Chandelier is Up!

Yesterday was spent playing musical fixtures.

This room used to be our living room, now our dining room.

This is where the ceiling fan used to be. 

The ceiling fan in my son's room was on its last leg.

Because the ceiling fan in this room was large it needed to go in what is now our 

living room. 

The living room fan went to my son's room. 

Needless to say my husband spent the day swapping out fixtures in three rooms.

He is awesome, and I love my new light fixture.

One of the things I love most was the total cost of the light.

Fixture was $2.00!

Can of oil rubbed bronze spray paint $5.00.

Total cost $7.00!

If I had purchased a fixture like this new it would have been close to $200.00.

Love my new light and love the cost.!

Lots more work to do on this room. 

Sorry about the poor phone picture, 

So excited when a plan comes together!

Have a wonderful Saturday!

Jackie

Chandelier Project

When I chose my title  "31 Days of  Being Creative"

perhaps it should have been 31 Days of Projects or something else. 

I will not be creating in the sense that some might think, but I prefer to look at many 

aspects of creativity. Sometimes this will be seeing things, not necessarily as they

are, but what they can be. Sometimes that means improving upon what is already there.

Here is today's project. 

I purchased this chandelier earlier this year for $2.00 at the thrift store.

I knew that I would need a light fixture of a substantial size to hang over my dining room table.

Often that means substantial $$as well.

When I spotted this fixture I knew it would be perfect and the style was perfect.

The only problem being the slightly pinkish color. 

Nothing a little oil rubbed bronze spray paint couldn't fix. 

I am happy to say the fixture is complete, and looks exactly like I hoped it would.

Stay tuned for the reveal in the next few days.

Hopefully I will be able to show you the improved fixture hanging in my dining room. 

Hope you have had a wonderful day!

Jackie

31 Days: Easy Fall Table Centerpiece

I think I probably said in my last post that FALL is my absolute favorite season!

Right now the weather here is perfect.

Not too hot, not too cold. 

It's Just Right!

I consider my decorating style pretty simple.

 Here are the items I used for this simple table centerpiece in my breakfast room.

Round basket tray was a yard sale find.

Grapevine I just cut and wrapped myself. 

Iron trivet to set the pumpkin on, I already had. 

I don't like setting the pumpkin directly on a flat surface. Too many experiences with rotting pumpkins. 

This time I washed my pumpkin in a diluted bleach and dish washing liquid solution, hopefully washing away all of those things that cause pumpkins to rot.

Roll of burlap for the runner, purchase at half price from Hobby Lobby.

Ends of runner are turned under and hand stitched. I do not prefer sewing burlap on my sewing machine. 

The blank wall in the background will be another creative endeavor that I hope to share soon. 

Blessings,

Jackie

Finished Project, a Table

Here's a look at my latest completed project. I stress completed, because there are always projects going on around here! I was wanting an update in my breakfast room, but wanting to do it on a budget. Previously we had an oak table with pressed back chairs. I found this table on Craigslist for $20.00 close to my son's house, and it so happened that my husband was headed that way for a weekend visit, perfect opportunity to haul this table back home. I contacted the owner, they went, they bought, and here it is. Very heavy and solid, and similar style to one that Pottery Barn has. The chairs were also a Craigslist find. When I purchased the chairs I planned to use them in the dining room, but decided if I could get the table like I wanted I would use them in the breakfast room.

 Sorry I don't have a before picture. The table was natural , but in need of much TLC. I originally was going to paint the whole thing white, but decided to see if I could get the top to look closer to the chair color. Kind of a white washed gray look. I found some white stain, thinking that would do the trick, but you couldn't even tell that I had stained the table. 

Here's a look at the completed top, sort of a happy accident. I decided since the white wasn't working, I would try a darker stain over that. When I did, I got a great looking gray,  almost perfect with the chairs!

It is hard to tell from this picture, but it has just the right mix of gray and natural showing through.  Liking this so much better than the golden oak! What do you think?

Make Your Own Advent Calendar

A couple of weeks ago I saw this Christmas Advent Calendar, and knew I had to make one. Emily has done the hard work for us. She has made the free printable tags to use for this project. I have to admit I wasn't sure I could come up with 25 totally different items that the ones she had used, so I copied.

