Nightstand transformation

As long as I've lived in this house -- 23 years -- I have used the nightstand that I had as a teen and an end table on either side of my bed in my master bedroom. It honestly didn't matter to me since not very many people see my upstairs. However, the end table never really worked as it only had one small drawer and so everything else spilled to the top of it and I often had no room for my necessities -- water bottle, sleep machine and book.

So, when two nightstands suddenly appeared for a price beyond belief at a recent house sale, I told my husband to grab them! They are a little larger than I wanted and the style wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but the price was right and I knew I could transform them. So, with the magic of Annie Sloan chalk paint, I transformed them into exactly what I wanted.
Here's the before. (Excuse the blurred focus -- it was dark and I took it with an old iPhone).

And, the after.

I decided to keep the wood top because I liked the look of the planked wood. I love using chalk paint because there is no need for any prep. I simply washed it inside and out with a mild soap and water, let it dry and then painted. I used Olde White. It's a color I've used on many pieces. Then I distressed it by sanding it in spots and added the Annie Sloan clear wax. Done!
Sharing at Between Naps on the Porch.

Spring in full bloom

After quite a lazy start, we finally have spring. And, I have a beautiful new wreath to celebrate it!

I received two incredible silk forsythia wreaths from a sister company of commercialpalmtrees.com, a website that sells artificial palm trees. If Commercial Palm Tree's product quality is anything like the quality of this wreath, I have to give them a thumbs up! This wreath is gorgeous.

Forsythia has always been one of my favorite spring flowers. So, when we moved into our home more than 20 years ago, it was one of the first bushes I planted. Now, I can clip it for my tall vases around my house. I always thought of making a wreath from the fresh flowers, but I decided it would end up leaving a mess at my front door. This wreath is the solution -- leaving no mess and just a reminder that spring is FINALLY here!

I hung the other wreath in my kitchen to add a touch of color (and spring) to the area. I am really loving it and may decide to keep it there yearround (except Christmas time).

If you wish to purchase products at Commercial Palm Trees sister company, Silk Plants Direct, you can use the code BLOGGER10 to receive a 10% off discount on all products except custom orders.

Disclosure: These wreaths were received as a sample in exchange for an honest, unbaised review. The opinions on this blog are 100% my own. No monetary compensation was received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Spring Hiking

Early spring is quickly becoming my favorite season especially to go hiking. Crisp, cool air without bugs; splashes of bright green among the brown and no crowds. Yesterday my son suggested we go for a hike, right in the middle of our work day (both my husband and I work out of the house). Since we rarely take the opportunity to get away during the day except to walk our dog, we took him up on his offer and we were happy that we did. We went to Bacon Ridge, a rather new trail near our town. It's a mountain bike path and a hiking trail so I imagine that during the weekends it might get a little crowded, but a Monday afternoon proved to be a blissful escape with a few bikers and hikers sprinkled here and there.

Enjoy spring!

Adding a touch of spring

I fell in love with this gorgeous Veranda Garden Wreath* from PermaLeaf® and couldn't wait to hang it! With Valentine's Day behind us, I needed to add something add a touch of spring so why not start at the front door?

I honestly didn't know what to expect when I selected the wreath online; it looked beautiful in the photo and when it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised at its quality and beauty. The colors are rich and the depth of textures really make this wreath stand out from others I've seen. I'm so happy with it!

I've been slowly adding other touches of spring (and Easter) around the home, here and there in the living room, kitchen and family room.

Living room mantle and piano top:

Family room mantel and antique dresser top:

And, one last look at this lovely wreath:

*I received the wreath at no charge, but all opinions are mine. My thanks to PermaLeaf® for sending me this free wreath in exchange for an honest review. Visit http://www.permaleaf.com/ to see more of their products. You can also visit them on social media at Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

Is it too early for Valentine's Day?

I think not. It's always been sad for me to take down and put away all of my Christmas decor. So, I can't wait until the next holiday (which happens to be Valentine's Day).
So, just some simple decorations for the day we celebrate love...

A little ribbon heart I made a while back adorns the living room mantle. And below, a store-bought sign when you enter my house and a sweet vintage heart hangs on my lamp on the entryway table.

A friend of mine made me this little quilt and it adds just the right pop of color to my white and gray family room.

Finally, hugs and kisses on the mantle. Happy Valentine's Day (a little early)!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

We had our first snowfall here and it was just enough to make it seem like it really is the Christmas season. My home got a light dusting of Christmas, too. I didn't go overboard like I usually do, but here are my favorite areas: First, up: the living room:

I apologize for the lighting on the following pictures, but if I wait for a sunny day, these will never get posted. I should have taken them all at once because the lighting was really good for the ones in the living room. Oh well, lessons learned.

Second: Little vignette in the hallway:




















The Kitchen:
I love this window sill, but since we've added the screened porch, the light doesn't come through as much and it's not as spectacular as it once was with the sun shining through the blue bottles. It still makes me smile while doing dishes, though. I love that I have everything in my yard to clip -- the holly and pine, that is. Flowers are from Trader Joes.

Family room: I haven't really moved beyond this point with my decorations. Slowly, but surely!

Notice the shiplap on the wall. P.S. It's not "real" shiplap. Post about that to come. Well, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all just in case I don't get back here before that!

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday; click here

Happy Thanksgiving ..Grateful for so much!

So, my friend Cassie inspired me to share what I am grateful for. If you haven't read her blog, you must! It's one of my favorites. She is very talented: designing, painting and writing. I thought I had energy -- she blows me with her enthusiasm for life. Find her blog here.
And, I am grateful for ...

1. My family. They are the best and I'm sad that my two oldest live far from me. Well, my middle son is only 3 hours away, but still.
2. My beautiful and amazing new daughter-in-law. She is one special person and we are so happy to have her as part of our family.
3. That I will become a grandma next year. Woo hoo!
4. My new dog, Maisie. We adopted her from Turkey. and she is aMaising (get it?)

5. That we could hold a beautiful, meaningful and fun wedding in our back yard (you will see the results in future posts).
6. I am just plain grateful. Happy Thanksgiving!!!