Saturday, October 27, 2012

25 Random Thoughts

IMG_2264

Because I have no completed projects or any projects in the works, I have no pictures. That means I have no blog material other than what has been happening in my life.

  1. Colby was gone all week to Las Vegas. I can’t even say that I was really worried about him being in Vegas. I was more worried about his flight to and from.
  2. I am beyond happy that my husband is back home with me.
  3. I must have been more exhausted than I thought because I slept in until 11 today. It felt great!
  4. The weather is perfect today. It’s 4 p.m. and 56 degrees out. Thank you, Lord!
  5. I have finally gotten to break out my sweaters, jeans, and boots.
  6. I topped off the fabulously cool day with a cup of hot chocolate! It’s the first of the fall season for me!
  7. We’re going to be building a fire in the coming week if this weather keeps up. It’s the first house Colby and I have lived in together with a fireplace.
  8. Boy Meets World and Gilmore Girls really do make my television weekend.
  9. I have a gazillion pieces of furniture in this house that I want to paint, but I can’t seem to muster up the energy or motivation to do so.
  10. Wanting to paint furniture makes me wish I had a paint gun. I want to have minimal brush marks.
  11. I desperately wish I were on vacation right now or in the near future. I found a coupon from Cove Mountain Realty, which didn’t help the situation.
  12. My flowers are hanging on for dear life. I haven’t killed them yet, but they’ve only been around for 2 weeks.
  13. Zeb is getting to be a big boy. His brain might not be developing at quite the rate his body is. His intelligence comes and goes, but we love him anyway.
  14. The town football rivalry must have lived up to the hype last night. The Eagles pulled out the win, but it sounded like a great game for both teams to watch.  Go Eagles!
  15. I had an episode this week where I thought I was dreaming about talking to Colby on the phone. When I woke up, I couldn’t remember what was real and what was dreamed. Come to find out, it was all real. I actually talked to him on the phone in my sleep. Scary!
  16. Our harvest festival at our church this week was a success. I was excited to see so many people show up! The Lord is working in our church.
  17. I’m not very happy about Steve Burton {Jason Morgan} leaving General Hospital. I was devastated to say the least, but I can’t blame him for moving to Tennessee.
  18. Speaking of characters being killed off, I bawled my eyes out when Mark Sloan died on the first episode, but then they had to kill him on the second episode, too. Really?!?! The first time was enough of an emotional rollercoaster, but the second time was just torture. I really shouldn’t get as involved in these shows as I do.
  19. If you want to laugh your bottom off, watch Duck Dynasty. It’s worth watching just Uncle Si. I can’t wait to hear what he’s going to say next.
  20. I discovered that my debit card information had been hacked by some lowlife. Thanks to them I had to take a 1/2 day off to deal with it. Plus, I haven’t gotten my money back yet, and who knows how long that will take!
  21. The good news is that it was the end of the month, and they wouldn’t have gotten far anyway. If you’re going to hack someone’s information, you might want do it on someone who’s not a teacher….and at least not at the end of the month! How dumb!
  22. I need to clean my house. I really don’t feel like it. I’m thinking I would rather take a nap.
  23. We’re getting a three day weekend in two weeks! Praise the Lord!
  24. I will be glad when all of this political stuff is over with. Don’t forget to vote though!
  25. My SIL is on her way to graduating with her Doctorate! She will finally get to see the result of all of her hard work. Then, she can return to life as she once knew it! We’re beyond proud of her and all she has suffered through to reach her goal in an unbelievable amount of time! We love you, Abby!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Welcome Y’all!

Our porch is officially ready for fall! It’s taken me several weekends to put it all together. The neighbors were probably disgusted at our porch in all of its unfinished state. Great first impression, huh? Seriously….they probably don’t give a hill of beans, but it would be nice to think they actually look and notice such things {not the unfinished part, but the effort put into making our porch fall ready}.

I’ve found and been given so much to make this fall extravaganza happen, so I must first say thanks to all of those who contributed. You know who you are, and I sincerely appreciate your generosity.

IMG_2600

I used a galvanized tub {gifted to us by my BIL and SIL} to house a mixture of pansies, violas, and a couple of wandering jew plants. In an effort to cover some ugly containers that the plants come in, I used some burlap and gently wrapped it around the container. It’s not even permanently attached or attached at all for that matter.

