What Is It ...

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, one of the items on my "to do" list this year is to go through my bazillion pictures and either delete them or save them to a thumb drive so that I'm not suffocating my "C" drive anymore!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I was doing so, I came across this picture of our dry bar from Fall 2010 ... notice the warm and darker colors splashed around ... the "tuscan" feel ... the "wine" vignette ... the warm, maple cabinets.  Back then, I could've never imagined wanting a lighter color palette.</span><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbi8c47xenaJHyELWmheBUzbXt2URzNWgBGC27bREZaIjKc8HVQRQkQjgeHcWtr_uNAwRqNPKaDIOQgoh-rnA1Q8QoJgx3s052o2bmvkmbbIdaxgR00lq-YIBu7maUNOdb359TXFy8Xys/s1600/winebar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbi8c47xenaJHyELWmheBUzbXt2URzNWgBGC27bREZaIjKc8HVQRQkQjgeHcWtr_uNAwRqNPKaDIOQgoh-rnA1Q8QoJgx3s052o2bmvkmbbIdaxgR00lq-YIBu7maUNOdb359TXFy8Xys/s400/winebar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Especially using almost ALL lighter pieces ... such as this:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nzrOacWFKnL7aTbiDj6V70TON5yhkXEPEVC_xTjbjocuZOffl0cvX7blyY4TGikraN-8QT_CFpU5kP61w1k2ElunAUtH5bzad7m0_1SGNwGc1YvVYUJxKyzeUgHECEUyfLYYeqgZsJA/s1600/drybarsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nzrOacWFKnL7aTbiDj6V70TON5yhkXEPEVC_xTjbjocuZOffl0cvX7blyY4TGikraN-8QT_CFpU5kP61w1k2ElunAUtH5bzad7m0_1SGNwGc1YvVYUJxKyzeUgHECEUyfLYYeqgZsJA/s400/drybarsoup.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">or, this:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSLNUeHWF2ILwTLMhMi_0sOwOpGqvzKicYd5lppnd3-8HEnJVkzRGc_3LsosZ7Avtt6J7q3nBzD_fsTT58fcc0PTPQeGwhFBT73P_gFIA0abt5vMAkAn2IfUsfLdH6GplI6J20J0maSI/s1600/drybarroo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSLNUeHWF2ILwTLMhMi_0sOwOpGqvzKicYd5lppnd3-8HEnJVkzRGc_3LsosZ7Avtt6J7q3nBzD_fsTT58fcc0PTPQeGwhFBT73P_gFIA0abt5vMAkAn2IfUsfLdH6GplI6J20J0maSI/s400/drybarroo.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">nor, could I have *ever* imagined picking up a paint brush and using these on my cabinets!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJO1zz-8OOWS9afDwooSazUQZPc3oTpFliNuOCaitPfu8MK4K4pQNRMMYqtRcL4RvnRGEmuiW7OzIjLj4GmfjnMp2jR2Vz_yisP9JbBrR4P176F3r7GTSMICpVjEmEGF7MWeIXfWy_Pc/s1600/drybarpaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJO1zz-8OOWS9afDwooSazUQZPc3oTpFliNuOCaitPfu8MK4K4pQNRMMYqtRcL4RvnRGEmuiW7OzIjLj4GmfjnMp2jR2Vz_yisP9JbBrR4P176F3r7GTSMICpVjEmEGF7MWeIXfWy_Pc/s400/drybarpaint.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Or, removing glass cabinets to expose open shelves:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0n8fFyJTRc_2_ySINUsqCMfPAZMu1DiuajWd4VF36uA3k64vfY-pqSBEkMk-5Y_6RDm_LyImnmakbUvf2zljqAGBBnBoIlTCemo0jdJm96eogLGw_iLqXjUpoc7yZCedR9voVD2w5N0/s1600/drybarcab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0n8fFyJTRc_2_ySINUsqCMfPAZMu1DiuajWd4VF36uA3k64vfY-pqSBEkMk-5Y_6RDm_LyImnmakbUvf2zljqAGBBnBoIlTCemo0jdJm96eogLGw_iLqXjUpoc7yZCedR9voVD2w5N0/s640/drybarcab.