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?

Monday, Monday

Hope you all have had a good Monday. I meant to have this up and posted this morning, but here it is, time for bed and I am finally getting around to it. Here's a little bit of what we've been up to around here.

We spent the last Saturday of January having a fun day at the beach enjoying this view, and a little bit of thrifting. The weather was perfect. Sort of a last day away, before the weeks of 6 / 12 hour days start for my guy. 

                                                                                             I organized Craft Night for the ladies of our church, this past Thursday. We made felt flowers and did some embroidery hoop art. The pouring rain didn't keep 20 ladies away. We enjoyed a taco supper, and fun night of crafting. 

Friday, I headed South to see my daughter and her family,  much needed time away, and a great visit with everyone, especially this little guy. He is Mimi's favorite!

We spent our time just hanging out at the house. He and I checked out all of the pretty flowers in the yard, and had lots of good snuggles. Mimi always tucks him in when she's there. His new phrase was, "this is just wonderful!" and "oh my goodness!" He is something else, for sure. No shyness or lacking for personality with this one!

Today, we have had rain, rain, and more rain!! The chance for rain tomorrow is 100% and 80% on Wednesday. Really need to get some painting done for my booth, and around the house. I have a few small projects that I am hoping to finish, and will share some pictures when I do. 

Ready to get into the PJ's and settle in with a good book.

Giveaway

My blog friend Angela is having an awesome giveaway over at her blog.

 

Her friend Tracie has written a book on forgiveness. Something I think we could all benefit from reading. I know I definitely can.

 

 

Along with Tracie's book, Angela will be giving away one of her adorable owls, and a stack of notepads from Dayspring. Head on over here and check it out. She will also tell you how to preview 31 days of forgiveness free.

Thanks Angela!

Yes, It's Been a Long Time

Since I posted that is. I had great plans to start posting much more consistently come the new year. Well here it is, and I have been away for a while.

 Part of the reason for being away is that I have been a little under the weather. Finally went to the Dr. last week after trying to take care of thing. myself for a couple of weeks, and that just wasn't working out for me. Dr. said bronchitis, all I know is, I have coughed more than I hope to for the rest of the year. It is still hanging on, but feeling much better.

I had high hopes of posting a few pictures, but it seems that blogger is no co-operating tonight, so I will try again tomorrow.

I have finished my first project of the new year, and excited about how it turned out. I will be replacing the current table in the breakfast room, with the one I just completed. I had some chairs that I have had for a while, and as it turns out I was accidentally able to finish the top of the table to match the chairs. Pictures will explain this one better.

Everyone has been picking a word for the year, and I will be sharing my "word" as well. I'll give you a hint: It is really neat when you listen to what God is trying to tell you."

OK, enough said, since I am not too fond of posts without pictures I will close for now.

Goodnight to all.

Goodbye December

It has been a while since I have posted, so thought I would give you a picture of what December was like for us.

 

An unexpected beach weekend away with friends. Perfect timing, and definitely some stress relief!

 

 

 Cookie Swap and Brunch
 

Favorite Coffee Cups.

 They make me smile!

 

Favorite Nativity



 

Some table decor. My boy and I cut fresh greens together.

 

 

Listening to the Christmas story, Christmas morning. My boy has read it the past couple of years, cried both times most of the way through, and when he finished this year, he said,"this has got to be the best story in the Bible!

I am one blessed Mama!

 

And last but not least, how could anyone not love this fashion statement?

 

I will not be up to ring the new year in, as a cold is trying to get the best of me.

 

Wishing you all a Blessed and Happy New Year!

 

 

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.   

Lessons on Listening, and the Unexpected

Yesterday I started out like I normally do. I had swapped work days with another girl so I could attend a cookie swap on Monday(soon to be another post). My little job is fun, I meet a lot of people and it has been a lot of fun to help folks this Christmas season.

