Susie Harris

Growing with your home and a DIY

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:59:00 PDT

I'm finding that houses tend to grow along with you.

When we built our home we had only two small children to fill the empty spaces.

Years later, our home graciously welcomed a new born.

Although the 4 bedrooms seemed snug at times, it was always enough.

I now have two spare rooms to play with...sigh.

Along with its growing nature, it evolves with us.

It sheds tweety bird sheets for Lilly Pulitzer.

And I'm happy to report that it stood by me when I rebelled in my adolescent home owner years..

with Kirkland Decor.

It has never given up on me. Not once.

Weeks ago we covered the SW relaxed khaki in our family room with Comfort Grey (lightened 50%)

We are all enjoying the new lighter and brighter room.

For the first time in like forever, I didn't rush to fill the empty spaces.

I allowed the room to breath along with myself.

I waited.

Almost as if I allowed the room to whisper its needs to us.

Ever so softly... I heard.

I scribbled out images that soothed my soul and brought color to the walls.

This project cost nothing.

I simply removed this and reused the frames.

My goal now is to find the perfect pillows and rug.

Does your home reflect you and the stage you're in now.

I'm not saying I didn't love my 80's hair and my king size water bed...lol

I'm just enjoying the journey.

xo Susie

Southern Craft Academy/ Sponsorship Opportunites

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:31:00 PDT

Hi y'all.

Just a quick update on our Southern Craft Academy weekend.

As you know our camp sold out in minutes and that in itself just blew our team away.

Thank you.

So how can you take part in this epic event?

If you have an Esty or online shop and would like to promote via swag bag or partnerships with our craft weekend take a look at this "flyer".

You can contact us via email at

southerncraftyacademy@gmail.com

xo Susie and SCA team

My getaway weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Mon, 20 May 2013 09:02:00 PDT

For four years I have chatted it up with this sweet girl.

We made plans to meet at a Beth Moore event.

I bought my ticket.... then chickened out. I did.

Fast forward 4 years and many blog post and one special event later...

I found myself knee deep in TN.

It's called Pearls and Grace.

You may be wondering.. just what is this pearls and grace?

I can tell you that it is not a blogging convention, nor teaches you how to grow a blog.

It doesn't sell jewelry nor teaches you how to string pearls.

Plain and simple... it's a place where women come together and share their stories.

Say what?

That was just what I was thinking until I read more about it.

Why on Earth would I drive 8 hours to listen to 4 ladies share their story?

Because sometimes girls...

You just need to step out of your shiny pumps and wear someones dusty sandals.

I can tell you that my life will never be the same.

I will no longer judge a friend nor passing stranger by the shoes they wear.

You just have no idea their journey they had to travel.

And to be honest, my shoes are kinda dusty too.

If I may, I will back up a bit and introduce Sibi.

She traveled a bumpy road and along the way, her story was being formed..

FOR US.

She shared her sweet story like only Sibi could do and it just moves you.

Sharing your story isn't always easy.

Cha Cha and Rachel shared their stories with grace and humility.

love them..

And this beautiful girl below is Cherish.

I started reading her blog just a few weeks ago and I fell in love with ...

her house, her front porch, adorable fur babies, her love for Lilly and everything coastal..

her hair, her southern charm... her perfectness.

But I didn't know her heart. Her story. Her journey.

Like so many of us bloggers, we see that perfect image and long for that perfect package.

She shared her story and friends, I can now say I love her heart.

Her heart for Jesus and what He has done through her.

I won't share much more than that because it's not my story to share but...

I can tell you that her story touched my heart deeply and she blessed my socks off.

There's just something so special in hearing about ones walk.

It amazes me how the Lord can take trials, pain, brokenness and turn it to His glory.

I am so blessed that I they shared something so precious with me.

I'm forever changed.

After the event I headed back to my room to rest up.

I am in love with this state y'all!!!

It is beautiful.

Even with its misty rain and cooler temps..

We didn't let that stop us!

Cha Cha and I hit the streets and soaked up Nashville's finest.

Barn Sales.. that is.

to be cont.

xo Susie

Fear not...

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:24:00 PDT

I knew I wanted to go right from the start.

BUT I.

(Funny how you can let yourself stand in the way)

I allowed myself to find every fear and doubt known to mankind.

For every door I hid behind.... He opened two.

