No Minimalist Here

My Uncommon Slice Of Suburbia

Open House Party

2013-05-15T17:59:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Open House party.

Sorry, I have no features from last week to show you. I am up

to my eyeballs in boxes and packing material. Here is what our

house looks like now...

I am only home for a week so I have been packing like a crazy woman. Steve

will stay until closing and finish up packing and cleaning. What a job!

If you live near Richmond and want a ton of decorating books and magazines

you are welcome to them. Send me an email.

xo,

Sherry

On to the party....

Open House Party

2013-05-08T15:04:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Open House Party.

I am so happy you are here and can't wait to see what you have

been up to.

Take a look at last weeks wonderful features.

Take a look at this gorgeous table for two created by The Tablescaper.

This beautiful dining room belongs to Yvonne @ Stone Gable. Take a

look at the new addition to the room.

Kathleen at Charm Bracelet Diva shared tips on growing hydrangeas. Her

flowers are beautiful in this rusty basket.

I appreciate everyone that joined last weeks party and I am trying to

get around to visiting everyone.

NOTE: If you use Google+ I can not leave comments on your blog. As far as

I can tell only members can leave comments. If there is a way to do

this (other than join Google+) I would appreciate you sharing the info.

On to the party.....

From My Front Porch To Yours

2013-05-05T16:24:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite things about blogging is the wonderful people you "meet" .

You may not have ever met in person but there is a connection and they become

a true friend. The blogging world is full of such supportive and kind people.

One of those bloggers is Pamela @ From My Front Porch to Yours. I just know

that if we lived close to each other we would be the best of friends.

I am thrilled that Pamela is featuring me on her blog today as part of her How I

Found My Style series. I hope you will drop by From My Front Porch To Yours

and take a look.

Pamela, Thank you for your kindness, friendship and support!

Hugs,

Sherry

Another Spackle Paint Finish

2013-05-03T21:01:00.002-04:00

Thanks for all your sweet comments on our home selling.

What a week it has been!

I recently showed you the Italian platter and this reproduction capital I

got as birthday gifts.

I love the piece but the wood was a little yellow, especially against our dark hardwood floors.

Paint was an option but I didn't think I could get an old, chippy finish with just paint.

SPACKLE TO THE RESCUE!

You may remember these candlesticks that were transformed with Spackle.

Close up below

Check out the before pictures of the very gold candlesticks here.

I did this quick and easy finish again on the new capital.

To get this look just dip your finger in water and then into the Spackle paste. Apply the

Spackle randomly over the piece, but not covering completely. Keeping your finger

damp makes it easier to spread the paste. If you want a smoother finish you can sand

it once dry. I liked the rough finish so this step was skipped.

You can stop there and have a great looking finish or continue to add paint. This piece

was lightly dry brushed with white craft paint and you can see in the close-up shot that I

purposely left some areas unpainted.

The whole process, including dry time, took me about ten minutes to complete.

The antique olive jar is one of my favorite pieces and a great auction deal at $25.00

Thanks for dropping by and I hope you have a great weekend!

Hugs,

Sherry

Partying this week at:

The Dedicated House

Rain On A Tin Roof

The Shabby Creek Cottage

A Stroll Thru Life

Cedar Hill Ranch

My Uncommon Slice Of Suburbia

Finally

2013-05-02T13:11:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone.

It's been almost two years since our home went on the market.

It is finally over.....

We are under contract!

Actually we got two contracts this week but we accepted the one

without a contingency for their home to sale.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly

and we get closed by the end of May.

Now I have to get to work making flight reservations, calling movers,

making list...lots of list!

Hugs,

Sherry

Open House Party

2013-05-01T15:43:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Open House Party!

I am so happy to have you here and look forward to seeing what you have been up too.

You'll find the link to join the party at the bottom of this post.

I apologize for not showing last weeks features. I am having trouble loading

pictures with blogger. It took almost twenty minutes, and numerous attempts,

to get the Open House button above posted.

