Hi, ladies. I am taking a break from...well, virtually everything. God has asked me to purge the things in my life that don't contribute to strengthening my relationship with Him. So I will be spending more time away from my computer for a while so I can spend more time in communion with my God. I'll be back--and I'll miss you!
P.S. I will still be visiting some of my favorite blogs occasionally for inspiration and encouragement. It's the writing, uploading pictures and posting that takes so much time--but if you're reading this, you already know that! :)
-T
Life is good in my little world. Welcome.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Seize the mess
May as well make more cards as long as the mess is all over the dining room table and the hubby is out late!!
My hubby got me the sticky little gel-like "signs" for Christmas--this is my first time using them.
"Believe" for my mom. She loves flip-flops. I love how these colors and papers coordinate. Yummy.
"Happy" for whomever. I put thread through a button for the first time--me likes!!
And "Friend" for my boss/neighbor/friend. She likes polka dots like I do.
It's not even 6:00 so I've got a few hours--I'm gonna see what else I can churn out! :)
My hubby got me the sticky little gel-like "signs" for Christmas--this is my first time using them.
"Believe" for my mom. She loves flip-flops. I love how these colors and papers coordinate. Yummy.
"Happy" for whomever. I put thread through a button for the first time--me likes!!
And "Friend" for my boss/neighbor/friend. She likes polka dots like I do.
It's not even 6:00 so I've got a few hours--I'm gonna see what else I can churn out! :)
A not-so-normal Tuesday night
UPDATE:
My dad loved his knorks!!! He was all impressed that I actually tracked them down. My mom called last night to report that they used them with pork chops and they worked great. This may be my go-to gift for hard-to-buy-for men from now on!!
But on to last night.
A "normal" weeknight consists of my hubby and I passing each other as one rushes to a meeting or social obligation and the other stays home with our son. Last night afforded us a night "off," so we enjoyed a quiet dinner together...
...then he played his new video game and I made some cards and enjoyed the cup of coffee that I never had in the morning while our son "painted" next to me.
I needed two sympathy cards so it was challenging to find non-celebratory sentiments to use! They're not spectacular but they'll do. I'm at the end of this set of blank cards--the next set will be smaller because I find these hard to fill up.
Then after his bath, my son decided to try on these black heels--and headed straight to the front door, saying, "Mommy, go bye-bye in the car?" My hubby asked, "Where does he think he's going, a drag party?" Yup, diaper and heels. That'd be quite the party.
I hope you had a relatively "normal" night, too!
P.S. I think he has my legs.
My dad loved his knorks!!! He was all impressed that I actually tracked them down. My mom called last night to report that they used them with pork chops and they worked great. This may be my go-to gift for hard-to-buy-for men from now on!!
But on to last night.
A "normal" weeknight consists of my hubby and I passing each other as one rushes to a meeting or social obligation and the other stays home with our son. Last night afforded us a night "off," so we enjoyed a quiet dinner together...
...then he played his new video game and I made some cards and enjoyed the cup of coffee that I never had in the morning while our son "painted" next to me.
I needed two sympathy cards so it was challenging to find non-celebratory sentiments to use! They're not spectacular but they'll do. I'm at the end of this set of blank cards--the next set will be smaller because I find these hard to fill up.
Then after his bath, my son decided to try on these black heels--and headed straight to the front door, saying, "Mommy, go bye-bye in the car?" My hubby asked, "Where does he think he's going, a drag party?" Yup, diaper and heels. That'd be quite the party.
I hope you had a relatively "normal" night, too!
P.S. I think he has my legs.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
This is...the space in which I create.
Here's my (late) installment of the "This Is..." meme.
I could've taken a picture of my bed because that's where I get my most creative ideas--many of which get lost in the fog of sleep.
So despite having a desk, I actually do my crafting at the dining table. It's big and flat and affords me a view of the main part of the house. My sons "crafts" with me, in case you're wondering what I do with scribbled-upon sheets of construction paper!
I need to drag my stuff out again and do more crafting soon!! Or, I suppose I could clean off my desk...
Monday, June 16, 2008
Imperfectly Beautiful
If you came over from The Nesting Place, WELCOME! This is my installment of IDHTBPTBB!
I've already visited several participating blogs, many of which posted pictures from their home "as is" TODAY. My main installment is from February, but so you don't feel cheated, I took this one less than a minute ago. Yep, he's zonked out and nope, I'm not moving him. He naps beautifully on the couch so there he stays. Yes, our family room is a wreck, which it always is after a good weekend. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Moving on...
My back porch leaves MUCH to be desired--but for my Fifth Annual Valentine's Day Potluck Tea Party, I was heart-set on having it outdoors. The back patio became as beautiful as I could make it, despite the lack of landscaping and the mis-matched...well, EVERYthing! It's all about creative distraction!
Make my day--leave a comment so I can come see YOUR IDHTBPTBB!
-Tab th
I've already visited several participating blogs, many of which posted pictures from their home "as is" TODAY. My main installment is from February, but so you don't feel cheated, I took this one less than a minute ago. Yep, he's zonked out and nope, I'm not moving him. He naps beautifully on the couch so there he stays. Yes, our family room is a wreck, which it always is after a good weekend. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Moving on...
