Copy "Cow" Guest Room

Last summer I was clicking through blogs and ran across this picture of a bedroom on a blog that I frequently visit. I just totally love Heather's style.  Seriously, look at that cow! Oh my word!! I couldn't even stop talking about that cow. I showed that cow to everyone.  Well, anyone that would listen and maybe even a few that wouldn't.  Who am I kidding? I talked to myself about that cow.

 The Heathered Nest

This room rang my bells.  I was completely drawn to every aspect of this room but didn't have anything to make it happen. I did have an empty bedroom though.  A few weeks later,  my aunt Sonja, after having their house on an off the market several times, sold their house and downsized. She called and said, "I have a bedroom suite. You want it?"  What??? Yes!!!!  Whoa!!! Wait just a second horsey!! We need to paint. I need curtains and bedding and holy moly, I need a cow!!!  This bedroom can't happen without a cow.  I stalked Etsy, Ebay, Amazon, Overstock, you name it, I searched  and searched and finally  after digging on Heather's blog I found where she purchased her cow painting.  I rushed over there and Whoa again! It was totally out of my budget.  I couldn't even mention that I wanted a cow that cost that much to James. Well, I could have, but he would have thought we would need to pasture it for raising and eating in the future. I think decor, he thinks steak. Seriously! So...I put the cow on hold and off we went.  

We got busy stripping the popcorn ceilings.(I'm thinking cows.)  James' dad came over and helped us paint and we changed out the door knobs. (I'm still thinking cows.) I painted the hardware on the furniture from brass to silver and then I got busy shopping for a cow.   After shopping at World Market, Home Goods, Target, Hobby Lobby, etc. and not finding a cow in my colors, it happened. One Sunday morning, I had an "AHA" moment. Ever had  one of those?   I decided to ask a precious artist friend. Carrie, who attends our church, if she would consider painting me a cow.  I showed her a picture of the cow above and she agreed to paint one. She named her Fifi. Haha! She is gorgeous.

My aunt just happened to have white bedding and asked if I wanted it after seeing my inspiration picture, Yes! Of course! My niece went shopping with me and we found Toile pillow shams at Kohl's for 50% off and I found the ruffled pillow at Target. The last ruffled pillow in town. The lamp was on clearance at Home Goods and the curtains came from Lowe's.

Although, my room isn't totally like the one at the The Heathered Nest, I still love it. What do you think?  Do you like it?   When I get ready to redo a room, I start looking for inspiration pictures. Blogs, Pinterest and magazines are great places to start getting ideas of what you like. I always look for deals and shop with a budget in mind. I shop consignment and thrift stores for  similar pieces. It doesn't have to be exact and I love a can of paint. Anything can be updated with a can of paint. My mom says that she is always afraid to come over for fear she might get painted.  Right now we are working on a downstairs den/man-cave, Rustic/Industrial/Farmhouse style. I know. Weird.

Our fearless helper

Be sure to stop by and see Heather and view her awesome blog. She was so gracious to give me permission to use the picture of her beautiful room. You won't be disappointed.

Until we meet again,  Fifi

Psalm 50:10  For every beast of the forest is mine and I own the cattle upon a thousand hills.

Linking to: Savvy Southern Style
All Things Heart and Home
The Scoop At Cedar Hill Farmhouse

Eradication Hot Pink

It just had to be done. I couldn't handle it anymore. I'm sure the neighbors are thankful too.  This adorable  little playhouse was built by Pa Bennie for Kristen several years ago.  When she was about 16 years old, she and a friend decided they needed a "real" hangout  place and decided to "upgrade" the playhouse by spray painting the trim hot pink. Yes!  Hot pink spray paint. It was terrible. They didn't tape off the windows or anything else, just started spraying. 

It had to go. We started scraping, washing, puttying, and then the fun part of painting.  

My beautiful niece, Mariah, helped  with the painting

Yes,  it was a very hot day and the task was daunting. There was pink everywhere.

(Thanks Kristen!)

I'm sure the neighbors are happier. I know for sure that we are. Lola seems happier too!

 Next spring I think I will put up hanging baskets or flower boxes.

We also cleaned out the inside.  Sometime back we began to use the playhouse as a storage building.  We piled and piled things on top of stuff until I was afraid to open to door. The inside was in definite need of purging.

Before  

  After

It’s always hard to start a project but the rewards are always great! I love the new color and the organized storage is amazing too!  