They must be sold out by now. I'm sure it's too late......I won 2 tickets!

The hotels are booked I'm sure... I found a great rate!

Our God never gives up!

As I started to pack, fear found its way back in.

Wouldn't you know,

I received the sweetest email from one of the speakers that just so happens to be a

blog friend.

Her words to me..

"so have no fear"

So it looks like this girl will be heading to "Pearls and Grace" tomorrow.

It will be held Friday in Nashville, Tennessee.

Now before you start hiding behind that door, I'm sure they have a ticket left for you.

And before you start worrying about who you will sit next to, find me.

If He's tuggin' at your heart, give in.

xo YOU!

"Bayou Cream Pies" in a jar

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:10:00 PDT

I dusted off my cook books and this girl got her bake on!

OK.. not really.

I didn't use a cook book and I didn't really bake all that much.

But hey..

I did make the kitchen smell good and my cake stand is pretty.

That counts for something...right?

"Bayou Cream" pies in a jar.

So easy it only takes minutes.

You start with one French Vanilla cake mix.

I baked it in a large shallow square cake pan.

You want your cake to be thin.

I mixed up 2 boxes of pudding.

Not shown here but I also used one jar of chocolate cake frosting.

(frosting needs to be microwaved for about 45 seconds to soften)

You will also need a dozen of half pint jars.

After my cake was cooled, I used a small glass to cut 2" circles.

I covered the bottom of my jar with a layer of pudding.

I then placed my thin layer of cake followed by a layer of melted frosting.

You repeat this pattern until your jar is full.

These are perfect deserts when you need to plan ahead.

You just cover them and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Before serving, I topped mine with a dollop of cool whip.

A fun desert for Mother's Day....

don't mind if I do :)

xo Susie

"The Little's" Big House

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:42:00 PDT

I'm not "big" on reality shows..

no pun intended but when it comes to these guys...

They just melt my heart.

They seem real. Human. Normal.

And I guess that's why I enjoy their show so much.

It was no surprise that I loved their home too.

Oh my, where do I begin?

The floors, the wall color, the furniture....

I love the cool beachy feel without looking too "beach rental"

Have Mercy!!

I think I love every single thing in this space.

From the soft walls to the fun colorful pillows.

And just when I thought I could not love it more...

I looked up!

I love her touch of "not too much"

Not long ago they announced they were adopting a "little boy".

He is so precious and a Little too.

And they didn't stop there...

They are adopting a little girl as well.

I think those 2 adorable kiddo's are just what this huge house needs.

Are you "Little Couple" fan?

To see more of their new family you can visit TLC.

xoxox Susie

Blue Beauties

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Mon, 06 May 2013 06:59:00 PDT

Oh how I love thee...

I have a few antique blue jars that I have found over the years and adore them.

I was always afraid to do anything with them from fear of breaking one.

So when I heard of Ball's 100 year commemorative jars, I had to help myself!

Now I won't be afraid to try my hand at few DIY's.

I'm so crushing on this one below.

She sells her blue beauties here on her Etsy.

And while I'm on the subject of "blue jars"..

I thought I would share these lil darlings.

My friend Sasha makes them and you can find them here.

I just ordered one and can't wait to see it.

I have been crushing on these for sometime now but she sells them as fast as she can make them.

So far I have used my pretties for flower vases and utensils holders.

And when I'm not putting these guys to work...

They are showing off in my cabinet.

I found my jars here.

I have also heard that they are now at Kmart as well.

I have two cases and I just can't wait to DIY up a few.

You can bet I will be sharing soon.

xoxo Susie

Easy...DIY Nest Necklace

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Fri, 03 May 2013 08:50:00 PDT

Let me start by saying...

I am no jewelry maker.

I have never made jewelry before

till now.

Wouldn't these make adorable Mothers Day gifts?

Everything I found was at Wal Mart.

No special tools of any kind.

You will need 24 gauge wire.

I picked up these glass pearls because I loved the colors.

Any bead with a hole will work though.

And a pack of split rings or jump rings will work fine too.

They are like a mini key holder ;)

You will need to cut your wire about 4ft in length.

I learn more from looking at pictures so I will let them do most of the talking..

I picked 2 pink and one blue for my kiddies.

Still with me?

Ok. once you get your pearls pushed back about 2" take your wire and twist it.

