ReInvented Style

It's been way too long!

2012-01-17T21:31:00.012-06:00

Wow time flies by! I am way behind on my updates on the new house! We are still working away on trying to get it the way we want. The kitchen really is the only thing that is pretty much set. I want to get some curtains to hang over the patio door and some artwork on the wall by the dining table but everything else is good.
The living room will change when we get the basement done so I am still working on that. The kiddos are moving to the basement so their rooms have to wait for that to be done also. We should be starting in the next week on getting that in progress. Yay! So things are still changing around here. Here are some pics of inspiration for the boys' new room:

http://southernliving.com/

I can't remember the source of this one. Thinking maybe an HGTV.com dreamhome

Highcamphome.com

Got this off of Pinterest. Sorry don't know the source

I would love to have a sliding barn door for the door into the boys' room. Not in yellow, but in a faded red color. We are wanting to do loft beds, but with this rustic look of the bunk beds shown. We are doing a desk under the beds to help with space saving. They are sharing a room and we need to utilize every square inch! I have been searching high and low for an old Chevy tailgate that I want to use as artwork on a barn sided wall. We'll see if I can come up with some of these cool items and will let ya know. So, for now that's what I got. Hope to see some progress soon and I will give you a sneak peek as we go. Here's to hoping the builder shows up soon so I can start on the fun stuff!!

My new kitchen!

2011-08-07T00:19:00.012-05:00

So, I know I have been gone for awhile. A lot has happened this summer. We have officially moved in and are settling in the new house! Yay! I love my kitchen. I love how it turned out. White cabinets with black countertops, black island with white solid surface countertop. We went with stainless steel appliances. I got a chandy from Ballard Design that is in zinc to tie in with the appliances and my awesome new chairs!!! Love our wood laminate flooring. Rustic table with a chisled top fits in just perfectly. I love the calming feel the space has. I still have loads more I want to do so hang in there and wait and see what's next.

Ballard Design chandy over table

Barn Light Electric light over island

World Market chairs and table

Spring

2011-04-10T21:25:00.006-05:00

Hello all! I am still here. We have been so busy with the house it's crazy. Can't wait until we are finally in. I don't think I can paint another room for awhile. What we get ourselves into to save a few bucks, but ya know it's supposed to be fun cause I love decorating and all. I try and look at it that way, but it tends to get to be too much sometimes. We are getting there though. Soon. So, I am so glad it's Spring! Bring on the warm weather and the sunshine!! The sun always makes me feel better. I have been dreaming of this time of year. I can't wait to get outside and plant some flowers. Winter was too long for this warm weathered girl.

I will post pics of the house soon. We are supposed to get our kitchen cabinets in this week, so that will be really exciting. The laminate, trim and carpet go in the next week. Hubby has been hard at work on the tile. All the floors are done and now we are on to the Master Shower and Tub. Lord help us! :)

Hope you are all enjoying Spring. Hopefully it feels like Spring wherever you are!

Photos: (mine, Pottery Barn, mine)

James Hardie Siding is now on!!

2011-02-21T19:57:00.010-06:00

Ok, so now our new James Hardie fiber cement siding is on!! Woot Woot! Now this is just primed. It still needs a fab paint job, but the hubby and I are thinking we like the color that it is already! It reminds me of a cedar shake color or a Belgian light wood effect especially with the white trim. Anyway, we like a light tan color! I love too that it is a wider plank than the old vinyl siding you see. So, I was just pleasantly surprised when I saw it all up. It gave it that western ranch house feel that I wanted. It looks like wood planks to me anyway! Love it!

Now, our next issue is the columns for the porch. I am wanting a rustic wood post with a stone base. We really want to put emphasis on the gable over the front door. The gable over the garage came out larger than we wanted, so we are thinking of beefing up the posts on the front entrance and scaling back on the ones for the garage gable. (The posts that are up there now are just temporary ones!) We had a problem in our other house with people walking into the house from the garage! I hated that. They walked right into my laundry room where I always seemed to have piles of laundry lying around. (Isn't that what a laundry room is for? Just not one that comes right off a garage and into your kitchen I guess!)

So, we really want to make the front door a feature area so people will be led right up to it. Here are some posts I am inspired by. Sorry I don't remember where I got the pics from as I have looked through thousands! We'll see what our builder thinks and our budget! ;)

Lighting Inspiration

2011-02-03T21:53:00.007-06:00

Lighting is something we have had to start thinking about for the new house. We already have recessed lighting put in on the porch. I think we will really like having the porch lit up since it is a big ole front porch. I like some of the pendants I found in the Sundance catalog. Sure wish I had the budget for it though:( But you know me. I can take a pic and find it for less. I love me a bargain. So, that is kind of what I do and would say a lot of us do! I have a ton of inspiration pics that I take and make into my own.

We are using Menards, which is a big box do it yourself store if you're not from the Midwest, to get a lot of our supplies. They have good prices and some of the stuff isn't half bad. Now, there are some things that we are going to get custom made. I can't wait to put those special little one of a kind touches on the house.

Along with the recessed lighting for the outdoors I am trying to go with a lantern look for the lights by the doors. I liked some of these from Menards. They will also go by the garage doors.

I am thinking of the pendants for above my kitchen island, but we have an angled island that seems a little awkward right now to decide until it is actually installed.

I also love chandeliers. I am trying to find the perfect one to go over my tub in the master bathroom. Can't wait to soak in the tub with the chandy on dim and candle lights aglow.... Ooooh sorry I was daydreaming there for a second;) I am also searching for a unique not so spendy antler chandy for our living room. That one may take some hunting. No pun intended! lol I don't want a ton of hunting paraphernalia going on but I do have an amazing cow hide rug that would love to have an antler chandy hanging above it.

So, we'll see what we come up with. I can't wait to share with you our staircase project. Crossing my fingers that we can get it done. Will let ya know as soon as I find out. Stay tuned....

Images: 1. Sundance 2. Mothology 3. LampsUSA 4. Progress Lighting 5,6 & 7. Menards

New Year; New House and some Insights

2011-01-20T20:38:00.008-06:00

Here is where we are at with the new house. It's coming along pretty good considering all of the crazy weather we have been having. This was taken last month so now there is quite a few inches of snow all around. This has been quite the project. Let's just say that nothing goes as planned and it is really putting me to the test. Also, I have never compromised so much in my life as I am now with my wonderful hubby;) wink wink

This is a pretty modest house I would say. We are on a pretty tight budget and I am a major bargain hunter. I have loved decorating pretty much all of my life and am feeling extremely blessed to be able to finally design and decorate our very own house. Now, I am thinking this is going to be so much fun when in fact at times it is, but then it can also make me want to cry and run screaming!

Sometimes I struggle with the fact that I have always wanted to be an interior designer yet I don't want to always be stuck on materialistic things. I try looking at it in these terms. I feel God has given me a gift and I want to use that for His glory. I know that when I am in my current house and it is messy or not at all how I want it to look I feel crummy. Does that make sense? When I move a few things around, edit things, maybe bring in some new pieces and have this whole new look I feel HAPPY!

(I remember watching an episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition where they were in New Orleans and redecorated a whole street of houses. There was a little girl that just lived in such terrible conditions. She said she didn't even feel safe let alone want to have any of her friends over. I cried! When they decorated her room up so sweet for her she cried! She was so Happy. Her whole life changed because of her room!)

