A Simple Project

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Earlier this summer, I found this pretty *vintage* planter at TJMaxx.  While the color was a lovely light shade of lime, I'm afraid it just wasn't working for me, BUT, the price was right, and I knew that I could have a bit of fun with it.   </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5Cauqq7xncVOKppcM8qXyv-dP2NE4NPFfiIUCHz7qokkcf0pxJEcFplcCh54drfIdh3brmBgIxQAiwU-iV_WPYe-X5NyuXITlR-q012hprVhyphenhyphenzTvYcx-YciM8TnyqgdL2mJ75MxDwg/s1600/boxb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5Cauqq7xncVOKppcM8qXyv-dP2NE4NPFfiIUCHz7qokkcf0pxJEcFplcCh54drfIdh3brmBgIxQAiwU-iV_WPYe-X5NyuXITlR-q012hprVhyphenhyphenzTvYcx-YciM8TnyqgdL2mJ75MxDwg/s400/boxb4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, this past weekend, I got to play with it!  Out came my sample jars of CeCe Caldwell's Seattle Mist, AS Old White and AS Pure White.  I then chose a simple, French image from the fabulous Graphics Fairy, and, once the paint was dry, transferred the image to the front of the planter.  Of course, I then had to rough it up a bit after it dried with fine sandpaper:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCK7AdaXLH_gc2Gj6eHGFFjjL_XHNZ8K74qNMBvbPXaHMeYkEO4Wh43yGS3egNiqruGV_QcCQSUfxCeKJV6GAkg6jitLM4GSMss3iHvGYV7OtJA74BQ2Z91Z4haTdyvKZeZSxvTMMZAQ/s1600/boxduring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCK7AdaXLH_gc2Gj6eHGFFjjL_XHNZ8K74qNMBvbPXaHMeYkEO4Wh43yGS3egNiqruGV_QcCQSUfxCeKJV6GAkg6jitLM4GSMss3iHvGYV7OtJA74BQ2Z91Z4haTdyvKZeZSxvTMMZAQ/s400/boxduring.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here is the <strong>AFTER</strong>!  I added a little burlap, pinecones and few seasonal picks to create a fun, Fall arrangment, which now sits on our dry bar!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJO7E24OQaHlizHn41Ritdb2q5oWlt-vg-3L16Yay8LjcsXkL_EtzcW1HbnmyoCjMk1_1_AscMeY1MA2MfmNIJmGjkdjBiEG-4VO5Y5llzdArxyN2SEOwrDbw6elWnEkvhsrJUVsnlLg/s1600/boxafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJO7E24OQaHlizHn41Ritdb2q5oWlt-vg-3L16Yay8LjcsXkL_EtzcW1HbnmyoCjMk1_1_AscMeY1MA2MfmNIJmGjkdjBiEG-4VO5Y5llzdArxyN2SEOwrDbw6elWnEkvhsrJUVsnlLg/s640/boxafter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Total cost for this project was <strong>$0.00(!),</strong> as I had everything I needed on hand!  Aren't those the best kind?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thanks for stopping by!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>Becca</em></strong></span></div>

A Simple Project

Earlier this summer, I found this pretty *vintage* planter at TJMaxx.  While the color was a lovely light shade of lime, I'm afraid it j...

