Sweet Pickles and Chocolate

Before and After: Fireplace Remodel

2012-01-31T13:35:00.000-05:00

We are making some progress on old "not-quite" finished projects and moving forward on new ones.
The fireplace in the family room had not progressed past the mantle top we added over a year ago...
until last weekend. Hubby did all of the measuring, planning and woodwork single-handedly and I am in charge of paint. This was definately one of those, "why didn't we do it sooner?" re-do's. We love the way it looks now!

Fireplace before:

Fireplace after:

and a few photos taken along the way:

Now, how to cover/hide those pesky cords?

Organizing the shed...er, that's what I'm calling it

2012-01-26T07:41:00.000-05:00

Ok, to avoid embarrassment about the mess in the shed before, I didn't take any before photos.

This was actually our second attempt at organizing the shed. The first time we added a few shelves along one wall. Well, they quickly filled up and the crazy-huge workbench took up 2/3 of the remaining space. It had gotten to the point that things were stacked on the floor with just enough area to open and close the door. And worst of all, there were gaps around the ceiling and the animals were making themselves at home in there. Now, if they had been the cute, little, singing animals aka: the Snow White variety, we would have gotten along fine. But alas these were the wild-eyed, nest-building, how dare you invade my space variety!

Critter-free

etsy shop leftovers

In case you missed the bloody head...
After my husband insured that I suffered a level-3 heart attack for his personal enjoyment, I decided the head needed to stay on prominent display to avoid future "scare tactics"!
Anyway, I have the rubber head for Halloween when it is set in a wheel-barrow of dirt with a shovel and bones by the front door. Maybe, a little too scary?!?!

Potting bench from an old door

2012-01-25T12:19:00.000-05:00

The Potting Bench Project!

This old solid wood door was in the shed when we moved in and just became a place to pile tools, yard games, etc to overflowing. Not practical or useful when you need something from the bottom of the pile.

the door inside the shed

Hubby and I carried the door and bench legs out to the side of the shed where there is a roof and lattice walls and transferred all of the gardening paraphernalia out with it.

the legs and lower shelf

pots, pots, pots

gardening joy

Now we have two useful and practical spaces, each with it's own purpose.

Making progress

2012-01-24T13:14:00.001-05:00

Hello ya'll,

I'm taking a brief reprieve from my latest addiction...pinterest

for this short home improvement update:

Hubby and I have been busily moving forward on our fireplace mantel and surround project, organizing the shed storage with shelves and creating a potting bench area

for me to use this spring.

These projects are all coming along but need a few minor touches for

completion and their ready for "prime-time" photo-op.

In the meantime, I thought I would share some of the inspiration I'm using for future projects in the dining room, entry and mini-mudroom.

Today I'm sharing my mudroom inspiration and plans.

With a few tweeks to the inspiration photo I've made a design for our needs in a small space behind the front door and next to the garage door. I'm planning for two upper shelves, one for family photos and decor, the other for storage baskets to hold umbrellas, mail, keys, etc. And one lower shelf for bags, laptop, etc and shoe storage below. And finally a hook rack area between, for hanging items. All painted white and backed with beadboard. Of course, this will lead to more beadboard as a wainscote in the remaining entry area. I'm ready to go, and can't wait to share the finished space with you here.

The Current Space

The Mudroom:

The Inspiration

As you can see, "mini" is the operative word here but the organizational space is needed due to the lack of a coat closet in this area. Most of the time our bags and coats end up on the floor, the stairs, or worse....the kitchen island and stools.

Happy Homemaking Ya'll!

While you were away...

2012-01-05T13:25:00.000-05:00

I have been absent from blogging for a looong time but I have kept up on as many "home projects" as time and finances would allow.
That is my personal joy after all!

A few projects from 2011:

I've painted the front door red.

The door was a classy black but I'm loving the spicey red!

I Painted this old dark pine bed:

It's still too big for this small room but the white has really lightened-up the space.

I've added a wall of Ikea shelves in the loft for my ever-growing book collection. Looks like I need to buy some more books, hubby!!!

We spruced up the laundry room:

We added the cabinets and moved the washer/dryer from the back wall to the side wall. Now it is more like a galley-style rather than walking straight in to the appliances. The room has a much more spacious appearance and I love having the cabinets.

And...last, but far from least, we created a new flower bed in the front yard: (photos to come on a future post)

Looking ahead (I always have an idea brewing!)

A few projects for 2012:

I have two "must-do" projects but many more are percolating in that head of mine.

    1) A Dining Room re-do with board and batten wainscoting and new paint. I'm feeling closed in with the dark terracotta and want to lighten up with white wainscote and trim. I haven't chosen a new wall color yet but thinking about butter. LOL, maybe coffee, cherries, blueberries or even pickles? What do you think?!?!?
    2) Adding a Mini Mudroom between the garage and front entry doors. Can you believe, our house doesn't have a coat closet? I use the wall behind the door to hang keys and umbrellas with a basket to stash mail so why not go ahead and add bead-board, shelves, baskets and a peg rack? Granted, it will be a very, "mini" mudroom, but it will add some architechture and purpose to that area.

More posts on these project ideas as they progress.

One goal for 2012 is learning to knit and do some cross-stitching. (when I'm not working, sawing, nailing, planting or painting, LOL!) I bought a knitting loom kit to learn on, and a few iron-on cross stitch patterns to try. I need to be able to knit those baby booties and blankets, one day...sigh.

