Junkin' Chic

Roadside Fireplace

2015-05-16T14:40:00.000-05:00

On my way to work on a typical morning at 7am, I past this...

Yep, just sitting there on the curb, waiting for the trash truck!!! I know, right!!

So I gave my husband a call and off he went! I was so excited to know it was still there.

I decided to paint it white and give it a little distressing.

I thought about using this window in the insert...

I liked it, but really not to sure, so I went with the traditional...

Even add some white wash to the fake logs.

The final results were very pleasing. A few candles and I love it!

Free is really nice!!!

What's the best thing you've found for free and turned into something you love?

Blessings!

Candles, all lined up!

2012-12-19T17:51:00.001-06:00

I have had this box for several years and didn't know what I wanted to to with it.

So after finally letting go of the faithful old ottoman, I got a trunk to use as a coffee table. Then, I needed a cute centerpiece to go on my cute trunk.

Here's what I came up with.

Falling

2011-10-09T21:30:00.005-05:00

Here in Texas we have been experiencing the worst drought since 1769, or so says the weatherman.

What I know is, in my part of the state, we usually have lots of rainy days that produce some beautiful fall colors.

Unfortunately, we only have lots of dead leaves, not colorful ones. Very sad. But, we do have a Hobby Lobby with lots of colorful leaves!

Come on in...

I have actually changed the door decor to a wreath since I took this pic.

Create your own centerpiece and place it on the dining table along with a colorful table runner.
I used material I had left over from another project.
This is the first time I have used a white pumpkin. I really like the contrast.

A mason jar, coffee beans and a candle. Smells really nice.

Vynal words on a 12 x 12 tile, kinda sets the mood, doesn't it?

I love this little Indian girl.

Awww, see the pic of my grandchildren in the corner? I really love that picture.

Have fun decorating your home for fall. I sure did!

Linking to ...

decor to adore
Home is where my story begins
Savvy Seasons
DIY by Design

This one?

2011-08-23T20:00:00.000-05:00

I found this vanity at Lowes....

Now, it's not exactly like the one at Pottery Barn, but it's about $1000 cheaper! I could love it, really I could.

As you can see, this one is modern, with it's straight legs and espresso color, but, what if I painted it white and changed the hardware?

I'm really thinking about this one. What do you think?

Warmly,

Loving me some Pottery Barn.

2011-06-19T16:02:00.001-05:00

I would like for my home to be alot more like Potter Barn, we a 'me' twist. Just wish I had the moollah to afford the one thing I would love to have from there! It's this awesome sink console....

It sells for $1499.00. Ouch! Just can't see paying that much for it even though I am totally in love with it.

My plan is the find something as close as I can to this and repurpose it. I recently saw on this blog, how DIY Diva MADE her own for only $400! Wish I had her skill and power tools!

I would also like the have an above counter sink. Maybe something like this...

Sorry the pic is a little blurry, but you can still see it. We are still in the planning stage, but need to get started as soon as possible.

Still just the ONE bathroom. (deep breath). We can do it, we can do it, we can do it!!

Warmly,

My Bathroom Diary

2011-05-26T20:44:00.000-05:00

I have lived in this house for 26 years and there have been a lot of changes. Layers of paint, different floors, carport closed in to make a family room, walls where there were doors and doors where there were walls. Well, we've changed about every room in the house.....except this one...

Yep, that's all Im showing!

And this is where my adventure begins...{sigh} You see, this is the only bathroom in the house and it is in GREAT need of a total remodel.

I can't hide behind the shower curtain anymore! But this is the twist.............how do you gut your only bathroom! I mean, where do I, ummmm, you know. And what about getting clean?

I think that's why we have put it off as long as we have, but we now have no choice. Last week the dining room flooded every time we showered. My sweet husband did the best he could to fix it temporally. No point in spending the money on repairs when we are going to gut it anyway, right?

So, if anyone have ever gutted their only bathroom and lived to tell about it, please let me in on your secret!

Warmly,

So ~ How's Your Plates Hangin'?

2011-01-30T00:14:00.001-06:00

The truth be told, I had never been a fan of plates on the wall as 'art'. It reminded of my grandmother's house. Not that that's a bad thing. I just thought she didn't have anything else to hang, so she stuck some plates on the wall and called it a day.

But as I wonder through bloggdom, I find I am increasingly loving the plate thing.

So much so, I decided to try it in my own home. I figure if all the talented ladies out there are doing it, it must be cool. And I wanna be cool. Don't you?