The best part though, was spending time with my  precious niece.

What kind of projects did you accomplish this summer?

Until we meet again Fifi

Soul thought:  "Prayer is more about enjoying the presence of the King than getting 

something from Him."  Dr. Archie Norman

Sharing at:  All Things Heart and Home

Savvy Southern Style

Did We Just Move the Fridge?

On a whim, on a Sunday, right before lunch, when we bumped into each other for the 1,596,439th time, we decided the fridge had to be moved. It was just in the wrong place. Always has been. It has never been right. Not from the start, ever. For 31 years the kitchen has been all wrong, all because of this fridge. Well because of other reasons too, but mostly because of the fridge.  I'm at the stove, James opens the door to the freezer to get out the ice and I have to move so he can get the door open. He says to me, "You know what I hate most about this kitchen." "No what?" "That this fridge is here and we keep running into each other, every single meal." "So, move it." "Really, where?" "Over there." So he did.  (Can you really move the fridge like you move the sofa?) I guess so!  Of course we had to take a door down and sheet rock the wall in and add electric and a water line to the ice maker. (LOL) But we did it and the kitchen has a totally different feel.

(Door on the left goes into the living room and the door on the right goes down stairs into the den.

Well it did anyway.)

(This was the practice session. Would we like the door on this side of the kitchen and could we live without that door. My mother-in-law would call this a dry run.)

(James taking out the stairs.)

(The door and trim are gone.)

(The studs go in, as well as the water connection for the ice maker)

(The sheet rock and putty are up. Oops, forgot to mention the electrical outlet)

(After sanding, the best part begins...the painting)

(Security system keypad was moved to the other wall.)

(Copper tubing was connected to the water valve, tested for leaks, YAY, no leaks. Good job honey.)

(Move the fridge.)

This kitchen has (had) four doors that go into it. That's right FOUR! One to the living room, one to the dining room, one to the downstairs den and one to outside. Closing off this door to the downstairs den wasn't a problem because we have another entrance to that room.  It did take me a couple of times of going around the corner to go downstairs before I figured out the door wasn't there anymore. Hey, don't judge! I went through that door for 31 1/2 years before we closed it off. Old habits die hard.  

We still have a little more work to do. We are going to build in a cabinet base where the fridge was. This will give us more counter space as well as more storage. We've changed out the light fixture and we've decided we want to switch out our counter tops to butcher block. (My style is farmhouse/cottage style so butcher block will fit in better with my tastes.) It was time to upgrade those anyway. We will need to build in cabinetry/shelves above the fridge to give it a built in look. In addition, we are in the process of upgrading the appliances and I would like to put shutters on our large bay window. But for now the semi-sheer white curtains work. We will probably begin the rest of the work this Fall after all the summer hoop-la has subsided.  We did it and the kitchen has a totally different feel and we love it like this. What ever took us so long?

Do you do things like this on a whim? Say "let's do it" and then just start?  We do that all the time. Well it's more me than him but sometimes he is the one who gets the idea first.  I do love a good project.

Sometimes, I like to Google the verse for the day just to see what pops up. Today's verse was just perfect for what I needed. It has nothing to do with moving a fridge though. Just thought I would share.  2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

Until we meet again, Fifi

Linking with:
 All Things Heart and Home
Savvy Southern Style

6 Ways to Have a Staycation All Summer Long in Your Own Home

1.Simplify and change minor décor  in your home

I love changing up the decor for the seasons.  I have an Old Salem Spring print that I just took down and have now given the mantle it's summer "do."  I enjoy using beachy elements during the summer. If you can't go to the beach, bring the beach to you.  All of the shells, starfish, driftwood, nets, etc. have been collected by myself or given to me by friends. You can make your home feel like a vacation home if you put a little effort and imagination into your decorations. Just think about the ways beach or lake homes are decorated and bring those elements into your home.  It's really fun and makes your living room, bedroom or other areas of your home relaxing and gives it that "vacation" feel.

A mirror, some starfish, fishnet, shells, sea glass and other colors from the ocean grouped together take an ordinary mantle straight to the beach.

2.  Spend quiet time outside every evening

Spend some time outside each day even if it's just for a short time. If you were on vacation you would. We just put up a new swing under our shade tree. We bought it at the Farmer's Market from the sweetest little old man. We love to go out to the swing after dinner and just rest, catch up from the day and just chill. It does a body good.