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Adding Character

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we added the butcher block top to our island almost two years ago, the installer recommended that we add corbels for support.  I thought it would be fun to add farmhouse legs instead ... two years later, we FINALLY did it!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I found a great website, Osborne Wood Products ... they have several kinds of fabulous products at very reasonable prices!  I found just the style/size we wanted, and a few days later they arrived!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMi1lUhsg8fjOMrT-X1kDB9Uv8vpfaiSW_0Kdoz4_nOkp0cQ1Y425bbEq_ImefVNuIk8-3PNti9dqC2rCqLLrX9opZHa5UAtxZAWVoDSNaeHEZKkvtYG8xoeKUKc_vKHPjFimoHAVPOw/s1600/islandfarmlegsb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMi1lUhsg8fjOMrT-X1kDB9Uv8vpfaiSW_0Kdoz4_nOkp0cQ1Y425bbEq_ImefVNuIk8-3PNti9dqC2rCqLLrX9opZHa5UAtxZAWVoDSNaeHEZKkvtYG8xoeKUKc_vKHPjFimoHAVPOw/s400/islandfarmlegsb4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">All I had to do was paint a coat of AS Old White, followed by two coats of AS Chateaux Grey onto each leg ... added a bit of distressing and a layer of clear wax.  I then wedged them up under the butcher block ... added a bit of hot glue in between the legs and the butcher block top to secure them ... and, voila!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>AFTER!</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcQ8k1fwCneC6ocmgOibKmCK1ozCfR07SiFx_coBXTipAQV4tQLPh4tslTWJ1D4m6ieQuk-CzZ6S18n_ebi2GCbG1eZgzWtcMOD5UT-6qqXi9bJBdwsDwrF6o5hsMAxyjK1zykQexXA/s1600/islandfarmlegafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcQ8k1fwCneC6ocmgOibKmCK1ozCfR07SiFx_coBXTipAQV4tQLPh4tslTWJ1D4m6ieQuk-CzZ6S18n_ebi2GCbG1eZgzWtcMOD5UT-6qqXi9bJBdwsDwrF6o5hsMAxyjK1zykQexXA/s640/islandfarmlegafter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We love the character they add and how they contribute to the farmhouse feel!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's hard to believe that our island once looked like *this*:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6BBXGxKsO7GzOc5oA69PLVsFZTZWigakACsd4CEnLkLoNc9X9OzJ7QqOeKOgUO-KRYIqFYKmwp0pTiKRU51hLZc3FnFfO-eyFDYY0m3B9dXJTP-4v6YecXdkWLnyF43z6DtlMS5NMg/s1600/islandb42+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6BBXGxKsO7GzOc5oA69PLVsFZTZWigakACsd4CEnLkLoNc9X9OzJ7QqOeKOgUO-KRYIqFYKmwp0pTiKRU51hLZc3FnFfO-eyFDYY0m3B9dXJTP-4v6YecXdkWLnyF43z6DtlMS5NMg/s400/islandb42+(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Speaking of changes ... we're just about done with the kitchen refreshing!  AND, I've got a few little things planned for our breakfast area.  For a long time, I've wanted French Country chairs, but the prices have been a bit more than we wanted to spend.  This past weekend, we visited a fabulous store nearby called Primarily Pine ... they had EXACT chairs I've been looking for!  They're unfinished (which saved on the cost) ... all I have to do is stain the seats (Walnut) and paint the chairs either AS Old White or Pure White. Aren't they pretty?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-PP2raw0upR8t3u207sijYe3Z5KrEfj-PeU3jS-LemxurGBpPN3T9ontP-pTir68KsQWe54qT6uwSWmPE3ZYRDjMBWaiF67GqEkGLWtJlSYv2B8f4y6Ww2YWwm0RHIlo6l2D0p3hXg/s1600/newchairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-PP2raw0upR8t3u207sijYe3Z5KrEfj-PeU3jS-LemxurGBpPN3T9ontP-pTir68KsQWe54qT6uwSWmPE3ZYRDjMBWaiF67GqEkGLWtJlSYv2B8f4y6Ww2YWwm0RHIlo6l2D0p3hXg/s640/newchairs.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm envisioning a farmhouse table, these chairs and parsons chairs at the head of the table.  We'll see how it all turns out!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">One more project ... what do you think of this French fabric?!  I'm eventually going to add them to our dining room chairs.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_K8ytOWgJ1hyphenhyphenwjF49zhEGez83isUrvq6L6gaJqzif51Kec-gfHSxyQNRTkeXRpdyRCDJN45OPEYiCYFw46TsB1ky4HE5eiqy2wnsnrqRBVSG1JPKQ0-GrqcqLUVAlJ1SHee2NosB2Pg/s1600/chairfabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_K8ytOWgJ1hyphenhyphenwjF49zhEGez83isUrvq6L6gaJqzif51Kec-gfHSxyQNRTkeXRpdyRCDJN45OPEYiCYFw46TsB1ky4HE5eiqy2wnsnrqRBVSG1JPKQ0-GrqcqLUVAlJ1SHee2NosB2Pg/s640/chairfabric.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Just another day in my crazy life!  Happy Sunday, friends!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thanks for stopping by,</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm linking up with:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Savvy Southern Style/<a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/08/wow-us-wednesdays-81.html">WUW</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>Becca</em></strong></span></div>

Adding Character

When we added the butcher block top to our island almost two years ago, the installer recommended that we add corbels for support.  I though...

Read more »

Question of the Day

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How is it that this little project ...</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pAB0VvqaG6fcqB0HnTRNtz6DGgSuxcR84e50c4ZWt5VoqQ5Cd63RMJJ9l0X2E7MDy4lO6VU7FB-fDFGLvg4Oj6zsPT4q0u1UVVkHcRI32dJwkhyphenhyphenh0RinXQEmPHhFiaKJAzxTWuD2Ug/s1600/166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pAB0VvqaG6fcqB0HnTRNtz6DGgSuxcR84e50c4ZWt5VoqQ5Cd63RMJJ9l0X2E7MDy4lO6VU7FB-fDFGLvg4Oj6zsPT4q0u1UVVkHcRI32dJwkhyphenhyphenh0RinXQEmPHhFiaKJAzxTWuD2Ug/s640/166.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">turns into this project ...</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsc4KXIQAsECOfQEAD1aMCja3biobwJbKCrC8fd784VGDM-v4JkwqYqx8uKooN580UWDbY9IHQhRjp672AEbOmns_tFj3qH0a0zINRrXgow2ENcDCCYdVhr6vXS968VpLllY3HC3GoAw/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsc4KXIQAsECOfQEAD1aMCja3biobwJbKCrC8fd784VGDM-v4JkwqYqx8uKooN580UWDbY9IHQhRjp672AEbOmns_tFj3qH0a0zINRrXgow2ENcDCCYdVhr6vXS968VpLllY3HC3GoAw/s400/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">which turns into *this* project (I mean, it IS only natural for you to stop in the middle of painting to clean your cabinets out):</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQc6-zSXWgNJMbFqZRwOiOggGhspqXF6vWz0M-x_6DitK253YrKWioqjAo-6IUGAaPvQepgbb5QYqHbMQnvEE8VpZuYl942CbV2ZaA99xQfaSTOpgDrHJpbW16vjU-JWF99LQl2dbegQ/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQc6-zSXWgNJMbFqZRwOiOggGhspqXF6vWz0M-x_6DitK253YrKWioqjAo-6IUGAaPvQepgbb5QYqHbMQnvEE8VpZuYl942CbV2ZaA99xQfaSTOpgDrHJpbW16vjU-JWF99LQl2dbegQ/s640/005.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">which then leads me here?  LOL.  If you know the answer, I'm all ears!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITqX3Fwx81PFYfp7hJQNCmueMDOIueWKqlEi9IyMTYEtYNlTPuwr3ZycQKNb7TLNVUs_cA7rqIkkHXdJfD4kArFezB9KwFzdxXquDhRR5G4hXPtIPE7-rpccWcQPORFSQLluBifhy7g/s1600/patiohottub1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITqX3Fwx81PFYfp7hJQNCmueMDOIueWKqlEi9IyMTYEtYNlTPuwr3ZycQKNb7TLNVUs_cA7rqIkkHXdJfD4kArFezB9KwFzdxXquDhRR5G4hXPtIPE7-rpccWcQPORFSQLluBifhy7g/s640/patiohottub1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't wait to share my craziness that's been going on in the kitchen!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">How many projects are *you* in the middle of today?</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em><strong>Becca</strong></em></span></div>

Question of the Day

How is it that this little project ... turns into this project ... which turns into *this* project (I mean, it IS only natural for you to st...