And finally, I'm dreaming about getting an embroidery machine, not sure if this one will come true this year or not but happiness is having something to do, someone to love and something to hope for! :)

Happy 2012 Ya'll!

An Ode to Thanksgiving!

2010-11-21T21:33:00.008-05:00

T'was the morn of Thanksgiving

and all through the house,

Mother is dusting

and shoo-ing her spouse;

The table is set for the family with care,

in hopes that the in-laws soon will be there;

The (grown) children are hustling in their kitchens with dread,

"Oh, why didn't I prepare my dish a day ahead?"

As Dad with a blanket and the dog with a yap

are just settling down for a late morning nap,

out in the kitchen there arose such a clatter

they spring from their slumber to see what's the matter;

Away to the stairs Dad flies like a flash,

turns on the light and runs down in a dash;

The self-rising flour covers the kitchen like snow,

giving a dusting of white to all objects below.

When, what to Dad's wondering eyes should appear?

But Mother dressed in flour from left to right ear;

With a broom and a mop she cleans it up quick,

knowing there are more Thanksgiving dishes to fix;

More rapid than children with candy to claim,

she whistles and shouts and gets on with the game;

Now Turkey, now Ham, now Potatoes and Fixings!

On Pudding, on Dressing, on Green Beans and Mixing!

To the top of the stove and the oven rack she calls,

Cook away! Bake away! Brown away all!

As the Butterball turkey in hot oil does fry,

Mother whips up the Thanksgiving pie;

So back to the recliner Dad and dog flew,

With blanket, remote and TV Guide too.

Sparks flying from the satelite dish on the roof,

football teams are vying, their winning the proof;

Mom takes a short break, turning around,

She sees the team quarterback thrown to the ground.

Dressed in team colors from his head to his foot,

the medic claims his game-playing today is caput!

Back to the meal, Mother's on the attack,

She moves casserole dish from front rack to back;

Her eyes all a'twinkle, her dimples how merry!

Her cheeks red as roses, and her nose like a cherry!

The Thanksgiving meal is tied up with a bow,

As all is ready, all the ducks in a row!

A faint knock at the door soon is bequeath
The in-laws arrive, bestowing a wreath.

MaMa brings jars of strawberry jelly,

PaPa makes his way to the front of the telli;

Then who should arrive but the daughters themself,

As Mother tells tale of flour missing the shelf;

The coffee is set on for a perk,

Mother brings an end to her holiday work,

Beverages, favorites and seating arrangements are chose,

the Thanksgiving blessing left for PaPa to compose;

We give thanks for our family, all hope and great love,

every gift given from the Father above.

And Mother exclaims as Thanksgiving's end is in sight,

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

To all a good night!

Adventures in Decking

2010-11-19T17:03:00.002-05:00

Ze deck addition is fini!

The grass seed is sown and grown.

Pathways are made,

and bushes are planted.

Family has visited,

and Dena is delighted!

Thanks hubby! :)

Autumn Sweet

2010-09-28T18:12:00.001-04:00

Autumn

"Once more the liberal year laughs out

O'er richer stores than gems or gold:

Once more with harvest song and shout

Is nature's boldest triumph told."

- John Greenleaf Whittier

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it,

and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth

seeking the successive autumns."

- George Eliot

"There is a harmony

In autumn, and a lustre in its sky,

Which through the summer is not heard or seen,

As if it could not be, as if it had not been!"

- Percy Bysshe Shelley

"Listen! the wind is rising,

and the air is wild with leaves,

We have had our summer evenings,

now for October eves!"

- Humbert Wolfe

Enjoy!

Deck addition-dining

2010-09-26T17:18:00.000-04:00

We are in the process of adding-on to the deck.

We wanted more space to sit, eat, grill and visit and

decided the area under the family room windows

would be a perfect expansion area

After much hard work

planning, digging and nailing,

we have a new outdoor dining space,

and a sitting and visiting space.

The hand-rails still need to be cut and attached

to the new section and a new coat of stain and sealer added.

I'm also thinking about putting window boxes

under the 3 windows and a storage box

for cushions and pillows.

More photos to come soon!

I've started taking some classes at

the community college, volunteering for

Hospice and I am registered for

the Spring semester so things

are moving in the right direction

for a career change.

Terminal Turf!

2010-09-18T19:26:00.000-04:00

The continuing saga of the backyard rejuvenation.

The goal: reduce the grass footprint, lay sod and

have a full, lush, green yard in September.

For those of you just tuning in...

this has been the condition of our backyard

every September for the past 5 years.

We've added a flower bed...

8 camelia bushes along the side fence

and a new contour to tame the slope

I spruced up the shed with some new bushes

while I was at it

Still on the agenda; enlarging the deck, trimming

branches, adding sod...

Aerate, seed, fertilize, water...repeat

2010-09-17T15:13:00.000-04:00

Repeat, repeat, repeat or as my Spanish teacher used to say..."repetir, repetir, repetir."

First we must contend with this sun-blotting,
water-devouring monster

which of course I loved when we looked at

the house for purchase.

Then we have the, toward the house and to the right, slope/drainage issue in which one good rain washes

away any hope of rooting grass survival.

