gail

Linking this post to:

From My Front Porch to Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday

Coffee and A Few of My Projects

2011-11-01T15:28:00.001-04:00

Oh how I LOVE coffee and for those of you who know me, know I can drink it all day long. When Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage posted she was hosting a Coffee Creation Party by Starbucks, I thought I would join in and share a few coffee related creations I have made.

A coffee filter wreath I made over a year ago, which still hangs on my kitchen door. You can read about how I made mine here.

I made coffee cozies for my family last year as Christmas gifts. I even made one for myself. I carry it in my purse and use it all the time. I have received more compliments about my coffee cozy from other people at places like Starbuck’s and WAVA’s.

You can read about the cozies here.

A COFFEEHOUSE sign hangs above my window in the kitchen.

You can read about the COFFEEHOUSE sign here.

And last but not least, my little chalkboard rooster that I made displaying coffee messages for all to see.

You can read all about my little chalkboard roo here.

I have to let you in on a little something else about me that you probably don’t know…..I LOVE Coffee House music and listen to it all the time.

As always, thanks for stopping by and enjoy this beautiful November day.

Gail

Copper Tub…Copy Cat Challenge #3

2011-10-30T16:12:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween Everybody! Hope you all had a fa-boo-lous weekend.

Debbie at Debbiedoo’s is having her 3rd Magazine Copy Cat Challenge and I thought I would join in for my 2nd time. My inspiration for this challenge came from the 2011 Fall catalogue of Through The Country Door. I love this catalogue. It is full of all kinds of ideas and inspirations.

One of many things that I liked in their catalogue were the copper tubs they have.

BUT at $129.99 I thought I would make my own cooper tub especially since I already had a tub stashed in my shed.

I spray painted the galvanized tub black and then painted it with Folk Art Metallic Antique Copper paint. Here is my copper tub filled to the rim with fall.

I only applied one coat of the Metallic Antique Copper paint because I really liked how a little of the black was showing through.

I love the look of the copper tub when the sun is shining through the door.

I filled the copper tub with fall things that I had left-over except for the corn which I purchased about a month or so ago.

I’m really happy with how my copper tub turned out and I love my price even more…..nothing because I had everything already!

Thanks Debbie for being the gracious host you are!

As always, thanks for stopping by. I do appreciate all my followers and I always love your comments.

Gail

Lining this post to:

Dittle Dattle for Amaze Me Monday
Keeping it Simple for Motivate Me Monday

Coastal Charms for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

A Few Thrifty Finds This Week

2011-10-28T18:03:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday Everyone! I can’t believe this weather we’re having here. Yesterday I had the air conditioner on in the house and today I have the heat on AND tomorrow they’re calling for snow showers. It will definitely be hot cocoa weather tomorrow.

The other day I went to an Antique Marketplace and found a few things that I wanted to share with you. I bought a cast iron kettle pot for $25. I think I got a good deal on that.

For now, I placed a fern in it and have it sitting by the front door. Maybe this spring I’ll place it outside on the front porch.

Another purchase was a 1973 Vintage wrapped Chianti Wine Bottle. What caught my eye was the wrapping around the bottle. I don’t know where I’m going to put it yet because I running out of space but I’m sure I’ll find a place.

Gotta love Good Will! Recently one opened up about 25 miles from me. Since it’s opening I try and go at least once a week. Their prices are unbelievable compared to our local thrift stores. I purchased a few items there as well this week; a mirror for $8 and another oval picture for $5.

I love the patina on the mirror. I’m not sure what or if I’m going to do anything with the mirror. I kinda like it like it is. Would you paint it or leave it like it is?

I also purchased a wooden dough bowl at the Antique Marketplace and a few other things at Goodwill but I’ll wait and show you those finds later. I may end up going back to the Antique Marketplace this weekend because there were a few other things I really liked but didn’t get.

Enjoy your weekend and I’ll be back on Sunday evening for Debbiedoo’s Magazine Copy Cat Challenge.

I’m all ready for it!

Gail

My New Rooster Addition

2011-10-25T15:18:00.001-04:00

I can’t believe my idea worked!!!! I made a lamp with the tin rooster I bought.

I purchased a Make-A-Lamp and a Lamp Pipe Kit at Lowes.

I drilled a hole through the tin rooster for the pipe and then I followed the instructions on the Make-A-Lamp kit. It was really easy. The hardest part was drilling through the tin for the pipe.

I’m not sure about the shade yet. I bought several different ones and I don’t like the ones I bought. They were either too big or too small. The one I have on it now was in my shed. It was white and I tea dyed it. I guess it will do for now until I find something that I like better. What do you think? Do you like this shade or should I cover it?

As always, thanks for stopping by. I do appreciate my followers and I always love your comments.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday
Blue Cricket Design for Show and Tell
Decor To Adore for Fall In Love With Your Home

No Minimalist Here for Open House Party

Kristen's Creations for Share Your Creations

The Vintage Farmhouse for Creative Things Thursday

Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
Chic On A Shoe String Decorating for Flaunt it Friday
French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
At The Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
2805 for Potpourri Party
Creation Corner for Friday Link Party

Family Heirlooms

2011-10-24T18:03:00.001-04:00

I love family heirlooms and I feel blessed that I have a few from our family. I’m not one to pack family heirlooms away. In fact I have just about all our family heirlooms displayed throughout our home.

I have created a small tabletop vignette in the family room using some of our family heirlooms.

I’ll share with you what’s on top; two books that were written by two different family members about Charlie’s family’s heritage. One was written in 1942 and the other was written in 1967. A wooden box case with glasses in them and an old Rosary that belong to either my Mom or grandmother. I found them in an envelope in my mom’s jewelry box. I have no way of finding out now because my Mom has passed away. I only wish I knew. I had never seen something so beautiful!

The wooden glass box case still has the prescription form in it. They belonged to Charlie’s grandmother.

An old dog figurine. This cute little fella belonged to my dad.

A tin box with a pipe in it that was Charlie’s grandfather’s and other little keepsakes.

The top of the tin box says “Huyler’s Chocolate Lunch Rolls”.

