Here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! Thanks to all of you for being here.
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Special December Rainbows
Hello Friends,
While I normally dedicate this blog to DIY projects, I felt compelled to share something personal with you on this New Year's Eve. On this date in 2007, I lost my brother, Paul, to an accidental overdose. While he didn't technically pass until January 1, 2008, he was truly gone on the 31st, saved by the paramedic heroes who were able to resuscitate him. Giving us time to say our good-byes and for him to fulfill his final wish as an organ donor.
But honestly, this post isn't meant to be a downer post. Stick with me here. Shortly after Paul died, I was seeking a "sign" for lack of a better word, to know that he was ok. And I was given one - a small slice of a rainbow in the otherwise gray January sky. Since then, I take those rainbows as a sign from Paul. In the words of my son, Luke - "a rainbow is God's promise."
I have seen rainbows (and other "signs") in the years since Paul passed, but in many cases they have come at times where I needed to see them most. It goes without saying, that seeing this, the day before the 4th anniversary of his death, at the end of December no less, brought me to tears.
This picture really does no justice to the brilliance of this rainbow either. It was such a beautiful burst of color, and lasted just long enough for me to see it.
Until we meet again, Paul. And I know we will - after all, a rainbow is God's promise.
While I normally dedicate this blog to DIY projects, I felt compelled to share something personal with you on this New Year's Eve. On this date in 2007, I lost my brother, Paul, to an accidental overdose. While he didn't technically pass until January 1, 2008, he was truly gone on the 31st, saved by the paramedic heroes who were able to resuscitate him. Giving us time to say our good-byes and for him to fulfill his final wish as an organ donor.
But honestly, this post isn't meant to be a downer post. Stick with me here. Shortly after Paul died, I was seeking a "sign" for lack of a better word, to know that he was ok. And I was given one - a small slice of a rainbow in the otherwise gray January sky. Since then, I take those rainbows as a sign from Paul. In the words of my son, Luke - "a rainbow is God's promise."
I have seen rainbows (and other "signs") in the years since Paul passed, but in many cases they have come at times where I needed to see them most. It goes without saying, that seeing this, the day before the 4th anniversary of his death, at the end of December no less, brought me to tears.
Until we meet again, Paul. And I know we will - after all, a rainbow is God's promise.
Tablescape Highlights 2011
It's been really fun looking back over the year, it's hard to believe that in a few days we will be kissing another year goodbye. This week projects and Before and Afters are highlighted, and I could'nt leave out tablescapes. In a strange way they are like a hobby. I really love pulling a look together with doable, affordable ideas in hopes to inspire...and of course to eat! :)
Yellow Tulip
Monaco Breeze
America the Beautiful
Woodland
Harvest Green
Chevron Table
Russet Red Evening
Smokey Quartz
Yuletide Christmas
Old World Christmas
Blue WillowJoining Susan for Tablescape Thursday
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Before and After Highlights 2011
Hi everyone! Yesterday I shared some projects (click HERE), today, I want to share some Before and Afters with you. Isn't it amazing when you look back at any given year, how much was accomplished without even realizing it? I want to start with a big B&A, my booth space. I know it's not furniture, etc...but it did undertake a major transformation that took just under two weeks to complete.
BEFORE:
Of course, my space doesn't look like this anymore....Most of the furniture and lamps are gone and I've added a few new furniture pieces (you'll see below). I'm excited to start setting for Spring (YAY!) and of course I'll bring you along with me. :)
AFTER:
Booth SpaceBack on the homestead, an over sized painting transformed into a chalkboard. Logan is really the benefactor of this project, but it fills a really awkward and small wall for me. ;)
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Blackboard PaintingI found this chandy for a steal and it received a black paint job. It now makes a statement in the master bedroom.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Master Bedroom Chandy Another Lamp project, this one was featured on thenest.com (Thanks!), an ordinary lamp received some added bulk with the assistance of driftwood that I collected along a lake.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Driftwood Lamp
For my booth space, I found a decrepit drop-leaf table and experienced my first refinishing project (vs. just painting). It was a great small project to start with, and I will consider refinishing before painting from now on.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Drop-Leaf Table This hutch is at my booth space as well, a very large piece. This project was major for me, a even shed a few tears, I was so frustrated, but I finished it.