I had a lot of fun with this project, and love the finished results. As Emily said, I will leave all of my tags on because it looks prettier that way.

Here's what I did different. Already had the bulletin board and couldn't find the upholstery nails similar to what she had used, so I painted the frame with Country Grey Chalk paint, and waxed with clear and dark wax. My frame sort of came apart easily so I removed the cork before painting.

I used a piece of linen fabric that I had on hand and covered the cork. I used spray adhesive to ensure that it would lay flat, then wrapped the linen to the back and stapled. Then I just slipped it back into the frame.

 

Here is a closer look at my items:  Gold Bell (Dollar Tree), Green Ribbon, Lamb Ornament (thrift store), Felt flower, Plaid Fabric & Mini Pine cones, String of vintage fabric flowers,

 Red/White Pennant, Vintage thread spool, Vintage rhinestone earring, Glittered H

 

 Moss from my beach trip (more on that later), Old skeleton key, Small tassel from trim 

 Red Bow, Small shell, Mini bird nest w/ eggs, Snowflake, Mini paper chain

 Greenery w/red berries, Christmas Tree Pin(thrift store),Old thimble

 Candy Cane, Felt rose, Driftwood, Gold Star

This fun little project cost me less than $5.00 and it was worth it.   

Work of Art

As I have mentioned before, my son is an artist among many other things. I thought I would share this picture (that was tucked away in a closet at the townhouse we are selling).  While in school he was required to paint something by a famous artist. This is his rendition of  Girl With a Pearl Earring, by Johannes Vermeer. I had been saying that I would have this framed, and it would be on a wall in my house somewhere, even if it matched nothing. I think it is beautiful as well as intriguing. Last week Hobby Lobby had their pre-made frames half off, and this canvas fit perfectly. It now hangs in my dining room.

By the way, the inspection went well, as well as the appraisal, so we are two steps closer to a closing!

Inspiration!

This weekend I made a quick trip to Augusta to show our townhouse. While visiting I visited one of my favorite shops and thought I would share a little inspiration with you. If you are in the Augusta, Georgia area, you will not want to miss this place. It has something for every budget and is full of inspiring ideas

.

The Savvy Shopper

3309 Washington Road

Augusta, Georgia

Check out this fireplace!



Just one of the many vendors.

My favorite here was the blue dresser.

(Sold one just like it at a yard sale)

The potential I gave up!

I loved this red!

Like I said if you are in the Augusta area, this will definitely need to be on your places to stop.

Have a blessed day!

This and That, again!

I know that my posts have been very sporadic and sparse. My life feels a little sporadic, and not
 scheduled these days. With all that said, here is a little of what I have been up to.

We have been enjoying the cooler temperatures here. This morning it was a wonderful 57 degrees! We even have lots of leaves falling. Hints of fall for sure! A welcome relief after the scorching temperatures that we have had this summer!

We attended my best friend's, son's wedding out of town this weekend, and I was responsible for decorating for the rehearsal dinner. All of the decorating was done on a budget. Since I have a small supply of decor that I gladly lend, everything we used was either free, borrowed, or loaned to us, with the exception of the apples, and ribbons that were used to tie the napkins. One day I will have to put together a post on some of the budget ideas that I have used. The table runners are actually tablecloths that were folded to make runners Wal-Mart after fall clearance last year, $2.00 ea. I used them in February for a friend's, daughter wedding reception.

Last but not least, I got to spend time with this little one. Since he started walking, I can barely get him to be still long enough for a picture. The 50 cent thrift store outfit that I bought him a while back was pretty cute for his wedding outfit.

Blessings to you all!

My Love of Color

Several months ago when we started our kitchen remodel, I looked forward to having a very neautral kitchen/breakfast room. I envisioned these colors being the look that I wanted. Very neutral, beachy, cottagy white, you get the picture.

It took me very little time to realize that I was going to miss color. I mean colorful color! My daughter is one that loves color too, and was not going to let me go into neutral.

When we saw this rug, I went from neutral to lots of COLOR!

I 've had this fabric for a long time, and had even decided not to use it, however I have changed my mind. I will be adding some simple cafe curtains over the kitchen sink.

