Susie Harris

Make a joyful noise!

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Sat, 19 May 2012 19:23:00 PDT

Today Madison had her first voice recital.

She has been taking private lessons from Dr. Kori.

We love her so!

She has encouraged Madison to let her little light shine!

And boy this Mom could not be prouder.

This is her first year and I was a nervous wreck!

Madison was cool and collected.

She was born to sing...

In this picture she looks like her lips were sealed shut. LOL

She was waiting for her music ;)

Psalms 98:4

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord... make a loud noise,

and rejoice

and sing praise."

Much Love, Susie

Almost there!

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:55:00 PDT

Here is our tiny guest bedroom (once Maddy's) almost complete!

I started out with my 10.00 table,

Maddy's unused Target lamp,

Vintage looking clock from Wal Mart and

a small plant from Lowes.

I then made a fabric headboard (that took about 30 minutes).

Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Tue, 15 May 2012 05:54:00 PDT

I'm sure many of you have seen the HGTV giveaway home by now.

If not you can click over there and check it out!

You may remember me gabbin' about wanting to redo Maddy's old room.

It started looking like the "junk room" that smelled funny.

Kinda like old fishing hooks and plastic tents...

So I intervened and found some inspiration.

My husband is a bit sad I didn't go with the Razorback Red that he had asked for. Sorry Babe.

What I fell in love with was this room.

The fun flowing from the colors and patterns. Adore!!

The gender friendly decor is just what I needed too.

You just never know when one of your kids needs to come back home.

So what I'm thinking is...

A fabric headboard.

Bright green bed coverings.

Cool art!

I'm working on a few things for the room now and hope to share soon.

No loft though...I wish!

That room is small but one of my favorites to decorate!

Thank you HGTV.

This room has left me green with envy...but not for long :)

Much Love! Susie

Counting my blessings

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:54:00 PDT

How do you put a title on a post like this?

I mean, can you really title motherhood?

It means the world to me.

It defines me.

It's those 360 days of praying, caring, loving... all being recognized in one day.

It's the bathroom turned toilet papered spa.

Cards made with an 11 year old hands.

Tiny packages filled with thought.

Like this adorable bracelet my daughter ordered for me.

And these sweet earrings my son picked out.

Maybe it the tweets that I find after the day is over.

Or the exhausted husband that showered me with love, a morning Sonic coke and lunch.

How do you put a title on it?

You don't.

You just drink it up. Savor it.

Make it fuel your soul to push on another 360 days.

Motherhood.

The biggest blessing I could ever receive!

Much Love, Susie

Small room. Many memories

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Fri, 11 May 2012 06:22:00 PDT

We are expecting a weekend of rain so my pictures are hazy.

Funny how you can blame so many things on the weather...LOL.

Thought I would share Maddy's old room.

It went through so many changes over these past few years.

Toodler room where I made her first headboard.

Her brown Zebra stage.

Going grey and all big girlie.

One last look at her room just before she moved.

Here's her new Tween room!

So that leads us back here...

It reminds me of an old granny's room...ha!

We just keep throwing stuff in there like huge tents and fishing poles.

I don't want it to be one of those rooms.

So this weekend, BIG plans ahead. I think.

Unless my family takes me on a surpise tropical vacation or spa for Mothers day. LOL

Chances are looking pretty good for this sweet lil room filled with memories :)

Speaking of tropical, Maddy is having beach day at school today.

My heart goes out to the Teachers.

God Bless each and every one of you!

much love, Susie

DIY cutting board pedestal

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Tue, 08 May 2012 08:33:00 PDT

I feel kinda silly even calling this a DIY.

It's that easy.. like you really need my help.

but..

For the record, some of you take even the simplest DIYs and make em better.

Y'all rock!

My precious Maw Maw, now in heaven, used this cutting board. A lot.

She hammered out steaks till they were good n dead. Ha!

I miss her.

Well, anyway. When she passed everyone received some of her treasures.

This is one of mine.