I love this little vignette. You see, Charlie and I have lost both our parents and I just love having little things that belong to them scattered throughout our home.

As always, thanks for stopping by. I do appreciate my followers and I always love your comments.

Gail

Linking this post:

A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Tom the Turkey Wreath

2011-10-20T18:33:00.001-04:00

Isn’t he the cutest turkey and I only paid $5.99 for him at Jo-Ann’s!

Because he is so darn cute I had to do something special with him.

So I made a wreath just for him and have placed it on my kitchen door.

Now he will be seen by all who enter or exit through our kitchen door which is just about everybody. We rarely have front door guests.

As always, thanks for stopping by and your sweet comments. They are always appreciated!

Gail

Linking this post to:

Creation Corner for Friday Link Party

Cedar Chest Re-do

2011-10-19T18:51:00.001-04:00

Would you believe that it’s raining here again! I think we have seen more clouds and rain in the last few months than sunshine. Fortunately, yesterday was a beautiful day and I took advantage of it by taking some pictures of the cedar chest outside. I didn’t want to take pictures of it in the garage since it was such a nice day and besides my garage has returned to its messy state.

As I mentioned in a previous post, we bought a cedar chest for $60 at an auction for one of our daughters. It had been sitting in our garage for over a year gathering dust while waiting for a make-over. Below is a before picture of the cedar chest.

And here is the after photo.

I sanded the cedar chest and then I applied Miniwax Gel Stain. I painted the front framed section of the chest with off white chalk paint, sanded it and applied gel stain.

I love how the gel stain made the chalk paint look. It has the look of marble.

Now we just need to get it to our daughter who has been waiting patiently for over a year.

As always, thanks for stopping by and for your sweet comments. They are always appreciated.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday

No Minimalist Here for Open House Party

The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday
Tales from Bloggeritaville for Thrifty Thursday
Kristen's Creations for Share Your Creations
From My Front Porch to Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday

Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
At The Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
2805 for Potpourri Party

Antique Shopping Finds

2011-10-17T18:47:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday! We’re back from our little getaway to the mountains. We all had a wonderful time although I have to say I was a little disappointed. I would have thought that this time of year would have been the peak time for autumn colors but it wasn’t. We were a little too early. The trees were just starting to turn.

While we were there, my daughter-in-law and I did manage to sneak away for a few hours to go to some antiques shops in downtown Luray Virginia and I did purchased a few things. I bought two burlap bags for $5 a piece. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with them because they stink to high heaven! I know burlap has a smell but these burlap bags have a strong burlap smell. Do all burlap bags have a strong burlap smell?

I also purchased a little burlap peanut bag for fifty cents. Now that doesn’t smell and it sure is cute

I bought two wooden cheese boxes for $8 a piece. I already have Christmas plans for them.

And I bought a tin rooster! I couldn’t resist, I knew immediately what I wanted to do with him. I’ll be sharing him real soon as I’m already working on him.

If anyone knows how to get that strong burlap smell out of the burlap bags, please let me know. I would hate to get rid of them, but I don’t want that smell in my house.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Gail

Linking this post to:

Coastal Charms for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Cedar Chest Update

2011-10-13T07:39:00.001-04:00

Before Charlie and I head to the mountains today with our grandsons, I wanted to share with you a glimpse of the cedar chest that I have finished. Because the weather here has been cloudy and rainy the past couple of days, I have not been able to take a good picture of it.

I am really pleased with the way it turned out! Hopefully, when we return, the weather will be better so that I can take pictures of it before we take it to our daughter.

As always, enjoy your day and thanks for stopping by. You bloggers are the best!

Gail

Glass Dish with Copper Lid

2011-10-12T18:17:00.001-04:00

Look what came in the mail today!

It’s a little glass dish with a copper lid that I ordered from Southern Style Home Decor.

About a week ago, Yvonne at Stone Gable posted about a Southern Style Home Decor giveaway. She was asked by the folks at Southern Style Home Decor to set a table using four of their placements. She set the most gorgeous table setting using their placements. If you have not seen it yet, you really need to go see it. You will not be disappointed! They are giving one of her readers four of the gorgeous placemats and matching napkins she used. As part of the giveaway, you were asked to visit their website and talk about something that catches your eye. Well the glass dish with the copper lid caught my eye so I ordered it.

I filled it with little orange berries and added a pumpkin. It’s small but I really like it.

Charlie and I are headed to the mountains tomorrow with our grandsons for a few days. We’ll be staying in a cabin which should be lots of fun! Oh and by the way, I’ve already checked out places to go and one of the places is a flea market that’s only 5 miles from where we’re staying! Oh how I’m looking forward to that outing.

As always, thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of the week.

Gail

A Roo Pumpkin

2011-10-10T07:08:00.001-04:00

Our weekend weather was absolutely gorgeous! We spent most of our time outside doing some much needed yard work. I did manage to squeeze in a couple of little projects and one was a little Roo pumpkin.

I Mod Podged a rooster picture, that I found on-line, to the front of a crackled pumpkin that I made last year.

I have my little roo pumpkin nestled inside a bird’s nest that had fallen from one of our trees.

And then I started sanding a cedar chest that has been in our garage for over a year. We purchased it at an auction for our daughter who has wanted one. She has been patiently waiting for her father to refinish her cedar chest! I decided if it was going to get done any time soon, I had better do it. Her father didn’t protest either.

My plans are to have it done by today! We’ll see though, I have all three of my grandsons today and this evening Charlie and I are going to a hockey game…..GO CAPS!

As always thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Home Savvy A to Z for Home Made Monday
Dittle Dattle for Amaze Me Monday
Keeping it Simple for Motivate Me Monday

A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

$7 Thrift Store Frame, Burlap and Chalkboard Paint

2011-10-06T19:36:00.001-04:00

Today was a good trash to treasure day for me. I went to a couple of thrift stores and found a few fun things. But for now, I’m only going to show you what I made with one of my finds and that's the large oval frame for $7.

A picture frame chalkboard!

I used brown chalkboard paint and covered the mat that was inside the frame with burlap.

