Just wanted to get in a quick post. Since I started blogging a few months ago, I've noticed that I've been letting things slip around here. The laundry has been getting clean and dinners make it on the table (maybe not on time), but the nitty gritty stuff, like switching the kids closets over from Winter to Summer and all of the other stuff I've been putting off just could not be put off any longer gals! One thing I've learned from blogging is that it will all get done eventually and if it doesn't, oh well. I'm much easier on myself than I used to be and I LOVE that! But from time to time I guess there will be a short haitus from my new favorite past time.
You know that feeling that you get every time you walk past a room and there's that voice in your head going "Memo to ME - vacuum that floor tomorrow" or "organize that on Wednesday" ??? Well I'm SO there. I hate that voice and I just needed to shut it up. So that's where I've been, in case you were wondering.
And now that the yard is weeded, the flowers are planted, the closets are organized, the windows washed, the refrigerator cleaned out and all cobwebs have been removed.....I am in my happy place. And I will be back in blogging action ASAP! Can't wait to catch up on all of your amazing blogs!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Yard Sale Finds
This past week, the yard sales weren't that great. I wound up with some more cloth napkins and napkin rings, which I can't seem to get enough of lately, some vintage cruets, an old game of Scrabble and other odds and ends.
My favorite find of the day was also the cheapest at $0.25!!! That's right, a quarter for a vintage book of Tennyson's poems, which I'm sure is worth more than a quarter!!
This Japanese tea kettle was a find at $5. It came new in a box with two matching tea cups. I've always loved these tea kettles and they are not cheap - even at Marshalls!
A brand new wok from Ikea with a cookbook included (forgot to put that in the picture, but it's hardcover)! $5.
I also couldn't pass up this set of dishes from Demdaco. The pattern is called Devonshire Place and it is a mix of pale yellow, sage green and lavender. There are 8 dessert plates that mix and match patterns, a teapot, sugar and creamer, two teacups with lids and matching saucers and a votive. I got the whole set for $12. There are no scratches or imperfections on any of them. I almost passed them up, but I'm glad I didn't as they look great in my Living Room curio.
My favorite find of the day was also the cheapest at $0.25!!! That's right, a quarter for a vintage book of Tennyson's poems, which I'm sure is worth more than a quarter!!
This Japanese tea kettle was a find at $5. It came new in a box with two matching tea cups. I've always loved these tea kettles and they are not cheap - even at Marshalls!
A brand new wok from Ikea with a cookbook included (forgot to put that in the picture, but it's hardcover)! $5.
I also couldn't pass up this set of dishes from Demdaco. The pattern is called Devonshire Place and it is a mix of pale yellow, sage green and lavender. There are 8 dessert plates that mix and match patterns, a teapot, sugar and creamer, two teacups with lids and matching saucers and a votive. I got the whole set for $12. There are no scratches or imperfections on any of them. I almost passed them up, but I'm glad I didn't as they look great in my Living Room curio.
Word Verification, or Sniglet?
As a relatively new blogger, I've found that after I finish reading a fascinating post I go straight to comment mode. My brain can barely keep up with my fingers as they feverishly type my sometimes witty but always insightful comment and just as I click on "Post Comment", the creepy red squiggly letters jump out at me like those scare-the-crap-out-of-me emails that my friends send me near Halloween. Sure it's a minor inconvenience and in the grand scheme of life it is certainly nothing to get my shorts in a bunch over. After all, how hard is it to type in a few simple letters?? Yet therein lies the problem - WV does not have a few simple letters. In fact, these are not words at all (I know, I checked in the Dictionary and none of them exist). They are what I like to refer to as Sniglets.
Now if you're from my generation, you know what I'm talking about. And if you're from my generation, like me you can no longer remember what you had for breakfast, let alone where the term "Sniglet" originated from. Most likely it was featured on an episode of Zoom. Whatever the origin (and if you know, feel free to chime in), simply put, a Sniglet is a word for something that doesn't already have a word.
