My New Mantle!

I have been dying to get this done, but I needed the right mirror. Since I could not find one in my price range, I asked my husband to make me one. I must give him a huge shout out. It was painstaking at times, but in the end it turned out great! I really wanted to do a seashell theme and I actually plan to add and tweak. After all, decorating is a process right? It hardly ever is perfect the first time.

I also think I'm going to distress the beadboard frame a little...that way you'll actually be able to see the beadboard a little more.

Spoiled!

By my sister that is. I have been waiting for a package from her for....well, it felt like forever. Today was the day. I practically ran over my mail lady when I saw she had it. Oops!

Anyways, here is a picture of the wonderful goodies she sent me. The only thing I didn't include was the panties from La Senza and some clothes for my dolly. Honestly, I just didn't want to show how big my butt is...lol.

There are cookies, chocolates, Romantic Homes, candles, potpourri, tulle, glass slipper, tealight lantern, peony and green apple soap, rose fabric, and a Christie Repasy print. Oh My! Who has the best sister???

I've also added a few things to my etsy shop (link is on the right top of my blog). Here are some shabby pillows wrapped in ribbon.

I love this pink tin. I use it to hold all my bigger tools and rulers, etc.

A pretty pink bench, perfect for a vignette.

Lastly a wonderful chippy wicker shelf!

Inspiration Monday

I've been working on many projects this weekend, but I still need to take pictures. So today I thought I would share some beautiful decorating inspiration.

For more inspiration, visit House to Home.

Something New!

It's been far too long since I've added anything to my etsy shop. I found this sconce at a local flea market. It was a lovely gold color, but I changed that and added a pink wash to it. I think it will look so pretty with some trailing flowers.

Tips & Blooms!

First of all, a couple of tips!

As you probably know, I am working on creating a patio room these days. Well the chandelier that I spray painted holds candles. Now of course I want to use dripless candles, but as I was searching, I discovered they are quite a bit pricier. However, I stumbled across this wonderful tip that showed me how to make dripless candles.

All you need is your candles, some salt, water and a pan. Pour several inches of water in the pan and add 2 TBSP of salt. Soak the candles for a couple of hours and you are done. Now you have dripless candles!!

Now the next tip was one that I knew, but was reminded again in the new Country Home magazine. If you have an old dresser around that really isn't good for much anymore, keep the drawers. You can paint them, put casters on the bottom and then use them for storage for under a bed. You can also take it one step further by using velcro to fasten fabric over the top, that way whatever is inside will not get dusty. The picture below shows how this is used under a daybed on a porch, but it would be fabulous in any room!

Next I must give a shout out to my dh! He lovingly (ok, I had to coax him a little) put up this chandelier that my sister gave me and I've had for probably 2 years, over the sink. I just love the light that it gives off in the evening. It's so romantic!

How fabulous are these?? Of course the sparkle doesn't show up well on camera, but trust me they are amazing. I'm planning on redoing my mantle with a beachy seashell theme, so these will go perfectly.

Yesterday I went to the local farmer's market. Since this spring has been so cold, there was not much produce available, but I did pick up this beautiful bunch of peonies. They look so pretty on my table.

Lastly, I have added a couple more things to my Cottage Charm Giveaway. Be sure to check it out!

Flower Beds!

The day has finally arrived! We worked really hard all weekend and we got this front flower bed put together. It took a lot of work and dirt, but we are very proud of what we built!

Here are the rose bushes. They look a little pathetic, but they are actually quite healthy. However they did lose quite a few petals with the transfer. I had a good talk with them though and told them to be healthy and happy and grow strong and I would take very good care of them. Let's hope they listen!

And finally the hydrangeas. I've wanted hydrangeas for so many years, but where I lived in Canada, it was not possible. These are just about to bloom too!

Do you remember the bird cage I sprayed with primer a few posts ago? Well, I wanted to paint it a color to showcase in my patio room. This is a new color by krylon and I think it is fantastic. I still have to spray the inside, but you get the idea!

Don't forget to enter my Cottage Charm Give Away!

Cottage Charm Give Away!

I will be participating in the 2nd annual Cottage Charm GiveAway hosted by One Woman's Cottage Life. Thanks Kim for putting this together!





Here is the prize that I am offering. All you have to do is leave a comment on my blog. The more comments you leave the more times you are entered. If you don't have a blog, please send me your email address so I can contact you if you win. The drawing will be held on May 31st. Thank you all for stopping by!

Here's a breakdown. We start with a very cute pink oval basket.

Then we add some products to pamper, bath salts, soap, and foot soak.

Next is some cookies and a sweet tin of lemon candies.

Then we add some sparkle with 2 colors of glitter.

This is some charming trim and ribbon, 6 different pieces all ranging in size.

Lastly, we have a little photo album small enough to through in a purse.

Newly added...Glassine Envelopes and Mini Paper Flowers!

Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy this giveaway!

Tuesday's Tips!

I thought I would try and submit a couple of tips every Tuesday. So here's what I got for today.

Do you have stainless steel appliances?? You can buy stainless steel cleaner, but I bet you already have something in the house that will work just as well. That's right WD-40.

Here is an example. This is what my coffee maker looked like before, and believe me no windex or counter cleaner made it look any better.

Tada! Just a few moments later after using WD-40 and it looks pristine!

Now for the second tip! What do you think these 2 things have in common??

Well, if you want to attract Orioles, just put out a plate of grape jelly. A lady recently did this and had 9 Orioles all at once inhaling the jelly. I don't know what it is, but they love it!!