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When love is lost, do not bow your head in sadness; instead keep your
head up high and gaze into heaven for that is where your broken heart has been
sent to heal.
~Author
Unknown
A year ago today I became suddenly single. I don't know that my heart is healed, but by the grace of God, I am holding my head up and moving forward, counting my many, many blessings.
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This post is about the lesson I learned at the weekend of Bliss, all be it the hard way, about self promotion and confidence.
I shared a bit the other day about the fact that self confidence in promoting myself is by far my weakest attribute. (Maybe it comes from 2.5 decades of being a Mom, the woman behind the scenes?) I can brag on someone else's talents without hesitation. During the week at my grown up job I can promote the community that I live in to prospective companies looking to relocate with ease and enthusiasm. I am completely comfortable in front of a crowd teaching things like gift wrap techniques. Selling myself to you so you'll attend that gift wrap class,uh.. notsomuch. I freeze up. I imagine me doing my pitch and having the other person stare back at me and then do a complete double counter clockwise eye-roll like I am nuts.
Anyway.
Yes, I did get to meet and mingle with the Victoria editors,turn in my basic "Press Kit" promo pack, and yes, I feel like I made enough face time to hopefully be remembered, but I could have, should have done more. Of course now I know what I should have done. *sigh* Hind sight is always 20/20 as they say.
All the way home on the plane,and every moment since we left Sunday afternoon, I replayed it in my mind. Last Tuesday, I decided to stop thinking about it and act. I am going to overcome this...thing. I decided, right then and there, to put into action these words to live by.
So, at about 10:30 Tuesday morning I googled Toastmasters from my desk at my grown up job. For those of you who may not be familiar with this organization, they help people feel confident speaking in public, and in doing basic elevator pitches and coming off smooth as silk. Sounded like it was made for people just like me. (For gosh sakes, they're called Toastmasters International. That means there are people like me all over the world!)
Anyway.
There was a club in my area! The meeting was Tuesday at lunchtime! (how "meant to be" is that?!) No time like the present. Before you could say " Why are you sitting there like you've just had a lobotomy?" I was in my car, on my way to the lunch time meeting.
I entered the room where the meeting was to be held and took a seat. I listened. They have a study guide with lessons, and you do different types of things as you progress through the book. Some folks were scheduled to give seven to ten minute stand up speeches (good golly Miss Molly, that must feel like an eternity when you're the one speaking) on topics of their choice (like why you ought to take a look at my Blog and my promo packet and let me share ideas in your magazine...) Several folks had to give spur of the moment 2 minute speeches on topics they throw out at you. Things like a talk about a single rose or the Olympics. (Yikes!!! The idea is apparently to get you comfortable speaking to anyone on any subject without stammering around like an imbecile.) The people doing the speeches were then critiqued, in a nice-ish, positive fashion. All the "um's" and "uh"s" were counted. Someone wins a ribbon for scoring the highest with the entire group. (OK, that part seemed a little cheesy but I bet if it were me speaking I'd want that ribbon. Bad.)
It was all scary as heck,if you ask me.
*sigh* I'm going back next Tuesday.
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Tied with writing and cupcake baking, I think painting and decoupaging furniture is my ultimate passion. Any piece of furniture can go from good to great with the right color paint, glaze, appliqué or decoupaged flowers or design added. I see a plain Jane piece of wooden furniture, and I am immediately inspired.
Here is a grouping I had done a year and a half or so ago for my little shop. (Please excuse the fact that I took the picture in my garage at my last house...)
These pieces were all thrifted finds, and they make an adorable statement, full of charm and quaintness. Mmm hmm, all it took was a bit of paint, glaze and some imagination.
I added the decoupaged flowers here and there and voila! Reinvented pieces ready to begin a whole new life in someone's home. Aah, soooo inspiring.
You can paint and decoupage accessories too, like the watering can above, or these vintage baby shoes, below...just think outside of that box, people.
Look around. What have you got around your home that needs a bit of rejuvenating?