I want to do that for people. I don't just want it to be about a pretty house. I want it to make a person's outlook change. Their mood to change. Feel security, peace, relaxed, etc... I am praying God will give me an opportunity to make this dream a reality in some way.

For now, I am Happy to be creating a house like that for my family. I take in all what they like and the colors that make them feel good. The kinds of things they are in to like hunting, fishing, music, beach lovin', and country.

Let's see what I can come up with. Stay tuned for our progress!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-19T23:42:00.003-06:00

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!

Many blessings to you all. I hope your holidays will be filled with family and friends and the love of Jesus. May you find Joy in all you do because of the blessed little baby that was born on Christmas Day. Humbling isn't it?

May we all be reminded of the true meaning of this holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-26T18:42:00.003-06:00

Hoping everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for so many things.

God, my husband, my 3 wonderful children, family, friends, living in the USA and our new house being built! Just to name a few!

Enjoy your weekend everyone! Many blessings to you all...

Some Dreams on Hold

2010-08-26T17:26:00.007-05:00

I have been MIA for awhile on the old blogging circuit. I have been going through so many different changes in my life lately it has been really busy and crazy. I have had to put some of my dreams on the back burner for awhile and it has been hard to deal with frankly. I have always dreamed of having my own decorating shop. Selling all of my cool second hand finds and displaying them in invented and beautiful ways. I thought I was getting closer to that goal but then it all seemed to get further out of reach.

I have recently went back to work full time after being a stay at home for 10 years. I am working in a place where I can still have my kids with me during the summer which is the whole point of taking the job. My 3 kiddos just aren't old enough to stay at home by themselves yet. So this was my compromise. For now I guess I am putting my dream on hold for a bit so that I can still be there for my kids. It is what I want, but it is also pulling me further from my other dreams. Such a hard thing for me to get through it seems.

So, I am just venting a little to get it out of my system. I hope that my dreams will live on and that they will one day resurface and become a reality. I hope I can still use the blog to show my inspirations and that the dream can live on a little at least in cyber world! Until then, my time is spent taking care of these beautiful babes....

Summer Inspiration

2010-07-17T16:02:00.004-05:00

I take great inspirations from these pictures. It is amazing that things we look at in an everyday situation can lead to a design of a room. Here is what I get when I look at these pics from our summer travels. What do you see???

I see a stone patio with striped patio chair cushions.

A gentle rolling brook in my garden

A stone fireplace to curl up by

White chair with pink pillow

Big comfy ottomans

Grey blue denim couch with gentle green pillows

Yellow kitchen with potted green herbs

Tassels on a pillow

Life happens

2010-06-01T18:51:00.004-05:00

Sorry I have been absent from my little blog for so long. So many things have changed in my life recently that is has been hard to even get on my computer and write anything. Nothing bad, just that I am now back into the workforce after 10 years of being a stay at home. Wow! That has been life changing. I also work part time for my husband and am a mother of three and baseball has started. Busy busy summer ahead.

I have to get back on here though because this is where I can be me. Write about my inspirations and follow all of you lovely blog writers and get even more inspired. So, we also are building a new house. Yeah, busy busy.

So, I thought I would put some of my pics on here that I am loving and using as my inspiration for a house that we will build soon. A house that can be our very own. It will be a long process, but I am really looking forward to it after being in my mother-in-law's for a year and now a rental house for a year. Let the building begin please!!!

So here are some pics that I have on my inspiration board at home. I know I won't get everything I want, but it helps to put together pics that speak to you. You can get a real sense of what your style really is. I don't just think of all the things I love but what my husband is into, the kids and how we live.

We are a busy country family that works construction, hunt, fish, and play baseball. Let's just say that a mudroom is a major necessity for us. I have done a post on this before. It might be sad that we really are putting a lot of thought into a major mudroom, but for us it is like the workhorse of the house. We enter it, throw our stuff there, do laundry there, bookbags, and on and on. It is where we enter and leave the house to start a day and end a day. I think it is pretty important. I would love for it to be organized so everything has a place to go into. Do you think we can actually keep it organized? I sure hope so. It would be so less stressful if we could find a shoe when we need to get to church and know where the baseball glove and cleats are. Don't even get me started on school bookbags!

Anyhow, this is becoming a much longer post than I intended but I guess I have been gone awhile. So, here is what I am coming up with so far....

Images: 1)unknown 2) Blake Shaw Homes 3) Western Interiors Mag 4) House Beautiful Amy Nuensinger home

This Land is your Land, This Land is My Land

2010-04-09T20:10:00.005-05:00

It's official! We bought land. This is indeed My Land. OK, me and my family. After two years of searching for our dream spot we finally found it. And it has water on it, of course. If you know my husband, you would know that water was one of the major requirements, so he can one day build a pond.

So, now that we have purchased this huge expanse of land we now begin the process of building the dream house. What fun, what stress, what an amazing opportunity for me to let my design abilities shine through and get to blog all about the process. We can't wait.

This is going to be a long process, but we are on the right track. I will share with you the minute we break ground. It's great to know when you are finally heading in the right direction. Thanks to everyone who helped make this dream a reality! Hugs!

He is Risen!

2010-04-03T22:43:00.006-05:00

He is Risen!

May we always remember the price He paid to save us.

What an amazing sacrifice for those truly not worthy. Only by His Grace are we saved.

Wishing you and yours a Blessed Easter Sunday!!

Hugs :)

Photo: Mine (I see these three simple crosses on my way to get to the Target.)

A picture worth a thousand words

2010-03-27T22:42:00.006-05:00

This picture does not even capture what all happened on this day! These two spell TROUBLE! We were out exploring some land when we see these two walking back like this. Notice my son has no boots on. My daughter has her brother's boots, coat, and hat on! Cole is carrying her boots and wearing an oversized (mom's) sweatshirt (after I gave it to him to wear cause he was shivering!). It is freezing outside.

They tried to jump over a small stream and needless to say did not make it over. (I think this runs in the family! Oh, but that story is for another day!) So, Cole being the great big brother jumps in to save the day. Literally! So, he gave his little sister his warm clothes and dry boots and walked back with her through an alfalfa field in sock feet and they were giggling the whole way! Uncontrollable laughter. I knew this was going to happen when they went down by that water. I sure know how to call 'em. I guess I must be grateful that my boy stepped up and took care of his little sister and had a little fun too. I don't think they will ever forget it. I should have taken video of this moment, but the picture will always remind me of this day.

Oh to be a child again!

HAPPY SPRING

2010-03-18T20:11:00.004-05:00

OK, I know I am jumping the gun a few days early, but with the way my life is going right now I will miss getting the greeting out on the first day of Spring so I am doing it while I can!

We had a beautiful day today. The sun came out and it was warm! So me and the kiddos got our mud boots out and took them for a stroll. Me and my little girlie got matching polka dots of course so we can look cute and muddy! Just took a few pics of us being silly. I know I know mine are not muddy yet. They'll get there believe me. Next time we'll all jump in the puddles. The light was fading fast so I took what I could get. Hope you all are enjoying the days being longer and the sun coming out and warming us up again.

Here's to SPRING!

Happy Birthday Cole!