(I can't help but picture little stalks of grass holding on
for dear life as a deluge of water spills over them

like the raging rapids of a river)

So our backyard looks like this

every September.

We've set out to reduce the grass footprint

in the backyard with the idea of laying sod.

I've added a new bed to the center yard

incorporating this tree.

Added benefit: something pretty to look at.

There is more to show and tell in the ongoing

backyard saga but I've run out of time for now.

Talk to you again soon!

Ikea Trip!

2010-08-21T16:24:00.001-04:00

Ikea was the agenda of the day for my birthday.

It is a 3 hour drive for us so needless to say,

it is a very rare trip we make.

We had so much fun and found lots of new inspiration!

The 3 Musketeers!

There was so much more to see

but I hope you enjoyed the

brief slideshow. Can't wait to share

my booty in a future post.

Thank you to my inexhaustable

shopping companions for such a fun day!

Boo to you!

2010-08-20T09:01:00.001-04:00

I know.

It's too early.

But I've being seeing some cute

Halloween items in the stores already!

It got me thinking about some new crafty

ideas I'll share here soon.

In the meantime...

I had theses 2 BOOOties

in my stash of crafty-ness from

last year and wanted to blow the

cobwebs off and see if I got any bites!

Too corny?? (candy variety of course)

The mummy glass comes with a recipe for

mixing up a

"Corpse Reviver"

A "Bloody Brew" drink recipe comes
with the painted vampire glass.

I'm selling these for $7 each or the set for $12.50

to the first interested spooky respondent.

What would you do-oo-oo?

2010-08-10T22:03:00.001-04:00

for a Klondike bar???

My diet is making me coo-coo!

I'm 9 days into a 30 day challenge

and doing great so far

the goal is to fit into my

long-lost jeans again.

It is true what they say

about "comfort" food,

I definately

comforted myself

through my Mom's cancer.

PS: I'm starting to get the crafting
urge again...new projects to show soon.

Further proof of "The Law"

2010-07-28T20:04:00.001-04:00

Murphy's, that is...

OK, so I'm a magazine Circulation Manager.

(not a fun career nor recommended to anyone)

Today our latest issue of Triangle East was to arrive!

So of course in my zealous effort to deliver as many magazines as humanly possible...

an entire pallet had been ordered (by me)

and delivered. (3,000 copies)

Is our office equiped with a loading dock

for said pallet? No.

Did the deliverer of said pallet offer

assistance above his "assigned" duty to

deliver outside the door? No.

OK, undaunted super-woman that I am...

I pull out my little roll cart and begin unloading the

pallet, box by box, in 4" heels, dress attire

and jewelry no less,

with full sun exposure and 100 degree temps

at the height of the day.

OK, a little dewey (aka sweaty) and red-faced,

still undaunted I decide to take a break from the heat.

2 second break and a Dena to Dena conversation

"just get it over with you're already sweating in

your nice clothes anyway!"

I head back outside and load boxes into the

company car to proudly deliver around town tomorrow.

Down to the last 3 boxes of 29, loaded on the roll cart

I head for the office door...

the knob is not turning, try again, try again,

try again...Yep! Definately locked!

In the interim, my co-worker had left for a meeting and

I'm the lone occupant of the office for the afternoon.

The only thing I have in hand is the key to the

company car. Well, I can ask someone to contact

the landlord to let me in (the landlord with the

completely mesmerizing blue-eyed stare...

how embarrassing!?!)

I knock on the next office door,

no answer, I decide to take the elevator and

try my luck upstairs.

I step off the elevator overlooking the parking lot

and lo and behold, from the time I stepped on the

elevator to the time I stepped off, another co-

worker's car has arrived in the parking lot!

I head back down, turn the knob and I'm in baby!

I'm thinking there are two forces at work here.

Murphy's law, undeniably, and

devine-intervention, possibly,

depending on your half-full,

half-empty take on life

bad-luck vs. good luck...

What do you think?

Blessing or curse??

Dena

The color of my mood today

2010-07-26T23:04:00.000-04:00

I wish I were in a a Mary Engelbreit, life is good,

chair full of bowlies, bloggity blog blog life mood,

but right now my mood is this....

I'm praying I'll be out of my mood by the time

the polish chips off!

Ze craft room, she is fini!!

2010-07-26T22:13:00.001-04:00

The new craft room unveiled!

This is/was my youngest daughter's bedroom.

She is beginning her 4th year in college and has spent the summer doing an internship at a wedding

venue/Plantation. Her goal is to be a wedding planner.

She is dating a wonderful guy named Matthew

who calls her (a totally too grown-up)

Rebecca. The first time in her life

that Becca has not been our little "Becca".

At this point, I'm not expecting a full time return home.

I suspect she is well on her way

to...sigh, Rebeccahood.

I've left her bed intact but transformed the rest

of the room into a much-needed craft room.

The desk area

The storage closet

Over the bed

Always in the company of angels.

I love you Becca..I mean, Rebecca.

I'm borrowing your room

but it's always yours when you need it.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

2010-07-20T21:49:00.001-04:00

(Turn and face the strain)
Time may change me

But I can't trace time...

I've been trying to keep myself occupied this past
week and have jumped from room to room
as an idea strikes me.
I wanted to share a few things I've changed
and some things that just add beauty to the world...
To me, in my world, anyway.