For years it stayed in the cabinet.

I would brush past it and wish I could use it somehow. enter DIY

I hung on to these old knobs from Maddy's room.

I had painted them zebra from way back when..

My trusty liquid nails.

A small dab will do ya.

Make sure you apply it on the flat side of your knob.

I didn't measure.. I eyeballed it perfect. LOL

I had to laugh here..

It kinda looks like some sort of freaky animal on it's back...LOL

Painted a quick coat over the zebra...

and waaaah' la!

I am deeply in love ...

It blends with my butcher block bar stools :)

Love...

I can't pass my kitchen now without smiling and thinking of her.

It's the small things you know..

If you don't own a very old cutting board you can still get this look.

Grab one at your kitchen supply place and give it a good beating.

You can even add your favorite stain to age it up a bit.

Don't want to spend any money?

Use an old piece of wood from your stash :)

You can find the wooden knobs at Lowe's, Home Depot and even Wal Mart.

Just make sure they have a flat side so you can glue them on easily.

Hope this inspires your heart.

keeping it simple, Susie

The sweet taste of summer!

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Sun, 06 May 2012 22:06:00 PDT

This weekend was one of those weekends where you just didn't want it to end!

Friday after school, Maddy baked a cake for the church fair bake off.

She waited till early Saturday morning to add the finishing touches.

Fresh strawberries! YUM

Here is her finished cake ready for the fair....

While we waited for the judges to taste all of the cakes and pick the winners...

We watched Blaise (my nephew) and Brett (my brother in law) compete in a mini pot jambalaya cook off.

Oh my gosh they were smelling yummy!!

Here is Maddy at church with her cake.

And guess what??!!

She won 1st place in the junior division!

We were so proud of her!

Then it was time to announce the winners of the cook off..

Brett won 2nd and Blaise won 3rd!!!

Kaylee and I didn't bake.

We didn't cook.

What did we do?

Played good' ol church BINGO! LOL

Kaylee won once to the tune of 6.00 ...LOL.

I ate cake ;)

Much Love, Susie

Crazy Love...

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Thu, 03 May 2012 07:18:00 PDT

I have to admit I'm one of those.

You know the ones...

The crazy dog lady.

Meet Heidi.

I'm sure if you have been around long enough you've met her.

Growing up, I have always had some sort of pet. Always.

If you are like me and love animals...

You get it.

I laugh everytime I see this in my office.

It's so her!

Need one with your pet's image?

I would be happy to paint one for you!

Crazy Love measures 14"x14" hand painted and distressed on birch.

Color options are available.

Cost of this painting is 35.00 plus 12.00 shipping (within the US)

Contact me here susanh@eatel.net

xoxoxo, Heidi & Susie

Day two at The Country Living Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Tue, 01 May 2012 08:27:00 PDT

Day Two we headed back to the fair.

I was so excited when we met Brent from the "Beekman Boys"!

He is one of those people that you just feel like you have known forever.

So sweet!

Looking at his rubber boots, you'd never know he was a physician turned goat farmer. LOL

This sweetie is Colorado.

He lost his Mommy at birth and is now being bottle raised by the most polite 4-H'er I have ever met.

Oh yeah... back to the fair..

Is this chair not the BOMB-dee-diggidy!

And her awesome headboards.

And I thought my headboard was creative...LOL

Letter Love...

Sign envy..

Pillow Passion!

Teeny Tiny plants...

and accessories for teeny tiny gardens..

How cute!!

I will make this cabinet for my wall...

One day....

Still lovin' these bath tubs...one day ..

Real subway art here!

These once hung on double decker buses. Neat!!

On day one Missy and I ran into a sweet blog reader named Peggy.

She shared with us a few neat must see places.

Thank you Peggy!

Hey Cupcake!!!

I thought I had died and went to heaven.

It made up for us getting lost and turning a 15 minute drive into a afternoon affair.

She also recommended this cool store.

"sorry no pictures" sign almost made me cry.

We stopped for lunch here at Guero's.