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And, adding a cute, little "moo":</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_LE1DKmdANt1PRkKb63E-eHw3xwgGmldTruJvI3c4txUx1BNOUvaDzB9YqjI_Xw4t6YAwd5UOlgr-428A6c9VBS2aKrlxdPLKlDrGdG6qgfI97ovEgttHbE3HHYbQDS03bJ9LS1KhDg/s1600/drybarmoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_LE1DKmdANt1PRkKb63E-eHw3xwgGmldTruJvI3c4txUx1BNOUvaDzB9YqjI_Xw4t6YAwd5UOlgr-428A6c9VBS2aKrlxdPLKlDrGdG6qgfI97ovEgttHbE3HHYbQDS03bJ9LS1KhDg/s400/drybarmoo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And, this:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HjwmBU-K383VHzPRzL93qBUaE2_O-VbUf3B3NrkMLq4g3NPnDBWsZpdGu_6sGmqOJVjBnuk1D3Aegfj61rYfIXjAnmXl-tOzuDLpRhOZBLFvlRvXye11yE1ohrYT9Isgi8sFcN3Tmdg/s1600/drybarbowls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HjwmBU-K383VHzPRzL93qBUaE2_O-VbUf3B3NrkMLq4g3NPnDBWsZpdGu_6sGmqOJVjBnuk1D3Aegfj61rYfIXjAnmXl-tOzuDLpRhOZBLFvlRvXye11yE1ohrYT9Isgi8sFcN3Tmdg/s400/drybarbowls.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All, to achieve ... this!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyVS_J_tilT6aQt596OLqavWhyphenhyphen0XafIfEQL6VEDR5CW00sT3iU8z1vh8NXbz5aZjM6PgC7qu7VC9j_T4GxuoqivgFKJ0VKGzjx4GI_0Y3DxJyajm9pVtU0v_WF_tlQ3_i2TK2pCwdcIs/s1600/drybarfar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyVS_J_tilT6aQt596OLqavWhyphenhyphen0XafIfEQL6VEDR5CW00sT3iU8z1vh8NXbz5aZjM6PgC7qu7VC9j_T4GxuoqivgFKJ0VKGzjx4GI_0Y3DxJyajm9pVtU0v_WF_tlQ3_i2TK2pCwdcIs/s640/drybarfar.jpg" width="360" /></a></div></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One thing that won't ever change is my love for adding feathers:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5mqG-MEttBRYsfctcKakMyUTmbjtQycPbT6XixNpEX1OUi73JYJT9kz23Y7ysSCZvSVwCS15YUcagz5gdVDu8cQHEHdJAyr3shdJG4iU5ZvWjmGlp4LP_wlEgzi1MxpOrynxMZw9Uk0/s1600/drybarroo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5mqG-MEttBRYsfctcKakMyUTmbjtQycPbT6XixNpEX1OUi73JYJT9kz23Y7ysSCZvSVwCS15YUcagz5gdVDu8cQHEHdJAyr3shdJG4iU5ZvWjmGlp4LP_wlEgzi1MxpOrynxMZw9Uk0/s640/drybarroo2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nor, creating fun vignettes (and using my cheese knives from PB whenever I can):</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaY3aERoOU0X9pIQ_14D87ySD6Eyitb1GeiFxmZRaN90GhFptnGVaBadFZ15wrDKRXPu2RAR8MJKjxMqdfCu_VZTlLMKX96TMyD5qwDhUQtSp9-9OX0AjqpjiF-8QvuXJjfQGvhyphenhyphenQ6yA/s1600/drybarcloche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaY3aERoOU0X9pIQ_14D87ySD6Eyitb1GeiFxmZRaN90GhFptnGVaBadFZ15wrDKRXPu2RAR8MJKjxMqdfCu_VZTlLMKX96TMyD5qwDhUQtSp9-9OX0AjqpjiF-8QvuXJjfQGvhyphenhyphenQ6yA/s640/drybarcloche.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quite a change, isn't it, from this:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbi8c47xenaJHyELWmheBUzbXt2URzNWgBGC27bREZaIjKc8HVQRQkQjgeHcWtr_uNAwRqNPKaDIOQgoh-rnA1Q8QoJgx3s052o2bmvkmbbIdaxgR00lq-YIBu7maUNOdb359TXFy8Xys/s1600/winebar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbi8c47xenaJHyELWmheBUzbXt2URzNWgBGC27bREZaIjKc8HVQRQkQjgeHcWtr_uNAwRqNPKaDIOQgoh-rnA1Q8QoJgx3s052o2bmvkmbbIdaxgR00lq-YIBu7maUNOdb359TXFy8Xys/s400/winebar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To this:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_9t9wYc1ScL5PAN8Pi6CQaeeGsBUkoyHajNE5S44qzEXADqavwW5oSLsouDF1dZ4_qt-nQPIT8dvtFy2i3paeqAAo5ou1R1Nu5qcTkdYxWDJ9YusRG_17R3FIyN44VnPP71xS0hxR2c/s1600/drybarclose1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_9t9wYc1ScL5PAN8Pi6CQaeeGsBUkoyHajNE5S44qzEXADqavwW5oSLsouDF1dZ4_qt-nQPIT8dvtFy2i3paeqAAo5ou1R1Nu5qcTkdYxWDJ9YusRG_17R3FIyN44VnPP71xS0hxR2c/s400/drybarclose1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is it in our brains that causes our decorating tastes to change?!  