As kids, my friends and I would think up sniglets and use them in our everyday language. For example, the wad of gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe -"shoe wum", or the pimple that doesn't yet have a head, but you try to squeeze the life out of it anyway until your face swells up like a balloon - stimplepuss (stubborn pimple puss). That last one is gross I know, but you get the picture.
I'm sure the genius behind the WV only had our best interests at heart. And just to clarify, my beef with WV is not that I have to take the time to type a few extra letters. I am well aware of the importance of Internet safety and privacy issues. And I'm not suggesting that we eliminate WVs altogether. I just wish they were actual words - short, no-longer-than-four-letter words (not THOSE four letter words) that are in the dictionary and that most of us know how to spell.
So without further ado, I present my interpretation of Blog Sniglets or what I like to call, Bloglets:
quicri - a noiseless whimper
priez - pricy Pez, or any expensive candy
fluge - a fun sled
shymol - a demure oyster
phoelion - a fake yellow weed
terdoli - pasta poop
trolle - this one actually has double meanings:1) a quick trolley ride 2) a person with troll-like qualities
The rest I will leave for your own interpretation. All I ask is that you share it in the form of a comment. That is, after you verify a word :)
sureilm
rehyri
packsh
quide
cleri
sirerpse
Now if you're from my generation, you know what I'm talking about. And if you're from my generation, like me you can no longer remember what you had for breakfast, let alone where the term "Sniglet" originated from. Most likely it was featured on an episode of Zoom. Whatever the origin (and if you know, feel free to chime in), simply put, a Sniglet is a word for something that doesn't already have a word.
As kids, my friends and I would think up sniglets and use them in our everyday language. For example, the wad of gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe -"shoe wum", or the pimple that doesn't yet have a head, but you try to squeeze the life out of it anyway until your face swells up like a balloon - stimplepuss (stubborn pimple puss). That last one is gross I know, but you get the picture.
I'm sure the genius behind the WV only had our best interests at heart. And just to clarify, my beef with WV is not that I have to take the time to type a few extra letters. I am well aware of the importance of Internet safety and privacy issues. And I'm not suggesting that we eliminate WVs altogether. I just wish they were actual words - short, no-longer-than-four-letter words (not THOSE four letter words) that are in the dictionary and that most of us know how to spell.
So without further ado, I present my interpretation of Blog Sniglets or what I like to call, Bloglets:
quicri - a noiseless whimper
priez - pricy Pez, or any expensive candy
fluge - a fun sled
shymol - a demure oyster
phoelion - a fake yellow weed
terdoli - pasta poop
trolle - this one actually has double meanings:1) a quick trolley ride 2) a person with troll-like qualities
The rest I will leave for your own interpretation. All I ask is that you share it in the form of a comment. That is, after you verify a word :)
sureilm
rehyri
packsh
quide
cleri
sirerpse
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Met Monday - Mudroom Remodel
This post has been a long time coming. It truly is my favorite transformation ever. Ever since we bought this house, I have wanted to transform this room into something special. It is right off of the kitchen and opens to the garage, which makes it a nice barrier between the house and the outdoors. The problem was, the washer/dryer used to take up most of the space. So, a few years ago, hubby and I hired a plumber to move them to the finished basement where I now have a huge laundry room. Now alot of people thought I was nuts to move a washer/dryer to the basement. I guess most people who have this hate the fact that they have to go up and down an extra flight of stairs. So far, I haven't regretted it, but I am a fitness buff, so to me it's just extra exercise. Who knows, maybe when I'm in my prime I'll regret it, but for now, it works.
We tried several configurations before we got it right. First, we removed the sliding closet doors and added some hooks so the kids could just hang their coats and bookbags. Hubby built me not one, but two storage benches on two separate occasions. The first one opened on top. That didn't work, because as people came in through the garage, everything just got thrown on top of the bench, which meant every time I needed to get something out, I had to take everything off. The second one was really cool - it had wheels and rolled out. That was nice, but I still knew it could be better. That's when I came up with the idea for lockers. No, that's not true, I didn't come up with the idea, I first saw it in my dear friend Marie's home and then copied it!
This is hubby patching the walls after removing the closet.