My back porch leaves MUCH to be desired--but for my Fifth Annual Valentine's Day Potluck Tea Party, I was heart-set on having it outdoors. The back patio became as beautiful as I could make it, despite the lack of landscaping and the mis-matched...well, EVERYthing! It's all about creative distraction!
Make my day--leave a comment so I can come see YOUR IDHTBPTBB!
-Tab th
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day!!
Our son colored this for my hubby tonight. He loves purple and green these days!
I'll let you know how my dad likes his Knork! :)
Here's us on his birthday, Sept. 07
He still calls me his Sweet Baby and I still idolize him. He still cleans my car windows, gives me money, loans me his favorite books and gives me advice. He's the best dad a girl could ask for. I am so very blessed.
I hope you enjoy Father's Day with your dad and/or the father of your children! Let me know if you did anything special!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Random stuff you've never wondered about
· What time did you get up today? 9:30, ahead of everyone!
· Diamonds or pearls? BOTH! But diamonds are a fave!
· Latest movie in a movie theater? Aaahh…can’t remember!!
· Favorite TV series? What Not to Wear
· What did you have for breakfast? Cinnamon rolls, eggs, bacon and coffee
· What’s your middle name? Anne
· Favorite food? Italian--especially lasagna
· Which food don't you like? Indian. Don't like the spices or the ginger
· What's your favorite CD at the moment? I still enjoy Norah Jones but I don't buy very many.
· What car do you drive? Green 2000 Ford Contour Sport
· Favorite sandwich? A club with the works!
· Which human traits can't you stand? Manipulation, sarcasm with the intent to hurt feelings, dishing it out without being able to take it, close-mindedness
· What are your favorite clothes? Long, flowing skirts
· If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Italy
· Favorite clothing brand? J. Jill
· Where would you like to retire? Hmmm...on a lake somewhere cooler
· Favorite time of day? Twilight. That's when we had our wedding reception
· Where were you born? Jacksonville, FL, USA
· Which is your favorite sport to watch? football
· Coke or Pepsi? Coke (diet, of course, grrr)
· Soccer or hockey? Eh, neither
· Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night owl, all the way!
· Pedicure or manicure? Pedicure. I can’t keep polish on my fingernails.
· Any exciting news to share? I’m not pregnant, which is a good thing for now!
· What did you want to become as a child? A teacher. I did it for two years and hated it.
· Best childhood memory? Family vacations to the beach or lake
· Ever been to Africa? No
· Ever rolled anybody in toilet paper? Only as a bridal shower game!
· Have you ever been in a car accident? Just minor fender-benders
· Favorite day of the week? Saturday. Family time!
· Favorite flower? Gerber daisies (pink)
· Favorite - Hot dog or Chinese food? Chinese, but not in summer!
· Do you own a bike? Yes but my neighbor wrecked it and hasn’t fixed it yet
· Who was you latest e-mail from? Walgreens, saying my print order is ready
· Where would you like to shop more if you could afford to? Etsy!!
· Bed time? Between 10 and 11
· Latest person to share dinner with? As in, not in front of the TV??? Can't remember!!
· What are you up to now? Getting ready for church tomorrow and family festivities afterward. Packing bathing suits, making a pile to take with me, etc.
· Favorite color? green
· How many tattoos? Just one! A prickly pear cactus I got in 1998, the day before I moved from Florida to Arizona. The best decision I ever made (the move, not necessarily the tattoo!!)
· Diamonds or pearls? BOTH! But diamonds are a fave!
· Latest movie in a movie theater? Aaahh…can’t remember!!
· Favorite TV series? What Not to Wear
· What did you have for breakfast? Cinnamon rolls, eggs, bacon and coffee
· What’s your middle name? Anne
· Favorite food? Italian--especially lasagna
· Which food don't you like? Indian. Don't like the spices or the ginger
· What's your favorite CD at the moment? I still enjoy Norah Jones but I don't buy very many.
· What car do you drive? Green 2000 Ford Contour Sport
· Favorite sandwich? A club with the works!
· Which human traits can't you stand? Manipulation, sarcasm with the intent to hurt feelings, dishing it out without being able to take it, close-mindedness
· What are your favorite clothes? Long, flowing skirts
· If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Italy
· Favorite clothing brand? J. Jill
· Where would you like to retire? Hmmm...on a lake somewhere cooler
· Favorite time of day? Twilight. That's when we had our wedding reception
· Where were you born? Jacksonville, FL, USA
· Which is your favorite sport to watch? football
· Coke or Pepsi? Coke (diet, of course, grrr)
· Soccer or hockey? Eh, neither
· Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night owl, all the way!
· Pedicure or manicure? Pedicure. I can’t keep polish on my fingernails.
· Any exciting news to share? I’m not pregnant, which is a good thing for now!
· What did you want to become as a child? A teacher. I did it for two years and hated it.
· Best childhood memory? Family vacations to the beach or lake
· Ever been to Africa? No
· Ever rolled anybody in toilet paper? Only as a bridal shower game!
· Have you ever been in a car accident? Just minor fender-benders
· Favorite day of the week? Saturday. Family time!
· Favorite flower? Gerber daisies (pink)
· Favorite - Hot dog or Chinese food? Chinese, but not in summer!