2010-02-27T20:23:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday my now 8 year old son!! Wow how time does fly by. I am so proud of you kiddo. You make me laugh all the time. I don't know what I would do without you. You are one amazing kid. I am blessed because of you. You have made me have more gray hair than the other two I believe, but I guess I can live with that. (You are the middle child). You will always be the one to keep me on my toes. I guess I can't say I will ever have a dull moment when you are around. Here's to many more years of good times.

I love you, son!!

Your Proud Momma

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T13:18:00.004-06:00

Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!! XO XO

What do women want??

2010-02-07T22:27:00.007-06:00

Ok girls, I need your help! I live in a small farming community where there is nothing for the women to do. We are an hour from a mall, unique shopping, and a variety of great restaurants. There are pool leagues, basketball, the local hangout for the guys, but there is nothing for the girls to do to really get together. A lot of the women are working moms who are so busy with work then come home to take care of the kids and then find out there is never enough time for themselves. I think we all feel like this at some point in our lives.

I would like to know what women would like to do if they could get out of the house and get together with other women to be creative and get inspired.
Would you like to take a class and learn how to do something you have always wanted to do? Would you like to have a place to have coffee with the girls, read a good book, make an exciting project out of "junk", cooking lesson, photography, scrapbook, etc...

I would like some input for a project I am putting together.
Can you let me know what you would like to have available to you and the girls to feel like you can have a creative outlet? I would appreciate any ideas.

Bottle Photography

2010-02-03T16:15:00.008-06:00

I was just playing around with some photos today. I sometimes get an idea in my head of a certain picture and wonder if I can capture it or not. Sometimes it works and most of the time not. So, I thought I would just go for it and see what I come up with. Practice! Practice!

I started with a bottle that I tied a few trinkets on and braved the freezing cold weather and started snapping away. The sun started fading by the time I got out there, but I don't think they turned out too bad. It's just fun to see what the pic turns out to be after you snap it. I just have a regular old Sony digital camera. I have just started playing around with it.

I think this is therapeutic for me. I love to create vignettes. I don't know why, but I just do. I think this is a great way for me to create. Until I can have my own shop to actually display the items and sell them this is a way for me to get images from my head to the computer if you will!

Certain images spark an inspiration for me. I was thinking of Valentine's Day and just thought of an old bottle with a key and ribbon. "A key to my heart", I don't know something like that! Then I thought of the beautiful white snow, that we have plenty of around here, and thought why not try it as a backdrop. I might do some other items with it like a satin red fabric and a silver tag with the word love on it tied to the bottle. "Message in a Bottle". The possibilities are endless...

(The first image reminds me of an Anthropologie ad with the texture of the clear glass bottle and the old concrete urn with the hint of ribbon.)

What do ya think? What do you do that is a fun way to get your creative juices flowing?

(All pics mine. I used one as my new blog header. My fave one.)

Amy Neunsinger home my new fave

2010-01-26T13:06:00.014-06:00

These pics are all from the Feb. 2010 edition of House Beautiful magazine. Photos by Amy herself! This has become my new fave home. I have been waiting for these pics to go on the HB website and was so glad to discover they were finally on. I have been wanting to share these pics for awhile now.

This kitchen is my new dream kitchen. I know it has a lot of industrial type fixtures in it but I love it!!! My husband couldn't believe it. There was something so striking about it. I think it is the contrast of the sleek concrete floor and the sereneness of the white mixed with the metal ductwork and hardware. I am in love!! The big sliding glass doors let all that beautiful sunshine in and opens the space even more. The concrete walls painted out white just blend into the background. The wall they kept bare had tile on it at one time and they couldn't chip away any further. Amy liked the rough south of France feel it had so it stayed. It is such an unexpected sight, but it works!!

We are trying to buy land and possibly build our own home and I think this would be so cool. It would be cheap and easy to do. My husband is in construction and I think we could do a lot of the work ourselves. It is hard to believe it is all concrete because of the way they added the right textures in to make it cozy and clean lined. It has big open spaces yet lends itself to such a cozy feel.

The dining room has my large farmhouse table that I love. I can do a lot of entertaining in that space. With a family as big as ours it is a much needed detail. (My husband is the youngest of 12) I also love how it transitions into the family room. What a great place to hang out and talk while the kitchen is busy with preparations. Again huge sliders that let that natural light in.

Then you have the barn doors!!! I love the rustic touch it adds. Being farm folks this little detail fits right into our scheme. (You have to check these doors on a sliding track at my friend Amy's website. To die for! Her and her hubby installed them in their masterbed and bath!)

Next we have the sunroom. This is actually their entrance to the house. What amazing glass doors to welcome you into the space. We wouldn't be able to do those in the climate we live in here, but it's perfect in LA. It's a great spot to display her photography.

Off the sunroom is the living room. The cowhides are perfect. We have two of them and I never thought of layering them like they did in this pic. It could have just been for the staging of the article but I like it and am going to try it!

Then they have their home offices. Love how all the inspiration and projects are all over the walls. That is a space I could be creative in!! Gold's small office/library would be so cool to have! Love the ladder! (My kids might have way too much fun with that though. Could be a problem!) With my husband and me both working from home I am always on the lookout for great home offices. These could definitely work for me!

Then we are on to the Master Bedroom and Bath. I might need to add a little color to the bedroom but I love the old dresser they have in there. I like blues that remind me of Ralph Lauren ads and the beach. Nothing crazy bold. Just subtle and relaxing.

And that bathtub!! Please start the bath and pour in the bubbles! How relaxing that would be. And did you see that sink!! A huge basin with double faucets! What a great idea. It has a huge walk-in shower with rainhead fixture. I could easily call this place home!!

I hope you all enjoyed this feature home as much as I did. I have looked through these pages for so long they are wrinkled and tearing! I think I need to start an inspriation board and get these babies hung up.

That's my next project. Since we are wanting to build our own home I am looking through all the images I have saved for years and going to weed through the styles I have outgrown and narrow it down to what we really are looking for in our new space.

For more pics you can check out the architect's site here.

Winter

2010-01-25T10:14:00.006-06:00

While I am sitting here looking at all of this snow I am dreaming of being back here(see below). The beach. Where I long to be right now! Winter has been hard here this year and living in the country where you can be snowed in for days has been an eye opener. Sometimes it is nice to snuggle in with the kiddos and hubby and watch movies, bake cookies, or catch up on all those books I have been meaning to get to, but I just miss the sun and the warmth! Give me the beach where I can hear the waves rushing on shore and find cool seashells!

I guess it takes a long winter to really appreciate the beauty of Spring and Summer. Here's hoping to an early Spring!

Hope you are all enjoying beautiful weather!!

(These pics are all mine on our place. We have lots more snow since I took these pics.

And the beach is in Galveston where we just went to last week. Boy did I soak up the sun there!!)

Mudrooms

2010-01-06T19:34:00.009-06:00

Well the New Year has me wanting to get organzied!!! I long for a real mudroom. Is that sad that I long for that? Well, I have 3 kids and a husband. We have lots of shoes, the boys hunt, fish, play in the mud and snow. That also means coats, coveralls, snowpants, boots, and on and on.... The never ending mess of things I have nowhere to put at the moment. It drives me nuts. So, I look through these images and know they will definitely stay in my inspiration files for when then new house comes along.