If you come up with the answer, please don't let me know because I kinda like the color palette my brain is enjoying right now!  :)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">PS: While you are thinking about the answer, I'd love it if you'd look over on my right sidebar and "follow" me through the "Linky Follower" option that I just added ... I'm sad that I may lose some of you once once Google Friend Connect does its thing next month.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Happy Saturday, friends! </span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/3B01215062574D4D6FFA221C1E7FF50B.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a>

What Is It ...

So, one of the items on my "to do" list this year is to go through my bazillion pictures and either delete them or save them to a ...

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OCD + Chalk Paint =

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ME ... LOL !!  </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before long, I'm afraid that everything in our home will be covered in this fabulous paint !!  I've now stepped it up a notch by painting a more "permanent" piece in our home ... the built-in dry bar we added in our breakfast area a couple of years ago!  My goal was to make this look like a seperate piece of furniture ... different from the neighboring kitchen cabinets.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>BEFORE:</strong>  </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPsuk4FqhxXckGs1d9xysr0ESkbLFcsyZdDn5j37otCkuLdwOkwuOKHSzRYju1OxVJv-Pz5mTdlc9GmHCYJbmzqGKXwQaYUBmY9mxBV2DxCOFE_-AcxUPaeirvqDiPzTbMpxnDFvevVw/s1600/drybarb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>AFTER:</strong>  Yippeeeeee.  Lovin' its new *character* </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43LPjNdvMHO-wINuoYdh7Fm_z3v6rfxWUqU8ppxU4ilWgaA39ITWM0r2CBpYbYGFeqju7SoDfHCVxZgm1Y09lwzinurTqlP6ux_TMfay1VQkpMUMGridNYp_Ieib5Iqy2TAoyCQ-zbZw/s1600/drybaroverall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">One coat of Old White was followed by almost two coats of Chateaux Grey.  Of course, a bit of distressing was in order:</span><br /><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/AVvXsEjmJQRDwne9UoObLJC00Hj3txSFjIPzEMtujR1sijdqQYCS7CroVAcuuEcqqQjhbpSTIRJqkLpYppoTE8tFe2KMBXjqRElau_QCK9GSAssrA4wvslbc4y-naLLOZ5s4HR4g7N36A_S4sv4/s1600/drybardistress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Naturally, I had to switch up the counter a bit, too:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OoIpnSify4nhPRbqZGyCozHjOGGFJ3hX9z3lx2dJKQNsvSkgT16Se-McLHY72WmYZUHZG8fspGXCeImi7CWCcplSL05l4TSH9AjVIwFokblxmePLB8RV-FyP1cnAQ-oOGieGUhuSLTE/s1600/drybarside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" /></a></div><div