You will then take your long piece of wire and just wrap it around the pearls.

Around and around you will go....

It will look like this at first.

I think I went around about 7 or 8 times.

You can make your nest as large or small depending on how long your wire is.

This size looked good to me.

With your long piece go into your nest between the bead.

Your wire will come out in the bottom of your nest.

Take it around the top again and go through the bottom once more.

So pretty much you loop 2 times.

You will make the 2 loop between each bead.

I have 3 below.

This just secures all of your wire.

Now you are going to want to put a bottom on your nest.

You don't have to but I like the effect.

You just use your finger and spin round an round until the hole closes in..

You see here above how I just made circles under the beads.

Once you cover them, you do the 2 loop wrap like before.

Above is your finished bottom.

I took my 2 loose ends, twisted them together and tucked them back into the nest.

Now to add your jump ring or split ring...

It's pretty much like adding a new key on your key ring.

Simple.

You don't need the fancy lil pliers like I have.

A finger nail can work the same magic.

I just happened to have a pair.

This is my very first nest...Ever!

I just wanted you to see that you don't have to be a pro.

I added a chain that I had here but plan on finding a few at Hobby Lobby.

If you don't have a Hobby Lobby near, Wal Mart sells the chains as well.

This project was oh so fun and easy!

Xoxo Susie

Say it ain't faux

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:00:00 PDT

Not every thing in life needs to be busy.

Often we think every wall needs to be maxed out.

Every empty space needs a whatchamajig.

Just thinking about it makes me anxious.

I grew up in the age of Home Interiors.

You may have heard of it.

It was a in home based party decor store of sorts.

It started when my Mom booked one party.

She baked a cake, had chips n dip and invited a few friends over.

Then her friends booked a party and Mom had to attend theirs. and . so. on.....

Before you knew it, your walls were covered with copper butterflies and matching candle holders.

I'm telling you, this party saga lasted for years!

I vowed to never do that to my walls. Ever...

Confession.. I have.

It happens before you even notice. honest

With my new wall color, I'm finding a need for simplistic with a homey feel.

Can you relate?

I found just what I was looking for.

I didn't want to spend too much just in case I change my mind.

So I searched around and found these faux canvas prints at Wal Mart.

You can pick up a 16x20 for just 22.96!

It looks just like the real deal without the real deal price.

Mine are done with a matte finish and WM had them ready in 1 hr.

I just downloaded my favorite pictures here and they did the rest.

In case you're wondering what the back looks like...

Instead of a wooden frame it's on a sturdy cardboard.

You would never know unless you took them down and peeked ;)

I could not be happier.

And because I spent so little, I won't feel bad changing them out as they grow.

Now I just need a few bright pillows for the sofa...

And a new rug and curtains and....

just kidding..

maybe.

(this was NOT a paid ad for Wal Mart)

I just like sharing a good deal with my friends when I find one :)

Have you found any great deals lately?

xoxo Susie

Lighter Brighter Beautiful.

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:23:00 PDT

Is it weird that I love paint?

Not that I love paint in the manner of I. Love. You. Paint...

But I love how changing things up makes me feel.

It's inexpensive and gives me a big bang for my buck kinda feeling. you know?

I have had this brown for years.

Relaxed Khaki by Sherwin Williams and it's been good to me.

I think my husband had a hard time parting with the blue ceilings mostly.

I fixed that problem and I will share that secret with you too.

It was just time to go.

So how did I pick my new color?

I walked around my house and studied each room.

I narrowed it down to may favorite color of all times.

Comfort Grey.

Above is the recipe for my kitchen color.

I wanted to stay in the same family so I had Lowes lighten it 50%.

The recipe for my LR color is above.

It is PERFECT!!!

This color is grey enough to date any color without making a fuss.

I'm serious.

I could throw any color in here and it would play nice.

You don't find that often in colors.

I even folded laundry in here just so I could enjoy the color.

OK... maybe not.

I was just too lazy to put it up but I enjoyed the color all the same LOL.

And just to really change the room up a bit, I moved my secretary desk in.

I love how it just fits in here.

So you may be wondering how I made my hunny happy with removing his beloved blue ceiling?

I did an old color trickery...

I lightened the wall color about 75% (recipe below) for the ceiling.

And you wanna what?

I didn't even noticed I painted over his blue until I pointed it out.

He's happy. I'm happy.