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Before It's Over ...

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted to share our *summer* great room!  Annnd, to show a subtle change done earlier this summer.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVge7ytsi5ZXqIqJWitJkbOosmwJKx4YuFArHgvPNDSDQe7Q0nGC6cQVpb8ooi0JByrsz_c1rRXKJPrdIMQCWO_XDCs_59F1SGwzEof_kFsYMY0trSLWi2ROSUcFZ3roUynz3ubnpEQ/s1600/summergreatoverall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVge7ytsi5ZXqIqJWitJkbOosmwJKx4YuFArHgvPNDSDQe7Q0nGC6cQVpb8ooi0JByrsz_c1rRXKJPrdIMQCWO_XDCs_59F1SGwzEof_kFsYMY0trSLWi2ROSUcFZ3roUynz3ubnpEQ/s640/summergreatoverall.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Below is how our great room looked last Fall ... can you spot the little difference between then and now?  Yes, we lightened the walls ... yippee!  </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhAB8vkEZ6sVvloCIQZMg_mvbG0sc5xlaJXKiUXFPEjenysC5RzRiGeXYLCcoGD2QNSF2WYmWfC0qYsahNVZfj4aT-HyLZNl9HMh5XRx6Xf4aO14Ad2MDMcoGQx9BYqDyvadzQS-6eg/s1600/fallgreatentry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhAB8vkEZ6sVvloCIQZMg_mvbG0sc5xlaJXKiUXFPEjenysC5RzRiGeXYLCcoGD2QNSF2WYmWfC0qYsahNVZfj4aT-HyLZNl9HMh5XRx6Xf4aO14Ad2MDMcoGQx9BYqDyvadzQS-6eg/s640/fallgreatentry.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We (meaning, I) decided to paint the walls the same color as our dining and sitting rooms, which is BM's Manchester Tan.  Since our home is one big open floorplan, I thought it'd be a nice change to have them all the same color so that one room would flow into the other.  We're enjoying the change and will soon be carrying the same wall color into our kitchen/breafkast room, as well!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">While we're in here, I'll show you around our *summer* great room.  First stop, the buffet:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumcsQiwwsnqIQQ1DTAZUyBdq2Zq8eSb6l58oJc9LXkEi6coSGrI1_CgbCrHdjsipf3A_1rU3i2_WGa6kIo2coJP5k0u3lmcx0_v301HOy5UYKKQ3XZr_cr5OnIWNGEwyJJw-gqigw5Q/s1600/summergreatbuffet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumcsQiwwsnqIQQ1DTAZUyBdq2Zq8eSb6l58oJc9LXkEi6coSGrI1_CgbCrHdjsipf3A_1rU3i2_WGa6kIo2coJP5k0u3lmcx0_v301HOy5UYKKQ3XZr_cr5OnIWNGEwyJJw-gqigw5Q/s640/summergreatbuffet.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A small demijohn from TJMaxx:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7N56ZpoIx_hAsINaXFSs88qHyn723IsMTvbzomsDUOII4j8fDn0AfdkQtjiMZHy9msXCW5uq9JmdDWF4sBhZk9uBEmEMganvVBjBVJRArS8mhu7ANhFqSS4LC3toicrXksX-eaTrtjw/s1600/summergreatdemi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7N56ZpoIx_hAsINaXFSs88qHyn723IsMTvbzomsDUOII4j8fDn0AfdkQtjiMZHy9msXCW5uq9JmdDWF4sBhZk9uBEmEMganvVBjBVJRArS8mhu7ANhFqSS4LC3toicrXksX-eaTrtjw/s400/summergreatdemi.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3RBq7mn5su9CuXEDIKmQeJED3Jqvoi83ewpyUTJERyr80nkF0U7wjDgyJdxXRdYcsd3fvONcZWGm5-1fIpTqff-VV5GU8o2o5kWTJMydrxcmfVcQAVvqxkliUyWQIMYlY_hjo9VMMQ/s1600/summergreatbuffetclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3RBq7mn5su9CuXEDIKmQeJED3Jqvoi83ewpyUTJERyr80nkF0U7wjDgyJdxXRdYcsd3fvONcZWGm5-1fIpTqff-VV5GU8o2o5kWTJMydrxcmfVcQAVvqxkliUyWQIMYlY_hjo9VMMQ/s640/summergreatbuffetclose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A tall, inexpensive lamp and fun, vintage boat (both from Home Goods):</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fvq3IADrbUP3rCJ3rvoWA0nmvi0kg9-PsX6Q9RdUuqXbhIuxZ6z7haevHeqD_O5DYmzIZF48oDHf9VMPoyu8i98Ts9dd3YvG11jT0MaZRMRC5e7zG7ndYe4LJVpjL5wapSjX2EI6-g/s1600/summergreatbuffetship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fvq3IADrbUP3rCJ3rvoWA0nmvi0kg9-PsX6Q9RdUuqXbhIuxZ6z7haevHeqD_O5DYmzIZF48oDHf9VMPoyu8i98Ts9dd3YvG11jT0MaZRMRC5e7zG7ndYe4LJVpjL5wapSjX2EI6-g/s400/summergreatbuffetship.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A rustic anchor and oversized lantern frommmmm ... you guessed it, Home Goods!  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kJUlScdMeQvWkpXgN6bkRWb3UoC8WO45m6rDc4AhlM_rFQeScUI0Qpy7g1GkK402gstWKc0Arj9IbU790Dj7B5fN_Mv96rMGin8vS9rpRbdavIT0wYTWgQBYnM8kmcfJL3B61hgo1w/s1600/summergreatcandle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kJUlScdMeQvWkpXgN6bkRWb3UoC8WO45m6rDc4AhlM_rFQeScUI0Qpy7g1GkK402gstWKc0Arj9IbU790Dj7B5fN_Mv96rMGin8vS9rpRbdavIT0wYTWgQBYnM8kmcfJL3B61hgo1w/s400/summergreatcandle1.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course, in keeping with the nautical theme, I simply *had* to wrap the base of the candle with nautical rope, add a small starfish and layer a sea fan behind:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgui3fZ1cgj-hP_YsYymZeMZXbzPaaAgUjs7YEasnRluK5vXSpY2OHSKOh7zhyNA9GPs9_5Dzr4dOxPJFU5zDATUBiry8lx76AcY2S8X_Vyv4zSMWm6kZ_Qql1GiCzVr7b81cFV8Q9vFg/s1600/summergreatbuffetcandle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgui3fZ1cgj-hP_YsYymZeMZXbzPaaAgUjs7YEasnRluK5vXSpY2OHSKOh7zhyNA9GPs9_5Dzr4dOxPJFU5zDATUBiry8lx76AcY2S8X_Vyv4zSMWm6kZ_Qql1GiCzVr7b81cFV8Q9vFg/s640/summergreatbuffetcandle.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Up above, I found this beautiful piece of art at Home Goods (last year) and was glad I finally found a fun spot to hang it ... I love the serene feel and soothing colors in it:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROIDjGKxYvwsimFMou25K-XoHNh8ypDAsAP_wY615JvmQ5qBp2IiOCiGDoT6I0v0pUeuvc_A0LILd7OE9JKJbGaWsMHeZaBcMtgTcQpkjAzFsqkZg4CjW6LQMyJRUAyFFSfZZw4qi-Q/s1600/summergreatart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROIDjGKxYvwsimFMou25K-XoHNh8ypDAsAP_wY615JvmQ5qBp2IiOCiGDoT6I0v0pUeuvc_A0LILd7OE9JKJbGaWsMHeZaBcMtgTcQpkjAzFsqkZg4CjW6LQMyJRUAyFFSfZZw4qi-Q/s640/summergreatart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Come on over and sit a spell (if you can find some room in between the pillows)!