So here is what I am looking for in a mudroom:

*There has to be a spot for shoes. So, I am loving the pics with the shelving under the benches for all the shoes. Cause really, we have more than one pair of shoes to put away!! I wish they looked all neat lined up in a row. Ha! Never happens.

*There must be hooks galore! We have lots of coats and 3 backpacks. Along with totes and bags and whatever else I can find. I like the iron hooks. They are sturdy and look good too. They must be spaced properly though because I have had a row of hooks that were too close and the kids could never keep the coats hung up. They were always on the floor!

*I also need baskets or drawers for those mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves. And they really need to be in a spot where the kids can get to them. Easy to put away and get back out. So mom isn't always having to reach up high and get them out of a bin.

*Cabinets will hide the never ending things that have to go into that room that I don't want to look at. Like my tool box for when I need to fix something that isn't getting done:) The laundry essentials, extra light bulbs, things like that.

*Space!! We have learned from our other homes that we cannot skimp on space for the new mudroom. We need ample space to get into the door, hang up items, put on items, get to the next room, and do laundry. Oh yeah the washer and dryer have to be in there too!

*Flooring. I would love to have tile like in the pics above. Very easy to clean, durable and looks great. It can really make the space look like it belongs in the home. Not part of the garage. Which is sometimes where I feel like mine belongs.

*Beauty. As I stated before I want this room to look good too. I love the first pic how they added the mirror above the hooks. Just a little touch like that makes that whole space. I hope I will be able to add some little pieces around the room so you can transition into the home seamlessly.

So, until that new house comes along I will be thinking of some new ways to spruce up the space that we now use as the catchall for all our coats, boots, hats, etc......

What kind of things can you not live without in your mudroom?

1 & 5) Remodeling Center, 2) unknown, 3&4) OrgOptions, 6) Closet-Solutions,

7) RenovationDesignGroup,

8) 7Sandylake

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T09:47:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year to you all! I hope your holidays were filled with fun. We had a lot of snow and long travels but we all made it through another year. Now to start this one with all the things we would love to make right. Ya know the usual:

Be in the Word more

Exercise

Eat healthier

Find a job

Decorate more

Blog more

Etc....

I hope that you all will have a blessed New Year and that all you strive to make better will come true. We are still enjoying spending time with the families so I haven't been on here in awhile. Kids go back to school tomorrow so we will be trying to get back on our schedules again. That Christmas vacation seems to fly by sometimes and other times not go fast enough! :)

I am looking forward to catching up on all your blogs again!

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-25T19:03:00.004-06:00

Merry Christmas to you all!!

I pray you have a blessed day and remember the True meaning of this holiday.

Enjoy the day. We are having a blizzard here so we are snug and warm inside.

A perfect way to spend Christmas with the family.

Many blessings to you all!!

Wreaths & Vintage Ornaments

2009-12-16T21:56:00.015-06:00

I love these simple wreaths and how elegant they look. So lovely tied with a simple ribbon. I like how they are used on the cabinet and on the windows inside the home. I have hung wreaths on the outside of my windows, but never thought of hanging them inside. I might have to try this. And how beautiful hung inside a frame! I have seen them on the backs of chairs and even on the four corners of the table legs. That is really sweet. How do you decorate with wreaths?

A favorite collection of mine are my vintage ornaments. I still have mine in storage so I couldn't photograph them for this post. I will try and see if I can get to them and take some pics. I love the way they are so fragile and their beautiful colors. I like to put them on their own special tree usually. I also like how they look clustered in a glass urn. So pretty. I am putting some of my silver ones on bare branches that I have in a vase in my bedroom. I will try and take a pic of that too. Any favorite ornaments you all have out there?

I hope you are all surviving the Christmas rush. I am a little behind this year. Trying not to get too stressed for we know that isn't the reason for this season. I am trying to focus on the True meaning and not go overboard. I wish you all well and Happy Shopping:)

Images 1) Coastal Living and all the others are via Country Living

Oh Christmas Tree

2009-12-06T22:06:00.005-06:00

I love all of these trees. They are all so different, but I could see myself having each one of these trees. I love the last image. They used tags with pictures on them for the ornaments. So neat. Also love the galvanzied tub used for the base. I tried to do that but my tree stand was too big. I guess I could have redone it somehow, but no time.

I really love the big grand tree in the second pic. Oh to have a room like that. We used to have a cathedral ceiling where we had a 9' tree in the living room, but now are settling with a little one this year:(

I usually put a tree up in each room. This year since we are still in the limbo stage of renting a house and trying to find our dream acreage I haven't been in the mood to get everything out and decorate like I usually do. I chose to simplify. Hopefully next year I can go all out again and decorate to my heart's content. For now I am enjoying the many images in my files I have tucked away. I love having images to look at and spark my creativity. It makes me happy.

The snow is falling and I am warm and cozy flipping through all my pictures. I hope you are all enjoying getting out all of your decor and making your place special for the holidays.

Hope you all have a wonderful week!!

Images 1 & 3 via Martha Stewart Living

Images 2 & 5 via Country Living

Image 4 via Coastal Living

Welcome Christmas

2009-12-01T15:26:00.014-06:00

As we are all getting into the decorating spirit of Christmas I pulled up some images I think are welcoming. When entering our homes it is nice to get a sort of preview of what we will see inside. Whether you have a porch or just a stoop it is nice to have it decorated so people feel invited in as they are lead to the door. Enjoy!

Images 1 & 4 unknown, 2 & 3 via Country Living magazine

Thankful

2009-11-22T15:15:00.014-06:00

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."
Psalm 107:1 NIV

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday I think about all that I am thankful for and realize I am truly blessed. I am amazed by all I have and feel terrible for ever being crabby or depressed about anything that really is just so trivial. I know there are so many out there who are really struggling with sickness, finances, hunger, not knowing the true love of Jesus, and so many more things...

I just want to tell each and every one of you I am thankful for you. We are all truly blessed beyond measure. I hope that you all know that and have a blessed Thanksgiving where you can share a beautiful day with loved ones and enjoy all that we have.

Blessings to you all!!

Mudd Lake Furniture Co.

2009-11-03T11:45:00.008-06:00

A friend of mine (Thanks Constance!) just sent me an email about this little hidden treasure. I have to add this to my list of stops next time I am in Minnesota. Love this place. She sent me a link to a blog that I will now be following. What a story this family has. Please check them out here: http://www.mycharmingkids.net/2009/10/luckiest-girl-alive.html

This link is the story about her fun night at Mudd Lake. Looks like it was a really fun time. Right up my alley. Meeting amazing new people, blogging friends, eating good food, and finding treasures galore!

So, these are just a few picks from the Mudd Lake website. The owner is a former NFL football guy and now has this amazing furniture shop hidden just west of Minneapolis. Big barn full of gorgeous new items and a little old mixed in. Just my style. So check them out. I don't think it will be hidden for long.

We have actually had a few days of sun around here and I am so glad. This weekend it looks like we will be having a good old Indian Summer. Mid 70's I'll take it and enjoy every minute. Hope you are all having a great week.

Where is Fall?

2009-10-23T10:15:00.012-05:00

Well, fall is supposed to be here, but we have already had snow way too much around here. I want that fall feeling! So, I looked up some inpsiring pics to get me more in the spirit. I have the pumpkins out and wish I was sitting at a table outdoors like in this pic below and eating that wonderfully looking stew that I am going to make this weekend. Yummmm!!! Instead I am inside bundled up watching it snow and rain outside! Aghhh!