I still have some playing around to do for the walls but I'm really loving the blank canvas.

It's like that clean crisp feeling when you remove your Christmas decor feeling. Ahhhhh

This huge wall behind my sofa has me thinking of a few ideas.

I hope to tackle them soon.

Want to make a huge change on a small budget?

Paint.

It's a win win..

I think I burned 1403 calories on my laddermaster lol.

xoxo Susie

Rollin' along...

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:32:00 PDT

After a long crazy week, Friday is feeling good!

I just painted this little guy and have fallen in love.

I will finish it in the morning..

after a Dunkin' donut trip of course.

Hope you have a sweet weekend too!

xoxox Susie

Exposing my flaws.

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 06:46:00 PDT

I really don't like this picture of myself.

At all.

I could . I can. I do...

Find every flaw that is there to be seen.

Inside and out.

I can start with the very top of my head and ask myself ...

Girl! What were you thinking with those grey roots on picture day?

Really?

Oh don't get me started on my widows peek that I inherited from my father.

Thanks Dad.

My crows feet, jiggly wiggly arms and wrinkled hands..

I have more flaws than you have time...

I feel that's what people see when they first lay eyes on me.

You too?

If so, please oh please my precious friend..

Watch this video.

You may just rethink how you view yourself.

I myself, think you are beautiful!

Inside and out.

xo Susie

DIY Chalkboard on the cheap!

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 05:36:00 PDT

You know how when you spot something in a magazine and you can't stop thinking about it?

Yeah, like that..

That's what was going through my head when I came across this photo below.

It's on page 52 of the Summer 2013 issue of Vintage Style.

Oh that stinkin' chalkboard!

Why must it be so cute?

I loved you down to the rusty lil screws and washers..I did!

So instead of wanting on something I'm sure I could never find, I made my own.

I grabbed up some scrap wood left over from signs.

This piece here is 1/2" birch

I used some mixed paint I had left over from my bed DIY.

I first painted the wood white then went over it with the blue.

Once it was dry, I sanded the edges and aged it up some.

I didn't worry about painting the center because it will be covered.

I then used a much thinner piece of birch for the chalkboard.

I used Valspar.

After the chalkboard paint was good and dry I seasoned it up.

By that I mean, going over the entire board with chalk then brushing it off with a damp rag.

I plan on replacing these washers and screws with some rusty ones soon.

I have them outside so they can weather up some.

I used the new ones just to give you an idea of how it will look.

I attached the two boards together using my washer and screw sets.

I also attached a sawtooth hanger just in case I want to hang it.

For now it's foolin' my family..LOL

We didn't have fried chicken last night but we did have a very healthy salad ;)

I love the look of the washer and screws.

I'm already looking for somewhere else to use these cuties!

Have you crushed on something lately and duplicated it?

Speaking of crushing...

Ballard Designs just liked my instagram picture above.

I have loved them to the moon and back!

Nothing like a crush LOL

xoxo Susie

Living Louisiana

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:28:00 PDT

Hi y'all!

I took a few days off from the computer and lived some unplugged life.

It's good for the soul ;)

Especially when you have family coming over for a visit.

Above is my niece and her Fiance'.

They stopped in for a couple of days on their way home to New Mexico.

They have been in South Korea teaching English for sometime now.

My Dad and Cizon.

Here are just some of the kids.

Both of my niece's are newly engaged.

Guess that explains their big smiles :)

Here are the lucky guys. LOL

And no trip to our neck of the swamp would be complete without a visit to the beignet shop.

Beginets were a first for Cizon and Chris.

They also tried crawfish for the very first time...and liked em!

Next to the beignet shop is a row of neat little antique shops.

Those funny wooden sticks you see above are cypress knees.

Our swamps are full of them.

Our beginet shop also has a few pets on the property...

And they just so happened to be out sunning on this beautiful day!

I thought I would just point out that the ole' girl here was missing her front left foot.

Her ring finger at that!

If she doesn't watch it, her back left one might go missing too....!!!

Can you see why?

I had to share this last snip'it with y'all.

For the last year, my oldest has been living about 30 minutes away on the river at my Dad's camp.

He decided to move a bit closer to home and work. I'm loving' that!

You might remember that little fixer upper that I spoke about?

He is now calling it home.

I helped move some of his smaller precious belongings and had to laugh..

