a little of just being who you are

i wish i had the confidence to walk out the door looking like this.  to just be me and create my own art.  no worries of what others think.

always a smile and a laugh.  a pure joy for life and all that it encompasses.

with the ability to be silly but courageous enough to take that silly shot.  it might just turn out to be the award winning piece.

hidden treasures

this was my great grandmothers trunk.

don't you love the detail on the top?  it runs down the sides too and all along the bottom.  i won't lie it needs a little work, maybe a coat of black paint to cover up years of slight wear and tear, but overall it is in pretty good condition.

in my mind i placed it in our front room.  do you think it is to tall for the sofa?  it is the perfect finish to my rustic restoration hardware look of the room.

i also found these vintage suit cases and old military trunk.  i love the idea of decorating with old vintage stuff.  the top suitcase is a little on the stained and weathered side.  i can't decide if it is too stained for my taste.  after all i know that is part of the charm of this decorating idea.  what do you think?  for those of you who have decorated this way any tips on how to get the stains out of the straw like material covering the suitcase?

by the way found all of this in my grandmas basement.  amazing what cool things you find if you go basement diving on a thursday.

thanks mamaw!

lamp makeover

 i have been feeling not very crafty lately but finally got back into the swing with this find.  i found this beauty at a thrift store for $4.99.

i love it's chunky body.  it is less than beautiful right now but a little wood putty, some sanding and yes some  heirloom white spray paint. (i did spray primer on this lamp as well before painting it it's final color.  i wanted to make sure the wood did not start bleeding through the paint.  it took four coats of paint and two coats of primer to achieve my final look.

and you get this.

i bought the lamp shade at target and got it on sale for $13.99.  it looks a lot like a lamp that i have been eyeing in the pottery barn catalog, but for a lot less!

what i am learning is be patient and you will find unique things to complete your look. a room does not come together over night, but over time.

who's the puppy?

in these guys eyes i think both think each other is a puppy.  fun was to be had this weekend.  we ran around in the back yard together.  if kenzie sniffed, logan sniffed.  if kenzie licked the tree, logan licked the tree.

we ran in circles, laughed and barked.  overall we had a really good playtime.  whenever i feel tired from all the work two kids and two dogs create for me i will remember these moments.  it makes it all worth it.

kenzie grill

happy to report on this little lady we are making some progress.  i owe it to her to stick with this and get her socialized and a little less crazy. doggie xanex anyone? after all she has gotten me through a rough patch in my road.  we are bonding, she is getting into less trouble but it still is tempting sometimes.  she has learned that her bathroom is outside now and is generally adjusting well.  the barriers have come down off of the furniture. (hoping i don't regret this decision.)  she comes when called and even gives us a tail wag most of the time.  to achieve great things you have to put a little effort in or in her case a lot but we are getting there and we are so happy you are a part of our family.