I just love the fall when you can go out in a warm sweater and jeans and feel the crisp air all around, going to the pumpkin patch, picking apples, and canning our wonderful bounty from the garden. We are still able to do some of those things, but it just hasn't been the typical fall here. Maybe next year. At least I have these images to remind me of how wonderful fall can be.

Hope you are all enjoying your fall!

via Country Living

HARVEST BEEF STEW

{You can prepare the stew a day ahead, letting it simmer awhile. This allows the flavors to meld. Allow the stew to cool to room temperature, and then chill, covered, overnight. On next day, reheat it on the stove before serving.}

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

3 lb. boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 Tbsp. olive oil or cooking oil

3 14-oz. cans beef broth

2 cups dry red wine or beef broth

1 cup water

2 Tbsp. Dijon-style mustard

1 Tbsp. dried thyme, crushed

2 bay leaves

2 lb. Yukon Gold or other potatoes, cubed (about 6 cups)

1 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (2 3/4 cups)

1 16-oz. pkg. frozen small whole onions or 2 cups peeled pearl onions

1 16-oz. pkg. peeled baby carrots

1 cup snipped dried fruit (such as apricots, golden raisins, and/or apple) (optional)

Crème fraîche or dairy sour cream (optional)

1. In a large resealable plastic bag combine flour, freshly ground pepper, and salt. Add the meat to the bag, one-third at a time, and shake to coat with flour. In a 6- to 8-quart Dutch oven cook and stir meat with garlic, one-third at a time, in hot oil for 5 to 6 minutes or until meat is brown. Drain off any fat.
2. Return all meat to Dutch oven. Stir in beef broth, red wine, water, mustard, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Stir in potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, and carrots. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes more or until vegetables are tender. Remove and discard bay leaves. If desired, stir in dried fruit.
3. To serve, ladle stew into bowls. If desired, top each with a spoonful of crème fraîche or sour cream. Makes 14 to 16 servings.

All other images and recipe from Country Home mag. Boy, do I miss that magazine!! :(

Warrenton Treasures Take 2

2009-10-07T09:16:00.009-05:00

I must be drawn to collections because I seem to take pics of items in multiples! I love old bottles and jars and there were plenty to be seen at the flea markets. I guess that is a good thing. It says that they are still out there and quite affordable. (My kind of collection.) I love to do a grouping on a shelf or window sill. Since my kids have carried on the "collection gene" they have amassed a large quantity of rocks and shells. So, I decided to display them in old jars. That way they can still be viewed, but in an orderly fashion. It is such a nice way to remember the places where such treasures were found. I also use old salt shakers for the tiniest of rock or shell since nothing is too small to become a treasure!

How do you display your treasures?

Back from Round Top; What a Week!

2009-10-04T21:55:00.011-05:00

Round Top Antique Week was an amazing experience. There were so many things to see I became a little overwhelmed. There are literally miles and miles of tents strewn down the highway full of items calling my name. We spent a week looking through many of those tents and still didn't really make a dent in the miles of treasures. I took so many pics it is hard to narrow them down. I thought I would just post the ones I find intriguing and they are in no certain order. Just lovelies I couldn't resist in taking a picture of so I could remember the items. I will do a couple of other posts on this adventure because there is no way one will do.

So, for now enjoy these images that I couldn't help but keep for my inspiration files. It's been a long week so sorry so short but I have a lot of catching up to do. I will post more later...

Great People I Met and On the Road Again to Texas!!

2009-09-24T19:42:00.015-05:00

Me and Sue Whitney

Gretchen and Me in her and Lani's booth

Me and Lani at Sue's

Serena and Me at the Blog Party

Me and Noreen aka JunkerMidge at Sue's

My Mom, Aunt Marie, and Me

Well everyone these are some of the amazing people I was able to meet up with in person at the Junk Bonanza and our little Junk Market Style party at Sue Whitney's. Most of these people I met off of Sue's JMS site. You must check it out if you haven't already.

I had first met Lani from Cottage Elements in person last year at the Junk Bonanza and kept in touch via email. Then as I started commenting on the JMS site and creating my own blog I started to form a friendship with Gretchen with Mimi-Toria's Designs. She makes the most awesome jewelry out of vintage finds. I was so thrilled to give her a big hug when we met. She is such an amazing woman!!

I first met Amy from Whisperwood Cottage in the early bird line the morning of the Junk Bonanza. I knew it was her right away with her camera in tow. I then met Noreen whom I had always seen commenting on JMS and felt as if I had already known her. We had such a fun time hanging out at Sue's and getting to know one another in a whole new light. I also met the Rockler girls, Laurel aka Chipping Charm, and the Pfarkle sisters, Sharon, Diane, and Janel (saw them in the hotel restaurant the night before and had to go introduce myself. I recognized them from the funny camping pics of Oronoco on the JMS site). Also Kimberly Melamed, Elizabeth, the Country Junkers girls, Mark and Don were at Sue's. We had such a great time!!

Also at the Junk Bonanza blog party I was honored to meet Serena from the Farm Chicks!! She was so sweet to talk with. I was amazed by all the talented people I was surrounded by. I felt like I was in a dream! Someone pinch me!! I also met Ki, Matthew Mead, Linda McDonald from Restyled Home, and Heather Bullard (I won a set of her amazing postcards)!! She was taking pics for an upcoming issue of Where Women Create magazine. So amazing!!

And of course my junking partners my Mom and Aunt Marie. I had such a blast with these two. It is always a great time. Next year I think we are adding some more to the mix. Maybe my sister and another aunt. It is such a fun girls trip. Watch out we may get even crazier!! Thanks ladies for making the trip extra special. I love ya!!

So, I had a fun filled trip and now am getting packed to hit the road yet again for a road trip to Round Top, Texas. Antique Week!!!!!!! I am so excited I can't even stand it. I can't wait to show you all the pics and tell you all about it. I am heading there with another blogging gal I met online, Fancy from Cactus Creek Daily and some of her great friends. Will let ya all know how it goes.

Until then....

Great Time at the Junk Bonanza

2009-09-22T10:30:00.007-05:00

So, here are some pics of the Junk Bonanza! What a great time we had! I can't even begin to describe all of what we saw. Sorry for the quality of some of the pics. We used what we could and I need a new camera! Anyway, I don't know all of the booths that I have listed here and feel terrible. It was hard to keep track of who I took pics of. I will try and do better next time. Everyone's booths looked amazing and other blogs show their pics you might want to check out! I will list them below.

I met the most amazing people. I was so excited to finally see them in person and they were everything I thought they would be and more. I am going to do a seperate post on the people that I met. What an amazing weekend. Hope you enjoy the pics. More to come...

Check out Cottage Elements, Mimi-Toria's Designs, Junk Camp, Restyled Home , Whisperwood Cottage, and Forever Cottage for more pics. I will post more as I find out the names!

Junk Bonanza Here I Come!

2009-09-14T14:53:00.014-05:00

Ok, I leave Wed. to head for the Junk Bonanza! (Give me a woot woot!) I can't wait to get there and meet up with my mom and aunt. So much to get ready for. Laundry done, food stocked up, clothes laid out for picture day! Can you believe it? Gone for picture day? Hope Dad can get a pony tail in Laney's hair and make her look sweet and make sure the boys actually comb their hair! So daddy and the kiddos for 5 days! I know he can do it though. Thanks dear!