Late yesterday a young man named Freddy came in the shop asking to use the phone. He had just been released from jail and needed a ride to get home. I found myself not being alarmed at all, but he needed to make a long distance call, so I did not feel I could let him use the business phone. A still small voice seemed to be saying, "but you have a cell phone w/ unlimited long distance" "this is an opportunity, so I let him use it. He needed to get back to the Atlanta area about 3 hours away, but we have no public transportation running from here to there. This brief encounter turned into almost 2 hours of trying to help him.

While trying to get him help, it was suggested to me that he might be scamming me, I should call the law and get him to move on, I shouldn't bother with him, etc., and I was unable to get anyone to help. I am sure now that God was all the while nudging me to help him.

The sheriffs department did come by, and verified that he was telling the truth. One of the officer had escorted him to his court hearing that day, but they asked him to move on, and he left without there being any solution to a way home for him. It had begun to rain when I got off work, but I still had concern for him. You see except for the grace of God, that young man could be my son.

I went home and continued to think about the young man. My husband was working, but knew what was happening and continued to check in on me. A few minutes later I realized my cell phone had all of the numbers that he had called, so I began calling, and ended up talking with his mother. She was concerned, and still had not been able to get him a way home, but knew that he was headed to Wal-Mart. I let her know that I would try to find him, get him some dinner and go from there.

I knew that I could try to find him, buy him a meal at McDonalds(inside Wal-Mart) and see if I could share the love of Jesus with him. As I was pulling into the parking lot, my cell was ringing and it was him. He said his mother had told him that I was looking for him, and he would wait at McDonalds for me. (an employee had let him use his cell phone).

I purchased his meal, and sat down with a drink and talked with him while he ate. By the time I had gotten there, he had been able to get in touch with his brother-in-law, who would be picking him up.
We talked, and from what I could tell, he professed to know the Lord, and knew that we are sinners saved by Jesus' death on the cross. I encouraged him to seek after the Lord, and that I would be praying for him.

At the end of the conversation before I left, he said that he never got my name, and I said Jackie, to which he replied, "that's my Mama's name." Right there, I knew that this encounter was God ordained. I spoke with his mother this morning and he made it home safely.

I in no way want to share this to pat myself on the back, but to encourage you to slow down and listen to the still small voice that may be speaking to you. What better way to spend this Christmas season sharing the love of Jesus in a most unexpected way.

Have a blessed remainder of the week.

A Boy and a Turkey

 

A couple of weekends ago this little fella visited his Mimi.

He is sweet, daring, mischievous and full of energy.Trying to get a picture of him is like trying to hit a moving target, and that is no exaggeration! 

 

I wanted to get a cute picture of him with the pumpkin. Thankfully it was not real, because he continued to throw it like a ball while I was trying to get the picture.

 

We also made this turkey shirt. My daughter had seen it on One Pretty Thing with this tutorial for making the turkey with little ones hands and feet. The only thing that we did differently was to stitch around the design after we ironed it on. We used buttons instead of gluing the little eyes on. We used a variety of fabrics that I had on hand, and I like the way this little turkey turned out. Would love to see your version if you decide to give it a try.

 

I am really liking my new blog design. Check Maree's shop out here, if you are looking for a new design on a budget.  I liked several of them, and it was hard to choose. She has been wonderful to work with, and come to find out we live not too far from each other.

 

It's a rainy Monday here, my favorite kind of Monday, just wishing I were home today. Have a blessed week.

31 Days, Nature

 

Sometimes it is simply God's creation in which I find favorite things.

 

 

This beautiful web has been outside our side door for several days, and it is so fascinating to look at. We have made sure to avoid it.

The mornings have not been very dewy so it was harder to capture with my little Canon Power Shot, but I was able to take these shots this morning.

Hope you enjoy as well.



31 Days, This Little Light of Mine

 

I promise that I'm not going to sing. Lighting this little candle tonight (to help rid the kitchen of the shrimp/broccoli smell from dinner) reminded me that this is one of my favorite things. I love this fall

fragrance, and at such a bargain price.  

