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.

Is this not the CUTEST flower vase ?

I've been in antique stores and flea markets since the 1970's.
This has got to be one of the cutest vases - and I've never seen one like it.
Thought I would share.
It's below zero in Minnesota and something about just looking at flowers helps.

I've been working on my first (to post) "Before and After".
I've got the "Before" part down pat.
The "After" is giving me some trouble.
Hope to remedy and post and exclaim Ta-Da! I can do this, too.
We'll see, stay tuned.......

Stuck on "TP" Holders ? Okay, not really.

But here is another idea from the Bachman's Idea house.  This hung over the toilet.  Didn't think when I started this blog, I would have (2) posts on toilet paper holders, but there you go.  This is cute.

Score! Vintage Aquarium "TP" Holder

Bachman's Idea house.  If you are lucky enough J to live in the Minneapolis area (or not) - this "house" was the former Bachman family homestead; and (4) times per year (changes seasonally), it is an "idea house" featuring vintage and re-purposed finds.  I am only taking credit for having purchased this item; and well, photographing it.  It made it's way from the Idea House to the Bachman main store (fabulous floral/nursery) and finally to the "sale" area where I paid 1/2 price (@$32) and felt great about that.  Ever since seeing it, I had been hunting for an aquarium similar and short of buying something 'new' at Petco, I just waited.  Just need the sticky dots and it will be put it into use.  Disclaimer: No fish were harmed in making the transition.

Goodbye January

You were white, peaceful, calming but a tad cold, even for this Minnesotan.  But each day that passes we will get closer to this.

My Happy Bowl

Call my crazy, call me madcap.

I love this bowl because it makes me happy.

Yes, life is simple.

There it was sitting on a crowded shelf at the thrift store.

Literally begging me to take it home, but it didn’t have to beg.

It’s happy color spoke to me and even if I paid $2.99 – in my mind, I stole it.

Okay, just looking at it makes me happy (see first line above).

Pyrex is simple, sturdy, useful, happy and has survived the test of time.

Everyone must have a piece of Pyrex in their household – what’s your favorite?

My new blog

My first goal for 2011 is underway. I have created a blog. I hope it will be a source of fun, inspiration and motivation.