I had every thing on hand to make this so the whole project only cost me $7.

Don’t you just love projects like this when you have everything on hand and it only takes an hour to make? I know I do!

Gail

Linking this post to:

Finding Fabulous for Frugalicious Fridays
French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
The Shabby Nest for Frugal Fridays
At The Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
2805 for Potpourri Party

Chic On A Shoe String Decorating for Flaunt it Friday

Coastal Charms for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Is It A Pumpkin, Gourd or Squash?

2011-10-05T17:35:00.001-04:00

Isn’t this the cutest whatever it is! I purchased it today at our local Farmer’s Market. The worker there told me that she thought it was a squash but couldn’t tell me what kind of squash.

If it is a squash is it edible?

Well in any case, I love it and have placed it in an urn by the woodstove in the family room.

Just to let you know, if it is a squash and it is edible, I wouldn’t. He’s too cute!

Gail

Welcome to my Kitchen

2011-10-04T17:12:00.001-04:00

I’m so excited to share my kitchen with you today. Now that I’m done painting this and tweaking that, I’ll give you a little tour. As you enter from the kitchen door, you’ll see the entryway wall.

Our kitchen and family room is one open space.

The kitchen table with my most recent purchase of cane back chairs.

I covered the seats of four of the six kitchen chairs with a neutral color fabric. I made little pillows for two of the chairs with left-over fabric from the arm chairs. I tied a burlap bow around each one.

I created a little seating area behind the sofa with the two arm chairs.

I also made two little throw pillows for the arm chairs. I love the pillow fabric. My original thought was to cover the chair seats with the same pillow fabric, but I decided against it. I thought it might be too much so I covered them with a solid color.

The tabletop vignette has a little touch of fall.

You’ve seen this space many times. This area changes a lot throughout the seasons.

Last but not least my trash can cabinet area.

As always, thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed your little tour of my kitchen.

Gail

Linking this post :

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday
Blue Cricket Design for Show and Tell

Decor To Adore for Fall In Love With Your Home

No Minimalist Here for Open House Party

The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Kristen's Creations for Share Your Creations
Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

The DIY Showoff for Kitchen Inspiration

Cottage and Vine for Room by Room: Kitchens

Restore Round Table Gets Another Makeover

2011-10-03T18:09:00.001-04:00

I’m on a roll! I’ve been busy around here trying to lighten things up. One of the things I’ve done was change the ottoman in the living room into a round table again. Originally, the ottoman was a round table that I purchased at Habitat for Humanity Restore. You can read all about how I transformed the table into this ottoman here.

I removed the fabric, trim and skirting.

Next, I removed the few remaining staples, sanded the top and repainted it to look like this.

I used my Cricut to make a stencil for the Roman Numerals.

On top of my table, I placed three little cloches that I have picked up here and there. I added three little pumpkins, that I purchased over the weekend from one of our local farmer markets, under each cloche .

I really like how it turned out. Such a little change seems to have really opened the space up.

As always, thanks for stopping by and I’m looking forward to reading your comments about the transformation of the round table once again.

Gail

Linking this post to:

A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Type A for Anything Goes

From My Front Porch to Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday

Kitchen Chandelier for $10

2011-10-02T17:59:00.001-04:00

I’m so excited about my $10 chandelier purchase at the Habitat for Humanity Restore! It was exactly what I was looking for the kitchen BUT the brass had to go.

I hung it from a tree, spray painted it and then decided to hand paint certain areas. Take a look at what it looks like now hanging in my kitchen.

I used Rust-oleum Espresso Brown gloss spray paint. For the hand painted areas I used Worn Penny Metallic Elegant Finish paint. I love this paint! You can get it at Michael’s for $1.89 a bottle. It comes in several different finishes.

What a difference wouldn’t you say? I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out!

It’s been cloudy and rainy the whole weekend, so as soon as we have a sunny day I will take more pictures of my kitchen.

As always, thanks for stopping by and I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of my $10 chandelier!

Gail

Linking this post to:

Home Savvy A to Z for Home Made Monday
Dittle Dattle for Amaze Me Monday
Keeping it Simple for Motivate Me Monday
Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

Coastal Charms for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Sneak Peak At My New Chairs

2011-09-29T07:08:00.001-04:00

I’m happy to say, the vendor was there and the chairs came home with me!

Now I need to get busy and re-cover the seats.

Have a wonderful day!

Gail

Chairs for the Kitchen?

2011-09-28T15:08:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, I went to our local Farmers/Flea Market just looking and there was a vendor there that had six cane back chairs for $150. They were beautiful chairs and in excellent condition. On my way home, I got to thinking (which could be a bad thing) how much I really liked those chairs and that maybe I would just re-do my table so that the chairs would work in my kitchen.

So, on Sunday I started sanding the top.

On Monday, I spray painted the bottom white and started staining the top. The stain I used was Mahogany Miniwax Gel. This was my first time using the Gel stain and I love it.

Keep your fingers crossed, I’m headed back to the Market right now to see if the vendor is there and if those chairs are still there! It’s only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays and I can’t wait till Saturday.

I’ll let you all know if the chairs come home with me!

Gail

I Heart Ross’

2011-09-26T17:49:00.001-04:00

Every time I go into Ross’ I never leave empty handed! I found the cutest things there the other day and I just had to share some of them with you.

I LOVE roosters and when I spotted the white rooster sitting on the shelf he just had to come home with me. Now he’s sitting on my shelf in the kitchen.

Bless This Kitchen wall hanging was another purchase. I love the colors in it. I paid $4.99 for it! Can’t beat that price!

Now this was a unique find, a little electric rooster lamp!

Last but not least, another rooster! This one is made out of tin. I had a big rooster sitting where I have placed this one but unfortunately it got broken :( by me! It broke my heart when the step stool fell on it because it was part of an anniversary gift from my husband a few years ago.

I purchased a few other things that were not roosters but I’ll have to share them with you later. I’m still working on the kitchen and living room and I’ll share the rest with you when I’m done.

Have you shopped at Ross and found some unique things?