align="justify"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKldUo1e_4eoncplfnz6H67SPtDiBlCA5GWFd6w10ruDreG1rZsEh4HdwV9ueFLzu-q1dYgGfaikqmK4TafXs8jiHQy_3nDuhCTD3fO1L6r-ft8wVAcQOi1X4YMp71YuwQVfmgAZQ5Yv8/s1600/drybarcheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hwVAr_PGBANeV91-dXR4IIX7zhHw1NYQQwWGC2p2a8w2Glw3b9SHaGJynk_ZNZ8NVvtULVQWwd0rmk0j66S1ShLVoV7L3V7RagnTUHxWXBxJJ_XFmw8c0boTKnC41xhFMOUE_-hO88A/s1600/drybarroo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yjy_rpsnPNXcZN7L_UBcmdk_MrpleUa5s7XlaZGiXmReN55sSMIKL_wHr4UqwyUh4cDQVrYB_U4tqMl1rO35ONf5qjklA0fp9HYeJNqjAg7hOBRhZ6Jg1LBrzS-GLI8dBMPnYgZYuNU/s1600/drybargrapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To create my little *faux* menu, I bought an inexpensive piece of black poster board and cut it to fit inside a frame I wasn't using.   I then used my handy dandy chalk ink markers to create a menu:</span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCezVJKFBINJMazTdEEjsgoqOMffz8DFYUYTPBkH54p1b9Psa5TM0JzwFFTt_ZJ2wCRH10bYr5HT8wGliea04PcCatbstt0FQkuw5-uxcLMmOr8QkngBi20Ksfl3KLEscIYOtOvRxtMe0/s1600/drybarmenu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Soup, anyone?</span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Edk_hahE0fwdXQKS5GT7AEvxnMSgGM0YU8o0V5OXQ9ls5B1lc3t8zyINjMkZzBwBQ8mzoX9Fb4MY8AjpiILUDfMZ11URco8WyAoOdIDtBm0DUU3XkPaflbw_pRMmwqMSMLhIGxbYjrU/s1600/drybarsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You may have noticed that I took the glass doors off of the center bump out cabinets.  I love having this as my display area now (I'm on the lookout for fabric or wallpaper to add to the back):</span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLl6xS-kSe2-inaDon-mfqidtcvLXPf8QcUYuzWrKadwcHUcGoPKmvb-3mhV4TDC2USchX2Fe28pAsmv1P589D-ODUmr7gif9mWhGfCgLLl7h79tYd1Y96FUwqHDUV55ycm7V8lx_fu7c/s1600/drybartopcab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">BEFORE:</span></strong></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/AVvXsEi3ozQaVakKOEOzGEaOuSkSL-oBCItw0X4qdgFMZp6KHxqYWhn9lXHs3cxUW1bZzymIXhEGHyspWfcjW8XfVdJmiKvAVmptPkQW2t6BAlj46f0VK6gkSRM3FugwleeWR-5XjhyphenhyphenDrTkRVQ8/s1600/drybar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>AFTER:</strong>  *Buh-bye* doors!</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/AVvXsEj2unmznUEDDcGAmspZyK0Kzz-9cICCYZ-0l-fiSAT0knUnSjW-GvfqqI_TQrgpfuyecrK-jT0cBxkZX4V_GtLzmVndgtzRNRRIUlU8e6du1w4X1b0TCax5HU4T-jOQxfVjzymJ1JyUQGg/s1600/drybarside2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2hqxPG9O6SmFE9McLRNCQzX2xGPS8cw0m6TGu5lGFRTYUOBdaImc-HcUNoz50OrSKdkqVPDnnFZRxlyWYGvBfFns0fM5MKH0XS7pCmWh10qwPRYX4xyZUwZW5aLK78JBzhX7dkjJL-M/s1600/drybarcabsside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></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;">It's fun being able to pull out a few of my white pieces that have been hidden away behind cabinet doors:</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/AVvXsEgf-2MVrkWVK0l2-1akFkIjFRGOtj3atwEPG1omKF8XGckEYOmwQCETVON3rA6z2rZD43CySkV9-q_fSR8shGtY9o07aTBMjTNd5DqXThCDhERM1FWGop6X5-4sqJy9DZGxPAZswDf6orw/s1600/drybarcups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></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/AVvXsEiXpyXMUR0S7LSe970memlBm-KEsJhyekCZtlGf6QEk5KEJz3YyPq-_TyjHs8LzPDU7ygQ9VIHGLrU6tKFoP_JX7Dn0GRhR5W3x1jTYZgLcfgwp6AxLmUzFV0_d7-x_R1wM3fH06Ek1DOs/s1600/drybarcow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I moved this "lazy Susan" to the top of the