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCte00lKYaB8ZYadKRYHtAamCmRWRkqWj0lioKMlmwTruL2oEebTfucSheUd1LFbctbpxuN9lYsVNm5u3nOP9qLqPuT1duQ3ozQumMcIuPjOQwwRaw7Vpq8-x_aOG_Vmu0JaCXlPmmA/s1600/summergreatoverall1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCte00lKYaB8ZYadKRYHtAamCmRWRkqWj0lioKMlmwTruL2oEebTfucSheUd1LFbctbpxuN9lYsVNm5u3nOP9qLqPuT1duQ3ozQumMcIuPjOQwwRaw7Vpq8-x_aOG_Vmu0JaCXlPmmA/s640/summergreatoverall1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pillow covers (from Pottery Barn) are pretty popular in our home.  I love being able to change out the covers to suit the season!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaERIa8acC0zSovY5BA_ZDrx7Gs53mbSq2h1GWH4xfttIYWeML9Om1rMZfhs8JThLLvH9CpT4PmUyouM8WB2GjU5Oxi2PBwhrTajZIPgqTN-jW6oCmMMr0jLvxqZI7h1feB_t9Cr6PMQ/s1600/summergreatpillows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaERIa8acC0zSovY5BA_ZDrx7Gs53mbSq2h1GWH4xfttIYWeML9Om1rMZfhs8JThLLvH9CpT4PmUyouM8WB2GjU5Oxi2PBwhrTajZIPgqTN-jW6oCmMMr0jLvxqZI7h1feB_t9Cr6PMQ/s400/summergreatpillows.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A simple vignette sits on the coffee table ... hmmm, *who* emptied the decanter?  Oops:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7f_2OXBgRlNQcL9klkj5KNwZESZqekPyUbeD1sazyk-bb98s7nWtxOw-Ex6kO11qM9ITL1AwccYvFB4c9B40mUeLod9srSGJoxaiN2kTe1vyCmfyU_mX-Nj9EK1m0IEw-VCXuIHV7Q/s1600/summergreatcoffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7f_2OXBgRlNQcL9klkj5KNwZESZqekPyUbeD1sazyk-bb98s7nWtxOw-Ex6kO11qM9ITL1AwccYvFB4c9B40mUeLod9srSGJoxaiN2kTe1vyCmfyU_mX-Nj9EK1m0IEw-VCXuIHV7Q/s640/summergreatcoffee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On our mirrored tables sit the brown lamps that were once on our dining room sideboard.  And, an inexpensive pot filled with faux fern leaves serves as a easy filler for that spot, too:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoKy3V_yRBi_Hau-_16i68nXE9a_icIYRKGWGtIx85T3aVQoTgjCVl7NCP92sRIHCtIPAJuGpNV_97TWRrGkLvq3ILhK1VLqdh4HLFI9oPQIvAKJaBsKoSgL7290K7QaWNwZooMdBVg/s1600/summergreatmirrortable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoKy3V_yRBi_Hau-_16i68nXE9a_icIYRKGWGtIx85T3aVQoTgjCVl7NCP92sRIHCtIPAJuGpNV_97TWRrGkLvq3ILhK1VLqdh4HLFI9oPQIvAKJaBsKoSgL7290K7QaWNwZooMdBVg/s400/summergreatmirrortable.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sp-EAKING of lamps, this little diddy by the sofa got a little makeover (pictured from last Fall):</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLlPqZemlLJMRyxlL2mAoBRN1XyfvtH-qhrHN5Vwzuk3nJBNoJMjaMYcE_R-RIWLx5c-ndQGXGx4WesdmrixSg4izm6bHJuLqROt6PislW5xra7ofpXhXwyjMSgYUB8Op2rCThgg85w/s1600/fallgreatlamp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLlPqZemlLJMRyxlL2mAoBRN1XyfvtH-qhrHN5Vwzuk3nJBNoJMjaMYcE_R-RIWLx5c-ndQGXGx4WesdmrixSg4izm6bHJuLqROt6PislW5xra7ofpXhXwyjMSgYUB8Op2rCThgg85w/s400/fallgreatlamp1.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No surprise that a bit of leftover Annie Sloane's Old White made its way over the gold:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbZCKhpMoEGlfsG3w63xbhU5LpCbvYEmwltgq1q2Gf1dtUte4YyeToAg1NTSZaCtLBsoB30L8jXZIOEoH9arC44rJTer-4ZXjgV332PiA_SlB5vA0lkPp9GuWyVVMTHTYv6tGqFDq-g/s1600/summergreatlamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbZCKhpMoEGlfsG3w63xbhU5LpCbvYEmwltgq1q2Gf1dtUte4YyeToAg1NTSZaCtLBsoB30L8jXZIOEoH9arC44rJTer-4ZXjgV332PiA_SlB5vA0lkPp9GuWyVVMTHTYv6tGqFDq-g/s400/summergreatlamp.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lastly, our summer, nautical mantel, which I already shared, but, since it's getting ready to lose its summer look, I thought I'd show it one last time:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneGIK0DA_QGYHINxsNL-98CF9BxG5LFOyrX1aDHySZSNnPQ1WFAGOalTm9WIehfQvcos6kjEISQs8w-ID9Ks5rn51aLfJdnE-RmfGzWckt0ROO6MAecZ8Ino9_V4jr385xEFiGiLbLA/s1600/summergreatfireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneGIK0DA_QGYHINxsNL-98CF9BxG5LFOyrX1aDHySZSNnPQ1WFAGOalTm9WIehfQvcos6kjEISQs8w-ID9Ks5rn51aLfJdnE-RmfGzWckt0ROO6MAecZ8Ino9_V4jr385xEFiGiLbLA/s640/summergreatfireplace.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't believe that in a few, short weeks, I'll be decorating for Fall, will you?!  In the meantime, I've gotten myself in a bit of trouble in the kitchen ... it's going to take awhile (along with pleading with talented neighbors for their carpentry skills since both John and I aren't doing too well in that department), BUT, I know I'm going to love the results ... stay tuned!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHJAtnmaM_e7qMc7rem7I4Co9FVwbMN9_fi3q1IBWFkWS-2HvUzIys1RKcKfqlN825yq5gdmkNkMQDM95MPhz9Y7Rg-E17XDQd1fS81VS6SZ_IjpWFbSPoyxpjGxvO1_3EyNz2lXiMw/s1600/bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHJAtnmaM_e7qMc7rem7I4Co9FVwbMN9_fi3q1IBWFkWS-2HvUzIys1RKcKfqlN825yq5gdmkNkMQDM95MPhz9Y7Rg-E17XDQd1fS81VS6SZ_IjpWFbSPoyxpjGxvO1_3EyNz2lXiMw/s640/bowl.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a fabulous weekend!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em><strong>Becca</strong></em></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>