Only in Louisiana ..

xoxox Susie

Just a jar

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:35:00 PDT

It stormed here today.

Like black scary clouds and whistling howls kinda stormy.

I wanted to crawl up in my comfy bed but I didn't.

I painted the storm away...I did!

I have been crushing on these blue ball jars like forever.

So why not paint one for that skinny wall then why don't cha?

So I did.

I painted this using acrylics but look closer..

It almost looks like colored pencil.

You think?

I'm thinking when I sanded it to give that aged look, the magic happened!

I was kinda diggin' it.

Come closer if you dare...

At first I thought, who am I fooling?

You only paint letters and that's your safe space, remember?

If you paint pictures, they will find you out!

You artist impostor You.

Then I took a deep breath.

And Maddy came home from school and went straight to it.

She liked it. She liked it!

So then I got all kinda brave and thought I would share it with y'all.

The sun has returned and I'm back to painting letters.

My safe happy place.

xoxoSusie

How does her garden grow?

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 20:58:00 PDT

I'm all kinda proud these past few days.

My kids never, I repeat, never fail to amaze me!

Our church fair was this weekend and Maddy wanted to enter the bake off.

So we started thinking of how we could top last years cake.

After spying these sweet silicon cupcake flower pot holder thingamabobs...

She knew just where she was headed.

You can bake the cake right in those silicone pots.

How neat!

After she baked them, she cut off the top part leaving a smooth flat surface for frosting.

While her cakes were cooling, she started working on her veggies.

Who says you can't play with your food.. ha!

The carrot was her first attempt and was pretty easy.

And once she got the hang of it, she was on a roll!

And just in case the judges weren't sure what veggie they were about to eat, She made labels.

These were made by cutting out true seed packets and gluing them on label stakes.

We found our seed packets and stakes at Wal Mart in the garden center.

Oh my!

I think her sweet pea was my favorite!

A little onion.

And what garden is complete without a head of cauliflower?

This was the tray she presented to the fair.

My heart about burst with momma pride.

I think she was pretty proud too.

And if the cupcakes were not enough, she baked some double chocolate brownies!

Have mercy!

After much hard work and a very messy kitchen,

It paid off!!

Our girl won 1st in the cupcake and brownie division.

Our friends at church wanted to know where she got her mad baking skills....

All I can say is it was not from me..LOL

I'm a break and bake cookie kinda girl ;)

xoxox Susie

Lets get this party started!

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 06:59:00 PDT

Sold Out!

It's time!!! It's time!!!

Hurry and grab your place.

Limited tickets so you must act fast.

I am so excited and hope I get to meet YOU !

http://aimeebroussard.com/shop/special-events/southern-craft-academy-2013/

For more information on the best craft slumber party ever, click here

*****We sold out within minutes! Thank you so much!***

We are so excited to meet each of you!

For those of you that didn't make it this time, no worries.

We will have to make plans for another.

We would not want to miss out on a chance to meet all of you.

Once again , Thank YOU!

xoxo Susie

Southern Craft Academy!

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:40:00 PDT

Ever dream of spending the weekend in a true Southern Plantation?

How about kicking it up a notch with a weekend filled to the brim of crafting and antique shopping.

Oh my word, have I got a offer for you!

Front porch sittin'

Crafting

Sweet tea drinkin'

Crafting

Feel at home "Southern Style".

Breakfast served on fine china?

My.. My..

I think I will

Now that I have your heart racing,

I would love to introduce the Southern Craft Academy Girls.

Myself, along with Aimee, the sewing machine whisperer and Stacy, the "kinda crafty" girl, look forward to meeting you.

We have put our heart and souls into creating a weekend that you'll never forget.

This is not your ordinary blog/craft camp.

Space is limited to only 9 lucky crafters.

Limited spacing assures you are treated with the pure "Southern Hospitality" us Southern girls do so well.

This epic event will take place the weekend of August 2-4 2013

It will take place in Darrow, Louisiana

Ruffled tote bags, monogrammed mouse pads, ribbon wreaths and embroidery hoop art are just a smidge of what we have in store.

Not to mention, a ruffled pajama pants DIY along with a fashion show complete with prizes.

And what Southern girls weekend would be complete without a antique shopping adventure.

I know!!!!

Can't you just see yourself crafting in this room!