I replaced this wreath...

with this one.

This wall decal came from Dollar Tree

and is perfect above this "family" photo board.

(Family. A gift that lasts forever.)

I moved the living room furniture around a bit.

This armoire moved...

to this corner

And this took it's place

These chairs went from red with southwest fabric

(no before photo)

to this lime green....

and this turquoise check fabric, perfect for

Becca's new apartment!

This pink and orange teen room

Has become a yellow and red

guest/craft room

Onward my friend!

Strange fascination, fascinating me.

Ah changes are taking the pace I'm going through.

David Bowie

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

2010-07-13T20:39:00.000-04:00

Thank you all so very much for your

comforting words, thoughts and prayers!

Your thoughtfulness in our time of sorrow

has been such a blessing to my family and I.

For as the sufferings of Christ

abound in us, so our consolation

also aboundeth by Christ.

II Corinthians 1:5

Passing

2010-07-06T21:09:00.000-04:00

Mom passed away on the afternoon of July 2nd.

I drove to SC the day before, she opened her eyes, acknowledged my presence and never woke again.

I had in my mind that her last day would be July 4th.

My father died on the 4th, 37 years ago, from a

car accident. My brother Oral, 39, passed

away just last September from a heart-attack. My

sister and I remain, miles apart but linked in spirit.

We have planned a Memorial for my Mom and brother together, July 17th - 3 pm at Florence Baptist Church

in Lexington, SC.

I was so happy that I had the opportunity to be with

Mom every weekend this past month.

There were funny moments, and sad ones, but mostly

uplifting ones when we talked, and difficult ones when she struggled to be wholely capable.

I love you Mom, I will miss you, and I thank you for

making me the person that I am.

Murphy's Law in action

2010-06-30T19:08:00.001-04:00

The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity

with "Murphy's Law" in full force through it all.

You know "Murphy's Law":

"If anything can go wrong...

it will go wrong!"

I've posted about my Mom having cancer,

that in itself is rife with "Murphy's Law" possibilities.

"Murphy's Law" of driving is evident in my recent
speeding ticket, day in court and briefly mentioned
rain-induced car accident.

My daughter in college was given two months to vacate
her apartment which is being torn down for new
apartments giving rise to "Murphy's Law" of moving.

I assume it was "Murphy's Law" of employment
when we were given notice that our satellite office
(3 miles from my home) would be closed and
we would relocate to the corporate office.

All of which, in one way or another, have lead

to "Murphy's Law" of education. I've decided
to go back to school. You guessed it!
Everything that could go wrong...has gone wrong.
I'm determined to be sitting in class on July 7th
but the universe seems to have conspired to keep
me out of that seat; childhood immunizations,
transcripts, money, social security cards,
birth certificates, prerequisites,
travel time, schedules, parking passes, student id's,
physicals, doubts, age.

Sorry universe, Murphy and his law can't keep me down...
I'll be there on July 7th!

Here Come the Judge

2010-06-22T10:54:00.005-04:00

My Day in court was very interesting to say the least.

I was totally awed by the magnitude of people

with traffic citations and the orderly speed with

which they were handled that morning.
Most of them were minor;

registration, insurance, tail-lights out, etc. etc.

and each took a matter of seconds with

1 of the six D.A.'s present.

I intended to request "prayer for judgement"

on my 21 MPH over the limit speeding ticket and

had to appear before the judge.

I calmly waited, with my definitive goal in mind.

Then came the judge. My name was called.

I confidently strode to the front.

Within minutes the judge had asked several questions

that immediately made me doubt my intentions.

"Do you have a Lawyer? Are you a Lawyer?

Who advised you to seek Prayer for Judgment?

Prayer for Judgement is not typically given for

this magnitude of offense.

Do you realize your license may be revoked today

if I do not agree, once I hear your reason for speeding?

Do you wish to continue without counsel?

How do you plea?"

SHUUWEE!

Ok! Backbone a little less rigid now but I plead,

"Guilty with prayer for judgement"

I explain my mother's condition and the weekly

travel from Raleigh to Columbia, the intent to keep

all the balls in the air by spending less

time than necessary in the car...aka speeding.

I'm sent back to my seat to await my fate.

My mind is whirling now:

He won't revoke your license, that's unusually harsh!

What if he does, how will I get home?

Well, I didn't really give him much choice,

he'll have to grant me prayer or he is

the meanest judge in the universe.

Prayer for judgement?!?! He thinks I'm either

the stupidest defendant ever

or the smartest! The worst that will happen

is 4 points on my license and I'll pay through the nose.

Back to the front.

"Your case is stayed. Pay the court cost of $130.00."

Woohoo! Yipppeee!

I'm a free woman again!

Hello cruise control!
Where have you been all my life?

Cancer

2010-06-17T20:01:00.000-04:00

I've known for a few months that my mom is dying of lung cancer. She is a 4 hour drive from me.

I've been hitting the roads quite a bit lately...

and again tomorrow.

So far I've racked up a speeding ticket valued at 4

license points and quite a spin through the median

courtesy of a rain-flooded road.

Tomorrow morning I will stand before a judge

an hour from home begging a prayer for judgement

against me. It is my first ticketed offense

in 29 years of driving I think that should count

for something.

I left my Mother, or I should say, my mother

left me, 30 years ago after several

years of alcoholism and abuse.