 

My little red recipe book with my favorite recipes will stay out to add a hint of color 

 

along with this cute little dishtowel that is hanging on the stove to add a few pops of color. Don't get me wrong. I love looking at a cottagy, white, beige, totally neutral room, they are beautiful, they just aren't for me. I am looking for some other ways to add color to this room. Artwork, etc?

So what are your thoughts on color, and what would you suggest to add just the right amount of color to my rooms? My room is pretty bare right now, especially the breakfast area. I hope to hop on those curtains pretty quick and show you what I come up with. For now, have a blessed day!

Pitfalls of Perfectionism and other Random Ramblings

I finally decided that it was time to post once again. I have not quit blogging, not to say I didn't think about it. I am not sure there is anyone out there still reading.   I guess there hasn't been anything  to read, now has there?

Remember this?



 Well now we have this!

I wish I could report to you that all is finished, and all is well, but alas, it is not. The counter top has been wrong twice, and just when I thought we were past counter top issues, there is a spot on one side where the laminate is separating. It has been a slow process, especially when I have done most of the painting on the existing cabinets

.

Here's where pitfalls of perfectionism come in.

 My eye seems to be drawn to every imperfection, and I have had to decide what I can let go of, and what has to be fixed.

There were some paint issues on the doors. Corrections made. They are not perfect, but I still love the way it looks.

When you are paying someone, I guess my standard may be too high?

The bead board is great, however the installation...not exactly what I was hoping for. But it is getting there. A little more caulking, and touch up. It is looking like a totally different kitchen.

Beginning a major project during the holidays is difficult, however, this was the best time for us.



I even celebrated the big 50 while I was away!

My husband brought me my favorite cake, and we celebrated quietly, just the way I like it.

Other things that have been going on:

• I helped give a couples shower/dinner for a friend that got married last weekend.
• Last weekend spent helping prepare for the wedding reception. I was the coordinator, of the food that is.
• My son is home until his next move to Seminary in the fall, at least that is the plan. It has been a joy to be able to spend more time with him.
• I am reading through the Bible with our church. It has been a blessing. I have never read through the complete Bible. I am learning a lot, mostly God is speaking to me about many things.
• I am learning to crochet. That has been fun!
• My cute grandson (and his Mama) have been to visit several times during all the mess.
• My parents are coming Friday, so I am trying to do some intensive cleaning!

I warned you that this would be random. On another note, I am wanting to change things up a bit here. Not sure yet, exactly what that means, but I know I do want my writing to be meaningful and encouraging to others.

For now I will close, and promise not to be so long in posting again.

Blessings to you all.



Oops! Tendinitis and Edgar

Here are some totally random updates for the day. First is the BIG Oops! Yesterday, while waiting on the inside of the cabinets to dry before the second coat, I decided to trim out the breakfast area. My sweet guy hates to trim, but doesn't mind the painting. I am the opposite, so this works great for us. I am not sure what I was thinking when I let the lady at the Benjamin Moore store talk me into this one. My very first reaction was, OH NO!

It is VERY dark! Actually it is even darker than what it looks like here, and especially at night. I am trying to soften things up a bit, and Wilmington Tan is not going to do it. I am looking for a soft neutral to go with the white cabinets and black granite looking counter tops. Any suggestions for the perfect color? I have a Sherwin Williams color deck, but may make a trip back to the Ben Moore store to see if they can do something with the gallon that I already have, but would love any of your suggestions.

While in the  process of painting, (a lot of painting) I have developed what my Mom thinks is most likely tendinitis in my left hand. So not only has this been a lengthy process, but a little bit painful too.

I told you this would be some random rambling. So by now you are wondering who is Edgar? Edgar would be the dog that my son would like to bring home for Christmas. Edgar's family doesn't like him very much. He is one of about two or three other pets, so they have decided that Edgar must go. My son has taken a liking to Edgar, and thinks we could give him the perfect home. I have no idea what kind of dog Edgar is, other than my son says he looks like a larger version of Stella. Stella has been pretty lonesome since Nick died this summer, and Chloe went home at Thanksgiving, so perhaps there will be an update on Edgar soon.