Enjoy the party and please take a few minutes and visit some of the other links.

Hugs,

Sherry

My Birthday Gifts

2013-04-27T19:10:00.000-04:00

I just realized I never showed you my birthday gift.

Well, it has only been two months!

You may remember my post about our trip to the Mt Dora Extravaganza and how I chose

a couple of things for my birthday. It's no secret that I love almost anything blue and white

and when I saw this Italian platter it had my name all over it.

The platter is hand painted and most likely from the mid to late 1800s.

For now it is just sitting on this table with a pair of Italian apothecary jars. The platter

will be hung next trip home.

My other gift was this reproduction capital. I loved the capital but the color of the

wood was a little yellow for my taste.

I'll be back soon to show you the paint treatment I used and with pictures of where I

put the capital.

Thanks for visiting!

Hugs,

Sherry

Partying this week at:

The Dedicated House

Rain On A Tin Roof

The Shabby Creek Cottage

A Stroll Thru Life

Cedar Hill Ranch

design your own t shirt -http://www.cafepress.com/make/custom-t-shirts

Open House Party

2013-04-24T17:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Open House Party!

Take a look at just a few of the fabulous links from last week's party.

Debra writes the beautiful blog Common Ground. She posted this fabulous chalkboard

decorated for Spring.

This gorgeous bedroom belongs to Kathy at All About Vignettes. Check out her

post about decorating with vintage bamboo.

Take a look at this adorable moss bird made by Melissa at Daisy Mae Belle. While there

don't miss her beautiful dining room.

Just Dip In Chocolate shared this yummy recipe for Lemon Meringue Pie Milkshake.

On to the party....

Mothers Day

2013-04-23T21:49:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone.

I hope you are having a great week.

Mothers Day is May 12Th and I have been looking for a gift for my sweet

mother-in-law. I am one of the lucky ones that has the most wonderful MIL.

My hubby is lost when it comes to buying gifts and since I love to shop I have taken

over this task.

Cafe press contacted me recently about reviewing a product for them and I thought

immediately of Mothers Day. Take at look at some of the wonderful products they

offer.

They have really cute jewelry to personalize....

and lots of other jewelry to choose from.

How about a personalized photo journal with pictures of your children?

One of my favorites is a 16x20 canvas using your own art or photograph. The canvas

is on sale through May 7 for $38.00 and includes shipping. My MIL loves taking

pictures and I think a voucher for a canvas would be a great gift for her.

Cafe Press carries thousands of items and most can be personalized. Check out

www.cafepress.com for items for yourself or gifts for any occasion.

Thanks for visiting!

xx,

Sherry

coffee mug designs - http://www.cafepress.com/+mugs

fun t shirts-http://www.cafepress.com/+funny+t-shirts

sweatshirts-http://www.cafepress.com/+sweatshirts-hoodies

This post was sponsored by Cafe Press and I received one of their products to review. No

monetary compensation was supplied.

Open House Party

2013-04-17T17:03:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!

I hope you are doing well and I appreciate you visiting the Open House Party.

Thanks for linking to the party last week and I have some great features to share

with you.....enjoy.

Angie @ Knick Of Time has created the cutest laundry room using vintage items.

If you like coastal design you will love Heather's home @ Friendship, Life And Style.

How cute is this Spring wreath made by Missy at Missy Inspired ? Check out

her blog for the tutorial.

Judy at In His Grip created these gorgeous window treatments.

Before we start the party I want to wish my hubby Happy Anniversary! Steve, thank you for

twenty one of the most amazing years as your wife.

On to the party....

A Sign Project And Updating The Bath

2013-04-15T15:06:00.000-04:00

I have a little project to show you today.

I was recently at the Habitat For Humanity Re-store where I found this door header

for $3.00. The shape was great and I thought it would make a pretty sign.