Before It's Over ...

I wanted to share our *summer* great room!  Annnd, to show a subtle change done earlier this summer. Below is how our great room looked last...

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Thanks Again, BHG.com!

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Monday, friends!  I cannot believe that we're already at the end of July!  As much as I love Fall, I don't want summer to end just yet.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speeeeeaking of Fall ... I was be-YOND flattered (and dumbfounded) when the kind folks at Better Homes and Gardens recently contacted me to see if they could include another Fall mantel of ours as part of this year's Fall Mantel Decorating Ideas feature on their website!  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's our mantel from last year and what <a href="http://www.bhg.com/thanksgiving/decorating/fall-mantel-decorating-ideas/#page=2">BHG.com</a> had to say:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWvZ5hhAmqUjeoogPMNbO35Ypcs2dtyqkm6YCZJTuTLN3PKL0rOeSRjWEf5_pq4HDwiSW6fP6yvBeAggqB8svSvyzKQMYfv5Iryk-I45yZDa71nSwZOLAW-YEI7LVltiuH1B2oCnHNQ/s1600/fallmantelclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWvZ5hhAmqUjeoogPMNbO35Ypcs2dtyqkm6YCZJTuTLN3PKL0rOeSRjWEf5_pq4HDwiSW6fP6yvBeAggqB8svSvyzKQMYfv5Iryk-I45yZDa71nSwZOLAW-YEI7LVltiuH1B2oCnHNQ/s640/fallmantelclose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="heading2"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Welcoming Fall Mantel</strong></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>"Becca (adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com) combined rustic and vibrant elements on her fall mantel, using a metal-and-wrought-iron frame as a focal point for her design. A vintage wooden pheasant figurine, a red fall sign, and small gourds placed under a glass cloche to give her mantel pops of color. Creamy pumpkins, candles, and burlap-wrapped pitcher add to the design, and a garland made from fall-hue wooden </em></span><a href="http://www.bhg.com/topics/arts-and-crafts/beads.htm"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>beads</em></span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> strung together on picture wire adds a fun layer. The mantel gains a welcoming glow with light-up branches placed in a pitcher alongside faux florals, natural branches, and feathers."</em></span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm like a proud Mom seeing our little mantel included on their website! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you have a moment, you should take a peek at the other mantels they featured (click <a href="http://www.bhg.com/thanksgiving/decorating/fall-mantel-decorating-ideas/#page=2">here</a>) ... they are fabulous!  And, I'm sure you'll recognize quite a few of them!  Yes, I'm truly humbled to be in their company.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, again, thank you, BHG.com ... I'm not worthy, but sincerely appreciative!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em><strong>Becca</strong></em></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br />

Thanks Again, BHG.com!

Happy Monday, friends!  I cannot believe that we're already at the end of July!  As much as I love Fall, I don't want summer to end ...

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Free Shopping!