Then I realized you have to have plates to hang if you want them hung, right? Being a Home Stager, I have several sets of dishes I use to stage homes so I swiped a few from there and then went Goodwill shopping for more.

This is the arrangement in my dining room. It's simple, but I'm just starting to get the hang of this idea.

Want to know an easy way to hang plates without plate hangers?

That's a paper clip and a ton of hot glue. (no duh, right?) Now, if I had a plate that was really special to me or I would cry if it got broken, then I would use the plate hanger, just in case.

I even did a hanging for a client's kitchen.

I love the way The Nester hangs her plates. Think I'm gonna try something like that next time!

Do you have an opinion on plates?

Last Minutes Gifts!

2010-12-22T15:25:00.009-06:00

Need some last minute gifts and don't want to get out in the insanity again! Try these gifts you can put together from ingredients you may already have in your kitchen!

I really love making homemade gifts. There's just something about creating things someone else will enjoy.

The pictures are mostly self explanatory, but I'll include the link for the salsa and scrub, so you can whip some last minute goodies for yourself!

Black Bean Salsa

with

Homemade Corn Chips

You haven't tasted chips till you make your own! Cut corn tortillas with pizza cutter, heat oil, drop in and cook for about a minute. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. While still hot, salt to taste. Yummo!

This is so delish! Very easy to make and so colorful. Lots of chopping, but a food processor can become your best friend. If you want a little more heat, just add one more jalapeno pepper.

Almond Bark Popcorn

I mean, it doesn't get any easier than this! Melt the almond bark, pop the corn, pour it over, stir, spread it out to dry and bag it!

I added a cute little candy cane for decoration, then printed the story of the candy cane on business cards.

Brown Sugar Foot Scrub

(you could eat this!)

I had this sweet little 'K' in my stock of stickers. This gift is for my sister and her name just happens to start with a 'K'......

Check out your kitchen to see if you have some last minutes gifts to make!!

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Hugs,

I'm linking to these great parties!

It's a Very Cherry World

Blue Cricket Design_Show and Tell

Whatever Goes Wednesday At Someday Crafts

Nikkis Nifty Knacks

Life as Lori - Get Your Craft On

Strut Your Stuff

Tales from Bloggerville

Tablescapes for Everyone!!

2010-12-04T18:42:00.001-06:00

Want to see some gorgeous tablescapes?

These tables were beautifully decorated by some of the

women at our annual Ladies Christmas Brunch.

Wow! What talent and originality!

Festive, Elegant, Themed.

Something for everyone.

So feast your eyes on these beautiful decorations,

china, crystal and silverware.

Does that inspire you? It sure inspired me!!

I Just Painted

2010-11-07T06:00:00.007-06:00

I recently decided to repaint my kitchen cabinets. I just felt like they needed a little color. And after all...it's only paint, right!

I didn't do any fancy paint treatments,{Ok, partly because I don't really know how.} and I didn't even remove the doors.

See...

I just painted.

This is my kitchen before...

And of course, after...

Since these pics were taken, I have painted the skirting next to the floor. Looks much better.

I am very happy with the way they turned out!

The moral of the story is...

You can color your world with paint and if you don't like it, paint over it!

Behind curtain #1

2010-09-24T23:24:00.003-05:00

Oh my gosh! Computer wires!

They have bugged me for years. I have tried to ignore them, but no matter how well I organize my office, there they are, staring at me.

Mangled and tangled.

It's like they have a mind of their own and I don't like what they are saying!

I have gone as far as to place a framed piece of art about the size of the opening under my desk in an attempt to hide them.

The only problem was it was always falling over on my feet.

Not a good idea after all.

Then while going through stuff for my garage sale, I suddenly had an epiphany! Yes, I said epiphany.

Here's what I came up with...

Left over fabric, fabric glue, tension rod.

Ta Da! Hey! Not bad, huh? NO more wires!!!!

Let us in on some ways you have hidden or disguised your ugly monster of wires!

I'm linking to these fabulous parties!

finished for friday

the shabby nest

chic of a shoestring

fingerprints on the fridge

Need Stuff?

2010-09-23T23:28:00.000-05:00

What is it about garage sales. Every time I say I am never going to do this again!
But here we go...

If there is one thing the T.V. show 'Hoarders' has done for America is to get us thinking about our junk. At least it has for me. I tell you, everytime I see that show I want to clean out a closet!

Then there are all the blogs I read. There is definately something in the air in blog land. Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick had this to say about her stuff.
Also, Kimba at Soft Place to Land.

This is just part of what will be there, and this was only from my office! Help!

