British arrival at Marshalls

This ever so CUTE trunk caught my eye at Marshalls today.  Reduced to $39.99.
Wouldl make a great coffee table or end table with the obvious storage.  Wasn't actually painted but darn cute nonetheless.  I love just about anything with a British or French flag!!

Have a great weekend!

(WORD of the YEAR)

Whew - it's been a year since I started this blog (with all good intentions). 

Intentions:  I would design, decorate, re-purpose, re-do and show fabulous "after" photos like everyone else.  But, unlike everyone else, I didn't make it a priority or I may not be as talanted and instead put off projects for I'm not sure what (looking back.)

Goal: I had hoped the blog would be fun and motivating but instead I found it to be pressure and wasn't sure I could 'compete' with the real design pro's out there -- like Miss Mustard Seed who is my daily bible. :)

Anyway, word of the year = TODAY.  I will do something today because I have no reason not to -- as one quote goes -- "if not now, when?"  So I am going to try to be a more faithful blogger and hopefully have some ideas to share, or more likely ask for your input -- as in, what the heck should I do with this roadside discard?

Thanks for listening; linking to The Lettered Cottage WORD of the Year

Dresser: "Craig's List" BEFORE

Okay - I took a step and bought a dresser on Craig's List. 
I love looking at everyone else's before and afters.
And I am totally inspired.
Posting this means I have to follow through - correct?

Here is the picture from Craig's List -- when I pick it up, I will take new photos.
So here is the BEFORE:

Hopefully before 2012 I can post the "after".
I am thinking that creamy white.

Footstool: Before and (possibly) After

Okay, with inspiration from the Graphics Fairy -- I decided to attempt a footstool makeover.

Firstly, I recovered this footstool once already.  Thought it could look "better" or "cuter"....or?

Footstool Before



Plucked this graphic from the Graphics Fairy  Graphics Fairy :

One (well maybe 3 or 4) failed attempts at transfer:

After - wasn't sure I liked it so have only "pinned" the fringe for now:

 It's looking a little "dull" -- so thinking it needs maybe different fringe or another idea (sigh).

Followed all steps from 2 Vintage Sisters to create the transfer:  2 Vintage Sisters

Any input appreciated....

MARCH - so far a ROAR

Minneapolis - 2 degrees so far today.
Brrrrrr.
Looking forward to spring in 19? days.

I'd be happy with something in between.

How about you?
If you're in a four season climate -- what's happening?

It's Springtime Somewhere

Make that Napa Valley.
Spent President's Day weekend enjoying springtime, wine, olive oil and lavender.
What a special part of the world (and most particularly California).

One of 450 vineyards

Daffodils - just loved seeing them!

Pretty pink blossoms

Here's what you do with all those corks!

Happy Valentine's Day

Two of my favorite Valentine cartoons from The New Yorker magazine
Charles Addams, artist.
He was so clever.

Enjoy.