Thursday, January 26, 2012

~ Salt and Pepper ~

Hi everyone,  It is hard to believe it's the end of January and we've hardly seen any snow. I hope I didn't just jinx us! Right now they're saying it's a gorgeous windy 54 degrees... absolutely beautiful outside.

I'm still busy organizing everything in sight, painting, placing orders like crazy for the shop, tax season is in full swing, clients are coming in right and left,  and at times laying my head down for a short nap. The painting is coming along, although a slow and tedious job. Lots of nail holes to fill and "tons" of furniture, heavy furniture to move. I'm definitely getting my work out in.

Some would call this nesting, I'm not sure what you call it, I just know I have energy to burn and see lots of projects that need to be completed. There hasn't been one area, (except for the garage) that hasn't been touched, that's only  'cause it's been just a tad too chilly for my little 'ole body to be out there working on all that mess!  LOL

My love of silver has taken on a whole new dimension, I've pulled out pieces that have been stored away for years, using them in different manners than they were intended to be used for. For years the salt and pepper shakers by the stove were clear with a light baby blue lid.. GHASTLY, now that I think about it.. I know I'd only had them for almost 24 years.. guess I don't get in a hurry to get rid of things huh? (they officially were cleaned up and went into the garage sale box, they'll go to someone's home that will love them as much as I did). lol


Yes, I finally caved and bought a new set of salt and pepper shakers, I gave $2.97 for the set. Now I ask
you, why hadn't I done this years ago? Setting the pair on the silver edged glass dish, is so warm and welcoming to me.
Such a simple change made a huge difference in the way my little counter looks each day to me. :-))
Until next time....

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

~ A Million Dollar View ~

With the mild winter we've had there have been many afternoons spent outside enjoying walks with the dogs. As I look South I'm always in awe of the beautiful lake we're fortunate to have. Mr. P built it almost 13 years ago, you see that's what he did for a living. He played in the dirt, built terraces, structures and cleaned brush out of fence rows  for the local farmers in our area.


Murphy always tags a long when I'm outside. For a stray he is just the best dog, a lot of company on those long afternoon walks.


Although the bridge is weathered and showing it's age it brings me lots of smiles as I remember the day we put it across the small pond Mr. P built for me (under protest), oh how he grumbled about putting this in the front yard, and then stood back and beamed with pride at his work.

Sleepy dog...

Waiting for the slightest breeze to make the fins go round and round with the squeaking sound...

Praying the Red Bud tree produces lots of flowers this year.



Before heading back in for the evening I take one last look at our Million Dollar View....looking forward to warmer temperatures, green grass and yes.. just maybe an afternoon or two spent down on the dock throwing the line in to catch a few fish.  Until next time...

Pin It

Thursday, January 19, 2012

~ More Projects Than I Can Count ~

I know I've been  MIA the past few days, I've been snowed under with a "ton" of projects. You see I don't tackle one area I tackle many at a time. I try the first of every year to get a handle on all the clutter and disorganization around here. There's no one to blame but little 'ole me. Usually I'm pretty good about putting things back in their specified spots...not so much the last couple of years. I've gotten very complacent, watch me fly now 'cause I'm on a roll. lol
In the shop I'm so fortunate to have these beautiful glass front cabinets, they house many things from fabric, a few dishes, things for the shop, and just junk I mean treasures.
Making a bigger mess
It's got to get better right?  I forgot to take pictures of all the washed shoe boxes that have been relabeled. Then of all things, yes you got it; the label maker ran out of labels... grrrrr. What can I expect? I made A LOT of labels. lol  So that means another trip to Walmart this evening, or I could have finished up that end of things. Always something huh?
In the midst of all the organizing I've started painting. Many of you know the yellow colored wood hasn't set well with me for awhile now. First coat not so pretty....still a huge improvement.

There we go 3 beautiful coats. I hope the pictures show off the beautiful brown tones. I am soooo in love with it. I have a "very" long way to go. All of the shop on the North side will painted this beautiful color, Buffalo. Lots of holes to be filled and sanded, it will be so worth all the hard work. A clean updated look.
Along with all of that I've been redoing some tabletop vignettes and wall displays. I'm sure you're thinking this girl must be nuts to take on so many projects at one time. Maybe... Call it nervous energy.
On another note, many of you know Mr. P has several health issues. We had an incident Monday evening, thank the Lord there are no after effects. Today is another good day. January has certainly started off in the worst way around here. We continue to take each day as they come, I use to say I took it an hour at a time, now it's a minute at a time. Remember life is so short, remember to hug the ones you love and tell them you love them.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

~ Cleaned Up the Look ~

Now no one likes to show their grit and slimy bottles. I've seen around blog land for a while now there's a lot more attractive ways  to leave our dish washing soap on the counter. I've been wanting to try it for a while. Mr. P doesn't welcome change very well right now so have been hesitant about changing out the bottle. He hasn't noticed yet, we'll see if I'll be able to continue using the new addition.
Washed off many times a day it's still YUCKY looking.
Doesn't look too attractive
To the right you can see hanging in the wings is the new bottle I'm going to try.
See the difference? An attractive label free clear bottle.

An Olive Oil Bottle filled with dish washing soap, much more attractive.
Another small change is the addition of the silver tray to hold my candle and the daily calendar. The calendar has been around for many many years and is definitely showing it's age, should be replaced. But the memories it holds is priceless, so it got a place of honor on the silver tray.
We're in the deep freeze around here today, temps are now in the teens, wind continues to blow the little bit of snow we got last night. Winter has decided to hit the Mid West.
Pin It

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

~ Enjoying Our Fall Like Weather and Cardinal Beauty ~

Hello everyone, I know it's been a while since I've posted. I've been busy do a lot of organizing, pitching and revamping of things in the house. I've made "tons" of progress. I know many of you share all the details, guess if I was a better blogger I would think to take those before shots. Unfortunately, my brain doesn't work fast enough, I think of taking pictures after the fact. I'll have lots to share with you on all of that soon, I hope you'll keep checking back to see what I've been up to behind the scenes.
In the mean time we've had some great January weather, almost fall like outside. The dogs and I have shared many afternoon walks. They say this afternoon that is suppose to change to more winter like temperatures, I don't mind really. Not wanting a repeat performance of last winter's snow, I wouldn't mind seeing just a flurry or two.





Last Sunday I finally got the bird feeder out. Mr. P spends a lot of time at the kitchen table looking out and enjoying the birds dropping in for visits. I've tried for a very long time to get some decent pictures of the cardinals that stop in. Standing inside looking out I was lucky enough to get these shots.


The way I was holding the camera it appears as though the birdbath looks like it's leaning, I promise it's not that crooked.. lol




Thanks for stopping by today. I'm off to open the shop and check in all the new Spring items arriving daily.  Yah! Looking forward to transforming the shop from after Christmas folly to some Spring beauty. I'm hoping inside those orders are the finishing touches for the dining room. I shared HERE a hint of things to come. I'm so excited, I feel like the room is finally coming full circle to the way I really want it to be. I hope you'll check back for that transformation. 

Pin It