· Do you own a bike? Yes but my neighbor wrecked it and hasn’t fixed it yet
· Who was you latest e-mail from? Walgreens, saying my print order is ready
· Where would you like to shop more if you could afford to? Etsy!!
· Bed time? Between 10 and 11
· Latest person to share dinner with? As in, not in front of the TV??? Can't remember!!
· What are you up to now? Getting ready for church tomorrow and family festivities afterward. Packing bathing suits, making a pile to take with me, etc.
· Favorite color? green
· How many tattoos? Just one! A prickly pear cactus I got in 1998, the day before I moved from Florida to Arizona. The best decision I ever made (the move, not necessarily the tattoo!!)
Putting the 'Good' back in 'Goodwill'
Ok, I apologize, Goodwill. Even after I bad-mouthed you, you were still good to me and gave me almost everything on my list and at great prices. I will not doubt you again.
My SIL and I almost didn't go--but I'm sure glad we did!! We went to the one closest to us (it was HOT today) just 2 miles away and got some great deals.
This made it worth going out: this is almost the identical cheese plate/glass dome I passed up last weekend, saying I'd wait for half-price day!! I got it for $3!!!! SCORE!! Besides being a fun way to display cheese and crackers (the base is teak!), I plan to use the dome on my good china plates to jazz up tea party fare or I can picture it in my front room with a bird's nest under it, like a cloche. You can't even find the dome for less than $10 retail so I was thrilled, and SO glad I waited. Gotta follow your intuition, I guess!!
I also wanted to snag a bathing suit cover-up for a couple poolside events coming up. All I had in mind was a light tunic top in white or a pretty color--and there ya go! I think it was $1.50. LOVE the color and there's even some pretty detailing on the sleeve and neck. Nice.
Here's another item I was hunting for: a cool container for my hubby to chuck his keys, wallet and iPod into when he gets home from work. Kinda unique and not too feminine. He liked it. $1.
Then for 50 cents each, I couldn't resist these little metal miniatures: one a tea pot, one a bird cage. I figure they'll come in handy for tablescapes and centerpieces and whatnot. I could even put a votive candle in the tea pot. Cute!
Even grabbed these nice books for $1.50 each. I believe the "Swell" book is the same people behind the Swell line at Target??
UPDATE!! Here's the stuff my sweet hubby hung from last weekend.
This is the updated (but unfinished) version of the laundry room: my new "Laundry" sign and, see in the background? The washing board hanging by the garage door. I changed my mind--I want this room to be a darker, more neutral color to suit the rest of the house. Maybe even brown. Booor-iiiing, right? Oh, well. I want it to be sort of an "old-fashioned" laundry room. I may string up some vintage linens or something. My hubby is also planning to add a pole so I can hang stuff. Always a work in progress, right??
And here's the $15 vintage shelf for above the potty.
And its contents. Notice the $1.50 aqua Mason jar from last weekend. The rest I already had, including the $3 lantern from Target. I must like aqua cuz I had a lot! And my shells from Florida.
Can't wait to see what you guys did this weekend--leave me a comment if you have anything worth sharing so I can check it out!!
My SIL and I almost didn't go--but I'm sure glad we did!! We went to the one closest to us (it was HOT today) just 2 miles away and got some great deals.
This made it worth going out: this is almost the identical cheese plate/glass dome I passed up last weekend, saying I'd wait for half-price day!! I got it for $3!!!! SCORE!! Besides being a fun way to display cheese and crackers (the base is teak!), I plan to use the dome on my good china plates to jazz up tea party fare or I can picture it in my front room with a bird's nest under it, like a cloche. You can't even find the dome for less than $10 retail so I was thrilled, and SO glad I waited. Gotta follow your intuition, I guess!!
I also wanted to snag a bathing suit cover-up for a couple poolside events coming up. All I had in mind was a light tunic top in white or a pretty color--and there ya go! I think it was $1.50. LOVE the color and there's even some pretty detailing on the sleeve and neck. Nice.
Here's another item I was hunting for: a cool container for my hubby to chuck his keys, wallet and iPod into when he gets home from work. Kinda unique and not too feminine. He liked it. $1.
Then for 50 cents each, I couldn't resist these little metal miniatures: one a tea pot, one a bird cage. I figure they'll come in handy for tablescapes and centerpieces and whatnot. I could even put a votive candle in the tea pot. Cute!
Even grabbed these nice books for $1.50 each. I believe the "Swell" book is the same people behind the Swell line at Target??
UPDATE!! Here's the stuff my sweet hubby hung from last weekend.
This is the updated (but unfinished) version of the laundry room: my new "Laundry" sign and, see in the background? The washing board hanging by the garage door. I changed my mind--I want this room to be a darker, more neutral color to suit the rest of the house. Maybe even brown. Booor-iiiing, right? Oh, well. I want it to be sort of an "old-fashioned" laundry room. I may string up some vintage linens or something. My hubby is also planning to add a pole so I can hang stuff. Always a work in progress, right??
And here's the $15 vintage shelf for above the potty.
And its contents. Notice the $1.50 aqua Mason jar from last weekend. The rest I already had, including the $3 lantern from Target. I must like aqua cuz I had a lot! And my shells from Florida.