I will say it has been a blessing to get rid of and clean out the things that I don't need or want anymore.

Getting all this junk out of my house has a freeing element to it. I feel lighter already! But not quite light enough.

This is what I want to buy with my garage sale money...

Will I use it? I sure hope so. I always have good intentions, and this time I'm thinking I'll do it. I really do!

If you're going to be in the area next weekend, let me know and I'll give you the address of the best garage sale on the block!

It will be a time together with my daughters, my sisters and myself cooking on the grill and selling our junk.

Hope to see you there!

New Look!

2010-09-12T23:46:00.000-05:00

If this is your first time to visit me then you won't notice any differance. But if you have popped over to see me before, you may notice I have changed things up a bit.

What to you think of the new look?

Leave me a comment and let me know!

Boardwalking

2010-09-05T16:10:00.000-05:00

The weather is finally cooling enough for me to get outside and actually enjoy myself, so the Hubby and I went for a stroll on the Boardwalk in Bossier City, Louisiana.

There are some great shops there to browse and even pick up a bargain or two.

I love to go to The Old Farmers Almanac. It's one of the busiest stores on the Boardwalk.

I saw the cutest little sign along with this birdie and nest...

I think that is going to be my new phrase! I didn't get the sign, but I did bring the bird and nest home with me!

And how funny is this little doll!

While walking we saw this awesome stamped concrete. Since my Hubs in the concrete business, this was especially interesting to him.

They did a pretty good job. Looks almost real, huh?

Look at these kids! They are in these huge plastic bubbles playing on the water! What fun!! I understand they can be rented for parties.

We finished the day with a stop at the local cupcake shop.

His was Mexican Chocolate and mine was Red Velvet. Ummm.

What did you do with your weekend?

Warmly,

gail

Goodwill Hunting

2010-08-31T15:52:00.004-05:00

I love to find bargains. One woman's trash is another woman's craft project!

While sitting around with my granddaughter one afternoon, we decided to go Goodwill hunting. I was wanting to change my bedroom (again) and needed to find some accessories at a price I didn't drop my teeth about. (I really have all my own teeth)

I found these items at my local Goodwill Store and thought they would look wonderful in my 'new again' bedroom.

See this great chair? You will never guess what I paid for it....drum roll please.........

Can you believe it? I took it outside when I got it home and soaped it down, scrubbed out the stains and rinsed till I knew there was no evidence of the previous owner. (I'm a bit of a germ freak ;) )

This is it all clean smelling good.

I loved this bowl just the way it was. $1.49. The tarnish gave it some character. Dont' you think? This is what I put in it....

Lamps

This pair of lamps was hiding in the window sill of the store. Again, $1.49 each. All they need was some new shades.

I couldn't resist these plates. There were several tiny ones that look like they belonged in a doll house. 49 cents each and the larger one was $1.99.

This is the look all together...

Till next time on Goodwill Hunting..

Warmly,

gail

Linky Parties

Thrifty Thursdays
Vintage Thingies Thursdays
Frugal Friday
Frugalicious Friday

Let's Talk Window Treatments

2010-08-29T15:06:00.003-05:00

Or as a fellow blogger, The Nester states, window mistreatments. The term she coined is describing window coverings that require little or no sewing.

There are several reasons for window coverings. Privacy, light control, temperature control and just plain pretty.

I truly think an un-treated window is, (as we say in the south), 'necked' or 'naked' if you want the proper spelling. ;)

Now if your view is like this...

you can slide on the window treatments. God has pretty much provided it for you!

But let's just say for the sake of saying, you don't...

Let's take a look at a few examples of great window mistreatments.

Above is one of the simplest of all to do in my opinion. These are tablecloths. The edges are already finished! How easy is that? I find ones that on sale and for next to nothing, window mistreatment!!!

...and all you need to do is use drapery rings to connect the cloth to rod!

This beautiful window is presented by.....2-1/2 yards of fabric. That's all, just fabric right off the bolt and hung with drapery rings.

(I love drapery rings! They are a no-sew girl's friend.)

The edges are left raw for a 'natural' look. Okay, I just didn't want to sew that day. This fabric was stolen, I mean purchased for only 75 cents a yard!

Window scarves are very versatile. Here, I threw it over the rod and let it just hang. No rings, no sew, just simple, simple.

You all know to hang your mistreatments about 3 inches or less from the ceiling, right? Of course you do!

But what if the panels you bought are not long enough? Just find some coordinating fabric in color and weight and attach it to the bottom or top, (i have done both), and you will have a beautiful, long, dramatic look any window would be happy to show off!

