Living Room Project

So, it started with the idea that we needed new paint on the walls...notice that in the pics below, there is white patching compound on LOTS of surfaces. Then, it blossomed into one project quickly following another. I purchased a chair in the IKEA "as is" department and recovered it; made tons of pillows and "aged" the fireplace. 

As you can see, the walls still are not done. We cannot decide on a color - there are just too many!

At least the sofa looks comfy now, full of pillows to flop on!

And I love my bargain chair from IKEA.......

My favorite Valentine's Day decoration is the pillow - I just love it! Had to make one for my mommy, too!

Weekend Warriors

So this was my weekend to see how much I could accomplish. I had paint to select, walls to patch, not to mention, the several crafts left half finished, scattered throughout the house. Needless to say, on Sunday evening, I sit with much still left to check off the list. Is it my imagination, or has the "to do" list grown? 

I spent some time organizing (yes, I have a sickness - I organize, then I reorganize, and somehow in a few weeks, I'm organizing that same area again), but it was like a treasure hunt. I found fabric that I forgot I had, I found extra paint for all those little "repurpose" projects I'm working on, and I even uncovered beads and stencils (which I will put to good use tomorrow). The sewing machine will be in overdrive this week, and I promise to get those pillows for the boys' rooms finished and posted this week! 

I even found some time to "browse" ideas for the office/crafting space. Oh, I can't wait to get started on this room! First things first, though. The paint must go! I look at the walls now, and think to myself, WHAT was I thinking?

Can I turn my mismatched cluttered area into something like this......??? Well, hopefully so.........

                                                              Very clean and simple

                                               The creamy color on the walls is very calming

                         Probably a little too much for my space, but still so much fun!

                                             This is incredible ~ I'd feel like I was in a dream!

So, we'll see what happens. I'm off to the races tomorrow morning, to dig through paint chips and existing furniture that could find a new home elsewhere in the house.

~ Hearts A Flutter ~

So, Valentine's Day is approaching, and even though I am in a house full of boys and have to gear my card shopping to a less frilly state, I still gravitate to the beautiful, flowery, lacey cards, decorations, etc. 

I just loved these cards ~ 


Just loved the metallic tones and contrast paper ~

The scrapbooking queen in me, absolutely loved this one ~ 

And this is just too cute! ~

Stepping into a whole new world ~ just love this! 
                                        What kid wouldn't be delighted to sit here?

And then there's the beauty of flowers ~ Oh, I love them so!!!!!

What a darling bedside arrangement!

Love the use of the trifle bowl!

Here's hoping we all find beauty to surround ourselves with!

Our New Bar

This used to be an office armoire - you know the kind that allows you to work on your computer, and then shut the doors and your office "disappears?" Well, I thought it needed another purpose. So, we now have a bar.....

 Underneath the fabric, I've stored some of our family games. (This is where the old file cabinet is).

Words to Live By......

A long time ago, I saw plates like these hanging in a restaurant, and I thought to myself, "what a cute idea." Well, I decided that I would try my hand at making some of my own.

Let it Snow!

We just returned from taking our boys on the Polar Express train ride in Northern Arizona. Just like in the book, my children stood amazed in front of this huge black train, arriving at the station. Mouths hanging open, eyes wide and giddy with glee, they jumped up and down, the anticipation getting the best of them. Once we boarded, my husband and I were barraged with questions, "how much longer?" "when do we leave?" "is the train moving yet?"

We took off from the station after what seemed forever for them, and glided through the night air, arriving at the "North Pole," to see Santa and Bernard checking the sleigh over, checking the list, and stuffing the MASSIVE bag of toys on the back of the sleigh. The boys jumped up to see Santa outside of the train. We slowed to a stop at the end of the rail, and started moving in the opposite direction - to get a glimpse of Santa again - but he wasn't there. Chef Jon announced that he would check in with the conductor, and then told the children, "Santa has boarded the train." Before I knew it, my youngest was shouting out, "Mom, mom, Santa - look!" And there he was, arriving in the train car, greeting children and handing out a bell to each child. He says to my oldest son, "Remember, as long as you believe, you will hear the bell." I nearly cried. It was awesome! 

My children are now "officially" ready for the merriest time of year. We have a few more days of school, and then we are going to enjoy family time together, remembering the reason for the season, opening our hearts to receive the love and peace of Christmas. 

I have been inspired by this adventure, to create some "snow" in my home. Keep checking in to see where the white flurries turn up next.

Potato Chip Cookies

So I have to admit, there's no way on earth I can eat just one of these. I remember sitting in my grandmother's kitchen, helping her crush potato chips, thinking to myself, "How is that ever going to taste good?" But lo and behold, here we are, many moons later, and I've passed on my desire to nibble away at this tin of cookies to my little boys. Their faces, dusted in powdered sugar bring a smile to my face every time! Enjoy.....

1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1 teasponn vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup crushed potato chips

Mix all your ingredients together and roll into small balls. Flatten them with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for about 11 minutes.