I had so much fun doing this project with hubby. In fact he did most of the hard labor. For my part, I came up with the idea (with a little help from Google Images) and the hardest part for me was the painting. Before, the color in our Mud Room was a dingy brown color that works well in my Family Room, but here, it just looked gloomy. So I decided to use some leftover paint I had in the basement that I had used to paint my upstairs hallway, and then decided it was too bright, so I only used one coat, which meant I had plenty left over for the MR. It's a cheery yellow color. Then all of the lockers had to painted white. Hubby hung beaded board against the back wall and actually built the lockers outside then carried them in (with the help of a friend). With some molding and wood caulk, they look like they were built right into the wall!
A full view looking in from the kitchen.
Hubs left me some space at the top for knick-knacks (this was HIS idea!!)
I decided to go with open shelving at the bottom for easy access to shoes. Each person has their own locker (hubs and I share one) for coats, jackets, purses and bookbags. Over the lockers, each person has their own cubby where I've used baskets to store hats/gloves/scarves.
One more set of cubbies stores my seldom-used-but-need-access-to appliances like my crock pot, large coffee maker, griddle and some baskets. I decided to cover these with some valances I made from fabric I purchased at Walmart. I used stitch witchery to make the valances and hung them with tension rods.
I wanted a small accent table by the door to throw my keys and mail when I come in through the garage. This table was perfect! I picked it up for $2 at a flea market and painted it black. The tassle was made by Nancy at Southern Lady. Isn't it adorable??? I got the white urn from a yard sale for $1 and added some mossy thingies. The vintage books came from my mother.
These prints I purchased off of Ebay - they are Southern Living At Home prints that I had to buy frames for. I think they look nice against the yellow walls.
I like keeping my filing cabinet in this room so I have easy access to all of my important documents. However, it looked kinda drab so I added some pretty linens and a nice plant to make it look like it belongs there.
I also have a cabinet for keeping my cleaning supplies close at hand.
This room is also where Chloe sleeps at night so I got her a night light (Kirkland's).
Finally, this is the family lifeline - the bulletin board. It's ginourmous, taking up most of this large wall. It stores everything from permission slips to registration forms, school artwork, photos of friends, and other paperwork. You know the saying, out of sight out of mind? Well that rings true for me. If I don't see it, I forget about it. This way I am forced to see these things each time I enter or leave the house - a constant reminder - that's what I need!
So that's it! My pride and joy. The mudroom of my dreams. It doesn't take much to excite me does it! HA! Hope you enjoyed this post - now go enjoy more Met Monday posts at Susan's blog!
We tried several configurations before we got it right. First, we removed the sliding closet doors and added some hooks so the kids could just hang their coats and bookbags. Hubby built me not one, but two storage benches on two separate occasions. The first one opened on top. That didn't work, because as people came in through the garage, everything just got thrown on top of the bench, which meant every time I needed to get something out, I had to take everything off. The second one was really cool - it had wheels and rolled out. That was nice, but I still knew it could be better. That's when I came up with the idea for lockers. No, that's not true, I didn't come up with the idea, I first saw it in my dear friend Marie's home and then copied it!
This is hubby patching the walls after removing the closet.
I had so much fun doing this project with hubby. In fact he did most of the hard labor. For my part, I came up with the idea (with a little help from Google Images) and the hardest part for me was the painting. Before, the color in our Mud Room was a dingy brown color that works well in my Family Room, but here, it just looked gloomy. So I decided to use some leftover paint I had in the basement that I had used to paint my upstairs hallway, and then decided it was too bright, so I only used one coat, which meant I had plenty left over for the MR. It's a cheery yellow color. Then all of the lockers had to painted white. Hubby hung beaded board against the back wall and actually built the lockers outside then carried them in (with the help of a friend). With some molding and wood caulk, they look like they were built right into the wall!
A full view looking in from the kitchen.
Hubs left me some space at the top for knick-knacks (this was HIS idea!!)
I decided to go with open shelving at the bottom for easy access to shoes. Each person has their own locker (hubs and I share one) for coats, jackets, purses and bookbags. Over the lockers, each person has their own cubby where I've used baskets to store hats/gloves/scarves.