IMG_2603

The other side of the door is outfitted with another bale of hay, some cotton, pinecones, a gorgeous and unique pumpkin from the Whitfield’s, and finally a scarecrow and unknown plant.

IMG_2604

The steps are adorned with a variety of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, pansies, hay bales, and corn stalks. I don’t know where you get your pumpkins from, but if you live around here, you should go to the Whitfield’s. I love that place so much, and to be honest there is nothing that great about it. It’s a person’s yard on the side of the road. However, there’s no pressure when picking out pumpkins. You’re on your own. You pay by the honor system! Seriously….that makes my day that these folks are such trusting people that they allow that. To me, it makes me believe I’m living in another era. AND….there are so many choices! All sizes of the typical orange pumpkin are there, but then there is a variety of shapes and sizes and colors of others {or gourds}. I get all excited about going there, and I anticipate my trip every year around this time.

IMG_2612

IMG_2620

IMG_2623

Yes, I did get a little out of hand with all of the “welcoming”! I’m aware.

IMG_2624

As for the grapevine crosses, I discovered them at the Jay Peanut Festival. Needless to say, I will be going back. If you have kids, you definitely need to go and bring them along. They would have a blast! My dad thinks that our front doors look like those of a church, so I think I really accentuated that thought. However, I haven’t had our “visitors” since I put them up. You’ll have to ask me privately if you want to know who I’m referring to, but if you know me really well you have probably heard or overheard me fussing.

IMG_2637

Hopefully, all of our guests will feel a nice, warm, fall welcome!

Monday, October 15, 2012

A Fall Tablescape….Updated!

A week or so ago I shared with you our dining room, but I was in the hopes of adding a little more to the tablescape. It was on the right track, but it just didn’t feel complete, and I knew exactly what would do that for me. Twine. Deer antlers. Pumpkins. And that’s just what I added.

As it was, I had some orange and cream pumpkins hanging around from a past fall season. I think I found them at Wal-Mart once. The candle holders were picked up this year from the Dollar General. The candle is sitting upon a silver-plated tray {found at a consignment shop}, and it is within a hurricane I found at Goodwill for less than $1. I then added some pine cones from our very own yard, and it was done {as far as the center table décor was concerned}. Was I satisfied though? Well, you know the answer to that since I’m back for an update.

My point for giving all of the information about where I purchased all of those items is to prove that you can shop your house or places that sell things for basically nothing. You do not have to spend a fortune. Sometimes, you just have to think and use what you have. Trust me. We don’t have money growing from the trees in our backyard.

IMG_2403

Like I said, I added in pumpkins, twine, and deer antlers to complete the look I was going for. Oh, and I added in some mini tart pans.

IMG_2547

IMG_2579

IMG_2541

And the final look….

IMG_2537

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Making the Old New Again

A couple of weeks ago, I came into contact with a table that was being given away. The legs were wobbly. Spider webs covered it. There were several layers of dirt from being exposed to the weather. AND it even had the left over finish still on it {in bits and pieces}. This table has been saved not once but twice. Someone was actually throwing it out. Then, someone that I know saved it from the trash with the intentions of making it new again. Obviously, it didn’t make it to that point, so it was then passed into my possession.

\IMG_2479 

See what I mean?

IMG_2480

After using some good ole Gorilla Glue {my saving grace} and bracing the legs until it dried, I broke out the sander. The best I could do was sand over flat surfaces. The rest of the table had some kind of substance on it, but there was no way of getting it off. That left me with the only option to just paint over it.

IMG_2524

IMG_2527

I ended up liking this one so much that I’m hoping I can find another one just like it. It would be great to have a matching pair on either side of the bed. Adding another matching table and matching lamps would really do a lot for the guest room. With the idea of adding a lamp to the table, I thought it was only right to go ahead and add some art to the wall.

The bed is centered between two intercom speakers {can you tell our house was built in the late 60s}. Right now the speakers aren’t that attractive, but they’re just going to have to do until we can replace them with a more updated ones. Anyhow, I knew exactly what I wanted to do in this room.