As always, thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Coastal Charms for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Kitchen Entryway Wall

2011-09-25T16:04:00.001-04:00

I can’t believe that in a matter of one day my kitchen entryway wall went from looking like this;

to looking like this!

I made my own chalk paint following Sherry’s at No Minimalist Here formula on how to make your own chalk paint and it works! Thank you Sherry!

I bought my sample size paint at Lowes and added Plaster of Paris. The color of the table is called Chamois by Sherwin Williams. I applied two coats, the first coat was with Annie Sloan off white and the second coat was Chamois. I started sanding before the paint had a chance to dry because I wanted a really distressed look.

I even had time this weekend to make the “Gather” sign using what I had left of the cedar board.

I’m anxious to hear what you think….do you like the new look?

As always thanks for the visit and enjoy your day.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Home Savvy A to Z for Home Made Monday
Type A for Anything Goes
Dittle Dattle for Amaze Me Monday
Keeping it Simple for Motivate Me Monday
Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday
Blue Cricket Design for Show and Tell
Restore Interiors for Restore It Wednesday
Domestically Speaking for Power of Paint
Decor To Adore for Fall In Love With Your Home

No Minimalist Here for Open House Party

Kristen's Creations for Share Your Creations

Let’s Talk Trash

2011-09-20T18:56:00.001-04:00

The trash that I want to talk about is in my kitchen and it’s the trash can cabinet pictured below.

I love this cabinet. It’s probably the most functional and used piece of furniture we have in the whole house.

Several years ago, (probably more like eight years ago) Charlie and I purchased the trash can cabinet at a craft show. When we purchased the cabinet it had an oak stain on it. Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of it. It was before my blogging days. Not caring for the oak stain, I painted it black and really liked it BUT…

because I have a lot of black furniture in my kitchen, I’ve been wanting to lighten some of it up and the trash can cabinet was my first lighten up project.

I painted it Annie Sloan Off White, distressed it and added a little dark wax. I added bun feet to the bottom to give it a little more height.

Instead of painting the top, I stained it a dark walnut.

So what do you think, should I have left it black or do you like the off white? For me right now, it’s taking some getting use to. Maybe once I lighten up a few more pieces in the kitchen, I’ll feel different.

As always, thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day.

Gail

Linking this post to:

No Minimalist Here for Open House Party

The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Kristen's Creations for Share Your Creations

Vintage Demijohn Wine Bottle & Crate

2011-09-19T19:38:00.001-04:00

Back in May, I was searching the internet to find out if I had a Demijohn or not, I came across a couple of pictures of a vintage demijohn wine bottle inside a crate. I loved the look of the demijohn inside the crate and thought that would be easy to make. I saved the links in my favorite folder so I could try and make one when I had the time.

This weekend I found the time, and with the help of my husband I made a crate for my demijohn.

A close-up of the demijohn’s crate.

We used 1x1 1/2 inch pieces for the legs and firming strips to make the crate cross members. I applied a light stain and then lightly sanded some of it off.

I’m so happy with the way it turned out.

As always, thanks for stopping by.

Gail

Burlap, Pumpkins & Berries

2011-09-16T17:52:00.001-04:00

Happy Autumn My Friends! Autumn always begins with subtle changes and I’m just like Autumn, I’ve only made a few changes so far. But I can say my mantel shelf in the living room is ready for fall.

This year I decorated more of a rustic feel on the mantel shelf. I used a twig garland that had berries with white and orange pumpkins on it. I added pine cones and made burlap bows.

On one side of the mantel shelf, I have one of my roosters.

And on the other side I have an urn.

I made a mini twig wreath using the berry garland and placed it on top of the urn and added a white lantern. The candle I used inside the lantern is battery operated. I love those candles!

I like most of you, love this time of year!

As always, thanks for stopping by and Autumn Blessings to you,

Gail

Linking this post to:

The Inspired Nest for Fall Nesting

The DIY Showoff for Fall Festival Time

Funky Junk Interiors for SNS#99

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating for Flaunt your Fall

Under The Table and Dreaming for Sunday Showcase

A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
Chic On A Shoe String Decorating for Flaunt it Friday
Finding Fabulous for Frugalicious Fridays
French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
The Shabby Nest for Frugal Fridays
At The Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
2805 for Potpourri Party

The Lettered Cottage for Fall Mantel

Cedar Planked Backdrop

2011-09-15T18:31:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone! It was a beautiful day here today and I spent most of my day working in the garage. I am so excited with what I made that I had to share it with you.

What do you think of my cedar planked backdrop for my clock?

Hopefully, I’ll be back tomorrow to share with you my mantel shelf decorated for fall.

Gail

A Mini Debbiedoo’s Roo

2011-09-13T10:53:00.001-04:00

When Debbie at Debbiedoo’s Blogging and Blabbling posted that she was going to have another Magazine Copy Cat Challenge, I knew immediately what I wanted to do….Debbie’s rooster painting that’s in her kitchen. For those of you who follow her, know that her kitchen was featured in Country Woman Magazine and the rooster painting is in the picture on the back wall.

It’s hard to see so I found a close-up of the rooster painting on Debbie’s blog.

And here is my copy cat challenge of Debbie’s rooster painting.

Because I’m not an artist, I found a rooster print on-line and went to Staples and had them enlarge it. I made the pallet frame with cedar board and painted it. I attached the rooster print with Mod Podge and took a razor blade and slit the cracks so that it looks like it was painted on.

I used some of my weekend finds to finish up with my fall decorating in the kitchen.

Thank you Debbie, for the copy cat challenge! I love my little version of your rooster painting.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday

Kristen's Creations for Share Your Creations

Copper Hunting

2011-09-12T18:15:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, Charlie and I went to a yard sale, flea market and a farmers market looking for some copper pieces. My hunting paid off because I found a few pieces.

I found a coffee and tea canister, jam holder with a spoon, a pot and a cooper fruit mold pictured below.

And that was not my only find. I brought home a drop leaf side table, a vintage wood shoe form and a Demijohn.

I have a demijohn already but not one with a basket. I love this one! As I write this, I’ve already found a place for it.