cabs:</span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VK4GkAKiaFxKpHwL3GUR9iDwivyysQbJ2JdX93ck7jemEgHYJYGC7T7AqNmuHxgPKbAiiKPx1LE3SNeY7CROykB2Y8S7Xxjn2t8BrTYgvQxvA_8bnd98giuxy-3utd6LuGhn4LzGFgc/s1600/drybartopwine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, I also added new, inexpensive knobs (from Lowe's):</span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32FgMDjCL5-fAc4tMHdoU63Z97pWn-VA8Duaf1ibTgVyAEJragXPmDKg6hkaTwNawEeEQzuesj05dvpPZImRPzOYyn00z5DW9boEGsRN0ECbc7lXPamAg_K3967wrfsELTz8G2qQoRyU/s1600/drybarknob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One last little peek.  I'm still debating what I'll do with the backsplash ... decisions, decisions ....</span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3NWTojCiipcye9tBNoYUqwvVYe429fJ3GkiCS09buMYRwMKuibsoM9EM6yJT1lMHlfvajXXekKXG3zGKagmZ4F7WIuLKl5B0zfRS1ojF1uM7AJc0hpnUU7N0Y-cj5UleYYY-yp9f0iQ/s1600/drybarlast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for coming on ova!  Have a fabulous day!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And, I'm giving a big blogger "thank you" to Amber and Brad of <a href="http://shadesofamberinc.blogspot.com/2011/07/annie-sloan-chalk-paint-link-party.html">Shades of Amber</a> for featuring my buffet, which I painted with Old White chalk paint.  What fun that they're hosting a chalk paint party every week now!  Uh oh ... this could be trouble.  Be sure and pay them a visit!  They're also hosting a fabulous chalk paint giveaway!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Don't forget to swing on by these fun linky parties for lots of inspiration:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Dittle Dattle/<a href="http://dittledattle.blogspot.com/2011/07/amaze-me-monday-33.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DittleDattle+%28Dittle+Dattle%29">Amaze Me Monday</a></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">BNOTP/<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/07/bathroom-renovation-ordinary-becomes.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BetweenNapsOnThePorch+%28BETWEEN+NAPS+ON+THE+PORCH%29">Metamorphosis Monday</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Shades of Amber/<a href="http://shadesofamberinc.blogspot.com/2011/07/annie-sloan-chalk-paint-link-party.html">Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Party</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia/<a href="http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/2011/07/tuesdays-treasures_19.html">Tuesday's Treasures</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Savvy Southern Style/<a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2011/07/wow-us-wednesdays-23.html">WUW</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">At the Picket Fence/<a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2011/07/welcome-to-inspiration-friday-no-24.html">Inspiration Friday</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">French Country Cottage/<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2011/07/feathered-nest-friday_21.html">Feathered Nest Friday</a></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>

OCD + Chalk Paint =

ME ... LOL !!  Before long, I'm afraid that everything in our home will be covered in this fabulous paint !!  I've now stepped it up...

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Please pass the potatoes ....