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(not sure why Bear's face looks so Andy Warhol artsy. Must be some strange shadow cast from the light above on to the "cone".) Thank you all so very much for the thoughts, prayers and well wishes on Bear's surgery today. As you can see, he is thrilled to be home and is recovering very nicely, with two kinds of medicine, his favorite treats and a cone on his head, which he seems to be completely unaware of.
*sigh* what can I say? He's a laid back kinda guy.
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**note** I have 2 posts today. Please make sure to read the one below this one...thanks.
I've had my website down for, well, far too long. My goal for this weekend is to get it all back up and open for business. (Right after we shoot the DVD on Gift wrapping techniques, which, with any luck at all, should be ready for sale this Monday via my Blog or website!)
The trip to Dallas and working on the Tumbleweed Cotillion have side tracked me for what seems like an ice age, and it's time to get things set up and back on track.
Anyway, until I do get the website all the way up, I thought I'd share a sneak peak at a few of the pieces from one of the lines I will be showcasing on my site, and if you want to buy one, you may! Click on the pictures to enlarge them. I am going to be focusing on entertaining and nesting type items, and these really fill the bill. Please let me know what you think of them.
They're bottle stoppers. Aren't they fabulous? They are made from vintage door knobs (except the fluer de lys obviously...) so each and every one is one of a kind. Perfect for entertaining, they'll make any bar area or table look incredibly chic.(As they sell, I will delete them from this post)
They make the most perfect housewarming or hostess git for that oh, so special someone. (Can't you just picture one along with a bottle of wine?) Another fabulous use for these is to use one on an olive oil bottle on your kitchen counter for that special touch. Oh, and they come in the most perfect little drawstring muslin bags too.
(shipping is $5. They are fairly heavy) Email me with the item number if you'd like one, and I will happily send you a Paypal invoice!
*sigh* I think they're so, so charming.
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Yes indeedy, it was a wonderful trip from start to finish.
I was able to give the magazine people my promo packet on Saturday morning. They had a special drop off location for anyone that had such packets to leave them. I also followed up by sending a promo packet via email to the managing editor when I returned home.
We were given fabulous little gifts throughout the weekend as well. Tea, soaps, a lovely robin's egg blue ribbon bookmark...oh so much stuff I cannot even list it all. (Dawn shared a photo of all of our swag on yesterdays post,so check it out there!)
They also had a room set up as the "Emporium" on Saturday, with shopping booths. I got the amazing silver plate square cake pedestal, (Picture that with a square cake, or full of cupcakes!)
...napkin rings made from real vintage silverware (is that a fabulous idea, or what?)and some books (I simply can't pass up an inspirational book!)there. You know you'll be seeing these things in photos on posts to come...
All the swag and Emporium items were wonderful, but by far my favorite gifts from the weekend came from our friend Dawn. When we arrived at the hotel she had laid out two gorgeous satchels to carry our things in, handmade by her of course! Inside, lavender sachets. Oh, I just adore mine! Look at the detail! I will use it and keep it out where I can enjoy looking at it each and every day.
Alexandra Stoddard was even better in person than in her inspiring books. She talked in depth, along with her dear husband Peter, with each and every person in line for the book signing. She made me feel like I was the only person in the room when we spoke. She and Peter have sold all of their belongings, except one cottage they own,(which they listed, but "the universe said it wasn't to be" so they still have it) and are now going to travel the world. All of her belongings. She said they donated their home's furnishings and clothes, and she threw away years of journals. Can you imagine? She reads Aristotle every day. Amazing, amazing woman.
I had to share pictures of this woman. She is a milner, although she did not design this particular hat...but isn't it rich? Sooooo Victoria.
There was a vintage clothing expert that was absolutely fascinating. He shared dresses back to the early 1800's.
One last parting shot of the beautiful table at tea...
*sigh* Such a great trip. So many wonderful memories.
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First off-Thanks again to all of you well wishers. The Bliss Weekend with Victoria magazine was just that. A weekend of Bliss. 
Saturday we attended a five course tea party, where Alexandra Stoddard was the featured speaker. (Aah, now that was a dream come true for me!) 
The food was really fabulous in both it's presentation and taste...and it was such fun!