I am in the process of decorating the guest bathroom at dad's house. It is not in the budget

to renovate this forty year old room but I decided I could add a little pretty. The shower

curtain, rod and window curtain have been replaced and now I need to paint and accessorize.

The new sign is now hanging in the bathroom.

I used Microsoft "Word" to make the letters and traced them with graphite paper. The letters were

painted with a paint pen and then I used watered down brown paint to age the piece.

Here's a small glimpse at the changes made so far. My goal was to update this bath on a real

budget. Shower curtain was found at GW still in the sealed package and originally marked

$89.00, shower rod I bought at Target and the window treatment was made from a pillow

case. The tub tiles are brown and speckled with pink and that is why I decided to go with the

curtains in pink. I was concerned the room might look too childish but I have plans to make

sure that does not happen.

Thanks for dropping by and I hope to see you at the Open House Party starting

Wednesday evening.

Partying this week with:

Hugs,

Sherry

Open House Party

2013-04-10T16:29:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Open House Party!

Thanks for joining the party and for sharing your wonderful projects, recipes

and home decor. You will find this weeks link at the bottom of the post. Don't

go there yet....I have some amazing features to share with you.

Suzan @ Simply Vintageous transformed this pretty dresser with paint. I Love how she

painted the base white and drawers gray.

I've seen bead board wallpaper used on walls and cabinets but never on the ceiling!

Casey @ Living A Cottage Life created a beautiful ceiling with wallpaper and beams.

Barbara @ Chase The Star shared the most yummy recipes. The best part
is that work with the Weight Watchers program.

Samm and her husband Chris spent months transforming their rather plain kitchen
into this beauty. Check out Little House In The Big D to see more.

Hugs,
Sherry

On to the party.....

Google Reader Being Eliminated & Advise

2013-04-08T13:32:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone!

I have been thinking of leaving Blogger for a while and switching to WordPress.
The news that Google Reader is shutting down on 7/1/13 is just the push I need
to sever ties with Blogger. I do need some advise about switching though and
hope you can help with the questions below.

Is WordPress.org or WordPress.com the best option.

Is writing a post basically the same and

do I need knowledge of HTML?

Will I lose GFC followers and what options are

available for following?

Can you recommend someone to make the switch

for me?

If not WordPress then who do you recommend?

Thanks for your help and I appreciate you letting me know the

good and bad of each.

Hugs,

Sherry

I'll Be At The Fancy Flea

2013-04-05T22:38:00.000-04:00

Do you have big plans for the weekend?

You will find me at The Fancy Flea bright and early tomorrow morning. I wish

all of you could go with me....how fun would that be?

The Fall Fancy Flea was wonderful and I am sure this one will be just as much fun.

I'll be back with pictures!

Have a great weekend.

Hugs,

Sherry

Open House Party

2013-04-03T18:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Open House Party!

Thanks to everyone that joined last week's party and you will find the link for this week

at the bottom of this post.

Enjoy the features......

This beautiful toile powder room belongs to Erika @ Be Book Bound.

Di @ Musings created this adorable Pullman inspired chest.

Linda @ Beautiful Ideas creates the most gorgeous floral arrangements and her Easter

decor is no exception.

Christy @ Confessions Of A Serial Do-It-Yourselfer turned her bare side year into this

beautiful area. She even built the gate!

On to the party.....

Garden Tour

2013-04-02T20:31:00.006-04:00

Thanks for visiting!

A couple of weeks ago Steve and I spent a beautiful Spring day at the Historic Home and Garden
Tour in the town I grew up in. The area is walking distance to a pretty lake and many of the streets are still paved with the original brick. The entire neighborhood is shaded by giant oak trees covered with moss. Homes on the tour were built from 1912 to 1927, the styles range from Bungalow to Mediterranean.

Today we will take a look at the gardens and yards. I'll be back later with photos of the homes.