Everything changed 4 months

ago with the word "cancer".

It has been bitter-sweet to say the least.

I've learned to forgive, and maybe...to accept.

She has learned to

love, and maybe...to grow.

As this crazy journey comes toward it's end

I want to ask you all to

please keep us in your prayers.

Ask for strength, patience and guidance on our behalf.

What's Yours?

2010-05-30T21:27:00.004-04:00

Alama Mater, that is?

I've been working on some new

things for my little shop/side-biz.

Being in the heart of NC, having two college

educated daughters and my fair share

of college logo-ed s.t.u.f.f.,

I know college logo-ed gifts

are "in demand"!

I wanted to try my hand at

creating something new to meet

the demand and hopefully

give my craft business a boost as well.

I like the way they turned out

but of course the real test is,

will people buy them?

I made this...

from this

and also these three

this one in the works

And three more on the drawing board.

Wish me luck! I'm trying so hard

to get this craft business off the ground.

It has not been easy lately with so

much "life" and work to contend with as well.

Sharing this post with Susan for MET MONDAY at:

Between Naps on the Porch

Memorial Day Tablescape

2010-05-30T10:56:00.002-04:00

Finally!

After wanting to do a Memorial Day tablescape

all week, I had time this morning to pull it together.

As is usually the case, just in time for the actual "day".

Such is life, busy life!

Sans utensils

I've always loved the red, white and blue color combo.

Placemats from the Dollar store

Flowers also from the Dollar store

Tea stained flags

Candle buckets from the Dollar spot at Target

Happy Memorial Day!

Hubby is taking me out to the ball game today!

Sharing this tablescape with the wonderful ladies at:

A Stroll Thru Life

Between Naps on the Porch

Breakfast and a project

2010-05-29T10:16:00.001-04:00

Good morning!
Breakfast...

and a project.

Staz-On ink and rubber stamps

Have a great time with family and friends this

Memorial Day weekend!

Honor the day to commemorate U.S.

men and women who died in military service.

Rave Reviews for Tracy's Trinkets!

2010-05-25T18:54:00.002-04:00

OMG! Talk about creativity!

I'm giving my new friend Tracy at

Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures

Rave Reviews today

for her totally,

think-outside-the-box

creative, display of rolling pins!

But first let's talk about the wall

treatment. Is that not the best

faux treatment ever?

I'm hoping Tracy will guest host on my blog

one day and share the tutorial with us!

Tracy's rolling pin display began with

a simple plate hanger.

I think I have the

same hanger hiding somewhere in

the garage....but did I think

all this creative thought about it?

No way!

You simply must visit and get

all of the details leading to the final result.

Tracy is just adorable and her

family is oh so cute too!

Tracy, thank you sooo much

for the inspiration of seeing everyday

things in a new way!

If you get Rave Reviews at

Sweet Pickles and Chocolate
shout it out!
Take the button code from
the top, right corner
and display it on your blog.
There is also a link above to keep
all Rave Review posts
permanently on review!

Guest Room Update

2010-05-24T21:47:00.003-04:00

The Goal: Freshen up the guest room

by painting the furniture and adding blue accents.

It is still a work in progress.

Spray painting this old, rickety chair a crisp

spa blue was the first item on my list.

I love the shape of the chair, I was thinking about

adding an Alpine-esque floral design on the back.

I like the new color and will revisit the stencil idea

when I'm finished with the other items.

I also painted this frame

The night table

and the old dresser.

A Christmas tray has been

repurposed for everyday use by applying

contact paper to fit in the bottom.

Still on the Agenda:

Painting the bed

making pillows

making a table runner

and

embellishing the curtains

and chandelier shades.

Phew!

Please click the links tab above to visit the
following blogs hosting linky parties today:
All Thingz Related
Coastal Charm

'Tis the Season of Berries, Grads and Bees

2010-05-18T20:27:00.008-04:00

Welcome to Rave

Reviews Wednesday!

If you get Rave Reviews at Sweet Pickles and Chocolate shout it out!
Take the button on the right and display it!

There is a link above to keep all Rave Review posts permanently on review!

'Tis the season of Strawberries, Graduations and Bumble Bees~

I've found a few RAVE-worthy posts on all three seasonal staples to share today for Rave Reviews Wednesday!

Please take a minute to visit each spotlighted blog, try a recipe and craft or two, and let them know that you did!

Jan at Bobby Pins and Boardwalk has made a unique graduation tassel display case with instructions to create one for your own special graduate.

Thanks Jan! Such a great idea to give a hand-made commemorative of the Big Day! I have one graduation left as the proud Mom. Go Becca, Go!

I'm sure we will all be picking some strawberries, either right out of the field or in baskets freshly picked from the farmers' stand. Here are postings of two delicious recipes to try with those berries.

Karen at Living in the 513 has the recipe

for Pineapple Strawberry Pretzel Salad, Yumm!

This recipe has my favorite go-together

salty and sweet ingredients!

Or, how about some real old-fashioned

Strawberry Shortcake? Kristen at Dine and Dish

swaps the recipe with Sandy, the strawberry grower,

at The Reluctant Entertainer!

Both women share links to the recipe on their posts,

visit both if you have the time.

The bumble bee has always been a favorite

design element and garden companion of mine.

