thrifting finds..

Thrifting was good to me the past few weekends. I found these really amazing canvas-like paintings, above. They were in pretty much perfect condition with the exception of some slight flaws at the top of one of the frames. When I saw these, I thought, "Man! These are way nice for a garage sale." Then, of course, because I am a sucker for things to hang on walls AND The Hubby and I's room has sort of taken on a castle theme (completely unintentional, but there it is), I asked the gal how much. 

She said, "Oh, gosh...I don't know? Like, a dollar each?" 

To which I replied, "ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME???" in my head, and "Oh, well...I can handle that, I guess..." out loud. Ahem. I then proceeded to pay her the $2 and then run like the wind in case she changed her mind.

I also got a gorgeous old black typewriter for $15 that will find it's place on top of this pretty little girl....

I. KNOW.

This one wasn't a huge "find" as far as price, but she is in terrific shape and is exactly what I have been looking for to put in our family room. I have been slaving over her this weekend, and now she is just hanging out in the garage until her paint job cures and I can bring her in and dress her up. I lined her drawers, here is a sneak peek of her awesomeness:

I will post more pictures of her when she finally takes her place in our home, and looks all settled in and lovely. 

small and simple reminders...

This small and simple reminder is the lyrics to one of my most favorite songs, called "When You Come Home" by Mark Schultz. To me, it expresses how I feel about my children...and how I hope they feel about mom and dad and the place that we have created for us and for them.

I found a free chalkboard background on Pinterest, you could try this one: free chalkboard backgrounds

Then I saved it on my computer, then cropped it as a 11x14 photo on Pic Monkey Photo Editing Website of Awesomeness, to which I added the text and some flourishes. I just played around with the different fonts and layout until I liked what I saw. Then I sent it over to Costco, had it printed crazy fast, and then rushed home and hung that bad boy right up. I am not going to lie, I get all warm and motherly when I let myself look at it and really think.

Here is the song, if you haven't heard it.

Stair remodel and doggy gate.

Well, my reputation for not having good "before" photos remains intact. But please do note the lovely, soiled, worn down carpet. Is adorable, yes? The hubby says this picture isn't fair, because I took it after him sanding the stairs down for several hours a day. For several days. The stairs were covered in wall texture for eternity, which he sanded off and then used wood fill to cover the holes from "millions" of carpet tacks. The trauma from this step of the process has scarred him emotionally. Painted out in 5 coats of super duper high gloss white. All painted out with the gray that I agonized over. At one point I thought, "Wow. I have the luxury of stressing for days over a paint color." I went with Seal by Martha Stewart, because it had a brown cast to it, and I wanted something that would not seem too much of a departure from the oak floors. You can see that we added quarter round on the edges and sides of each stair tread. It honestly made a huge difference. It looks much more "finished" with this step. This is the dog gate that I talked The Hubby into making part way through the stair project. It is simply a smaller version of the screen pantry door he built a few years ago, and I absolutely adore it. If we want to make it a kid gate, all it would take is to have a hook and eye attached to it. Of course, we had to paint out the screen door to match. Don't they make a lovely pair? Here's a close up of the back of the gate. We attached the trim around the open screen part with Command Strips, so that when (and I do say 'when' and not 'if') one of our precious offspring breaks a hole in the screen, it is easy to un-velcro the strips and replace it. Another project complete. I wouldn't go back to carpeted stairs if you paid me. It isn't much louder to live with (yes, clomping boots up the stairs is somewhat louder, but not horridly so) and we do have to sweep the stairs every day, but it is totally worth it. Next project? The kitchen.

office/craft room re-do

 I will apologize first thing for not having better "before" photos. To help fill in the blanks, the old desk area was made with kitchen counter tops in an L shape, and the pegboard and shelf were on the short wall where the desk area is now located. The floors were carpeted, and the walls were painted in Restoration Hardware Silver Sage. The built in shelves were, as you can see, too cluttered and full.

 This is our new desk/computer area. The counter tops are solid birch counters that we got from IKEA. They were clearance priced so we got two 8 foot sections for $62 a piece. (I know. Pinch me because I must be dreaming.) The Hubby cut them to fit and stained them a honey color, and then poly-ed them as well. The white cabinets were from the previous configuration, but as you can see we added 

bead board to the sides of the cabinets to pretty it up and hide cords. 

The floors were the most time consuming part of the job.

The lamp was a lucky find--brand new at Goodwill for $8.99.