Can't wait to see what you guys did this weekend--leave me a comment if you have anything worth sharing so I can check it out!!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Friday's Find
I love this!!
The seller said, "A vintage poster commissioned by the British Government in August 1939 to be posted in times of 'crisis or invasion.'
There where three posters of similar design created for public confidence and this one was never posted."
I especially love this color! Check it out (link is below).
BlueLima on Etsy
Goodwill to Women
Is YOUR local Goodwill having their "Half Price Saturday" this Saturday?? The ones in the Phoenix Valley are!! EVERYthing is half price!!
We were at Goodwill last weekend in a different part of town and had a blast, but there were a few items that Mom and I passed on, saying, "That can wait for a half-price day." It'd hard to pay $6 when you can pay $3!!
Our closest store isn't actually very good, just because it sits in a strange part of town. There are plenty more within even ten miles, so I'm going to be mapping out a few and heading out early Saturday morning. I'm looking for a glass dome, a cool container to corral my husband's wallet and keys and a few other random things. In the valley where it's 100 degrees even by 8:00am, Goodwill being air conditioned is just another major perk! It's like a giant indoor garage sale! I'm SO there!
We were at Goodwill last weekend in a different part of town and had a blast, but there were a few items that Mom and I passed on, saying, "That can wait for a half-price day." It'd hard to pay $6 when you can pay $3!!
Our closest store isn't actually very good, just because it sits in a strange part of town. There are plenty more within even ten miles, so I'm going to be mapping out a few and heading out early Saturday morning. I'm looking for a glass dome, a cool container to corral my husband's wallet and keys and a few other random things. In the valley where it's 100 degrees even by 8:00am, Goodwill being air conditioned is just another major perk! It's like a giant indoor garage sale! I'm SO there!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Father's Day
This cracks me up! It came from "Better Homes & Gardens" magazine. You could have a lot of fun with this one! They want you to bake a brownie in a 13x9 pan (lined with foil) and transfer it to a gift box, then frost it. They suggest cake decorating gel for the pocket and collar. For the tie, they have you draw an outline of a tie on a piece of wax paper, then melt white chocolate chips to spread into the tie shape. Then you can add candy to jazz it up. After that, cut around the edge with a sharp knife, then transfer onto brownie.
Their other suggestion is just to draw the outline with the gel and fill in with candy, right on the brownie. That's probably what I'll do. The main thing is, I'll let our 2.5-year-old place the candy for a one-of-a-kind work of art! My hubby doesn't even have to wear ties anymore, which makes it that much funnier!!
Enjoy! And, if you're like my family, don't forget to take a picture of Dad WITH the cake!! :)
Success (with pictures)!!
Don'tcha kinda hate it when stuff you're looking for shows up right where it belongs?? It's typically the last place I look, since so many things are always misplaced! So, yes, the camera was right on the desk...just sitting behind a pile of our new insurance information, about a foot from where I was looking for it. But a big "Phew!" that it's not lost!!
So I'm updating my previous post WITH PICTURES!
My mom and I had a wonderful time during our brief mother-daughter weekend getaway in lovely Glendale, Arizona. Get the details about The Gaslight Inn and downtown Glendale from this previous post.
It couldn't have been nicer--especially when we only had to walk about ten steps from our room for an amazing evening with delicious fare and fabulous live jazz music!
The shopping was a HUGE success!! I marked quite a bit off my to-buy list and have a better idea of average prices for the rest of it--so now I can find a bargain!
Let's start with what I was actually looking for, shall we? :)
First is this brand new vignette above my pantry. I found the coffee artwork (the silver spoons are real and the letters are a fuzzy texture) at the coffee shop where we had the best iced coffee EVER. Really. It was just $10. Then I started searching for a coffee pot but they were anywhere from $25 to $50 in the antique stores--OUCH!! So I waited until we could go to Goodwill and sure enough, this one fit the bill and was missing a lid (can't tell that high up!) and was $3. The coffee canister was about $2, also at Goodwill.
I didn't find any large pieces of white ware for the left hand side, but remembered I had this red/flowered Southern Living At HOME platter, which I ADORE, so I just revamped this area. The "Florida" tray is new (to me) and was $3. I couldn't resist since it's my home state! I may move it just I like it there for now. The top of these cabinets are satisfactory to me for now. A work in progress, of course.
I DID find a white vintage shelf for above the toilet--you'll recognize it from just about every bathroom you ever went into growing up. But I love it, both for the nostalgia and the fact that it is exactly what I had in mind. I have it decorated already--I just need it hung!! THEN I'll post a picture. My honey-do list is growing! I also got what I was looking for for the laundry room--a "Laundry" sign for above the door in the hall and an old (probably reproduction) washing board! Again, pictures AFTER it's hung!
Now onto what I wasn't looking for!
This turquoise chair is delightful, it was marked down to $3. I had the pot, oddly enough. Then it occurred to me that it would make a fun place to display jewelry!
This metal pear is just...funky. $10 in a neat little shop. I told Mom, "It's the decorative pear you'd use in a medieval castle." I like it with my pineapple and cross.
At my favorite shop, all I got was this teeny little bird to go on this little chair! But I adore it! I love that he's looking down with his bum in the air!