One more set of cubbies stores my seldom-used-but-need-access-to appliances like my crock pot, large coffee maker, griddle and some baskets. I decided to cover these with some valances I made from fabric I purchased at Walmart. I used stitch witchery to make the valances and hung them with tension rods.
I wanted a small accent table by the door to throw my keys and mail when I come in through the garage. This table was perfect! I picked it up for $2 at a flea market and painted it black. The tassle was made by Nancy at Southern Lady. Isn't it adorable??? I got the white urn from a yard sale for $1 and added some mossy thingies. The vintage books came from my mother.
These prints I purchased off of Ebay - they are Southern Living At Home prints that I had to buy frames for. I think they look nice against the yellow walls.
I like keeping my filing cabinet in this room so I have easy access to all of my important documents. However, it looked kinda drab so I added some pretty linens and a nice plant to make it look like it belongs there.
I also have a cabinet for keeping my cleaning supplies close at hand.
This room is also where Chloe sleeps at night so I got her a night light (Kirkland's).
Finally, this is the family lifeline - the bulletin board. It's ginourmous, taking up most of this large wall. It stores everything from permission slips to registration forms, school artwork, photos of friends, and other paperwork. You know the saying, out of sight out of mind? Well that rings true for me. If I don't see it, I forget about it. This way I am forced to see these things each time I enter or leave the house - a constant reminder - that's what I need!
So that's it! My pride and joy. The mudroom of my dreams. It doesn't take much to excite me does it! HA! Hope you enjoyed this post - now go enjoy more Met Monday posts at Susan's blog!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Curbside Contraband!
If I were being totally honest I would say that this junkpile was discovered on my latest dumpster-diving expedition with my two buddies, Sanford and Son. But I think it sounds much classier to say that with the help of my two dear friends I rescued these treasures from what was certain to be a bleak outcome. I'm sure that given the choice between life on a landfill or a chance at a new beginning, these second-hand roses would choose the latter, and thank me for it! And just for the record, I AM aware that using the words "classy" and "dumpster-diving" in the same post is somewhat of an oxymoron. And I'm sure I've been called an oxy"moron" at least once in my life.
These lovelies are huge! And they are pre-lit and all of the bulbs work. Also, the urns are in perfect shape - just need a fresh coat of spray paint. Nope, nothin wrong with these babies except they needed some dusting. But as luck would have it, while riding in the back of Mr. Sanford's truck the wind took care of that problem!
Again, nothing wrong with this piece. Just isn't that great to look at. But it will be perfect for storing all of my craft supplies in my laundry room. No one will see it down there except me! And I love to be organized!
This chair is very pretty and I did steam clean it and use some fabric spray on it. However, I've decided to draw the line at trashpicking anything upholstered unless i'm gonna reupholster it. So, it'll go out in my yard sale tomorrow - HA!! Don't worry, the money is being donated to the Diabetes Foundation for my daughter's school project.
Last but not least, this handpainted fireplace screen just needed a magic eraser and some elbow grease to clean off the dust and dirt. Not sure where this is going yet, but me like it!
Before I go, I just wanna say I'm so glad to be back on blogger. I've been furiously trying to catch up on all of your blogs while trying to decide what to post myself. You are all so great and your prayers and well-wishes mean so much to me. I'm definitely on the mend and feeling back to my old self again. 2009 has been the year for taking care of myself. I had alot of "issues" that I was putting off, some minor, some not-so-minor. But it feels good to be getting it all out of the way. I hope you all have a great weekend and wish me luck at my yard sale!
These lovelies are huge! And they are pre-lit and all of the bulbs work. Also, the urns are in perfect shape - just need a fresh coat of spray paint. Nope, nothin wrong with these babies except they needed some dusting. But as luck would have it, while riding in the back of Mr. Sanford's truck the wind took care of that problem!
Again, nothing wrong with this piece. Just isn't that great to look at. But it will be perfect for storing all of my craft supplies in my laundry room. No one will see it down there except me! And I love to be organized!