Scones with clotted cream, smoked salmon, tea sandwiches, a sinfully yummy dessert.
We were seated at a table with the managing editor of Victoria. (Be still my heart!) Of course, I froze with fear, sitting silent, eating scones, too unsure of myself to interject into the conversation. Dear, dear sweet Dawn saved the day, by nudging me along to share my thoughts. Dawn was truly my very own personal angel there at that tea table, and I will be eternally grateful to her. Really.
Oh,it was a wonderful weekend, and a great opportunity.
*sigh* And no detail was missed.
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That was the tagline from the weekend's event with Victoria magazine. *sigh* It says it all.
edited at 6:30 AM, September 24, to add* Thank you, thank you thank you all for the well wishes! I was finally able to check all of my emails this morning (at 5:30 AM when I got up for my grown up girl job) and I am so touched by all the comments and oh, so kind emails!The weekend was wonderful!.
I believe it's going to be every bit as good as the old Victoria. (see the photo of the premiere cover up above?)
The weekend began with a champagne reception with Victoria staff members, and ended Sunday after a delicious brunch.
I will share many, many more of the details with you tomorrow (there is just so very much to share,and I was determined to post at least a couple of pictures, but I have got to get to bed- it's after 1:00 AM now!) Let me just say that I was lucky enough to attend this entire weekend long event with my friend from the biggest little city, my Women Take Wings friend Deb, and also Dawn, all the way from Georgia!(oh! And check out her blog- she's already done a lovely post on the weekend event!) I think meeting up with these kindred spirits was truly as special as the event, and made it so much more memorable.
We met and mingled with staff and other Victoria fans, and, let me tell you, the food and flowers were total Victoria. Table arrangements with tiny crab apples and roses, scones and clotted cream, and wonderful music in the background.
*sigh* Truly a return to elegance, grace and romance.
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Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a
bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.
--George Eliot
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As you read this, I am in Dallas Texas at the fabulous Victoria event!
I want to be a published writer in the worst way, and I see the Victoria event as my chance to showcase my writing.
I made packets to promote (I hope) my writing and photography about living life in a charming and beautiful way. (I even made calling cards with my contact info to pass out to any and all that might need one...trying to think oh, so positive here)
I am shooting for the moon here and I don't see that I have anything to lose by trying.
I've never been one to brag on myself or self promote, so this is really going to be a stretch for me.I have been a nervous wreck about this ever since I had the idea to approach Victoria. I am determined to not pass this opportunity by though.... I have included three articles in my packet (The packet is titled "A Charmed Life") One on entertaining, with pictures of the breakfast I did with my dear friend Anne, one on Cupcake Bliss (of course!) and one on Nesting...creating a haven on a shoestring....so please...
Wish me luck!
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Don't you get all inspired when you see a unique item being used to hold or organize things? My photos aren't too good today (I actually did these Thursday night before packing for the fabulous Victoria trip, and my mind was else ware as you might imagine!)but really, I do like to think outside of the box when it comes to storing (and hiding) things around the house.
I bet you can't guess what's being stored in here, out of site...all my scraps of fabric! (I know, I know, I don't sew...)
I think it's inspiring to see things displayed (or hidden) in unique containers, don't you?
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Oh, how I love that saying. I read it somewhere, long ago, and committed it to memory.I think it says it all.
My love affair with cupcakes goes way back. Back before cupcakes were considered trendy enough to be seen at weddings.
I made these cupcakes last night and took them to my friend's home where I was a substitute player for her Bunko club. (see the pink ones with the curly frosting? They remind me of crochet yarn!) These little babies were quite a hit at the party (it was like no one had ever seen a cupcake before. Really.) Anyway, I was very flattered. It makes me want to quit my grown up girl job and sell cupcakes all week long. *sigh* Now, wouldn't that be the life?
On another subject entirely...
I have a favor to ask all of you. when you log on to the Tumbleweed Cotillion website, does it look alright? By that I mean the fonts. Are they overlapping, or running together on any of the pages? The reason I ask is that my partner for the Cotillion has been told by her sister and her Dad that they are having trouble viewing the site. I don't have any problem, at home or work, and none of my friends or family have had a problem... please let me know if you're having trouble viewing it, or , if you're techie...please share with us how to fix this problem! Your input is much appreciated!!