This adorable polka dot tote bag was like $9, so how could I resist?? The band in the middle is pink patent leather! Heehee. I coordinate the "Polka Dot Tots" group for moms with preschoolers at church so this will be perfect to "tote" stuff around in. The two little buckets were $1 each at Goodwill, great to hold fliers and such on the table at church. I bought the fabric at Wal-Mart yesterday--should make a cute display!
AND HERE IS THE FIND OF THE DAY! a piece of embroidered artwork, framed, with my "Roots & Wings" quote!! It has a sort of Amish feel to it and was only $30!! It's hanging prominently in my Morning Room, in a spot my hubby suggested. I adore it.
Here it is "in context."
After hitting the antique stores, we finished up at Goodwill and Tuesday Morning. T.M. was new for us. I scored this new embroidery book for $5...
...and an Amy Butler scrap booking kit! It retails for $10 at paperaddict.com and I got it for $5.
And there ya go!! I got so inspired with updating things and moving stuff around that I grabbed these items and moved them next to my tub. It needed bigger pieces and the lavender doesn't really work elsewhere--so I love it in here!! Way better than cluttering up my Morning Room.
So if you're local or just interested, we did most of our shopping in these three places:1. The Mad Hatter was more of an antique mall but had a lot of unique booths and lots of goodies to explore. That's where I got the little chair and the shelf.
Click on the link below for their web site.
Mad Hatter Link
2. The Apple Tree was more primitive and country but still had come really fun finds. I got my laundry stuff and the Roots & Wings artwork there. Their web site is under construction.
3. The Cottage Garden. I love that shop but all I got this time was a bird. Here's the link to their web site.
Cottage Garden Link
Then we had THE BEST iced coffee I've ever had at A Shot of Java! That's where I got my coffee artwork, too.
A Shot of Java Link
Any fab finds in your neck of the woods??
So I'm updating my previous post WITH PICTURES!
My mom and I had a wonderful time during our brief mother-daughter weekend getaway in lovely Glendale, Arizona. Get the details about The Gaslight Inn and downtown Glendale from this previous post.
It couldn't have been nicer--especially when we only had to walk about ten steps from our room for an amazing evening with delicious fare and fabulous live jazz music!
The shopping was a HUGE success!! I marked quite a bit off my to-buy list and have a better idea of average prices for the rest of it--so now I can find a bargain!
Let's start with what I was actually looking for, shall we? :)
First is this brand new vignette above my pantry. I found the coffee artwork (the silver spoons are real and the letters are a fuzzy texture) at the coffee shop where we had the best iced coffee EVER. Really. It was just $10. Then I started searching for a coffee pot but they were anywhere from $25 to $50 in the antique stores--OUCH!! So I waited until we could go to Goodwill and sure enough, this one fit the bill and was missing a lid (can't tell that high up!) and was $3. The coffee canister was about $2, also at Goodwill.
I didn't find any large pieces of white ware for the left hand side, but remembered I had this red/flowered Southern Living At HOME platter, which I ADORE, so I just revamped this area. The "Florida" tray is new (to me) and was $3. I couldn't resist since it's my home state! I may move it just I like it there for now. The top of these cabinets are satisfactory to me for now. A work in progress, of course.
I DID find a white vintage shelf for above the toilet--you'll recognize it from just about every bathroom you ever went into growing up. But I love it, both for the nostalgia and the fact that it is exactly what I had in mind. I have it decorated already--I just need it hung!! THEN I'll post a picture. My honey-do list is growing! I also got what I was looking for for the laundry room--a "Laundry" sign for above the door in the hall and an old (probably reproduction) washing board! Again, pictures AFTER it's hung!
Now onto what I wasn't looking for!
This turquoise chair is delightful, it was marked down to $3. I had the pot, oddly enough. Then it occurred to me that it would make a fun place to display jewelry!
This metal pear is just...funky. $10 in a neat little shop. I told Mom, "It's the decorative pear you'd use in a medieval castle." I like it with my pineapple and cross.
At my favorite shop, all I got was this teeny little bird to go on this little chair! But I adore it! I love that he's looking down with his bum in the air!
This adorable polka dot tote bag was like $9, so how could I resist?? The band in the middle is pink patent leather! Heehee. I coordinate the "Polka Dot Tots" group for moms with preschoolers at church so this will be perfect to "tote" stuff around in. The two little buckets were $1 each at Goodwill, great to hold fliers and such on the table at church. I bought the fabric at Wal-Mart yesterday--should make a cute display!
AND HERE IS THE FIND OF THE DAY! a piece of embroidered artwork, framed, with my "Roots & Wings" quote!! It has a sort of Amish feel to it and was only $30!! It's hanging prominently in my Morning Room, in a spot my hubby suggested. I adore it.
Here it is "in context."
After hitting the antique stores, we finished up at Goodwill and Tuesday Morning. T.M. was new for us. I scored this new embroidery book for $5...
...and an Amy Butler scrap booking kit! It retails for $10 at paperaddict.com and I got it for $5.
And there ya go!! I got so inspired with updating things and moving stuff around that I grabbed these items and moved them next to my tub. It needed bigger pieces and the lavender doesn't really work elsewhere--so I love it in here!! Way better than cluttering up my Morning Room.