Of course we will have to move some furniture around LOL..

So now that you're all excited, jot down a reminder for tomorrow, Thursday April 4th at 9:00 am CST.

The three of us will be posting the link on our blogs and Facebook pages!

Read Aimee's announcement here: Southern Craft Academy The details

Read Stacy's announcement here: Southern Craft Academy The details

*** Because the rooms are limited and quite large, guest will not have a bedroom to themselves. We like to refer to this as glamping- glamorous camping. You will be sharing a room with 2 freinds. 3 total to a room. Every effort will be made to make absolute certain you are comfortable, but you should be aware beforehand that you'll have a bed buddy. No worries though, you will be paired with like personalities and we pinky promise your roomates will become your best friends. Promise.

Check out the size of the rooms at Bocage and all your worrie will melt away.

The time had come.

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:23:00 PDT

As I prepared myself for this evening, I had no idea it would have such an impact on me.

Today, Holy Thursday.

Father Rubin, kneeling before me, washed my feet.

As He held my foot over the wash basin, I could feel the tears sting.

The humbling honor I felt had no words.

As we face tomorrow, Good Friday, My heart aches but I know rejoicing will soon follow.

"So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his desciples' feet "

John13

xoxo Susie

My new ride!

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:07:00 PDT

When I was young, my sister and I grew up around boys.

Lots of stinky cousins.

We learned very fast to join in or get left out.

Baby dolls were my favorite but who wants to play alone everyday?

So trucks and cars were my next best thing.

Now that I'm all grown and my baby dolls are teenagers, I guess it's trucks and cars for me again LOL.

I first fell in "love all over again" when I saw this truck.

It belongs to one of my favorite blog friends... Urban Farmgirl!

I wanted that truck so stinking bad...and still do!

So when I saw this piece of rusty blue sweetness... I could not help myself!!!

I bought the little guy from an Etsy shop.

It is so sweet in every way.

The little lever even works and lifts the bed up for unloading.

I know!!!!

I tinker around with it and move it from room to room :)

For now, it's happy on top of the dresser.

And just in case you were wanting to know about the Relax sign...

It's from TJ Max.

It is one huge solid piece of wood.

I thought about painting it but could not bring myself to covering the wood.

For now ;)

Funny how you just can't stop at one.

I'm hoping to find another soon and start a little rusty collection.

I gave around 60.00 for this little guy and that included the shipping.

Crazy I know, but who could resist?

You never know what your rusty toys can bring in.

I wish I would have saved some of my own.

Do you have a fun childhood memory that's coming to mind?

Check your Mom's attic, you may just have a gold mine in there.

And if you happen to find a cute little blue rusty truck that you want to sell....

Call me!

I would be happy to drive that lil fella off for you :)

xoxo Susie

Wish'e Wash'e

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 06:37:00 PDT

I wanted to move in..

right there... on the spot!

The bathroom sold me.

That's what Southern living dream homes do to ya.

They make you dream.

If you were with me back then, you may remember this house.

Oh this house!!!

It made me want to run home and try to duplicate this on a dime.

Well... years later, it has not happened yet.

I'm still dreamin' shall we say. LOL

This is my shower below.

I have great plans for it one day.

I'm thinking..

Tile. A clear door and maybe removing a wall.

Yikes that's scary.

We are lucky to have a base point to start from at least.

If you are starting from scratch, this site shares how to install shower stalls from start to finish.

It shares how to build a shower from start to finish.

My inspiration always falls back on Sara.

She is my hero in so many ways!

How can you not fall in love with her?

Just look at her bathroom!!

I know!!

See her shower peeking in on the left?

I'm thinking of something like that for my bathroom.

It's perfect down to each little tile.

You can see more of her beautiful home here on her blog.

August Fields

Back to dreamland for now..

xoxox Susie

Trash Talk DIY

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:09:00 PDT

If you follow me on instagram..

SUSIE_HARRIS42

You have an idea of what I have been up to lately.

Oh.. just a typical Sunday cutting grass watching your neighbor throw out a bedroom set.

WAIT. STOP THE BUS!!!

I tried not to look.

Focus Susie Focus..

I made it through finishing the yard, cooking supper and climbing into bed.

I thought I could just put it out of my mind.

Did I really need someones thrown out "loved on" furniture?

Did I really need to add another project to my list?