This chair is very pretty and I did steam clean it and use some fabric spray on it. However, I've decided to draw the line at trashpicking anything upholstered unless i'm gonna reupholster it. So, it'll go out in my yard sale tomorrow - HA!! Don't worry, the money is being donated to the Diabetes Foundation for my daughter's school project.
Last but not least, this handpainted fireplace screen just needed a magic eraser and some elbow grease to clean off the dust and dirt. Not sure where this is going yet, but me like it!
Before I go, I just wanna say I'm so glad to be back on blogger. I've been furiously trying to catch up on all of your blogs while trying to decide what to post myself. You are all so great and your prayers and well-wishes mean so much to me. I'm definitely on the mend and feeling back to my old self again. 2009 has been the year for taking care of myself. I had alot of "issues" that I was putting off, some minor, some not-so-minor. But it feels good to be getting it all out of the way. I hope you all have a great weekend and wish me luck at my yard sale!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
All's Well That End's Well!
I have great news! No, I did not just save a bunch of money on car insurance by switching to Geico! I'm back! My blogger is working again and I'm home from the hospital and recovering well. So thanks for all the prayers and well wishes. I can't wait to start posting again - I have so many things to share with you all. Hope you haven't forgotten about me!
Kim
Kim
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Broken Puter and Surgery!!! UGH!
My computer has been broken ALL week! I missed so many linky parties and the Dollar Store Challenge. Still can't post pictures. I'll be trying again today, but just wanted to say I MISS YOU all so much. Not only could I not post, I couldn't read you blogs either. Hopefully I'll be back up and running this afternoon. Also, I'm having surgery tomorrow, say a prayer for me guys! Thanks all!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
To Buy or Not To Buy.....that is the question
I heart this piece of furniture. It's listed locally on Craig's List for $75. It is an antique French Provincial settee - original, not reproduction. It would look great in my shabby master BR. I just need some opinions from my trusty blog friends. So let me know - the sooner the better LOL!! Thanks!!!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Now THAT's a Blog Party!
I thought you gals might appreciate this one.
As Hubs was leaving for work this morning, he gently leaned over to give me a kiss. He saw me diligently reading your blogs and said, "So, what's today?" Of course I had no idea what he was talking about, but in my defense it was not yet 8 am and I hadn't had any coffee yet. So I wittingly replied, "huh?". He continued, "Tablescape Tuesday??" Now keep in mind, he was in no way mocking me - on the contrary - he is very interested in all of this blog stuff, or so it would appear. Anyways, I promptly corrected him - "No, that's on THURSDAYS!" Then suddenly, my mind went blank. I couldn't for the life of me remember what Tuesday was........nope, it wasn't coming to me. So after a quick check of my dashboard - voila! I had it. "Three or More Tuesday" I said proudly.
You know where this is going don't you?
He said "Great! I CAN"T WAIT to get home from work tonite!!!!"
That's a man for you.
As Hubs was leaving for work this morning, he gently leaned over to give me a kiss. He saw me diligently reading your blogs and said, "So, what's today?" Of course I had no idea what he was talking about, but in my defense it was not yet 8 am and I hadn't had any coffee yet. So I wittingly replied, "huh?". He continued, "Tablescape Tuesday??" Now keep in mind, he was in no way mocking me - on the contrary - he is very interested in all of this blog stuff, or so it would appear. Anyways, I promptly corrected him - "No, that's on THURSDAYS!" Then suddenly, my mind went blank. I couldn't for the life of me remember what Tuesday was........nope, it wasn't coming to me. So after a quick check of my dashboard - voila! I had it. "Three or More Tuesday" I said proudly.
You know where this is going don't you?
He said "Great! I CAN"T WAIT to get home from work tonite!!!!"
That's a man for you.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Dollar Store Challenge!!!
One of our very creative bloggers, Dawn of Life at Eventually Cottage, has come up with a super idea to "Pay it Forward". This is a challenge to anyone who has a Dollar Store nearby and a smidge of creativity (or not!). Please visit Dawn's blog for all of the details. This is going to take the blogging world by storm girls. I can't wait to see it unfold! Sign up asap so you don't miss out!!
Smiles!
Kim
Smiles!
Kim
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