Once I get headed down that highway my stresses will be gone and only fun ahead! We are going to have so much fun! I also can't wait to see Lani from Cottage Elements and Gretchen from Mimi Toria's Designs in their booth with all their great JUNK! Check them out on their blogs. They have great ideas and I know they won't disappoint!
Also check out Jill from Forever Cottage, Mustard Moon, Hunt & Gather, and Cammi from Daffadowndilly's. They had awesome booths last year too!

See ya soon ladies!! Here are some pics from last year's Junk Bonanza. Enjoy!

All pics via Junk Camp

Fall is here along with a give away

2009-09-10T14:00:00.007-05:00

Hello all! Well fall is in the air around here and I just saw Matthew Mead's new Halloween magazine cover! Linda at Restyled Home is giving away 5 copies! So go on over and check it out. Matthew will be at the Junkbonanza in Minnesota again this year and I am thrilled to be able to attend once again. I will be posting on who to check out this year at the Junkbonanza shortly. It is such an amazing colaboration of talented people that bring their wares to sell at this huge event. I can hardly stand it. Pictures will be sure to follow. So, check out Matthew's magazine and if you are in the area check out the Junkbonanza, you won't be sorry!

So, check out Matthew Mead's newest Halloween magazine: Hundreds of Spooky Treats and Clever Crafts for the Best Holiday Ever! Beautiful photos of easy, creative and fun projects and straight-forward directions and patterns that will appeal to crafters of every age. On newstands now throughout the U.S. and Canada!

Photo by Matthew Mead

Belgian Inspired

2009-09-05T23:50:00.017-05:00

Belgian Pearls

Restoration Hardware

BoBo

BoBo

Velvet & Linen

All the rage now: Belgian design. I have just discovered this relaxed style. Very industrial, light, aged wood, overscaled lighting, and beautiful linen on oversized furniture. Hardwood floors in their natural state. No staining, just raw. I love it. It lends to such a relaxed and comforting feel. That is definitely my style. I just want to sink into one of these seats and cozy up. It speaks calm to me. Like the hectic day will all go away once I walk into a room filled with items from this design venue.

This design style has been around for a couple of years now, but is starting to be taken seriously here in the US by being incorporated into the lines of companies like Restoration Hardware. Joni from Cote de Texas did a great post about their new line and how she thinks it will do. Brooke from Velvet & Linen has been using this style for awhile now. She has a gorgeous shop. You also have to check out BoBo's Intriguing Objects. They have amazing designs. And don't miss Greet's blog, Belgian Pearls. She is an interior decorator in Belgium! So, enjoy and let me know what you think.

Out of Africa

2009-08-23T14:31:00.012-05:00

I just discovered Cecile & Boyd's through Elle Decoration South Africa. These are photos from their Cape Town Showroom. I love their decor. Even in South Africa I can relate to these colors and vignettes. I especially love the white urn that is used for flowers, lemons, and greenery. Such versatility. The blue and white urns are always a plus in my book. Definitely universal. I also could use those beautiful mirrors in a bathroom or dressing room. How divine!

I love the storefront and of course the shells. Did you see the awesome doors behind the lemons? Very rustic, yet they fit right into such a traditional setting. I could see those being used for a restaurant entrance or an entry into a wine cellar. Count me in.

So, I thought I would leave you with a little taste of South Africa for the day. For more eye candy check out Cecile & Boyd's website.

Pics are by Neville Trickett via Elle Decoration South Africa

Bath Time

2009-08-13T22:52:00.012-05:00

via Pottery Barn

via House Beautiful Designer Vincente Wolf

via Country Living pic by Simmons

via Country Living Design by Robin Stubbert

via Country Living Pic by Keith Scott Morton

via House Beautiful Designer Ginger Barber

These images are from my design inspiration files. I am longing to be in a beautiful bathroom! It used to be my escape. A place with a lock on the door and quiet time. I know it will be again someday. As you can tell I love old bathtubs that are deep and you can just sink into for a long, much deserved, bubble bath. You must have candlelight, beverage, fresh flowers(preferable white), and fluffy towels(also white)!
I love the natural colors in these pics. They say calm to me. I love the clean lines and gorgeous fixtures. I am loving the white vessel sinks also. So pretty. I love taking an old item and turning it into a sink base. Such a nice touch. I also love a chandelier in the bath. I have also noticed the double sinks are reoccurring in my files. I think that is a hint that I live with a very small bathroom!

What kind of bath do you long for???

Outdoor Entertaining

2009-08-06T00:18:00.010-05:00

Well, summer is quickly coming to an end here. School will be starting soon, we haven't really had a very hot summer, and I just want to hang on to it for just a bit longer. So, these outdoor entertaining pics keep me hangin' on.

I would love to entertain in any of these outdoor spaces. I think I would serve a nice grilled chicken salad with fresh tomatoes from my garden and some yummy artichoke dip with crispy whole wheat bread. Of course I would have a glass of sweet tea (preferably my Aunt Donna's) over ice to keep me cool. I think I know what I am having for lunch tomorrow!

Aunt Donna, are you making the trip?

Hope everyone is enjoying the last of their summer vacation. Fall will be here before we know it.

1st photo via Veranda, 2nd photo via The Laurel Hedge, 3rd, 4th, & 5th I don't remember where I got them I apologize.If anyone knows let me know so I can give proper credit where it is due. I try and record the origin now! 6th Traditional Home Mag. 7th Pottery Barn.

Dreamin' of a New Home

2009-07-22T23:49:00.017-05:00

I am dreaming of my new home. These pics are of some of my faves. I can't wait for the day to be able to have a lovely kitchen to cook some awesome Barefoot Contessa dishes and serve them up on my white Pfaltzgraf dishes with vintage Bakelite flatware. Then I can relax in a comfy slipcovered sofa and sip on some nice sweet tea while looking out my window onto a fabulous view of the prairie.

1 & 2 Western Interiors photos. Love the Ralph Lauren chairs in the living area! I also love the subway tiles along the back wall. The setup is great. I would love that long table and island to have many friends and family over to entertain.

I love this farmhouse from Raised In Cotton blog. I have always dreamed of living in an old white farmhouse with a wrap around porch. This one even has a porch swing! I have driven through the hills around this area and the scenery is absolutely beautiful! I can just picture a clothesline out back to hang out my laundry and watch the kids play in the open expanse of yard all around. (Ok, so I do that now already but it is not in my dream home!) I think I have come to the fact that an old farmhouse is not working for me. I think we need to build a new home that looks old. Maybe I have become too spoiled, but I sure do love a new bathroom and new kitchen where I am the first one to use it. Anyone know what I mean?

So, until we can rebuild a new home I will just look at all the great pics online and dream some more! The day will come; I know it will.

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-03T14:43:00.014-05:00

Wishing you all a safe and fabulous 4th of July.

Here are a few things that remind me of 4th of July weekend:

Flags

Fireworks

BBQ

Parades

Freedom

Aprons

2009-06-27T13:39:00.011-05:00

Toile apron

Pink Carousal
Kids Sewing Basket Apron

Tri Color Aprons

I have always loved aprons and have quite a few of them in my own collection. I thought I would share with you some of the new designs that are catching my eye!