Now that I have found a few copper pieces, I can finish my fall decorating in the kitchen. My rooster mold that I’ve had for awhile will now have some copper company.

Thanks for stopping by and check back tomorrow as you will see how I used some of my finds in the Debbie Doo’s Magazine Copy Cat challenge!

Gail

Linking this post to:

Coastal Charms for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

I was thinking….

2011-09-08T19:01:00.001-04:00

I have so much STUFF in my shed! I was thinking that if I moved some of it into the garage I could work on the pieces and then sell them.

And that’s just what I did…moved all kinds of things into the garage.

I was thinking that if I painted some of the furniture pieces,

distress some,

reupholster a few and

with a whole lot of creativity that maybe they would sell.

I was thinking I could do a fall show in early October.

What do you think? Am I thinking too much?

Gail

Our Bed and Breakfast Inn

2011-09-06T13:04:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone! How was your Labor Day Weekend? Ours was busy! Lauren and Jordan both came home for the holiday weekend and it was so nice having them home. We had a family gathering on Saturday and everyone was excited to see Jordan as this was his first trip back home since returning from Afghanistan.

I received such a nice compliment from a family member on Saturday. She loved both our guestrooms and felt like she was at a Bed and Breakfast Inn. Now that made me feel proud!

And to think that both of these guestrooms were all trash to treasure finds that were completely transformed. You can read about each room here and here.

Also to let you know, Lauren LOVED the Vintage Inspired bedroom which is now a guestroom for her.

As always, thanks for stopping and enjoy your day.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday
Blue Cricket Design for Show and Tell

Cabinet Door Meets Cute

2011-09-01T18:34:00.001-04:00

WOW it’s September already! I believe the older we get the faster time flies. I love this time of year. It gets me in the mood for some serious cleaning and changing things around the house.

While I was rummaging in my shed, I discovered a cabinet door. I apparently got it at a yard sale because it still had a sticker on it for one dollar. Needless to say, I was excited about my find because it’s now being used as a backdrop for a picture frame above my shelf in the downstairs hallway.

I attached the picture frame to the cabinet door with cabinet door knobs.

Aren’t they the cutest little fellas!

I’m a collector of bottles of all shapes and sizes. I added a few of my bottles and put a sunflower in each one.

I used wired around the bottle neck, made a loop and hung them on the shelf.

It just adds that touch of fall don’t you think?

I found other things in my shed that I forgot I even had! It was like Christmas in my shed in September.

As always, thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Kristen's Creations for Share Your Creations

Vintage Inspired Guestroom

2011-08-30T14:12:00.001-04:00

What a week it has been dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake and Hurricane Irene. Finally, I have had a chance to finish our guestroom.

When Lauren got married and moved out, this left her bedroom empty. The only thing left behind was her bed. Using what furniture pieces I had in my shed that I bought at yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores, auctions or free, I completely transformed her bedroom into what I’m calling my vintage inspired guestroom.

The stained glass window above the bed was purchased at an auction about a year ago. The wrought iron head board I bought at a thrift store. You can read about that transformation here.

The old ladder beside the bedside table I bought at an auction a few years ago. I have a dresser scarf hanging on it that was my Mom’s. The bedside table was a freebie. You can read about how I transformed that here.

The vintage sideboard cabinet works perfectly in this room and holds the TV quite nicely. This too was an auction purchase several years ago and you can read all about that here.

The wire basket beside the sideboard cabinet was a recent purchase at a Flea Market in Tennessee for $6. I love this basket! Charlie and I want to plan a trip back to Tennessee just so that we can go back to that Flea Market. It was a huge Flea Market and their prices were unbelievable! We purchased other items I have yet to blog about. Because we were flying, we shipped everything UPS back to Maryland. For now, I placed a couple of my parents’ photo albums in the wire basket that have some pictures of my childhood.

The only big purchase for this bedroom make-over was the bedding. I purchased both quits, pillow shams and the pillows at HomeGood Store. I layered the quilts. The cream quilt is a full size and the paisley quilt is a twin.

I can’t wait to see what Lauren thinks of her bedroom now. She’s coming home this weekend and will be the first guest to sleep in her bedroom.

As always, thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Type A for Anything Goes

Coastal Charms for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday
Blue Cricket Design for Show and Tell

The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday
Tales from Bloggeritaville for Thrifty Thursday

On Sutton Place for Open House Thursday

Vintage Sideboard Cabinet

2011-08-17T17:43:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone! Several years ago, Charlie and I attended an auction in Culpepper Virginia and I won the bid on this vintage sideboard cabinet. I paid $10 for it and it has been sitting in my shed ever since.

As you know I am in the process of a guest room make-over. I needed a place for the guest room TV and this will work perfect.

The wood wasn’t going to work with what I have planned for the guest room so I painted it.

I used “old white” Annie Sloan (AS) chalk paint and applied the AS dark wax. I added a glass knob to the front instead of the original door pull.

Follow along with me because just about everything in this guest room make-over are items that I have bought at yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores, auctions or were freebies that I have or will be transforming.

The bed frame I purchased at a thrift store for six dollars.

I sprayed painted it and now it has a totally different look. The little round table was a freebie and you can read all about it here.

Below, is a mirror I bought at a yard sale in the spring for five dollars and I will also apply the Annie Sloan chalk paint treatment.

The only big purchase so far, has been the bedding!

As always, thanks for visiting and have a wonderful day.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday

Blue Cricket Design for Show and Tell

The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Tales from Bloggeritaville for Thrifty Thursday

Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Home Savvy A to Z for Savvy HomeMade Monday

Vintage Milk Bottle

2011-08-15T17:57:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago, Charlie and I attended an Indoor Flea Market in Chantilly, Virginia and the only purchase I made was a vintage Harbisons milk bottle for $5. It is embossed on both sides with a script letter H with Harbisons Registered Dairies on it.

I did a little research on my vintage milk bottle and I found that the Harbison’s Dairy was located in Kensington, Philadelphia and closed in the early 1960’s. The dairy is infamous for it’s bottle water tower, which still stands today.