Have Mercy it was good!

Our waiter knew right off that we were from Louisiana.

He is a native too and our accents brought him home..ha!

The one thing I regret the most (other than the 23 wrong turns I made) was not meeting Kristy.

We tried to meet up but it just didn't happen. :(

Not to worry though...I'm saving my hugs for you in Haven next month!

Much Love, Susie

New signs and crazy weekends!

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:46:00 PDT

One of the things I love most about painting a special piece are the stories behind them.

It's always an honor and a blessing to play a small role in them.

Thank you for sharing.

The chalkboard inspired wedding signs have been a big hit.

This one is just a bit different from the last one.

Trying to catch up before our girls road trip, I needed a break!

The Crawfish were calling my name!

Hands down, this is my favorite food!

NOTHING.... compares to good weather, a healthy family and hot crawfish!

The smell ......if I could bottle it I would.

It's that good!

Mushrooms are like little sponges, they soak up all the yummy juices.

Have mercy!

No editing on these photos...

It's the real deal.

We all find our place around the table.

Do a quick (silent) search for the biggest claws..LOL

Have our favorite drink close at hand.

And DIG IN!

Throw in a huge Catholic wedding and your weekend is complete.

My cousins daughter got married this past weekend and what a beautiful wedding it was.

After the wedding we went straight to the reception.

Close to our table was a photo booth...

We tried to act normal...

But something about a photo booth just...

Brings out the crazy in you...

Now if you made it all the way to the end of this post..

Bless your heart!

I'm packing today.

So far, no sick kids and no blown tires although I do have poison ivy LOL

Much Love, Susie

Country Living Fair!

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 05:55:00 PDT

I held it in as long as I could....

My norm is to just blab everything and then I jinks myself with a sick kid or a blown tire.

But I could wait no longer!

Besides...I don't believe in jinks anyway LOL.

Here's the scoop.

My sister and I will be leaving Thursday for Austin Texas. Yeehaw!

They will be hosting the Country Living Fair (27-29) this weekend!

You can read more about it here

Pulled pork is calling my name...I love Texas!

Over 100 plus vendors for shopping...I love Texas!

We hope to meet up with Sarah Gray Miller and see a few other editors...excited!!

and Cooper Boone..

and just maybe have a chat with Brent Ridge from the Beekman Boys!

My sister got to meet them both in New Orleans.

She's still braggin' LOL.

You can see the schedule of events here

You know me...

It doesn't take much to get me excited.

I'm pumped just to snag a T-shirt or two!

If any of you are going I would love to meet ya!

If any of you have ever been and have some good advice, I'd love to hear ya!

OK... you know I would love to chat all day but this girl has got to catch up on her painting, clean house, bathe dog, keep my family away from germs, watch out for nails, pack.....

I hope to see you there...

much love, Susie

just keep pedaling....

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:39:00 PDT

Have you ever had so many ideas or projects on the brain you could just burst?

I do.

In fact, I have a mental list of to do's at any given second.

Problem is...limited time.

I'm sure you can relate ;)

So what do I do when I need to take a break?

I create. I paint. I just keep pedaling....lol

I have always had a love for vintage bikes (with big seats).

Wanting to incorporate a bike somehow, I came up with this!

just keep pedaling....

I'm adding this one to my shop too.

On another note...

Kaylee and I took a Zumba class for the very first time.

Oh. MY!

Have any of you every tried it?

I don't want to give up but Geeze.... I stink!

Not literally. I think.

just keep pedaling....lol

much love, Susie

Vintage Chalkboard Inspired Art

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:48:00 PDT

This weekend I have a wedding to attend.

I love weddings.

I love cake!

So I wanted to make something extra special.

Something out of my box.

A vintage chalkboard would be cute. Right?

But.

Chalk doesn't last. Boo.

So I went with an idea that I had...

I went forth and made a real chalkboard.

I studied how it looked. How it felt.

How the chalk dusted over the board.