I have been collecting embroidery hoops for a while, and I also bought some fabric samples from a yard sale once. I’ve been waiting on the perfect time to put them to use, and I finally found the perfect opportunity.

IMG_2509

Insert fabric into the hoop. Trim around the edges. Voila! You have yourself some wall art.

I hope this Sunday afternoon finds you well!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

A Room Makeover: The Dining Room

Hello all! I had planned on having this posted last week, but that clearly didn’t happen. In my mind, I think I can blog everyday like some of these other bloggers, but that is just an unrealistic expectation. Obviously those women {or most of them} get to stay at home and don’t have to work outside of the home. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not downgrading what they do as I would love to do the same, and I understand how busy most of those women are. It’s just a possibility for me unless we hit the lotto or the jackpot at the casino or something. Unfortunately, we weren’t the couple who won $2 million the other day. Darn it!

Anyhow…I have gotten the dining room to a state in which I can tolerate it for now. I still have a list of things to do, but the list is fairly short. Since our house has more rooms than we do furniture, the previous owners offered the opportunity to purchase some of theirs. I was mostly interested in the dining room suite. We only had furniture to go in either the dining or the breakfast room, but not both. For the price they were selling it at, I couldn’t turn it down. I’m sure I might get something later down the road, but this will certainly suffice for years to come.

Here it is in all of its golden glory before!

IMG_1063

Welcome to the dining room!

IMG_2393

The one thing that I would like to change sooner than later is the rug. If I have any takers out there, just let me know. I’ll give you deal =) It’s just a little too dark for the scale of this room, especially with how dark the furniture already is.

IMG_2391

To set the table, I used a china pattern that was my mother’s. She never used it and was trying to sell it in a yard sale. Obviously, it didn’t get sold. It found a new home at my house though. It just says fall to me, and since I’m the only one who looks at….that’s all that really matters.

IMG_2440

I wasn’t going to show you the table setting in its entirety because there are a few things that are being added as we speak. You know…..deer antlers and white miniature pumpkins and twine. All the things that speak fall to me. When I get done, I’ll show you the finished product, but here is where it stood when I took these photos a week ago.

IMG_2427

I found this little number at the Dollar General. I figured I could take off the leave and reuse throughout the year as the time comes.

IMG_2433

IMG_2401

Well, that’s another room in the book! Lots to show you coming up!

Blog posts to look forward to:

  • Fall porch décor
  • End table makeover
  • Two new additions to the breakfast room
  • Updated dining room table

Hope you are enjoying this lovely fall weather as much as I am! Nothing makes me happier than putting on a sweater first thing in the morning to keep me warm!

And if you live in Brewton, take the time to go and vote today! Vote Frank Nalty for Mayor! Here’s why! There’s still time! The poll are open until 7 p.m.!

Also, I have a piece of furniture for sale. If you’re interested in this below, email me at brennab {at} gmail {dot} com.

IMG_2468

It’s a lovely display case in tip top condition. I just have no use for it. The inside of the case is lighted. Make a reasonable offer if you’re interested!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

A Room Reveal: The Man’s Bathroom & The Hallway

Something odd about our house is that our master bedroom has two bathrooms. Basically, it originally had a small bathroom connected to it, but then the female owner of the house {that was not me} must have decided that a soaking tub and large walk-in closet were in order. For now, though I’m just going to show the one bathroom. I am warning you now that the only thing that has been done in this bathroom is the wall color, the shower curtain, and some paint on the cabinets and trim. Other than that, I’ve just been patiently waiting to find the perfect accessories.

In case you don’t remember the before {like I try so hard to do, too}….here is a quick reminder!

IMG_1048

Gold. Gold. And more gold. Matchy, matchy, matchy. It’s just not my style. Sorry if I offend anyone, but it just doesn’t reflect who we are.

IMG_2348

Since I still use this bathroom to shower in, I still wanted it to have a little bit of femininity….thus the shower curtain that I scored at Dirt Cheap! Now that I’m looking at it in the photo though, I think I need to bring it down a good bit. When you’re a shorty like me, sometimes it’s hard to notice things like that. I end up trying to over accommodate those who are taller.