Remember girls, I need some suggestions on that perfect paint color. I pray everyone is having a blessed Christmas season.

It's beginning to look a lot like....

............Not Christmas!

This is what my kitchen looks like at the moment, and since you see empty cabinets, that leaves you to imagine where everything is. My dining room holds most of it, and I am wondering how I have accumulated so much stuff! After we finally got everything moved out of here, I told my husband that I am feeling the urge to purge a lot of things again. As a matter of fact, I started another yard sale box today. I am looking forward to the opportunity to think through what will stay, and what will go.

Here is a little peek at how the laundry room is shaping up.

I am liking this bead board wallpaper that my husband hung behind the washer and dryer! This is my roll that I got for 1 cent at Home Depot this summer. Yes, you read that right 1 cent!

I know this is a terrible picture, but I am excited about my new light fixture! And, yes, I realize that my ceilings are not what is hot right now, but there are just some things that I can live with, and this is one of them. My preference would be nice smooth ceilings, but I am afraid that would send my sweet husband over the edge.

Now a question for all of you that have hung bead board wallpaper.

I am planning to paint it. Is there anything special that I should know before putting the paint on? I sure do not want it falling off the walls when I apply the paint. My husband hung it with glue because that is the only way he hangs it. Do I prime before painting? Let me hear all of your advice.

I know I probably sound like scrooge, but I will probably be doing very little Christmas decorating this year. We will be going to my daughter's house for Christmas, so she said we could come enjoy her decorations. Right now, we are just trying to maintain some sense of order here. It just worked out to where now is when we have  the most time to concentrate on getting this done. New countertops have been ordered, doors are ready to be sprayed by the cabinet man, so I have to get all of the boxings painted to be ready for the doors. Let me tell you one thing I have learned. It is hard being a perfectionist and remodeling at the same time.

Here's my question for you. Any large projects in the near future, and what advice would you have for me as we work at updating and changing a few things around here?

Blessing to all of you!

Good News and BAD News!

Remember how I have been waiting, saving, and planning to update my kitchen on a budget?

Well, the good news is that I have lots of beautiful doors, and drawer fronts waiting on paint so that we can get on with the kitchen remodel project,

however,

there seems to be a slight problem.

Since there are a lot of these, I am HOPING,

that

it

is

just a

SliGhT

PrObLeM.

NONE

of the doors or drawers

are the correct size!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think it is a fixable problem, but right now, I am feeling a little

LOT

sick!

There's more to the problem though.

You know when Big favors don't turn out so well?

This is one of them!

A wonderful friend did us this favor, got the doors at a good price,

but still costly.

Somehow, there was some miscommunication, even when our previous estimate was for the actual sizes.

My daughter is assuring me that it is OK, and Will work.

Hopin and prayin!

Jackie

DIY Artwork

Today is DIY Day again over at ASPTL. Here is a little DIY art transformation done by my daughter. Thought you might enjoy this easy way to make a larger piece of artwork on a budget. She purchased the picture earlier this summer and didn't feel she needed to spend more on a second piece to go with it. Alone, the picture was not large enough for the space where she planned to hang it.

So here is what she did. I will try to get a few more details later if any of you are interested.

• First she took some plain old yard sticks from the hardware store
• Put them together to form a  square
• Equally spaced the yard sticks and attached to the square frame
• Spray painted the yard stick frame with brown spray paint
• Backed it with burlap from a burlap sack that she already had
• Attached the original artwork to the center and hung it over the bed in her spare bedroom

Looks great don't you think? When she was telling me about the project I definitely had my doubts. I am a visual person and I could not even imagine what she was trying to tell me. It looks great in her bedroom, and next she will be working on the windows and bedding. I will have to show you a complete look when she finishes. Here is a closer view of the yard sticks and burlap. She has a lot more creativity going on than me at the moment. For more transformations Shabby Chic Cottage is having Transformation Thursday.