Sources: Ananasdesigns.com, anthropologie.com, jessiesteele.com, bathandbodyworks.com, stitchthrutime.com

Just click on the titles for a link to the websites.

Hope you enjoy!

Friendships

2009-06-25T17:09:00.016-05:00

Sorry I haven't written in awhile. I have been on vacation. I went home to see my family and then I just had a few days with my best friends at a cabin on the lake.

I must say I have the most amazing friends. We are all so different and I have been away from them for a year and a half! They are my dear friends who no matter the distance or the circumstances remain true. Sometimes I wonder how I fit in with them because I feel so different, but then I realize that is why we work. We learn from each other, laugh until our heads literally hurt, cry together, love each others' kids like our own, and are always there for each other. We just picked up like we had just seen each other yesterday.

So many things have changed in our lives, but we are still real with each other. I am so blessed to call them my friends. I can't imagine my life without them!

We also had a couple of new friends along that I am so fortunate to have been able to get to know better. They fit right in!

Here's to you my friends! Can't wait until we meet up again! You make me smile :)

"Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands I know
That a lifetime's not too long..
To live as friends."
Song "Friends" by Michael W. Smith

My girl's sweet day!

2009-06-05T21:07:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to my girl who turned 5 today!
We love you sweet thing! You are my saving grace!
I am so blessed by God to have you in my life.
Hope you had a great day!
Love ya!

Vignettes!!!

2009-06-01T20:58:00.006-05:00

Here is a part of my porch finally! It still isn't finished yet, but this is a start. It is taking a lot longer than I thought to really get that peaceful feel to it that I am longing for. So, stay tuned...

These were my best deals at the city wide garage sales. They are such sweet iron pieces. I have the perfect spot for them. I will post that later...

This black and white vignette is a favorite. I love the simple elegance.

Here is some of the jewelry I picked up at the estate sale. Such pretty little things.

These items I used in an office setting. Love the muffin tin with the square sides.

These fun toys made a great kids display. I love old blocks. It is fun to think about who actually played with them.

I turned these fun little items into a baking display. Love the old green measuring cup.

This was a sweet little yellow accent vignette.

I love this old black wagon. Lots of ideas for this one.

I hope you enjoyed all my little finds. So many fun things out there. Happy Hunting!

Until next time...

Decisions, Decisions...

2009-05-28T22:57:00.003-05:00

I just finished going to garage sale day number one out of three for the city wide sales this week. Found some really cool stuff which I will post at the end of the week. I am then thinking, why am I buying all this stuff? Well, my usual reasoning is that I am going to sell this stuff one day. I am either going to have a shop or set up a booth in an antique mall or something! Well, it is decision time. I have to jump right in and start this. I have wanted, since I can remember, to buy and resell items and show people how to reuse items in their homes. It could be by just seeing one of your items in a new room with a new purpose. I just love that kind of stuff.
So, I am praying that I will be able to decide which is the best venue to start in. I live in a really small town so my options aren't that great. I am going to check out an antique mall, but I don't really have all antiques. I like modern stuff mixed with old stuff. I will have to see what this place is like. I have also tossed the idea around about having a shop with gently used named brand clothing in it also. I have 3 kids and am always buying used stuff because they outgrow stuff so fast and I can get really great deals on nearly new items. You just have to get up early and search for those bargains!
I also have an uncle who makes iron gates and fencing that I could sell in my shop. I would also like to put custom made pillows and some other items in the mix. So many things to think about. I have to be realistic because my husband and I are really conservative when it comes to investing in the things that concern our family. I have to figure out how I can make this work.
If anyone has any advice I would love to hear from you.
So for now I am off to try and figure out some of this stuff. And I need to get to bed because I will be getting up soon to start another day of hunting bargains:)

Until next time...

Six Things About Me?

2009-05-22T21:34:00.005-05:00

Ok, I have been tagged by Lani over at Cottage Elements. This is the first time I have ever done this so I hope this is right.

STEP 1: 6 Things About Me

1. I am a wife of my wonderful husband for 13 years this year and mother of 3 great kids. 2 boys and 1 girl.

2. I am a born again Christain and have been privaleged to go on a mission trip to Guatemala where I left a piece of my heart. Thanks to Students International who are doing wonders there with the people and bringing Jesus into their lives one little step at a time. Love you guys! I went on this trip via Country Bible Church in Blair, NE. Miss ya all!

3. I am a lover of decorating and design. I long to have a shop of my own someday where I can show people how to take old items and use them in ReInvented ways.

4. I brake for garage sales, flea markets, auctions, antique malls, great shops, need I say more????

5. I love to travel! I want to see the world. I love to drive as long as the weather is fine and I don't mind flying so I am ready to go! Where will the open road and the blue skies take me next?

6. I love getting to know all of my new blogging friends. This has really been a great experience for me. Thanks guys!

STEP 2: TAG YOU'RE IT!

Here are my picks:

Fancy at Cactus Creek Daily

Lissa at Humble Pie

Kristin at Twinkle Life

Layla at The Lettered Cottage

Carol at Raised In Cotton

Yasmine at Maison Reve

Okay, y'all. It's your turn. You now need to post six things about yourself, identify six new people, and let those people know they've been tagged. Don't forget to link back to this post! Lookin' forward to getting to know more about you!

Visit to Curious Sofa

2009-05-20T20:54:00.005-05:00

So, on my trip to KC I had to stop and see Curious Sofa run by Deb Dusenberry. I have been following her blog ever since I saw her in Country Living Magazine. She has a lot of the same tastes I do when it comes to design. She unfortunately was not in the shop when we were there, but her staff was so kind and sweet. They even gave me directions on how to get back to the interstate. Thanks so much! (Need I say that we got major lost on the way there because I took one little wrong turn! Darn those interstate loops! No getting back on after you get off!) So, anyway on with the pics!
First, I have to say sorry for the picture quality. My camera is not that great. These do not do justice to the shop. I need to upgrade to a new camera since I am now putting these on the blog and showing everyone. But, I think you will agree it is a shop worth visiting.

The store front painted beautifully.

Nice big centerpiece on iron table

One of the many great sofas available

The bedding displayed in shelves

Sea Shells displayed in a great hutch

I loved these white dishes and was not surprised when I found out they were Katie Brown's new line! Love her!

Great display with black and white

Me in a great leather chair grouping

Me in the entryway display

So, hope you enjoyed the pics. We had a fabulous time in Kansas City. Hope to visit again soon. I will post some more pics of the other great places we went next time along with the awesome bargains I got.

Until next time...

Antiquing Weekend

2009-05-19T22:02:00.009-05:00

I was so privelaged to check out Cactus Creek Studio's grand opening. Fancy is truly a girl after my own heart. I love her western design ideas and eye for finding those true artisans who have great products. My mom, sister and I went shopping downtown Weston, and then headed out to dinner with Fancy and her mom-in-law, Connie. We had such a blast. Great food, great company, and great atmosphere!

So, here are a few pics of our time spent in Weston, MO. You must go if you get a chance. You won't be sorry.

Love this antler candle holder!

Great Tablescape

Me and Fancy

Great stuff!

Mom, Me and Misty hangin' at the studio.

Me and Fancy in the pub! Good times!