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In between decorating for Autumn and working on the Tumbleweed Cotillion event, I am getting ready for my very big, oh so terribly exciting weekend of Bliss. Yes, the Victoria magazine launch weekend is finally here, and I can hardly wait. In my wildest dreams, I never pictured me doing anything like this. Somebody pinch me so I know I'm not dreaming.
The workshop I held on gift wrapping last weekend netted me enough
money to cover my admission fees and a bit of spending money for the trip, along with my free airline ticket and
a voucher for lodging, so I
did it! I was able to cover all my costs. I knew I could do it. Living
on a suddenly single budget really gives a girl cause to be creative
and think outside the box to accomplish what needs to be done!
I have begun packing, and organizing for this amazing trip. I feel like
I am going to be part of history. (Yes, it sounds a bit dramatic, but I
am really that excited.) I received a handwritten note in the
mail from the woman coordinating the event from the Publishing house-what a classy touch...
now, how fabulous is that?!
Oh! I meant to tell you, I have been working on a bit of a secret project here behind the scenes that I will be taking on this wonderful trip...I will share details a bit later this week, but suffice to say, I am nervous and excited, and I have never done anything like this before!
One of my best friends will be going to the big trip with me. We'll be meeting up with Deb and Dawn in Dallas and that is going to be over the top exciting as well. You'll most likely hear us all squealing and giggling all the way to San Diego on Friday night. *sigh* I still cannot believe that I am really going on this trip.
Some news on the long awated for information on the gift wrap workshop binders for sale. So many of you have been asking for me to sell these online that we have come up with a great sollution. I was a bit concerned that the binders alone (or an e-book for that matter) wouldn't give enough clarity to the how to's and I wanted it to be a good product. So..... the Maid-of-Honor (goodness, I do need to find another name for her!) has come up with a wonderful idea!
The weekend after next, she is going to film me as I reenact the gift wrap workshop on her fancy cam-corder and use her amazing editing software to create a DVD to go along with the binders I created for the workshop. It's actually going to be much more detailed and focused now that I have done the workshop live.
Once edited, they will be available on my website. I will share pricing and details next week, but I will be offering a "Pre-order discount" to those of you that have requested one and are willing to order early. How does this sound?
I think that covers all of my news for today. Now, if I can just stay focused at my grown up girl job the rest of the week....
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Last night I created the banner to announce glorious Autumn. 
I think it adds the finishing touch to the dining room mantle, don't you?
I added pumpkins to my window boxes on the front of my cottage as well. These are old faux pumpkins from a few years back that I bought at Michael's and Wal-Mart, so they are lightweight and I don't have to worry about them being to heavy for the window boxes.
*sigh*Autumn. It's by far my favorite time of year.
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I spent a few minutes Sunday afternoon getting out some of my fall decor to cozy things up around my cottage. Tonight I plan on making a banner to hang on the fireplace to finish off the Autumn look.
Oh, it's my most favorite time of year. The air gets crisp and the leaves begin to fall from the trees.
In another couple of weeks it will be cool enough to burn a fire in the fireplace, and make spiced hot cider... and I will be ready.
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Whew!
I'm still not quite sure how I managed to pull off planning, and hosting an event in a week's time, but even the weather cooperated for my very first Gift wrap workshop. You can feel Autumn approaching (my favorite time of year!) but it was still warm enough to be outside, although, looking back, I should have had my poncho's from a past Mexico vacation ready and available for the folks sitting in the shade... (I've already made a mental note of this for any classes I do outside again.)
I have a decent sized list of improvements to be made- things I forgot to share, (like vintage shred, for one) or demonstrate (creative ways to wrap a gift card, for another) and I had no idea everyone would want to "tour" my cottage, (I hope no one looked too closely. There's still much work to be done!)
I also have a pretty nice sized smile on my face. Everyone seemed to have a good time, and I think they all became inspired to create more personal and elaborate gift wrap jobs.