And I washed all of my work away...LOL

Above is the finished "real" chalkboard.

I then put my newly learned skills to the test and recreated "the look".

This time instead of using chalk I used paint.

It took some do'overs but I did it!

I made the ever so popular "chalkboard look" permanent.

Would this not be oh so cute for a garden wedding??!!

No worries of someone walking up and rubbing it to see if it's real chalk.

We all have those cousins...LOL!!

After the wedding...

A sweet reminder of your special day to hang on your wall.

I just hope she likes it too!

I think I will be adding this design to my shop!

If you are interested you can email me here.

susanh@eatel.net

much love, Susie

DIY Shabby Mirror

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:26:00 PDT

I have a new DIY to share with y'all today.

My inspiration came from Rhoda's post here.

She is always finding the neatest shops and treasures.

I LOVED this mirror!

So I started with my basic design from a previous mirror DIY.

It consist of a 24"x48" piece of birch found at Lowes and a mirror from Wal Mart.

I marked just where I wanted my mirror to go.

I then used some poplar strips to make planks.

(also found at Lowes)

You will have to cut a few down to smaller pieces to fit.

You can see here how I had to cut some down to size.

Using some liquid nails, I glued my mirror in place.

I then started to paint some watered down gray paint onto my planks.

This will help give them that aged look I so love.

Randomly, I added some watered down colors.

Any color would work.

These are just a few of my favorites.

After my paint dried, I sanded my planks and added a bit of stain.

I also cut some screen molding to fit around the mirror.

This will cover any boo boo's you may have.

Keep in mind rustic.

I then glued my planks and molding down.

You may need to add a few nails to hold em in place.

I think the nails just add to the rustic'isty :)

Love~

Blurry a bit but wanted to show you how it looks here.

I love how I can change a room from fancy shabby to rustic shabby in just minutes.

I have a spare room now and tried it out in there.

Hmmmm... maybe?

I then moved it into my studio.

Here again, fancy shabby meets rustic shabby LOL

I love that my house can just roll with it.

Not sure if rustic shabby mirror will call this room home.

Nothing like having to look at yourself all day painting.

Not. LOL

I'm sure it will find a place soon.

Much love, Susie

When the waters rise..

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 07:31:00 PDT

When water rises, it spills into our swamps.

We love it!

Born and raised in Cajun country is a blessing in my eyes.

I know you've seen the "swamp people" shows and laugh, I'm sure.

We are so much more than funny accents and gators.

Our normal backyard turns into a fun oasis minus the snakes.

You can see here in the picture above, our house is built up on a dirt hill.

We lost count how many loads needed to be brought in before the building could begin.

Flooding was a problem in the past but is no longer.

The water comes up just close enough for us to enjoy without fear.

I'm in the orange.

My family was waiting patiently with camera in hand wanting me to flip.

I did not ;)

They are sweet like that LOL.

I can't tell you how peaceful it is to just hop in a boat alone.

The stillness is priceless...

until

Your kids join you!

Ha ha

Then they get stuck..on purpose.

They make waves and insist you video them.

But then they redeem themselves and cook dinner.

I would not trade a day.

xoxox Susie

A few new signs

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:15:00 PDT

Thought you might want to see a few special orders I've been working on.

You are my sunshine

24"x 24"

Hand painted and distressed on birch

This sign is distressed but photo does not show it well.

Guess it doesn't want to show its age...LOL

To be a star

24" x 24"

Hand painted and distressed on birch

I love painting the kiddie fonts.

Fun!

This is similar to the Family Est. name sign.

It is now hanging above a cabin door.

Speaking of cabin doors, I have a few cabin signs I'm working on now.

Can't wait to show you!

Although these signs are sold, I would love to paint a special one for you.

To contact me about a sign you can email me here

susanh@eatel.net

xoxo Susie

Fun stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:57:00 PDT

Every year before Easter, I plan an egg get together.

The kids dye eggs and we just eat. Pure fun!

Kaylee and Maddy decorated their own fruit pizzas.