Thanks again Fancy for a great weekend! Can't wait for our trip to Round Top! What fun we will have! See ya soon!

Ok, so tomorrow I will post pics of the trip to the other Kansas City and show you Curious Sofa. Love that place! It is my dream shop. Great stuff Deb!

So, until next time...

Refueled Magazine's Summer Edition

2009-05-18T22:50:00.004-05:00

Hey all! I have returned from my antiquing weekend and had such a blast. I will be posting pics and the low down tomorrow. I have to download all my pics and sort through them quick. I just wanted to do a shout out to Chris Brown and his awesome online magazine Refueled. The summer edition comes out on Memorial Day! Please check him out. His talents and eye for design really makes me jump out of my comfort zone and look at things with a new perspective. Great job Chris!

Until tomorrow...

Adventure awaits

2009-05-15T17:01:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow I am off to KC to meet up with an online blogging friend, Fancy, from Cactus Creek Daily. She is opening her new studio and I can't wait to check it out in person! It is going to be a fun girl weekend with my mom and sister who will meet me there. I am sure we will find a few garage sales on the way and we hope to check out Curious Sofa too! I can't be that close and not go see it.

I will be taking lots of pics and will let ya all know how it turned out. It is so fun to be able to just get away for the weekend. Just a quick trip, but oh so worth it!
Thanks to my fab hubby who will be watching the kiddos while mama has a quick junking adventure! I hope you all get a chance to get away from it all from time to time. Believe me it is so worth it. You deserve it and will be a better person when you return from being refreshed! Go for it!

So, until next time...

Photos: (1)Cactus Creek (2)Curious Sofa

Give Away!

2009-05-05T22:57:00.004-05:00

OK everyone needs to check out this great blog over at The Lettered Cottage. Here is what is going on. Layla is an awesome interior designer and I have been following her blog for awhile now and am really impressed with her. She is doing a give away of this awesome burlap table runner in honor of her 1 year anniversary in blog land. So check it out! You could be a winner!!!

Please also check out Grace, from Coastline's, Estsy shop! So many awesome things! She is the one who designed the runner and thanks to her it is the prize for the give away. Thanks Grace and Layla!

So many great inspirations on the blogs these days. Happy reading! And good luck!

Until next time...

Words of Wisdom

2009-05-04T22:12:00.003-05:00

Count it a JOY

When life gets hard.
God is doing something HUGE!
He is also proving
That you are NOT a fake.

Be BRAVE, Mighty Warrior
Your God is with you!
When Waves are Crashing,
STAND to your feet.
Throw your head back
and FEEL the wind of the Spirit!

God is painting a MASTERPIECE
with Multi-colored trials.
Go forth and display
Divine special effects
To the Great Glory of GOD.

YOU CAN DO IT!

-Beth Moore

I really needed to read this tonight. I just read it from a new blog I discovered which is Twinkle Life It is amazing how God talks to you through so many different ways. He is truly amazing!
I am still working on the porch. The weather hasn't been very cooperative lately, but I am making some progress. I am thinking of starting the painting on the inside since I can't quite stand it anymore! So much to do, so little time. I am trying to take one day at a time. I am still adjusting to moving here, this new town, and this new home. I am trying to make the best of it, but there are days when I wonder what is going on? Then I happened upon this quote from none other than one of my favorite people, Beth Moore, and it really gave me a sense of peace. It was also a reminder of what I already know, but what I tend to forget all too easily.
I think I am going to make this a poster and have it right where I can see it daily.
So, I will be trying to get pics of the porch finalized and posted. I also found a great greenhouse today when on a field trip with my son's class and it has pumped me up with more ideas!
So, I will work on the porch and continue to remember God has a reason as to why I am in this place.
Until next time...

Before Pics of the Porch

2009-04-25T15:43:00.007-05:00

Hello, Sorry I haven't been on here this week. I am busy transforming my bare porch. Here are some before photos and sneak peak of flowers that are in. I will update as I get more items put together. I can't wait to share my daughter's little fairy garden we created. It is so cute! It was inspired by Sue's fairy garden from her post on JunkMarketStyle and book Junk Beautiful Outdoor Edition.
So, enjoy these while I get back to work!

Please excuse the BB Gun! That's boys for you! That is not part of the design!!

Hope you like it so far.
So, until next time...

Places I'd Rather Be Today

2009-04-18T17:03:00.006-05:00

Cabo Cool
From Western Interiors Magazine

Photo by: Blancaneaux Lodge via Garden Design

On this rainy day I would give anything to be in these places. Come on Spring I need you to be here soon. I can't wait to get into the garden and to plant flowers! I can't wait for summer to be at the beach and watch the waves come in and smell that fresh air and feel the sand under foot.
Anyway, back to reality. I am waiting for the sun to come out so I can take a photo of the front porch. I think I will start there and document its transformation first. So, hopefully that will be coming up shortly.
I think I will use the porch for my official announcement of our new address. I will send it out to all my friends and family. We'll see how it turns out. I have a specific way it will look in my head, but we'll see if that is how it comes out on paper(computer!)
P.S. The garage sales weren't that great today. This is the first time I have been out this season so I hope they get better! :)

So, until next time...

Happy Easter!

2009-04-11T21:32:00.002-05:00

Just wishing everyone a very blessed Easter!

Blessings to all!

We just finished moving again. I will try and post some of my new decorating designs for this old farmhouse. It is quite a challenge. It is fun though to get to create some new designs and live with some ReInvented things.

Until next time...

Getting Started

2009-04-09T18:44:00.009-05:00

I am still trying to figure out this whole blogging thing so bare with me. I have just looked through a bunch of photos from the Round Top show and I can't wait to go in the Fall with my new found friend Fancy from Cactus Creek Daily.
I attended the Junkbonanza last fall and had a blast with my aunt who ran the antique store. That was kind of my starting point at meeting a lot of the great people I have found through blogs. I can't wait to now meet some of them in person at these upcoming events. Here are some pics of our trip last fall.

This was some really neat wood furniture in the Junk Corral.

Ki was so nice to sign her book for me and my aunt.

It was such a great show. I love blue and white dishes so I found some great ones there. I also like glass door knobs and picked up a few of them. Also found a sugar mold which I have always wanted. I am going to add votives to mine.

So, I can't wait until the next trip. I will be taking a lot more pics this time so I can show everyone the great displays. I love those booths that you could just stay in all day because they are so great. I love seeing things that I can use in my everyday life. So, I hope to find some items and show you how I incorporate them into my home. Garage sales will be starting soon, can't wait. They are such great places to find things on the cheap. I will keep you posted with my finds and show you what I come up with.

Until next time...

Dreams Can Come True

2009-04-08T22:04:00.006-05:00

I am starting my first blog tonight. After reading so many great blogs I thought it was maybe my turn to get into the action. I feel like it is really a great opportunity to fulfill my dream of being in interior design by sharing my ideas online. This is such a great way to connect with people who share the same passion I do for ReInventing old things and using them in new ways. So this is my entry into the blog world. I hope you will enjoy.

I hope to post things that inspire me and links to people, places, and things that can help inpsire you also. There are so many awesome people out there that have such great ideas. So, I will leave you with a little of what inpsires me. Can you say serene, beachy, whites, Ralph Lauren, old, chippy, industrial, urban country?

Until next time...