 

This little mulled cider candle from Wal-Mart is one of my favorites.  I love to light one of these up and get the house filled with a fragrance that says "Fall".

This is a mini jar candle and lasts for quite a while for $1.00. I'm a pretty picky candle person, so I love that this is a bargain. If you like the smell of mulled cider, this will be one that you'll definitely want to try.

Hope all of you had a wonderful weekend, and have a blessed week!

31 Days, Fall Flowers

 

One of my favorites are the beautiful flowers that can be seen this time of year. This confederate rose blooms in the fall, and such beauty!

 

This flower is special. It came from a cutting of another one like this. The dear lady who's original bush this one came from employed my daughter when she was just 12 years old.

 

I remember it like yesterday.  My daughter wanted to get a job for the summer. Being the optimistic Mom that I am, told her that no one would hire a 12 year old. She was actually

turning 12 in July of that summer. But I jumped in to actually help confirm that we would not be able to find her a job.

 

Lyons Nursery was actually one of the first places I thought of, and she called to see if they needed any help. I figured she could surely water plants. Much to my surprise they told her to come out and talk to them. They previously had an older lady helping them who was having health problems.

 

Much to my surprise they hired her! It wasn't long before her part time turned into almost a regular 40 hour week. This local nursery was known for quality plants and was pretty busy most of the time. Mrs. James took my daughter under her wings and taught her all she knew about potting plants, plant care, rooting plants and running the nursery in general.

 It was like having a special grandmother teach her granddaughter. I guess you could call her our adopted grandmother.

 

My daughter worked at the nursery on a regular basis right on through high school and off and on into her college years. She has a talent for gardening, and loves plants all because one special person took the time with a 12 year old who wanted a summer job.

 

Mrs. James has been gone for quite some time but we will be forever grateful for the influence that she had on our lives.

 

I hope some of your favorite things are the people who have touched your life in a special way. If they are still with you, I hope you will take time to thank them today.



31 Days, A New Pair of Shoes

 

I am not sure what made me think that I would be able to stick with posting for 31 days straight!

But right now I am feeling a little uninspired. Bare with me, and I will do my best to complete this.

 

Today's favorite is this pair of new to me shoes. Our Goodwill is next door to the grocery store, so a trip to the grocery store usually means a stop in Goodwill. Today I picked up this pair of Naturalizer shoes that looked like they had never been worn for $3.99.

 

Now I do realize that they are not the cutest pair you have ever seen, but with the foot problems that I have been having they fit the bill right now. I have been having to wear open back shoes with heels for a couple of months, and my feet have improved. I had been looking to order some for the fall online, and found 2 pair like new for less than $20.00, both open backs and in my size.

That is definitely a favorite in my book!

 

31 Days, Catching Up

My intent was to post every day, but for a couple of days other things had my attention.

So since I missed a few days I am sharing some extra pictures of some of my favorites. I have mentioned this before, but I love old things. Particularly things that I remember from childhood, things that I saw often at my grandmother's house. The way I put it, is, that I like to collect nostalgia.

Here are a few of those things.

 

 

This old picnic basket is now sitting on top of the freezer in my laundry room.

 

 

 

 

Old quilts.

This is not old, and actually is one of two pillow shams that I purchased from Goodwill.

It reminds me of  some of the old quilts that I have.  I had originally intended to take them apart to make a table runner.

I have now decided that they will make excellent pillows for the porch chairs or the swing.

 

 

Vintage Jewelry

These pieces are actually headed to my booth space today.

 

 

 

 

Old Crochet Pieces

This was a purchase from an estate sale last week, and is now sitting on my breakfast room table.

 

 

 

Blue Ball Jars

I have purchased many of these old jars. They are great for decorating. I think the last 3 showers I have helped with, have had the ball jars for the table centerpiece, with white daisies.

I have quite a collection of these, and use them often.