Could it be that my Harbison milk bottle is 50 years old? Oh well, no matter I’m using it right now as a vase for my beautiful hydrangeas that I cut from my yard.

As always, thanks for visiting and enjoy your day.

Gail

Linking this post to:

A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Coastal Charms for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Welcome Home Jordan!

2011-08-12T13:13:00.001-04:00

I can’t begin to tell you the emotions we all felt when this plane touched ground carrying our son and all the other soldiers who left one year ago for Afghanistan.

There were cheers, tears and hugs among all who were there to welcome home their son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, friend, etc. at the 101st Airborne Welcome Home Ceremony.

It was hard to spot your loved one from a distance, as we all tried to pick out our loved one from the line of soldiers.

It seemed as if they had all passed by us, when we spotted Jordan. We were thrilled just to see him. And when he was close enough, we yelled his name and he spotted us with a big smile.

It doesn’t seem like much, but all of Jordan’s personal belongings for his year in Afghanistan were stuffed in that one pack as well as all the soldiers.

They stowed their gear and all marched into the hangar for a brief welcome home ceremony. We really didn’t hear the words spoken, because we were busy trying to spot Jordan amongst his fellow soldiers.

After the ceremony, we had 15 short minutes to hug and talk to Jordan. It felt so good to have him home on US soil.

Thanks to all of you for the sweet comments and emails that we received as we waited for our son to arrive home safely. Your prayers, love and support touched our hearts deeply.

Gail

Coming Home!

2011-08-09T12:25:00.001-04:00

It has been a long time coming. Our son, Jordan, is coming home from Afghanistan. We have thought about him every day this past year, and have been counting down the months, then days and now hours.

The coming home process has been a bit unnerving, when trying to make plans. Unfortunately, circumstances dictate frequent changes to the expected dates and times of arrival. This has necessitated several changes to our departure date from home, hotel reservations, and flight reservations.

After a 13 hour drive, returning Jordan’s truck and some of his personal belongings, we found the last hotel room after checking with three hotels in his base town. The silver lining to the hotel room, was soaking in the Jacuzzi after the long drive.

The whole town is welcoming home our soldiers.

We’re still waiting as there has been yet another change in his time of arrival. Please keep him in your prayers as he makes his journey home.

Gail

It’s all about the Roosters

2011-08-08T22:23:00.001-04:00

Several months ago when I was shopping at Ross’ I found the cutest rooster metal wall plaques. I purchased them not knowing where I would place them since I don’t have a lot kitchen wall space. But when our Dear Miss Sheila at Note Song graciously invited all of us to her Heart of the Home Party and the theme was roosters and chickens, I thought perhaps I would find a home for my roosters and I did in my dinning room.

I love how the beveled metal border frames the roosters.

My original plans were to hang plates above each trophy cup. After I hung the plaques, I really liked the look of the roosters better.

The picture below shows the trophy cups before I hung the rooster plaques.

To think that these little rooster plaques could still be sitting in my garage if it wasn’t for Miss Shelia hosting this fun party. Thanks Miss Shelia!

As always thanks for visiting and enjoy your evening.

Gail

P.S. I have some exciting news to share with you all in the next few days!

An Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Makeover

2011-08-07T08:36:00.001-04:00

WOW I can’t believe how fast you can work with this chalk paint. I was amazed that I could transform this table from this…

to this in a matter of a few hours!

I lightly sanded after applying two coats of the Annie Sloan cream chalk paint and I used clear and dark wax.

The longest and hardest part of the whole transformation of this table was sanding and re-staining the tabletop.

I used Minwax Wood stain and applied three coats to the tabletop. I completed the base of the table before re-staining the top because of the drying time of the stain.

I have to say, I really like this paint and will definitely use it again. In fact, I am placing an order for another color as I have more furniture pieces to paint for this bedroom make-over.

As always, thanks for visiting and have a wonderful day.

Gail

My Order Is In Already

2011-08-05T12:59:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday everyone! I can’t believe how fast I received my Annie Sloan chalk paint. I placed an order for the chalk paint with Catfish Creative Furnishings and within three days I received it.

Now I need to get busy and start painting. I have furniture pieces to paint for a bedroom makeover!

As always, thanks for visiting and have a wonderful weekend.

Gail

I’m Jumping for Joy!

2011-08-03T11:28:00.001-04:00

Hello my friends! Our new heat pump was installed yesterday and let me tell you I am one happy lady. It’s a cool 72 degrees in our house right now.

I love the new thermostat control. It is a touch screen and it is so easy to operate unlike the old one was. As you can see, we will need to repair the wall. The old thermostat control was a stinker to get off the wall and was a lot bigger than the new one. Oh well, I’m just happy that it’s all done and we are comfortable sitting in our own home.

As always, thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day.

Gail

OMG is it HOT in my HOUSE!

2011-08-01T16:06:00.001-04:00

Want to know how hot….check out the thermostat reading!

Yep, it’s 89 degrees in here.

The compressor in our heat pump is “fried” which means we have to replace the heat pump. Thank goodness we’re on the schedule to have it done first thing in the morning. Hopefully, this time tomorrow it will be all cool in our house once again.

As always, thanks for stopping by and enjoy your evening.

Gail

“We Need Color!”

2011-07-26T20:08:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone! I feel as if I’m still trying to catch up on all that I neglected the last few months with Lauren’s wedding and her recent move to North Carolina. She is settling in quite nicely and has become the happy little homemaker. However, she called within a week of moving into their apartment and said “Mom I need your help with our living room……we need color!” So I asked her what color she would like to add and of course she said “whatever you think Mom.” I suggested that maybe she could add green since all of her furniture is brown and she liked that idea. With that being said, I started shopping!

Because they have nothing on their walls and trying to keep cost down, I purchased fabric from Hancock’s Fabric at 50% off and made fabric wall art. We all know how expensive wall art can be and I think this will definitely make a statement and be a focal point in their living room.

I ordered these beautiful curtain panels from Overstock.com. They are the perfect shade of green and will look nice with all the accessories that I’ve purchased.