 This is my ever so pretty crafting space. The table was the other piece of counter from IKEA, cut to 7 feet. Yes, I just said 7 feet. All that delicious work space. I tried in vain to find an old table while thrifting to use as the legs, but in the end we bought these at Lowe's, for $22 a piece. Which, honestly, in the end I was glad because I wanted it to be counter height...I so prefer to stand while wrapping and crafting. The Hubby built the frame and supports for it, and then painted it out with the same white on the walls (Crisp Linen White). The pegboard was in the room before, we just painted it again and framed it to give it a more finished look. Big fat cat taking over your fabric basket: totally optional.

 This is where I am at on the built in shelving. I am forever tweaking this area, and never feeling quite "finished." The nice thing about that is nobody really cares but me. I do love how much less "stuff" is in there, much more open and airy.

 This little baby love is my mostest favorite, to quote my kids. I may have hugged her. Okay, I did. Don't judge! I found her sitting at the thrift store, just waiting for me. I had been looking for something that would offer lots of filing room without taking up floor space (which, when covered, quickly swallows up a small room like this, and why would I want to cover up my sweet new wood floors?) And I wanted something that would not take away from the character I was trying to bring in...and then the lights came up and the angels started singing and I saw her. Best part? $15. Just so very the best thing in the history of ever.

 Just a few more views and also I have to point out my second mostest favorite thing, the silver engraved award that was my jumping off point for this room. I found it at the thrift shop and had no rhyme or reason to why, but I fell in love and instantly "saw" the room in my head with it sitting on the shelf like that. 

From that, I saw the colors and the whole entire room in my head, almost exactly how you see it in these pictures. No idea why. Just did. The pocket thing hanging off the shelf is a jewelry holder that I found at Home Goods a while back, and the silver serving tray was another Goodwill find.

 I am learning that in most spaces, but most definitely in smaller spaces, the details matter. I took the time to layout the room in a way that is pleasing to the eye, but also very functional and keeps things out where I can get ideas and also remember what I have to work with. Using all the space available without cluttering the room too much was key for me. I took the wrapping ribbon I have and used a small tension rod to "hide" them in between the work table's legs, but still keeping them super easy to see and access. The floor vent was totally worth the $20 it cost, because that wall is nothing but window and floors and it gives it just that little "something". It is like the floor is wearing a pretty brooch. Which she should.

The curtains, by the way, were IKEA and I am so lazy I haven't even hemmed them yet...just pinned them for now to see how I like the length.

I went with white on the walls and a very muted color palette...because in my opinion, when you are crafting and doing artsy type projects, the less stimulus from around you, the better. I completely understand that others may like bright, vivid surroundings as they scrapbook and craft and such. It is totally personal. 

For me, it clears my mind and calms me down to have very little contrast and colors...it also doesn't make whatever I am working on have to compete with everything around the room.

I still have a few things on my "To Do" list. I want to find a work stool for the table. I am thinking metal, and no back since I will want to tuck it under the table and keep the room open when it's not being used. I will keep checking the thrift stores, because you never know! But I wouldn't mind finding something more expensive if it is something I love. I also have plans for big wooden cubby boxes in the same honey as the counter tops which The Hubby will do when he has recovered from all the other stuff he has done, and will go next to the shelving. :)

Big, huge, thank you to my dear daughter, Bri...

for taking these pictures for me and for in general just being way awesome.

Harry Potter Party

After coming through the front door, which had been made to look like Platform 9 3/4, they went straight into Olivander's Wand Shop (the office) and after choosing their wands (which The Hubby cut from wooden decor sticks I found in the floral section of WalMart), the kids boarded the Hogwart's Express (which was in the front room.) The guests filled their favor bags from the trolley of candy and treats, and I printed out quotes from every Harry Potter book (from thereadables.tumblr.com), mounted them on cardstock, and they got to choose their favorite one to take home. The dining room with party food and drinks was the Great Hall and we hung mini-led candles from fishing line. The family room was the Common Room, and contained spell books to study from, while the television played Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. And finally, the back yard was the Quidditch Field (which thank goodness my adopted family plays every year at family reunions, so I just had to borrow theirs!)

We had loads of fun, and it really wasn't that much work as far as parties go!

a pretty place for functional things...

I love the trend to reuse old and found objects in new and fun ways. Next to distressed furniture, it is the kindest thing trendsetters ever did for moms. I have tried from time to time to do this in my own spaces, with mixed results. Sometimes I try stuff, and after a while it becomes clear that no matter how cute something is doesn't mean it's functional. Other times I look at something and think "I must have you" and then find a way to use it that lets me enjoy its unique and fun qualities while still having something that fills a purpose.