 3.  Something Fun to Drink

Get out the old ice trays. Yes, the old ice tray. Drop a maraschino cherry in each compartment. Pour your favorite juice or punch in the ice tray and freeze.  After frozen, put cubes in a fancy glass with a straw, pour ginger ale over it.  YUMMY!! So refreshing, fun and good! The kids will love these too.

 4. Play Beach Music

I love the Beach Boys. Turn the music up, the air conditioning down and staycation away.

5. Ice Cream and Ice Cream Cones.

Buy your favorite ice cream and don't forget the cones. If you have little ones, don't forget the sprinkles and chocolate syrup.  Take a blanket outside and eat your ice cream park style. I love to eat ice cream but eating it outside is even better.  Why is that?  Props to Homeland Creamery. Oh my goodness. They have the  best ice cream ever. No kidding. Just buy it! Today! If you live in the Winston Salem area you can get it at Washington Perk. Our favorites are Apple Pie and Butter Pecan. Seriously if you haven't had their Butter Pecan, you haven't had Butter Pecan. Just sayin'.

6.  Have your dinner outside.

Light the tiki torches and the citronella candles (gotta keep the mosquitoes away) and have dinner outside.  I love to use a table cloth, real flatware, candles, etc when dining outside. It just takes dinner up a notch and it's so much fun. Don't save the good dishes for a special day. Remember, everyday is special. 

(Our beautiful daughter Kristen came over after church today. 

Just say "we're cooking" and they will come.)

BBQ chicken off of the grill, oven roasted potatoes, cauliflower and onions, fresh cucumbers out of Pa Bennie's garden with a splash of red wine vinegar, strawberries and some southern sweet tea in a mason jar.   Life is good.

I sure hope you make some time for yourself and your family this summer.  Even if you can't leave town for a vacation at the beach, take an evening at home and make it fun and special. You don't have to leave town to make a memory.  Do you have great ideas for making your home like a vacation? Please share them. I would love to hear what you do in your home. 

Have a safe and happy summer and until we meet again,  Fifi

Psalm 139:9  If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 

Sand and Sisal

My Uncommon Slice of Surburbia

All Things Heart and Home

Savvy Southern Style

Imparting Grace

Adding Color to the Kitchen

We painted the kitchen a little over a year ago.  I thought I would go with the trendy gray walls and white cabinets. I won't lie. It has taken some getting used to. At first it felt "institutional." However, it has grown on me.  It has become a kind of neutral if you like.  In the beginning, all of my accents were red. Red is always my go to color. Red is warm and definitely a comfort color for me.  Recently though I've been leaning toward the blues and thought this was a good time to add some blue to the kitchen. Blue is cool and soothing. One of the problems in our kitchen is that it is sequestered from the living and dining room. If I'm cooking and everyone else is in the living room, then I'm left out of the conversation....so, I brought a park bench into the kitchen so the family could hang out with me. SURPRISE!  It worked!  They come in, sit down and we have some of our best conversations in the kitchen.  Well, when they aren't on the phone anyway.  Here is a picture of the bench. (I forgot to take a before picture of the bench in the kitchen so I'm using a previous picture that I already had.) You can see the gray walls, the red bench and my sweet hubby.

I went with Valspar Paint + Primer in One, Gloss Exotic Sea.  You can buy Valspar products at  Lowe's Home Improvement.

source

I love that it has the primer included. Once I had cleaned the bench, I started spraying. I'm pretty excited about how it turned out.  (I have a couple of unintentional photo bombers in the picture.) As you can see we have more than one project going on at the same time.

I do think I will add a pillow. I would like to find one with the colors similar to the plate in the window. What do you think?  Do you think it brightened up the kitchen? Won't you come and have a cup of coffee with me?

It's a very different color for me but I love it.  It's so bright and cheery and makes me smile when I walk in the kitchen.  Now if I could just figure out how to get it to clean up after I cook.

Until we meet again,  Fifi

John 14:27  “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” 

A Small "Be Still" Project

On a recent and beautifully clear Sunday afternoon, my creative side was hopping.  I had "pinned" the picture below on Pinterest and decided to give it a try.  This pin totally goes with my word for the year, "Still."  I am finding out the hard way that choosing this word might have been asking to be taught a lesson.  A BIG lesson. More on that later.  