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Sunday!  It's that time again for "Let's Switch Things Up a Bit!" </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today's victim ... the dining room:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_XAAKD3kD4bctTLdsvKljVyuSBw0a9VbngSwdRhkf_5aT_uktRGimPgmDR_xW7Rd5JTj77p3DBm_Yjmya3vDVeU0ly3HVRq8iY6DbAXlBs5fO3dVM20a1BICBAV_GM7xF7HMhykLCQI/s1600/diningsummeroverall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_XAAKD3kD4bctTLdsvKljVyuSBw0a9VbngSwdRhkf_5aT_uktRGimPgmDR_xW7Rd5JTj77p3DBm_Yjmya3vDVeU0ly3HVRq8iY6DbAXlBs5fO3dVM20a1BICBAV_GM7xF7HMhykLCQI/s640/diningsummeroverall.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Newly painted lamps (AS Old White) that used to be green and in the great room now give the buffet a lighter look:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixg1hg1Hl-S7J6z5Gqbw0EqogvrhNpnABIPuyQ-cdy-hV7x1Eg5c7NBlManHqM4_18RDZOCk99rMUMiYvD75FFVp6IW5i2cjMl3RvRd5r1Abum6JpfGwtbnfM21Nb8dAyvTedoEXsp_FQ/s1600/diningsummersideclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixg1hg1Hl-S7J6z5Gqbw0EqogvrhNpnABIPuyQ-cdy-hV7x1Eg5c7NBlManHqM4_18RDZOCk99rMUMiYvD75FFVp6IW5i2cjMl3RvRd5r1Abum6JpfGwtbnfM21Nb8dAyvTedoEXsp_FQ/s640/diningsummersideclose.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A blue runner flew on over to the buffet ... it not only serves as a fun pop of color to contrast with our white pieces, but also helps to tie in with the blue plates on the shelves:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeK3XFogZ8lzaMY3-bD4ue22JxWjoBWIOut8hfDlLP8PWbW-byrtAodP7Gt7vIUKlFiDvEN_y6WggFRBgJKTOYjk2HBYi8jM2Jz0AF9G2hNv2NQ1OO7cpJTT5zv3k-OQRi2qNJTHPIZ60/s1600/diningsummerbuffet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeK3XFogZ8lzaMY3-bD4ue22JxWjoBWIOut8hfDlLP8PWbW-byrtAodP7Gt7vIUKlFiDvEN_y6WggFRBgJKTOYjk2HBYi8jM2Jz0AF9G2hNv2NQ1OO7cpJTT5zv3k-OQRi2qNJTHPIZ60/s640/diningsummerbuffet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's fun to shop your house to create new vignettes, isn't it?</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj265H0e1EFSqEW7xN3ANQOq4sm9QueT2aMo13oibGKQ83_fydJ53ZfdOxxF4c_i2KAX4wMw44-Lib07UiwDGsGexD3FmNqv7r6pm6CSR_ObrYFhQ-2B9ffdiegyNZugqShsozrNZELNkg/s1600/diningsummerbuffetclose1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj265H0e1EFSqEW7xN3ANQOq4sm9QueT2aMo13oibGKQ83_fydJ53ZfdOxxF4c_i2KAX4wMw44-Lib07UiwDGsGexD3FmNqv7r6pm6CSR_ObrYFhQ-2B9ffdiegyNZugqShsozrNZELNkg/s640/diningsummerbuffetclose1.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJ3_rO1-vi-_gqnTigZb7gYOeoHUVg62vJQw3nuG3GFrLcvup7d9e8m5E-Ol4xLBNjw9lPGN1USTbYsQQeMqKeXjAmSAwHQYvzmfZwaDKDxTJla9QOhTNlhWb-JRnhYisA7nyg4WCDA4/s1600/diningsummerbuffetclose2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJ3_rO1-vi-_gqnTigZb7gYOeoHUVg62vJQw3nuG3GFrLcvup7d9e8m5E-Ol4xLBNjw9lPGN1USTbYsQQeMqKeXjAmSAwHQYvzmfZwaDKDxTJla9QOhTNlhWb-JRnhYisA7nyg4WCDA4/s400/diningsummerbuffetclose2.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This glass cloche filled with yummy "faux" cheese, grapes and corks traveled on over from the dry bar in the breakfast area:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvAMuajgcbUkpK65dPi653Ghj-ZoEF2sohMwuAFRqCXC-qKad3XsPvwJ5b0GkNzEw8CVe_J-xVmFnNAlyOvC0ChQSCeEacoZgppYgTp55nBb1cqh9yUPDxz-F0v_hp32sZdopSEpXyY8/s1600/diningsummercloche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvAMuajgcbUkpK65dPi653Ghj-ZoEF2sohMwuAFRqCXC-qKad3XsPvwJ5b0GkNzEw8CVe_J-xVmFnNAlyOvC0ChQSCeEacoZgppYgTp55nBb1cqh9yUPDxz-F0v_hp32sZdopSEpXyY8/s640/diningsummercloche.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">... the engraved cheese knives from PB are still one of my faves:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2xQ22i-TMCytenmpJekWdjytjU6UuIes2TusClxeJp-z0uhIgQ4LShSKFJj2J9yOA2eL5-hul65071hEFfUvWJJDPtfShG1Lzxzx-O4lURvY-fCKtjTa828So8q-SZXdrul8T-xIAVo/s1600/diningsummerbuffetclose3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2xQ22i-TMCytenmpJekWdjytjU6UuIes2TusClxeJp-z0uhIgQ4LShSKFJj2J9yOA2eL5-hul65071hEFfUvWJJDPtfShG1Lzxzx-O4lURvY-fCKtjTa828So8q-SZXdrul8T-xIAVo/s640/diningsummerbuffetclose3.