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">May I just say you guys are the best!  You really know how to make a new gal feel welcome here in blogland.  I've loved reading all of your thoughtful comments, of which I do not deserve!  Thank you!  And, I have to give a special "shout out" to Cindy at <a href="http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/2010/01/mi4m-highlights.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CottageInstincts+%28cottage+instincts%29">Cottage Instincts</a> (for highlighting my humble guest "loo" redo), Beth at <a href="http://bethcrabtreehunter.blogspot.com/2010/01/mantel-party-3-review.html">The Stories of A to Z</a> (for sharing my fireplace/mantle tranformation) and Kim at <a href="http://kimsdomesticbliss.blogspot.com/2010/01/do-you-suffer-from-this.html">My Domestic Bliss </a>(for mentioning, and relating to, my admission of my ADD (Attention <strong>Decorating</strong> Disorder)! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you feel like staying for a bit, I'd love to show you our breakfast area, highlighting a few changes we made to it.  As always, feel free to enlarge the pics by clicking on them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>BEFORE</strong>: Imagine a big ol' red wall (RL Stadium Red) ... try (AND try) as we did, nothing seemed to work.  ANYthing we put there seemed to get swallowed by the tall wall with vaulted ceiling.  And, as the kitchen cabinets share the same wall (I'll take you there soon), symmetry and balance went by the wayside, which drove me ker-azy!  Sorry this isn't a better pic:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmPvYrvvs21ukUcMCewKyf_MO-Ygt5t7GRs5SCr8Sxl2aHCyqbsolbsyjwV8qMwNCeNCuaw8RtvdZwyFb0wz8Eu290KIMlrh7eV63NRzNyvDwZgcn7MiO_y8ez-UVZTfDFzhee20QUA/s1600-h/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmPvYrvvs21ukUcMCewKyf_MO-Ygt5t7GRs5SCr8Sxl2aHCyqbsolbsyjwV8qMwNCeNCuaw8RtvdZwyFb0wz8Eu290KIMlrh7eV63NRzNyvDwZgcn7MiO_y8ez-UVZTfDFzhee20QUA/s400/076.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>AFTER:</strong>  Welcome dry bar (magically built by our friend, Paul)!  We're super pleased with how it turned out ... love how it fills the space.  We wanted it to have a few different features than the kitchen cabs, so we chose rope-accented molding, legs and feet ... a metallic backsplash ... black countertop and glass accent doors.  I love that the center cab is shorter and bumps out (Paul's idea). </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASfAUf7YH9e5G4CRFz9mHpqJP75SZD6N3CFELuJBjfJUomj4xYz3zQQF661bC0WzEIO9iT1ycdIZuFPUWiqTN1siJ_9yqtjNc-MK0anBIR8GtzSwIz0mBUn0tzSq5ZFFwwZ-cD0I4nw/s1600-h/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASfAUf7YH9e5G4CRFz9mHpqJP75SZD6N3CFELuJBjfJUomj4xYz3zQQF661bC0WzEIO9iT1ycdIZuFPUWiqTN1siJ_9yqtjNc-MK0anBIR8GtzSwIz0mBUn0tzSq5ZFFwwZ-cD0I4nw/s400/071.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We really enjoy the convenience of the wine cooler ... Chardonnay? Shiraz? Champagne? Sparkling Cider? What can I get ya'?</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpWpCEqjDpeXVXauh4OzE4jrb3bGSsP_FuKSnwKNx5XK9xreCZSpudATc68hH-5Duiy5dofp_Yp_9RvMwXnri6NKSmzE7oXweG8MNUMhgUz-_Pf_1gmFUNeIS6uBBmUlwa3Zglu-JUg/s1600-h/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpWpCEqjDpeXVXauh4OzE4jrb3bGSsP_FuKSnwKNx5XK9xreCZSpudATc68hH-5Duiy5dofp_Yp_9RvMwXnri6NKSmzE7oXweG8MNUMhgUz-_Pf_1gmFUNeIS6uBBmUlwa3Zglu-JUg/s400/061.JPG" width="278" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did a not-so-great job of adding the metallic backsplash (from Lowe's), hoping for a bit of pizazz.  And, when the budget allows, we plan on changing out the counter to Golden Beach granite, which would then match our kitchen countertops:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUBxXWVHokLBMJOtha4sfIf6K4mwHoI6eWYMPJHu3aHn53m6rpBZ4j9Q8KlWz3CRgLXPkTVfkwRq_49uCttrp2u5Nzs4vpPFLPPeFAbzDjVyacBUBtUMHbfJuTuoY-qy7osdNBYD0kQ/s1600-h/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUBxXWVHokLBMJOtha4sfIf6K4mwHoI6eWYMPJHu3aHn53m6rpBZ4j9Q8KlWz3CRgLXPkTVfkwRq_49uCttrp2u5Nzs4vpPFLPPeFAbzDjVyacBUBtUMHbfJuTuoY-qy7osdNBYD0kQ/s400/057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I cannot tell you how much I've loved having the extra storage, too !!