One Cheap B*tch , mother of 2 boys in NY,

has printed a bumble bee image onto a

coffee stained, flour sack towel to make a mini-pillow.

I love the antique look she has created

with this motif! There is a link to

the Etsy shop offering several

other prints to create with.

I hope you have a chance to try some of these.

Wishing you all the best of the season!

When the Moon Hits Your Eye

2010-05-12T21:20:00.000-04:00

It's pizza with Pickles!

I absolutely love pizza!

I'll take any and all toppings,

just make it a thin crust, please.

Red pepper flakes?

Yes Ma'am! The more the better!

Of course you simply must have an ice cold

Coca Cola! NO Pepsi allowed!

Sharing this post at:

Between Naps on the Porch

A Stroll Thru Life

Rave Reviews Wednesday #3

2010-05-11T20:04:00.002-04:00

It's Rave Reviews Wednesday!

I will be spotlighting the posts from a few awesome, creative and talented bloggers every Wednesday! And...there is a link above to keep all rave review posts permanently on review!

If you get Rave Reviews at Sweet Pickles and Chocolate shout it out! Take the button on the right and display it!

If you're visiting, please share the love with the talented ladies featured. Show them what big hearts we bloggers have!

Melanie at The Crafty Cupboard is a creative

Arizona gal that gives credit where credit is due!

That being said, she also knows how to

take an idea and run with it!

You've got to check out the cool

and also hot artichoke skirt she made.

I can't wait to see it with boots!

This is one awesome chair!

No, not this one!

This one!

Read all about this beautiful transformation

from Kristie at Girlville!

T-shirt overload?

Cute as a button sisters Kirsten

and Jordan have created adorable ruffle

dresses with their extra tees!

Get the tutorial at

KoJo Designs

Totally Tute-ular Tuesday-Design Board

2010-05-10T21:15:00.001-04:00

Ok, I'm certainly not saying that I'm qualified

to do a tutorial on making a design board.

However, I am saying that I made a

design board and this is how I did it!

I have company coming and decided

the guest room is in need of some

refreshment. My inspiration piece is the

April Cornell throw shown here...

and here.

I'm planning to pull the greens, yellows and

blues of the throw into the room with

projects and accessories.

I chose 2 decorative papers

that contain the same 3 colors

to do a craft project for the room.

I like to mix patterns, if you

stay within the same 3 colors but vary the

size and intensity of the pattern choices

you can usually achieve harmony rather

than a clash. In the end though, beauty is in the

eye of the beholder so use your own judgement.

I'll be carrying this piece of ribbon with me to

color match the paint and accessories.

I'm also going to incorporate these old curtains

into the room via a sewing project.

This is it, the design board I've put together for the room.

I have some pieces in place, the walls

are apple green and the bedding is

reversible from yellow to green.

There are also other elements in the room

that will stay, but I have a full list of

"to-do's" before company arrives.

I hope you'll follow along on my project posts

leading to the final reveal!

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Met Monday-Be our Guest!

2010-05-09T22:21:00.000-04:00

I'll be having a couple rounds of company

over the next few months so I'm

sprucing up the guest room.

My first project begins at the

beginning...the door!

With the help of my cricut and my

new found love of vinyl I did this.

You'll have to come back to see what I

have planned for the inside.

This is what it looks like now

Not quite home away from home yet.

Sharing this post at:

Between Naps on the Porch

Bathroom Beauty Snapper

2010-05-09T09:58:00.001-04:00

I am not now, have never been,

nor ever will be Ms. Photogenic.

However, Ms. Sheila at

Note Songs has so much fun with it,

I just had to try!

Thanks for hosting the party Sheila!

I snapped this beauty this morning after walking

the Mothers Day 5K.

I think I need some more practice, LOL!

Shoppin' the house!

2010-05-08T22:06:00.001-04:00

I decided to re-arrange the display on a small

chest at the top of the stairs.

It's one of those spots

you walk by a hundred times a day

to the point it becomes un-noticed.

Today seemed like a good day

to spice it back up a bit.

Of course, being a blogger,

I'm thinking to myself

how awesome that I can also join the

"Shop the House Sunday"

party at Finesse Your Nest!

clean slate

The rooster lamp made it's way back and I'm

trying something tall with the topiary.

It wouldn't be complete without a

picture of my girls!

Wishing you all a wonderful Mothers Day!

My hubby and I will be "walking" in a

Mothers Day 5k race at 7 tomorrow morning.

The proceeds will benefit individuals

with Downs Syndrome.

Sharing this post with Marti at
A Stroll Thru Life

Mamas' Day Brunch

2010-05-05T22:56:00.000-04:00

Tablescape Thursday!

Thank you Susan at Between Naps on the Porch

for hosting Tablescape Thursday.

AND I get to do this again on

Tuesday. Thank you Marti

at A Stroll Thru Life for hosting

Tabletop Tuesday.

You're all invited to brunch

for Mothers Day!

The menu will include roasted chicken-pecan salad

served with lettuce leaves on a warm baked croissant.

Tropical fruit salad topped with

freshly grated coconut

Hand-grated cabbage and carrot slaw

with white raisins

raspberry lemonade, peppermint tea

and almond shortbread crescents

rolled in powdered sugar.

The beautiful roses were provided

by my boss. He lovingly tends a vast array

of rose bushes and shares the bounty

with the office every year.