It's 9:30 and wayyy to late to call my neighbor anyway.

I know she's my good friend and would just laugh and let me have it if I asked.

Ughhhhh just call her already!!!

She laughed and graciously said yes!

I thanked her and tried to get some sleep that night.

Of course it started storming that night and there was no way my husband would make a furniture pick up at 3 am.. even if it was just across the street. nope. didn't happen. the nerve of him. LOL

As soon as the school bus passed and I was " in the clear " not to embarrass the socks off my child,

I made my move!

Still raining, I slipped on my rubber boots and headed next door.

Funny how someones trash can rock your world....LOL.

Although much loved by two young boys,

the headboard and dresser were solid wood and made well.

After a some wood glue fun and hole filling...

I knew just the color for the headboard.

Valspar's "Cool Pool"

And of course the new bed needed a new sign!

I wanted something retro and fun!

I played around and mixed some colors together for the sign.

I wanted it to play well with the bed but not too matchy matchy..you know

(If you are interested in this sign, email me. I would be happy to paint another)

I found the cute spread on sale at Target.

I'm playing around with some ideas for the dresser.

As of right now, it's plain white.

thinking..thinking..thinking??

So that's my trash talk for today.

Do you have any good trashy stories to share?

We would love to hear em ..

xoxo Susie

Country Living.com and Maddy's art

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:54:00 PDT

My sweet lil Maddy girl painted this work of art.

She loves to draw and paint any chance she gets.

So when Country Living asked a few of us bloggers how we display kids art, I knew just the answer.

Having a Pre-teen Picasso in the house leads to a home full of beauty.

So what happens when your walls fill up?

In our home we turn to miniatures.

You can read my story here.

You can see here, just how tiny the canvas is next to a push pin.

Beautiful art doesn't have to take over your house.

Some of the smallest pieces make the biggest statements.

The small canvas/easel set here was purchased at Wal Mart in their craft section.

You can also find them on Amazon.

How do YOU display your little ones art pieces?

I would love to hear your great ideas.

xoxox Susie

Love is patient

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:27:00 PDT

Finally!

I had this huge wall behind this little dresser begging for attention.

I played around with a few different pictures and signs but nothing fit.

Nothing seemed to feel at home in that space.

So I decided to paint something that would fit.

It took me like forever and a day to finish it but I pressed on!

I love it!

My wall is happy now.

I would love to add this one to my shop.

It just takes up soooo much time.

Maybe I can work on one in between my other signs.

When it's done I will let those of you interested know about it here.

Our church is having a fair soon and I just finished another design for the silent auction.

I will show you soon :)

I like it too.

It didn't take forever.. but almost LOL

In between painting signs and day dreaming about my spare room,

I got her done!

See that white room back there?

It took 3 coats!!

Oh good golly..

My back will never be the same haha.

It was cobblestone and now it is nice and crisp and white.

Nothing like a blank canvas to play with.

I'm working on a few ideas and hope to share them soon.

Are you getting the spring paint fever yet?

I do this every year and every year my hunny just smiles.

Last night, he picked up a brush and joined in.

I love that man!

xoxo Susie

Plantation Craft Fair!

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 07:41:00 PDT

Saturday was the perfect day for a craft fair.

The sun peeped out just enough to make you smile and shed your jackets.

I have always had a special place in my heart for San Francisco Plantation.

It's so different from all of the others.

It's welcoming and comfy..plantation style.

It's located on our famous river road.

If you would like more info on our River Road Plantations click here

If you ever make it down to the deep south, River Road is a must!

On the grounds you can also tour the worker cabins.

I fell deep for this one.

Oh the wood...

Oh the patina!

The flowers were even showing off for us!

Out of respect to the crafters,

I didn't snap too many pictures of the booths.

Just as we had made our way around to every tent, our tummies started to rumble.

I think this is always my favorite part of craft fairs...the food!

Just to the far back left of the plantation, sits a barn.

We ate our lunch inside.

Maddy made a quick stop at the funnel cake booth first.

Yes, that was her lunch.

Craft days you can do that ;)

I myself, wanted something a bit more adult..haha

Jambalaya!

I would love to see this barn at night.

A perfect setting for a wedding maybe.

After our tummies were full and we found a few treasures, we headed home.

And on the way we discovered this hidden jewel.

I can't wait to tell you all about it!

xoxo Susie