UPDATE. Several of you have asked about her health and how she is doing. She responded well to the prednisone this time, and quickly which was a good thing. She has been backing down the dose also a good thing. Monday we went so they could do a baseline sig for the clinical trial that she will be participating in at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. It showed a lot of improvement since the one last month. Tomorrow she goes for the first infusion. Please pray that all goes well. She gets the infusion, then stays for an observation period to make sure she does not have any adverse reaction. Please continue to pray. I know God knows exactly what she needs, and He will provide. Got to head to bed. Subbing again for the next two days. They are keeping me busy. I had just walked in the door today when they called. I am blessed to have the work and the flexibility to be with my kids. God is so good! Have a blessed week. Jackie

Road Kill Rescue?

A little late to the party, but better late than never. Today Becky is having a Roadkill Rescue Party! And, NO, that would not be possums, racoons, armadillos and such. It would be the furniture, fun project, kind.

What a name huh?

My first item is this desk, that we did actually rescue from a pile of trash. I wish I had a before picture, but this was completed long before blogs came along. My husband reminded me that he had to glue some of the drawers back together. The top had extensive writing and scribbling, not to mention that it was plain dirty! We cleaned, sanded, glued, and painted. Now it sits in my son's bedroom and has been a great desk.

Next is this headboard that my husband made from an old door that came from his grandmothers house. He just added some details with molding that we had on hand, painted it to match the desk and attached it to the wall.

So there you have it, my rescues. We have plenty of old doors that are just waiting for a project. Now, head on over to Becky's and check out all of those other Roadkill Rescues.

Have a blessed week!

Jackie

DIY All Around the House

Today is DIY day at ASPTL so I thought I would show you some of our around the house projects, and say if we can do it so can you. We have learned by experience, and well worth it!

First is our tiled kitchen floor, and this was the real learning experience. I won't go into detail. The tile below is our garage room or the big room as we call it. It was our garage that we enclosed.

Hardwood floors that my husband and I put down in our living room, dining room, and hallway.



New bathroom faucet that he installed yesterday. I picked this up off the clearance table at Lowes for 30.00. Had to purchase the drain kit to match for 20.00 but was still a bargain compared to the list price of $128!

The Hollywood lights as I call them are gone, and replace with this Price Pfister light fixture also a Lowes bargain. I can't remember exactly what the list price was, but somewhere around $128 also. They had to take the display down for me, so they reduced the price a little more than previously, a bargain at $26! I know the striped wallpaper has to go, and that is on the DIY list.



I almost forgot this is one of our biggest projects. We enclosed our garage, what is now the big room. My husband and I did all of the work with the exception of the sheet rock finishing. We knew someone that was very reasonable and could finish is in a fraction of the time that it would take these two amateurs. My husband installed two windows, a door , did all of the exterior framing and finish, and hung the sheet rock. I know he is pretty amazing, at least I think so. For more DIY head over to Kimba's.


Now check out yesterdays post to give me your ideas. I want to hear any and all. Have a wonderful day! Be blessed. Jackie

My Kitchen Needs Your Help!!!!!

My kitchen has been feeling a little weary and worn lately, and is asking for your help. My husband has finally said that we need to come up with a comprehensive plan to update . I will give you a few details of what has already been decided along with some questions that I have for you.
Here is a shot the length of the kitchen looking in from the dining room. By now you must be saying YUCK!
Here is what has already been decided:

• The border gone ( or going)
• The counter top will be replaced
• Cabinets updated as budget wise as possible (open for suggestions)
• The tile floor remains, and is in good shape
• Appliances are all stainless and replaced a couple of years ago

Check these lovelies out! My husband is not fond of painting them, because he does not want to change the trim in the entire house(all stained) not my choice, but I have heard many say that their white trim looks too dirty to them. I can live with the stained. How would they look painted if all my trimwork is stained? The beautiful faux butcher block will go, and I can't wait!!!!! I do want to add extra width to this part of the counter for bar stools.
All new hardware for the cabinets too. I like my red kitchen, but am not opposed to another color. I am a very visual person, so sometimes it is hard imagining all that I want to do. I love the cottage look, but my house leans somewhere between traditional and cottage. I am sure I do not want to go with the beach cottage look, because I love color too much! I am not opposed to another color in the kitchen. I love vintage, but too much of that might stand out like a sore thumb. I am just not sure. This is your day to leave a comment if you haven't left one before. My feelings will not be hurt, and I do want your input. So, what do you think? Looking forward to hearing from you. Jackie