Sanity Projects...

Yes...sanity projects...

as in "if I don't stay busy this month, I'll go crazy."

The only problem is that in my rush to do something,
I forgot to take "before" pictures:-)

Can't think of everything, right?

Okay, the first sanity project was actually done at the end of Feb.
but since I haven't shown it yet, here you go...

Jordie had a loft/bunk bed...very cool...but she was ready for a regular bed.

Thanks to Google, she found exactly what she wanted...
and the price was sooooo right!!!

Only problem...it was black...
and she wanted cream.

So once again, we open the box to a brand new bed...
and paint it before it ever gets in the house.



Will I ever learn?
Nah...

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Sanity Project #2...
if I have to stay in this house...
(and don't get me wrong, it's a nice house)
then I have to somehow bring it around
to the shabby,flea marketish, white look that I love.

First step...my verandah/balcony.
The furniture was brown with turquoise cushions
but thanks to paint (and plenty of help from Miss J)
it is now antique white.



I had a chest that I painted aqua and it is now the coffee table.
A few new cushions and voila...



As my handy assistant said while painting...
"Mom...I'll always remember doing projects like this with you.
Some people would go buy new furniture but we repaint furniture that we love
and it's just like new"

That's my girl!
Someday her husband will thank me for making her so thrifty...
I think.

Unless he's like mine and wants to know why we always
have projects going on and I can't park my car in the garage.
He just doesn't get it!!!

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Project #3
I was at a thrift store recently and found a great oval frame
with a tacky poster-like print in it.

The frame was brown-ish...
if that's what you call it.

Basically it was UGLY.
But it was dirt cheap.

So I bought it...
Removed the print.
Painted it cream.
Stapled a piece of screen to the back.
And Taylor now has a new jewelry holder!!!



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Project #4...
Spring Tutu's.
We needed to add a few to our shop...
they turned out pretty cute, at least we think so:-)
And they do add to the decor, don't you think?



But more on these pretties tomorrow!

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I'm hoping to find some "me" time today.
A few moments to relax and read one of my favorite magazines.


I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE Flea Market Finds!!!

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Last but not least,
my sweet Maui,
or as we now call him "Sneezy".
would like to thank you
for your kind words and advice on his sneezing problem.


He sems a little better during the day and last night
was almost his same mischeivous self...
but he's not eating much...
and believe me, this guy can eat...
so we are off to the vet today!

Hope your Friday is wonderful!
See you tomorrow for Pink Saturday!

It's time for another White Wednesday...

...this is quickly becoming one of my favorite days. Have you ever noticed how many shades of white and off white there are? It's mind-boggling...and when used in decorating this look can be many things...shabby, vintage, elegant, calming, casual, beachy, cottage, country...and I love it all!

photo: Country Living

I've finally convinced my husband to let me paint a faded caramel color on the wall...if he only knew the look I was going for:-)

photo: Country Living

Another white dining room I would love...

photo: Country Living

I can't help but think about Christmas when I see this... Only 99 days, 9 hours and 3 min until Christmas day as I write this. hahaha

photo: Country Living

Pottery Barn does know how to do white ornaments, don't they?

And finally, a book I am looking forward to reading...




Please visit Faded Charm for many more
White Wednesday posts!

I Love Vintage Brooches!

Look at these gorgeous brooches!


Oh my gosh...this would be a jackpot for me!

These are my favorite accessories, hands down. They don't have to be true vintage, either. "Vintage-like" can be just as pretty:-) I recently won a few on ebay and can't wait for them to arrive.
Anyway, this is one of my current favorites. It has a vintage look and it can be used in so many ways...dressed up or down.

For a sneak peek at one of our store items, here is the pin attached to some pretty pearl bracelets. This is actually our favorite way to wear them.

Add a chain and voila...a lovely necklace.


My daughters love to wear pins on their jeans...around the pocket and sometimes down by the hem.


They also add a unique touch to purses, scarves and coats.

I think the coolest way to wear them is in unexpected ways so wearing them with a jean jacket would be a great touch. Or how about a crystal brooch on the side of a cute baseball hat?



Another beautiful way to wear them is to attach them to strands of pearls.


Pretty, pretty!


And what clever and creative person thought to attach them to drawer knobs. Is this amazing or what?????


So go ahead...dig in your jewelry box (or your grandma's) find those pretty pins and wear 'em well!

Parlez-vous Francais?

Me neither...but I'm learning! Good thing, too, since I just found out my style is "French Eclectic". Whew...and I just thought it was chaotic! hahaha

Yes, we're talking about decorating here folks! I just took a quiz at this website , which I first discovered at Shabby Nest, to find out my decorating style. You have to check it out but follow the instructions re: how to really look at the photos for the best read of your style. Anyway...drumroll please...

I am 50% French Eclectic

and 50% Nantucket Style

I LOVE IT!!!!!

What does it all mean???

French Eclectic


Parlez-vous français? Even if the answer is no, you can confidently say your home does! French Country, like its name, somehow manages to both be formal and casual, classy and unassuming at the same time. You like your spaces to feel inviting from the moment you (or your guest) opens the front door and this feeling should continue even after you've entered your most formal room. Even though there are French antiques here and gold details there, the rustic elements provide a balance and warmth that seems to say, "come in, relax and stay a while." Your love of antiques leads you to flea markets, garage sales and hours of eBay hunting.



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Nantucket Style

Oh how you love the beach! Who doesn't, right? And so your dream home is either perched in your favorite beach town, or you've brought that favorite beach town into your house.