Below are pictures of my favorite garden....the pictures don't do this beautiful garden justice.

We had one of these giant oak trees in the back yard of the house I grew up in. I spent many

happy hours in the tree house dad built. My legs and arms were usually covered with purple

dots of Mercurochrome from playing in the moss. If you lived in the South in the fifties and

sixties you know all about red bugs and Mercurochrome.

The neighborhood also has lots of tropical plants.

Thanks for dropping by and I hope to see you at the Open House party starting

Wednesday evening.

xx,

Sherry

Partying this week at:

Open House Party

2013-03-27T18:50:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Open House party!

Thanks so much for dropping by and please take a look at a few of the features from
last weeks party.

Enjoy......

Christine at Little Brags decorated her porch for Easter and included Bugsby, her

sons bunny. How adorable!

Nancy at Nancy's Daily Dish created a beautiful Easter table using her purple transferware.

This gorgeous dining room belongs to Donna @ An Anglo In Quebec.

On to the party...

Happy Birthday Dad!

2013-03-26T19:51:00.002-04:00

Today is my dads 87th birthday and we threw him a small celebration. I decorated

the dining room with balloons and a birthday banner and my son and his family meet

us for lunch at dads favorite restaurant. Everyone came back to his house for cake and

gifts.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

I LOVE YOU.

Sherry

Wisteria Prints On The Cheap!

2013-03-21T14:09:00.004-04:00

Happy Spring!

It actually snowed when we went home to Virginia a couple of weeks ago. With snow on the ground it was hard for me to get into the mood for Spring decorating. Also, time was limited and any major decorating had to take a back seat to other things.

One of the small changes I made was switching out some prints in the foyer for a pair of botanicals. You may remember these framed prints from a Wisteria catalog a couple of years ago. I always liked the prints, but not the almost $200 each price.

Last Summer Steve and I made a trip to Destin, Florida to see family and enjoy the beach. I found the botanicals at the local Goodwill and we left the store with both of the framed prints for a whopping $16.00!

I added a botanical to each side of the entrance to the living room. Now, I am on a search
for two plates with green and red to replace the blue ones there now.

I moved the market basket to the foyer and you can see Steve's office in the background.

I am very happy with my Wisteria prints on the cheap.

What bargains have you found lately?

Hugs,

Sherry

Partying this week at:

Open House Party

2013-03-20T17:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Open House party!

Before we start this weeks party I want to thank each and everyone of you that join my party. I am feeling really guilty for not being able to visit each of you and leave comments. My life has changed drastically in the last nine months. Taking care of my dad is a blessing, though sometimes not easy! I no longer have the time to spend on my blog, or visit other blogs, that I once did. I have thought about shutting down for a while but my blogging buddies have been such huge support and your blogs offer me a temporary distraction from the stress. Please forgive me if I am not visiting as often and I hope you know how very much I appreciate your support and friendship.

Thank You From The Bottom Of My Heart!

I have some great features from last week and I hope you enjoy....

Aimee @ The Vintage Estate created this wonderful orb light using embroidery hoops.
Check out her blog for the tutorial.

Carol @ Art And Sand has a very talented husband and last week she shared some
of his amazing paintings.

This beautiful Spring mantle was created by Revi @ Revisionary Life.

On to the party....

Giant Clam Shell Goes Home.

2013-03-18T15:14:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!

You may remember this POST about me buying a giant clam shell as a Christmas gift for myself.

I took the shell home on our recent trip from %#$! . Sometime between dads fall down the

stairs and the food poisoning I was able to take a few pictures!

The shell weighs about 100+ pounds so Steve gave me only one chance to get it where I

wanted it. Luckily I liked it on the buffet...for now!

Thanks for dropping by and have a great week.

Hugs,

Sherry

Partying this week at:

On The Back Porch @ Cedar Hill Ranch

2013-03-15T20:39:00.000-04:00

I am thrilled that Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch has included me in her On The Back Porch series.