Kristen and I had purchased the supplies ahead of time in anticipation that as soon as my arm felt better then I would be ready to create.

source

I went to work with the instructions, that she gave on the website from the pin, and worked my magic. If you know me at all then you know that is the funniest thing that I have ever said in my life.  This is the first "work of art" that I've ever done. Ever! 

I started with a canvas. You can get two in a pack at Michael's for around $10.00.  I chose two colors of paint, blue and white, wooden memoir letters, white spray paint, wood glue (thanks James), foam paint brushes and q-tips. (I'm telling you, this artist brought our her best supplies. You can laugh now.)

I glued the letters on the canvas, waited for them to dry, then spray painted the entire canvas with white spray paint. 

Then I started with my paint by squeezing some onto a paper plate  (Carrie South, if by chance you see this post, please don't judge.)

I then started the process of painting. Oh dear.

I started with the dark blue and then started adding in a little white.

And the finished product!

A daily reminder, before I leave the house, that God is in control of everything that comes my way. I just have to be "still" and let Him control the winds and waves.

Psalm 46:10

"Be still and know that I am God."

Until we meet again, Fifi

Are you an artist?  Did you choose a special word this year?  I would love to hear your comments. Please let me know what your think by leaving your comment below.

Master Bath Remodel

It has been a little over a year since we decided to tackle our master bathroom remodel.  We took a wall down between two very small 80's bathrooms and made one nice sized master bath.  I can honestly say this was probably the biggest project we've ever done but the most rewarding by far. Every time I go in there I smile. I love my master bath. If I ever move I'm taking it with me. Seriously...where  I go it goes.  We had lots of help from family and friends and it took right around five months to do. Some of the project was hired but most was sweat equity. James' dad is the man! He totally gets props! That man is a workhorse.

The tile is a great color and I love that I can change the colors of the towels with the seasons.  Right now I'm using pumpkin colored towels and they pull out the orange in the tile.  I will switch those out right after Thanksgiving with Christmas colors. Last year I used red with aqua.

The pictures begin after demo. As you can see we took everything out totally down to the studs and put in moisture resistant drywall. Previously there was just regular dry wall. I hope you enjoy. 

James bartered for the tub and we refinished it. It is early 1900's and was originally a claw foot that has been converted to a pedestal tub.  We bought a reglazing, resurfacing kit from Lowe's and saved ourselves about $1500.00. (That price was quoted, pick up, reglaze and delivery.)  We did the work outside and I would highly recommend that.  If it ever needs it again we will have to move out for the weekend. The fumes are incredibly strong and I'm not sure we have enough ventilation to survive. The tub however, looks great and it has held up well. I bought the stool at Home Goods.

This cabinet is an apothecary cabinet from the original Lula Conrad Hoots Memorial Hospital in Yadkinville, NC. This cabinet has been used for a doll cabinet, dishes and now for towel storage.

 I like it best here. The basket was handmade by a special lady in Jamaica when James was there on a missions trip several years ago.

The tile is from Lowe's and is Castle Stone and the color is Harvest.

Winston Shower Door in Winston Salem installed the frameless shower enclosure.

http://www.winstonshowerdoor.com/

The plumbing supplies came from Hughes Supply and the small cabinets and mirrors were purchased at Home Goods. Rugs were purchased at Lowe's. Shelf in between mirrors was purchased at 

Garden Ridge. Apothecary jars are vintage and were given to my by my mom.

White, Seafoam green, brown and orange towels were purchased at Target.

(I've also used gray towels also from Target.)  

The wall where  the cabinet is sitting used to be the door to the hallway and is now closed in. Laundry basket and towel hook are from Hobby Lobby. I bought the wire locker basket at a shop in

 Blowing Rock, NC.  Starfish are from Anna Maria Island, Florida.  The lamp was purchased at 

Treasures Decor in Clemmons, NC.

http://www.treasuresdecorconsignments.com/.  Love, love, love this place. 

The vintage medicine cabinet came from James' grandparent's house.  I didn't paint it. Just cleaned it and James hung it on the wall. It was perfect just like it was. Some things are just best left untouched.

 This was one of them.

I hope you have enjoyed my "tour." It was sort of a 30th anniversary present to ourselves and we are enjoying it very much.   

We are incredibly thankful for family and friends who shared their talents by laying tile, finishing drywall, crown molding, electrical and for helping draw the plans to scale and of course James' dad for his day in and day out tireless effort in planning, scheming and overall good natured self and 

hard work. 

Until we meet again,

Fifi