 I was recently at a little antique market, and spotted this lovely little thing. I instantly thought that it could go really well on our office desk, to hold pens and papers and glue. I wasn't sure how I was going to make it seem a bit cleaner and add a modern flair, but for $10 I knew I had to give it a try. I mean, look at those colors...she was made for me.

 So I cleaned it with some all purpose cleaner and paper towels, and then I dug through my shamelessly large stash of scrapbook paper and found a few that I thought looked cute with it. The best part is that when I get bored and tired of it, all I have to do is pick a different paper. I could certainly have used wallpaper or even fabric and hot glued it. I am so lazy that I didn't even adhere the paper...just slid it right into place. The bottom section fit so perfectly that I didn't even need to cut the paper...reason #547 that it. is. my. new. BFF.

 Then I filled her up with the ever present "stuff".

I love that the top drawers are narrow which will discourage me other people from loading them up with junk.

Here she is, all in place and ready to make me feel happy every time I look at her. I enjoy finding things that seem like "me" and using them in a way that I can actually USE them. 

my mother's day present.

About 5 or 6 years ago, I saw in Country Living magazine how someone had put a screen door on their pantry. I pretty much drooled over it. I clipped it and filed it away for a "love to do when we have a chance" project. Over the years, we had looked into getting a pre-made screen door, but it would require special ordering to get the size right, and was ridulously expensive. One day a few months ago, I started breaking down what a screen door was made out of, and after the Hubby and I talked, we I realized--we he could make it! And for far less money.

Before:

                                                                 I know, right? Yawn.

                                                    we tested it for fit and for level swinging.

                                         All painted out. What a difference it makes to this wall!

When she slams shut, I'm reminded of my grandma's house in West Virgina, which is a lovely memory...a bonus is that we can never seem to get our kids to close the pantry door...ta da! No more problem with that. When all was said and done, we spent about $80 on her. By far the most expensive things were the decorative corbels...but they pretty much make the door, don't you think? The rest was simple 1x4s, some trim pieces, extra spindles from Hobby Lobby, and paint.

She's so pretty.

FYI: I named her Shelby.

small and simple reminders...

This one is from the girls' room. I made the pillows in the feed sack style that is popular right now, and which I love. A friend was kind enough to lend me her stencils, and I just used acrylic paints. I wanted the wording to have meaning (small and simple reminders, right?) so this particular pillow says "Gift of Christmas" and "daughter of God" in French (because the room is decorated with a French feel). The numbers on the bottom are her birth month and date. I did one unique to our other daughter for her bed, as well.

Also, the pillow directly behind the feed sack pillow is actually an old bedspread from The Hubby's grandmother. I made several pillows and throws from it for our house as well as for other family members, as a small and simple reminder of our dear Grandma Peg, who is sorely missed.

after...

Finally finished! I am happy with the way it all came together.

(Sorry about the heavy angle, I was trying to avoid too much sun glare on the frame glass.)



before...

I am working on a project for our living room. I am taking a series of pictures of our children, framing them, and also rearranging the wall of pictures that looks like this now:

I will post the after next week. :)

I do stuff...

Sometimes I just lay in bed at night and think, "I am exhausted...what the heck did I do all day?"


It's after about a month of saying that when I finally decide to take on an overdue project, or just fix an area of my house that drives me crazy. When you stay at home and work, it feels good to have something concrete to point to that's been accomplished. This time around it was the office shelves.

Before

After

small and simple reminders...

I think it's really important to create an atmosphere in our homes that reflects and reminds us of what we believe and what is important to us. I have tried to have items around our home that serve as visual reminders of what matters to me, and to my family.

So, now and then on my blog I am going to share a small and simple thing I have done in my home as a reminder, and maybe it will encourage you to find a way do the same.

This is in a corner of the window seat in our front room, a room I probably pass through 30 times a day. The sign is an old metal gas station pricing sign, and the quote is one of my recent favorites. The 2 of them together remind me of this: I never would have thought in a million years that having 7 children and all that entails would be the path my life would take...but I love it so much. So the number and the quote remind me that even though life will surely continue to have its twists and turns and complications, and it may not happen the way I pictured it would, so far those twists and turns have been pretty amazing and most of all--better than anything I could have come up with on my own.

i've got the blues...