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over on the table, painted candlesticks (AS Old White) ...</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvrRtBNN64bQtBLKajTO1OfjRKDHNkuv61LnqTaIpAho-p9AV6dUSdgcQpsP6QctQizaZ1H43ZKQxj3IsQWswz8ZpcrOLUTR1K3xeqN7UhZmtaosABeVKDjP-MJehQwWqwWaGF21pc3Q/s1600/diningsummercandles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvrRtBNN64bQtBLKajTO1OfjRKDHNkuv61LnqTaIpAho-p9AV6dUSdgcQpsP6QctQizaZ1H43ZKQxj3IsQWswz8ZpcrOLUTR1K3xeqN7UhZmtaosABeVKDjP-MJehQwWqwWaGF21pc3Q/s640/diningsummercandles.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">A dainty pitcher filled with faux florals:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSo73ZVuTnjFbnoK2-Q0PHnyQxvlgCwhl7vmLQIV92mRoCDwq2vlr0mQ6JEyrObmUaxjVum1jxw7QU5Ke77KnNTmjBeiSNfL6afE5TOLy3Kypt0BIvMmJpFvET8TTiMPiVgGuKoFUIck/s1600/diningsummerfloral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSo73ZVuTnjFbnoK2-Q0PHnyQxvlgCwhl7vmLQIV92mRoCDwq2vlr0mQ6JEyrObmUaxjVum1jxw7QU5Ke77KnNTmjBeiSNfL6afE5TOLy3Kypt0BIvMmJpFvET8TTiMPiVgGuKoFUIck/s640/diningsummerfloral.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">annnnd, a fleur-de-lis dish:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmr-n31HCDDn2W_im2cfW_1-L-kMRDpJH2d-YUZ3Huiqi3XmSpUX2BR-nd9VludSoM6hFLXR3HMdQsGwGB16t0TqnXdCMNyB5YRZ9WbNkMWSzejpNk8neqK81lN9P4m5_uDaq8h1ophI/s1600/diningsummerbowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmr-n31HCDDn2W_im2cfW_1-L-kMRDpJH2d-YUZ3Huiqi3XmSpUX2BR-nd9VludSoM6hFLXR3HMdQsGwGB16t0TqnXdCMNyB5YRZ9WbNkMWSzejpNk8neqK81lN9P4m5_uDaq8h1ophI/s320/diningsummerbowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">help to create another simple vignette:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZ1eM0ZQ1ITbI-4_L0gAJRrsmHYiw50VWEdg9MbTTIfbiC6PjEFp5aLdT-pUSdR8fQb4LHHEzRqIBUpCZyVzHhnNg_-XvNQ3T1N0XB79tK0uCW34buYLvdQW7rt5Pnr6DhA0WdSuJIj4/s1600/diningsummertable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZ1eM0ZQ1ITbI-4_L0gAJRrsmHYiw50VWEdg9MbTTIfbiC6PjEFp5aLdT-pUSdR8fQb4LHHEzRqIBUpCZyVzHhnNg_-XvNQ3T1N0XB79tK0uCW34buYLvdQW7rt5Pnr6DhA0WdSuJIj4/s640/diningsummertable.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I suppose the *only* drawback to shopping your house is that it leaves lots of empty spaces that need to be filled in in other places ... oops!  Time to shop the house some *more* I suppose ... what a <strike>vicious</strike> fun cycle!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMa-miI0TNUhOU6qa2O8Ifc7XsmRidPhCFLZ1jgBPFR13iCaScmA-FWfl-dChHE0vyVRGiQ-jTILd1VkzrKayNGdhHFs7W9NtUrFbR18wZKdiVuzpY9E8MKye3tuSLdPbmswgzn1H4YC0/s1600/diningsummerside1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMa-miI0TNUhOU6qa2O8Ifc7XsmRidPhCFLZ1jgBPFR13iCaScmA-FWfl-dChHE0vyVRGiQ-jTILd1VkzrKayNGdhHFs7W9NtUrFbR18wZKdiVuzpY9E8MKye3tuSLdPbmswgzn1H4YC0/s640/diningsummerside1.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sooo, just which rooms are *you* shopping today?!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thanks for stopping by,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm linking up with:  </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">DIY by Design/<a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/2012/07/sizzle-into-summer-its-party-75.html">Sizzle into Summer</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">French Country Cottage/<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/07/feathered-nest-friday_19.html">Feathered Nest Friday</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thistlewood Farms/<a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/all-about-color">All About Color</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>Becca</em></strong></span></div>

Free Shopping!