I served cupcakes, cookies and lemonade to my guests while I demonstrated the wrapping techniques.
I plan to work on the workbooks more this week to see how I can best produce them for all of you that expressed interest, and I will keep you posted!
Right now, I am off to enjoy a nice hot bubble bath. *sigh* a quiet time to reflect on the day and be thankful.
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Mmmmm, hearts. I love 'em. I have them in all the little nooks and crannies in my home. Charming detail.
I have them in every room of my home. Some of them are so small you might not notice them on a quick walk through...
Some of them serve a practical use as well. Like the heart shaped baskets I use for serving breads and heart shaped muffins....
and some of them are just to add a touch of warmth to a vignette, and to make me smile, like the tiny dried rosebud heart wreath I've had for about 12 years...
*sigh* Hearts.They're not just for Valentine's Day.
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I.Am.Busy. (oh, how I love to be busy!)
I worked on the binders for the attendees at the gift wrap workshop last night, after an event I attended for my grown up girl job.
I'll tell you something. Lately, this grown up girl job thing is getting in the way of my ...passion. Seriously.
Anyway.
I just had a spare minute and wanted to share 'em.
You think they'll like them? Oh, I hope so.
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I am working like a mad woman, getting ready for Saturday's gift wrap "Make it Special" demonstration class.Not only on the projects I will be demonstrating, but on the presentation and the set up arrangement and supplies I'll be using in the demo.
Although I will be showcasing ideas and techniques from many different styles (funky and fun to sweet and charming to sepia toned retro..) I must admit that my current personal favorite look is still vintage.
I even prefer to store my crafting supplies in vintage containers. I have several old baker's bread pans and they work amazingly well for storing and sorting all sorts of small items in such a charming way. I use old cupcake pans and antique Ball canning jars (the blue glass ones!) and of course I've shared before that I also love to use old suitcases for storage as well. The entire look is charming and somehow welcoming and warm, even if it is just old junk. (it keeps going back to that living a beautiful life thing) I can hardly wait to get the demonstration table set up!
*sigh* It's going to be fabulous.
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Thank you all so very, very much for the encouragement and support yesterday regarding my first ever workshop! You all have given me such confidence!! I will share a few peeks at some of my projects I will be teaching on tomorrow's post! Oh, and I had never thought about an instructional type book or video, but you have totally inspired me! I will see what I can conjure up very soon.
On another topic all together....
The Tumbleweed Cotillion continues to gain momentum, and, again, I took all of your advice, and am in the process of adding a website to go with the blog, or to replace the blog...You see, I am not sure we will actually need both in this situation.
When you check out the website, you'll notice I have not attached the
Blog. That's because I am wondering if I should scrap the Tumbleweed Cotillion Blog
and replace it with a page on the site (a Gallery, really) for photos of the faires
themselves (oh yes, we do plan to be that successful, and host frequent Cotillions!)
This brings me to my latest dilemma. Now, I am not sure at all that we need the Tumbleweed Cotillion Blog, so I'd like your input on this. Please check out the new Tumbleweed Cotillion website (a work in progress which should be complete after tonight) and give me your take on this matter. Is the website enough on it's own?.....I really do value your opinions very highly. Bring 'em on!
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Busy times! Did you know that Christmas is only 107 days away?
I am hosting a fabulous workshop on gift wrapping in a spectacular way. It's called "Make it special". It will cover techniques, tips and tricks for making the most ordinary gift oh, so special.
I'm hosting the workshop at my cottage this Saturday, September 15th. ( I know, I know. It's very short notice!) I've been wanting to share some of my ideas in a workshop setting for quite a while now, and when a couple of friends asked if I could get things rolling before they left on holiday,(they are year round school teachers you see...) I decided to jump on it. Right now.
The workshop will be held at my cottage and will include all kinds of ideas, tips and tricks for creating beautifully gift wrapped packages, gift tags and cards.
Attendees will receive a take home binder full of how to’s and ideas. I’m also sharing my list of favorite online and local suppliers for the odds and ends I use in my techniques, as well as tips on how to set up a gift wrap and hostess gift shelf in your home to be ready and organized for creating all of the wrap jobs and treats. Cost for this workshop is just $30.