BEFORE TOP:
BEFORE BOTTOM:
AFTER:
An over sized chest of drawers got an overhaul and a paint job. It offers a lot of storage in the master bedroom.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
AFTER DETAIL:
I finally found some dining chairs and updated them with paint and fabric.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Finally, one of the biggest undertaking to date (save the booth space) the kitchen facelift. Oak cabinets from 1990, updated with paint and bold black and white combination. While it raised a few virtual eyebrows, it really works for our family and I love it.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Kitchen Facelift Here's to a productive 2012!! Thanks for stopping by!
Joining Rhoda
Need a design boost? For advice and guidance on style, contact me!
Best of 2011
Hello!
I hope you are enjoying the holidays and getting some rest before the new year kicks into gear. I have been sleeping in, but also taking advantage of some down time and getting a head start on some new projects!
In the meantime, I wanted to do a recap of some of my favorite projects of 2011. It's nice to see that I have documented proof that I did actually accomplish some things this year!
My biggest accomplishment, by far, is the painting of the kitchen cabinets. It has truly transformed my kitchen into a brighter, happier space, and I absolutely love it. You can see the full evolution here, and see it as a work in progress here and here. (I know I owe you a tutorial, and I promise, it will come).
Prior to tackling the kitchen cabinets, I got my feet wet by painting the kitchen island.
Another low budget, high impact project from this year is my all-faux-no-sew roman shades I made from a Target tablecloth. Love these. Love the price, love the look. Love that I can change them out without guilt too.
My mom cave continues to be a work in progress, but I spruced it up quite a bit this year. Most recently, I added a fun stencil.
My love of stencils continues to overflow, and I did a hand painted one in my powder room as part of that makeover.
I also spiced it up with a thrift store lamp that got a second life with some hot pink spray paint and pom pom fringe.
But before I tackled any of this, my mom cave got some life of it's own with the power of paint. Oh, how I will never tire of the wonders paint can do!
Board and batten has made its way into my home this year. It began with my hallway leading in from the garage.
It grew from there, and I added it to my laundry room and the bar area in our basement.
Oh, if only the laundry room always looked like this... You know, free of dirty laundry.
We added a gallery wall to this space as well.
My love of board and batten extended to my daughter's room in the shape of a paneled headboard and a tutorial.
And then there was the never-ending painting of the great room (and adjoining breakfast room, hallways, etc..). I thought I was going to hire this out, but ended up tackling it myself (and had an extension ladder in my great room for longer than I care to admit).
WHEW!!! I'm tired just writing about it! But, like I said before, I can look back at 2011 and say that I accomplished a lot!
Looking forward to tackling more projects and sharing them with you in 2012!
Linking up to:
Savvy Southern Style - Wow Us Wednesday
Southern Hospitality
Home Stories A to Z - 2011 Link Party
I hope you are enjoying the holidays and getting some rest before the new year kicks into gear. I have been sleeping in, but also taking advantage of some down time and getting a head start on some new projects!
In the meantime, I wanted to do a recap of some of my favorite projects of 2011. It's nice to see that I have documented proof that I did actually accomplish some things this year!
My biggest accomplishment, by far, is the painting of the kitchen cabinets. It has truly transformed my kitchen into a brighter, happier space, and I absolutely love it. You can see the full evolution here, and see it as a work in progress here and here. (I know I owe you a tutorial, and I promise, it will come).
Prior to tackling the kitchen cabinets, I got my feet wet by painting the kitchen island.
Another low budget, high impact project from this year is my all-faux-no-sew roman shades I made from a Target tablecloth. Love these. Love the price, love the look. Love that I can change them out without guilt too.
My mom cave continues to be a work in progress, but I spruced it up quite a bit this year. Most recently, I added a fun stencil.
I also spiced it up with a thrift store lamp that got a second life with some hot pink spray paint and pom pom fringe.
But before I tackled any of this, my mom cave got some life of it's own with the power of paint. Oh, how I will never tire of the wonders paint can do!
Board and batten has made its way into my home this year. It began with my hallway leading in from the garage.
It grew from there, and I added it to my laundry room and the bar area in our basement.
My love of board and batten extended to my daughter's room in the shape of a paneled headboard and a tutorial.
And then there was the never-ending painting of the great room (and adjoining breakfast room, hallways, etc..). I thought I was going to hire this out, but ended up tackling it myself (and had an extension ladder in my great room for longer than I care to admit).
WHEW!!! I'm tired just writing about it! But, like I said before, I can look back at 2011 and say that I accomplished a lot!
Looking forward to tackling more projects and sharing them with you in 2012!
Linking up to:
Savvy Southern Style - Wow Us Wednesday
Southern Hospitality
Home Stories A to Z - 2011 Link Party
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