These are so good!

You just take a sugar cookie roll and bake it.

Spread on cream cheese mixed with cool whip and layer fruit.

So easy and so pretty!

As the years progress, Jess is doing less eggs and more eats. Ha

On another fun note..

Do y'all remember when I redid my room and was given this adorable pillow?

Well, Mrs. Judy listed more in her Etsy shop and even named it her "Susie pillow" ...hehe.

I have never had a pillow named after me before. :)

I just wanted to share that Mrs. Judy is having a huge sale!

It begins Saturday and will run thru Wednesday.

She has listed a lot of new items so I would love it if you would pay her a visit.

She is the sweetest thing!

Thank y'all

xoxo Susie

A special order

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:57:00 PDT

I love when I can squeeze in custom orders.

It gives me a sweet break from my ordinary.

Not that my ordinary is not sweet.... ;)

I love working with clients and bringing their ideas to life.

She loved this quote and needed it large.

36" x 48" large ;)

It would look perfect behind a bed.

I would have tried it out behind mine but I had just made my bed.

lazy like that.. LOL

It's always a challenge getting their thoughts and ideas to fit.

And I sooo love when it just comes together.

I'm trying to balance between being a Mom and painter this week.

Spring breaks are oh so sweet!

xoxo Susie

Camp'in

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:11:00 PDT

Saturday we shopped for tents and fishing baits.

Maddy would have to pick the largest tent known to man kind.

Thank goodness her Daddy talked her down a size.

If not, it would have never fit. LOL

Note to self: Don't let EZ up fool you.

I'm so glad things like "new tents" still bring joy to our girl.

She is growing way too fast for us.

Our first night was a trial run in the den.

Homes are for living ;)

Fully furnished ;)

We even had cable!

So Maddy snuggled in between her Daddy and I.

And we camped..

She couldn't wait to bring that baby outside on Sunday!

No more comfort. No more AC. No more Cable.

We traded those for the BIG SKY and caterpillars.

Daddy was replaced by her friend and guess who was the wing man?

Lucky me. LOL

So we read to one another.

And we laughed out loud..

And some of "us" even slept.

Nothing like camping :)

xoxo Susie

A little baseball

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 08:15:00 PDT

Our spring break started as the school bell rang.

So how did we kick it off?

A little LSU/ARK baseball!

Our seats were awesome.

The weather .. textbook perfect.

I love baseball.

I understand it unlike every other sport. LOL

Maddy and her friend Jordan even enjoyed the game.

I had to smile when they both walked out ready to go..

Rockin' their 80's do.. ;)

It didn't really matter who won this game.

When it comes to LSU and ARK...it's a win win in our house.

Between the 4 of us we consumed way too much stadium food.

My favorite part of baseball... popcorn!

Can you believe when we made it home late last night...

I was hungry!

Baseball will do that to ya!

The highlight of Marc's night..

On the way home we had to stop at his office.

Keep in mind that he works in Baton Rouge.

We pulled up to see this!!!

Four deer!!

What a night~

xoxo Susie

Vintage Eye Charts & A Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 06:30:00 PDT

I have this huge wall behind my loveseat.

It has been a gallery wall.

A Christmas Tree backdrop.

A buffer between my bedroom and the rest of the world LOL.

For the last few months... it's been empty.

So I thought I would try out a new sign.

A vintage inspired eye chart.

It's not true to scale but that doesn't stop everyone from testing their sight LOL.

Speaking of eye exams, I need one.

It's pretty big.

The sign measures 24" x 30" and does take up some of the space.

I think I need to add another one though.

Maybe another eye chart in a different design?

It took me forever to paint those teeny tiny letters.

Maybe I should have my head examined instead of my eyes. LOL

So what do y'all think?

Oh...my memory is failing too..ha!

I forgot the phone cover giveaway.

So the lucky winner is

Leslie from Nobody Gave me the instruction bookklet.

Congrats leslie!