The napkin rings were purchased from the

Style Sisters and I love them!

Wishing all Mothers the most special

Mothers Day you could wish for

even though it will be less than perfection

it will remain cherished in your heart forever!

Happy Mothers Day!

Rave Reviews Wednesday #2 -Fiesta Style!

2010-05-04T20:57:00.002-04:00

It's Rave Reviews Wednesday!

I will be spotlighting the posts from,

a few awesome, creative and

talented bloggers every Wednesday!

And...there is a link above to keep

all rave review posts

permanently on review!

If you get Rave Reviews at

Sweet Pickles and Chocolate,

shout it out, take the button

on the right and display it!

If you're visiting, please share the

love with the talented ladies featured.

Show them what big hearts we

bloggers have!

With today being Cinco de Mayo,
I'll be sharing posts of crafts and recipes

to help with the celebration!

I have this bookmarked to try soon!

Ginee shares the recipe for Mexican Cheesecake

at Singing with Birds . It looks delicious!

Bring on the guacamole and salsa!

Susan at Entertain Exchange

has compiled five great Cinco de Mayo

party starters!

Number one is a good idea for young and old!

Brittany, the mother of twins, a boy and girl

shares the recipes for a full course Mexican

inspired dinner.

You've got to check out

the dessert recipe at Two Crazy Cupcakes.

If you haven't already, take time to visit

Audra at Simpsonized Crafts!

Audra has created the cutest Spanish

dresses for her daughters...

from bed sheets, no less!

And one more recipe!

Mexican Quickie Chicken

Avril shares lots of recipes on her blog,

Baking and Creating with Avril

This one is quick and easy and the perfect flavor for

Cinco de Mayo! Ole!

Sharing this at:
bluecricketdesign
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Totally Tute-ular Tuesday-Cabinets

2010-05-03T20:49:00.009-04:00

It's Totally Tute-ular Tuesday!

Today's tute is about our cabinet

re-do on a budget!

These are the BEFORE photos.

The cabinets were okay. They are solid

wood, but run-of-the-mill and umpteen

years old.

They were still in good shape and in

need of a good cleaning for sure.

I had painted the cabinets in our

previous house white.

I loved them!

White was perfect for that small space.

I thought about painting these cabinets

white as well, but decided I might be able

to do a step in-between and paint

them later on when I tire of this look.

I took the cabinet doors down, labeled their position,

and removed the hardware. I then gave

them and the frames a very thorough

cleaning with TSP.

TSP is available at your local

hardware store and will remove grease,

grime and the glossy finish.

I didn't want to sand off the medium oak finish

so TSP was perfect for this application.

Once they were cleaned and de-glossed

I had the canvas I needed.

I had already planned to put in a

large, cream-colored island so I decided

on a dark finish for the existing

cabinets. I used a quart of black

semi-gloss paint. I dipped the brush and

removed as much excess paint as possible to

do a dry brush technique. In some areas

I wiped off the black paint to create a "worn" effect.

In other areas I painted a deeper black,

especially recessed areas, that

wouldn't normally show wear.

I used a lighter stroke of black around

the hardware to imitate lots of use all while

letting the oak finish show through.

Here are the AFTER photos.

I used the same technique on the trim.

The project took a few days

so I painted the cabinets in sections.

I did notice that the sections looked slightly

different from one another when all

was said and done. If I were to do this again,

I would plan a time that the entire black

paint process could be completed in one

session to insure continuity.

We also added beadboard to the cabinet end-caps.

I stained the unfinished board with an oak

stain and then used the black dry-brush

paint technique there also.

Once the black paint had been added

and removed to my liking I

used a clear satin polyurethane to

seal the finish and give the

cabinets a fresh, new lustre.

I love the way the black paint highlights the

wood grain, shown in the photo above.

I'm still loving them for now but

I know one day they will shout at me

that "it is tooo dark in here" and I'll

come around with the white paint.

Until then, I like their uniqueness and

the fun I had creating it.

Thank you so much for visiting!

Wishing you a happy Tuesday (in May)

I'm so glad it's May...

May through October is my favorite

outdoor weather,

then we have holidays to look forward to.

Don't you just love being alive?!

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Met Monday-Cricut vinyl project

2010-05-02T16:58:00.000-04:00

I'm still new to the cricut "vinyl" projects

and decided to try something simple.
I love that the cricut will cut paper ,vinyl
and fabric. I've had a ton of fun coming up
with creative ways to use paper
and thinking of new projects to try!
It looks like vinyl will be just as fun, and
fabric promises the same!

I love the way they turned out,

so I'm searching for something

else to "vinyl-ize".

I have one suggestion to pass along if you

haven't tried using the vinyl yet:

Transfer paper!

I have also been told that contac

paper will serve the same

purpose for a lot less money.

Happy Monday Ya'll!

Sharing this at:

Between Naps on the Porch

K&C Friday-Cabinet Tops

2010-04-29T21:40:00.003-04:00

It's Kit and Caboodle Friday,

anything goes!

I wish I had something more

exciting than cabinet tops for the

last day of the work-week.

Unfortunately, I've had so

many other things to do today and

the cabinets just happen to be a spot in

the house that is semi-camera

worthy without additional tweaking!

I haven't posted about my cabinet re-do yet.