It is such an honor to be featured on this amazing blog written by a sweet blogging friend.

I hope you hop over to Cedar Hill Ranch and take a look at my interview. Make sure to

say hello to Anita while you are there.

Thanks for dropping by and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,

Sherry

Open House Party

2013-03-13T17:30:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Open House Party!

I appreciate everyone that joined the party last week, again you showed me what a
creative and talented group you are. You'll find the link below to join this weeks
party but first enjoy the wonderful features below.

This beautiful bedroom belongs to Sonya at Beyond The Screen Door. Don't you

love the sign she made from a pallet?

Delores at Vignette Design created this beautiful nature inspired table for her

husband and his fishing buddies. The plates are wonderful and perfect for the dinner!

Kristie at Market Nine Home added this wonderful clock to her kitchen and talks about

accessorizing your home. If you are not familiar with this beautiful blog you must drop by.

Don't you just love the colors in Carlene's Spring mantle? Check out Organized Clutter to

see more of her pretty mantle.

On to the party.....

Great Vacation....NOT!

2013-03-11T21:48:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone!

We got back to Florida last night after eight days at our home in Virginia. This was my

first trip home in nine months and I was so excited to be going home. I had several projects

planned and wanted to get the house dressed for Spring. My dear friend Lynn and I had plans

to go junkin.

Most of all I just wanted to enjoy our Home !

I know you have heard the quote "the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray"

Yep, that is exactly what happened on our trip.

We left Florida and headed to Georgia to stay a couple nights in Dad's second home.

When we arrived we found the house had been burglarized and most of the furniture,

televisions and accessories were missing. In addition, the roof had leaked and there

was fallen sheet rock and mildew on the walls in two of the rooms. It was

heartbreaking to see my dad's face when he walked into the house.

In Richmond Steve went to get the State Inspection done on our car. They found

the tie rods and ball joints had to be replaced, there went money we had not

planned on spending.

The second day home my 87 year old Dad fell down an entire flight of stairs. He was

pretty beat up, but luckily nothing broken or life threatening. Thank God he is a tough

old goat (my affectionate name for him) or he could have died from the fall. The scare

took ten years off my life!

The last night at home the fancy light switch in our kitchen stopped working, which

means none of the kitchen lights will come on. Not good when your house is on the

market!

We had Chinese take-out from my favorite restaurant and got food poisoning. I was

sick as a dog for the last three days of the trip and for the fifteen hour drive back to Florida.

Our wonderful trip doesn't end there...I threw my back out the night before we left

Virginia and every little bump of the ride caused agonizing pain.

I obviously didn't get projects done nor did I get to go junkin. What a week!

On the trip home dad and I talked about the vacations we took as I was growing

up and it hit me that most of our trips had been jinxed! We had a good laugh

about all the mishaps and I am sharing some of those with you below.

We were once caught in a tornado and a flood.

I found out I was allergic to bees when one stung me in the face.

We were robbed in our RV and they took our money and food.

Our car broke down in a very remote area and the only way dad could

get it to run was by him blowing into the fuel pump, which he had to do

about every five miles until we reached a town about sixty miles away.

A waiter dumped the entire contents of his tray right on my head. My hands

and head were burned and my new outfit ruined by mexican food.

I got locked in the ladies room and the owner had to take the hinges

off the door to get me out.

In Mexico I was stung by a scorpion in my bed.

While in the Smokey Mountains my parents pulled over at a look-out point to

take pictures. They left me asleep in the car and when they turned around there

was a large bear with his front legs on the top of our MGB convertible. I was awake

and screaming at the top of my lungs. They actually took the time to take a picture!

There were many, many other crazy things that happened on our trips but this post

has gotten really long. Anyone interested in taking a trip with us? Better make sure your

health insurance is current before we leave.

Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you at the Open House party starting Wednesday

evening.

xx,

Sherry

Partying this week at: