Hoping everyone had a wonderful Christmas

xoxo

   

 

The Inspiration Bug Has Bitten Again

Well where has the time gone???  Last thing I remember, I was getting ready to be a Grandmother and here it is 14 months later!  Lot's has happened in that time, my subway signs are doing fabulous on Etsy and I've been busy with everything EXCEPT my home. 

I recently came across a house for sale - completely by chance.  It was actually a random email from my local Facebook Marketplace. Well I jumped right in the car and headed over to the real estate agents office and within 20 minutes I was walking through the door of who I would later come to find out was blogger "Just Beachy" Chris Kaufmann's perfect lil' abode.

To say it was love at first sight would be an understatement! Here are some photos for you to drool over...

I had no idea that this was her home, I never knew the owner was a blogger it was just a fluke...and so inspiring.  I did go back a second time with my husband and he actually loved it too.  We have debated, listed the pros and the cons and have decided to stay put and transform our home.  After all, Chris's home was a newer build and I think I read on her blog somewhere that "beach living is a state of mind".

So I am back!
I WILL change my space to reflect the cottage charm I have loved for so long and...
I WILL be inspired by all the talented women in blogland.  Looking forward to catching up on all I have missed.

My first project will be to make over an awesome little church pew I recently purchased at an antique store in Utica (pictures coming up).


By the way...here is a picture of my beautiful Granddaughter, Madison...my sunshine and joy.

xoxo

Subway Signs

Wordology Subway Signs

By: Marina Vazzana

New York, Paris, London, Toronto, Ireland, Las Vegas, Italy and Europe

are just a few of the amazing destination subway signs you can have as stunning artwork.

Or

Choose your own destinations Subway Sign - totally custom and personalized.

Visit: http://wordology.etsy.com

   

Lipstick on a Pig? - Chair gets a Makeover

:::
Have you ever heard the saying "You can't put lipstick on a pig"?  I remember the first time I heard it I almost fell over with laughter.  Well let me tell you, this chair was a real oinker. 

I found it at the Courtice Flea Market two weekends ago.  As soon as I spotted it, I felt that excitment we have all felt rummaging through row upon row of vendors wares.  After seeing that Mr. Vendor only wanted 10 dollars for it, my husband was already carrying it to the Jeep.

I couldn't wait to get out the white paint.  Once I came home and took the necessary (for blogging) before pictures I started to dismantle the seat.  The material was wretched and smelled like...well you get the idea.

The fabric I used, although I think it's adorable and was an IKEA steal at $3.99 a yard is only temporary until I find an equally good deal on a perfectly delish French grain sack...(good luck with that I know...pricey).

If anyone knows who sells them for a reasonable price, please let me know.

Linking up to:

Chalkboard DIY - Perfect for Wordies

A new project came to mind incorporating my love of words. I'm a self proclaimed "wordy". Chalkboards are perfect for die hard wordies because in a moment they can be changed out as inspiration hits.

Armed with a foam brush and a can of chalkboard paint, my kitchen cupboard would become my muse. I can't lie...when the first stroke of black paint slid across my pristine white cabinet I had a moment of uh~oh. Determined to go on, I completed the two coats required. Waiting for it to dry my uncertainty turned into anticipation. What would my first scribbles be...

Since Paris has always been my dream destination, the image portion at the top was a no brainer.  To sketch the Fleur de Lis I had to cheat.  I printed the image on paper - then I traced it over with a heavy hand of chalk.  After placing it where I wanted, I rubbed the back of the paper - easily transfering the image.

  These great little chalk holders purchased from staples were looped onto some ribbon and strung on the end of the cabinet...ready to use.  A little retro looking, they remind me of school days. 

So what do you think?  Are you tempted to try it out on your cabinets or should I have stopped at uh-oh?

Linking to:

So The Journey Begins

I have always loved the look of white.  Although Shabby Chic is a simple style, I never felt I could fully commit...until now.

So my journey begins.  I felt I needed to have a test space to try out my new sanctuary, so the guest bedroom was my guinea pig so to speak.  The tiny room was drab and lifeless before and so it all started with a coat of white paint.  Once the walls were painted I knew I was on my way to creating my "white on white" room.

The best part of the transformation was that everything in the space was a true bar-goon.  This little beach picture was picked up at a yard sale for $2.00.  It so reminded me of my kids when they were young - I had to make it mine

This great little mirrored shelf was found on Kijiji for ten dollars and the best part was I only had to drive 3 blocks to pick it up

The huge frame was purchased at my favourite little consignment store in New Jersey called "Time and Again".  It had the most hideous painting inside it (I must admit - it needs a paint do-over)

Here is how it all turned out...

...and now - well I'm hooked!

The best part for me is treasure hunt.  Finding those great little thrifty pieces that you know will look amazing once cleaned up, painted and given a new life.  I've always loved a bargain and transforming something blah into something gorgeous is just the icing on the cake.

Now that my "white on white" room is comple (is it ever really completed) I'm going to take on the rest of my house and make it a house that feels like home.

~Marina~