Finally - steps we can walk on.

Over the past year my huband and I have been living with endless mud and clay that inhabits our yard.  We had our crumbling sidewalk and "take your life in your hands" steps leading up to our home replaced with stamped concrete.  It is a work in progress - still, but I am sooo looking forward to the landscaping that will come soon.  I love this part of planning - I love planning out the yard, what plants I will use, etc.  (my daughter Cassondra is posing for this pic)



Needs some railings - soon!



Please - plant some flowers!

Had to dig up my side garden - sad.

Ok - now I can envision - something.





Much prettier with the sealer on.

Thanks for visiting today.

ttfn

StoneGable Mikasa Giveaway

Stop by Yvonne's site StoneGable for her fabulous post on the Mikasa Giveaway till June 29. 

No Sew Seat Cushion Covers

Well the day has come.  I just couldn't stand looking at my sorry looking seat cushions any longer.  I love the fancy fabric covered ones, but I wasn't keen on spending the money for the expensive ones.  So, I had some left over fabric from a valance, and ta da, beautiful seat cushions again!  Here's what you need:


1)  Leftover (or newly purchased) fabric of your liking

2) old, tired seat cushions

3)  An iron

3) Scissors

4) HeatnBond (super strength)

Place your seat cushions on fabric (fabric is inside out) and cut around shape of cushion, leaving a 1"-1 1/2" hem.  Place heat and bond between the folded layer on each side, leaving the opening unhemmed.  Heat set on each side with a hot iron.  Fold over the fabric at the opening to create a hem.  Place heat and bond between the layer to create a neat hem.  Turn the cushion inside out and place the cushion inside.  Now you have a clean hem to seal shut.  Place heat and bond between the hemmed opening and seal shut.


And, voila!  You have fabulous, newly covered cushions!

Thanks for visiting.


ttfn

Beautiful frenchy table

You have to check out this absolutely beautiful table over on Nan's site "You Could Make That".  Absolutely stunning - and she tells you step by step how she did it.  Below is the graphic (and a pic of the table she did) if you would like to use it.

International giveaway

Cedar Hill Ranch: Rose Garden Tea and a GIVEAWAY

Cedar Hill Ranch: Rose Garden Tea and a GIVEAWAY

Table redo

I recently found an adorable table on Craigslist.  I only paid $25 for the table.  I liked the legs and the little finials under the top of the desk part of the table and I immediately knew I wanted to paint it black.  I used Rustoleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover 2x in Semi Gloss Black.  I really like the way it came out.   Here are the before and after photos.  

And leaving on one last pic - a beautiful shot of one of the peony's in my garden; they are one of my favorite flowers.

ttfn

Free Digital Image

I'm so inspired by these beautiful burlap sack tutorials and giveaways that I have a free image to be used anyway you please.  Wouldn't this be beautiful transferred onto burlap and framed, or on a burlap pillow or even runner; the possibilities are endless.  If you'd like I can also email the image to anyone who would like it as an attachment.

Enjoy.

ttfn

Ivy Cottage Giveaway

Burlap feedsack giveaway!  These popular burlap sacks are being given away by Amanda over at The Ivy Cottage.  How much fun would it be to create some great items from these sacks.

Some great finds...

I found the deal of the century today.  I picked up this adorable children's chair for $10 (a Craigslist find).  I think I am going to put a padded seat on it where the caned one was.  Great little chair and its sturdy.

The next find was bought off my sister Cindy  - all for $120.00!  A dining set with buffet and two end tables.  This is one solid piece of furniture (cherry), beautiful dovetailed joints.  I can't wait for my delivery of Annie Sloan Chalkpaint and use it on this piece.  Stay tuned for the reveals.

Coffee filter lampshade..

You have to check out this adorable lampshade that Liz Marie posted to her blog.  She made the lampshade covering out of coffee filters, yes, coffee filters.  It's just too cute.  I see one being made for my daughter's room - soon.

ttfn

"French Pillows"

I came across these parisian inspired pillows while doing a search on Google.  I think I'm in love with them!  I am about to repaint our living room and I do not have an idea of how I want to decorate, but I think these pillows may have to make an appearance!  At only $24.00 at Dillard's - I could order online and have them in no time.  I thought you might enjoy seeing these gorgeous pillows.

Have a great day!

ttfn

Some of my favorite things....

It's rainy here today... uggh!  I am sick of the rain already - we've had enough.  I am getting ready to paint my living room and while moving some things I got some inspiration to post some of my favorite things.  


Below is a pic of a great find!  I purchased this set of 5 dessert dishes ($15.00) at an antiques center in Ithaca while on my honeymoon (visiting the wine trail in Western NY).  I love the pattern etched into the glass.

This little chunky horse - my husband has had it forever.  I love it because its chunky, whimsical, I love vintage things and I LOVE horses.

My husband and I inherited these from my mother-in-law after she passed.  I love these little (what I think are sugar holders) vessels!  They are so intricate and dainty.  The Nippon one is my favorite.

And my alltime favorite!  My mother's handpainted tea set.  Yes, she painted it.  It reminds me of how talented she was in ceramics.  I have a coffee pot, teapot, a sugar, creamer and salt & pepper that matches this.  I love that she painted it and bestowed it upon me.  Each time my mother comes over I know when she sees it on the buffet she smiles.

A great find (purchased from my brother-in-law) - a bookcase (stacking).  I love this piece and the metal elements on it.  Each unit has its own glass-covered compartment.

An last, but not least, my inherited Boyd's Bears; another gift from my mother-in-law (all 19 of them).  I love the collection she left us.  I never collected Boyd's Bears, but they are all whimsical and adorable.  This one is my favorite - why - can you guess?  Yes, because "I Am The Queen".  haha.  I am the queen of my household (smile).  

Have a delightful and blessed weekend!

ttfn