I wish you all could come!! It’s going to be such fun! (Oh, and we’ll be having some refreshments too!) If you’re in the area and would like to attend, please feel free to send me an email. I'll be happy to send you all the information!
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Nobody can be uncheered by a balloon.
Winnie the Pooh
True, true, true!
We decided rather last minute to go to the Great Reno Balloon race this morning. Up at 3:30 AM, out the door by 4:00 AM, Off the shuttle bus to the park to watch the Glow show and Dawn Patrol at 5:00 AM.
*sigh* Now, I am ready for a nap.
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I got the easiest recipe for cinnamon rolls from a woman I met in the cake decorating class a month or so ago, and I finally decided to try it out today. Oh yum. De-lish, and oh, so easy to make.
It's made with frozen bread dough, so it's what I guess you'd call "semi-homemade" and it is perfect if you want to assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven to bake in the morning.
Here's the recipe...
easy cinnamon rolls
Roll
dough to a rectangle, about 18x6 inches. Brush with the melted butter. Combine
brown sugar, chopped nuts, and cinnamon; sprinkle over dough. Starting at long
edge, roll dough up, jelly roll fashion; moisten edges and seal.
Cut
roll into 20 slices. Place rolls, cut side down, into two 8 inch or 1 10 inch lightly buttered
round cake pan(s). Let rise for about 1 1/2 hours, until doubled. Pour the cream
over the rolls then bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Combine confectioners' sugar,
milk, and vanilla, adding more sugar or milk if necessary. Drizzle over rolls
while still warm.
Makes 20 cinnamon rolls.
Try it. I think you'll like it.
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Today's inspiration Friday is a little bit different. It's all about being inspired to keep a good attitude.
You know how I am all about living a beautiful life? Well, that carries over to my grown up girl job as well...
We recently had a massive budget cut at the not-for-profit organization that is my grown up girl job. Huge. Cut the budget in half. Nine of the staff of 23 were laid off. So sad. Those of us remaining are still a bit stunned. And talk about deflated morale.
Something
needed to be done to rally the remaining troops, to inspire them. My fabulous friend in
the cube next to mine had an idea. Let's spice up Friday mornings with
something really outside of the box. Over the top inspiration. But what?
Oh, I don't know. How about one of these, and maybe this, or this? 
That's right people, we brought "Disco Friday's" to economic
development in the biggest little city. (and they say econmic
development is dry, dull and uninspiring...)
Now, come Friday mornings at 8 AM,
the florescent lights in the office are off and the blinds are closed. We crank up
the music, turn on the disco ball, and, it's instant dance fever for the first half hour of the day. Moonwalking,the electric slide.Oh, and Michael Jackson's PYT. It's 1978 all. over. again. Everyone dances. Everyone laughs, everyone feels inspired. Oh yeah. It's the only way to start a Friday at a grown up job.
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If you thought you'd heard the last about the wedding, (since I was put to work half of the weekend finishing up those kitchen cupboards) you'd be wrong.
There's more. (you're not even surprised)
You see,long before the wedding, the bride had a fabulous idea. She asked me to make a cute "Thank You" sign for them to hold up in a posed shot at the reception, and then make the picture into thank you cards. Well, in all the festivities of the day, we both forgot to have them pose to take the picture.
Not to worry.We got a sneak peek at a couple of great pictures of the darling couple from the photographer, and I made them some thank you cards, post haste. It was so very easy to do, too!
I used a little cheapo print program on my computer, but you could create these in MS Word just as easily. Simply take a photo and put your wording underneath, print it on card stock so you get four copies to a page, cut, and voila'! You have very classy looking cards with plenty of room to write a nice note, and then to put in invitation sized envelopes. All in less than one hour's time.
This idea doesn't have to be used only for wedding thank you cards. Picture using this idea for a child's birthday thank you. Take a photo of the birthday boy or girl blowing out the candles on a cake, and then let the child write the thank you note. Or how about a picture of you in front of your new home on "we've moved" cards? Possibly a picture of that new puppy to share your news of the newest family member? Oh, my head is spinning; the possibilities are endless.