 

So there you have it a few more of my favorite things.

Hope you will be enjoying a few of your favorite things this weekend.

 

31 Days: Coffee and Cooler Temperatures

 

There's nothing I like better, than to wake up to find that the morning has a bit of chill in the air.

The perfect combination with coffee and time in the Word.

I have mentioned at least a dozen times before, Fall is my absolute favorite season!

Are you with me on that one?

 

 

Edgar was curled up on his pillow at my feet. He is enjoying these cooler temperatures as well.

How about it are you enjoying the change in seasons?

 

31 Days, Favorite Blogs I Read

Here are a few of my favorite blogs that I enjoy reading, thought you might like to check them out.

Button Bird Designs
Remember I met Angela at Becoming 2012. She has amazing creativity, is so genuine and has a great blog. You will definitely want to make a visit. She has an etsy shop as well.

Between You and Me
Tara has the most amazing signs and a great blog.

Whatever
If you love color, and creativity in home decor, and just a good read about every day life, then Meg's blog is the place to go.
 
Nesting Place
Nester as we know her will inspire you to decorate with what you have, on a budget, and remember that "It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.

Check these ladies out, and let me know what you think, and one of these days I will have some posts with pictures.

31 Days, Timely Reminders

 

"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You."

Isaiah 26:3

 

 

Faith in the Lord Jesus is the only sure medicine for troubled hearts.       Dr. J.C. Ryle

 

 

31 Days, Fall Mornings

 

 

OK, I am very determined to stick with posting for 31 days, and unfortunately I have been busy working on other things today, and just remembered that I hadn't posted.

 

 

Fall Mornings when the sun is coming up, a little fog over the back fence, something peaceful about it that I love. Wishing for some cooler days . We have had a few, but still a little warm. I am ready for some sweater weather. How about you?

31 Days, Friday's Favorite

 

 

 

For a mere $3.16 (that includes tax), this little fella made me smile!

Keep in mind I don't own a single rooster, or chicken item, so it does not add to some vast collection somewhere. I often tell my husband that I buy nostalgia, and he make me feel somewhat nostalgic.

 

P.S. I even surprised myself, that I didn't forget to post today.

Goodnight, and have a blessed evening. 

31 Days: A Favorite for Today

 

Just a little something simple that is a favorite:

 

 

There's nothing like a clean counter top in my kitchen.

 

 For me this is a big deal. Since I started my little business. It seems that the counters, tables, etc have become the holding area for everything that is headed to my space at The Little Red Wagon.

I am seriously trying to work on reclaiming the home front, and working from our little storage building. Unfortunately sometimes the business controls me, rather than the other way around.

 

So for today, my clean counter top is a favorite!

31 Days: Favorite Paint

 

Here it is, my new favorite paint:

 Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

 

Remember me telling you that I did the extra chalk paint class during the Becoming Conference?

 

I was amazed at being able to finish a complete furniture transformation in a few hours.

The coverage is wonderful, especially if there are a few imperfections that you want to hide.

 

 

Here are a couple of shots of a before picture of a little rocker that a friend of mine wanted me to paint for a gift.

 

As you can tell, this paint job lacks a LOT to be desired.

She actually purchased it this way. Good thing that she could see the potential.

 

Here is the after.

Keep in mind, she will be waxing it. I had the color that she wanted so I painted it, and will deliver it to her this evening so she can finish the waxing.

 

The colors are rich and it took very little paint to do this. It is pricey, but a quart of paint will go a long way!

 

Oh, and I almost forgot, see the basket at the top?

It has :

2 Quarts of chalk paint, 2 ASCP Brushes, ASCP Paint Transformations Book,

Dark Wax and Clear Wax

and 2 Sample pots of Chalk Paint

Well I won this at the "Everything you Wanted to know about Paint"

session at the Becoming Conference.  So excited for the opportunity to try this out on many projects around here that have been awaiting a transformation.