So if you're local or just interested, we did most of our shopping in these three places:1. The Mad Hatter was more of an antique mall but had a lot of unique booths and lots of goodies to explore. That's where I got the little chair and the shelf.
Click on the link below for their web site.
Mad Hatter Link
2. The Apple Tree was more primitive and country but still had come really fun finds. I got my laundry stuff and the Roots & Wings artwork there. Their web site is under construction.
3. The Cottage Garden. I love that shop but all I got this time was a bird. Here's the link to their web site.
Cottage Garden Link
Then we had THE BEST iced coffee I've ever had at A Shot of Java! That's where I got my coffee artwork, too.
A Shot of Java Link
Any fab finds in your neck of the woods??
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Strawberry Cleanser
This is one of my favorite facials--it leaves your skin tingly and refreshed. Fabulous after a long day in the heat! You could even make it in the morning then store it in the fridge to apply later in the day!
You will need 4 very ripe strawberries and 2 drops of yarrow or peppermint essential oil.
Instructions: mash the strawberries and pres through mesh strainer or squeeze through cheesecloth or panty hose. Catch the juice in a small bowl. Then add the essential oil and blend. Apply to face and neck with a saturated cotton square and massage into skin for about 1 minute. Avoid the eyes! Rinse with cool water.
Enjoy!
You will need 4 very ripe strawberries and 2 drops of yarrow or peppermint essential oil.
Instructions: mash the strawberries and pres through mesh strainer or squeeze through cheesecloth or panty hose. Catch the juice in a small bowl. Then add the essential oil and blend. Apply to face and neck with a saturated cotton square and massage into skin for about 1 minute. Avoid the eyes! Rinse with cool water.
Enjoy!
Monday, June 9, 2008
SUCCESS!!
My mom and I had a wonderful time during our brief mother-daughter weekend getaway in lovely Glendale, Arizona. Get the details about The Gaslight Inn and downtown Glendale from this previous post (copy and paste into your browser):
http://proudgrits.blogspot.com/2008/05/motherdaughter-getaway.html
It couldn't have been nicer--especially when we only had to walk about ten steps from our room for an amazing evening with delicious fare and fabulous live jazz music!
The shopping was a HUGE success!! I marked quite a bit off my to-buy list and have a better idea of average prices for the rest of it--so now I can find a bargain! I got a white vintage shelf for above the toilet--you'll recognize it from just about every bathroom you ever went into growing up. But I love it, both for the nostalgia and the fact that it is exactly what I had in mind. I have it decorated already--I just need it hung!!
I also got a decorative little bird, a turquoise miniature chair, a 1950s "Florida" tray, a "Laundry" sign and washing board...
BUT THE FIND OF THE DAY was a piece of embroidered artwork, framed, with my "Roots & Wings" quote!! It has a sort of Amish feel to it and was only $30!! It's hanging prominently in my Morning Room, in a spot my hubby suggested. I adore it.
I waited on a few items, figuring I could find them at the local Goodwill--and I did!! For about 90% less, too. I got an aqua-colored Mason jar for $1.50 (half of $3) that I'd seen all over the antique stores for well over $10. The same of a black coffee pot that matches a new piece of coffee artwork. They were $25-$45 elsewhere but the one I found was missing a lid and was $3. The coffee stuff is now a cute vignette above my pantry.
YES, PICTURES ARE COMING SOON!! Just wanted to give you an update.
Naturally, I found some things I wasn't really looking for. There was a really cool metal pear that goes nicely with a beaded pineapple and a metal cross in my entry hall. I found a fabulous polka dot tote bag for $9! Then at "Tuesday Morning," I found this new embroidery book for $5...
...and an Amy Butler scrap booking kit! It retails for $10 at paperaddict.com and I got it for $5.
In the meantime, if you're interested, we did most of our shopping in these three places:1. The Mad Hatter was more of an antique mall but had a lot of unique booths and lots of goodies to explore. That's where I got the little chair and the shelf.
Click on the link below for their web site.
Mad Hatter Link
2. The Apple Tree was more primitive and country but still had come really fun finds. I got my laundry stuff and the Roots & Wings artwork there. Their web site is under construction.
3. The Cottage Garden. I love that shop but all I got this time was a bird. Here's the link to their web site.
Cottage Garden Link
Then we had THE BEST iced coffee I've ever had at A Shot of Java! That's where I got my coffee artwork, too.
A Shot of Java Link
Any fab finds in your neck of the woods??
http://proudgrits.blogspot.com/2008/05/motherdaughter-getaway.html
It couldn't have been nicer--especially when we only had to walk about ten steps from our room for an amazing evening with delicious fare and fabulous live jazz music!
The shopping was a HUGE success!! I marked quite a bit off my to-buy list and have a better idea of average prices for the rest of it--so now I can find a bargain! I got a white vintage shelf for above the toilet--you'll recognize it from just about every bathroom you ever went into growing up. But I love it, both for the nostalgia and the fact that it is exactly what I had in mind. I have it decorated already--I just need it hung!!
I also got a decorative little bird, a turquoise miniature chair, a 1950s "Florida" tray, a "Laundry" sign and washing board...
BUT THE FIND OF THE DAY was a piece of embroidered artwork, framed, with my "Roots & Wings" quote!! It has a sort of Amish feel to it and was only $30!! It's hanging prominently in my Morning Room, in a spot my hubby suggested. I adore it.