We are planning a little trip to visit Lauren this weekend, so you know what I will be doing……helping her make her apartment her home. I still have a few more projects to complete for her before we leave so I better get busy.

As always, thanks for the visit and enjoy your day.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday

My Fall Mantel is featured at BHG.Com!

2011-07-22T17:53:00.001-04:00

Several months ago, I was contacted by Elizabeth Jensen at BHG.com asking if they could feature my fall mantel from last year as part of their 2011 Fall Mantel Inspiration Ideas slideshow. Needless to say, I was thrilled and honored to be contacted and asked if they could feature my fall mantel.

You can check out the 2011 Fall Mantel Decorating Ideas slideshow here. It’s so true, you never know who’s looking at your blog.

As always, thanks for the visit and enjoy your weekend.

Gail

They’ve said their I Do’s…..

2011-07-19T10:04:00.001-04:00

and what a beautiful wedding it was!

I have a few pictures I would like to share with all of you that were taken by a friend. As a very nervous mother the day of the wedding, I forgot my camera! I’ll have more pictures to share, once we get our professional pictures back which should be this week.

The whole wedding party. Patrick wore his Military dress uniform and if I have to say so myself, he looked sharp. And weren’t the twin ring bearers and flower girl cute? Now that toddler groomsman was a ham!

Lauren with the groomsmen.

Lauren with her bridesmaids, ring bearers and flower girl.

Would you just look at these young adults. They sure loved “their champagne”, which was white grape juice.

Lauren and Patrick have now settled into their new home in North Carolina. And that leaves my husband and I as empty nesters. We are really happy for our daughter, but we do miss her.

It’s hard to believe that most people have at least a year to plan for a wedding and we (I) did it in just a little over four months. But it all came together beautifully and Lauren and Patrick seemed so happy.

Gail

A Wreath of Lemons and Limes

2011-06-07T05:46:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone! I feel like it’s been a while since I last posted or even visited any of you.

With summer definitely upon us, I thought it was time to replace my spring tulip wreath on the pantry door with a lemon and lime wreath.

I’m a recycler when it comes to wreaths. I try and wire everything to the grapevine frame so that I can reuse the wreath, greens and anything else I happen to use.

The lemons and limes were the only items I purchased. I bought them at Michaels and they were two for the price of one.

Do you recycle your wreaths and greens?

Thanks to all of you who left me such sweet words of condolences regarding the loss of my sweet baby boy Duncan. He was my first and only dog. Your kindness touched my heart.

As always, thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday

Blue Cricket Design for Show and Tell

Good-Bye My Sweet Baby Boy

2011-05-25T17:25:00.001-04:00

I lost my sweet baby boy today.

I feel so lost and I am missing him terribly right now.

Gail

Look At The View From My Kitchen Window

2011-05-11T18:03:00.001-04:00

Isn’t it beautiful! It’s a Clematis vine.

I planted it about three years ago on one side of our deck. It gets full sun and the sad thing is, I do absolutely nothing to it. I don’t even prune it. Now that’s my kind of plant!

I think this particular color is called blue angel. I can see why a Clematis is called “queen of the flowering vine” . Isn’t it just gorgeous?

One more picture of the view from my kitchen window.

As always, thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day.

Welcome, I’m delighted you are here!

2011-05-09T18:50:00.001-04:00

Hello, I hope you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend. I know I did. It’s been crazy busy around my household here lately with my daughter’s wedding only two months away and with Duncan, my fur baby. He’s not doing very well. His health is deteriorating which is requiring a lot of running back and forth to the vet. He was diagnosed in October with diabetes and it is gradually affecting his organs.

On a happier note, I shared a glimpse of my screened-in porch in an earlier post. Now I’d like to share the rest of it with you. Our screened-in porch was originally a breezeway. Two years ago, we converted it into a screened-in porch. It’s a very small porch, but I have to tell you that it is probably the most used space during the spring, summer and fall months. I have three little sitting areas and this is one of them.

Most of the things I used in accessorizing the porch were things I picked up at auctions, yard sales and thrift stores with the exception of a few purchased items. The tin star birdhouse I bought recently at the Christmas Shop.

Another corner with a little sitting area.

Sometime back, I purchased the stain glass windows at an auction and I decided to use them as a backdrop for my tabletop vignettes.

An old bakers rack fills a space on one side of the porch.

The sign was a recent purchase. I bought it at the Christmas Shop which was by the way, my inspiration for this blog title.

Another little vignette on the bakers rack.

I love this little bench! It’s made of stone and it’s very heavy.

It was a Christmas gift from my grandsons two years ago.

An old plant stand I had sits beside the bakers rack and I placed a gazing ball inside it.

Last but not least, another little corner for seating on the porch. This little area is probably the most comfortable seating area with that old metal rocker.

For those of you who ask about how I made my water feature, last year BLJ Graves Studio posted a tutorial on how she made one. I basically followed her tutorial and tweaked mine to fit my needs.

As always, thanks for visiting and I hope you enjoyed.

Gail

Linking this post to:

A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays

Do I Have A Demijohn?

2011-05-06T14:51:00.001-04:00

Last night I was reading a blog by Kim at Savvy Southern Style and she posted about a beautiful green demijohn that she found at her favorite antique mall. After seeing hers, I thought I may have one. This morning, I went out to my shed and found it in a box, that was hidden away.

I don’t know much about demijohns. This one is dark green, has imperfections in the glass and has no markings on it. Could this be a demijohn?

In any case, I’ve cleaned it up and now it’s sitting in a wire basket in my foyer.

Also I discovered this bottle in the same box.

Near the neck and near the base it has written, “Rainbow” . “Full Quart”is written on the neck below Rainbow. There is also some writing on the bottom. Are either of these bottles a demijohn?

Thanks for visiting and enjoy your weekend.

Gail

Front Door Naked No More

2011-05-03T10:05:00.001-04:00

I finally got around to making a new wreath for my front door. It has taken me almost a month to make a new one.

The only purchase I made was the little bird house and I bought that at the Christmas Shop on clearance for $1.75 sometime back. The twig wreath, greenery and flowers I already had on hand.