I've been re-thinking my house lately. Up until now, I have pretty much had a simple color palette--red, cream, and black...with a little soft yellow thrown in. My walls are a neutral, creamy tan. I love it, and still do. But then this little pretty came along...

I bought this a while back, and the blue color has really grown on me.

But it was lonely, being the only blue thing in my house.

So sad. Until...

...this little guy, who know keeps the pretty window company in my kitchen/family room area. I like how the two of them together make a lot more sense. And they are a lovely contrast to all the deep reds and blacks. It makes the whole feel more light and clean. Loving this as much as I did, I figured, why not try some more?

I found these in the dollar (!!) section at Target, added the number rub-ons because I am a tad obsessed with numbers right now, and they now hold toys under a bench in the front room.

Then, my talented daughter was kind enough to paint a little beauty for me that had the blue in it...which I gave a place of importance on our bookshelves.

Now that the blue is here, it's like it always belonged.

What color might be missing from your house?

i bore his fruit 7 times...

...and he builds me stuff.

such a terrific arrangement.

cute something...

On my paris market post, I mentioned that I found a cute something to come home with me. This re-purposed old window frame is the cute something. Just so you don't stay up nights, wondering.

2 1/2 days of folding later...

9 people have been walking around creating laundry during the time it took me to do this. However, we will not dwell on that...no, we will not. We will just sit back and enjoy the pretty pretty laundry room.

Look what I get to do today!

Try really, really hard not to be jealous.

The Great 'Soup' Mystery solved...

So, the hubby calls me a few days ago and the conversation goes something like this:

The Hubby: Uhh, babe?
Me: Yeah?
TH: I , uh, finally read your blog.
[been telling me for weeks he'd get around to it...but to be fair: 1 wife, 7 kids, 3 jobs. Nuff said.]
M: Oh, yeah? So? What did you think?
TH: It's good, very funny. You know I think you are funny. But, ummm...the soup??
M: the soup? What soup...oh, yeah, what about the soup?
TH: That was all me. I bought it when you had that dental work done and couldn't chew. I thought you might like it.

So, from this we learn a few things. One, my husband is thoughtful and downright precious about taking care of the wife when she is hurting. (this I already knew, but those little reminders mean a lot after close to 20 years together) and Two, my husband thinks I would eat soup with little green floatie things.

So close, and yet so far.

How did THAT get in there?

So, I'm digging in my pantry to make some effort at dinner, and I come across some items that, well...have me a little confused. Because I have no recollection of seeing them in the store, putting them in my cart, paying for them, bringing them home, and then placing them in the pantry on the shelf next to all the other stuff that is in there.

Since I know that I am the only one who actually purchases food for our household, that means it must have been me. Huh. Here are a few of the items in question:

"Southwest Style Pepper Jack" cheese soup. Seriously? What little lies did I tell myself that made me think that my kids would come within 10 feet of reddish orange soup with green floatie things in it??

1 regular sized box of pilaf Rice-a-Roni. This is just confusing on so many levels. First of all, we have 7 kids--I never buy the regular size of ANYTHING. Sometimes, if I am in a pinch and they don't have the jumbo bucket of something I may buy a smaller size...but then I'll buy 4 or 5. So the "one"ness of this box just doesn't feel right. And we don't even eat pilaf--unless it's my mom's homemade pilaf, because when she makes it it is just so goooooood.

1 box of Red Velvet cake mix. Now, this actually could be explained. Not that I would ever MAKE a red velvet cake, but I buy cake mixes by the dozen because my kids like cake mix cookies. So, it falls within the realm of possiblity that I--while reaching for the spice, chocolate, or yellow cake mixes--inadvertently grabbed this sad little never-to-be-used box of red velvet.

Creamy Ranchero Tomato soup. Again with the soup. Now, on the label it says: Great for Cooking. So maybe I thought that somehow if I bought these soups that I would actually cook with them. Or that maybe they would cook for me. Or something. But, again--little green floatie things. Hello!!!??? Little. Green. Floatie. Things.

Oh, and for those who may be wondering...I ended up making meatball stew.
And none of the above ingredients were harmed in the process.



Cake mix cookies:
1 box yellow cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup of oil
1 cup chocolate chips

Mix first 3 ingredients into dough. Then stir in chocolate chips. Roll into teaspoon sized balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8 minutes @ 350 degrees. Cookies will look "wrinkley" but not browned.

Another version:
1 box spice cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup of oil

Bake same as above.