IMG_2364

The vanity is where the most work needs to come in. Good heavens! The mirror needs to be framed out. The light fixture needs a major upgrade. Complementing towels and accessories need to be chosen, and knobs need to be replaced on the vanity. I decided that I would rather live with no knobs than those gold knobs. Maybe even something on the wall to add some interest.

IMG_2378

Eventually, I would love to put a beautiful vanity in here with some different flooring, but it can definitely suffice for now.

Now, let’s change areas of the house and go to the hallway. What do you think the color of it was? Did you guess gold?

Ding Ding Ding! You’re spot on!

IMG_1045

When I took the after picture, I took the photo going the opposite direction. You’ll get the idea though.

IMG_2451

Once again, the paint color is Benjamin Moore Shale, and the trim is BM White Diamond. FYI….we did not add the texture on the walls. It was already there. While it’s not my favorite feature of the house. It’s not bothering me enough to do something about it yet. One day…..

I’ve now picked out a runner, but it’s just a matter of getting it ordered.  The frames at the end of the hallway came from trusty ole Wal-Mart, and they were already matted. The prints in them are from Wears Valley, TN from a local artist there. I hope I can go back soon and get many more. I love his work!

I would also love for the light fixture {aka boob light} to be replaced with something much more eye-catching. I’m not certain on what I want though…..just not that.

Oh, dear! We sure have our work cut out for us in the coming years, but it will eventually come together. I’ve just got to remember to be patient and understand that everything can’t be done at once.

Monday, October 1, 2012

A Room Reveal: The Master Bedroom

IMG_2334

Colby and I have worked tirelessly in making improvements to this house. Much of the work was finding places for all of our stuff. The sad thing is that we have been living here for almost two months now, and I still have a box that hasn’t been gone through. It’s a box of junk that probably needs to be thrown out, but I just don’t feel comfortable enough to chunk it without knowing exactly what’s in it. Then, there’s the stuff that needs to go in the attic, but that can’t be done without my husband who has had this unbelievably crazy schedule lately. Class. Class. And more class. And work. And more work. It never ends.

I have several projects I want to take on around here in the next month, but every time I am inspired to do so the store I need to go to is not open on Saturdays or for only limited hours. Of course, I could always get up and going, but seeing as how Saturday is my only sleep in day….I think I would rather do that. I’m just going to have to get my act together and make time during the week to get what I need.

In other news though, I was cleaning the house this week, and I thought it would be the perfect time to snap some pictures of some rooms that are relatively done for now. I have things that I definitely want to do to these rooms, but it will all come in time. I figured that if I was ever waiting on a room to be complete that I would be waiting forever. It will never be complete. That would be boring. Plus, what would I have to blog about then?

The master bedroom was on the top of my list. Remember what it once looked like?

IMG_1047

Ignore the poor picture quality. This was the photo that was taken on the day we saw the house.

Are you ready for the reveal of what it is now?

IMG_2300

It’s certainly not a complete product, but it is a major improvement in my opinion.

The rest of the room is what really needs the most work. It’s what drives me absolutely crazy!

 IMG_2295

Can you say awkwardly placed television?!?!? Can you say wires EVERYWHERE!?!?!? Ugh! The sooner I can get a new mount for the television that is less obtrusive and more centered over our piece of furniture on that wall….the better. I also would like to update the speaker system for the room. We don’t use them that often, but it is nice to listen to the radio when you’re getting ready in the morning for church.

As for the to-do list on the other side of the room, this is what I have in mind for the more immediate future.

IMG_2300-001

And new pillows! I left that part out on accident. I borrowed those from the couch in the sunroom {den} just to make it look a little less awful.

And new knobs on the dresser and furniture by television!

If you want to know about the details of this room, I have tried to list as much as possible that I can remember.

Paint Colors:

Trim- Benjamin Moore White Diamond

Wall Color- Benjamin Moore Shale

Bedding:

Pottery Barn Pick Stitch Quilt and Shams in Porcelain Blue

Accent pillows from thrift shop

Nightstands- Target Half Moon Hall Table

Lamps:

T.J. Maxx with Home Goods

*********************************************************************

Like I said, it is nothing my magnificent or something off of HGTV or anything, but it’s our home. It’s the place I love the most, and it’s the place I hope to make feel even more like home and fit our style more and more!