I even dressed up the front door with our house #. I used my Cricut and cut it out on vinyl. I have been wanting to put our house # on the front door for awhile now and I am so glad I did. It’s a nice added feature.

I like having a wreath on my doors. I think having one is a nice way to greet your guests. Not only do I have wreaths hanging on the outside of our home, I have them hanging on the inside as well.

Now, I’m happy to say that my front door is naked no more!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day.

Gail

Linking this post to:

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday

The Sound of Trickling Water

2011-05-02T17:29:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone! Last week, I spent most of my time outside sprucing things up around here. One of the first things I did was power wash the screened-in porch so I could get my water fountain up and running.

I made my water fountain last year and I could not believe after sitting all winter, it started right up.

I don’t know about you but to me there’s nothing more soothing than the sound of trickling water.

In the next few days, I’ll share a full review of my screened-in porch revealing a few of the changes I have made.

Hope you’re enjoying this beautiful day and thanks for stopping by.

Gail

Linking this post to:

A Stroll Thur Life for Tabletop Tuesday

A Royal Wedding In The Making

2011-04-29T08:21:00.001-04:00

This is our little princess last year on her 22nd birthday and now we are planning a church wedding for her.

The happy couple have set a date for this blessed church event for July 2nd.

Back in February, Lauren and Patrick secretly got married by the Justice of the Peace. However, they both wanted their marriage blessed, so they will be renewing their wedding vows in our local church.

Patrick is serving in the U.S. Army and is stationed in North Carolina. After their Justice of the Peace wedding, Lauren stayed behind to finish up her Associates of Art Degree. She will move to North Carolina to be with her husband after their church ceremony.

In the meantime, if my blogging is sporadic, just know that Lauren and I are busy preparing for her wedding.

Gail

Freshening Up With Fabrics

2011-04-23T06:36:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone! I’ve been flip flopping quite a bit on whether to paint my front porch wicker furniture. Well, I’ve decided I’m going to keep it white. My plans were to paint it yellow but the more I thought about it, I really like the worn chippy look of the white.

Instead, I’m going to simply freshen up the wicker furniture with fabrics.

I’m going to make new cushions and pillows using fabric I just purchased at Hancock’s Fabric. I love this color combination. I can’t wait to get started on my sewing!

Easter is a time for sharing blessings. Thank you for the blessing of our friendship and I hope you all have a wonderful Easter.

Gail

The Woodstove Is Staying

2011-04-18T18:01:00.001-04:00

No matter how hard I tried, I could not convince my hubby to replace the woodstove with a gas fireplace. He just loves having his woodstove so I just gave up in favor of what he wanted. He is after all, so very generous and lets me do what I want (except replace the woodstove) when it comes to the interior of our home.

Much to my surprise, after putting up the picture frame wainscoting, the woodstove doesn’t look bad.

Living Room before adding the picture frame wainscoting.

I absolutely love the architectural details the picture frame wainscoting has given to our home.

Although, I may not have gotten that gorgeous fireplace with a mantel, I still have my little mantel shelf. I’ll just keep on decorating that and just admire everybody else’s beautifully decorated fireplace mantels.

Thanks for stopping by and may the Blessings of this joyous season find it’s way into your home.

Happy Easter

Gail

Linking this post to:

A Stroll Thru Life for Tuesday Top Tuesday

Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday

Blue Cricket Design for Show and Tell

All Things Heart and Home for All Things Inspired

No Minimalist Here for Open House

It Has Been A Good Day

2011-04-16T17:47:00.001-04:00

Sometimes, rainy stormy days can be a good thing.

For working on projects like this.

We’re almost finished with the picture frame wainscoting in the living room!

I just love days like this when you feel like you’ve gotten a lot done! How was your day?

Gail

Adding A Little French To The Kitchen

2011-04-15T16:44:00.001-04:00

Do you remember a few months ago when I purchased this little foot stool at a yard sale?

And I transformed it to this.

Well I can’t leave well enough alone. It has received a new make-over!

Karen, at The Graphic Fairy has the most beautiful clip art images and vintage printables that you can download for free. I was browsing her search category and came across this fabulous Chocolat European advertising piece, with French typography.

I downloaded it to a printable PDF file and printed it on fabric. For a tutorial on how I use my printer to copy on fabric you can go here.

Thanks Karen, I’m so happy with how it turned out and I love the new Frenchy look! Now I’m off to see what else I can make using Karen’s graphics.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend.

Gail

Will be linking this post to Brag Monday @ The Graphics Fairy

Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe

2011-04-12T12:26:00.001-04:00

Or maybe I should say one potato, two potato, three potato four! I have so many outside projects to do that I don’t know which one to start first.

First on my list is the front porch. I would like to paint the wicker furniture a canary yellow but I’m thinking that color maybe a bit too bold for me. I can’t seem to make a decision. Would you go bold or keep it white? I keep going back and forth.

I know what to do, I’ll just invite Debbie from Debbiedoo’s over to push me out of my comfort zone. She loves color!

My plans are to make new seat cushions and pillows depending on what color I decide to paint the wicker furniture.

I have yet to make a new wreath for the front door. That’s on my list of things to do and of course accessorize the porch with wind tolerance accessories. We have strong winds and it seems like everything tends to either get broken or I’m forever picking things up.

Second is the screened-in porch . It needs to be power washed from top to bottom, re-accessorize and maybe make new pillows. Look at my hanging tin by the door with absolutely nothing in it!

Third, the deck needs to be re-stained and furniture repainted. This deck gets full sun and it gets very hot in the dead of summer.

And then there’s the yard work! Weeds need to be pulled, trees need trimming, flowers need to be planted and 50 bags of mulch needs to be put down.

I’m exhausted just typing this so I’ll just decide tomorrow. Just kidding, it’s stormy outside today so I’ll continue making my family room curtains. Whatever I decide to do first, you will be the first to know, well maybe not the first but I will be sure to keep you posted.

Have you ever felt like there is so much to do and you just don’t know where to start first?

Thanks for the visit and enjoy your day.

Gail