(attach to extra fabric with iron on tape if you don't have a machine)

There you have it! Now go out there a mistreat some windows!

Warmly,

gail

Linky Parties!!

All About You Monday

Craft o maniac Monday

Motivate Me Monday

Just Something I Whipped Up

I've Gone to Look for Myself!

2010-05-26T00:33:00.001-05:00

A month, a whole month and then some. That's how long it's been since I've posted??!!

Well, have you ever felt like this...

Between the laundry, the dishes, being office manager for my husband, decorating, a new part time job...(part time? yeah, right!), and all the other things that go along with just being a woman...

I'm afraid this is looking more like me these days...

I'm not saying I'm not enjoying my life, just trying to work out the balance after throwing something new into the mix. Maybe taking my vitamins on a more regular basis would be a good idea. Or how about one of those energy drinks?

Anyway, my point is to find that balance so I can be more active in my new found blog world. I do love it here. You are all so talented.

Here's to Balance!!

Warmly,

gail

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T00:44:00.003-05:00

The Baby Tree

2010-04-27T00:01:00.015-05:00

I love to decorate for baby showers. Especially for little girls. Everything can be so frilly and feathery and fun!

I like to create something different, something maybe no one else has seen before.

Although I know nothing is new under the sun, I still think this Baby Tree is pretty neat-o!

I started with some branches I found in my yard. (free)

Then spray painted them with left over white paint. (free)

Placed them in a container from the $ store. ($1)

Poured in some clear glass marbles left over from a wedding to

hold them in place. (free)

Tied ribbon in varying lengths onto the branches. ($3)

Punched holes in scripture cards I made on my computer left over from my daughter's baby shower and tied them on the ribbon. (free)

Tied baby party favors on the ribbon. ($2)

Clipped on tiny pink clothes pins to hold money and gift cards. ($1)

The mother-to-be was very pleased with her Baby Tree!

Warmly,
gail

Check out these great ideas!!

Making the World Cuter

It's so very Cheri

Between Naps on the Porch

A Soft Place to Land

Sugar Bee Craft Edition

Hope Studios

Lucky Linky Tuesday

Talented Tuesday

Get Your Craft on Tuesday

Woo Hoo Wednesday!

The Boardwalk Bragfest

Look What I Made

DIY Bird Bath

2010-04-21T00:18:00.013-05:00

I wanted to create an area outside my office window that would be pleasant to look at while I paid bills, blogged and all the other stuff I do at my desk.

You know, bird bath, hanging baskets of flowers, ceremic things and so on. Well, have you priced bird baths lately?! I must admit I was in sticker shock.

So, I decided to try to make one myself.

I already had in my possession, broken tile I had gotten at Lowes for next to nothing and a plant stand I wasn't using. All I had to purchase was a container for the water and the grout for the tile.

Here is how I did it...

I broke the tile with a hammer. Be sure and cover the tile with a towel or newspaper to protect your eyes.

Arranged the tile and glued it to the saucer.

Applied the mosaic grout and let it set according to the directions.

Sponged it off.

Applied clear glaze.

Glued it the top of the stand, filled with water and waited for the birdies!!

Now I'm itching to tile something else!

Check out these great ideas!

A Soft Place to Land

I Made the World Cuter Today

It's so very cheri

Get your Craft on

The Boardwalk Bragfest

A Southern DayDreamer

Woo Hoo Wednesday!

Room to Inspire

Life as Lori

somewhat simple

Fireflies and Jellybeans

Warmly,

gail

Writing on grammy's floor

2010-04-18T18:07:00.003-05:00

When we closed in our carport to make a family room, I lived with cement floors for quite a while. We thought of staining them but decided on wood lament because of cost and durability.

Before we covered the floor, I thought it would be nice to have the children, young and grown, to write a few messages on the concrete for prosperity.

I was envisioning words of love to me, encouraging scriptures and general uplifting pharses I could remember to keep me warm knowing they were under my feet forever.

Well, this is what I got...

After a little coaxing on my part I did get this one...

Even though it's not what I expected or wanted, I smile when I think of the day they did this and the fun they had writing on Mama's and Grammy's floor!

Warmy,

gail

~~COMMENTS MAKE ME SMILE~~

Blessings

2010-04-13T23:01:00.029-05:00

A picture says a thousand words.

Oh wow, I can hardly look at this picture without being in awe. The love that my daughter radiates while holding her baby is breathtaking.

She barely made it to the hospital for the birth.