Happy Sunday!  It's that time again for "Let's Switch Things Up a Bit!"  Today's victim ... the dining room: Newly pai...

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I love Rum Cake!

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Friday !!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm keeping this short and sweet, but wanted to share something that we've wanted to do for a long time ... we </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*finally* got new carpet!  </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>BEFORE:  </strong>Not *too* bad ... in PICTURES!  But, up close ... it had a much different story to tell!  Trust me!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgaQS4b-22RbE14mdOamT-KH7GiaSSPQoPumcn6cB01d51f9nH0quikXsJLJfmserNwWJ5qadvevKzavZQ2HKYfrDn2weOlrv2aa1INT7r7OdKXCWLxpuMFF6DU5WNi_05_WVDJ3_51E/s1600/masternewchandie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgaQS4b-22RbE14mdOamT-KH7GiaSSPQoPumcn6cB01d51f9nH0quikXsJLJfmserNwWJ5qadvevKzavZQ2HKYfrDn2weOlrv2aa1INT7r7OdKXCWLxpuMFF6DU5WNi_05_WVDJ3_51E/s640/masternewchandie.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>DURING:  </strong></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Goodbye boring, flat builder-grade carpet filled with pet stains, kiddo stains, food/drink stains annnnd, yes, paint stains (not to mention lots of pink undertones, which I never truly noticed until after seeing this picture)!  </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqkh5MjLB24dzhkQdjKPdN2XQreZiMWDDr4Xj9_kGWejOKrZLx02FK5Xe_rhhcUdWZb2chqRG411Q6bIbBepk_IFOAZyOET34pa1h95klBshIsGLGeNtqcWCsJqxkHR7xrXkXhbhvlGY/s1600/masterold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqkh5MjLB24dzhkQdjKPdN2XQreZiMWDDr4Xj9_kGWejOKrZLx02FK5Xe_rhhcUdWZb2chqRG411Q6bIbBepk_IFOAZyOET34pa1h95klBshIsGLGeNtqcWCsJqxkHR7xrXkXhbhvlGY/s640/masterold.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>AFTER:</strong>  Well, hello Mohawk SmartStrand Silk "Rum Cake" carpet!  The fine folks from Lowe's installed it for us, and we couldn't have been more pleased with the installers' promptness, skill and professionalism.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDsKwPTLhYQaHmwBOrqkXns0HygTHQqznDmpCMGC5FydQ-usT2opeHio59HD6WCgzLKJzBkyxcpwfpy42wnk68MEoXjZT9NvOoA49r8lAk-22Mhm0-Avtry5-WcF5pZedzd27Anb_R7E/s1600/masterafterrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDsKwPTLhYQaHmwBOrqkXns0HygTHQqznDmpCMGC5FydQ-usT2opeHio59HD6WCgzLKJzBkyxcpwfpy42wnk68MEoXjZT9NvOoA49r8lAk-22Mhm0-Avtry5-WcF5pZedzd27Anb_R7E/s640/masterafterrug.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I LOVE how lush and semi-shaggy this carpet is ... the padding is nice and thick, too!  Our Dyson is not quite sure what to do with carpet that it doesn't glide over ... it actually has to work now!  LOL  </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgPsK1y6YFAneHs2EPIgPgiepWAlWv-EG_GpFbaUm9BeKXRk-6ZWk1NYdVjefaN-s-Yru-Babg9-gZq470nkJClSY3fTc9CU6cIm1bWNoJUFTGeSXQFKWhTdDA4fJf2i4BaH3IC1BCfI/s1600/masterrugclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgPsK1y6YFAneHs2EPIgPgiepWAlWv-EG_GpFbaUm9BeKXRk-6ZWk1NYdVjefaN-s-Yru-Babg9-gZq470nkJClSY3fTc9CU6cIm1bWNoJUFTGeSXQFKWhTdDA4fJf2i4BaH3IC1BCfI/s640/masterrugclose.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also had Jax's bedroom and "guest room turned playroom" done in this carpet, as well.  Our 4th bedroom (which is John's office) is hardwood.  Yes, this was definitely a "why didn't we do this years ago" project !!  I'm sure many of  you have those types, as well!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7m93IqFzGppxsFfHs2rn3sXGGMkENCA6Di-RuXN_c3P2jvj7oLgMB77pjL6qKjpke6wG3lOVtrfxoGKWw5QRC640bSwo4SZjEVy1gSc2KYHh0Ae625svFNt028zbXI0qaxfrdhlniEM/s1600/masternewcarpet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7m93IqFzGppxsFfHs2rn3sXGGMkENCA6Di-RuXN_c3P2jvj7oLgMB77pjL6qKjpke6wG3lOVtrfxoGKWw5QRC640bSwo4SZjEVy1gSc2KYHh0Ae625svFNt028zbXI0qaxfrdhlniEM/s640/masternewcarpet.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you all have a great weekend.  I'm going to go roll around some more on the new carpet!  LOL</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>Becca</em></strong></span></div><br />

I love Rum Cake!

Happy Friday !! I'm keeping this short and sweet, but wanted to share something that we've wanted to do for a long time ... we  *fin...

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