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aside from the dry bar, we traded the blinds and panels for roman shades (done in a whimsical polk dot fabric) to add a bit of fun coordination to the cornice (both treatments were done by my great friend and neighbor, Christy). </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejcKoLQ6ZgWqNMEW_yR6nQLfGoYXFd-Wm2i8XgdBxqLh5Jc2R9gPEjwYCccJs2apAGIDf4sHJh_Mo6Hj7memZAdVlMZLk1YHKijvS1AM1lPQDX7Q4PQZec_ZgWchTrytNS_pRKUc3vQ/s1600-h/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejcKoLQ6ZgWqNMEW_yR6nQLfGoYXFd-Wm2i8XgdBxqLh5Jc2R9gPEjwYCccJs2apAGIDf4sHJh_Mo6Hj7memZAdVlMZLk1YHKijvS1AM1lPQDX7Q4PQZec_ZgWchTrytNS_pRKUc3vQ/s400/086.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I recently grabbed this accent table at Kirklands, which I'm still "futzing" with:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bjauLXwbHjO07lNeeiS2QJ2c1BA_1q5eN8-OPZH_1pThqLfH8caZLVja4Fl23GirhHUG1lqM1BpU_lXRowL4YAm7nUEcPFkel2TX1kskhbNMrBrxkoj9wsOO5ruXm2DgItFyVZB6Gw/s1600-h/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bjauLXwbHjO07lNeeiS2QJ2c1BA_1q5eN8-OPZH_1pThqLfH8caZLVja4Fl23GirhHUG1lqM1BpU_lXRowL4YAm7nUEcPFkel2TX1kskhbNMrBrxkoj9wsOO5ruXm2DgItFyVZB6Gw/s400/065.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, lastly, I'm lovin' the oversized lazy susan I recently scored at Tuesday Morning ... really like how it resembles the top of a wine barrel and is the perfect fit for our kitchen table. I'm testing out my Southern Living tray on there (which I filled with faux grapes, wine corks and wine glasses, one of which is filled with a small votive *melted* candle).</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_Yk-RBm67gimPuBhCCf-U6ECsd0j-hTOTJYPEkdP0FCF2cpb2QCWqkYG60-3IbKko7HnJAbpjypOCTRsxdDZfOVG6KCEKTfi9HRPbUNn38jSlQYL60qCzLST_h1cNqYYohC2-G6m4A/s1600-h/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_Yk-RBm67gimPuBhCCf-U6ECsd0j-hTOTJYPEkdP0FCF2cpb2QCWqkYG60-3IbKko7HnJAbpjypOCTRsxdDZfOVG6KCEKTfi9HRPbUNn38jSlQYL60qCzLST_h1cNqYYohC2-G6m4A/s400/016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well, that's all for now ... it's almost time for football and a hot bowl of white chicken chili, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream and Scoops ... yummy !!  </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjscSgBdCAtL6sI3bZN8PoOiYCWDU0wHZtpL_ar232DfL-mmwy8jDJ7e1WhGwufy1aspMr_m3zg-j8iBp4-sjGQI9i_eLzuETHNl2ev96WNOJvQ4SABJbw3jeoRbFbqoNgBFQQlj3mA/s1600-h/140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjscSgBdCAtL6sI3bZN8PoOiYCWDU0wHZtpL_ar232DfL-mmwy8jDJ7e1WhGwufy1aspMr_m3zg-j8iBp4-sjGQI9i_eLzuETHNl2ev96WNOJvQ4SABJbw3jeoRbFbqoNgBFQQlj3mA/s400/140.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Stay warm and be safe if you are one of the many surrounded by snow and icy roads !!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm linking up with:</span></div><br /><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/01/before-and-after-party-tv-cabinet-redo.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Susan at Between Naps on the Porch</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://twiceremembered.blogspot.com/2010/01/make-your-monday-week-11-add-your-link.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make Your Monday at Twice Remembered</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://thepersimmonperch.blogspot.com/2010/01/made-it-monday-13110.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Made It Monday @ Persimmon Porch</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.sillylittlesparrow.com/2010/02/toot-your-horn-tuesday-paint-snow.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toot your Horn Tuesday @ A Silly Little Sparrow</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://asoftplace.net/2010/02/diy-day-with-the-rusted-chain/?"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do It Yourself Day at A Soft Place to Land</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://mybackyardeden.blogspot.com/2010/02/make-it-yours-day.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make it Yours Day at My Backyard Eden</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/02/sns-16-brings-you-rusted-chain-glamour.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Funky Junk's Saturday Nite Special</span></a>

Please pass the potatoes ....

May I just say you guys are the best!  You really know how to make a new gal feel welcome here in blogland.  I've loved reading all of y...

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