I waited on a few items, figuring I could find them at the local Goodwill--and I did!! For about 90% less, too. I got an aqua-colored Mason jar for $1.50 (half of $3) that I'd seen all over the antique stores for well over $10. The same of a black coffee pot that matches a new piece of coffee artwork. They were $25-$45 elsewhere but the one I found was missing a lid and was $3. The coffee stuff is now a cute vignette above my pantry.
YES, PICTURES ARE COMING SOON!! Just wanted to give you an update.
Naturally, I found some things I wasn't really looking for. There was a really cool metal pear that goes nicely with a beaded pineapple and a metal cross in my entry hall. I found a fabulous polka dot tote bag for $9! Then at "Tuesday Morning," I found this new embroidery book for $5...
...and an Amy Butler scrap booking kit! It retails for $10 at paperaddict.com and I got it for $5.
In the meantime, if you're interested, we did most of our shopping in these three places:1. The Mad Hatter was more of an antique mall but had a lot of unique booths and lots of goodies to explore. That's where I got the little chair and the shelf.
Click on the link below for their web site.
Mad Hatter Link
2. The Apple Tree was more primitive and country but still had come really fun finds. I got my laundry stuff and the Roots & Wings artwork there. Their web site is under construction.
3. The Cottage Garden. I love that shop but all I got this time was a bird. Here's the link to their web site.
Cottage Garden Link
Then we had THE BEST iced coffee I've ever had at A Shot of Java! That's where I got my coffee artwork, too.
A Shot of Java Link
Any fab finds in your neck of the woods??
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Hospitality
This is going to be a new feature on my blog and on that I am passionate about but have neglected in the last year or so. I consider myself gifted at hospitality, partly because I've learned how to do it from the best and partly because I enjoy it so much. I entertain more in two months than most people do all year! I truly enjoy making people comfortable in my home, tending to their needs, inviting them into a warm and inviting environment and seeing them enjoy themselves. My mom and I frequently host parties and events, despite less-than-perfect houses. I don't even cook!! But we don't let that stop us.
Part of my hesitation is wanting my home to be "just so" before I invite a lot of people in. Part of it is being a working mom with a lot of activities and who wears a lot of hats (I hate the word busy). But I come from the South, where hospitality reigns supreme! Southern women know hospitality. You don't sit in someone's house without having a cuppa and a pieca! Ten years ago, that meant a cup of coffee and a piece of pound cake!
I found this quote on a blog tonight:
"Hospitality is the act of caring for one another. We can entertain all we like, but not until we care does it become hospitality."
Emilie Barnes
I'm afraid, based on this quote, that I've really been doing more entertaining than offering hospitality, because I tend to obsess over the details and not actually get to spend quality time with my guests. It's hard to "care" when you're racing around getting more ice or wiping down the bathroom mirror--again.
To me, the home is the heart of hospitality. I want my home at its best so I can be more comfortable with entertaining, which will naturally flow into true hospitality. So! I'm already in organizing mode and have been ruthlessly getting rid of stuff, with the goal being a true "open house" this December, where no rooms (not even closest) are off-limits. I want a place for everything and everything in its place. Not perfection, mind you! I love a work in progress! But I do want my home at its best for me, my family and our guests. Which is why I just posted a list of links, all about HOME. Some are quirky, some educational and some simply fun. I moved them up to the top so you don't have to scroll.
Now, tell me--where do you go for inspiration regarding YOUR home??
Part of my hesitation is wanting my home to be "just so" before I invite a lot of people in. Part of it is being a working mom with a lot of activities and who wears a lot of hats (I hate the word busy). But I come from the South, where hospitality reigns supreme! Southern women know hospitality. You don't sit in someone's house without having a cuppa and a pieca! Ten years ago, that meant a cup of coffee and a piece of pound cake!
I found this quote on a blog tonight:
"Hospitality is the act of caring for one another. We can entertain all we like, but not until we care does it become hospitality."
Emilie Barnes
I'm afraid, based on this quote, that I've really been doing more entertaining than offering hospitality, because I tend to obsess over the details and not actually get to spend quality time with my guests. It's hard to "care" when you're racing around getting more ice or wiping down the bathroom mirror--again.
To me, the home is the heart of hospitality. I want my home at its best so I can be more comfortable with entertaining, which will naturally flow into true hospitality. So! I'm already in organizing mode and have been ruthlessly getting rid of stuff, with the goal being a true "open house" this December, where no rooms (not even closest) are off-limits. I want a place for everything and everything in its place. Not perfection, mind you! I love a work in progress! But I do want my home at its best for me, my family and our guests. Which is why I just posted a list of links, all about HOME. Some are quirky, some educational and some simply fun. I moved them up to the top so you don't have to scroll.
Now, tell me--where do you go for inspiration regarding YOUR home??
Friday's Find
This gal is a HOOT!! And as a former Southerner, I don't use that term lightly! Her blog is "Nesting Place" and has fabulous decorating ideas that are cheap and practical--and look like a million bucks!! Here's a link for ya:
Nesting Place Blog
She also has an Etsy shop and there are all of these amazing tassles. Really, really cool tassles. Oooooh, the places I could hang them!!