Hope y'all have a great weekend.

xoxox Susie

Braces.

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 06:13:00 PDT

Yesterday morning Maddy enjoyed her last meal brace free.

It seems like middle school is the stage of major changes.

If you can survive middle school...

We are using the same Ortho as we used for Kaylee.

Dr. Hollis.

He is a family friend and the kids love him!

Did you know you can pick colors now?

When I had braces years ago, silver. That's it. Silver.

Maddy picked pink and teal.

She even has her next few color choices picked out for future appointments..ha!

I had some awesome zoomed in pictures but.

Middle school is hard enough.

Who needs their Mom putting your stretched out face on the web.

I'm keeping my promise ;)

Seems like just yesterday we celebrated her first tooth!

Now it's every six weeks with Dr. Hollis.

So after her braces, we just hung out.

So far she has yet to complain. Thank you Lord!

I'm wishing I could slow the clock down..just a little.

This Mom is in no rush.

xoxo Susie

hello cello!

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:35:00 PDT

Who loves to dress up their peeps for Easter?

I do. I do!

I love coming home with a few pre-Easter goodies for decorations.

Doesn't that bag smell soooo good!

So you get home and lay out your goods and all you see is boxes.

Just how in the world do you make it cute?

((The $5.00 wire basket is from Wal mart a few years back but I think they still sell them.))

Adding a little ribbon can do wonders!

I just weaved it in and out...

And finished it off with a simple bow.

Now this is where my love for cellophane runs deep.

You know those lil party bags in the party section?

Yes! love em~

For my peeps I cut the end so it would be open on both ends.

I then added a little bow to each end.

How simple! How sweet!

Now you can show them off and they won't go stale on ya.

I didn't stop there.

I cello'ed everything ;)

Making nest with grass and eggs... hello cello!

I love to use the paper grass.

It's much easier to clean up after and cuter too!

Something as simple as cellophane bag

can turn your basket

from ordinary

to extraordinary!

                                     I'm always looking for new ways to use these clear bags whenever I can.

                                                                            Love em!

How do you use them?

Now this is the kinda mess

I like to clean up :)

xoxox Susie

Moments like these...

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 07:13:00 PDT

The past two weeks have been crazy here.

Crazy!

Maddy has been preparing for Junior High cheer try outs.

Meaning, a lot of take out, hours in the gym, piles of laundry, and sleepless nights.

A total of 52 girls were trying out.

That's a lot for her small school.

She was 24th in line to give it all she had.

Win or try again next year, she knew we were proud.

Many prayers were said to protect her heart no matter the outcome.

Try outs began at 2:30 and ended at 4:30

So how did she do?

I'm sure our faces tell it all. :)

It was so sweet how Kaylee couldn't get here fast enough.. hehe

To shower Maddy with hugs and the cutest stuffed animal.

I'm so happy that they have each other.

Sisters are just something so special.

I still can't believe my baby will be a 7th grader next year.

This sweet child of mine.

She just makes me so proud.

Not only because she made the team.

But because she worried all night about the precious girls that didn't.

I love her heart.

It's there that her beauty shines!

xoxo Susie

Phone Cover Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Susie from Bienvenue) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:24:00 PDT

Mamma Mia' I love my new phone cover!

A while back I was visiting some new blogs and ran into Rosieposiedesigns.

Lets just say....instant love right there I tell ya!

So I contacted the beautiful girl behind these awesome designs, Ashley.

And a friendship began.

I love the quality and with my track record...

it's needed ;)

So now I'm rockin my new phone cover and would love to share one with YOU!

There are so many designs to pick from..have mercy!

I almost picked this one..

Hmmm?

Maybe a girl can have two right? ;)

Oh and then there is this one.. hello love'

But my heart just kept bringing back to this sweet one.

What's your favorite?

All you have to do is be a follower and leave a comment here and you're in!

I hope you visit Ashley over at Rosieposiedesigns where you can design your very own.

A winner will be drawn Monday evening.

Good Luck!

xoxo Susie