Oh! I almost forgot to share these little treats with you! The groom's sweetheart of a Mom ordered these adorable personalized m & m's for the big day as well! Look close now. Are these incredible, or what?! See the tiny names? See the tiny date? Too cute.
*sigh* I saved these especially to share with all of you.
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Oooooh! Look at this beauty! (see the darling bird on top?)
I found it at Fred Meyers in Portland a few weeks back, and I saw such amazing possibilities.(OK, it doesn't sit crooked, I just seem to photograph a bit sideways...I need to work on that...use my tripod more often maybe...)
I am drawn to layers, and tiered stands of all sorts. (some of my family members would say I have a "problem" in this area, but they'd be wrong.) I have cake pedestals, tiered basket trays, even a metal framed thing-a-ma-jig that holds three tiered plates. Oh,by the way, it wasn't white when I bought it. No, it looked like this-
Very cute, just not "me", in that charcoal, gun metal gray kind of color.
Now, I just need to decide where and what I am going to use it for first. In the office, holding ribbons and tags maybe? On a buffet table full of cookies or, cupcakes?! In a bathroom filled with toiletries? On a patio full of assorted cheeses and crackers and breads?
What would you use it for? Hmmmmmm?
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Yes friends, it's finally here.
Strike up the band, clap your hands, ooh and aah, and for gosh sakes, somebody throw some confetti!
The kitchen cupboards are done. Painted. Antiqued. Fini. (Well, all except for knobs, which are laying on the counter in a bag, and I do promise to get them all up this week, and to share photos!)
Here is a before shot of part of the kitchen as seen from my entryway. It's a bit digitized, as it was from the virtual tour of the cottage online. (I showed the counter re-do before on this post...oh my. Was it really all the way back in March?!) And just below the before, is an after...including a vintage table that used to be painted red and served as a night table in a guest room in my last house. ( it's just exactly the perfect size to use as a kitchen island now that I am in my sweet, sweet cottage!)
Now, it's been reinvented, and I owe it all to the Maid-of-Honor. (I had no idea this was what Labor Day meant...) She was like a pit-bull drill Sargent. I only got to take a break twice, and that was to assist her in an hanging a light fixture in the master bath, and then for a quick deli sandwich.
In the end, it was all worth it. I love the cool, calming, vintage-y look and feel it gives my much-loved cottage kitchen. I wonder why it took me so long to wrap this lil' job up?
*edited to add: If you're interested in trying this paint method, I have full instructions here.
For my kitchen cabinets I used Behr Brand from home Depot "Ultra Pure white" in eggshell finish for my paint color, after I painted 2 coats of Kilz primer.
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The bride was doing some clearing out and general fluffing and nesting as she settles into married life, and I was lucky enough to be the recipient of some fabulous castoffs. Among the treasures were a vintage apron (a' la June Clever) lace cut work tablecloths, a shopping basket, a picnic basket, and lots more.
Some of these things will find a home in my little cottage, while others will be looking for new homes at the Tumbleweed Cotillion. Isn't this the sweetest little vintage needpoint cushioned chair?
*sigh*I swear,in the world of junkin', Portland has the best finds.
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Yup.
Me. Tagged. By Tracy. (Thanks, Tracy!)
It's all about the person's middle name.
Here are the rules that I copied from Tracy's Blog-
Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life
for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name,
use the middle name you would have liked to have had. When you are
tagged you need to write your own blog post containing your own middle
name game facts. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one
person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to
leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
My middle name is Lynn...short, but not the easiest letters in the alphabet.(the letter Y and not one, but two N's!) Hmmm, let me try...
L...for love. Love of family, friends, and all things vintage!
Y...I guess would be for yard work. I discovered this past summer that I adore gardening, and being in my yard, palling around with my pups.
N...of course, for nest! If you know me at all, this was the easy letter!
N...how about nurturing? I'm all about that, I think.
Now, if you haven't been tagged for this game yet, consider yourself Tagged now!
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