Here's the tassle I want.
OK, I just checked and after she posted on her blog about the tassles, all but one from today SOLD!! Look under "other itmes" and click on the number of sales she's had to see the other beauties. Maybe she'll make more!!
Here's the link:
Nesting Place on Etsy
Check her out--you'll get a good laugh and probably some fun ideas for a weekend project, too!!
Nesting Place Blog
She also has an Etsy shop and there are all of these amazing tassles. Really, really cool tassles. Oooooh, the places I could hang them!!
Here's the tassle I want.
OK, I just checked and after she posted on her blog about the tassles, all but one from today SOLD!! Look under "other itmes" and click on the number of sales she's had to see the other beauties. Maybe she'll make more!!
Here's the link:
Nesting Place on Etsy
Check her out--you'll get a good laugh and probably some fun ideas for a weekend project, too!!
On a mission
OK, I have maybe six good hours this weekend to explore all the shops and antique stores in Glendale, AZ while on my mother-daughter trip this Saturday and Sunday. So! Besides the usual items (aprons, children's books, anything botanical, etc.), here are the specific items I'm looking for and the corresponding projects. Of course, any and all feedback is appreciated (except anything mean about my laundry room).
1. The Laundry Room. THE most neglected "room" in our home. Yes, it needs paint. Since I still love purple and all things lavender but don't really want it in the rest of the house, I'm thinking purple in here. I, of course, need to clear it out and reorganize but...
UPDATE!!!! I already did the above mentioned clear out and reorganize, less sweeping and mopping, which I will do tonight along with the kitchen!! It looks so good!! I even hung a framed, dried lavender arrangement I was going to get rid of! It looks so much better already! I have decided that I'm not going to "decorate" it much, since only I would see it. Well, and my SIL that comes through from the garage. But, still, I'd like it to look pretty from the hall!! ANYway...
...I'd also like storage bins for the shelf and possibly a display shelf on the opposite wall, just for fun. I already have a purple wood shelf, oddly enough, that I never used in our master bedroom. I'd love some vintage laundry accessories, too, especially a wood painted "LAUNDRY" sign.
I'd like something like this to be hung on the door in the hallway.
2. An architectural piece for above this picture. This is our entry hall right when you walk in. The photo is of our engagement (that our wedding guests signed) but the niche is HUGE, so it doesn't come close to filling it. I like displaying seasonal goodies on the ledge below but feel like there's still a lot of negative space. I'm picturing a swirly, arched piece, possibly wood. Black or dark wood would be perfect.
3. Pieces to round out above my kitchen cabinets. I've been working on this project off and on for almost a year!! I cleared quite a bit out for my recent yard sale but need a few things to create more coherent vignettes. Maybe more white ware?? More art pieces?? More greenery?? Fake food??
Here's the other side. The wine bottles are being recycled. This is where I took a lot down so, yeah, it's sparse.
4. Above the potty in the guest bathroom. I just redecorated this room but I'm taking my time with the finishing touches. I can picture a run-of-the-mill wicker shelf, painted black...but I'm open to suggestions. Something small with a little display space??
So we'll see what kind of progress I make. I may go ahead and start on the laundry room while my boy is sleeping. I wonder how often Home Depot has purple "oops paint??"
1. The Laundry Room. THE most neglected "room" in our home. Yes, it needs paint. Since I still love purple and all things lavender but don't really want it in the rest of the house, I'm thinking purple in here. I, of course, need to clear it out and reorganize but...
UPDATE!!!! I already did the above mentioned clear out and reorganize, less sweeping and mopping, which I will do tonight along with the kitchen!! It looks so good!! I even hung a framed, dried lavender arrangement I was going to get rid of! It looks so much better already! I have decided that I'm not going to "decorate" it much, since only I would see it. Well, and my SIL that comes through from the garage. But, still, I'd like it to look pretty from the hall!! ANYway...
...I'd also like storage bins for the shelf and possibly a display shelf on the opposite wall, just for fun. I already have a purple wood shelf, oddly enough, that I never used in our master bedroom. I'd love some vintage laundry accessories, too, especially a wood painted "LAUNDRY" sign.
I'd like something like this to be hung on the door in the hallway.
2. An architectural piece for above this picture. This is our entry hall right when you walk in. The photo is of our engagement (that our wedding guests signed) but the niche is HUGE, so it doesn't come close to filling it. I like displaying seasonal goodies on the ledge below but feel like there's still a lot of negative space. I'm picturing a swirly, arched piece, possibly wood. Black or dark wood would be perfect.
3. Pieces to round out above my kitchen cabinets. I've been working on this project off and on for almost a year!! I cleared quite a bit out for my recent yard sale but need a few things to create more coherent vignettes. Maybe more white ware?? More art pieces?? More greenery?? Fake food??
Here's the other side. The wine bottles are being recycled. This is where I took a lot down so, yeah, it's sparse.
4. Above the potty in the guest bathroom. I just redecorated this room but I'm taking my time with the finishing touches. I can picture a run-of-the-mill wicker shelf, painted black...but I'm open to suggestions. Something small with a little display space??
So we'll see what kind of progress I make. I may go ahead and start on the laundry room while my boy is sleeping. I wonder how often Home Depot has purple "oops paint??"
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