They were medium oak, I used a wipe-on wipe-off

technique with black paint and added a new coat

of polyurethane.

Oops, I think the tray must have scraped the wall.

No, I didn't drink that all at one time!

It has taken many, many, many years...

ok, maybe two-three years.

The largest colander ever made!

It came in a set of 4. I couldn't resist

the red but unless I'll be feeding the Navy,

it will stay in this corner.

"In a house which loves you, all things are possible."

Another shot of the "new" cabinets.

The dreadful popcorn ceilings, horrid be thy name!

Ok, That's good 'nuf.

I think I can live with this

arrangement a little while longer!

HAPPY FRIDAY YA'LL!

Sharing this at:

A Stroll Thru Life

Fiesta de Mayo!

2010-04-28T21:31:00.003-04:00

In honor of Cinco de Mayo,

I'm having a Fiesta! Ole'!

I bought the bandanas turned napkins 2 for $1

and the colored felt design cut-outs

5 per pkg at Dollar Tree.

The cactus stem tequila glasses and black salsa

bowls also came from Dollar Tree,

purchases made a while ago.

Christmas candle-holders, the perfect Fiesta color!

The "tablecloth" is a blanket I bought years ago that

now lives in the trunk of my car.

Ever at the ready for impromptu picnics

or outdoor concerts!

The hand-painted dishes are actually a

"french country" collection.

I mixed the patterns up a bit more than I

normally would. Added to the other

elements they seem to shout Mexico!

Okay, I'm off with sombrero in hand for a little Siesta!

Sharing with the two awesome ladies at:
Between Naps on the Porch
A Stroll Thru Life

Rave Reviews Wednesday! #1

2010-04-27T20:39:00.005-04:00

Hey Ya'll!

Did you notice the new button on the right?

That will be part of my new Wednesday posts -

Rave Reviews Wednesday!

I will be spotlighting the posts from

a few awesome, creative and

talented bloggers every Wednesday!

And...there is a link above to keep

all rave review posts

permanently on review!

If you get Rave Reviews at

Sweet Pickles and Chocolate,

shout it out, take the button
and display it!

There were just so many to choose from,
I wanted to feature them all!
Luckily, I'll get to do this again next
Wednesday! Suuweeet!

Without further ado, the talented ladies
this week are...

Sarah at Harrigan Howdy ,

an extra creative, home-schooling mother of three

came up with this clever way

to showcase her children's art work!

I love it!

Sarah used paper, paint chips and

clothespins to create her

"Mama's Brag Board"!

Every Mama should have one of these!

Melanie's blog is all about one-of-

a-kind furniture. She and her husband

have a knack for finding, repairing,

refinishing and redesigning furniture.

Extra Bonus:

She shares lots of before and after photos!

see more at The Frosted Gardner

Brittany aka BJ Mama at For What it's Worth - Or Not

has come up with her own colorful versions

of Koasters, Koozies and Key Chains!

I'm all about these colorful, creative designs!

Myra redid her foyer on a budget by

adding this awesome

"nap-time=design-time" painted desk.

Check it out and get inspired by this interior

designer turned stay at home Mom at

My Blessed Life!

Kathy, also an interior designer,

recycled a metal sign to make this

too cute magnet board at

Creative Home Expressions

Useful and decorative! Always a PLUS!

Kathy has a knack for daily inspiration!

And last but far from least!

Another mother named Sarah, this time at

The Thriftress

has painted this awesome three-canvas tree

silhouette for her family room for under $10!

Rave Reviews to all!

Sharing this awesome creativity at:

My Backyard Eden

It's so Very Cheri

Someday Crafts

Totally Tute-ular Tuesday! Freecycle Pillows

2010-04-26T22:07:00.002-04:00

Yippeee! My second Totally Tute-ular Tuesday!

As some of you know I've been doing a

spring redesign on my deck.

Yesterday I posted my new outdoor

coffee table with "unusual" legs!

I failed to mention the complete shock

registered by hubby that it actually worked!

LOL! Score for female ingenuity Ladies!

Today's deck sprucing post is a

freecycle tutorial on pillows.

I'm going to tell you right off, the pillows, as-of-yet,

are not hand-stitched closed at the bottom!

I took three pillows that I was no longer using

and a soft shade curtain that I never used

to do this project.

I started with the soft shade.

I cut it in half lengthwise and removed the fabric ties.

I plan to use half of the curtain for a table runner later.

I then had enough fabric to cut 3 squares

the size of the pillows.

I put two of the squares face to face and

stitched 3 sides closed.

Turned inside-out, ironed and stuffed.

Easy, peasy, done...except for the hand-stitching.

For the next pillow I used the third toile square

and an identical sized square of burlap that

I had left from another project. I had a small

swatch of toile left too and decided to sew it to

the front of the burlap

and fray the edges.

I put the front and back face to face and sewed

three sides together, repeat above.

For the third pillow I used two more squares

of burlap and a dish towel I had.

I stitched the dish towel to the front of a burlap

square, put the two pieces of burlap face to face

and stitched 3 sides. You know the rest!

They will look so much better when the

bottoms are stitched...and I'm thinking

about edging the frayed square with

some black ribbon.

Total cost: zero (0) dollars!

I hope you will all visit tomorrow for

the very first

"Rave Reviews Wednesday"

at Sweet Pickles and Chocolate!

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