No pain meds, no epidural, no time for my son-in-law to eat the snacks the so carefully packed, no time for me to get there to encourage and comfort. Not even time for her doctor to get there.

Miss Abigale had her own agenda.

I walked into the room just as our little bundle arrived. She was blue, very blue. She had aspirated some meconium.

The doctor on call said to my daughter, "Be very still", as her suctioned our baby. So blue. Handing her over to the nurses, they began to work with little Abi.

Soon, she began to cry. Music!

Our prayers had been answered. But long before that night, my daughter and son-in-law had been praying for God in His wisdom to orchestrate every circumstance of her birth.

So we believe the right doctor and nurses were on duty that night. We found out the nurse that took care of Abigale was the best one they had.

So I take this opportunity to say how blessed we are. How thankful we are. How appreciative we are.

This is Abigale now...

Couldn't you just pinch those cheeks?

Spring Tablescape

2010-04-05T00:16:00.004-05:00

I am so excited it is finally Spring! Although the pollen and I are not friends, I still can't help but to look forward to all the rebirth of God's creation.

To celebrate the arrival of Spring, I transformed my dining table into a little bit of nature by simply pulling things from around my house.

This was the before. I love this look,

but I really wanted something to brighten the room.

Grass, flowers, waterfall...looks like nature to me.

(Sorry,I forgot to use the flash on this picture)

I used the flash here, but as you can see,

it is before I decided to add my tea set.

Sweet tea set given to me by my sister.

This pretty little set of rose dishes I picked up at the local

Ross Store for next to nothing. It screams spring!

Pier 1 find at Easter last year.

I'm sure you have some treasures in your home that can be pulled

together to create the special feeling you're looking for.

Warmly,

gail

I'm linking to...

Metamorphosis Monday

Faux Eggs!!

2010-03-28T19:36:00.005-05:00

When I was 'springing' up my house last week,

I wanted to display a

birds nest with some small eggs.

I searched in all my seasonal decor and couldn't find any at all.

What was I to do?

(this is me thinking)

Then I found a huge bag of....

Pecans?? Why not? They sorta look like eggs, don't they?

See that little pointy thingy?

Since eggs don't have those, I filed them off with a fingernail file.

Then I painted them. This paint is green because I got it on clearance. You've heard of green eggs and ham!

I used acrylic paint.

I tried spray paint but the acrylic covered in one coat.

I think I needed to file it a little more.

I used a felt tip pen because I wanted them to have spots, like this...

These are real eggs in a real nest.

Pecan Eggs...all cozy in their nest!

(The flash on the camera make them look blue.)

Ready for Spring!

I know you ladies have some great ideas and I would to hear them!

Warmly,

gail

~~your comments make me smile!~~

I'm linky to the party!!

Tater Tots and Jello Funky Junk Interiors Fingerprints on the Fridge

Poppies at Play

Door Hanger for Baby

2010-03-20T13:48:00.007-05:00

When my new granddaughter and niece were born, my sister and I wanted to give them a door hanger to announce the birth of their babies.
Sooo, we decided I would make them instead of purchasing them ready made.

While searching the internet for ideas, I came upon a very unique one that I had not seen before and I wanted to make my version of it.

We set out to find all the goodies to make this adorable door hanger. I have to say, shopping for it was so much fun! We had to be careful not to get to carried away!

Here's how it started....

Since it was around Valentine's Day when we did this, we were able to find so many cute things just for little girls.

I started with this adorable wall pocket. Cut some floral foam and hot glued it inside. Then I cut the flowers to the height I wanted and began inserting them into the foam. I did not hot glue them in place. They stayed nicely on their own.

Ribbon, ribbon, ribbon!! I cut it all to length in varying sizes.

Then these were hot glued onto the ribbon. Be careful. It is so easy to burn your fingers when working with something this small. You may want to have a small bowl of cool water handy to plunge your fingers into!

You can also add letters for the baby's Lbs and Inches down the ribbon, which I did.

We found a small wooden plaque that had the ribbon already attached. Then I placed self sticking letters to spell her name. I'm telling you, we were really blessed doing this around Valentine's Day. So much cool stuff to choose from!

Next, just start tying your ribbon and other accessories onto the wall pocket. How sweet!

The little bear was just nestled into the flowers so Mom could take it out for Baby to play with later.

Both Mom's were very happy with their new door hanger.

I've linked this post to

Funky Junk Interiors

Today's Creative Blog

Fingerprints on the Fridge

A Soft Place to Land

Click on over and join the party!!